For Justin Casse, the world of thoroughbred racing extends far beyond the pageantry of the racetrack. As one of the industry’s most trusted advisors, he works with some of the world’s wealthiest families, guiding them through the high-stakes business of acquiring thoroughbreds, negotiating purchases, developing breeding strategies, and managing racing portfolios. Born into one of racing’s most celebrated dynasties, Justin has forged his own reputation as a leading bloodstock agent, earning the trust of elite owners, breeders, and investors around the world through a combination of expertise, instinct, and an ability to recognize potential before others do. Yet his work is about more than financial stakes and exceptional horses; he is also a dedicated advocate for mental health and wellness and a strong believer in responsible ownership and lifelong thoroughbred aftercare. We sat down with Justin to talk about growing up in racing, trusting his instincts, working behind the scenes of this extraordinary industry, and the horses and experiences that have shaped his journey. Miami Living (ML): You grew up in a family so deeply connected to thoroughbred racing. What was it like growing up in that world, and when did you realize that it was something you wanted to build a career in yourself? It was really all I’d ever known because it’s a lifestyle. Everywhere my family has lived over the past 65 years has been in a horse racing community, whether near a racetrack or a horse sales venue. It was simply my normal. That being said, it wasn’t until I was about 20 that I realized I had a genuine interest in making a career of it. Watching my brother capture his first Grade One race—the highest level of the sport—really sparked something in me. As excited as I was for his success, I remember thinking, What would it feel like to achieve something like that myself? At that point I was ready to drop out of college and start working, but my parents weren’t having any of that. ML: You work with some of the world’s wealthiest families, helping them navigate everything from buying horses to building racing and breeding portfolios. What does a typical day look like for you when you’re in the middle of a busy stretch of work? I attend more than 20 horse auctions a year across three continents, so between the sales themselves and the travel, that easily takes up half my year. At an auction, I’m inspecting horses and game-planning which ones I’ll bid on. That involves discussions with clients about budgets, coordinating veterinary work and ultimately deciding what each horse is worth to us. When the sales aren’t going on, I act as a liaison between owners and the people caring for and training their horses. I’m checking on how the horses are progressing, their well-being, which races we’re targeting and answering whatever questions owners may have. I also own nearly 100 horses myself, so quite often I’m doing the same thing with my own stock. ML: Part of what makes your work fascinating is that you’re often looking at a young horse and trying to see the athlete it could become years before anyone else can. What is something you notice in a horse that most people simply wouldn’t know to look for? Judging young horses is a craft you learn through experience. It’s obviously a tremendous advantage to have knowledgeable predecessors willing to teach you, but mistakes can sometimes be the greatest teacher. Physically, you learn to look for athleticism, balance and correctness of conformation. But the one thing you can’t measure is a horse’s willingness—its guts or heart. I’ll often look at a horse several times before deciding whether to try to buy it. Along the way, I pay attention to how it behaves around its caretakers and within the sales environment. Sometimes those little observations can give you an idea of what to expect from a horse mentally, and that can be every bit as important as what you see physically. ML: You’ve made some remarkably high-stakes decisions over the years, sometimes involving millions of dollars and only moments to decide. Can you take us inside one of those moments when your instinct told you something that the numbers – or everyone around you – didn’t? The prices unraced horses can bring are sometimes mind-boggling. I’ve paid as much as $2 million for one and as little as $8,000. What constitutes expensive is relative to what each client is trying to achieve. There have been plenty of occasions when I’ve bought horses that people I respect didn’t like. Sometimes they worked out and sometimes they didn’t. Conversely, there have been horses everyone loved that brought enormous amounts of money and never worked out. One thing I always keep in mind is that when you’re the winning bidder on an unraced horse, you are effectively the only person in that auction arena who thought the horse was worth that amount of money. There’s something both humbling and exciting about that. Ultimately, you have to trust your own judgment and be willing to live with the result. ML: You’ve also made thoroughbred aftercare part of the way you do business, contributing to accredited programs for every horse you purchase. Was there a particular horse or experience that changed the way you think about what our responsibility to a thoroughbred should look like after its racing career is over? When I was young, the first horse I really followed—and probably my first favorite horse—was a colt named Ferdinand. He won the Kentucky Derby in 1986, the year before I attended my first Derby, and I had seen him race in person as a kid. After his racing career he went to stud and was eventually sold to Japan. Years later, it was reported that he had been sent to an abattoir. A lot of people were deeply upset by what happened, and his story became an important catalyst for greater awareness of thoroughbred aftercare. That stayed with me. Today, in America and other racing jurisdictions, we have much more developed programs dedicated to caring for these horses after their racing careers. I think those of us who make our living from them have a responsibility to support that. ML: Your career has given you a front-row seat to nearly every stage of a thoroughbred’s journey, from breeding and the early evaluation of a young horse to the sales ring and, eventually, the racetrack. Which stage do you find yourself most drawn to, and what do you enjoy about being there? Every sector of the industry has its peaks and valleys, and being in any one of them for too long can become a little tiresome. It’s certainly never boring—there’s always another sale, race or event on the horizon—but being on the road for half the year can take its toll. Oddly enough, I think I’m most drawn to the relative simplicity of mornings at the racetrack. Training usually starts around 5:00 a.m., and there’s a solitude and routine to it that I really enjoy. You’re focused on the horses and the tasks immediately in front of you. It’s the behind-the-scenes grind that most people never see, but it’s really the foundation of everything else we do. ML: You’ve spoken about the importance of resilience and have become an advocate for mental health and wellness. In an industry where enormous pressure can be hidden behind the glamour, was there a particular experience in your own career that changed the way you think about taking care of yourself? Life is a constant learning process, especially in this industry. You frequently have to pick yourself up, learn from mistakes or unmet expectations, readjust your sights and stay grounded. There are so many things that can pull you up and down—winning and losing, injuries, big sales, disappointments and successes. I’ve learned that all of it is fleeting. None of it is permanent, and it’s important not to let either the highs or the lows define you. There isn’t one particular event I can point to. It’s been more of a continuous series of experiences and opportunities to learn, grow and understand the importance of staying grounded. ML: After spending so many years in a business that can be both incredibly glamorous and intensely demanding, what part of your life outside of racing has become especially important to you? It’s become increasingly important for me to cultivate a life outside of the business, because racing is the kind of lifestyle that can hijack every waking breath if you let it. I’ve had to learn the importance of balance and making time to look after myself, both mentally and physically. When I’m home, I try to work out regularly and make time for things I enjoy—music, concerts, sports and, most importantly, time with my son. Ironically, his main focus right now seems to be horse racing, so apparently getting completely away from it is easier said than done. Stay connected with Justin by following him on IG @j.e.casse. By ML Staff. Grooming by Ryann Carter. Images by Mike Ruiz

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami will present a Halloween themed Laser Evening in the Frost Planetarium on Friday, October 16, featuring music inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, Stranger Things, Michael Jackson and a Halloween Spooktacular playlist. Guests will experience synchronized laser visuals set to iconic tracks, with multiple showtimes scheduled throughout the evening inside the dome. Tickets are priced at $15 per adult and $12 per child ages 4 to 11, and museum members receive a 20% discount on all Laser Evening shows when logged into their member account. Each Laser Evening show requires a separate ticket, online sales close one hour before each showtime, and remaining tickets can be purchased onsite up to 15 minutes before the show; admission includes laser glasses but does not include daytime museum admission. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase in the Main Atrium until 10:00 p.m., and onsite parking in the museum garage will be offered at a flat rate of $8 from 6:00 p.m., with all cars required to exit by midnight. Organizers advise that the laser shows contain bright, flashing lights that may affect visitors with light sensitivity or certain pre existing conditions. Tickets can be purchased online and visitors can preview the event playlists here. By ML. Photo(s)/Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

New World Symphony is presenting a weekend of programs that trace the evolution of music from the Baroque era to contemporary composition, alongside a free outdoor event during Miami Beach’s Culture Crawl. On Friday night, New World Symphony alum Sergio Carreno joins current Fellows for “Cosmic Myths,” an evening of percussion that features music by Iannis Xenakis, Andy Akiho and Amy Beth Kirsten. The program invites audiences to explore a cosmic sound world through works that expand traditional percussion writing. Chamber music returns on Sunday afternoon with “The Baroque + Neo-Baroque,” where Fellows perform alongside alumni Erik Rynearson and Miles Haskins. The concert pairs Baroque pieces with later works that draw on Baroque techniques, highlighting how counterpoint and stylistic ideas have evolved across centuries. On Thursday, October 15, New World Symphony hosts a free WALLCAST Concert as part of Miami Beach’s Culture Crawl, with archival video featuring Artistic Director Stéphane Denève conducting George Gershwin’s An American in Paris and piano alum Shih-Man Weng performing Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm. The videos will play on a loop from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at SoundScape Park, offering an evening of music under the stars. A recent program led by Denève, featuring flutist Demarre McGill in Michael Tilson Thomas’s Notturno, Mahler’s Adagietto and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, is now available to watch on-demand on NWS Inside. Viewers can revisit the performance, which included archival video of Mahler’s Adagietto and a finale of “Ode to Joy” with the Master Chorale of South Florida. Tickets and additional event details are available at New World Symphony online. By ML. Photo(s)/New World Symphony

Five days, hundreds of boats and enough multimillion-dollar yachts to make your jaw drop. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is sailing back into town October 28 through November 1, bringing one of the world's largest in-water boat shows to the Yachting Capital of the World. But between admiring superyachts, wandering the docks and mentally furnishing your future floating mansion, you're bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, Fort Lauderdale's waterfront dining scene knows a thing or two about keeping the nautical crowd well-fed. From convenient Water Taxi stops to oceanfront restaurants worth the drive, South Florida has plenty of places to refuel between yacht sightings. Whether you're in the mood for a pre-show brunch, sunset cocktails or dinner overlooking the water, these four restaurants deserve a spot on your FLIBS itinerary. Photo Credits: Shooters Waterfront Skip the traffic and get to FLIBS by boat from Shooters Waterfront, the Water Taxi’s northernmost pickup and drop-off point. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can fuel up before boarding with a dockside espresso bar, grab-and-go pastries and a full-service bar. After the show, the waterfront festivities kick into gear with a Champagne Wall, where guests who show their FLIBS ticket receive a complimentary glass of Gambino (available Thursday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m.). Guests can also grab cocktails in take-home souvenir cups from the dockside satellite bar. Live DJ sets run from 6-10 p.m., with Alexis Rose spinning Thursday and Friday and DJ Joy on Saturday. Set along the Intracoastal, Shooters offers waterfront dining with fresh oysters, sushi, lobster rolls and more, plus weekday happy hour from 4-7 p.m., weekend brunch and live steel pan music. Guests can pre-purchase their Water Taxi tickets via RocketRez. Photo Credits: Oceans 234 A South Florida oceanfront institution for more than 20 years, Oceans 234 is worth the trip up the coast to Deerfield Beach. The chef-driven menu is overseen by James Beard-recognized Culinary Director Dean Max and led by his longtime protégé, Executive Chef Duvan Marin, with fresh seafood, sushi and raw bar selections, locally caught fish and steaks. Set directly along the sand with sweeping Atlantic views, the oceanfront patio is an ideal stop for lunch, sunset cocktails or dinner by the water. For a prime waterfront perch during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Sweetwaters is a brand-new addition to the New River at the newly reimagined Huizenga Park. From the family-owned group behind Miami’s iconic Rusty Pelican, the indoor-outdoor restaurant features a riverfront patio where diners can settle in over oysters and cocktails as boats pass by. The coastal-inspired menu is especially fitting, with seafood towers, sushi, Whole Crispy Local Snapper and Lobster Spaghetti, plus playful splurges like Nuggets & Caviar. Photo Credits: Sweetwaters Casa Sensei brings dinner directly to the canals of Las Olas. Voted “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine for more than six years, the restaurant pairs its signature blend of Latin American and Pan-Asian flavors with a waterfront setting. Those who still haven’t had their fill of life on the water can take the evening a step further by reserving a private dinner cruise with Riverfront Gondola Tours, cruising Fort Lauderdale’s canals with eats from Casa Sensei. By ML Staff.

A Miami restaurant terrace is both a dining room and an exposed working environment. Its appeal may come from palms, waterfront views, or a lively sidewalk, but its performance depends on less photogenic details: shade, drainage, circulation, and reliable service. For restaurant owners, operators, and designers, the challenge is to make outdoor seating feel effortless without treating it as an indoor room with the walls removed. Start With the Site Before selecting furniture, observe how the site behaves through a service day. Afternoon sun, reflected heat from neighboring glass, street noise, and delivery traffic can change the usefulness of the same table. Miami Modern architecture offers a local reference for using overhangs and screens to mediate between buildings and their surroundings. Those elements are worth studying as functional devices, not simply decorative motifs. Map the entrance, kitchen connection, existing shade, and exposed edges. A terrace that looks spacious on a floor plan may become awkward once servers, arriving guests, and delivery workers share its narrowest passage. Understand Shade and Heat Shade reduces direct sun exposure, but not every shaded seat feels equally comfortable. A canopy beneath a hot roof or beside sunlit paving can still receive substantial radiant heat. Solar heat gain matters when choosing overhead materials and evaluating adjacent glazing. Designers should consider where sunlight lands at the hours the restaurant actually serves, rather than judging the terrace during a single morning visit. Umbrellas offer flexibility, while fixed coverings can provide more continuous protection. Either approach needs appropriate anchoring and a maintenance plan; a visually light structure still carries structural responsibilities. Make Air Movement Useful Cross-ventilation depends on openings that allow air to enter and leave. Tall planting, decorative screens, and closely spaced partitions can interrupt that path, even when they improve privacy. Fans can improve comfort by moving air across people, but they don’t lower the air temperature. Position them around occupied seating zones, with attention to noise, loose napkins, and the reach of the airflow. Misting requires particular care in humid conditions. Assess whether droplets evaporate effectively or leave guests, flooring, and furnishings damp. Equipment specifications alone can’t establish how comfortable a particular terrace will feel. Specify for Coastal Exposure Salt-laden air, rain, and strong sunlight place different demands on outdoor furnishings than a climate-controlled dining room does. Finish selection should reflect the terrace’s actual exposure, especially near the waterfront. Marine-grade stainless steel can be appropriate for certain components, but it’s not a promise of maintenance-free performance. Grade, fabrication, surface condition, and cleaning practices all matter. Ask suppliers about intended use, care requirements, replaceable parts, and warranty exclusions. Upholstery also needs a drying strategy: attractive cushions become an operating problem if staff can’t store or dry them between services. Protect Access and Circulation The Americans with Disabilities Act should inform accessible routes and dining access from the beginning. Clearances deserve professional review rather than a last-minute adjustment after furniture arrives. Test the layout with chairs pulled out, not only tucked neatly beneath tables. Guests need room to sit and move, while servers need practical routes that don’t repeatedly cross the arrival queue. Drainage belongs in the same discussion. Water shouldn’t collect along essential walking routes, and flooring must be evaluated for wet conditions. A terrace should remain manageable after rain, not merely attractive when dry. Design the Service Layer Outdoor tables can increase the distance between guests and the tools staff need. Plan discreet locations for service supplies, drinking water, and clearing, without turning guest circulation into a storage aisle. A payment system for restaurants should let staff close checks at the table without leaving the terrace, while keeping transactions connected to the restaurant’s order records. Check wireless coverage where transactions will actually occur. Card-payment workflows should also be reviewed against PCI DSS, the payment industry’s data-security standard; a wireless terminal doesn’t make the entire setup compliant by itself. Plan for Weather Changes Movable furnishings need a defined storage location and a realistic procedure for bringing them inside. Fixed canopies and attachments require qualified assessment for hurricane wind loads and applicable local requirements. Give staff clear responsibility for monitoring conditions and deciding when outdoor service stops. The most useful final design exercise is a weather drill: identify what moves first, where it goes, and whether the team can secure the terrace without blocking an exit. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Pexels.

From free jazz and salsa to rock, Wynwood has music programmed across concert venues, restaurants, hotels, breweries, cafés and outdoor spaces through the end of October — anchored by the return of III Points, the neighborhood’s homegrown two-day festival, on October 16 and 17. Photo Credit: Marcela Laskoski/Unsplash The following guide brings together currently announced programming along with recurring live-music venues and other music-driven businesses in the neighborhood. Schedules can change. Direct venue and event links are included throughout so dates and performers can be confirmed before publication or attendance. RECURRING LIVE MUSIC: OCTOBER MONDAYS: SAVAGE LABS El Jam by Wizzmer | 8 p.m. The venue currently lists the house-band jam every Monday. Website: savagelabswynwood.com/events WEDNESDAYS: EL PATIO WYNWOOD Mi Gente: Live Salsa with Kaky Ramos & Friends El Patio’s recurring Wednesday program features live salsa and social dancing. Where: 167 NW 23rd Street Programming: El Patio Fiesta Latina THURSDAYS: MOXY MIAMI WYNWOOD LIVE @ Moxy | 7–10 p.m. Live performers take over the hotel lobby each Thursday. Thursday programming will be exclusively live music for the next several months, according to the hotel. Where: 255 NW 25th Street Website: Moxy Miami Wynwood THIRD THURSDAYS: WYNWOOD MUSIC SERIES The free series at Panther Coffee continues on the third Thursday of each month through December 17. October’s edition follows on October 15 and features the Mario Victory Band. Where: Panther Coffee, 2390 NW 2nd Avenue Website: wynwoodmiami.com/wynwood-music-series THURSDAYS: SABLE LONG PLAY Sable launched Long Play as a weekly jazz-and-vinyl residency in August, pairing live musicians with guest vinyl selectors in an intimate listening-room format. Fall performers and dates have not yet been publicly posted, so check the venue before listing individual editions. Where: Sable, 2219 NW 2nd Avenue Website: sablemiami.com/events OCTOBER: WHAT’S PLAYING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 Wynwood Music Series | Panther Coffee | FREE October’s edition of the free third-Thursday series features the Mario Victory Band on Panther Coffee’s outdoor patio. Where: Panther Coffee, 2390 NW 2nd Avenue Website: wynwoodmiami.com/wynwood-music-series FRIDAY–SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16–17 III Points 2026 | Mana Wynwood Miami’s homegrown music and arts festival returns for its 13th edition with more than 150 artists across 10-plus stages, an expanded footprint and upgrades to the Isotropic Stage. The 2026 lineup includes Underworld, Four Tet, Flying Lotus, Blood Orange, Kelela, Charlotte de Witte, Tricky, Honey Dijon, Parcels, Men I Trust, Tokischa and Sunn O))), plus back-to-back and extended sets from Floating Points, Seth Troxler and DJ Harvey. Two-day passes run $179 to $375. Where: Mana Wynwood, 2217 NW 5th Avenue Tickets: iiipoints.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 Hurricane Wisdom | MIDLINE Miami The Florida rapper headlines. Calendar: MIDLINE events SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Mose | MIDLINE Miami Calendar: MIDLINE events TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 Isaiah Falls | MIDLINE Miami The R&B singer performs with support from RAAHiiM and Luxury Lane. Calendar: MIDLINE events FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 Gia & Franko: The Classics. A New Sound | Savage Labs | 8 p.m. Timeless classics reimagined by Gia & Franko in an intimate live performance. Tickets: savagelabswynwood.com/events Juliana | MIDLINE Miami Calendar: MIDLINE events SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 HalloWYN 2026 | Wynwood Marketplace | 7 p.m. | FREE Wynwood’s official free Halloween block party returns for its 13th year, presented by SWARM, with Miami DJs, themed décor, drink specials and costumed crowds filling the open-air marketplace into the night. Where: Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW 2nd Avenue Info: @hallowynblockparty MORE PLACES TO FIND LIVE MUSIC MIDLINE MIAMI | 2221 NW Miami Court Dedicated concert venue with a continuing schedule of touring artists, performers and electronic-music events. Website SAVAGE LABS | 2451 NW 5th Avenue Live bands, weekly jams, original artists and tribute shows. Events SABLE | 2219 NW 2nd Avenue Vinyl lounge and café with the weekly Long Play live-jazz residency plus additional music programming in The Garden. Website | Events GIBSON GARAGE MIAMI | 2660 NW 3rd Avenue Gibson’s new retail and experience destination, includes a dedicated stage programmed for artist performances, showcases and album-release events. Website EL PATIO WYNWOOD | 167 NW 23rd Street Recurring Wednesday live salsa with Kaky Ramos & Friends. Website CANTA CORAZÓN | 2445 N Miami Ave Music-driven Mexican nightlife combining communal singing and live mariachi. Website CERVECERÍA LA TROPICAL | 42 NE 25th Street Brewery and tropical garden with a dedicated live-music stage. Individual performer schedules vary. Website | Events RISHTEDAR 305 | 232 NW 24th Street The nightlife concept has promoted Friday live music and special events. Confirm the current performer before publication. Website DUKUNOO JAMAICAN KITCHEN | 316 NW 24th Street Caribbean restaurant and nightlife venue whose special-event programming can include live performers alongside DJs. Website ASTRA | 2121 NW 2nd Avenue Rooftop restaurant and lounge with music programming that has included international DJs and live bands. Website MAYAMI WYNWOOD | 127 NW 23rd Street Nightly immersive entertainment that includes live music alongside DJs, dancers and theatrical performances. Website | Weekly Lineup KITCHEN + KOCKTAILS | 2838 NW 2nd Avenue Live entertainment and DJ programming are incorporated into the restaurant experience. Confirm individual musicians and dates directly with the venue. Website | Live Music THRŌW SOCIAL MIAMI | 2335 N. Miami Avenue Large indoor-outdoor performance infrastructure for concerts, promoter events and festivals. The Miami venue is currently open for events only, not as a regularly operating nightly bar. Website BEYOND LIVE MUSIC: MORE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE MUSIC IN WYNWOOD Not every music destination in Wynwood centers on a live band. The neighborhood also has a sizable network of vinyl rooms, DJ venues, performance concepts, karaoke and dance programming — and in October, the neighborhood’s Halloween calendar leans heavily on its DJ culture, from HalloWYN at Wynwood Marketplace to costume parties across the district. DANTE’S HiFi | 519 NW 26th St Audiophile vinyl listening bar built around high-fidelity sound and Rich Medina’s record collection. danteshifi.com RITA & CADENZA | 97 NW 25th St #103 Pizza, cocktails and curated vinyl and listening-room culture. ritacadenza.com UPSIDE | 59 NW 28th Street New music-driven day-to-night cocktail concept with an evolving entertainment calendar. upsidewynwood.com 1-800-LUCKY | 143 NW 23rd Street DJ programming seven nights a week across house, techno, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and Afro house. 1800lucky.com/events THE DIRTY RABBIT | 151 NW 24th Street Rotating DJs, dancers, performers and occasional featured artists. thedirtyrabbit.com LUNASOL | 158 NW 24th Street Electronic-music venue and nightlife concept with a dedicated events calendar. lunasol-miami.com NOUVEAU | 108 NW 25th Street Sunday Mimosa Jams, Karaoke Fridays and live DJs. nouveaubar.com/miami-fl LA FERNETERIA | 230 NW 24th Street Rooftop dining and DJ-driven house-music programming. laferneteria.com BOHO HOUSE | 85 NW 25th Street Hospitality concept with local and visiting DJs and a strong house and electronic-music component. bohohousemiami.com ELECTRIC 23 | 144 NW 23rd Street DJ- and artist-driven nightlife programming. electric23miami.com COYO TACO WYNWOOD | 2300 NW 2nd Avenue The flagship taqueria’s hidden back room has a longstanding DJ and late-night music identity. coyo-taco.com/restaurants/wynwood R HOUSE WYNWOOD | 2727 NW 2nd Avenue Drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday and Friday and Saturday evening drag dinner shows with DJs. rhousewynwood.com | Evening Shows SALA DE DESPECHO | 218 NW 25th St Latin heartbreak music built around communal singing and audience participation. saladedespecho.mx/usa SWEET CAROLINE KARAOKE BAR | 2445 N Miami Ave Karaoke and full-room sing-alongs. sweetcarolinebar.com CASA LA RUBIA | 55 NW 25th Street Recurring salsa nights with lessons, DJs and social dancing. Casa La Rubia By ML Staff. Photos Courtesy of each artist/venue.

Faena Theater’s fall calendar pairs live jazz with late-night Halloween programming in Miami Beach. Sammy Figueroa and Aymée Nuviola perform on October 21 as part of the ninth annual Faena Jazz Series, followed by Memento Mori, a theatrical Halloween party on October 31. The concert season continues through June 2027. Curated and produced by Rachel Faro, the Faena Jazz Series scheduled British vocalist Emma Smith for its October 4 opening. The remaining program spans Latin jazz, Caribbean traditions, Brazilian music and Argentine tango, with performances by Bebel Gilberto, VARI and the Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio among the season’s bookings. Sammy Figueroa and Aymée Nuviola Perform October 21 Percussionist Sammy Figueroa and Cuban vocalist Aymée Nuviola bring A Celebration of Latin Jazz to the theater on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. Their collaboration centers on Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation, combining Figueroa’s percussion with Nuviola’s vocal repertoire. Tickets start at $80, and the performance is open to guests of all ages. Check-in begins 45 minutes before showtime. You can purchase tickets through Faena’s official event page. The 2026–2027 Jazz Calendar Following the October performances, the announced schedule includes: Date Performance November 25, 2026 Reginald Policard Quintet featuring Jean Caze December 9, 2026 Etienne Charles presents A Creole Christmas January 14, 2027 Bebel Gilberto, presented with the South Beach Jazz Festival; two performances February 24, 2027 Nicole Zuraitis March 3, 2027 Danielle Angrand featuring Shelly Berg April 7, 2027 VARI, also known as Varijashree Venugopal May 12, 2027 Pablo Ziegler Jazz Tango Trio June 16, 2027 Nicole Henry Bebel Gilberto’s January engagement requires separate tickets through the South Beach Jazz Festival and is excluded from the jazz season pass. Memento Mori on Halloween Night On Saturday, October 31, Memento Mori begins at 11 p.m. inside Faena Theater. Faena describes the event as a combination of theatrical performance and late-night dancing. General admission provides entry to a standing party; seating and beverages are not included. Groups can reserve VIP seating, with options including front-of-stage sofas and side banquettes. Purchase general admission tickets or consult Faena’s Halloween event page for table reservations. The property’s Halloween programming also extends to Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, Pao by Paul Qui and El Secreto Omakase for dinner, along with music and cocktails at The Living Room and Tree of Life. These venues have separate reservations and spending requirements where applicable. Faena Miami Beach is located at 3201 Collins Avenue. For jazz group reservations and series information, contact Faena Theater Sales at 786-559-6016. By ML StaffPhoto: [Credit to be confirmed]

Historically, bugurt emerged as an international sport at the 2014 IMCF Championship. It took place at the magnificent Belmonte Castle, located in Spain. It was from that moment that the official part of the existence of this sport began. At the same time, special attention was paid to equipment for HMB (historical medieval battle), which had to strictly comply with international standards. In this regard, buhurt armour was allowed at official tournaments. As a result, the equipment underwent not only a special strict two-factor inspection, but had also previously been fully checked for strength (tested). The fact is that the athletes’ gear in the arena must comply not only with authenticity (in design, it must be exactly the same as in the Middle Ages), but also with the “marshal” safety requirements established by the international committee. Why Buhurt Armour Has a Unique Job to Do Armor protects modern fighters from heavy strikes. At knightly competitions, armor also serves a safety function. Its uniqueness lies in the following requirements: Historical silhouette. The equipment must correspond to the Medieval era. “Fantasy” details are prohibited. Concealment of modern technologies. Modern materials must be hidden. The armor must be clean, free of rust, and polished. Full body coverage. The armor must not leave unprotected areas. Articulated systems for the neck, knees, elbows, and other areas must provide protection against injuries. According to the rules, the minimum armor thickness is 1.2–2 mm, depending on the alloy (steel or titanium). Swords, falchions, axes, and other weapons must be blunted and have no sharp edges. Protection Without Sacrificing Mobility For participants in buhurt competitions, mobility is certainly not just some sort of compromise, but a genuine biomechanical necessity. What does this mean? The gear must be strictly and evenly distributed across all axes of the human body. This is necessary to increase the knight’s endurance in the arena. Essentially, the overall weight should in no way put pressure on one particular area. No less important is the anatomical articulation of the joints and their protection. Thanks to joint systems for the knees, neck, spine (back), and elbows, a person can bend parts of the body during training or fights and use weapons more comfortably. Stabilization is also important. If the armor has shifted, it means it is not stable. Therefore, special attention is paid to leather straps, special buckles for precise fastening, and other elements that prevent internal joint injuries. Protecting the Head, Torso and Limbs Participants can protect themselves with a special helmet made of lightweight stainless metal. The fact is that titanium is strictly prohibited for helmets (especially if it is more than 2 mm thick). But athletes can protect the torso and spine with the help of hidden protectors. They are made in accordance with anatomical brigandines and cuirasses. As for the limbs, they are protected with the help of overlapping materials (for the joints, for easier and unrestricted movement in the ring). Avoiding Gaps Between Armor Elements In historical competitive battles (HMB), special requirements “work”, and they are called the “zero-gap rule”. The fact is that athletes are required to adjust their armor in such a way that during training and championships, they can fight freely. The armor should not restrict movement. This task is solved by the absence of gaps, which are ensured through special joint systems and overlapping plate segments. The absence of accidental technological joints that open or chainmail inserts will allow a participant to officially take part in competitions and pass all inspections. Why a Full Kit Must Work as One System If international rules are taken into account, the entire armor set of any modern fighter must provide full endurance. This can be achieved by choosing gear that already has important components integrated into it. The first is the shock absorbers of the underarmor, which deflect blows from the outer armor. And the second is special unloading suspension systems that help carry the weight of the equipment, evenly distributing the load across the human body. If these elements do not “work” as a single mechanism, the armor will shift, the armor will restrict movement during fights, and the gear will overload the muscles. Steel vs Titanium: Different Approaches to Protection Steel and titanium are completely different materials that provide different levels of protection. If specially hardened spring steel is used for helmets and preventing heavy blows, then titanium alloy is used to protect the arms, elbows, legs, torso, etc. Titanium is approximately 45% lighter than steel, which increases athletes’ mobility and gives them more strength for maneuvers and strikes. What Beginners Often Overlook When Choosing Armour Buhurt is a sport for athletic and physically resilient guys. Beginners often do not know how to choose either armor or weapons. They do not pay attention to quality padding and most often look at authentic design. This is a huge mistake. Therefore, first of all, you should choose a durable helmet made of hardened spring steel, as well as titanium elements for protecting the torso, elbows, legs, and knees. You should pay attention to the inner part – the presence of shock-absorbing foam and other “stop” materials against impacts. You should also choose leather straps, strong fasteners, buckles, rivets, lacing, etc. This will help prevent restricted movement in the arena and rapid fatigue during tournaments and training. By ML Staff. Photos/Buhurt

Miami’s combination of oceanfront hotels and year-round outdoor dining makes the city particularly well suited to rooftop restaurants. The experience can range from a relaxed South Beach lunch overlooking the Atlantic to a late dinner surrounded by the Brickell skyline. This guide brings together six of the best rooftop restaurants in Miami for 2026. Each selection offers a distinct setting, with options for romantic dinners, celebratory meals, weekend brunch and cocktails with shareable plates. Watr at the 1 Rooftop, South Beach Set 18 stories above South Beach at 1 Hotel South Beach, Watr combines panoramic ocean views with Japanese-influenced coastal cuisine. The menu includes sushi, seafood and composed dishes alongside cocktails, sake and wine. Its bright, open-air setting works especially well for lunch, sunset drinks or an unhurried dinner near the beach. Daytime attire can be relaxed-casual, while the restaurant requests a more polished chic-casual look after sunset. Reservations are advisable for weekend evenings and sunset tables. Address: 2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (305) 604-1000 Official website: Watr at the 1 Rooftop MILA, Miami Beach MILA is a rooftop restaurant near Lincoln Road that combines Mediterranean and Asian influences in a contemporary, design-focused setting. Dishes are intended for sharing and include raw-bar selections, sushi, grilled seafood, meats and vegetable plates. The dining room and outdoor terrace transition into a livelier atmosphere as the evening progresses. The restaurant is best suited to date nights, celebrations and guests looking for dinner with a strong nightlife component. MILA maintains a smart-casual dress code and requires a credit card to hold dining reservations. Address: 1636 Meridian Avenue, Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone: (786) 706-0744 Official website: MILA Miami Sugar at EAST Miami, Brickell Located on the 40th floor of EAST Miami, Sugar is a lush rooftop bar and dining destination with expansive views of Brickell and the surrounding skyline. Its hand-carved Balinese bar anchors a garden-like terrace where guests can order original cocktails and Asian-inspired share plates while listening to DJ sets. Sugar is a strong choice for sunset drinks that continue into the evening rather than a traditional multi-course dinner. All ages are permitted before 6 p.m. After that time, entry is restricted to guests 21 and older with physical identification. Table reservations carry a minimum-consumption requirement. Address: 788 Brickell Plaza, 40th Floor, Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (786) 805-4655 Official website: Sugar at EAST Miami Giselle Miami, Downtown Miami Positioned on the roof of E11EVEN with its own entrance and elevator, Giselle is an indoor-outdoor restaurant with a fully retractable roof. The kitchen combines French techniques with Asian and Mediterranean influences, while the elaborate interior incorporates marble, mirrored surfaces and theatrical decorative details. The atmosphere becomes increasingly energetic later in the night, making Giselle particularly suitable for celebrations, dressed-up dinners and late dining. Guests should note that reservations are limited to two hours, and minimum-spend policies apply on Friday, Saturday and certain special-event dates. Address: 15 NE 11th Street, Miami, FL 33132 Phone: (305) 358-9848 Official website: Giselle Miami Bellini, Coconut Grove Bellini occupies an elevated setting at Mr. C Miami in Coconut Grove, overlooking Biscayne Bay and the neighborhood skyline. Its Italian menu includes classic Cipriani dishes, handmade pastas, seafood, grilled specialties and the original Bellini cocktail.] Unlike Miami’s nightlife-driven rooftops, Bellini serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, giving guests more flexibility to enjoy the view. The understated atmosphere is well suited to romantic meals, business lunches or family gatherings. Outdoor seating is especially appealing around sunset, though advance reservations remain advisable during weekends. Address: 2988 McFarlane Road, Miami, FL 33133 Phone: (305) 800-7672 Official website: Bellini Coconut Grove Level 6, Coconut Grove Level 6 is a rooftop restaurant and lounge above Amal Miami, with open views across Coconut Grove and Biscayne Bay. The food program applies a modern approach to Spanish cuisine, focusing on tapas, larger shared plates and ingredients from Florida’s land and sea. Its combination of waterfront scenery, music and shareable food makes it practical for groups as well as couples planning an evening around sunset. Weekend brunch offers a daytime alternative, while Friday and Saturday service extends into late night. Reservations are recommended when requesting outdoor seating. Address: 3480 Main Highway, 6th Floor, Miami, FL 33133 Phone: (786) 800-2080 Official website: Level 6 Miami TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Brickell Important Notice: TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is currently affected by the ongoing façade restoration project at Icon Brickell and W Miami. While the restaurant remains open for indoor dining, the rooftop terrace is temporarily closed until further notice. We recommend checking with the venue for the latest updates before your visit. Perched high above the bustling streets of Brickell at the W Miami, TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant brings a bohemian, tropical oasis to the downtown skyline. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, the venue offers a Mexican-inspired menu featuring fresh seafood, elevated street food, and vibrant agave-based cocktails. The lush, earthy decor and sweeping views make it an ideal spot for a lively lunch, golden-hour drinks, or a stylish evening out. The dress code leans towards smart-casual; daytime visitors can enjoy a relaxed vibe, while evenings call for a more polished look. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset tables and weekend nights. Address: 485 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 503-4400 Official website: TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant By Luiz Porto/ML Staff. Photos courtesy of each bar/hotel featured in this story. Top gif by Amente Restaurant, Lefkada, Greece. Amente is a hillside destination known for its Mediterranean cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, infinity pool, and panoramic Ionian Sea views. If you're visiting Greece, it's well worth adding to your itinerary for an unforgettable sunset dining experience. Website: amente.gr

The best lab-created diamond companies in Miami differ more in how they work than in the diamonds they sell. One designs rings from scratch, one keeps ready-made rings you can take home the same day, and the others focus on large stones, tennis bracelets or a luxury store setting. All five have a showroom in Miami-Dade where you can see lab-grown diamonds in person before you buy. Quick Comparison of Miami Lab-Created Diamond Companies Each company suits a different kind of buyer. Company Neighborhood Type of store Best for Frank Darling South of Brickell Custom design studio A ring designed from scratch Brilliant Earth Coconut Grove National brand showroom First-time buyers and same-day rings Kirk Jewelers Brickell City Centre Luxury jewelry and watch retailer Evening and weekend shopping Liori Diamonds Sunny Isles Beach Lab-grown and natural diamond dealer Large center stones Karaters Near Aventura Lab-grown diamond specialist Tennis bracelets, necklaces and studs Frank Darling: Best for a Custom-Designed Ring (South of Brickell) Best for: couples who want a ring designed from scratch instead of chosen from a display case. Frank Darling opened its first Southeast showroom at 2700 SW 3rd Avenue in 2026. Most of its business is custom work. JCK, a jewelry trade publication, reported that about 60 percent of the company’s sales are custom. Most other orders are existing designs with small changes, such as added side stones or engraving. The company is known for modern engagement rings, especially bezel and low-profile settings, and it sells both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Appointments last about 45 minutes. One designer works with you from the first sketch to a 3D model, and you approve the model before production starts. You can also order a kit of replica rings to try styles at home first. Customer reviews often name the designer and describe the design process step by step. Frank Darling is the best fit on this list when the design matters more to you than how quickly you get the ring. Brilliant Earth: Best for First-Time Buyers (Coconut Grove) Best for: buyers who are new to diamonds, or anyone who needs a ring soon. Brilliant Earth’s showroom at 3008 Grand Avenue accepts walk-ins, so you can start here without an appointment. Walk-in visitors can try on rings in the lobby, but you need to book ahead to see loose diamonds. Brilliant Earth suits buyers on a deadline. Some popular rings come preset with lab-grown diamonds and can be bought and taken home the same day, while custom designs take two to three weeks. On Trustpilot, Brilliant Earth has a 4.1 rating from about 1,500 reviews. Reviewers praise staff who give advice without pushing them toward a bigger budget. Some report that their orders arrived later than promised, so leave extra time if you have a proposal date planned. Kirk Jewelers: Best for Evening and Weekend Shopping (Brickell) Best for: people who work in Brickell or downtown, and buyers who want a traditional luxury store. Kirk Jewelers is at 701 S. Miami Avenue, on the third level of Brickell City Centre. It is open until 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Kirk is an authorized Rolex and Patek Philippe retailer and also sells natural diamonds and designer fine jewelry, so lab-grown diamonds are one category among many. That mix suits a buyer who wants an engagement ring and a watch from the same store. If you only want lab-grown diamonds, Karaters sells nothing else. Liori Diamonds: Best for Large Center Stones (Sunny Isles Beach) Best for: buyers who want a large diamond, and shoppers in North Miami-Dade. Liori is a Fifth Avenue jeweler with a Miami showroom at 16850 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach. It sells lab-grown and natural diamonds side by side, and its catalog includes rings with lab-grown center stones of four carats or more. In one visit, you can see how a large stone looks on your hand and compare lab-grown and natural prices for diamonds of the same size. Customer reviews often name founder Avi Aranbaiev and say he worked with them directly, and some reviewers say they came back for a second purchase. Karaters: Best for Tennis Bracelets and Diamond Gifts (Near Aventura) Best for: gift buyers and anyone shopping for diamond jewelry other than an engagement ring. Karaters, at 19790 W. Dixie Highway near Aventura, sells only lab-grown diamonds. It describes itself as a wholesaler and sells loose stones as well as finished jewelry. Most of its roughly 90 Trustpilot reviews are about tennis bracelets and necklaces, many between 5 and 15 total carats, and reviewers frequently mention low prices. For a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, a design studio is a better match. How to Compare Lab-Created Diamond Sellers in Miami Lab-grown diamonds are now widely traded. They have their own buying category at JIS Fall 2026, the jewelry trade show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Prices for the same grade can differ from one store to the next. Ask every store to quote a stone with the same carat weight, color, clarity, and cut grade. Ask for the grading report, and look up the report number on the lab’s website to confirm it matches your stone. Read the label as well. Under FTC guidelines on diamond advertising, sellers should put a word like “lab-grown” directly before the word “diamond.” Sellers also should not call a stone “eco-friendly” unless they can prove the claim. After you buy, get an independent appraisal for insurance. The Seybold Jewelry Building downtown has offices for many independent appraisers. Choosing the Right Lab-Created Diamond Company Decide what you are buying before your first visit. A custom ring, a same-day ring, a large center stone and a tennis bracelet each point to a different store on this list. Bring the same diamond specifications to at least two of them so you can compare prices fairly. By ML Staff

Testosterone supplements work best as part of a consistent routine, not as a clock-based shortcut. Taking them in the morning aligns with the body’s daily hormone rhythm and supports the absorption of common ingredients such as vitamin D and zinc. Sleep, resistance training, nutrition, and consistent use still influence results more than the exact minute. The practical answer becomes clearer when you consider hormone patterns, meal composition, workouts, and daily consistency. Image by DepositPhotos Why Morning Dosing Makes Sense Testosterone levels usually peak in the early morning, often between 5 and 8 a.m., before declining later in the day. A morning dose fits that natural pattern without requiring complex scheduling. Anyone comparing options for the best time to take testosterone supplements should focus on a routine that includes food and is easy to repeat. Morning intake provides a reliable anchor, especially when breakfast already includes dietary fat and protein. That combination supports absorption and reduces the chance of forgetting a dose later. The body does not require testosterone support supplements at a specific minute. A dose taken at 7 a.m. does not suddenly become ineffective at 8 a.m. The larger benefit comes from pairing the supplement with a regular meal and following the routine for several weeks. Take the Supplement With Breakfast Many testosterone supplement formulas contain nutrients that are better absorbed with food. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so a meal containing dietary fat helps the body absorb it more effectively than a fasted dose. Breakfast does not need to be large. Eggs, avocado, yogurt, nuts, or another meal with some fat can provide a suitable setting for the supplement. Still check the product label because formulas differ in serving instructions and ingredient amounts. Zinc also fits better with a meal. Food reduces the nausea that zinc can cause on an empty stomach, while dietary protein supports zinc uptake. Taking the supplement after a few bites often improves comfort and makes the routine easier to maintain. Should Training Change the Timing? Workout timing does not need to control supplement timing. Resistance training produces short-term hormonal changes, but that effect doesn't make a pre-workout dose essential. Morning exercisers can take the supplement with breakfast before training or with the meal after it. Evening exercisers usually gain more from taking the supplement with breakfast than from moving the dose to nighttime. A steady schedule matters more than matching the supplement to a brief post-workout hormone change. The body responds to repeated habits, adequate recovery, and regular training rather than a single, perfectly timed serving. Why Sleep Matters More Than the Clock Poor sleep can offset careful supplement timing. Research published in JAMA found that limiting sleep to five hours per night for one week reduced daytime testosterone by 10 to 15% in young men. That finding changes the priority order for anyone using a testosterone supplement. A consistent bedtime, enough total sleep, and fewer late-night disruptions deserve attention before adjusting a morning dose by an hour. Sleep also affects training quality, appetite control, and recovery. Those factors influence body composition and general health, which support a better foundation for hormone management. Image by DepositPhotos How Long Should Results Take? Testosterone supplements require consistent use, not occasional dosing. For instance, a product may list its effective period as 8 to 12 weeks, provided the user follows the label and maintains a consistent routine. A daily note can track the dose, meal timing, sleep duration, training, and noticeable changes. This record helps identify missed doses or poor sleep before someone blames the timing alone. Anyone with symptoms of low testosterone should seek medical testing instead of relying on a supplement. Fatigue, reduced libido, mood changes, and reduced muscle strength can have several causes that require professional oversight. Common Timing Mistakes Taking a supplement on an empty stomach is a frequent mistake, particularly when the formula contains vitamin D or zinc. Pairing the serving with breakfast addresses both absorption and stomach comfort. Another mistake is changing the schedule every few days. Constant adjustments make it difficult to judge whether the routine works and increase the chance of missed servings. Late-evening dosing also creates unnecessary complications, since some formulas contain stimulating ingredients. A nighttime dose separates intake from the meal that could support absorption, which is again problematic. Morning use keeps the process simple and predictable. Conclusion The most practical time to take a testosterone supplement is usually in the morning with breakfast, especially when the meal contains fat and protein. That schedule fits the body’s daily testosterone pattern, supports nutrient absorption, and reduces stomach discomfort from zinc. The next step is simple: choose a repeatable breakfast routine, follow the label for 8 to 12 weeks, and track sleep, training, and symptoms before changing the timing. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

The dog travel accessories I reach for on every trip come down to four things that earned their place the hard way: a crash-tested seat belt, a washable seat cover, a proper car bed, and a bowl that folds flat. I have hauled my dog from the Scottish Highlands to long motorway slogs, and almost everything else got quietly abandoned at home. A few of my favourites sit at the premium end, from Le Noof's travel range for dogs, but the reasoning matters more than the label. So here is my kit, piece by piece. One thing before the gear, because it shapes all of it: an unrestrained dog is a genuine safety risk. The Center for Pet Safety crash-tests pet travel products precisely because so many fail on impact [1], the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends restraining pets on every drive [2], and a AAA survey found a large share of owners still drive with their dog loose [3]. That is why the first item is not up for debate. The thing I will not reverse off the drive without My seat belt tether is the one dog travel accessory I treat as essential rather than optional. It clips to a well-fitted harness, never her collar, and stops her launching toward the front on a hard brake. It also keeps her out of my lap, which is the quiet safety win nobody mentions: a dog in your footwell is a distraction waiting to happen. On twisting Highland roads, clipping her in did more for both of us than any clever gadget I have bought. The unsung hero that saved my back seat The best dog travel accessory nobody ever photographs is the humble car seat cover. Mud, wet fur, sand from the beach, the occasional carsick moment: it catches all of it, and it saves the resale value of your car in the process. My first budget cover shredded within a season. The replacement I actually trust now wipes clean and has not slipped once, which matters more than it sounds when your dog is scrambling across it after a walk. Where she actually settles: the car bed A car bed is the premium upgrade that changed our longer drives the most. Give a dog a familiar, cushioned spot of her own and she stops pacing, stops whining, and usually falls asleep within the first ten minutes. I tuck hers across the back seat so she has something soft to brace against on the bends. A calmer dog makes a calmer driver, and that trade alone justified the spend for me. The flat little lifesaver I clip to my bag A packable travel bowl is the must-have dog travel accessory I underrated for years. It folds completely flat, weighs almost nothing, and means water is never the reason I skip a stop on a hot day. I keep one clipped to the outside of my day bag and a spare in the glovebox. For something so small and cheap, it has prevented more overheated, grumpy afternoons than anything else I own. A note if your dog is pocket-sized For small dogs, the must-have dog travel accessories tilt toward warmth and containment. A little pup can get lost in a big back seat, so a snug, correctly sized car bed and a properly fitted harness matter even more, and a light blanket helps them hold their temperature on long drives, since small dogs cool down faster than you would expect. The honest takeaway after a year on the road: sort the safety gear first, pay up on the things that take daily abuse, and resist the urge to overpack. Four good pieces beat a boot full of stuff you never touch. Further Reading Center for Pet Safety, pet travel product crash-test research, centerforpetsafety.org American Veterinary Medical Association, traveling with your pet, avma.org AAA, research on distracted driving and unrestrained pets, aaa.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Le Noof