CreativeMornings/Miami

Each newsletter will feature a Miami-based creative individual sharing their craft with the world. Today we spotlight Christian Hernandez.

Christian Hernandez, aka "The Miami God," was born and raised in The Magic City and is proud of his Cuban background. He is a proud graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelors in Communications. As an award-winning vocalist, dancer/choreographer, and actor/director, he is highly active in the city's performing arts community. As a Director of Communications for Leading With Love, he advocates for causes such as education, female empowerment, human rights, and community engagement. As a Program Manager for Dibia DREAM, Christian steps into his administrative role in education promotion learning in the world of STEM & assisting in providing academic motivation for the students he impacts. 

As a Board Chair for the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove, Christian serves his community through community service and providing opportunities for the club to continue the fantastic work they have done for so many years. He also loves working on passion projects through real-estate, helping people find their new place to call home in the 305. Through his production company, you can find him teaching dance classes throughout Miami, choreographing quinceñeras, weddings, dance competition routines, and more! His mission is to make an imprint in Miami culture, allowing people to truly grasp this city's essence. He aspires to make an impact with each interaction, project, and relationship he cultivates.

Have you always known you wanted a career in the creative arts?

Ever since I was a child, I knew music was something that would stay constant in my life. I loved to listen to music and sing. Over the years, I pursued and embellished my craft. In high school, I began to dance and do theater. When I watched the musical "In The Heights" at my favorite local theater, Actor's Playhouse in The Gables, I saw "myself" on that stage and resonated with that musical beyond words. I am so grateful to have had the opportunities I've been blessed to perform, direct, and choreograph to keep the arts alive through meaningful impact! I then knew I had to truly pursue a career in the arts & I have not turned back.

How do you find inspiration for your creative pursuits?

Whenever I find inspiration, it is through art itself. I can listen to a new album, watch a new musical, movie, or music video, or maybe see something on social media. Inspiration truly comes in waves & periods. When I commit to creative pursuits, I have to 100% connect to the overall vision and outcome of the production. I never half-ass anything in the arts. My work speaks for itself, and I want the audience to truly walk away with some sort of inspiration, satisfaction, and/or hope through the beauty of why we have art in our lives. That, for me, is the biggest reward.

What do you love most about Miami?

Miami is the best city in the world. Having been born and raised in Miami, there is a reason why it's called The Magic City. It might be the sweet old women at the ventanitas in Little Havana who make my cortaditos and call me "hijito," to the amazing home-cooked meals you can smell from the streets in Little Haiti, to the beautiful architecture in Coral Gables to the lush landscape that makes you feel like you've been transported elsewhere in Coconut Grove, and so much more! I am very blessed to have this city as my office, playground, and kingdom (as I can humbly put it).

Many people will tell you that people are rude, the traffic is horrible, and the public transportation system needs to step it up, and you know what? That might be true! However, there is so much beauty to focus on beyond the "negative." What makes the city magical is that there is always improvement and that we have the magical power to make it happen if we collectively put our efforts into good. 

Miami was built on immigrants. Miami thrives because of small businesses and people from out of town wanting to partake in this beautiful city. We want our city to thrive, and the magic is alive because of our diverse culture! Miami is what it is because we welcome and accept people from all different backgrounds.

Where do you currently host dancing nights, and how did it come about?

I began dancing in high school. There was one dance studio I wanted to start at, and my mom told me the only way she would pay for the studio was if I learned how to dance salsa. I immediately refused because I believed it wasn't a hip style of dance to learn. Boy, was I wrong ! After a few months of "torture" swallowing tears in beginner dance classes, I saw my progress and was actually good at it. I then began to take it seriously. In addition to being the choreographer in my high school, I became a manager at this studio for a brief time before deciding to venture out on my own. I've independently choreographed many shows, music videos, quinceñeras, weddings, and more!  

When I branded myself as "The Miami god" I did it with the intentions of all the multiple projects I do here in The Magic City. I want there to be inclusivity and fun. Wanting to keep the arts alive and make them accessible to everyone, I walked through the reoccurring situation when people from out of town come to Miami: the majority of the music they hear is Latin music, and unfortunately do not know how to dance to the music. When I was connected to Casa Florida (one of my favorite venues for happy hour, brunch, or just a chill night out) through a great friend, I proposed the idea of beginner dance lessons for those who want to connect and thrive like a local here. It gives people the confidence, reminds them of how fun dancing is, and allows them to leave with a piece of Miami and take it with them forever. 

For those interested, it is hosted every Thursday at Casa Florida x Selina Miami Inn by yours truly at 7PM, where tickets are $25 and include a complimentary welcome cocktail. The class consists of fundamentals, technique/conditioning, footwork, tricks, and partner work in the styles of Bachata and Casino-Style Salsa!

What are you excited about for 2023?

Every year, I create a vision board where I truly visualize my goals & resolutions. I highly encourage everyone and anyone to make one. I am always excited to dream about the amazing new projects I'll get to work on, great people I'll get to network and connect with, and of course, the traveling I'll get to do in the new year. As cliche as the new year, new beginnings sound, it is a great reset and fresh start to go after what you want and do it selfishly to then be able to give your best self to others. I wish everyone reading this a wonderful year with many blessings and great success.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to start a creative journey?

Keep your dream alive. Again, it might sound cliche, but that's the first step. It's like a plant or a baby. You need to feed it. You need to let it grow. You need to change and adapt if necessary. 

Photo credit: Phoebe Fitz

Each newsletter will feature a Miami-based creative individual sharing their craft with the world. Today we spotlight Dr. Shireen Rahimi.

Dr. Rahimi is an Iranian/American award-winning underwater filmmaker, photographer, marine anthropologist, freediver, and National Geographic Explorer. As a marine anthropologist, Shireen studies how people make sense of, interact with, and adapt to changing oceans. While studying for her PhD, Shireen realized that her films were effective in getting people to care about ocean conservation. Upon completing her degree in 2020, she started Lightpalace and began her career as a professional filmmaker, infusing her scientific expertise into all of her work.

With Lightpalace, Shireen has been featured as a contributor on National Geographic Sharkfest, was named Nautica’s newest ocean conservation Wavemaker, and has had her work featured in The Miami Herald, National Geographic, Sierra Magazine, The New Tropic, and film festivals around the word. With her team of some of Miami’s brightest creatives, Lightpalace delivers high-end production services, helping their clients bring compelling and memorable visual stories to life.

As a marine anthropologist, how do you describe your personal connection to the ocean and marine life?  

As a marine anthropologist, I study how everyday people relate to and adapt to a rapidly changing ocean. That could mean freediving with spearfishers in The Bahamas, diving for trash on a coral reef with children in Cuba, or listening to an indigenous Polynesian elder describe their mythological understandings of the water cycle. In this work, I have to be utterly present, both with my study participants and the ocean itself, paying attention to the significant and unremarkable details that make up an ocean-oriented life. The moment a fisher sticks his knife into the brain of a fish and the life leaves its eyes, the tender movements of a coral farmer’s hands as she tends to her underwater garden, or the way my skin tingles and I can’t help but smile after coming up from a deep freedive…my personal relationship with the ocean is a kaleidoscope of these shared moments. It’s also one of dependency–I can’t go more than three days without swimming in the ocean before I feel like something is missing in my life.

How does your scientific work inform your creative process, and vice versa? 

I infuse science into almost anything I create, even my most abstract work. I love the undeniable rigor that science adds to any creative project–it’s like a weapon that I can use to defend the legitimacy of the work and its potential for impact. Science needs art to communicate its importance into the hearts of everyday people, and art needs science to help it drive social change more effectively. 

They are beautifully compatible. 

Photo credit: Phoebe Fitz

What prompted you to move to Miami from California, and has the city influenced your work?

When I was getting into marine science during my undergrad, I remember seeing a video of a healthy coral reef in Cuba. Learning that they had some of the healthiest remaining coral reefs in the Caribbean and the complex sociopolitical reasons behind this, I immediately fell in love with the idea of working there. I applied to only one Ph.D. program: the Abess Center at the University of Miami under NatGeo Explorer, cave diver, and cultural anthropologist Dr. Kenny Broad (everyone told me to find an advisor I could look to as a role model, and this guy was a total weirdo, so it seemed like a good fit). I worked in Cuba for two years, studying the impact that Obama’s opening might have on the island’s reefs. Then Trump came into office, my research permits fell through, and I pivoted to complete my dissertation in The Bahamas. 

I tried to move back to California after my Ph.D., but I kept being drawn back to Miami. The city has definitely influenced my aesthetic: lots of blues, pinks, deep yellows, and a global feel. Miami has allowed me to develop my underwater photography practice–when conditions are right, I have a massive photo studio in my backyard: the ocean. To have that right off the shores of Miami, a diverse, global, vibrant, sub-tropical metropolis on the frontlines of climate change– there’s nowhere else quite like it.

Why did you start Lightpalace? And what is the significance of the name?

I started Lightpalace in 2020 after I finished my Ph.D. in the first summer of the pandemic. I was always terrified at the idea of starting my own production company. I knew how hard it would be and how much work it takes to build something from scratch. My loved ones believed in me. They encouraged me, and reminded me that I had all the skills to start my own business, so why rely on someone else? I’m glad I did it because now I work on my own terms, and although I haven’t realized all my dreams, I’ve built something that I can sustain myself with, which allows me to, for the most part, create freely and from the heart. 

I named the company “Lightpalace” as a reference to the way light moves through water to create prismatic light waves, the way light moves through all life on Earth to create more life, and homage to mid-century Iranian mirror mosaic work that covers the walls of Iran’s most iconic palaces. It was more than a year after I named the company that my dad was reading me a Farsi poem, which mentioned a “palace of light.” He told me that the “palace of light” motif in Persian poetry symbolizes the dwelling of truth. The purpose of my work, as with all art and science, is to highlight and amplify the truth. It was one of those special moments.

What projects are you most proud of to date?

There are very few projects that I’m really proud of because, as an artist, I’m still finding my voice and developing my craft. But one of them has to be the short film called “Niyayesh” or “نییایش.” It’s a piece I put together documenting my mom’s journey from Iran to America, using footage from my grandfather’s 16mm film camera footage of 1970s Iran, my family’s camcorder footage from the 90s and early 2000’s in the U.S. I made it for her one mothers day. When I showed it to her, we sat there, watched it together, and cried the entire time. I haven’t been able to make anything so emotionally impactful since, but it’s my goal to bring that level of emotional impact to all of my creative work.

Photo credit: Phoebe Fitz

How does your Iranian heritage inform your work?

As a dual-national Iranian/American woman, growing up in California sometimes felt isolating. As a result, I love co-creating with people who similarly have felt left out of the dominant narrative, people from diverse cultural and indigenous perspectives. This is especially the case because I can’t cover these topics in my homeland, given the high risk of imprisonment.

Persian poetry and artistry have profoundly impacted not just my work but how I move through the world. In Iran, poetry is embedded in the fabric of Persian culture. When my father was young and wanted to leave home to travel the world, my grandfather recited to him no more than a couple of lines of a poem, infusing worlds of meaning into just a few words. When I was 18 and wanted to do the same, my dad recited to me the same exact poem, telling me that after all my travels, I would find that the answers to my questions lie within my heart. Poetry in Iran is inseparable from life.

I infuse these ancient traditions into my work. My “Kaleidoscapes” series references Persian mirrorwork, and also the intricate and biluminous nature of life. Many words in Persian poetry carry multiple meanings, fractalated and laying on top of each other to create not just one message but a mosaic of meanings. The “Kaleidoscapes” suggest that you can say the same for nature. My upcoming short narrative underwater film, “Letter from the Age of Ecocide,” draws directly from ancient Persian texts to tell a story of grief and acceptance around climate anxiety. The Persian poets are my favorite therapists (Dr. Welch: if you’re reading this, you’re great too).

In the same topic, how are the devastating events in Iran impacting you and your work?

The last month has been emotionally exhausting. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be in Iran for this.

I have been inspired by the courage of Iranians of all backgrounds, overwhelmed by how the entire nation and diaspora have come together in this revolution, saddened by the bloodshed, and encouraged by international support. I was always proud of my people, but to see young schoolgirls flipping off the Supreme Leader in their classrooms and taking to the streets as if they were part of some badass school field trip is shockingly impressive. And the support from Iranians in the U.S. has been really cool to see. I’ve connected with more Iranians in Miami than ever before by attending events and protests, and I’ve grown closer to the Iranian friends I already have. Many non-Iranian friends have reached out to me, asking how they can help. It shows that humanity is one big tree–if one of the leaves fall, the rest feel it.

As a dual-national, my ability to travel back and forth to Iran has always been tenuous. The regime highly targets dual nationals as political pawns. They will accuse you of espionage and put you in prison for years, just in case you will serve as useful leverage in negotiations with the West. Being listed as a National Geographic Explorer online exposes me to some risk, even if I don’t enter the country with a camera. Iran is very sensitive to environmentalists because they know their conservation track record is horrendous given many corrupt dam projects leading to widespread droughts, and the near extinction of the Asiatic cheetah. So if I had any hope to return, my internet advocacy during this revolution might have been the final nail in the coffin. This has been difficult to come to terms with.

At the same time, not going to Iran is an act of resistance against the regime. Their persecution and murder of their women, children, and brightest political and environmental minds is disgusting. A former classmate of mine, Canadian dual-national Niloufar Bayani, is facing a 10-year sentence in Evin Prison (the prison where fire and explosions took place this past weekend), for her camera trap work on the endangered Asiatic cheetah. She has been tortured and sexually harassed and held in solitary confinement for eight months. She has seven years left in her sentence. This is how the Iranian regime treats conservation biologists.

For a long time, I kept my environmental work and my cultural identity separate–I couldn’t think of an organic way to meld the two. These events have awakened a new, burning motivation in me to incorporate the voices of my oppressed brothers and sisters in every way I can. I started “Letter from the Age of Ecocide” long before this revolution began, but it couldn’t have come to fruition at a better time.

What do you wish more people knew about what is happening in Iran? 

I cannot speak for what it’s like to be on the ground in Iran right now. Or even to live there long-term (I've only ever visited for months at a time). But in the time I have spent there, I’ve seen firsthand what it’s like to be treated as a second class citizen in your own homeland. When I was eight years old, I was chastised for not wearing my headscarf properly at the airport. When I was 18, I wasn’t allowed to enter a government building until I removed my nail polish. Every aspect of your life there is policed, and it is exhausting. It has made me so grateful for our freedoms here. I don’t have to be afraid of being imprisoned for speaking my mind on an Instagram post.

I want everyone to know that what’s going on in Iran isn’t only important to Iran or Iranians, it should matter to everyone. It’s an assault on democracy, women’s rights, and human rights. If we don’t stand up against it, we are sending the message that we will not be outraged if the same human rights abuses are inflicted upon us. We have to stand up for Ukraine, Iran, Palestine, and all the countries facing oppression from internal and outside powers.

Two very effective things you can do to help the situation in Iran are 1) contact your representatives. You can go to the following link to find their contact info and a prepared statement: https://lightpalaceproductions.com/iran and 2) continue to post on social media using the hashtags #mahsa_amini #opiran #iranrevolution #womenlifefreedom. Attention spans are alarmingly short these days, and we need to send the message to our elected leaders (and the mainstream media) that we’re serious about this and that we demand action to support the Iranian people.

What are the best places to go freediving in Miami?

If you don’t have access to a boat, I love going out to the South Point Jetty and the Jose Cuervo Tiki Bar, which is just out from the third lifeguard stand by the swim buoy on South Beach. The rocks at South point attract lots of fish, rays, squid, and often manatees! It doesn’t get super deep, but if you take a dive flag out, you can go past the swim buoy into deeper waters. Just be careful not to get swept into the cut. Jose Cuervo also is about 20ft or so (as deep as it gets off of the beach, really), but it’s a cool structure, and there are always lots of fish, tarpon, and sometimes nurse sharks. As always, make sure you go out on a day with low wind and waves, so there’s good visibility!

What are you currently working on, and where can people learn more about it?

I’ve been pulling all-nighters working on this short film, “Letter from the Age of Ecocide.” It’s a film about a woman’s journey through the stages of grief as she begins to lose her underwater home. This film is intended not to educate or diagnose the climate crisis, but to illustrate healthy coping with the emotional dissonance that pervades our lives in this age of ecological destruction. I wanted to send the message that we must maintain focus in our fight for environmental justice, and simultaneously accept our brave new world and the aspects of it that we cannot control.

The film is supported by Oolite Arts, Ivan Williams of Eco ArtLab, and The Standard Hotel Miami Beach. You can catch it at Oolite Arts’ public screening on December 15th at Soundscape Park on Miami Beach. You can learn more about the film here: ageofecocide.com

instagram.com/ageofecocide

And you can follow along with my work here: instagram.com/lightpalac.e

Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello there, here is Karen(@ kani.poika) continuing the conversation with Queef Latina (@ Queef.Latina) from Counter Corner

Where are you usually performing? -I perform at The Corner Bar during Counter Corner, Gramps during Double Stubble, Hotel Gaythering, and at many other one-off events and gallery spaces. I post all my upcoming events on my instagram and facebook, for anyone who is interested in checking it out!

You can follow the Counter Corner group on Instagram @countercorner and Queef Latina on Instagram as Queef.Latina or on facebook as Queef Latina.

Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello there, here is Karen (@ kani.poika) continuing the conversation with Queef Latina (@ Queef.Latina) from Counter Corner

Who is part of the group? and for those interested in joining, is there a certain way of reaching out?

-The Counter Corner crew consists of a lot of people throughout South Florida. We have participants who drive to Miami from Ft Myers, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and even from Tallahassee! Counter Corner is an all-inclusive, open minded space, open to artists, queers, freaks, and geeks of all kinds. If anyone would like to join or check out the scene, I highly suggest they come to The Corner Bar in downtown Miami on the third Sunday of every month - They wont be disappointed.

Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello there, here is Karen (@ kani.poika) continuing the conversation with Queef Latina (@ Queef.Latina) from Counter Corner

Where do you draw your inspiration? -The sky's the limit when it comes to inspiration. Sometimes I listen to a song and become so moved by the lyrics, and I begin to build a story around the song. Sometimes I watch a documentary (for example, the history of Tupperware) and become inspired by the lifestyle behind the product - I then begin to build a performance around the lifestyle. I'm also known for making my own outfits, so many times fabric is what inspires me and leads me in a certain direction. I just never know what is going to spark my creativity.

Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello there, here is Karen (@ kani.poika) continuing the conversation with Queef Latina (@ Queef.Latina) from Counter Corner

Why are you based in Miami? -Miami, like New York, is a melting pot of many cultures and backgrounds- it is a wonderful place full of many opportunities. From my experience, other cities are are either too pretentious or too supersaturated, making it hard to stand out. Miami is a perfect place to make an impression as an artist, not to mention a great place to live!

In your performance, there are a lot of different artistic elements that have to be taken into consideration, such as the audiovisual aspects, costumes, storylines etc, could you tell us a little about how all these aspects come together, or just name a few of the things that you are involved with in making a powerful performance? -There are many aspects that I take into consideration when creating a performance- I first see what my space/prop limitations my be, and then build around that. Most events I do usually have a theme, and those are my favorite because I love working to a theme. In the instances where there is no theme, I create a storyline for myself to stick to, always keeping with my "Queef" Aesthetic. I then begin to brainstorm over the span of a few days/weeks until I am able to put all the puzzle pieces together to create a powerful performance.

Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello my name is Karen, Zine Maker and lover of all things DADA. (@ kani.poika)

For this week I will introduce you to a very inspiring South Florida collective that contributes to the magical coolness of Miami by breaking all the norms.   They are like a rainbow to me, as the first time I saw them I was amid a very stormy point in my life during the “post-election blues”.

I was going about my daily existence singing Karaoke at Gramps and all of the sudden I saw one very interesting person passing by, glazed in hair and fables and then another and then another; all pouring into the room with glittery platforms that beat the wooden floor like hail, suddenly disturbing the insipidness of the polo t-shirts in the background and the dullness of the night.

Who were they? and what in the world were they doing here, in a place where asphalt and flip flops abound? They were, THE COUNTER CORNER collective, they were celebrating Queef Latina’s Birthday and that night, their performance rocked my world. For this blog post, I got to speak to one of my favorite artiste of this wonderful group of performers, Queef Latina. Here are some photos taken from that night at Gramps (Courtesy of Rune Degett) and her answers to the curiosity that I had to soothe.

A conversation with Queef Latina from the Counter Corner collective.

How do you define the Counter Corner group? -The Counter Corner crew is a collective of artists, misfits, Club kids, Drag Queens/Kings, and Queers from all over South Florida (Not just Miami) They are a creative group of people who explore and challenge concepts, politics, sexuality, gender, art, aesthetics, and popular culture. How did the Counter Corner group get started? -Counter Corner is a monthly party that got started by Sleeper Speaks, a bartender at the Corner bar in downtown Miami (and also my roommate!). He created the party to fill a void in the community - the void being a place for Queers to congregate and network and have fun. He hired Hialeah's finest "Juleisy y Karla" to host the party and they are still the hosts to this day. Although Miami has always had Gay clubs, sometimes these gay institutions have not been as warm and welcoming to people who don't fit their aesthetic- Therefore, Counter corner was born, and along with it came a huge queer following.

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do yo want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello hello everyone! My name is Kristabel. I’m taking over for the next week! During my take over I am going to talk about some of South Florida creatives that live here and whom I’ve gotten a chance to interview. Just a small summary about myself and my ongoing project {Muses of Miami}. I’ve lived here in Miami for almost 10 years. I’m originally from New York, 3 years ago I had created a small concept called Muses of Miami.

A muse is a person, it’s a place, it’s a thing that inspires an artist.

I want to introduce this amazing multi-media guru. He is absolutely amazing in all things; animation, music, video, storytelling, graphics, 3d. This well-rounded creative Parris took the initiative on editing the pictures for his photo shoot.

Take a look into the mind and reason as well as amazing advice Parris talks about in his interview.

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do yo want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello hello everyone! My name is Kristabel. I’m taking over for the next week! During my take over I am going to talk about some of South Florida creatives that live here and whom I’ve gotten a chance to interview. Just a small summary about myself and my ongoing project {Muses of Miami}. I’ve lived here in Miami for almost 10 years. I’m originally from New York, 3 years ago I had created a small concept called Muses of Miami.

A muse is a person, it’s a place, it’s a thing that inspires an artist.

For my very first Muse ever it was a singer. Her name is VNUSAMR. {Venus Amor} This sultry song bird is a living diamond. There was something about her past project “For Time Being” that sparked inspiration within me. It was like a flame that lit up my core. For this amazing Muse I created 3 venue tour where she performed most of the songs from her EP. Take a look into her mind and see why I loved her music so much. 

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do yo want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello hello everyone! My name is Kristabel. I’m taking over for the next week! During my take over I am going to talk about some of South Florida creatives that live here and whom I’ve gotten a chance to interview. Just a small summary about myself and my ongoing project {Muses of Miami}. I’ve lived here in Miami for almost 10 years. I’m originally from New York, 3 years ago I had created a small concept called Muses of Miami.

A muse is a person, it’s a place, it’s a thing that inspires an artist.

This is Muse No 7. The Love below. 

Every Tuesday Starting at 10PM

Step into the Electic Pickle and find yourself going up the stairs to the Bolero Room. You can feel it. You can feel the music pulsing through the heart of the crowd. You can see the magic of the vibe that everyone is giving out. It looks amazing. This party is curated by a collection of Dj’s who each give the party its own flair. There's nothing better than finding yourself swaying to beat of the stereo. Take a look into the minds of these DJ's and see why this party is so inspiring and needed to South Florida culture. 

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do yo want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? [email protected] and we’ll get working on it!

Hello hello everyone! My name is Kristabel. I’m taking over for the next week! During my take over I am going to talk about some of South Florida creatives that live here and whom I’ve gotten a chance to interview. Just a small summary about myself and my ongoing project {Muses of Miami}. I’ve lived here in Miami for almost 10 years. I’m originally from New York, 3 years ago I had created a small concept called Muses of Miami.

A muse is a person, it’s a place, it’s a thing that inspires an artist.

I consider myself the artist and everyone who I invite for an interview is my muse. With every invitation to be a muse they get a photoshoot and a mini documentary with an entire rollout VIA event or just social media.

I believe that there are such amazing people who live here and have a chance to thrive as well as help Miami thrive as a city. I want to help those connect to create. I want to bring these people out and get them to a broader audience just to show the rest of the world WE HAVE TALENT! WE HAVE CREATIVES! We are amazing. So for the next week, I will introduce each and every one of the past muses and why they inspired me. I hope they inspire you too!

Enjoy these small promo videos I made for the website {Musesofmiami.com}

A version of this article was originally published on my lifestyle blog, Mascara Maven.

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email Paola at info@thebloggerunion and we’ll get working on it!

Hi, I’m Christina Nicholson - a former TV reporter and anchor who owns and operates Media Maven, a public relations firm. I started my own business after having two kids and quickly realizing that it’s difficult to not only find a full time job with a flexible schedule, but a boss who empathizes with the struggles of being a working parent.

For about a year and a half, I’ve been helping other small businesses owners, like me, grow their business through media relations, video production, writing, blogging, and social media.

When I was working in news, so many people would ask me, “How do you get to be on TV?” First, I would explain to them it’s not as glamorous as it looks. Then, I’d explain the process I went through of school, internships, making a tape, sending it out (hundreds of times), making a new tape, sending it out (hundreds of more times), then bouncing from market to market. It took a lot, but many can bypass all of that. If you are an ‘expert’ in your field and you think you’re good enough to be a panelist on TV – you can do it too. You just need to promote yourself as an expert in your field.

Thanks to my fellow reporter friend Stephanie Tsoflias with Reel Reporting for sharing these five simple tips on how you can get on TV as an expert:

If you are a doctor, attorney, computer programmer, etc. – pretend you’re talking to 5th graders. These types of experts have a tendency to try to sound smart and they go on too long. Keep it short and simple and speak in normal language.

You have to practice being on TV before you can get on TV. You can do that with your phone. Pretend you are having a normal conversation.

Stand for one thing. Have an opinion about issues.

Hire a person who handles public relations (like me!) until you make your own relationship with assignment desks, reporters, bookers, etc. (I think I have a leg up on working in PR for this reason… I used to be the media!)

ALWAYS send out an email the minute you hear a story breaking you could be an expert on. It can be as simple as, “I am an expert if you guys are doing a story on such-and-such.” That’s it!

Christina Nicholson

Media Maven, Owner

Website: MediaMavenAndMore.com

Lifestyle Blog: MascaraMavenAndMore.com

Facebook.com/MediaMavenAndMore

Twitter.com/MediaMaven_CN

Instagram.com/MediaMavenAndMore

Youtube.com/c/ChristinaDanielle723

LinkedIn.com/in/CNicholson723

A version of this article was originally published on my lifestyle blog, Mascara Maven.

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email Paola at info@thebloggerunion and we’ll get working on it!

Hi, I’m Christina Nicholson - a former TV reporter and anchor who owns and operates Media Maven, a public relations firm. I started my own business after having two kids and quickly realizing that it’s difficult to not only find a full time job with a flexible schedule, but a boss who empathizes with the struggles of being a working parent.

For about a year and a half, I’ve been helping other small businesses owners, like me, grow their business through media relations, video production, writing, blogging, and social media.

People think when you’re on TV, you have hair and makeup standing by, and someone is there telling you what to say, and you’re just a face on TV – someone else did all the work. Not true. At least in my case. Yes, I did have professional hair and makeup done – but only a handful of times. Sometimes people wrote things for me to say while I anchored, but as a reporter, not so much. And it is A LOT of work – especially as a reporter, outside, in August, in South Florida! So, let me fill you in on some things you don’t know and don’t see… behind the scenes.

If you’re a reporter, you’re lucky if you have access to a bathroom. Many times you’re stuck out in some place you don’t want to be… holding it. One time, I was doing a story outside the American Airlines Arena where the Miami Heat play. Nothing was going on at this time, so the main parts of the arena were closed. I was visibly six months pregnant and really had to go. I had a baby pushing on my bladder for goodness sake. Do you know, the ladies working the office in the AAA told me I could not use the bathroom because it was not for public use?! Even after I told them who I was and what I was doing there… they told me to WALK AROUND THE ENTIRE BUILDING (in my heels mind you) to find a public bathroom. Sidenote: The AAA is not a small building to walk around. On the other hand, many strangers in random neighborhoods have been kind enough to let me use their facilities.

When we’re at crime scenes, which we are a lot, we become detectives and have the whole thing solved by the end of our live shot.

Speaking of crime scenes, I have accidentally stepped in more blood than you’d like to know.

When you photobomb our live shots, you are only making yourself look like an ass. I look fine. If I ever went to your job and started jumping and yelling behind you whenever you started talking, people would send me somewhere for a mental evaluation. You’re an idiot.

If you can’t see my feet – assume I’m wearing flip flops, because I probably am.

For everyone who gets mad at reporters for the stories we cover, take it up with someone else. We are the bottom of the barrel. We take orders. We do what we are told. Call the boss to complain. The last thing we want to do is stick a mic in someone’s face on the worst day of their life and ask them to tell to us about it. As the messenger, we get threatened, yelled at, pushed, and worse in the field. It’s not fun.

The hardest working people in this business are the ones who make us look good – the photographers. I can’t say enough nice things about them. Not only are they the hardest working, but they are the ones the crazies run after and try to hit when they don’t want to be on camera after breaking the law. Allegedly.

Many times, we don’t have a photographer. We are the ones shooting what you see, then we jump in front of the camera and shoot ourselves!

The camera really does add 10 pounds. I think it may also make us taller. In the studio, we stand on boxes to look taller and so you can see the pretty set at the perfect level behind us. Maybe that’s why us TV people do appear smaller in real life, unless you know us personally – then we look the same.

We get yelled at by a lot of people and blamed for a lot things. None of which has to do with us really. We are just the messengers. When you start out in the business, you care about that. Then after about a week or two – you’re numb to it.

When you’re standing in a hurricane and nearly blowing away, you’re also watching your photographers back to make sure nothing flies his way.

At the end of the day, I have been known to have about 10 layers of powder on my face.

Everyone has fallen asleep in a news car. Everyone has felt the fear of tipping over in a live truck.

Even though we act like we want the Miami Heat to win the National Championship, we don’t. Why? Because that means lots of overtime many of us won’t get paid for, pots and pans being banged in your ear on live TV for hours at a time… while being pushed and shoved by drunk idiots until the wee hours of the morning. Then, when that special report that lasted until 1:30am is over – you can’t leave because the traffic jam has turned Bird Road into a Reggaeton concert. Then, a couple of days later, there’s the damn parade in 100 degree weather. (Can you tell I’m speaking from experience?) It’s one of those things that’s fun the first 30 minutes or so, then… But I still have a smile on my face

Up until the time you see us on air, we are talking to someone beside us… stopping just in time to appear like we were cool, calm and collected just waiting for the camera to roll.

When a producer is standing up in the control room, stay back. Standing = stressing.

Even we think we look stupid standing in the dark in front of a place you can’t see where nothing is happening behind us. Again, we don’t make these decisions.

If you are in a newsroom and there is food nearby, and it’s free – it will be gone in five seconds. Literally. (And when there is food in the newsroom and an email goes to all employees saying “Because of our long day with the hurricane/election/whatever it is coverage, we ordered everyone pizza,” reporter and photographers get really pissed… because we’re not there for it. We are standing in the hurricane/voting booth/wherever – starving.)

I’ve never been in a newsroom where the floor of the studio is cleaned on a regular basis.

Many times, all of the reporters and photographers are standing inches away from each other, doing the same live shot, at the same time. We are all talking over each other. (And some reporters are yellers.) It’s somewhat distracting.

Even though we are working for different stations and compete on air for ratings, we are the best of friends in real life.

And when David Beckham comes into town, look out! And make sure you look good too!

Christina Nicholson

Media Maven, Owner

Website: MediaMavenAndMore.com

Lifestyle Blog: MascaraMavenAndMore.com

Facebook.com/MediaMavenAndMore

Twitter.com/MediaMaven_CN

Instagram.com/MediaMavenAndMore

Youtube.com/c/ChristinaDanielle723

LinkedIn.com/in/CNicholson723

A version of this article was originally published on my lifestyle blog, Mascara Maven.

The Blogger Union has partnered with CreativeMornings/Miami for a collaborative storytelling marathon. Tune in to read the story of our city told by local creatives, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Each week, a different member of CreativeMornings will take over to post what inspires them about South Florida. Do you want to take over the CreativeMornings/Miami blog and share your take on our community? Email Paola at info@thebloggerunion and we’ll get working on it!

Hi, I’m Christina Nicholson - a former TV reporter and anchor who owns and operates Media Maven, a public relations firm. I started my own business after having two kids and quickly realizing that it’s difficult to not only find a full time job with a flexible schedule, but a boss who empathizes with the struggles of being a working parent.

For about a year and a half, I’ve been helping other small businesses owners, like me, grow their business through media relations, video production, writing, and blogging.

I hope my takeover this week gives you some hope to go after your dreams - personally and professionally, while giving you valuable knowledge to build on those dreams.

I hate wasting time. But to be honest, we all waste a lot of time. Usually, it’s out of our control. I’m sure many of you reading this hate meetings for this reason. If it’s an hour long, I’d bet about 10 minutes of it was productive. Then, there is the meeting to talk about the meeting. I could go on. 

Luckily, I’m my own boss now and only attend the ones I want to. If you haven’t noticed by now, I love finding ways to be more productive. Here are six ways to increase productivity:

1. I stopped commuting. To me, it makes no sense to spend time sitting in rush hour traffic, twice, to sit in front of a computer at work all day. Obviously, this pertains to me working at a public relations firm. When I was a TV reporter, commuting was essential. That’s not a job that can be done from home. But many jobs can be done from home in front of a computer. When I didn’t spend time getting presentable for public and commuting to work, I gained an additional 2-3 hours a day. That’s huge! There’s lots of potential productivity in those hours.

2. I have a to-do list. And it is detailed. I get really excited about organization, so I actually have two to-do lists – one in general with no deadlines, and one more immediate with deadlines. I make sure it’s ready to go before I start working, so when I’m ready to begin no time is wasted. (Yes, that means you have to work a little bit on Sunday night, but it’s so worth it Monday morning!)

3. I eliminate distractions. I used to leave all the tabs on my computer open. When I would see an email flashing in one, I would stop what I was doing, open that email, and deal with it. It may have taken two minutes of my time or 20 minutes. Then, I would go back to what I was originally doing. This is so inefficient and a great way to get off track. Instead, I give myself a task to do – with those tabs closed and my phone face down. I don’t want to see it light up with a notification! Unless it’s a life saving emergency, which I’m sure it’s not, it can wait.

4. I work when it works. For some reason, I’m more productive at night. Some people are great in the morning. I’m good in the morning, but great at night. Around 3pm-7pm, I just can’t function when it comes to work. I don’t know what it is, but it’s me! If I try, it’s a waste of time, so I work when it’s best for me. (Another one of my “corporate America” pet peeves: Not everyone needs 40 hours a week to do their job and not everyone needs to do it between the hours of 9am-5pm. If that were the case, what a coincidence that would be!)

5. I schedule everything. Like, ev-er-y-thing. And I set reminders. This helps me plan out my day, week, and month. If you know what is happening, you will be more productive because you have a plan to follow. Use working out for example: If you say, “I’m going to the gym this week” you probably won’t go or you’ll put if off. If you say, “I’m going to the gym Tuesday morning at 9:30” you will probably go because it is a scheduled plan.

6. I get to the point. I don’t want someone to take up my time by sugar coating and beating around the bush… and I’m impatient. I’d much rather prefer someone just get to the point, so that’s what I do. It’s also a great way to get rid of any confusion!

(This following article was originally published on The South Florida Sage)

The SoFla Sage: Italian Food Takeover Part 3: Enjoy Hand Crafted Italian at Louie Bossi’s Ristorante in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Louie Bossi’s is a high-energy Italian eatery located on the famed Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale where everything is made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. Executive Chef Louie Bossi serves delicious house made pastas, wood burning Neapolitan pizzas, home cooked Sicilian comfort food and, of course, Chef Louie’s famous house cured salumi. From the hearth baked bread and artisan jams to handmade pastas and pizza dough, gelato and crema di limoncello, everything is house made using the time honored methods of Italian craftsmen. The beverage menu showcases an impressive wine list with a heavy focus on Italian vintages including 50+ wines by the glass as well as handcrafted cocktails, craft beers and locally sourced coffees.

The brand new 10,000-square-foot restaurant offers distinct indoor and outdoor dining experiences including a stunning 2,000-square-foot piazza with a fire pit and bocce ball court.

Salumi + Formaggio with olives, marcona almonds, truffle honey and dried fruit

The house cured salumi is a must during your visit to Louie Bossi’s! With delectable accompaniments such as truffle honey, you may find yourself paying a visit just for this appetizer.

Brooklyn Caesar – pancetta, poached egg, tuscan kale

Caesar is one of my all time favorite salads. I enjoyed the use of tuscan kale in this version which was amplified by all the goodies on top, so good!

Risotto Al Futti Di Mare – shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari

If you’re in the mood for risotto – this dish is for you, very flavorful with plenty of fresh seafood.

Mafaldine – ragu of pork with ricotta, n’duja

WOW – no wonder this is one of the signature dishes at Louie’s. The ribbon shaped pasta with wavy edges on each side, known as mafaldine, is made in house and accompanied by perfectly cooked ragu of pork. This dish is a winner!

Tiramisu – marscarpone cream, espresso, savoiardi biscuits

This was my first visit to Louie Bossi’s and I can absolutely see myself going back. I sat inside and enjoyed the ambiance and energy. I would like to visit for brunch and dine outside in the bright and unique space. Speaking of the outdoor dining area, be sure to bring your competitive side for a game of bocce ball, or should I say, Bossi Ball!

Holli Lapes, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in South Florida. Holli is the founder of The South Florida Sage (http://thesoflasage.com/) a food & drink blog featuring culinary experiences from the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach area. For more on her work in the Nutrition & Wellness field, please visit https://mywellnessrd.com/

Louie Bossi’s on social media:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiebossi Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louiebossie Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/louiebossi

The South Florida Sage on social media:

Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesoflasage Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoFlaSage Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoFla_SageSays

(This following article was originally published on The South Florida Sage)

The SoFla Sage: Italian Food Takeover Part 2: Quattro Gastronomia Italiana on Lincoln Road Celebrates 10 Years with New Executive Chef in Miami Beach, Florida

For 10 years, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, one of the longest running successful restaurants on Lincoln Road, has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine to locals and visitors alike. The restaurant has just renewed its lease and promises to remain a South Beach staple for those seeking sophisticated regional Italian food in a stunning indoor-outdoor setting. With a newExecutive Chef, Dario Bellofiore, and an array of new dishes, Quattro continues to bring genuine Italian fare to Miami Beach’s premiere pedestrian corridor.

Chef Bellofiore has just introduced several new seasonal items that expand on the award-winning restaurant’s mix of Italian favorites and inventive dishes. According to General Manger/Partner Roberto Sanso, “We are thrilled to have Chef Bellofiore join the Quattro team. There is definitely a parallel between Miami and his hometown of Venice – both cities are surrounded by water and feature access to fresh and delicious seafood. His years of experience are a welcome addition to the restaurant and Miami Beach.” The Italian toque’s seafood expertise is apparent in new plates such as Polipo del Mediterraneo con Farro Legumi Pomodorini – grilled Mediterranean octopus with farro, legumes, cherry tomatoes and a lemon dressing.

Polpette Umido – Stewed Meatballs with San Marzano Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese and Olive Oil

I asked the manager Roberto Sanso – “are these San Marzano Tomatoes?” He replied with “yes, that is where I am from. The smell of the fresh tomatoes growing in Italy is unforgettable.” I thought that was pretty awesome. Also, our waiter was from Italy too. When the staff of an Italian restaurant is actually from Italy, you know the food has to be good!

Quattro fans will be happy to see beloved signature plates remain on the menu, such as theParmigiana di Melanzane in Forma  – baked eggplant layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, the Agnolotti Alessandrini alla Stufato – braised beef ravioli with Piedmontese sauce and the Branzino Intero in Crosta di Sale Marino – whole Mediterranean sea bass baked in salt crust.

Preparazione Casalinga del Ravioli di Casa Savoia Tartufati – fontina and taleggio cheese ravioli drizzled with white truffle oil

To quote what I said about this dish on Instagram “I’m pretty sure I would be ok with it if this was my last meal on earth.” But seriously, it was amazing. It was very rich, creamy and just flat out delicious.  This is a signature item on the menu and I am happy to report that the addition of a new chef has not altered the integrity of the dish.

Cavolini Di Bruxelles Con Prosciutto –  Brussels Spouts‏ With Crispy Prosciutto

I love to have some greens on the side with a pasta dish. Yum-o! When they say crispy they mean it, that prosciutto was uber crispy.

Costatine Brasate Di Manzo E Risotto – Braised Short Ribs With Risotto Parmesan and Shaved White Truffles

Well, this was epic. Another one of Quatto’s signature dishes holds true. We swapped out the mushroom risotto for a parmesan truffle variation. After I eat the ravioli as my last meal, I would then like to have this risotto as my pillow to lay my head on as I rest in peace. Ok, maybe I am going overboard here – I think you get the picture!

Mozzarella gelato? Sort of. At least that is what it reminded me of. I am forgetting the Italian name for the flavor. So simple and fresh!  Quattro offers Gelati E Sorbetti Della Casa (Homemade gelato and sorbet).

Tiramisu Piemontese Della Casa – House made classic tiramisu

The tiramisu was airy and delightful – what a great meal! Walking up and down Lincoln Road can be intimidating at times. With many hostesses standing outside, greeting you with persuasion in hopes you will eat at their restaurant. Personally, this technique makes me not want to eat at any of the restaurants. I don’t know if this is a strategy that Quattro implements but I can’t imagine they would even need to do so. I am so glad I got to try this authentic asset to the iconic Lincoln Road!

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana is located at 1014 Lincoln Road in South Beach. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Quattro offers a two-course lunch for $25 Monday through Friday. Reservations are strongly suggested. Telephone: (305) 531-4833. Follow Quattro onFacebook, Twitter: @quattromiami, Instagram: @quattromiami. www.quattromiami.com

Holli Lapes, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in South Florida. Holli is the founder of The South Florida Sage (http://thesoflasage.com/) a food & drink blog featuring culinary experiences from the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach area. For more on her work in the Nutrition & Wellness field, please visit https://mywellnessrd.com/

The South Florida Sage on social media:

Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesoflasage Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoFlaSage Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoFla_SageSays

Hello creatives! My name is Holli aka Sage or {The SoFla Sage} from The South Florida Sage Food & Drink Blog and my takeover on Creative Mornings will feature Italian food in South Florida, because everyone loves a taste of Italy! According to Zagat, this comforting cuisine ruled as the most popular among Americans, with 22% of surveyors calling it their favorite. South Florida has a diverse array of Italian eateries with regional influences. 

"As a child I wanted to be an artist. A fundamental part of being an artist is to create. Briefly in high school, I wanted to be a chef. In college I wanted to become a dietitian and a photographer. I became a dietitian, a photographer and a blogger. For a living, I now create blogs and other content, manage social media platforms for a dietary supplement company. I create content for two blogs of my own. But most importantly, I'm doing what I've always wanted to do: I’m creating.” - Holli Lapes 

(This following article was originally published on The South Florida Sage)

The SoFla Sage: Italian Food Takeover Part 1: Atlanta-based Restaurateur Brings Tuscan Cuisine to Miami’s Shorecrest Neighborhood - Biscayne Bay 

Antica Mare, the authentic Tuscan restaurant and Miami outpost of Atlanta’s award-winning Antica Posta, opened its doors in February 2016 at 7999 Northeast Bayshore Court in the Shorecrest Club, the new luxury Bayfront apartment complex situated just off the Kennedy Causeway.  With breathtaking bay views, a sophisticated ambiance and fresh regional Italian cuisine, Antica Mare is poised to become a new local dining gem.

Antica Mare is the first  South Florida venture for restaurateur Marco Betti, whose flagship restaurant Antica Posta has earned raves and accolades for nearly 17 years in Atlanta, Georgia.  According to Betti, “I’ve always loved visiting Miami and when the opportunity came about to open right on the Intracoastal in this great new luxury building, I knew it was a perfect fit.  I’m thrilled to be a part of this community and can’t wait to have everyone come in and visit.”

As with its sister restaurant, Antica Mare delivers straightforward Tuscan cuisine featuring a selection of seafood, meats and house-made pastas, all utilizing skillful technique and fresh ingredients imported from Italy.  

Crudo di Tonno con carpaccio di tartufo nero — Fresh sashimi grade Tuna Crudo topped with black truffles carpaccio 

Crudo di Branzino — Fresh Pacific Sea Bass Crudo, Arugula, evoo citrus dressing

Sage Says:  The crudo is a great way to prime the palate! Both were very fresh, light and fragrant.

Primi Piatti selections are available in appetizer and main course portions ($12 – $24) and utilize both fresh and dry pasta.  In fact, Betti provides diners with a pasta guide on the menu to help navigate.  

Gemelli alla Fiorentina — Gemelli pasta with prosciutto, green peas, and fresh cream

Sage Says: Deliciously cheesy! You will want to lick the plate. Offered as an appetizer or entrée portion.

Secondi Piatti ($24 – $38) choices are ample and include Salmone alla Livornese – salmon sautéed with cherry tomatoes, olives & capers, served alongside fresh vegetables; Filetto di Manzo alla Griglia con la Salsa Verde – grilled prime center cut beef filet with parsley-pinenut pesto and sautéed fresh vegetables; Carrè d’Agnello Arrosto alla Toscana – Tuscan oven roasted rack of lamb with a sage-rosemary seasoning and fresh sautéed vegetables; and the famed Betti family recipe,Oven Roasted Tuscan Chicken Breast with Truffle Sauce.

Roast Beef alla toscana — Kobe roast beef sesoned with Tuscan herbs, sliced thin topped with natural au jus

Sage Says:  What a beautiful dish! The kobe was delectable and the salad served in the center was perfectly seasoned and dressed.

Dolci ($6 – $8) are traditional but sublime, from Panna Cotta with a wild berry sauce and a nougatSemifreddo to classic Tiramisù and Cannolis. Guests can also opt for a selection of imported cheeses.

Panna cotta con salsa ai frutti di bosco — Fresh cream pudding with wild berry sauce

Sage Says:  This was probably the best panna cotta I’ve ever had – great texture and topped with an overtly fresh berry sauce.

Antica Mare’s bar features an approachable selection of wines, available by the glass or bottle, full bar, craft beers, and signature cocktails.

Designed by Miami-based architect Paul Gershen, the 224-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant combines fine dining and modern sophistication with a warm and welcoming ambiance.  Upon entering, guests are greeted by lounge seating and an expansive walnut bar showcasing over 100 varietals of wines. The main dining room boasts soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, giving an airy yet intimate feel.  Diners can opt to dine outside right on the Intracoastal under a trellis of twinkly lights with stunning views and balmy air. A private scarlett-hued dining room, seating 60, is the perfect spot for social and business events.

Antica Mare serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday, from 4PM to 11PM.  The restaurant is located at7999 Northeast Bayshore Court on the ground level of the Shorecrest Club high rise apartment complex.  From 79th Street heading east, make U-turn before bridge and take right on Bayshore Court.  The restaurant is on the Northeast corner of 80th and Bayshore.  Discounted valet parking.  Telephone: (305) 398-1001 www.anticamare.com

Holli Lapes, RD, LD/N is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in South Florida. Holli is the founder of The South Florida Sage (http://thesoflasage.com/) a food & drink blog featuring culinary experiences from the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach area. For more on her work in the Nutrition & Wellness field, please visit https://mywellnessrd.com/

Antica Mare on social media:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anticamare Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnticaMare Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnticaMare

The South Florida Sage on social media:

Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thesoflasage Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoFlaSage Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoFla_SageSays