Meals, films & Times Square star

This past week, great meals were had, local films were watched, accessibility and inclusion was addressed and there was a familiar face on the Times Square giant screen.

The foodie in me just has to tell you about two lovely meals I enjoyed, both with my best friend Monica. The first one was last Saturday night at Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, a cute little fast-casual spot at the outdoor mall Dania Pointe. We each had a ridiculously inexpensive and abundant bento box. I chose the Mongolian style with chicken, red bell pepper, onion, scallion, mushroom and sweet hoisin sauce. The boxes come with ginger salad, lo mein, crispy wontons, garlic string beans and rice. It was delicious and filling.

Then yesterday we had lunch at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale where we started off with grape leaves and Greek style chicken wings. As an entree, I had the traditional gyro platter with a Greek salad, warm pita bread, tzatziki, a tasty potato wedge and these delicious peas. Again, another very inexpensive and delicious meal.

And last night, I finally got to try Lung Yai Thai Tapas in Little Havana where I of course had some dumplings and a tasty Thai salad with dark meat chicken in a traditional sauce. The service was fast and the food was authentically delectable.

I was in Little Havana to attend another great film event presented by Oolite Arts and the Miami Film Festival at the Tower Theater. The Works-in-Progress Screening featured eight short commissioned films all centering around the family theme. Each local filmmaker presented a film depicting what family means to them. Trust me, these will show up in an upcoming film festival for sure.

That’s my brother Mario on the bottom right, smiling big for all to see in NYC’s Times Square.

I have to mention my big brother Mario who along with three other bike riders, was featured on a giant screen in New York City’s Times Square for his commitment to The Great Cycle Challenge, a fundraiser to fight kids cancer.

I’m always proud to work for the Arts & Business Council of Miami and help with their Miami Arts Marketing Program. This Tuesday they presented “Arts for Everybody: Marketing to Audiences with Diverse Abilities” featuring several arts organizations who are making it their mission to provide accessibility to all during their shows and events. It’s incredibly encouraging to see this work being done, especially as the mother of a son with Down Syndrome.

Homemade sushi by Elizabeth.

And finally, a special shout out to a couple of other family members. There’s my great nephew Lucas, son of my nephew Grant and his wife Esther who just started kindergarten and my great niece Anne Marie daughter of my nephew Tony and his wife Teri, who has now started her senior year so good luck to her too. Wishing both of them and all the teachers and administrators I know a great school year! Also to my daughter Elizabeth who made some amazing sushi this week. Yum.

Can’t forget about my son Michael who is creating some delicious dishes at Shinka Ramen & Sake Bar and for the meetings and event venue in NYC’s Wyndham Garden Chinatown.

Tranquil spot on my morning walk.

Oh and this morning, I took a really nice long walk through the Biscayne Park neighborhood and stopped at one of my favorite tranquil spots. It was dreamy and so relaxing.

See you right here next Friday when I’ll tell you about a couple of interesting interviews I did this week for Camillus House and about what I’m sure is going to be an awesome dinner tomorrow night with our friends Michelle and Kevin.

Until then…have a great one!