What You Missed at the Hess SoBe Seafood Festival- Seafood & Sneaker Ball

If you know South Beach, you know there is always something going on or in the works and this weekend was no exception. On Friday, October 24th, the "Chef Showdown" was held at the Seafood & Sneakers Ball where restaurants were in competition under the GOYA pavilion on 9th and Ocean. Rain among us, we guests shared the opportunity of walking around and enjoying tastings from the old, the new and the ever-changing participating Miami restaurants and chefs. We also enjoyed cocktails from Bacardi and Hess Collection wines (which are not bad at all may I add).

Celebrity Chef and current owner of +Naked Taco, Ralph Pagano,was there and so were his lobster empanadas. Holy Goodness! There was so much seafood around yet I knew to make my way to the table of those who brought me duck chicharrones, lime, cilantro crema & spicy cucumber all in a taco shell, as they never dissapoint me. The new Siena Tavern Miami taking over the old China Grill spot and New York Times best selling author Chef Fabio Viviani were also there showing off what we can expect from their Italian #fromscratch menu. Red the Steakhouse, Florida Cookery, Oceanaire, Dolce Italian, City Hall, Café Avanti, CIBO, and Poseidon were some of the other restaurants also present.

Chef Viviani talks seafood with host and restauranteurRalph Pagano

Naked Taco Lobster Empanada gets all my chips

While Saturday's main event was the main attraction to the festival, my experience at the "Chef Showdown" at the Seafood and Sneaker ball was def cooler. Besides, not all events I get invited to I get to wear chucks.

More seafood journeys to come my friends! It's #StoneCrabSeason after all :)

Xoxo, 

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and seafood in chucks extraordinaire) 

Yoga and Our Community- Miami Beach

Yoga is a discipline of exercise that is not unfamiliar among Miami locals. With free yoga on Saturdays, many yoga instructors offering classes based on donation and The James Royal Palm  playing host for Wellness Days once a month, yogis can practically practice any day of the week in the 305. 

One of my favorite all inclusive yogi day is at The James. Instructor Noelle Bowman is who welcomes you to your Saturday early morning practice at The James. The music is upbeat and the view is nothing less than what you expect from Miami Beach. 

Breakfast is provided after your 45 minute practice by Florida Cookery, the hotel's locally-sources restaurant. Kale chips, fresh pressed juices and yogurt and fruit parfaits were offered. After they have you nice and content? They finish off with a 15 minute massage compliments of RENEW THE SPA.

The next couple of wellness days are listed below. RSVP to James@carmapr.com as space is limited.

Saturday, November 22nd
Saturday, December 13th
Saturday, December 20th

Can't wait until November 22nd? +Miami New Times shares where to get your yoga on for free or by donation only

Xoxo, 

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl (and your new yoga buddy) 

Summer in South Florida- My 2014 Photo Recap

Since moving to Florida and no matter what city I have lived in, I was always a Fort Lauderdale girl. When anybody mentioned their birthday or event would be in Miami, I remember always reconsidering how good of a friend they were if they were to have me drive "down south". I loved everything about Fort Lauderdale: From their not so original restaurants to the cool coffee shop not everybody knew about. Last year, I noticed my whole perceptive change. "Down south" was seeing me more than my original love.

This summer was my first summer official summer in Miami Beach. After working for a year as a social media manager and networking like crazy, I  quickly came to realize that Miami is nothing like my slow paced Fort Lauderdale and that every day "You're in Miami Bitch".

A look back at my #summer14. A mix between good friends, sweet events and food & cocktails of course.

Skipping out on MBFW and having laughs at +Freehand Miami 

Supporting Friend, Hostess and Poetess at Blend the Femme, Segovia Pagan 

July 9, 2014:  Malibu Island Spiced Summer Soiree at the +Mondrian South Beach Hotel with +Lauren Conrad

You're Welcome ;)

Lauren Conrad

Jilly Hendrix

Good eats with a side of trendy crafted cocktails:

Michael Mina 74 +Fontainebleau Miami Beach 

Octopus Ceviche at 15 Steps 

Gold rimmed smoked bourbon at 15 Steps

Fort Lauderdale catches up later in the summer with a new crafted cocktail bar, a new favorite salad and a restaurant that has become a regular:

Bar Stache, Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Smoked bourbon (because if you have it, I'm having it)

Magic Potions at Bar Stache

Crispy chunks of warm pork belly, cool crisp watermelon and feta tossed in a light vinaigrette and a hint of fresh mint from 13Even

S3 Sampler. Food is also some of the best in Fort Lauderdale!

A Perfect Day in Resorts World Bimini

The most relaxing vacation you will probably ever take is only 50 miles from the coast of South Florida. Resorts World Bimini, located on North Bimini, a 7 mile long and 700 ft. wide island is a place best known as a gambler's destination. With my fabulous one night stay, I'd say that statement is questionable.

When travelling to Bimini, most choose Bimini SuperFast , which departs from the Port of Miami at 9am and reaches Resorts World Bimini at 12:30pm. I on the other hand, was lucky enough to fly over on a sea plane. 

Bimini From Up Top

Half an hour and a couple of selfies later, I arrive at RWBimini and the feeling of relaxation takes over. 

We (I like to travel in good company) are picked up from front desk in a black SUV and taken to our 3 bedroom 2 bathroom oceanfront villa. I was immediately enamored.

I grabbed a Kalik from the fridge and went outside. I couldn't believe I just opened the door and there it was, the Atlantic Ocean.

My first stop after choosing the best room (french doors that open out towards the ocean? Yes please!), was to feed the insatiable hunger that I possess. I stopped by The Healing Hole, an al fresco restaurant on property located next to one of two marinas.  Big screens, cheerful servers and a yummy conch salad is what you can expect. There is an open BBQ grill that smelled amazing and has me regretting not having tried it. This restaurant is open daily until late and has several games you can play while you wait for your food like Dominoes and a ring toss (where a hook is mounted to the wall and the object is for you to hook a ring by tossing the ring towards it).

Fed, I moved on to yes, a little casino action... It is there after all!

Being hungry again after a nice win, I opted for dinner at Sabor, Resorts World Bimini’s signature restaurant. Helmed by Executive Chef Jimmy Sakatos, Sabor, offers Prime Aged Steak and fresh seafood in a gorgeous setting overlooking one of the property’s two pools and MegaYacht Marina.

...But not before watching the sunset.

Lamb Chops from Sabor

Beautiful Sunset Bimini

By the time I left Sabor I was ready for bed! Tomorrow was another day and my seaplane was running late due to weather. I woke up the next morning to a plate of fresh fruit and sweeping views of the Atlantic.

Though this was just a 2 day 1 night trip, the relaxing ambiance and cool island vibe made the short trip one of the most serene experiences on a vacation I have ever had. I can't wait to go back and check out their new hotel coming in the winter. 

Here's the scoop on that straight from RWB:

"Coming in the winter of 2014, Resorts World Bimini’s new 305-room marina hotel will offer luxury accommodations, water views and state-of-the-art conference meeting space. Stylish and sophisticated, the hotel seamlessly blends the island's beauty with its modern interiors. Floor-to-ceiling windows in common areas offer abundant natural light, while thoughtful touches such as sleek furnishings, LED lighting and marble bathrooms create serene tropical havens in guest rooms and villas. A rooftop-pool with sweeping ocean views and in-water VIP tables will add to the hotel's elegant allure, along with a fitness center and full-service spa."

Now that you've read about my trip, how about you take a trip of your own? Have a passport? Perfect! Follow @rwbimini on instagram and repost the picture below for your chance to win a day trip for 2 to Resorts World Bimini aboard the SuperFast. The winner will be selected in a RANDOM drawing from all eligible entries on Monday, September 8th. Good luck!

Xoxo, 

Jomary Jimenez

Social Media Girl