Blog No. 3 of 2025
It’s Friday and that makes me so happy. That, and it’s a three-day weekend which makes welcoming in the weekend even better!
Even though the weather is dreary and rainy this afternoon, I’m looking forward to telling you about my past week, what I’ve got planned this weekend and what you can do around Miami this weekend.
I’ll start by recommending a restaurant to you… Captain Jim’s Seafood Market & Restaurant right here in my hometown of North Miami. It’s five minutes from my house and where Vance and I took my cousin Jose and his wife Becky for dinner on Saturday night. I ordered the fish fingers, Becky had the conch fritters which she shared with me and which were really, really good. I also love that at Captain Jim’s they bring their signature crab salad with crackers to each table as a starter. Click on the link above to check out the menu. This place is simple, nothing fancy but the owner knows his seafood given he’s part of the Garcia family who own the legendary Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market on the Miami River and La Camaronera Seafood Joint & Fish Market in Little Havana. In other words, you can’t go wrong…. with ANY of these places.
Sunday afternoon I attended the volunteer meeting of the Friends of Enchanted Forest Park. I mentioned in last week’s blog that Lola Heasley, the park’s naturalist had invited me to attend. It was a nice afternoon, discussing upcoming projects at the park, fundraising needs and more. I learned a lot and got to see some familiar faces too. I know Lola wants me to be the group’s Communications Officer, something I may be considering.
Tuesday I unfortunately had to attend the funeral of my friend Gema’s mother Josefa. I’ve known Gema since college and I was so glad to be able to be there for her during this difficult time. Our mutual friend and my other bestie Monica was there too and it was nice for the three of us to be together and be there for her. Following the service, we all went to lunch at one of her Mom’s favorite restaurants La Casita. It was nice to hear stories about her from Gema, her son Daniel and her cousin Lourdes while we enjoyed lunch. It was nice way to remember her. We enjoyed sangria, one of her favorite drinks there and I ordered the pollo a la plancha with black beans and rice. I took the leftovers home and Nicholas enjoyed them for dinner.
The cast of “Tina” takes their final bow at the Arsht Center on opening night.
Actress Jayna Elise who was phenomenal in the lead role, comes out for the final call of “Tina” at the Arsht Center’s Tuesday opening night show.
Then that evening, my sister Mari and I went to see opening night of the musical “Tina” at the Arsht Center. It tells the story of Tina Turner from her days with the Ike and Tina Turner Review all the way through to her solo career. The show has it all, heartbreak, funny moments and obviously jams with musical and dance numbers. I loved the encore too where they kept the show going with two more musical numbers. The show runs through this weekend if you’re interested in seeing it. Click the link above for info.
Yesterday I enjoyed grabbing breakfast with Claire, who I met through our Food Rescue volunteering at Trader Joe’s in Coral Gables. Although she is no longer as involved, she and I have stayed in touch and become friends. We met at First Watch at their Blue Lagoon location where I ordered a delectable hot chocolate and their eggs benedict with smoked salmon. It was… YUM! And Claire ordered a blueberry pancake that covered the entire plate. Let’s just say neither one of us left hungry.
Tomorrow is gonna be a busy day for me when I’m going to the Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center to attend the Winds of Heritage Dance Collective’s matinee performance entitled “WE ALL” featuring a piece by Miami’s own Robert Battle who is a product of the Center and went on to lead the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe. Then that night, Vance, Nick and I are looking forward to spending time with Phil, Nick’s godfather and all our friends for Phil’s retirement party at Zapata Gallery down here in Miami. It should be a fun night.
On Sunday I’ll get up early and bake brownies for my church’s bake sale and after we’ll be hanging out at home watching football then on Monday Nick has his friend Michaela’s birthday party at Flanigan’s.
And here I share with you my two latest articles… an author profile in Biscayne Times and what is now a monthly column/article I’m doing for Artburst Miami on grant/funding resources for artists in Miami. Click on the links to read them.
And if the weather improves and you’re looking for stuff to do this weekend, here are some additional recommendations from me…
Art Deco Weekend on Miami Beach, Beaux Arts Festival on the University of Miami Campus in Coral Gables, Gospel Choir Invitational at the Arsht Center and for the young at heart the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck which makes a stop at CityPlace Doral.
That’s all for this week! See you next Friday, right here in your inbox.
