LOCAL BITES

Q&A Rum BOSS

Miami’s most buzzed-about rum, Coconut Cartel Special, is the creation of entrepreneur Danielle (Dani) Zig, who was named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in 2021. The single-origin Guatemalan dark rum is aged in American white oak barrels for up to 12 years, infused with fresh coconut water from El Salvador, and distributed out of Miami. An incredibly smooth taste and spirited backstory have propelled Coconut Cartel into local stardom as a go-to spirit for mixologists at top hotels such as Soho House plus trendy restaurants like Jattö in Wynwood (hello, banana-kissed Cartel Negroni). Here, Zig shares the inspiration behind her popular rum and how she enjoys it best. (coconutcartel.com) —P.R.

AVM: How does Coconut Cartel represent Miami?

Zig: A good majority of us Miamians are firstgeneration Latinos. Our parents and grandparents brought Latin food, culture, language, music, and more, helping create what Miami is today. Coconut Cartel is a celebration of that multigenerational Latin influence, evident in both design and taste. Inside, embark on a journey to Central America, with influences, aromas, and flavors representing El Salvador and Guatemala. Then return to Miami with Cartel’s party-inducing effect and a slick label reflecting Miami’s unique beauty.

What makes Coconut Cartel different from other rums?

The magic is in the combination of old-school mastery, fresh ingredients, and innovative techniques. We found that by including fresh coconut water in our proofing method we could naturally infuse our traditional rum blend with flavors and textures, making it incredibly smooth, easy to sip, clean, and fresh.

What are some of your favorite creations you’ve seen that use Coconut Cartel?

The cake masters at Miami online bakery Fela Sweets make a ridiculous coconut rum cake with Coconut Cartel. I also love the cocktail recipes using Cartel at the 1 Hotel South Beach and Whisk Gourmet in South Miami.

Do you still get excited when you see Cartel in restaurants and bars?

Absolutely. It’s always an out-of-body experience, especially when we catch a bottle in another city or country. It makes me feel right at home.

How do you personally take your Coconut Cartel?

At home, I make the best rum old-fashioned using Cartel, homemade banana syrup, and chocolate and cardamom bitters. This recipe uses flavors inspired by the agriculture around our farms in Central America. Sometimes, I’ll even top it off with frothy oat milk to create a grown-up chocolate milk of sorts. On the other hand, if I’m just trying to keep it simple, I’ll opt for Cartel on the rocks or with a splash of Dr. Pepper (yep that’s right, Dr. Pepper.)

What’s next for the business?

The Cartel is on the move. Can’t spill the beans yet, so follow us @coconutccartel to keep up!

Founded by Danielle Zig, Coconut Cartel Special is 40 percent ABV and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or within a cocktail.

18146 COLLINS AVE, SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL 33160 | (305) 974.0043 | @LENTRECOTEUSA - WWW.LENTRECOTEUSA.COM

COURTESY R HOUSE WYNWOOD

From left: R House’s signature cayenne chicken; check out drag performances and fun aplenty during R House’s Galentine’s Day festivities.

CELEBRATE Galentine’s Day

GATHER YOUR BEST GAL PALS, GUY PALS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN FOR A GENDER-BENDING GOOD TIME

In the last decade, celebrating sisterhood and friendship on “Galentine’s Day” has rivaled clichéd love declarations on February 14. Lucky for us, Galentine’s Day festivities aren’t a once-a-year occurrence but rather a year-long affair at R House Wynwood (rhousewynwood.com), a Latin-inspired restaurant known for its extravagant drag performances, dynamic atmosphere, and smart set-up to accommodate large parties. Of course, there are the all-you-caneverything weekend brunches, idyllic opportunities to gather your biggest group of besties for an afternoon of epic wig reveals, showstopping splits, tabletop dancing, limitless booze, and tasty cuisine. But now the excitement extends to Saturday evenings with “Escandalo,” a dinnertime event rife with salsa-fusion music and Latin-themed drag performances.

Moreover, the high demand for big-group, genderbending fun has prompted top South Beach Italian favorite Osteria Morini (osteriamorini.com/miami) to host a monthly drag brunch. Stop by the first Sunday of every month, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., to soak it all in.

Suffice to say, these experiences are likely to impress far more than a box of chocolates or a dozen roses. —P.R.

Asian Delights, Exotic Japanese & Tasty Thai Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner beginning at 12pm 2775 NE 187th Street #1 - Aventura, Florida - 305.932.8080 11768 N Kendall Drive - Kendall, Florida - 305.275.9003

SWEET TREAT PARISIAN Precision

Ladurée brings French sophistication to AVENTURA MALL

W h i l e m a n y c a n o n l y d r e a m o f g o i n g t o P a r i s t h e s e d a y s , a n e w A v e n t u r a o u t p o s t o f w o r l d r e n o w n e d L a d u r é e i s b r i n g i n g t h e C i t y o f L i g h t t o u s . T h e b r a n d , w h i c h d a t e s t o P a r i s c i r c a 1 8 6 2 , i s c r e d i t e d w i t h o r i g i n a t i n g t h e d o u b l e - d e c k e r F r e n c h m a c a r o n , a g a n a c h e f i l l e d c o n f e c t i o n t h a t ’ s n o w a w o r l d w i d e o b s e s s i o n . B e y o n d o f f e r i n g a n e s t e e m e d c o l l e c t i o n o f s w e e t t r e a t s i n a c l a s s i c F r e n c h p a t i s s e r i e s e t t i n g , L a d u r é e M i a m i A v e n t u r a — t h e b r a n d ’ s s o l e F l o r i d a l o c a t i o n — s e r v e s t e a r o o m - i n s p i r e d m e a l s o f h o u s e - m a d e s o u p s , s a n d w i c h e s , s a l a d s , p a s t r i e s , a n d C h a m p a g n e ( o f c o u r s e ! ) i n a c h i c , o p e n - a i r d i n i n g s p a c e o p p o s i t e i t s b o u t i q u e . I t ’ s a n i d y l l i c s p o t f o r r o m a n t i c s a n d l a d i e s w h o l u n c h s e e k i n g t o d o n t h e i r c u t e s t t h r e a d s a n d e n j o y l a n g u i d m e a l s o r a f t e r n o o n r e n d e z v o u s . F o r s o m e t h i n g l i g h t , t r y t h e q u i n o a t o f u s a l a d ; f o r s o m e t h i n g m o r e d e c a d e n t , o p t f o r t h e F r e n c h t o a s t . O u r f a v o r i t e v a r i e t y c o m e s w i t h h o m e m a d e c h o c o l a t e h a z e l n u t s p r e a d a n d v a n i l l a i c e c r e a m . T h e n , c h o o s e f r o m a n a s s o r t m e n t o f m a c a r o n f l a v o r s , f r o m s a l t e d c a r a m e l t o b l a c k c u r r a n t v i o l e t t o c h o c o l a t e , s a v o r i n g t h e s w e e t n e s s o f P a r i s i n e v e r y b i t e . ( l a d u r e e . u s ) — P . R .

COURTESY LADURÉE

Zaika is perfect for office lunches, meetings, work presentations, celebrations, special events, graduation parties and more!

CATERING SERVICES

2176 NE 123rd St., North Miami, FL 786.409.5187 www.zaikamiami.com

Weekdays: Lunch Special Available

1384 SW 160th Ave., Sunrise FL 954.691.3833 www.zaikaweston.com

NOW OPEN!

Email: zaikamiami@gmail.com Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday - 11 :30AM - 3PM, 5:30PM - 1OPM

TABLE TALK

PRIME PAIRINGS

A classic steak house with a modern soul, Diplomat Prime in Hollywood dazzles with its succulent surf, turf, and sides plus an impressive wine list (including 37 by the glass). Before your next visit, executive chef Rashaad Abdool dishes on his favorite plates and tells us the perfect wine to complement each. (diplomatprime.com) —P.R.

« Roasted Bone Marrow

“Our bone marrow is marinated in a garlic and herb mixture, roasted until tender, topped with a Parmesan herb bread crumb mixture, and finished in the broiler. It can be used to enhance a great steak, but I recommend ordering it as an appetizer with some toast points. Pair it with a zesty red like Bellacosa Cabernet Sauvignon.”

« Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye

“I prefer dry-aged steaks because the flavor is so intense and delicious, and 45 days seems to be the magic number. That’s when you get almost a nutty, blue cheese aroma to the meat. I season the steak generously with kosher salt and black pepper, cook it in our high-heat broiler, and then let it rest. Complement it with a well-balanced and complex Italian red like Il Bruciato Guado Al Tasso.”

« Twin Lobster Tails

“Our cold-water lobsters from South Africa are somewhat softer and sweeter than northern lobsters. We butterfly, season, and roast them, then top them with a mixture of jumbo lump crab meat and dynamite sauce, and broil. Match the tails with a full-bodied white like FerrariCarano Tre Terre Chardonnay.”

BUBBLE THEORY

BUYING INFORMATION

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Pink cape (price upon request), Oscar de la Renta, oscardela renta.com; pink platform loafers ($1,425), green and gold stone earrings ($575), Versace, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, versace.com.

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Linen cashmere silk boxy knit pullover ($995), Akris, Bal Harbour Shops, akris.com

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Silk gown ($11,900), flat sandals (price upon request), Valentino, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, valentino.com

PAGE 75

Sunset multicolored jacquard minidress ($3,100), pink, beige, and metallic Fendi First sandals ($1,390), Fendi, Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, fendi.com

PAGES 76-77

Taffeta asymmetric bow minidress ($3,990), Oscar de la Renta, oscardelarenta.com; green and gold stone earrings ($575), Versace, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, versace.com.

PAGE 78

Cotton polyamide pullover ($2,300), cotton polyamide shorts ($2,150), cotton polyamide vest ($4,200), chain belt ($1,800), pendant necklace ($1,050), choker necklace ($775), earrings ($925), Chanel, Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, chanel.com

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V-neck sweater vest ($725), tweed miniskirt with gold chain detail ($1,495), green Medusa flap shoulder bag ($1,550), chain-link green crystal necklace ($3,250), green and gold stone earrings ($575), Versace, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, versace.com

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Color-blocked crepe jersey dress ($1,498), herringbone wrap ballet flats ($298), Tory Burch, Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, toryburch.com

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Khaki dress ($1,690), Carolina Herrera, carolinaherrera.com; pink platform loafers ($1,425), green and gold stone earrings ($575), Versace, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, versace.com.

HAVE YOU MADE A STATEMENT LATELY?

ESTABLISHED 1987 ALWAYS A DISCOUNT ON EVERYTHING Unique home accessories, gifts, fabulous clothing, handbags and jewelry.

2118 N.E. 123rd St., North Miami, Florida 33181

(across the bridge from Bal Harbour Shops) Tel: 305.893.7559

In Memory Of My Beautiful Mother Susan.

Statements will remain open and I will continue our legacy of excellence in fashion and service.