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  • Gulfstream Park to Host Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food & Art Experience

    Gulfstream Park, South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination located on the border of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, will again be the site of the highly anticipated Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience on Saturday, February 25, from 7–11 p.m. as part of the 22nd annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). Gulfstream Park and its iconic Pegasus statue will serve as the venue for the event. Hosted by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Florida International University, the Festival benefits FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. The Festival’s Hallandale Beach Event Series is a part of the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s (HBCRA) strategic plan to promote economic development by branding the city as a destination for food, arts and entertainment, while also attracting international exposure to local participating restaurants. This is the fourth year in a row that the HBCRA is partnering with SOBEWFF® to host the Hallandale Beach Event Series. The event features a variety of international cuisines that will get guests movin’ and groovin’ including Gulfstream Park Village’s Belly Fish and Ten Palms restaurants. Other participating restaurants include: El Tamarindo Coal Fired Pizza, Marash Turkish Cuisine, Moises Bakery, Dr. Limon Hallandale, CAO Bakery & Café, The Krazy Vegan, Il Mercato Café & Wine Shop, Matteo’s Trattoria, Dunn’s River Island Café, Holy Avocado, Ceviche Avenue, Chef Irie, See Thai & Japanese Cuisine, Nana’s Sapibon Haitian Restaurant, D’s Delights and Mable’s Island Kitchen. Additional restaurants will be announced. General admission tickets are $75 plus tax and service fees and can be purchased by visiting sobewff.org/groove. All net proceeds from the festival benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management students at Florida International University. Each year, student volunteers help organize all aspects of the event, including planning, logistics, and overall execution. “We look forward to welcoming new and return guests to the Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience,” said Alex Schreer, director of Experiential Marketing at Gulfstream Park Village. “This event invites food lovers for an immersive culinary experience, set to the backdrop of Gulfstream Park in a beautiful, open-air environment.” “We are excited to be a part of this iconic South Florida event that brings the community together to enjoy an unforgettable evening,” said Dr. Jeremy Earle, City Manager and CRA Executive Director of The City of Hallandale Beach. “This event spotlights our incredible culinary talent and diversity and brings great value to our local economy.” More on Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit www.gulfstreampark.com or call 954-454-7000. More on the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management who also assist Festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world’s greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers. To date, SOBEWFF® has raised more than $31.8 million for the School. In September 2019, BizBash named the Festival the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry event in the United States for the seventh year in a row. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival® is produced by Florida International University and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit sobewff.org or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit fiu.edu, for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management visit hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits visit southernglazers.com. More on The Hallandale Beach CRA The mission of the Hallandale Beach CRA is to promote economic development and enhance quality of life by eliminating and preventing blighted conditions through the facilitation of community partnerships, business growth, job creation and neighborhood rehabilitation. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of SOBEWFF/Hallandale Beach CR

  • UltimateWellness “The Spirit - Mind - Emotional - Body Connection”

    To optimize your Health and Performance you should take into account the spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical aspects because our Wellness comes not just from physical health, but from mental health and spiritual health as well. Faena Forum “I put Spirit first. A healthy spirit requires Love. Being spiritual is being centered and having an understanding that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. Facilitating a healthy spirit includes being part of a community to share yourself with others like-minded humans who support you and raise your vibrations.” - Julia Smila, Founder at UltimateWellness. We invite you to join the conscious community at the UltimateWellness event at Faena Forum, Miami Beach on Aug 26, 2023. Get your Ticket now! www.ultimatewellness.miami/event UltimateWellness is an all-day, insightful, and educational event where you can dive into the tools and strategies for longevity, learn how to measure your health, and create your holistic wellness protocol - including Diet, Rest, Exercising, Stress reduction, Supplementation, and Etheric Hygiene. At the event, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating wellness experiences and discover innovative biohacking technologies which can help you unleash your full potential and stay on top of your game for longer. Flow State - The Gateway to Your Success. UltimateWellness is a holistic approach. At FaenaForum on August 26th, we will be sharing knowledge about all pillars for longevity. Additionally, this event aims to emphasize the power of your brain and mind. The conscious mind only controls 5% of the entire spectrum, while 95% of our biology is governed by the subconscious mind. Many people invest a significant amount of time, energy, and effort into their conscious mind, which ultimately has little impact on upgrading their reality. When you sink to the state of Theta you have what's called hypermnesia or super memory. It improves cognitive abilities. Moreover, while you are in a state of hypermnesia, your brain is no longer limited by time and you have direct access to the subconscious mind, and you are able to create the life you desire. At the UltimateWellness event, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice powerful techniques for shifting to a Flow state with top coaches, including Meditation, Breathwork, SuperBrain Yoga, and Guided Visualisation with BrainTap. This will enable you to incorporate these techniques into your everyday life. With consistent practice, you will be able to enter a state of Flow within a couple of minutes and remain in that zone for an extended period of time. We invite you to explore the fascinating capabilities of the human brain, its capacity to adapt and overcome challenges, and its role in achieving seemingly impossible goals. Some of our Partners: BrainTap - revolutionary Brain Wave Technology for improving brain fitness. It can help you manage stress, optimize sleep, and activate your brain's peak potential. SIV - breakthrough biotech innovation, B.SporaIV Microbiome Balancing Serum, a topical probiotic serum that utilized Bacillus spores to harness your individual biology. Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center - Cutting-edge laboratory technology and treatment plans are utilized to optimize your health through a truly integrated approach at the intersection of Eastern and Western Medicine. Biohackers Update Magazine - the first magazine about Biohacking and Self Optimization, committed to bringing you all the essential updates from the World Biohacking Community. Click below to launch slideshow > Some of our Speakers: Agustina Caminos - Wellness Director for Faena Group and Director at Tierra Santa Healing House SPA. Agustina is a Pranic Healer, Spiritual Guide, Therapist, Professor of yoga, and Alternative Medicine Practitioner. Ben Azadi - Founder of Keto Kamp. Ben is the author of best-selling books, The Perfect Health Booklet, and The Intermittent Fasting Cheat Sheet. He has been the go-to source for intermittent fasting and the ketogenic diet since 2013. Emily Rowe, MD, AP - Co-Founder at the Miami Beach Comprehensive Wellness Center. Doctorate Degree in Medicine graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Master’s Degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. Kiran Krishnan - Scientific Advisor at SIV, innovative BioTech. Word renowned Research Microbiologist who has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 20 years. Leader in Microbiome and Probiotic research. Jean Fallacara - Engineer in biotechnology with a specialization in virtual reality and augmented reality from MIT, BSc in Biochemistry, a Master in Genetics and Immunology. Expert in Endurance, Brain Conditioning & Neurosciences. Join the UltimateWellness event at Faena Forum on Aug 26, 2023. Open your mind to groundbreaking concepts and breakthrough innovation, shifting old paradigms and raising human consciousness. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Wellness Experiences and explore advanced Biohacking Technologies. Organized by: FB: The Ultimate Wellness Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel IG: @julia.smila, @ultimatewellness.miami, @agustina.freespirit, @tierrasantafaena Get your Ticket now! www.ultimatewellness.miami/event By ML staff. Images courtesy of The Ultimate Wellness.

  • Venturing Out With Veronica H. Speck of VHS Ventures

    Although originally from San Diego and currently based in New York City, Veronica H. Speck has long been inspired by Miami, from the architecture and design of the Art Deco district to the plethora of emerging Latin American fashion talent. The eponymous communications consultancy, VHS Ventures, is a full scale international communications consultancy and strategic advisory agency focusing on art, architecture, design, luxury fashion, and hospitality. In addition to public relations, marketing, and event production, VHS Ventures also connects luxury brands to retailers and artists and designers to galleries, showrooms, and art and design fairs. Miami-based clients include Mr. C Hotels and Residences by Cipriani, Grupo ARCA marble, Collecto, Maison d’Etto, and interior designers including Hino Studio and Bea Pernia of Bea Interiors Design. Many clients and partners have hosted events and activations during Design Miami, Art Basel, Swim Week, Formula 1, and The Beach Polo World Cup, including Bernardaud, Tuleste Factory, JO-HS Gallery, The Future Perfect, Flabelus, and more. Today, the Founder shares her favorite design destinations in Miami and entertaining advice. Tell us about your first experience visiting Miami? It was in 2015, and at the time, I was the Public Relations Director for the French luxury home decor and design brand Bernardaud. We collaborated on a special porcelain tabletop collection with Studio Job for the new Faena Hotel and Los Fuegos restaurant by Chef Frances Mallmann. The star-studded opening dinner included Leonardo Dicaprio, Toby Macguire, Adrian Brody, Baz Luhrmann, and more. The steak Chef Mallman prepared was Argentine asado-style, barbecued on the beach, and remains one of the best I have ever had! Dining Destinations? There are many! Hiyakawa for Japanese omakase. The gorgeous undulating wooden interiors were designed by my client, award-winning interior and collectible furniture designer Bea Pernia of Bea Interiors Design. I might be biased as I represent Cipriani, but the view from Bellini restaurant terrace at the rooftop of Mr. C Hotel in Coconut Grove overlooking Biscayne Bay at sunset is quite spectacular. Order the signature Bellini cocktail, served with aperetivo-style bites of parmesan and green olives, followed by the lobster salad, lasagna, and of course the homemade gelato whipped à la minute. Some other favorites include Mandolin Aegean or Michael’s for a Design District power lunch; Uchi or Kyu for sushi; Casa Tua for dinner and dancing in South Beach; The Four Seasons Surf Club restaurant by Thomas Keller for a special occasion; Joe’s Stone Crab; Matador Room by Jean-Georges in The Edition; Boulud Sud by Daniel Boulud; New York transplants Carbone, Balthazar, Sadelle’s, Milos, or Lucali; La Natural for wood-fired pizza; Panther Coffee, Sapore di Mare, Los Félix, and Krüs Wine Bar in Coconut Grove, and many more! Where do you like to stay? I am often visiting Miami for work so I am lucky enough to stay at my client Mr. C Hotel by Cipriani in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. The property was designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Martin Brudnizki and is designed to resemble a yacht so it truly feels like an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. I also enlisted designer Hagit Pincovici to create a custom vitrine to display retail items, including the property’s signature scented candle by Lola James Harper, so walking in the lobby truly feels like a home away from home! Il Giardino is perfect for special events. Recent ones have included a LoveShack Fancy dinner, Cara Cara lunch, Volver x Collecto floral arranging workshop, a Latin American Fashion Summit pop-up shop, and more. Don’t miss an endospheres massage or facial treatment by Debbie Castaneda at BēAtala Spa. If I am in town for Design Miami or Art Basel, I like to stay closer to the convention center at The Edition, Faena, or Four Seasons Surf Club. Art and Design destinations? I love to visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Fashion designer and client Alexia María shot her SS ‘23 campaign there, and it was the perfect backdrop for the gorgeous new collection. I am endlessly inspired by the Art Deco movement so running or biking past the colorful pastel buildings in South Beach is always a must, as is a visit to The Wolfsonian-Florida International University museum. During Art Basel, I like to view the new exhibitions on display at the Bass Museum, ICA, Rubell Collection, de la Cruz Collection, Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, and the Pérez Museum. The Design District is home to many of my interior design client showrooms. Favorite destinations include: Hino Studio, Bea Interiors Design, Storia, Art + Loom, Grupo Arca, and Avenue Road collectible design gallery in South Beach. Places to Shop and favorite designers at the moment? In my opinion, the best time for shopping is during the Latin American Fashion Summit when Latin brands take over the city and host pop-up shop events. It is a great opportunity to be introduced to new talent. Last year, Johanna Ortiz, Lauren Santo Domingo, and Alexandre Birman hosted panel discussions, and I discovered emerging brands including By Efrain Mogollon, Susana Vega, Andrea Almeida, Leal Daccaret, Port de Bras, and many more. I also love to visit Merrick Park mall to check out Boy Meets Girl for children’s clothes and P de Palma, which carries favorites like Monica Sordo, Sandra Weil, Waimari, and Juan de Dios. Boho Hunter also curates and carries Latin American fashion brands like Eugenia Fernandez and Bahía María. In Coral Gables, the Silvia Tcherrassi boutique is full of the latest collection of colorful Colombian dresses, perfect for Miami or taking on a tropical vacation. In South Beach, the original Webster and Curio at Faena Bazaar never disappoint. I also like to browse Mrs. Mandolin boutique after lunch at Mandolin Aegean bistro. In Coconut Grove, the Agua Bendita boutique and The Bazaar Project, adjacent to Mr. C Hotel, curated with global brands by Turkish owner Yeliz Titiz, is an absolute must– I especially love their emerald jewelry. I also love the Four Seasons Surf Club boutique, and, of course, my client Assouline’s new boutique at Bal Harbour. Tell us about your interest in tabletop. Any entertaining tips? At home in New York, I like to abide by Kant’s rule, “The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the Graces nor exceed those of the Muses” – i.e. begin with three and stop at nine. However, when in Miami, I am often hosting larger client events, especially during the annual Design Miami and Art Basel fair, Latin American Fashion Summit, Formula 1, and Swim Week. My interest in tabletop design and decor began with my role as PR Director at Bernardaud back in 2014 where I often designed and promoted seasonal tablescapes, custom collections with Michelin-Starred Chefs like Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert, and objets d’art with Jeff Koons, Vik Muniz, Marina Abramovic, Julian Schnabel, the Campana Brothers, and more– many of which were displayed during Art Basel. Fast forward to founding VHS Ventures in 2020, and I now represent and partner with luxury home decor brands like Aina Kari candles made of Murano glass, Studio Lél pietra dura collectible design pieces, Arca marble’s home line, and Collecto which specializes in curated homeware and a bespoke wedding registry service, providing access to the world's finest designers, including Johanna Ortiz home, L’Objet, Ginori 1735, and Saint Louis. Some recent favorite entertaining events that come to mind include a Collecto x Volver floral arranging workshop hosted at Il Giardino in Mr. C Hotel. Favorite Art Basel Events? Goodness, there have been many! In 2021, ARCA marble hosted an exhibition and event at their Esrawe-Studio designed marble showroom in Wynwood. We partnered with Mexico City’s leading art gallery, OMR, and design gallery, MASA, to create a collection of limited-edition collectible designs made of marble by a roster of talent including Gabriel Rico, Jorge Méndez Blake, Adeline de Monseignat, Mario Garcia Torres, Ewe Studio, and Brian Thoreen. Chef Gabriela Cámara, who I had worked with at The Future Perfect in Los Angeles previously and who owns one of my favorite restaurants in Mexico City (Contramar), catered the event and personally served her signature tuna tostadas to guests, which included Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo, Joe Jonas, Pharrell Williams, artist JR, and many more. ARCA also collaborated with interior designer Bea Pernia to present her first furniture collection “Atus” at Design Miami. Last year in 2022, clients Mr. C Hotel by Cipriani and Mexico City-based gallery JO-HS, collaborated to present an “A Surrealist Stay” exhibition and dinner celebrating emerging talent included Ramiro Gonzalez, Demit Omphroy, and Celeste. For more information, services, clients, events, press, and a fulll Miami guide visit www.veronicahelenspeck.com and follow @veronicahelenspeck + @vhs.ventures By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Nela Kekic

  • Del Mar Fashion: Dress For Success

    Fashion and horse racing have always gone hand in hand. From the very first days of organized racing meets, people went to the races not only to see the magnificent Thoroughbreds run but also to be seen themselves. Gentlemen would wear top hats and tails, and later bowler hats; these hats were so ubiquitous at the racetracks in the nineteenth century that in the United States, they came to be called “derby hats.” Ladies would don their flashiest gowns and top their ensembles with brightly colored wide-brimmed hats. As time progressed, the trends in fashion of course changed, but the custom remained: when you attended the track, particularly as an owner or a person of means, you dressed to impress. It continues even today. Now, what you wear of course will depend on several factors. More important race days will require fancier dress. Weather, climate, and season will influence your choices. As well, each track has its own unique culture and dress code (official or not). How can you dress for success at the upcoming Del Mar racing meet in Southern California? First, check out these excellent fashion tips, and then click here to access the Del Mar meet calendar: www.twinspires.com Official Dress Code While the track itself does not have any specific dress requirements for attendance, there are certain areas of the Del Mar Race Track that enact stricter dress codes. The Del Mar Turf Club, for example, is a restricted luxury area of the track which includes several dress code stipulations. Gentlemen are required to wear either a full suit or a collared shirt with a sports jacket and dress slacks. Women may wear tailored blouses and jackets with slacks, a ladies’ suit, or a daytime-style dress. Flip-flop sandals are not allowed, and children are expected to adhere to the dress code as strictly as adults. The rest of the racetrack commonly refers to its dress code as “California chic.” The effect this gives is generally in between casual and formal, with special attention to light, airy fabrics that will not cause discomfort in the intense California sun. Shoes Outside of the Turf Club, there aren’t any specific shoe requirements, but patrons should keep in mind that any trip to the track will require a good deal of walking. Stilettos are a bad idea, as are tightly-strapped sandals: rolled ankles and blisters are never fashionable! Ensembles There are many options available for those who want to be comfortable at Del Mar and still make a splash! Those who want to lean into the chill California vibe of the track can adopt a bohemian look. Women may want to wear a flowy maxi dress or skirt with an assortment of vibrant colors and patterns, or loose palazzo pants. Men might opt for linen button-down shirts in lighter colors and khaki pants. Cropped pants are an excellent choice if you are concerned about collecting dirt on the track itself. Those who wish to be a bit more formal might opt for dresses or suits, but avoid darker clothes or evening formal wear. Light and brightness is the key to Southern California! Hats The Plaza de Mexico is hosting its annual Opening Day Hats Contest on July 21st! To garner attention in the contest, two key factors play a part. First, you will want to ensure that your hat is coordinated with your outfit. Make sure that your color and pattern combinations match, or at the very least do not clash with one another! Second, and most important, bigger is better! The 2022 grand prize winner, Steffi Poce of Park City, Utah, claimed her title with a hat several feet in diameter! The brim featured a model of the track and, in the center, a smiling jockey hoisting a horse on his back! Additionally, there are specific prizes for Best Racing theme, Best Flowers, Best Fascinator, and Most Glamorous. Of course, even if you do not wish to take part in a contest, a hat is an essential accessory at the race track, especially in a sunny place where a wide brim is not only attractive but also shades your face. Men and women alike can be seen wearing floppy hats that serve a function and add to the aesthetic. By Lindsay Griffin. Images courtesy of Jaguar MENA from Flickr.

  • Oscar De La Hoya Talks Surviving Dangerous Choices & Coming Clean

    Oscar De La Hoya charmed the world when, at eighteen, he took home the gold medal from the 1992 Olympics, launching his professional boxing career and earning him his famous moniker, The Golden Boy. He went on to win ten world championships across six different weight divisions making him one of the most celebrated professional fighters in the sport’s storied history. The impoverished young boy from East Los Angeles had arrived, and the city made him their hometown hero, eventually erecting a statue in his honor in 2008 (created by Erik Blome) which sits on the grounds of the Crypto.com arena. De La Hoya launched his Oscar De La Hoya Foundation, giving back to the residents of East LA, and furthering his Golden Boy image. Internally, De La Hoya was feeling crippled from a childhood filled with trauma and abuse, and cracks in his well-crafted image began to show. In the early 2000s, he walked away from his ex-partner, model and media personality Shanna Moakler and their then young daughter, Atiana De La Hoya. His two other now-adult children, Jacob and Devon, suffered the same fate with an absent De La Hoya during their upbringings. Problems compounded when a burned out De La Hoya all but threw a fight against Manny Pacquiao after eight painful rounds, marking the beginning of the end of his boxing career. Substance abuse and questionable romantic entanglements followed, as did scandal and multiple lawsuits. The former boxing champ eventually rebounded with Golden Boy Promotions, De La Hoya’s national boxing promotion company, which promotes some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the sport of boxing. I sat down with Oscar De La Hoya to unpack his life and career, which has been filled with iconic highs and devastating lows, and to learn about where he is now after years of healing and mending his personal relationships. Allison Kugel: When I was telling my team about our interview, one of them said, “Oh, he’s a somebody!” My first reaction was, “Yes, he is!” Then I thought about what makes someone a “somebody.” Is it how much money you have? How popular you are? How many people will show up to your funeral? Or is it really how many people you have in your life who love you, not because of what you can give them or what you’ve achieved, but simply because of who you are? Does that resonate with you? Oscar De La Hoya: Oh, yes. We are all somebody, right? It’s funny you say that, because I was always somebody when I was at the height of my career; when I won the Olympics, when I got back from the Olympics and won world [boxing] titles. I felt like I was somebody to everybody. Everybody knew who I was. Everybody knew The Golden Boy Oscar, the Gold Medalist, the World Champion. And now that I’m going through this process of finding myself, I don’t need that validation anymore. I’m somebody to someone who loves me. I’m somebody to someone who really cares for me and wants to make time to know me, so that is what I care about now. I’m no longer just somebody because I’m “The Golden Boy.” Allison Kugel: Right. I feel like in your documentary film (The Golden Boy, out July 24th on HBO and MAX streaming), when you were talking about your life from childhood and then through the height of your boxing career, that was all you wanted. You wanted someone to say, “I love you. I see you. I hear you. You’re important to me because you are you.” Oscar De La Hoya: Yes, and all these years I was just going through the motions. I was training, fighting, making appearances, having meetings, getting pulled left and right, traveling. I just never had the chance to say, “Hello! I’m right here. Do you know who I really am? Do you care to even know?” The years go by so fast when you are living that moment every single day, every single minute of my life. I was always surrounded by people, all the time. A lot of times I was surrounded by people I didn’t even know, and so what people have to realize is that when you are by yourself and you have those thoughts in your head, and people are not pulling you left and right, and you’re not “The Golden Boy,” then who are you? After I retired from boxing I kind of lost myself. I lost my identity. I lost who I was. I was this [mentally and physically] conditioned kid at six years old who had to be the champion of the world for everybody. Allison Kugel: In the beginning of the documentary there is footage of you as a six-year-old boy in a boxing ring, fighting in amateur fights that your father had you boxing in. Was that your normal at that age, since you didn’t know any different? Oscar De La Hoya: It became normal, because that is exactly what I had to do. That is what my father forced me to do. At that age when I won my first fight at six years old, my life changed. I remember when I was like ten, eleven years old feeling like my family was changing towards me. Now I’ve become this commodity. Like, “If I help little Oscar right now as a kid and buy him some boxing gloves or little hand wraps, maybe he will remember, and he can help me out when he’s older and has money.” I felt like that my whole life. Allison Kugel: Wow! Do you have anyone in your life, now, who tells you they love you and that they are proud of you? I hope you do. Oscar De La Hoya: Yes, my girlfriend (fitness model, Holly Sonders). She is my one person who tells me that, and she is my best friend. She tells me all the time, “My gosh, you’re doing great. You’re good. You’re a great person. I’m proud of you.” There is a part of me that thinks, “Wait, why are you telling me this? Are you sure?” It’s that kid coming out, because I was conditioned so much. It wasn’t love back then. It was just like, “Okay, Oscar is the ‘chosen one.’ Let’s see what we can get out of it.” Allison Kugel: It’s crazy that it was prophetic in a way. Your father said to you, “You’re the one. You’re going to take us out of these circumstances.” What is crazy about it is, you did become extraordinarily wealthy, and you did, in fact, give back to the people of East LA. That’s a lot to put on a kid, but at the same time he was right. Oscar De La Hoya: Exactly. It is very strange, and it’s those exact demons and confusion that I had to fight with all the time. My life has been so confusing because nobody gave me a handbook after I won the Gold Medal at 18 years old. No one gave me a handbook and said, “This is what your life is going to be, and these are the correct decisions to make. This is right from wrong.” Nobody ever explained to me what life is all about. I never had my mother sit me down, or my father, and tell me, “Son, this is going to happen in life.” I never had that. I had to learn along the way. Allison Kugel: How old were you when you got your first $20 million check? Oscar De La Hoya: I was about 22… Allison Kugel: So, you’re 22, learning along the way, and you are given this huge sum of money and no instructions on how to navigate it all. Oscar De La Hoya: Right, and all I want to do is just have fun. Allison Kugel: Of course (laugh)! Oscar De La Hoya: People who were around me said, “Let’s travel. Let’s do this.” It was all reckless, and I’m just very fortunate I’m still alive. I think I’ve thought about committing suicide three times. I’ve been depressed 10 times over the course of my life. Luckily, I did have boxing as an outlet. The ring was my safe place, believe it or not. Getting hit, punching someone, was my safe place. That is how much the struggle was outside of the ring. Allison Kugel: Was it that you were in the zone when you were boxing, like everything else went away? Or was it a way to get the anger and the rage out? Oscar De La Hoya: It was a way to get the anger and the rage out. I remember picturing my mom’s face in my opponents, and literally just getting angry. That is how bad it was at one point, and I’m lucky that I was able to manage it and kind of control it just inside the ring, to have it inside the ring and not outside of the ring, because who knows what I would have done. Allison Kugel: I interviewed Mike Tyson years ago and he said, “I came to the conclusion at a young age that I couldn’t be the best and be happy. So, I chose to be the best and to sacrifice my own happiness.” Do you agree with that statement? Oscar De La Hoya: I do agree with it now, but I didn’t realize what was happening as I was becoming this World Champion. As I was winning, I didn’t realize why I was winning. I didn’t understand why I had all this anger. It was all just normal. I was abused at home, physically and emotionally, but I just kept living my life. I would go to school as a kid, and I was always the quiet one. I was the shy one, and the kid who never had money. I was always made fun of. Boxing, for a strange reason, was my happy place. It was where I can get beat up and hit you back. Psychologically, it kind of screwed with me, but I never thought that I was unhappy. It was so normal to be who I was as a kid. Allison Kugel: I want to talk about fatherhood. Your three older kids were interviewed in this documentary. Your first child, Atiana, who you had with Shanna Moakler, what was it about fatherhood that spooked you to the point where you said, “I’m going to give this over to Shanna and Travis Barker (Moakler’s ex-husband), and I’m just going to kind of divorce myself from this situation? What happened there? Oscar De La Hoya: I basically ran away. I was scared. I was fearful. I did try to be a father full time for a few years, and it was beautiful. It was amazing to raise a little girl, but there came a point where you say to yourself, “Wait a minute. You’re not worthy of this.” You convince yourself that you are not worthy of that love, that it is not possible in your life, because of not receiving that love when I was a kid. My father never told me, “I love you.” My mother never told me she loved me. She never really gave me a hug. When I would cry, she would start hitting me. That is how bad it was. Allison Kugel: Did she give you, “I’ll give you something to cry about?” Oscar De La Hoya: Oh, I got that all the time. I know I can be a father, but it comes to the point where you convince yourself that this is not you. This is scary. You are not worthy of this. You are not worthy of giving love. Then you start feeling sorry for yourself. Life starts just spiraling and you’re lost. All you want to do is drink and do drugs and escape. Luckily for me, when I was boxing, it kept me in line. I didn’t drink until my last fight with Manny Pacquiao. That’s when I knew it was all over and I started drinking. I always felt like I wasn’t worthy of anything, like I wasn’t worthy of love, and I wasn’t worthy enough to do the job. Allison Kugel: Have you forgiven your dad for the lack of a conventional childhood? Where are you with that? Oscar De La Hoya: I will start with my mother, because she passed in 1991. A few years ago I went to my mom’s grave and I had this big old ten page letter. I go to her grave and I start crying. The first words from my mouth were, “I f*cking hate you.” I was so emotional about what she did to me and the love she didn’t give me. But, at the end I was just so compassionate, and I said, “Mom, thank you and I love you.” I felt so free. With my father, he is still alive. He is still a hard a*s. He still is who he is. You saw him in the film (laugh). It’s funny because all these recent years I’ve been wanting to tell my father, “I love you,” but I just couldn’t do it. I didn’t know how to do it. I would play it in my head, and I always thought he would say, “What the hell are you talking about? What are you telling me you love me for? We are men. We are macho.” I remember one day a few years ago going up to him and saying, “You know what, dad? I love you.” I hugged him and he told me back, “I love you,” and started crying. In my head, I thought he was going to punch me. It was the opposite. So, I freed myself from my father. Now, I understand that is how he grew up and what he learned. I’m not going to be that person, so I’m fee from my past demons. I had to do a lot of therapy. I went through rehab; I don’t know how many times. Maybe because I didn’t belong there, or I did belong there, but I did it and all that work gives you the courage to just be yourself. Allison Kugel: The ongoing media narrative throughout your boxing career was that you won the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics because it was your mother’s dying wish… Oscar De La Hoya: That was all a lie. Allison Kugel: Who manufactured that narrative? Oscar De La Hoya: It just happened. I remember when I won the Gold Medal. I was on the podium and the National Anthem was playing, and I was just numb. I couldn’t cry. I couldn’t laugh. I couldn’t smile. I was just picturing [my mother’s] face, just numb. I got out of the ring and the commentator asked me, “How do you feel, doing it for your mom?” That’s when it took off. I was this shy kid from East LA. I don’t know how to act in front of the camera. I don’t know what to say, so you just go with it. It becomes overwhelming, and now that everyone is saying it, you don’t want to say, “Wait a minute, I didn’t say that.” You don’t want to disappoint people. Allison Kugel: Since you struggled with your mental health and with substance abuse, do you try to stay on top of the mental and overall well-being of the fighters that your company, Golden Boy Promotions, represents? Oscar De La Hoya: Of course. And I give help to the fighters who ask for it. I think we are living in a different time, and it’s a whole new generation where there is more compassion and more love in the household, but when you are a fighter and you are winning tournaments and being put on that pedestal, you have that pressure on you. I can imagine what they are going through, so if you ask me for help, I’m going to be more than happy to help you out and give you my experience and my take on what I lived through, but you only have to ask for it. I can’t force it upon you. I can’t come in and say, “I lived this, and I lived that, so therefore you should live by this too.” The way it works is, you have to ask for it yourself, and that is exactly what I did. I’m 50 years old and I finally asked for help. It’s never too late. Allison Kugel: Because it was in the film, I want to ask you about some of the sexual assault lawsuits that came your way. It doesn’t seem to jive with the person that I’m looking at right now. Was it not being queued into someone else’s body language, or how they are feeling, like their nonverbal ques? Because you were living so high, were you just not thinking about the other person’s responses to your actions, per se, even though it wasn’t your intention to assault anyone? What was going on there? Oscar De La Hoya: No. First of all, I would never hurt a fly. That is just who I am, but I think that I put myself in situations where I was vulnerable. For instance, you have this kid. Young, money, he’s outgoing, this and that. I put myself in situations where people thought, “Shit, I could take advantage of this kid.” I’m not that person. It is just not me, but if you put yourself in that situation, someone is bound to take advantage of you. Someone is bound to take advantage of that situation, of that kid who is naïve and young, who has money, and that is exactly what happened. I’ve never laid my hands on anybody. I would never, ever do that. I would never mistreat anyone. It is just not in my nature or how I grew up. I didn’t see that in my household. My father and mother had a distant relationship, but it was never abusive. It was never physical, so I never grew up with that. On the contrary, it’s like all I needed was love. All I needed was a hug, so all of these accusations, or whatever, is all they were. Accusations. Allison Kugel: Are you saying you were targeted, financially? Oscar De La Hoya: That was the goal, I would assume. I would assume that was the goal, but there is a reason why things were dropped, or things were dropped by the system. There are reasons for that. Anyone who knows me, knows that would never, ever be me. Allison Kugel: Do you pray? And, if so, who or what do you pray to? Oscar De La Hoya: I used to pray a lot. I still believe in my God as my higher power, but now that I’m in this state of mind for the past few years, at peace with myself and I’ve done all the work and continue to do the work, I don’t find myself praying like I used to pray. Now, I reassure myself, “Today is going to be a great day! You are a good person. You work hard. Go just be a good guy.” There really isn’t that much praying like before. Before, when I was lost, it was like, “Please, please I need your help!” and nothing happened. Now, I wake up every single morning and my girlfriend knows that I take my time for myself when I wake up. I say to myself, “Okay, just be you.” That has been working for me. The balance in my life now has been incredible. Allison Kugel: I know you’ve mastered boxing, but beyond that, what have you mastered in your life, and what remains a work in progress? Oscar De La Hoya: I think life is a big old work in progress. I play a lot of golf, and in golf you can never master the game. It’s impossible. If you shoot a low score, you can always shoot lower. Even Tiger Woods could never master the game. You can always get better. You can always shoot a better score, and I think life is like that. Even if you are on top of the mountain, there is always something you can work on. Life is all about growing, learning, and becoming better and good with yourself. I’m always searching to find peace, every single day. Allison Kugel: Any final words of wisdom to share? Oscar De La Hoya: I’m very fortunate to be alive, because it could have ended quickly and easy at any point in my life. My number one rule that people should consider is to put yourself first. I think back when I was pleasing everyone else, and how kids today want to please their school mates. They have the pressure of being cool. Make yourself happy first, and then everything else will unfold and everything else is manageable and a bit easier to handle. You have to really sit down with yourself and ask yourself some tough questions. It’s all about communication. Oscar De La Hoya’s two-part documentary film, The Golden Boy, premieres July 24th at 9pm ET/PT on HBO and streaming on MAX. Image courtesy of HBO and MAX. Images courtesy of HBO/Max. Words and interview by By Allison Kugel. Watch or listen to the extended Oscar De La Hoya interview on the Allison Interviews Podcast at Apple, Spotify, or on YouTube.

  • Miami's Top 10 Spinning Classes: Unleashing the of Power Cycling

    In the realm of fitness, spinning, also known as indoor cycling, has emerged as a popular and effective exercise option in Miami. Characterized by high-intensity workouts on stationary bikes, spinning has gained a massive following worldwide. This form of exercise not only helps individuals improve cardiovascular fitness but also offers a low-impact, joint-friendly alternative to other high-intensity workouts. Miami Living explores the origins of spinning, plus we also delve into its numerous physical benefits and bring you Miami's best spinning locations! Origins of Spinning Spinning, as we know it today, traces its roots back to the late 1980s. The concept was first developed by Johnny Goldberg, a South African endurance athlete and former professional cyclist. During a period of inclement weather that made outdoor cycling impossible, Goldberg improvised by creating a stationary bike workout routine. He combined his passion for cycling with music, intensity variations, and motivational coaching, thus giving birth to indoor cycling. Goldberg's innovative approach to indoor cycling quickly gained popularity, and in 1991, he founded the company Mad Dogg Athletics, which is responsible for the well-known spinning program called "Spinning®." As the fitness industry embraced this new exercise phenomenon, more gyms and fitness centers started incorporating spinning classes into their offerings, leading to its widespread recognition and adoption. Benefits of Spinning Cardiovascular Fitness One of the primary benefits of spinning is its ability to improve cardiovascular fitness. The high-intensity nature of indoor cycling elevates heart rate and stimulates the cardiovascular system, increasing the efficiency of the heart and lungs. Consistent participation in spinning classes can lead to a strengthened cardiovascular system, better endurance, and increased oxygen-carrying capacity. Calorie Burning and Weight Loss Spinning is an excellent calorie-burning workout. Depending on factors such as body weight, intensity, and duration, an individual can burn between 400 to 800 calories per hour during a spinning session. As a result, spinning can be an effective component of weight loss and weight management programs. Low-Impact Exercise Unlike activities like running or jumping, spinning is low-impact on the joints, making it suitable for individuals of various fitness levels and those recovering from injuries. The smooth circular motion of pedaling on a stationary bike reduces stress on the knees, ankles, and hips while still providing a challenging workout. Leg Strength and Muscle Toning Spinning predominantly targets the lower body muscles, including quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. The resistance applied during the workout helps build strength and endurance in these muscle groups, leading to toned and sculpted legs over time. Core and Stability Improvement To maintain proper form and balance on a spinning bike, riders engage their core muscles continuously. The act of stabilizing the body throughout the workout helps strengthen the core, improving overall stability and posture. Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement Like most forms of exercise, spinning triggers the release of endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones in the brain. This natural mood enhancement can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and promote a positive mental outlook. Time Efficiency Spinning offers an intense workout in a relatively short amount of time. A typical spinning class lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, making it an efficient option for individuals with busy schedules who still want to achieve significant fitness gains. Community and Motivation Group spinning classes often create a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. The group atmosphere, combined with the energetic music and motivational coaching, can boost motivation and encourage individuals to push their limits. LOCATIONS Below we bring you a list of popular fitness centers offering spinning classes. Please note this list may be subject to change. Cycle Seven Address: 420 Lincoln Rd #349, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA Website CRUNCH Fitness South Beach Address: 1259 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Website CycleBar Midtown Miami Address: 3301 NE 1st Ave #104, Miami, FL 33137 Website Equinox Brickell Address: 25 SW 9th St, Miami, FL 33130 Website Flywheel Sports - Miami Beach Address: 1919 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Website Green Monkey Yoga - Coral Gables Address: 1430 S Dixie Hwy #116, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website Legacy Fit - Design District Address: 3841 NE 2nd Ave #103, Miami, FL 33137 Website RedBike Studios Address: 1399 SW 1st Ave #102, Miami, FL 33130 Website SoulCycle South Beach Address: 2325 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Website The Pilates Place Studios - Coconut Grove Address: 3444 Main Hwy Suite 17, Miami, FL 33133 Website By ML Staff. Image by Marlon Silva, Unsplash

  • Sienna Swim Makes Its Debut At Miami Swim Week 2023

    Sienna Swim and its CEO, Head Designer, and Model Sienna Mae Gomez made their debut at Miami Swim Week 2023 with the brand’s latest release, Collection Nº5. The show was captivating, fun and energetic, with 12 new silhouettes including surf, lounge, and swimwear styles that emulated an endless summer magic that matched the heat brought this year to Miami’s biggest week of the year. The collection featured two custom, hand drawn prints, two new colorways, as well as restocks of their best-selling sold out styles and prints from earlier collections. When I sat down to talk with the social media mogul turned Chief Creative, I learned that what has made this brand a major success in its first year of business goes beyond a knowledge of social media or trends. The secret sauce behind this viral brand is the fact that Gomez, who is just 19-years old, is a part of every aspect of this business, and makes sure that the spirit of womanhood and a celebration for the female form is brought in from every angle. Q: What motivated you to start your own swim brand? A: I have always loved swimwear. I grew up in Southern California and spent the majority of my life in bikinis. When I started posting bikini reviews on TikTok, my comment section became a place where girls and women were coming to talk about what swim trends we loved, hated, etc. It started to feel like a slumber party where we were all trading advice, which was so fun. I was also getting a ton of PR sent to me from brands who wanted me to review their swimwear, and soon enough I had this huge collection of suits – probably 200 suits if not more! I realized that I could take all the feedback I was being given online, and combine it with my own knowledge to create suits that would fit the needs of the people who had been supporting me. It really was a love letter to them and a thank you for helping me discover my passion for design and content creation. Q: You are one of few designers who walked in their own show at Miami Swim Week. Can you tell us about why you chose to do that? A: I have always wanted to be a model. I started doing photoshoots in my backyard or at the beach when I was around 13. I’d make my parents, friends, or my brother (who now shoots a ton of my brand’s content) take photos of me and I’d submit them to all of the major agencies to no avail. When I started my brand, I knew people would want to see me in the suits, since I was the one whose opinion they trusted. When it came time to debut my line at runway shows, I figured the biggest vote of confidence I could give to people looking to potentially purchase from Sienna Swim was to model it in real time, with no editing or retouching and let them know that these suits really do flatter you from every angle. Plus, it’s so fun to be backstage with the girls, doing glam, getting excited and just coming out together to have a good time. Q: You serve as the CEO, Face, and Head Designer for Sienna Swim. Is it hard to wear that many hats? A: Honestly, no, for a few reasons. First, I have an incredible team. My mom, Dina Gomez, who I co-founded the brand with, was in corporate consulting for 25 years and handles pretty much all of the back end business from order fulfillment and customer service to manufacturing and production. If you’ve ever communicated with us via email, you’re most likely talking to her. Beyond the two of us, we have a small team that helps with everything from content creation to design and marketing. Secondly, this brand brings together all my interests. I have always loved being on set and going from glam to wardrobe and seeing how the vision comes together. I learned to love every aspect of production so being on the creative side of my own brand I knew I wanted to be behind and in front of the camera. Lastly, designing these suits has been my favorite thing I’ve ever done. I’m so lucky to work with my sister-in-law, Nikki Gomez, who hand-draws all of our custom prints, as well as our incredible seamstresses who bring all the feedback and sketches together to create suits that look as good as they feel. Q: What is your favorite part about Collection Nº5? A: It’s so hard to choose just one, especially because this collection is so versatile. We incorporated five new surf styles, which was a dream I have had for a while. I live part-time in California and part-time in Hawaii, and surfing, especially over the last year, has become a huge part of my social community and self care. I wanted to create styles that would move with me and flatter from every angle, and I’m proud to say that I believe we achieved that with the surf collection. We also rolled out our new Eco-Rib fabric which is super soft and sustainable, and sustainability is something that as a company is so important to us. We never want to compromise on quality or responsibility, so this fabric has allowed us to do both. Lastly, I am really obsessed with our new Tulum top & bottom. It’s my favorite suit right now and I can hardly take it off. Q: What do you think sets Sienna Swim apart from other swimwear brands? A: First off, I think the entire swim industry is full of some incredibly talented and creative designers. Being featured in Miami Swim Week was a dream in and of itself, but sharing the runway with designers whose designs were breathtaking was nothing short of an honor. I think what sets Sienna Swim apart is two fold: first, our sizing. We have worked tirelessly as a brand to develop our own in-house sizing chart with the help of our global ambassador program. We held feedback sessions before each collection was submitted for final manufacturing to accurately size suits and create silhouettes that really flatter a wide variety of body types. My mom and I were shocked to find out that a ton of manufacturers don’t operate on any standard sizing, and that a lot of sizes get distorted when you’re dealing with international sizing. After our first collection, we got a little negative feedback about sizes not fitting correctly and we knew we had to make a change. Since developing our own size chart, we’ve had a lot of reviews from people who are truly happy with the way our suits fit and nothing makes me happier. Secondly, our custom-hand drawn prints are one of one. Nikki and I spend months looking at vintage textiles and choosing colors and developing concepts before creating our prints. They are consistently our most-sold styles and I think they definitely set us apart from other brands. Q: What are you most excited about moving forward with Sienna Swim? A: I have felt so lucky to build community through swimwear—from TikTok comments to now backstage at shows and in emails from customers. I think I’m most excited to see that community keep growing and evolving as I do. I have loved the opportunity to work creatively with my friends, family, and people who have come to me via my brand, and I think the coolest part of launching this business has been watching a more genuine, supportive, fun, and loving community come into my life. I started the brand in a transition period, moving away from social media and a community that didn’t really feel like it fit me. I was trying to turn a passion into a business and spending a lot of time at home, alone or with a very small team choosing designs and getting everything ready for our first launch. To watch this business turn into something I did at home with my mom to an entire runway show full of people who support us was incredible and I can’t wait to watch it grow even more. Q: Finally, where can we find all the latest updates on your forthcoming collections, modeling opportunities, and ambassador program? A: The best place to stay up to date with announcements and opportunities is to follow us on Instagram @siennaswim! To shop our latest collections, head to https://siennaswim.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Ivana Burbage & Jacob Gomez

  • Unleashing Relentless Power: The McLaren 750S Supercar

    Experience the pinnacle of McLaren’s relentless pursuit of progress. The 750S takes the supercar to new heights, surpassing performance benchmarks with unwavering control and exhilaration. Lightness is its DNA, shaped by Formula 1™ expertise and innovation. McLaren’s commitment to pushing boundaries is evident in every millimeter and fraction of a second. Building upon the mind-bending performance of the McLaren 720S, the 750S takes it even further. Car and driver become one, whether on circuits or winding A-roads. With 30HP more power, 30Nm more torque, and 30kg less weight, it sets a new standard for addictive engagement. Enhanced features like a wider front track, twin valve dampers, a quicker steering rack, and a shorter final drive intensify the experience, accompanied by the exhilarating roar of the Standard Sports Exhaust. Click below to launch slideshow > The pursuit of lightness remains central to McLaren’s ethos, and the 750S takes it to new levels. Through meticulous refinements, material upgrades, and advanced analysis, it sheds 30kg of weight. Weighing a mere 1389kg, the 750S reaches unprecedented heights in driving dynamics, responses, and performance. Click below to launch slideshow > Get ready to unleash relentless power with the McLaren 750S Supercar. To learn more visit www.mclaren.com. By ML staff | Images courtesy of McLaren

  • Adriana Hoyos Furnishings Debuts New LUA Collection

    Luxury international furniture and design brand Adriana Hoyos has announced the highly-anticipated launch of its newest collection, LUA, featuring 21 celestially crafted pieces characterized by curved organic shapes and modern design that reflects the fashion industry’s quiet luxury trend, which is synonymous with understated elegance, timeless appeal, and high-quality craftsmanship. LUA is the 14th collection from the global designer atelier. The collection, which means “moon” in Portuguese, is inspired by the energy, textures, silhouettes and colors embodied by the phases of the moon. Marked by unique shapes and contours with distinct, eye-catching design moments, LUA’s subtly elegant pieces are designed to appear as if they are floating with curved organic forms inspired by the full, half and crescent moon phases. Likewise, the collection’s Lunar Stone and Lava Granite finishes resemble rock-like craters, while colors are warm and pay homage to the ombre shades of the sky as the moon is rising. “LUA is one of my most meaningful collections to date because it was a labor of love between my daughter and me. We knew we wanted to create something that embraced the beauty of the nature that surrounds us, has the power to transform us and the way we live positively,” said Adriana Hoyos, co-founder and creative director. “We studied how our ancestors connected with the moon and found everything we wanted to convey in our collection - the textures, colors, comfort and energy.” Every piece of the LUA collection, including sofas, loveseats, upholstered chairs, ottomans, daybeds, coffee tables, end tables, consoles and dining chairs, is carefully created from forest to floor and inception to production by the expertly skilled craftsman and artisans behind ADRIANA HOYOS’ vertically integrated design company. LUA is currently available for pre-order via the Hollywood, Florida, showroom and online. The full collection will be available to consumers worldwide in September 2023 in both ADRIANA HOYOS-owned and partner-run stores. For more information, visit adrianahoyos.com/collection-lua. By ML Staff. Images courtesy Adriana Hoyos

  • Leopard Catamarans Celebrates the Launch of its Leopard 40 Powercat with a Sunset Cruise

    Leopard Catamarans, a world leader in the power catamaran market, celebrated the debut of its Leopard 40 Powercat (Leopard 40 PC) with a Sunset Cruise on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway on July 18. A reinvention in the Leopard Powercat series, the Leopard 40 Powercat presents a new generation of cruising possibilities and brings optimal reliability, speed, stability and fuel consumption to both seasoned and new boaters. VIP guests boarded the vessel at the first-class waterfront destination Bahia Mar in the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Guests mingled with the Leopard Catamarans executive team on the innovative and coveted new model while enjoying champagne and canapés overlooking the panoramic backdrop of Fort Lauderdale. Passengers had the opportunity to experience the newly debuted Leopard 40 Powercat and see why Leopard Catamarans leads the world in cruising catamarans. Known for extraordinary craftsmanship and optimal performance, both Leopard sailboat and power catamaran lines are built with flexibility for the modern seafarer and offer a range of equipment and layout options designed with each boater’s journey in mind. Evolving from 50 years of customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has pooled their expertise with South African boat builders Robertson and Caine and Naval Architects Simonis Voogd to design today's Leopard range: spacious, robust, performance-driven blue water cruising catamarans. Joining the successful Leopard 46 and Leopard 53 power catamaran models, the Leopard 40 Powercat is masterfully engineered. With capabilities of reaching 17 knots at cruising speed and more than 20 knots at top speed, passengers will find exhilarating agility and remarkable seaworthiness with the Leopard 40 PC. Just as easily, the vessel offers relaxed living at sea where each living space is intentionally designed with comfort and functionality in mind. “The Leopard 40 PC embodies the distinct characteristics that appeal to a variety of new owners,” said Katie Campbell, Marketing Manager for Leopard Catamarans. “Through this event with a stunning Fort Lauderdale backdrop, we were excited to showcase the new Leopard 40PC which has been meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of comfort and seaworthiness.” Guests aboard the sunset cruise could experience each of the vessel’s living spaces and take in the ocean breeze from the largest flybridge found in a 40-foot vessel. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, ample communal space is found throughout the vessel, including the aft cockpit, flybridge, aft decks and l-shaped galley, ideal for entertaining at sea. The vessel’s smart design also includes an interior steering position that provides maximum safety, with a perfect peripheral view of the sea while remaining sheltered from the elements. Below deck, the Leopard 40PC’s three cabins feature generous island beds and sea views in the hulls, ensuring both privacy and comfort. The Leopard 40PC specifications include: LOA: 40' 0" Beam: 21’ 8” Draft: 3' 7" Displacement: 30, 488 lbs. Bridge deck clearance: 2’ 4” Fuel: 370 gallons Water: 170 gallons Engines: 2 x 250 hp up to 2 x 370 hp For more information about Leopard Catamarans, please visit leopardcatamarans.com. More on Leopard Catamarans Sea trialed and tested off the coast of South Africa, Leopard Catamarans is a world leader in the power catamaran market. Both sailboat and power catamaran lines are built with flexibility for the modern seafarer and offer a range of equipment and layout options, designed with each boater’s journey in mind. Evolving from 50 years of customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has pooled their expertise with South African boat builders Robertson and Caine and Naval Architects Simonis Voogd to design today's Leopard range: spacious, robust, performance-driven blue water cruising catamarans. Set sail to new horizons from the power and beauty of Leopard Catamarans. For more information, visit leopardcatamarans.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Leopard Catamarans

  • Villa Azur Launches New Signature Summer Menu & Limited-Time Tasting Menu

    Villa Azur, Miami’s favorite French-Mediterranean supper club and entertainment destination, is celebrating summer in South Florida with an exciting new main menu embracing the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of Italian cuisine. While still maintaining its French charm, the restaurant now incorporates elements of Italian gastronomy, creating a unique fusion of the two culinary worlds. The menu reflects this exciting fusion, offering a delightful selection of Italian influences. “We are thrilled to introduce this exciting fusion of French and Italian cuisine,” said Jean-Philippe Bernard at Villa Azur. “By blending the elegance of French culinary traditions with the vibrant flavors of Italy, we aim to offer our guests a truly unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the best of both worlds.” Guests will embark on a culinary journey that transports them to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean coast. The signature dishes capture the essence of the Mediterranean shoreline, offering a taste of the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that define the region. In addition, the restaurant is launching an exclusive $60 tasting menu as a special summer selection to precede Miami Spice before the citywide restaurant month kicks off this August. Appetizers include Emilia Romagna Arancini, a cheesy dish of fried, sun-dried tomato risotto spheres, and Grilled Mortadella Truffle Tartine. From the sea to the land, featured entrées include Confit Pork Ribs, slow-cooked for seven hours; Grilled Red Snapper with smoked paprika; seaweed cream Lemon and Caviar Fettucini; 22 oz Cowboy Steak; and Filet de Boeuf roasted to the guest’s liking. Spotlighted garnitures include the Summer Salad and Seasonal Grilled Vegetables with zucchini, pepper, tomato and pesto oil. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy the Lemon Meringue Tart, with mojito jelly and toasted raspberry meringue over lemon curd, for dessert or the Sgroppino, known for its light and refreshing taste served as a dessert and served like a cocktail, made with a combination of lemon sorbet, vodka and champagne. Drink lovers can enjoy the all-new Tiffany blue Breakfast At Tiffany’s, made with Maestro Dobel Diamante, Combier Le Bleu, coconut purée, fresh pineapple and lime juice, or the beachy Pink Bikini, with Bombay Sapphire, lychee purée, dragonfruit, fresh lemon juice and egg white. Other cocktail spotlights include the Pineapple Plane, Majami Vice Mojito and the Lemon and Lavender. The limited-time $60 tasting menu begins July 12 and runs until the end of the month before the restaurant transitions into serving its Miami Spice offerings. The three-course affair features the chef’s hand-picked selections, including Cucumber and Mint Veloute, Tuscany Roast Lamb and Lemon Crème Brûlée, to name a few. This classy culinary experience brings guests into an elegant European summer where they can pair their seasonal meal with a sophisticated and lavish evening of live music, entertainment and art that parallels the glamour of the Mediterranean coast. The romantic environment offers an intimate setting inside the plush main dining room. Guests looking for a summer night under the stars can recline in the open-air courtyard with lush greenery and candle lit tables. A retractable awning protects the outdoor patio of the restaurant during rainy weather. The awning is designed to be easily extended or retracted, allowing for flexibility depending on the weather. As guests savor each bite, the flavors of the French Riviera will transport you to a world of azure waters, charming villages and the vibrant culinary traditions that define the region. The combination of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs and Mediterranean influences will leave guests with a truly memorable dining experience reminiscent of the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d’Azur. Guests can enjoy the new summer menu by booking a reservation via OpenTable, calling the restaurant directly at 305.763.8688 or emailing reservations@villaazurmiami.com. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Villa Azur Miami Beach.

  • Nucleus Presents Top Psychedelics CEOs During Psychedelic Series at Soho Beach House Miami

    Nucleus, a venture studio for psychedelics wholly owned by Iter Investments, will present its monthly Psychedelic Series at Soho Beach House Miami on Thursday, July 20, at 7 p.m. Moderated by psychedelics expert Dustin Robinson, Esq. CPA., the panel will feature top CEOs in the psychedelics industry including PsyBio Therapeutics CEO Evan Levine and Braxia Scientific CEO Dr. Roger McIntyre. The topic of the panel will focus on the next wave of psychedelic medicine. Levine is an assertive and insightful leader encompassing over three decades of in-depth expertise in biotechnology and drug development, executive supervision, strategic ventures, asset management and the institutional investment business. He is currently chairman and CEO of PsyBio Therapeutics, a neuropsychiatry drug development company pioneering the next generation of psychoactive compounds. The company has a platform technology that can produce biosynthetically generated psychoactive drugs utilizing genetically modified bacteria. Levine was responsible for co-founding the company, acquiring key platform technology, funding an institutional round led by US venerated healthcare funds, and taking the company public on the Toronto Venture Exchange. Dr. McIntyre is the chairman and CEO of Braxia Scientific, a medical research and telemedicine company with clinics that provide innovative ketamine treatments for persons with depression and related disorders. Dr. McIntyre is the world’s top-ranked depression researcher and has almost 25 years of providing care and conducting research, along with drug discovery and development, for persons with depression and related disorders. He is currently also a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. Under his leadership, Braxia also launched its U.S.-based end-to-end telemedicine platform KetaMD, which utilizes leading technology to provide access to safe, affordable, and potentially life-changing at-home ketamine treatments for people living with depression and related mental health conditions. Through its medical solutions, Braxia aims to reduce the illness burden of brain-based disorders, such as major depressive disorder among others. Robinson is Founding Partner of Mr. Cannabis Law – a full service law firm focused on the cannabis and psychedelic industries; Co-Founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law – a non-profit focused on psychedelic legal reform; Managing Principal of Iter Investments – a venture capital firm deploying capital across the psychedelic ecosystem; and Co-Founder of Nucleus – a platform with various tools to help guide individuals on their mental health journey. Launched in June 2021 by Robinson and visionary leader Sam Baum, the Psychedelic Series features experts in the psychedelics space including CEOs, doctors, lawyers and celebrities. The panel started at Soho Beach House Miami and expanded to locations throughout the country including New York, Chicago and California, as well as internationally in London and Amsterdam. Past panelists include MAPS Founder Rick Doblin, NBA champion Lamar Odom, Psilera Bioscience CEO Chris Witowski, PhD, Silo Wellness CEO Douglas K. Gordon, and others. The event is private and only open to Soho House members. When: Thursday, July 20; 7 p.m. ET Where: Soho Beach House Miami 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140 By ML Staff. Images by Nucleus. Top image by Unsplash

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