FROM THE EDITOR
If there’s one thing Aventura, and Miami-Dade in general, has in spades, it’s world-class dining. From the waterfront to the rooftop, exciting locations with wraparound views abound, but the foodie scene here is more than a pretty face. We have some of the most diverse and flavorful cuisine anywhere in the world, a testament to the top-notch chefs who are constantly popping up. One of the culinary trends we’ve been following recently is the rise of Overtown. This historic, traditionally Black neighborhood is undergoing a revitalization with an emphasis on cultural diversity and a growing food scene. Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster, which opened in Overtown in December to critical acclaim, is one of the most exciting new restaurants in all of South Florida. But let’s not ignore the smaller eateries that are contributing equally to this vibrant community. One such is Rosie’s pop-up, an effort by this month’s cover models, Akino West and Jamila Ross, who also own The Copper Door Bed & Breakfast. Akino and Jamila are dedicated, professional, and all heart— and it’s wonderful to watch them succeed on this stage. They invite us inside their home in “Over the Top in Overtown,” showcasing Akino’s cuisine and Jamila’s entertaining skills. Turn to page 56 to read more. We also present our definitive guide to brunch, encompassing the very best venues for food, views, and vibe. In his excellent, thoroughly researched story, Paul Rubio takes us around South Florida for everything from all-youcan-eat spreads (yes, they do still exist) to dim sum experiences to the funkiest drag brunch in all the land. Turn to page 64 for “Big Deal Brunches” and plan your weekends accordingly. I’d also like to draw your attention to two new lifestyle columns I believe you’ll enjoy. The first is “Living with Ivey” by nutrition expert and wellness influencer Ivey Leidy. I’ve followed Ivey on Instagram for a couple of years now, and I’ve been impressed not only by the depth of her expertise, but also by her no-nonsense, relatable style. She makes healthy cooking and fitness look like a snap (those wine-bottle bicep curls, though!) while serving up mad knowledge on things like gut health and medicinal herbs. This month, she talks sugar— why and how to ditch it—and offers up a recipe for stewed apples and n’ice cream with no sweetener whatsoever. (Trust me. You need this in your life.) Turn to page 24 for Ivey’s debut in our pages. The second is “The Mindful Mixologist” with Jules Aron. In her column for us, Jules shares recipes for creative cocktails you likely haven’t seen on any bar menu. Why not mix up a batch this weekend and impress your friends? Turn to page 83 to learn how. Cheers to a healthy, joy-filled March.
CAPEHART
FOOD for Thought
Daphne Nikolopoulos daphne@aventuramagazine.com
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