Kuba Cabana, a lively new dining concept where “Old World Cuba Meets Modern Miami” located in the vibrant CityPlace Doral, is hosting “Cocktails & Cabaret,” an exhilarating evening of live entertainment and burlesque dancers on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m. Emceeing the show will be Miss Universo Latina, Noel Leon. The event is open to guests aged 21 and older. During the cocktail hour, guests will enjoy an open bar with passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as entertainment by Jonathan Cahm, whose band will cover a variety of Latin music. If guests arrive late to the cocktail hour, there will be no refunds or extensions. Then, guests will indulge in a three-course prix fixe menu while viewing the main show. Comprised of three acts ― Opening/Gatsby, Disco, and Carnivale ― the show will feature acclaimed neo-burlesque Artist Pamela Paz. Between the Disco and Carnivale acts, there will be an intermission. During the main show, additional drinks will be available upon consumption, with bottle service options. Those guests who make same-day reservations or are walk-ins will be seated on Kuba Cabana’s terrace, which does not offer direct visibility of the show. These guests will enjoy the same prix fixe menu for a discounted price, due to the limited visibility. There will be no refunds for this event. The menu will be pre-selected as-is. No changes or requests will be accepted on the day of the show. The prix fixe menu will only be available on the day of the show. An energetic, culinary experience-based venue serving modern Latin-inspired cuisine, Kuba Cabana features unmistakable Cuban and Caribbean flair. This dining concept stems from the beautiful traditions of Latin and Caribbean music, cuisine and culture. Stunning, vibrant décor ranges from neon signs and tropical foliage to walls donned with Cuban-inspired art from local artists. Kuba Cabana boasts 8,900-square-feet of dining and patio seating. Kuba Cabana is in compliance with the best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health care officials, in an effort to serve as a place where guests feel comfortable venturing back into public and reconnecting with friends and family. All guests and employees are required to wear a facial covering, maintain the social distance of six feet between visitors and wash their hands in accordance with the CDC guidelines. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite only at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cocktails-cabaret-at-kuba-cabana-miami-tickets-129339318383. For more information about Kuba Cabana’s “Cocktails & Cabaret” show, call the Kuba Cabana event coordinator at 305.850.2425 or email jmontandon@umghosp.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash

Bringing their longtime experience in the international culinary world and Miami dining scene, celebrated Miami Chefs Jorge Mas and Pedro E. Sarracino have joined Kuba Cabana’s culinary department. In this energetic, new dining concept where “Old World Cuba Meets Modern Miami,” Corporate Chef Mas and Executive Chef Sarracino have curated a brand-new, Latin-inspired menu for guests to enjoy. Located at the popular leisure destination CityPlace Doral in Doral, Florida, Kuba Cabana is a lively, new dining concept which stems from the beautiful traditions of Latin and Caribbean music, cuisine and culture. Kuba Cabana features unmistakable Cuban and Caribbean flair with stunning, vibrant décor from neon signs and tropical foliage, to walls donned with Cuban-inspired art from local artists. “We are thrilled to have Corporate Chef Mas and Executive Chef Sarracino on the Kuba Cabana team, creating delicious dishes representing the best of Cuba and the Caribbean,” said Kuba Cabana Founder Dieuveny “DJ” Jean Louis of UMG Hospitality Group. “Our eclectic cuisine is a huge part of what makes Kuba Cabana an inviting, Latin-inspired venue where ‘Old World Cuba Meets Modern Miami’.” Corporate Chef Mas’ love for the culinary field began while watching his grandmother cook at her home in San Juan de los Yeras, in Villa Clara, Cuba. He began his career at the restaurant El Palenque in Havana City, and soon after enrolled in the Sergio Perez Culinary School. Later, Chef Mas moved to the Cayman Islands, where he worked at the Sunshine Grill, Trip Advisor’s No. 1-rated restaurant in the Cayman Islands. In 2013, he moved to Miami, where he would work at Bread and Butter in Coral Gables; then Barceloneta, a Spanish restaurant in South Beach. In 2015, he began working at NIU Kitchen in downtown Miami. Four years later, he became executive chef at the upscale restaurant Sala’o Cuban Bar and Pescaderia in Miami’s famous neighborhood of Little Havana. Today, in addition to serving as corporate chef at Kuba Cabana, Chef Mas is also founder of the private chef/catering companies “Food4Soul” and “Dolce Cartel.” Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Executive Chef Sarracino always loved to cook and experiment in his home kitchen. At the age of 20, he emigrated to the U.S., and later attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Miami, from where he graduated in 2007. Chef Sarracino has trained under famous chefs such as Norman Van Aken, Tim Andriola, Jamie DeRosa, and Giorgio Rapicavoli. He has worked as a chef at popular Miami restaurants including Bulla Gastrobar, Estefan Kitchen, INTI.MO by Juan Chipoco, and Yuca 105. Incorporating the delicious flavors of Cuba and the Caribbean to South Florida, Chefs Mas and Sarracino have curated Kuba Cabana’s new menu, which brings the venue to the next level. The menu boasts delectable favorites including: · Kuviche – Fish ceviche, ají cachucha, leche de tigre, red onion, cilantro · Tuna Tartare – Papaya, fermented adobo, burnt avocado, blue corn chips · Swordfish Carpaccio – Lemon vinaigrette, Florida oranges, fried capers, leek oil · Yuca Lote – Fried yuca ‘’Mexican Elote style,’’ mojo crema, cotija cheese, chili-lime · Not Your Caesar – Charred iceberg lettuce, smoked roe dressing, rye-crumbs, chives · Burrata y Papaya – Heirloom tomatoes, burnt papaya, pesto and balsamic glaze · Short Rib – Asado negro style, boniato puree, apple gremolata · Pollo Barbacoa – Guava smoked half chicken, spiced guava jus, herbs · Chuleta Ahumada – House cured pork chop, tropical sweet & sour sauce, chives · Pesca’o Frito – Whole-fried snapper, charred yellow peppers, lemon · Arroz de Mar – Corvina, octopus, squid, shrimp Delicious dessert dishes that the chefs have created include: · Chocoland – Nutella mousse, chocolate cookies, dark chocolate and guajillo dust · Churitos de Yuca – Sweet yuca fritters, chocolate, dulce de leche & cinnamon Sunday's spirited brunch takes place weekly from 1–4 p.m. and features Kuba Cabana’s regular menu, as well as brunch dishes such as, Boniato Bravo – crispy Cuban sweet potato, garlic aioli, house spicy sauce, chives; Lechón Hash – roasted pork, onions, crispy potatoes, soft cooked egg, mojo emulsion; Calentado – skirt steak, congris, maduro, fried eggs; Huevos Rotos – jamón serrano, sunny side eggs, sriracha mayo, french fries; and Kuba Cabana’s famous Waffles – fresh mango-pineapple sauce, chantilly. Guests may add unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys for $25. Kuba Cabana features a diverse drink menu offering mojitos, tropical drinks, original cocktails, beers, wines, and more. Kuba Cabana’s happy hour is available Monday–Friday from 4–6 p.m., and includes select beers for $4; select wines for $6; and margaritas, piña coladas, daiquiris and select cocktails for $6. Toast™ Vodka and Miami Club Rum cocktails are also served. For more information, please visit https://kubamiami.com/ By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Kuba Cabana

Swire Properties Inc, one of South Florida’s leading international developers of urban real estate, will continue its long-standing commitment to the community and sustainable development with the launch of Home Grown this November – a multi-dimensional platform created to showcase the developer’s present and future facing commitments for the community. Through Home Grown, Swire Properties will create meaningful partnerships, charitable contributions with unique activations and experiences to expand its philanthropic scope throughout South Florida. Home Grown also supports the company’s ambitious Sustainable Development 2030 (SD2030) commitment to be a leader in sustainable development by 2030. “Swire has been a longtime patron of sustainable and conscious living, and we are always looking for new ways to make a positive impact locally,” said Kieran Bowers, President of Swire Properties Inc, the developer behind Brickell Key and Brickell City Centre. “Our vision for Home Grown is to utilize this new platform to unify and inspire our community members to help underserved neighborhoods, the homeless and youth who all need a vital support system. By creating these ongoing sustainable campaigns and efforts for residents to partake, we are naturally creating a more responsible future for the next generation.” To reinforce Swire’s commitment to sustainable development, the Hong-Kong-based company developed its SD 2030 vision to identify the full spectrum of its environmental, social and economic impacts. The initiative identifies opportunities for the company to decrease current and future energy consumption in its developments through long-term, community-focused projects, implementing design and architecture features that reduce energy use, and more. In recognition of Swire’s sustainable development work, in 2017 it was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. With Home Grown, Swire Properties will launch the following three programs with local partners in 2020: Home Grown at The Village: In partnership with The Lotus House, Swire Properties will support The Working Classroom Kitchen Culinary Program by providing kitchen training and meals with star-studded chefs for the residents of the Lotus House Village. To launch the activation, Chef Marcello Florio from Casa Tua will host a cooking class and dinner on November 17, 2020 for the women and children in the local shelter in celebration of Thanksgiving. The next series will take place on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2021) and Summer 2021. Holiday Tech Drive: From November 18 – December 20, Swire Properties will partner with Overtown Youth Center (OYC) to ensure that students have access to digital devices, and robust internet connectivity. Entitled, the “Gift a Connection” initiative, which supports youth and families facing significant challenges during this novel Covid19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and beyond, the program ensures that students have access to robust internet connectivity. Swire Properties’ and its community members’ financial donations (https://overtownyouth.org/donate/) will support families in need with one (1) year fully paid internet/ Wi-Fi service, which will help in closing the digital divide in the neighborhood. OYC provides comprehensive services to at-risk-youth from kindergarten to 25-years-olds and their families, all of whom live in some of the most underserved neighborhoods in South Florida. Christmas Tree Recycling Lot: Swire Properties will partner with the Miami Dade-County and Solid Waste Management to collect and recycle used Christmas trees from the residents of Brickell at Brickell City Centre’s North Square (6th Street between 1st Ave. and South Miami, across from Luna Park). The goal of this initiative is to encourage the Brickell community to recycle their real trees, as they are biodegradable to transform the materials to ready to use mulch, compost and woodchips from the trees. Swire will look to utilize the community donated recyclable materials for a future placemaking project with local partner organizations that deliver value and use back to the Brickell Community. Additionally, as a long-term commitment to the community, Swire recently announced an additional contribution of $500,000 to fund The Underline over the next five years. The Underline is the proposed 10-mile linear park that aims to transform the underutilized land below Miami’s Metrorail. Similar to the concept of New York City’s High Line, The Underline will focus on transforming the space around Miami’s urban infrastructure and is set to be one of the city’s most ambitious projects. In May 2016, Swire Properties donated $600,000 to the urban trail. Swire Properties is committed to transforming places they develop, while retaining their character to support communities and enhance people’s lives. Courtesy of Swire Properties. For more information on Swire Properties, please visit Swire Properties Inc on LinkedIn and/or @swirepropertiesusa on Instagram.

Conservation-led luxury travel company &Beyond has launched two exclusive private jet journeys, beginning in Florida, USA and travelling to the Galapagos and South Africa respectively. The two itineraries, Galapagos Islands by Private Jet and Yacht and South Africa by Private Jet, are designed to offer the confidence and luxury of travelling by the most exclusive and private means possible with a small group of fellow travellers. Both itineraries depart from Sarasota, Florida, where travellers are tested for COVID-19 prior to departure. The groups will then enjoy private travel throughout, including return international flights between the USA and their respective destinations, as well as VIP access to activities and accommodation. Both itineraries are designed specifically for guests looking for travel that makes a difference and include a contribution towards the communities, land and wildlife of the places that they visit, as well as carbon offsets. The trips are ideal for those wanting to travel with close friends and family or looking to join a small group of like-minded travellers while still enjoying exclusivity and safety. Featuring the ultimate in private travel, the 10-day Galapagos Islands by Private Jet and Yacht offers an exclusive opportunity to explore the extraordinary fauna and flora of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, made famous by Charles Darwin. The trip caters for a maximum of just 12 guests, who arrive from the USA into Guayaquil on the Crystal Luxury Air, operated by Corporate Flight Management. The private jet stops briefly to clear customs and then travels on to the Galapagos. The group is then based aboard the private and luxurious Infinity Yacht, which features spacious cabins with their own balconies and al fresco dining. Limiting the number of passengers to 12, rather than its usual 20, allows for a greater sense of space and luxury, as well as the increased ability for physical distancing. Travellers enjoy the opportunity to explore a variety of the islands in the archipelago, discovering ethereal landscapes interspersed with rugged vegetation and inhabited by intriguing species such as marine iguanas, sea lions, giant tortoises and an exceptional array of birds. A private lecture from one of the key experts at the Charles Darwin Research Centre provides exceptional detail about the Galapagos, while Ecuadorian cooking classes are available for those looking to immerse themselves in the flavours of the region. Access to additional activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and paddle boarding provide the opportunity to explore the Galapagos both beneath the waves and above. A seat on this itinerary costs USD 49 800 per person, with two staterooms available at an additional supplement for those looking for even more space. No single supplement applies to single travellers. The closest planned travel date is 07 to 16 March 2021, however, alternative travel dates and exclusive departures can be arranged on request. The South Africa by Private Jet itinerary offers a quintessential safari experience in two of the country’s best loved Big Five game reserves, the Kruger National Park and &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Catering for between 40 and 66 guests, the itinerary splits up the group on arrival in South Africa to ensure the exclusivity of the experience. International air travel is in the Crystal Skye aircraft, operated by Comlux Aruba NV, which features fully-reclining flatbed seats, a stand-up bar and social lounge, as well as a team of butlers and an executive chef. On arrival, travellers will be treated to a variety of game drives in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, as well as the opportunity to search for rhino and cheetah at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. The entire journey is guided by skilled safari guides, wildlife photography experts and food and wine aficionados. Travellers also experience the opportunity to get hands-on with wildlife conservation with either a rhino notching or dehorning experience or a pangolin conservation activity led by experts on the frontline of the war against poaching. A seat on this itinerary will cost USD 51,000 per person and the closest available travel date is 15 to 26 February. Another departure date in the second half of 2021 is currently being planned. To find out more, log on to www.andbeyond.com or speak to your preferred travel expert.

Faena Art announces a new commission and program for Miami Art Week 2020. The monumental site-specific installation entitled ‘Dreaming with Lions’ by Cuban artist Alexandre Arrechea will be located on Miami Beach to open Sunday, 29 November to Sunday, 6 December 2020. A drawing of ‘Dreaming with Lions’, a monumental site-specific installation by Alexandre Arrechea for Faena Art For Miami Art Week 2020, Faena Art aims to inspire hope and reinforce its commitment to shaping Miami’s cultural landscape through art. The public spaces within the Faena District will allow for a safe environment to view and interact with the artworks, bringing together the local community. ‘Dreaming with Lions’ is the product of a year-long reflection by Arrechea inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s seminal literary work, The Old Man and the Sea. Erected directly on the beach in front of Faena Hotel, ‘Dreaming with Lions’ is an existential work, while also serving as a living monument to the sheer force of the human spirit. The artwork in itself tries to reconstruct the symbols: hope, faith and strength of the human spirit that in the face of the moral challenges we are confronted with today, still prevail. Constructing a 62’ diameter rotunda resembling an enormous, forum-style library, Arrechea incorporates beach towels, illustrated with phrases “Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is,” and “But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated,” taken directly from Hemingway’s text. Aptly, this new commission embodies our ability to withstand relentless and enormous challenges and persist, even in the face of defeat. Relying on the architectural potential of a forum-style structure to reinforce these ideological messages, the installation is a continuation of Arrechea’s investigation of public spaces and their philosophical legacy as interpretative centers of power, hierarchy and social progress. “It’s important for me to integrate the spirit and energy of the city by identifying an object that forms part of its real cultural identity,” Arrechea says. “In a time where culture is trivialized and our symbols as we know them are being devalued, we require a gesture of greater faith, “Dreaming with Lions” proposes action and reflection. That we reflect upon coherence and respect of oneself and others, and that we continue to invent ways to confront our destiny while maintaining integrity and grandeur.” Since 2004 in Buenos Aires and 2012 in Miami, Faena Art has been consistently dedicated to showcasing artwork inspired by and for those communities. The significance of this year’s commission, particularly in a moment where outdoor public art is critical to inspire audiences while maintaining a safe social distance, will preserve Faena Art’s cultural agenda, honor the continued contributions of Miami’s thriving cultural community, and celebrate the impact art makes year-round on the city. “Despite the absence of Art Basel Miami Beach, these perilous times call for art and culture to unite the community in conversations that transform ideas into positive action,” says Alan Faena. “We take our position to support the cultural pulse of the city very seriously and are pleased to be able to unite our communities by commissioning such a hopeful and inspiring artwork that speaks about human resilience, from an important Miami-based artist.” Faena Art unveils Arrechea’s ‘Dreaming with Lions’ as the Faena Miami Beach hotel reopens to the public from November 29, 2020. This year’s program for Faena Art at Miami Art Week 2020 is being generously supported by Alfa Romeo and Perrier. MORE ON Alexandre Arrechea Alexandre Arrechea (b. 1970, Trinidad, Cuba) is a Cuban artist whose work involves concepts of power and its network of hierarchies, surveillance, control, prohibitions, and subjection. For twelve years he was a member of the art collective Los Carpinteros, until he left the group in July 2003 to continue his career as a solo artist. He graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) in Havana in 1994. Arrechea’s work is remarkable in its interdisciplinary and inclusive nature, often creating pieces such as large installation works in museums or commissions for public spaces that invite the viewer to participate and physically engage with the works. The interdisciplinary quality of Arrechea’s work reveals a profound interest in the exploration of both public and domestic spaces. This quest has led him to produce 10 monumental sculptures of iconic New York buildings to emerge along the Park Avenue Malls (2013) and most recently a four building-like forms reposing within massive canary- yellow chairs, installed at the Coachella Valley (2016). By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Faena Art

'Tis the season for joyous celebrations! Ring in the holiday season at the fourth annual ‘Light Up The Night’ event at CityPlace Doral on Saturday, Nov. 21, starting at 8 p.m. The evening will kick off CityPlace Doral’s holiday festivities, which will include multi-colored LED lighting decked on the center’s Christmas tree and palm trees lining the outdoor shops, as well as a colorful waterfall display choreographed to everyday favorites and holiday classics. In addition to the twinkling lighting and aquatic experience, guests will be joined by City of Doral’s very-own Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez and treated to live entertainment by Latin singer and DJ Dayana Falcon. She will be accompanied by her seven-piece band, Pulse Band, at the CityPlace Doral Fountain Plaza for an evening filled with vibrant musical performances. “We are excited to create a magical atmosphere and offer engaging community activities,” says Alex Schreer, Director of Experiential Marketing at Madison Marquette, which represents CityPlace Doral. “We have a wonderfully planned evening with family-friendly festivities that will truly capture the fun and merriment of the holiday season.” ‘Light Up The Night’ on Nov. 21 is free and open to CityPlace Doral guests. The holiday lights will be on display until Dec. 31. CityPlace Doral has implemented a number of important policies and procedures to safeguard the health and well-being of its valued guests and employees. The open-air entertainment destination has taken into account the best practices recommended by national experts like the CDC, as well as state and local health care officials, to determine the appropriate steps to make CityPlace Doral a place where guests feel comfortable venturing back into public and reconnecting with friends and family. When: Saturday, 11/21, 8-11 p.m. Where: CityPlace Doral 8300 NW 36th Street Doral, FL 33166 About CityPlace Doral: CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palettes and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of CityPlace Doral

The Sirtfood diet has been in the news again this week after singer Adele showed off her slimmed-down figure on US comedy show Saturday Night Live. Adele has previously credited her significant weight loss to the Sirtfood diet. Following her appearance on SNL, there was a spike in people searching the diet on Google. But what exactly is the Sirtfood diet, and does it work? Adele on Instagram What’s the premise? Two nutritionists in the United Kingdom launched the Sirtfood diet in 2016. The premise is that a group of proteins called sirtuins, which are involved in regulation of metabolism, inflammation and ageing, can be accelerated by eating specific foods rich in a class of phytonutrients called polyphenols. Phytonutrients are chemical compounds plants produce to help them grow well or defend themselves. Research is continuing to shed light on their potential benefits for human health. The idea is that eating foods rich in polyphenols, referred to as “Sirtfoods”, will increase the body’s ability to burn fat, boosting metabolism and leading to dramatic weight loss. Common Sirtfoods include, apples, soybean, kale, blueberries, strawberries, dark chocolate (85% cocoa), red wine, matcha green tea, onions and olive oil. The Sirtfood diet gets some of its fame because red wine and chocolate are on the list. Two phases The diet involves two phases over three weeks. During the first three days, total energy intake is restricted to 4,200 kilojoules per day (or 1,000 Calories). To achieve this, you drink three sirtfood green juice drinks that include kale, celery, rocket, parsley, matcha green tea and lemon juice. You also eat one “Sirtfood” meal, such as a chicken and kale curry. On days four to seven, you have 2-3 green juices and one or two meals up to a total energy intake of 6,300 kJ/day (1,500kcal). During the next two weeks — phase two — total energy intake should be in the range of 6,300-7,500 kJ/day (1,500-1,800 kcal) with three meals, one green juice, and one or two Sirtfood snacks. There’s a diet book available for purchase which gives you the recipes. After three weeks, the recommendation is to eat a “balanced diet” rich in Sirtfoods, along with regular green juices. People clink glasses of red wine. Red wine is a ‘Sirtfood’. But it should still be enjoyed in moderation. Kelsey Knight/Unsplash Positives The idea of losing a lot of weight in just three weeks will appeal to many people. The eating plan encourages a range of polyphenol-rich foods that are also good sources of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, and would be recommended in a range of diets designed to assist with weight management, or as part of a healthy, balanced eating plan. A weight loss diet will be effective if it achieves sustained total daily energy restriction. So the biggest benefit of the Sirtfood diet is the daily energy restriction — you are likely to lose weight if you stick to it. Also, the exclusion of energy-dense, ultra-processed “junk” foods will help lower the risk for chronic disease. But there are drawbacks to consider too. Negatives It would be wise to watch the portion size for some of the foods listed, such as red wine and chocolate. Like most restrictive diets, phase one may be challenging and is not recommended for people with underlying health conditions without the supervision of a health professional. The rapid weight loss in the first phase will reflect a loss of water and glycogen, the stored form of energy in muscles and the liver, rather than being all body fat. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones and amenorrhoea (missing menstrual periods). The food list includes specific products that may be hard to locate in Australia, such as lovage, a European leafy green plant whose leaves can used used as a herb, roots as a vegetable and seeds as a spice. Some other items on the list can be expensive. The Sirtfood diet can result in rapid weight loss, but that’s not always a good thing. Shutterstock Sirt science Most research has looked at the sirtuin-mediated effects of energy restriction in worms, mice or specific body tissues. No studies have tested the effect of diets that vary polyphenol content on the action of sirtuins in mediating weight loss. A search on PubMed, the scientific database of research studies, didn’t locate any human trials of the Sirtfood diet. So the short answer about whether the Sirtfood diet works or not is we don’t know. The authors’ claims about effectiveness are based on anecdotal information from their own research and from personal testimonials, such as the one from Adele. Read more What is a balanced diet anyway? Considering the hype surrounding the Sirtfood diet against a checklist on spotting a fad diet sounds alarm bells. For example: does it promote or ban specific foods? does it promote a one-size-fits-all approach? does it promise quick, dramatic results? does it focus only on short-term results? does it make claims based on personal testimonials? Looking at the Sirtfood diet, the answers to most of these questions seem to be “yes”, or at least a partial yes. The best diet for weight loss is one that meets your nutrient requirements, promotes health and well-being, and that you can stick with long-term. By Clare Collins - Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle. Lee Ashton - Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Newcastle. Rebecca Williams - Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Newcastle

The delegates in Philadelphia agreed, in the summer of 1787, that the new country they were creating would not have a king but rather an elected executive. But they did not agree on how to choose that president. Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson called the problem of picking a president “in truth, one of the most difficult of all we have to decide.” Other delegates, when they later recounted the group’s effort, said “this very subject embarrassed them more than any other – that various systems were proposed, discussed, and rejected.” They were at risk of concluding their meetings without finding a way to pick a leader. In fact, this was the very last thing written into the final draft. Had no agreement been reached, the delegates would not have approved the Constitution. I am a civics educator who has also run Purdue University’s Constitution Day celebration for 15 years, and one lesson I always return to is the degree to which the founders had to compromise in order to ensure ratification. Selecting the president was one of those compromises. Three approaches were debated during the Constitutional Convention: election by Congress, selection by state legislatures and a popular election – though the right to vote was generally restricted to white, landowning men. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention had to invent an entire new form of government. Howard Chandler Christy/Architect of the Capitol Should Congress pick the president? Some delegates at the Constitutional Convention thought that letting Congress pick the president would provide a buffer from what Thomas Jefferson referred to as the “well-meaning, but uninformed people” who, in a nation the size of the United States, “could have no knowledge of eminent characters and qualifications and the actual selection decision.” Others were concerned that this approach threatened the separation of powers created in the first three articles of the Constitution: Congress might choose a weak executive to prevent the president from wielding veto power, reducing the effectiveness of one of the system’s checks and balances. In addition, the president might feel indebted to Congress and yield some power back to the legislative branch. Virginia delegate James Madison was concerned that giving Congress the power to select the president “would render it the executor as well as the maker of laws; and then … tyrannical laws may be made that they may be executed in a tyrannical manner.” That view persuaded his fellow Virginian George Mason to reverse his previous support for congressional election of the president and to then conclude that he saw “making the Executive the mere creature of the Legislature as a violation of the fundamental principle of good Government.” These 11 men agreed on a compromise that created the Electoral College. The Conversation, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-ND Letting state lawmakers choose Some delegates thought getting states directly involved in picking the leader of the national government was a good approach for the new federal system. But others, including Alexander Hamilton, worried that states would select a weak executive, to increase their own power. Hamilton also observed that legislators are often slower to move than top leaders might be expected to: “In the legislature, promptitude of decision is oftener an evil than a benefit.” It’s not as pithy as the musical, perhaps, but the point is clear: Don’t trust the state legislatures. Power to the people? The final approach debated was that of popular election. Some delegates, like New York delegate Gouverneur Morris, viewed the president as the “guardian of the people,” whom the public should elect directly. The Southern states objected, arguing that they would be disadvantaged in a popular election in proportion to their actual populations because of the large numbers of enslaved people in those states who could not vote. This was eventually resolved – in one of those many compromises – by counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a free person for the purposes of representation. George Mason, a delegate from Virginia, shared Jefferson’s skepticism about regular Americans, saying it would be “unnatural to refer the choice of a proper character for chief Magistrate to the people, as it would, to refer a trial of colours to a blind man. The extent of the Country renders it impossible that the people can have the requisite capacity to judge of the respective pretensions of the Candidates.” 11 left to make the decision The delegates appointed a committee of 11 members – one from each state at the Constitutional Convention – to solve this and other knotty problems, which they called the “Grand Committee on Postponed Questions,” and charged with resolving “unfinished business, including how to elect the President.” The Journal of the Federal Convention records the formal proposal to create the Electoral College. U.S. National Archives At the beginning, six of the 11 members preferred national popular elections. But they realized they could not get the Constitution ratified with that provision: The Southern states simply would not agree to it. Between Aug. 31 and Sept. 4, 1787, the committee wrestled with producing an acceptable compromise. The committee’s third report to the Convention proposed the adoption of a system of electors, through which both the people and the states would help choose the president. It’s not clear which delegate came up with the idea, which was a partly national and partly federal solution, and which mirrored other structures in the Constitution. Popularity and protection Hamilton and the other founders were reassured that with this compromise system, neither public ignorance nor outside influence would affect the choice of a nation’s leader. They believed that the electors would ensure that only a qualified person became president. And they thought the Electoral College would serve as a check on a public who might be easily misled, especially by foreign governments. But the original system – in which the winner of the Electoral College would become president and the runner-up became vice president – fell apart almost immediately. By the election of 1800, political parties had arisen. Because electoral votes for president and vice president were not listed on separate ballots, Democratic-Republican running mates Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in the Electoral College, sending the contest to the House of Representatives. The House ultimately chose Jefferson as the third president, leaving Burr as vice president – not John Adams, who had led the opposing Federalist party ticket. The problem was resolved in 1804 when the 12th Amendment was ratified, allowing the electors to cast separate ballots for president and vice president. It has been that way ever since. By Phillip J VanFossen | J.F. Ackerman Professor of Social Studies Education; Director, Ackerman Center; Associate Director, Purdue Center for Economic Education, Purdue University. Special thanks to The Conversation for this story and images. You can support the independent network which provides news by donating today.

The Shelborne South Beach is partnering with Wynwood’s Museum of Graffiti to bring the show, Gustavo Oviedo: Symbiosis, to the beachfront hotel during Miami Art Week. Over the past 15 years, Oviedo has developed a highly personal, self-taught style of art that explores the relationship between the bustle of Miami’s vibrant metropolitan streets and the tranquility of the Biscayne Bay. His thought-provoking exhibit will be displayed throughout the common areas of the hotel’s iconic Art Deco lobby, with pieces for sale starting at $1,000. The exhibit is free and open to the public and will run through the end of December. A highlight of the partnership will include an art talk, viewing of a video installation on a big screen in the hotel's Oasis Garden and book signing on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Due to current regulations and limited availability, guests are encouraged to reserve tickets for the Dec. 2nd event in advance online on Eventbrite. Gustavo Oviedo, now 39, was born in Paris but was raised in France, Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico before finally relocating to Miami. In Miami, painting graffiti was a means to learn the city, connect with other teenagers and was a common language that helped him adapt to a new, foreign culture. With Miami’s art scene booming and adulthood calling, Oviedo broke away from the clandestine world of graffiti and decided to explore a part of Miami that didn’t include abandoned buildings and construction sites—the Biscayne Bay. Symbiosis includes large paintings of loose sea-like forms, mixed media collages, and visual representations of otherworldliness devoid of human language or graffiti letters. His palette is as colorful as the brightest coral reefs dipped in fluorescent pigments. His ocean discoveries of shipwrecks, corals, and found pieces of pollution give power to his creative output and to a body of work that is rooted in marine life and the impact of the streets of Miami he once painted. Oviedo’s work conveys the beauty of our waters but screams out that he is not naïve to the recurring problem of mankind’s disrespect for this natural resource. According to Oviedo, “By highlighting the beauty and mystique of South Florida’s waters, this exhibit is an opportunity to use my artwork to call attention to a serious issue—the health and preservation of the Biscayne Bay.” - Photo Credit: Museum of Graffiti Gustavo Oviedo: Symbiosis will be on display with curated programming. Including an artist talk, a book signing and video installation. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Gustavo Oviedo

Nikki Simkins, CEO & Chairwoman, is thrilled to announce the official launch of E11EVEN Vodka. E11EVENVodka represents the "Miami Spirit," a celebration of unsurpassed excellence that provokes a sense of pure curiosity and guiltless infatuation. Infused with an undeniably captivating personality of its own, the noticeably pure and well-balanced Vodka is now available for purchase online for nationwide shipping and at retail stores & on menus at establishments across South Florida. The E11EVEN brand is a lifestyle. Created as a 24/7 Ultraclub in downtown Miami in 2014, people flocked to the unique nightlife experience, making it one of the world's most recognized clubs. E11EVEN Miamiaccolades being awarded "Best New Nightclub Concept," perennially voted among the top 10 nightclubs worldwide, and becoming the highest-grossing nightclub per square foot globally. People trust E11EVEN to do things better. It was because of this that Nikki Simkins, through a company in which she controls, licensed the intellectual property of the iconic E11EVEN brand to create her own Vodka. "Being born, raised, and still living in Miami, I have loved seeing what E11EVEN has done for the city,"said Nikki Simkins, CEO & Chairwoman of E11EVEN Vodka."When I set out to create an Ultra-Premium Vodka, I knew that the energy, spirit & vibe of the E11EVEN lifestyle was one that would translate flawlessly into a bottle. Made in Miami and born to be the life of the party, I am so excited to introduce E11EVEN Vodka to the world." Measured against the highest quality and taste standards, E11EVEN Vodka is an all-natural and gluten-free ultra-premium spirit sourced, distilled, and bottled entirely in Miami. Handcrafted in copper stills, distilled six times from 100% Florida grown NON-GMO corn and then refined through a proprietary seven-step filtration process, E11EVEN Vodka exudes a rounded sweetness that is clean and smooth. Subtle notes of citrus peels and cacao nibs flawlessly blend to create a divine flavor that's delicately teased with hints of vanilla and cracked peppercorns. The proprietary hand filtration process softens the palate, leaving a graceful finish that is long, warm, and seductive. The sleek bottle design expresses an exotic yet elegant demeanor that offers an exciting, unparalleled Vodka experience. An eye-catching Miami-blue neck sleeve wraps the translucent frosted glass bottle that is tastefully accentuated by an iridescent silver label. With its sexy allure and refined design, E11EVEN Vodka stands out amongst all others occupying shelves and back bars. Already available at E11EVEN MIAMI, celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kendall Jenner, Travis Scott, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Rob Gronkowski, Dwyane Wade, and Gigi & Bella Hadid, have been spotted drinking E11EVEN Vodka. E11EVEN Vodka can also be found on the menus at South Florida establishments, including Nobu, Milos, Casa Tua, Novikov, Kiki on the River, and Red Rooster, among others. E11EVEN Vodka (80 proof / 40% ABV) is now available online for nationwide shipping at 11vodka.com and at South Florida retail stores such as Jenny's Liquor, Primo Liquors, Gulf Liquors, Crown Wine & Spirits, Grove Liquors, and Portofino Wine Bank, among others. The suggested MSRP for the 1L bottle is $29.99. For a location near you, please visit www.11vodka.com. Follow E11EVEN Vodka on Instagram @11Vodka By ML Staff. Images courtesy of E11EVEN Vodka

While it’s no secret that Napa Valley has faced some challenges this year, the region is open to visitors and the spirit is stronger than ever. The Glass Fire that broke out in September is now 100 percent contained and most of Napa County’s 45,000 acres of vine were not impacted. For those wondering how to help, the best way to support the community and its members is to visit. And the timing couldn’t be better. As harvest closes out this month, travelers will be welcomed with the start of Cabernet Season – the best time to visit for those in the know. From November through April, summer heat is replaced with perfectly mild temperatures - think warm days, cool nights, and blue skies. The pace slows down and foliage is at eye level as the vines become dormant along Silverado Trail. (Leaf peeping is not just on the east coast!) Brilliant yellow wild mustard flowers are scattered through the vineyards and along country lanes. During this time of year, visitors can more easily nab reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants. Greater access to wineries is another bonus with more opportunities to meet winemakers and receive impromptu glimpses behind the scenes. What’s New in Wine (and Spirit) Tastings These tastings are shaking up the scene in Napa Valley, with freshly designed spaces and new experiences with an emphasis on privacy. Napa Valley Distillery, the first distillery to open its doors in the city of Napa since prohibition, opened a new speakeasy tasting salon dubbed the "Hollywood Room" with cocktails crafted from spirits made just a few feet away. The art deco-designed space is punctuated with tiki bar-like decor.  Animal lovers will gravitate towards Oasis by Hoopes, where wines are accompanied by an animal sanctuary and regenerative farm. The outdoor space, which opened in October 2020, is dotted with airstreams, lounge areas made with recycled materials, a farm stand (with produce for purchase), as well as rescued chickens, pigs, and goats. Faust's new tasting room, housed in a Victorian home originally built in 1878, opened in September 2020 following a four-year renovation. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from organically farmed estates, the new space still features the original cellar from pre-prohibition era. And for travelers prioritizing privacy, Charles Krug, the oldest wine estate in Napa, opened five new private WIFI-enabled outdoor tasting cabanas on the winery's picnic grounds and Trefethen is now offering a nightly after-hours experience permitting only one booking per evening - meaning guests have the whole estate to themselves. Space to watch: Yountville's Baldacci Family Vineyards will open a new hospitality center in March 2021, featuring new private tasting rooms, a wine bar, and an outdoor patio overlooking wine country vistas. Neighborhoods to Watch Calistoga Calistoga, the northern most town in Napa Valley – famed as a wine-meets-spa destination thanks to its geothermal waters – is in the limelight thanks to a crop of new hotels and multi-million-dollar resort renovations. Four Seasons Resort & Residences will open this winter with 85-rooms and an on-site vineyard and tasting room – a rarity in Napa Valley.  As a nod to Calistoga’s wellness roots, the property will offer an eight-room spa with steam pods in which hammocks will be suspended above geo-thermal pools for guests to absorb the heated vapor.  Coming soon, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, originally built in 1952, will unveil a large-scale renovation. Considered one of the first resorts in Calistoga and known for its mud bath treatments, the property’s new look will include a Southwestern-inspired restaurant, House of Better. This December, Solage, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, will unveil a $30 million-dollar renovation overseen by architect Howard Backen - considered the creator of "Napa Valley Style" - and Los Angeles-based interior design agency Studio Collective. In addition to 11 new accommodations, Solbar - their signature restaurant - will double the size of the patio for outdoor dining and the new PicoBar, with light bites and cocktails, will sit next to an enlarged pool deck with contemporary loungers and cabanas. Downtown Napa Spanning three buzzy blocks in the heart of Downtown Napa, First Street Napa is an ever-growing hub for shopping, dining, and tasting. Known for its locally owned boutiques and independent restaurants and wineries, the district has recently welcomed a surge of new shops like C’est La Paire for chic boots and handbags; The Bennington Napa Valley for vintage finds; and Copperfield’s Books, a mainstay store returning to First Street. The first standalone tasting room dedicated solely to luxury California brandies, California Brandy House, will open on First Street on November 6, 2020 for outdoor tastings. The new concept will debut with two leading brandy portfolios, Germain-Robin and Argonaut. Visitors will be guided through tasting flights, including single-barrel samples that are only available at the tasting space. For those looking for something on the fizzier side, the first and only dedicated Champagne & sparkling wine lounge in Napa Valley, Be Bubbly, has just opened its doors. Over in Napa’s Oxbow Public Market (a 40,000-square-foot marketplace with an expansive outdoor deck along the Napa River), Bar Lucia opened this summer from owner behind Kara’s Cupcakes. Highlights of the bar include rosé and sparkling wines paired with seasonal bites. Founder Kara Haspel Lind named the bar after her great grandmother and her daughter, honoring the traditions passed down through five generations of women in her family. For those visitors who are overwhelmed with options across the region, a brand-new Napa Valley Welcome Center will open on November 12 as a resource for itinerary-planning. New technology will provide visitors insider tips in a no-touch manner, and a 16-foot video wall will offer a taste of Napa Valley travel inspiration to pedestrians along First Street through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Looking Ahead to 2021 Black History Month – February 2021 In honor of Black History Month in February, travelers to Napa Valley can explore the roots of BIPOC pioneers in the winemaking business and support local initiatives throughout the region. Leaders in the industry include Brown Estate Vineyards, which was the first Black-owned estate winery in Napa and is now best known as one of Napa Valley’s most well-regarded zinfandel producers. Neighboring Okapi Wines is a micro-boutique winery that produces just a few barrels of wine each year. Founder Dan Johnson limits its production to 300 cases per year to maintain sustainable farming practices. Carneros Resort and Spa is offering a Diversity in Wine Flight featuring four wines by vintners and winemakers of color. The tasting flight is available at two of their onsite restaurants with 10% of proceeds being donated to UNCF. To support diversity in the wine industry, Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit association representing more than 500 wineries in the region, has partnered with UNCF to create a new scholarship program for people of color to pursue college degrees in subjects including grape growing and winemaking, with $1 million already invested into the program. Women Winemakers are changing the way we drink wine (and beer!) The month of March is all about celebrating women with International Women's Day on March 8, 2021. As one of the top viticultural regions, Napa Valley is known for its sprawling vineyards, historic wineries and towns that dot the countryside. It is also home to many women who have made names for themselves throughout the area. To name a few, Elaine St. Clair is the only woman in the U.S. to hold the commercial title of both winemaker and brewer. Kathryn Walt Hall is the force behind HALL Wines and WALT Wines in St. Helena and has been in the Napa wine industry for almost five decades, having also worked as an attorney, community activist, and as the United States Ambassador to Austria. During her 40-year tenure in Napa Valley winemaking, Heidi Barrett, who known as "The First Lady of Wine" is behind California's most notable cult wines, including Screaming Eagle, which has a starting price of $700 a bottle. Today she's co-founder of her own label, Barrett & Barrett, where she continues to produce some of the top Cabernet Sauvignons. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey and Sourced Craft Cocktails have teamed up to offer consumers interactive cocktail-making sessions at-home! Starting this week, anyone who orders a Bulleit cocktail via SourcedCraftCocktails.com will be able to tune into a weekly virtual cocktail experience hosted by a Sourced Craft Cocktails Bartender and a Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Ambassador every Friday! And one of the markets this experience is available in is Miami!! Attendees can expect an interactive session where they learn mixing techniques and at-home tips for both classic and modern cocktails, using Bulleit Whiskey and ingredients that are delivered straight to their doorsteps. Guests will also get a glimpse into how Bulleit Bourbon is made with a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of the Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, KY.The new partnership and weekly virtual cocktail experiences are part of the recently announced Bulleit Frontier Fund. Bulleit is proudly partnering with Sourced Craft Cocktails, who are supporting the bartending community by getting out of work bartenders back to work by making gourmet cocktails and delivering them directly to consumers homes, as part of the brand’s efforts to help keep bartenders pouring. You can find images of all of the Bulleit cocktails that are currently available for consumers to purchase on the Sourced website here, as well as the zoom backgrounds. Great for a casual virtual happy hour with friends, or an educational but also fun virtual gathering with co-workers with delicious cocktails in-hand, readers can purchase a Bulleit Cocktail kit here (Bulleit Lions Tail, Bulleit Pix & Mix Kit, or Bulleit Gold Rush Draft Pass) and receive a Zoom invite for the virtual distillery tour experience! By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Bulleit Frontier Whiskey