El Palacio De Los Jugos...The Juice Palace

El Palacios De Los Jugos...The Juice Palace is an institution here in Miami. It has some of the best selections of Cuban food, fruits and vegetables and some of the freshest juice you can find.

 There's a vast array of prepared food to choose from. You simply walk in, wait to place your order, and choose from the many selections of meat, poultry, seafood, sandwiches and sides.  From their delicious pork tamales to crisp plantain chips, you can't go wrong with any choice you make. The tamales are laced with chunks of pork and the combination goes oh so well together.  The plantain chips are light and crispy, with a touch of salt. The food is made daily and it's as fresh as it's tasty.

They even make their own dulce de leche, which surprisingly, was not nauseatingly sweet as it usually is when I've tried it in other places.

They don't call this the juice palace for nothing.  With a wide variety and assortment of fruits, there are endless possibilities for the type of juice you can get.  My two favorites are watermelon and mango.

But, I could not conclude this blog without mentioning my all time favorite item from El Palacios De Los Jugos: the chicharrones, chunks of pork fried to perfection.  My usual is an order of chicharrones with either watermelon or mango juice.  It's like a battle of good and evil.  The pork is supposed to be so bad for you, yet so good while, the juice is supposed to be the healthy choice.  I savor every last bit of this scrumptious pork, it's crunchy, greasy, chewy and oh so good.  I enjoy several pieces and wash it down with sips of juice.  It's so sinful, but I thoroughly enjoy this guilty pleasure.

I could bathe in it. Lol!  Stay tuned for the close up shot below!

El Palacios De Los Jugos has something for everyone from seafood and steak to fruits and vegetables and everything in between.  There are several locations in Miami and no matter which location you choose, it's sure to be a crowd favorite.

Blog by: Nancy Monperousse Photos by: www.Google.com

Calle Ocho...The World's Biggest Block Party

Once a year in March, Miami is home to the biggest block party in the world...Calle Ocho!  This festival has it all: food, fun, dancing, music, and live entertainment.  SW 8th Street, a section in Miami has many blocks that are closed off for this event.  People of all different cultures and nationalities join in the fun. 

 

When I went a couple of years ago, I remember the smell of grilled and fried meats; the sweet smell of pipes and the strong, almost pungent scent of cigars. Since it was March, the day started with a nice comfortable breeze and ended up getting quite warm.  It was loud and there was music and people everywhere.  I was lucky enough to have a backstage pass, (a bracelet in this case), and I got to see artists behind-the-scenes.  I got a chance to take a pic with reggae artist Sean Paul.  I had a blast!

It was great to see so many different cultures in one place, celebrating and enjoying themselves.  I had fun and it was a new experience for me.  The event well went into the evening and the energy was still as charged as it was earlier in the day.  This is something to see and if you haven't been, you should go.  It's worth seeing and experiencing.

Schnebly Redland's Winery

I thought all wine was made with grapes, until I visited Schnebly Winery in Homestead.  This quaint winery is owned by husband and wife team,  Peter and Denisse Schnebly.

 Schnebly Winery is intimate enough for a romantic date and spacious enough for a group outing; families can even enjoy some of the activities and events. What sets them apart from other wineries is the fact that they're wines are made with exotic fruits.

You can choose from carambola, mango (my personal favorite), lychee, guava, and passion fruit.  They also have exotic blends and specialty wines.  For just under $10.00, you can partake in a wine tour or tasting, where you can sample up to five wines. Your tasting includes a Schnebly wine glass which you keep and can bring with you on your next visit and pay only $5.00 for your tastings. 

This is a great way to enjoy something fun and different, without breaking the bank! They often have bands or different restaurants at their events. For example, Crepemaker sold crepes a few years ago on Mother's Day, while a local band performed. Schnebly's tasting room also offers specialty items, snacks, and food.  Wine is also sold here.

Their tours offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of the day to day functions of the wine producing business and most recently, a brewery which is housed in the facilities as well. Currently, they offer a small variety of beer.

If you're planning an event or wedding, Schnebly Winery hosts those, too.  They offer three areas for events and they have an event planner on staff to accommodate your needs.

 

The last time I was there, the tour host mentioned that the Schnebly's were expanding the space so they can house concerts and entertainment events.  They had big plans for turning the winery into a powerhouse, so the next time you're planning a romantic rendezvous, celebration, or social event, try Schnebly Winery! 

 Schnebly Redland's Winery
30205 SW 217 Avenue
Homestead FL, 33030
Open 7 days a week

Blog by: Nancy Monperousse
Photos by:
www.Google.com
www.Schnelbywinery.com
www.NEOArtphotography.com

Carrabbas

Miami is a vibrant city, full of culture, great food, and attractions.  There's something for everyone and I want to share a glimpse of some of my favorite spots. When I want to have a truly enjoyable dining experience, I go to Carrabbas Italian Grill.  My favorite location these days is in South Miami, but there are several locations throughout Miami and Broward County; I haven't been disappointed with one yet.

From the time I step in the door, I'm greeted by the friendly staff and a cozy environment of dimmed lighting, great music, and the smell of wonderful food being cooked to perfection. If it's Happy Hour, I usually settle in a booth and start things off with a pomegranate martini.  But, who am I kidding?  I usually start with a pomegranate martini-even if it isn't Happy Hour!

 The mix of citrus and pomegranate juices and peach Vodka is so light and refreshing, I almost forget that I'm drinking an alcoholic beverage-until a hint of tipsy sets in!  This is definitely a sexy drink.  After enticing my palette, my go to is the complimentary fresh baked bread served with a dip made with spices and olive oil.

Yum...yum...yum!  I try to pace myself because there's so much more coming.  The spicy sausage and lentil is next. The combination of the sausage and lentil blend together perfectly. It's spicy, tasty, and warm.

I can't enjoy an appetizer without adding calamari (fried squid).  So, there's a place for that on the table; it's actually a staple for me.

What makes this so delicious, aside from the well battered and fried calamari, is the combination of the two sauces that accompany it.  The marinara sauce which is unbelievably good in it's own right, is joined by the Ricardo sauce, made with lemon and butter. The combination of these two sauces produce a flavor explosion in my mouth!  By now, I have what I like to call the greedy grin-a silly smile on my face because everything tastes so good; ah, life is blissful.  This is usually about the time the server happens by to ask if everything is okay.  Although the look on my face says it all, I still find a way to answer yes between my enthusiastic chewing. 

My favorite entree is the Pollo Rosa Maria; two perfectly grilled chicken breasts stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese, in a lemon butter sauce. I choose Fettuccine Alfredo as the sidekick.  The pasta is made fresh daily, which is a major plus in my book.  The Pollo Rosa Maria actually has mushrooms in the sauce, but I order mine sans the mushrooms because of allergies.  I usually request a take out box right about now and just when I think I have no more room to fit anymore food, the server with his/her keen sense, appears and asks that question...would you like any dessert or coffee?  I get ready to say no and then I remember I saw a dessert special, a peach and raspberry crostata served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It's sweet, tart, flaky, buttery, and creamy; it simply divine! What a perfect way to end a wonderful meal.

Carrabbas Italian Grill
5829 SW 73rd Street
Suite 102
Miami, Florida 33143
Open 7 days a week

Post by: Nancy Monperousse
Photos by: www.Google.com