Game, set, match
One of the highlights of this week was attending the Miami Open, Miami’s premier tennis tournament which I’ve made a yearly tradition to attend for about a decade or so now.
However, as you well know from reading this blog, I did so much more than that.
The baptism… AJ holding Joaquin as Mabel and Danny, the godparents look on.
Maya, Mabel’s daughter between the newlyweds and the bride and groom’s moms toward the right. The one in the blue is my sister Susy, Danny’s Mom.
Starting with welcoming my brother Mario on Friday, who stayed with us over the weekend. He was here to attend our great nephew Joaquin’s baptism and the surprise wedding of my nephew Danny to his fiance Mabel, both held on Saturday. What a shock and surprise that was! Danny surprised everyone with the nuptials, which were held immediately following Jojo’s christening (it was perfect actually because Danny and Mabel are godparents to Joaquin!) I wept like a baby during both events and honestly fell in love with St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, where everything was held. It was such a beautiful day spent with family, celebrating two joyful occasions. Congrats all the way around… to proud parents Elena and AJ and their baby Joaquin and to Danny and Mabel.
Nick and Ashley at the Vizcaya Farmer’s Market.
The fun continued on Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day, when we attended the Vizcaya Farmer’s Market. We took Nicholas and Ashley and their friends Michaela and Geno joined us there for the Best Buddies outing. I’d never been to this Farmer’s Market and it was fantastic. What a beautiful setting and what great vendors. There were several familiar ones and others I’d never bought from before. I came home with fish dip and grape leaves, two of my favorites.
After the market, we braved Flanigan’s which was packed but they managed to seat us after not too long a wait. Lunch was great, as it always is at Flanigan’s and the double daters Nick, Ashley, Michaela and Geno, had a great time.
Cool display at the La Española event at Cafe La Trova.
Tuesday night I attended a La Española olive oil media event at Cafe La Trova, one of the best restaurants and bars in Little Havana. It was actually really nice to hear stories from those in attendance who remember their parents and grandparents using this brand of olive oil.
Sangria at Cafe La Trova and olive oil samples during the event.
Jenny Lee Molina of JLPR and I are all smiles at Cafe La Trova.
Plus, I saw some familiar faces that night and actually got to meet one of my Artburst article subjects in person, Cinthia Santos of Chalk & Brush (click here to read my article). The sangria was delicious, as were the croquetas, huge sauteed shrimp, pan con tomate and several other goodies they served up. Thanks to the JLPR team (and sisters) Jenny Lee and Monica for inviting me and hosting another great event.
Nina Surel’s “Allegory of Florida” installation at 176 NE 41 St. If you’d like to see this, keep in mind you have to turn down a side street to find it.
Wednesday I spent time in the Miami Design District doing research and an interview for an upcoming article on some public art installations throughout the neighborhood then that night, we once again took second place at trivia.
Miami Open men’s singles match.
Yesterday was a great day spent at the Miami Open tennis tournament, held at Hard Rock Stadium. Monica and I spent the afternoon watching some great women’s and men’s singles tennis matches, enjoying tacos from Bodega Taqueria y Tequila and taking in the beautiful surroundings. They do a great job with that tournament and I’m already looking forward to next year.
Also this week, I was excited to find out that the cold reading workshop series Naked Angels is returning! I was involved with this weekly happening for nearly three years and loved getting cast to read parts in the scripts that were submitted. I’m ecstatic that the new location is just blocks from my house! I’m hoping to write a follow up story mentioning its return for the New Times. Here’s a link to the article I wrote a few years ago when Naked Angels first made a move.
Coming up this weekend I’ll be helping out at the Food Rescue US Farmer’s Market at Village Freedge, having dinner with friends Kevin and Michelle and Rick and Adina at Phuc Yea, both on Saturday and catering a small reception for Karen Peterson Dancers on Sunday.
Check out the links I provided and let me know if you try any of these places. I’d love to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you next Friday!
