Live Arts Miami and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County present the Southeast premiere of Ocean Filibuster, a new theater work from Obie Award-winning company PearlDamour. Presented as part of Live Arts Miami’s EcoCultura series of “Performances for the Planet,” the work was originally commissioned by American Repertory Theater in collaboration with the Harvard Center for the Environment. Drawing from myth, stand-up comedy and science, Ocean Filibuster plunges us into the most heated debate of our time. The show opens at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12, with multiple shows running through Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Adrienne Arsht Center in the Carnival Studio Theater. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased at www.liveartsmiami.org. Ocean Filibuster explores the intimate, critical relationship between humans and the ocean. It takes audiences through a innovative music theater experience set in a future Global Senate chamber where “Mr. Majority” introduces the “End of Ocean Bill,” designed to shrink Earth’s oceans into a more manageable collection of inland seas. When the floor is opened for debate, The Ocean arrives in human form to speak in its own defense, and so begins the epic battle. Linking below-the-surface mystery with above-the-surface climate issues, Ocean Filibuster puts audiences in the middle of a human/ocean showdown. The performance by magnetic performer, Jenn Kidwell, who plays both the role of the Ocean and the role of Mr. Majority, balances wit, absurdism with the serious undertones of the script. While grounded in science, the show makes space for dreaming and myth: projections show the ocean not in a pristine Nat-Geo way, but as an evocative, mysterious place. Kidwell is joined onstage in the show by a locally cast “Ocean Choir” that extends the message of interconnectedness and asks the audience the urgent question: Can humans realize that we are all part of the Ocean, before it’s too late? The show ends with the Ocean Choir passing tones above the audience, immersing them in an ocean of sound. INTERACTIVE INTERMISSION The performances include a special interactive intermission, where audiences can explore multiple “mini-labs” combining scientific fact and playful fabulation to evoke wonder and curiosity and bring them deeper into the themes of the show. This will include an augmented reality experience using the show’s “Deep Wonder” app to bring audiences close up to view the deep ocean floor through the screen on their phone or tablet. There will also be a Miami-specific “mini-lab” created in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy and University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef program featuring a coral reef game that will engage audience members in a carnival-like card/dice game moderated by performer Evan Spigelman which showcases how our actions/decisions affect the reef and what we can do about it. EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE Following the public performances, audiences can enjoy a talk-back/Q&A with the artists facilitated by a local environmental leader who will engage in conversation about the show, its creation process, and the issues it confronts. Audiences can also learn more about opportunities to get involved and make a difference with each of the organizations featured addressing local environmental challenges. As part of PearlDamour’s two-week residency in Miami around the performances, the artists will be engaging in multiple workshops and conversations for students at Miami Dade College and throughout the community about the show and its themes, including field trips to experience the show itself. “We are very proud to continue our ongoing series of action-driven programs and performances for the planet with Ocean Filibuster as part of the EcoCultura series. This performance continues to build this vital initiative with an innovative theatrical experience that encourages audiences to look out from the theater to the ocean, climate and community we are all a part of; Ocean Filibuster is larger than a show: it is the continued dialogue as part of a network of arts and grassroots organizations that will spark a sea change in how we view climate, justice and equity,” says Kathryn Garcia, executive & artistic director of Live Arts Miami. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Ocean Filibuster

Alfredo Riascos, broker and principal at Gridline Properties, has been selected as an honoree for South Florida Business & Wealth’s 2022 Up & Comer Awards. Honorees were recognized at an awards ceremony on Oct. 19 at DRV PNK Stadium & Inter Miami CF Training Facility in Fort Lauderdale. The Up & Comer Awards showcases the many young professionals in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties whose innovation in both their careers and their communities deserves special recognition. These finalists represent the rising stars in key South Florida industries. With more than 15 years of brokerage experience, Riascos founded Gridline Properties, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm based in Miami’s urban core, in 2018. The firm specializes in brokerage services including landlord and tenant representation, strategic real estate planning, and investment sales and dispositions. At Gridline Properties, Riascos manages more than 10 agents, and he continues to enrich Miami’s diverse neighborhoods through progress and innovation. Over the past 15 years, he has worked on behalf of private and institutional clients that have aided in positioning him as one of the area’s top Real Estate Brokers. During his career he has brokered more than $500 million in real estate transactions and has participated in some of the most notable projects in Miami, including the Magic City Assemblage, multiple development sites in the Wynwood neighborhood, as well as pioneering into the Allapattah and Little River markets. “I am honored to be named an Up & Comer among the many young professionals in South Florida,” said Riascos. “Gridline Properties has rapidly grown since its inception, and I look forward to continue leading the team and helping our agents grow strong together.” About Gridline Properties Founded in 2018, Gridline Properties is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage firm based in Miami’s urban core. The firm specializes in brokerage services that include landlord and tenant representation, strategic real estate planning, investment sales, and dispositions. Under the leadership of Principal and Broker Alfredo Riascos, Partner Mateo Romero, and a team of experienced agents, Gridline Properties strives to be a market leader in the industry and a dependable resource to its clients and shareholders. In recent years, Gridline Properties has proven to be a leader in its industry by successfully brokering a notable portfolio of transactions in some of Miami's most exciting submarkets including Wynwood, Midtown, Downtown, Allapattah, Little River, MiMo, Little Havana and East Hialeah. Additionally, Gridline is swiftly expanding its presence to Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Gridline is a best-in-class brokerage firm that is paving the way for its team of successful agents. By helping its agents develop professionally, the team has been able to grow strong together. To learn more, visit www.gridlineproperties.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Gridline Properties

A glittering crowd turned out for the 38th annual Fashion Group International (FGI) Night of Stars gala and awards ceremony tonight in Manhattan, held this evening at Casa Cipriani at Cipriani South Street. The event kicked off with one of the most stylish red carpets of the New York social season, followed by a cocktail party hosted by designer Frederick Anderson (recent winner of the FGI Rising Star Award for Womenswear), with music by The Misshapes. Notable attendees included legendary fashion designers, models, industry insiders, and influencers: Adut Akech, Jason Wu, Coco Rocha, Rebecca Moses, Stan Herman, Jessica Wang, Linda Fargo, Andrew Hilfiger, Daphne Velghe, Leckie Roberts, Carlos Campos, Miss America Emma Broyles,Alexander Hankin, Gary and Cole Wassner, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, The Dragon Sisters, and Lisa Simonsen. Mariska Hargitay and IMAN attend the FGI Night of Stars Gala at Cipriani South Street on October 13, 2022 in New York City A seated dinner and awards ceremony followed, as FGI, friends, and well-known presenters honored this year’s slate of “Artists and Icons” in a range of categories spanning the fashion, entertainment, and business worlds, from style and retail to beauty, sustainability, and humanitarianism: Supermodel and CEO of Iman Cosmetics IMAN presented the Superstar Award to designer Michael Kors Actress Mariska Hargitay presented the Fashion Star Award to designer Christian Siriano Author Candace Bushnell presented the Retail Award to LoveShackFancy, accepted on behalf of the company by Founder Rebecca Hessel Cohen Makeup artist Sir John presented the Beauty Award to Sharon Chuter, Founder of UOMA Beauty Author Deepak Chopra presented the Sustainability Award to Firmenich, accepted on behalf of the company by Firmenich President Global Perfumery Ilaria Resta Politician Huma Abedin presented the Humanitarian Award to designer Prabal Gurung Actress Linda Marshall presented the Trailblazer Award to Grammy award-winning singer Dionne Warwick Andy Hilfiger, Creative Director Andrew Charles, presented the Fashion Oracle Award posthumously to Elvis Presley, accepted on behalf of the musician by Joel Weinshanker, Managing Partner, Elvis Presley Enterprises/Graceland Coco Rocha, Christian Siriano, Huma Abedin, Prabal Gurung attend the FGI Night of Stars Gala at Cipriani South Street on October 13, 2022 in New York City Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO: “FGI Night of Stars is a celebration of extraordinary individuals in entertainment, fashion, beauty and culture. We are grateful to all who, by attending our most important fundraiser of the year, help Fashion Group International's mission to connect, provide resources, support new talent, and celebrate the fashion industry at every level.” Past FGI Night of Stars Superstar Awards honorees have included Tommy Hilfiger, Rick Owens, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Riccardo Tisci, Giorgio Armani, and Valentino, as well as presenters and honorees, Anna Sui, Iman, Laverne Cox, Martha Stewart, Olivier Rousteing, Nicki Minaj, Kim Kardashian and more. FGI Night of Stars ticket proceeds will support the organization’s mission to connect, support, and empower members across the fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and retail sectors around the globe, through a range of educational and mentorship programs, signature events, networking opportunities, business resources, and philanthropic partnerships. The event is sponsored by: Hearst Magazines, International Flavors and Fragrances, FTD, and Location 8 ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL Founded in 1928 by a group of 17 women leaders, with original charters including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion icons, Fashion Group International (FGI) was established as an industry forum for career advancement. Today, the non-profit organization remains dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion. FGI maintains a headquarters in New York City, chapters in 26 regions worldwide, and a roster of over 5,000 active members in fashion and related design sectors including apparel, accessories, beauty, retail, and lifestyle. Vital member benefits offered to FGI members include ongoing professional development opportunities, forums for discussion and networking, market insights, mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, business directories and resources, and high-profile event platforms for professional recognition. The Fashion Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Fashion Group International and is dedicated to nurturing the fashion talent of tomorrow through education, scholarships, internships, and career counseling services. The FGI Foundation also promotes charitable partnerships and impactful public service initiatives that enable fashion industry professionals to give back at the local, national, and international levels. BY ML Staff. Images Courtesy of Stars Shine at FGI Night

The Betsy-South Beach, one of the preeminent global arts hotels, announces exhibits for Miami Beach Art Week 2022, curated by Betsy co-owner Lesley Goldwasser. Works include photography by Tamary Kudita (Zimbabwe), Nadia Huggins (Trinidad/Tobago), and Eric Kroll (USA), and a mixed media collection by Ray Tenorio (Cuba). Also exhibited is new work by conceptual multi-media artist Sri Prabha (India) and a dance work by Peter London (Trinidad/Tobago). The Betsy will also celebrate new artist books by Alessandro Sarno and Carlos Andres Cruz. The Betsy Hotel is well regarded for programs and partnerships that paint a portrait of Miami both old and new by embracing diversity through artist selection, subject matter, and cultural framework. Since 2018, The Betsy has exclusively focused on global photography in all but one of its 9 public galleries; the remaining gallery features the work of emerging artists working in sculpture, painting, illustration, and mixed media. Tamary Kudita (photo): Back at The Betsy after a successful US debut of ‘African Victorian’ at The Betsy’s 2021 Miami Art Week, Kudita presents a new collection, Fabrics of Man, Family, and Society, that explores “the impact of her country's colonial experience on African life and identity today.” Kudita’s new work specifically reflects “on the intersectionality of the cultural and ethnic fusion of lifestyles from the past and present, and how that is expressed in body language, facial expression, and gestures, as well as the use of clothing as a necessity, social status, and cultural emblems.” Nadia Huggins (photo): The Betsy features Strange Territory, Huggins’s underwater photography, in its BBar Gallery, an underground space with 26 light boxes; its mylar ceiling producing a mirrored effect, making viewers feel they are under water. Huggins’s cinematic underwater landscapes contain colorful flora environments and human beings interacting with nature, inviting viewers to reflect not only on “what I put within an image, but also what I choose to leave out of that frame.” Eric Kroll (photo): A titanic figure in contemporary photography, Eric Kroll has published high profile best-selling art books with houses like Taschen, and his work has featured in countless magazines. This exhibition contains images from his new art book, The New York Years 1971 to 1994 (the book!). “There is no discipline in my life. No order. I used to think that chaos helps creativity—I’m not so sure about that anymore... I shot Grace Jones performing at Studio 54… I also photographed Kenny Scharf with his wife and daughter, Keith Haring, and Andy Warhol in his art car…” Sri Prabha (multi-media): Commissioned by the City of Miami Beach and using multi-media in 3 outside areas surrounding The Betsy Orb, Sri will create a locus of attraction with this message: “We are but a small part of the cosmos, with energies linked to ideas of regeneration, growth, and sustainability emerging from the cocoon of the pandemic to be deployed internally and for the world around us. In our existence, we ask ourselves about our responsibilities to the universe.” Ray Tenorio (mixed media): With art collections influenced by Ray Tenorio’s Latin roots, Expressionism, urban mythology and fashion, Mythological Africa and the Transcultural Influences in the Americas inspired The Betsy to break out of its exclusive commitment to photography to provide space for an emerging youthful – and colorful – global artistic voice. Art Books by Carlos Andres Cruz, Alessandro Sarno, and Eric Kroll: With text written by Miami-based children’s author Pablo Cartaya, international dog photographer Carlos Andres Cruz contributed images for a book entitled Rosa’s First Day as CEO; Alessandro Sarno will release a new artist book called Miami: Jungle Island, with a foreword by Knight Foundation President Alberto Ibarguen. These books will be exhibited in Betsy gallery spaces and available for purchase at the front desk – as will Eric Kroll’s new art book, The New York Years 1971 to 1994 (the book!). Peter London Global Dance Company: The Betsy’s Miami Art Week 2022 also features ‘random and repeated’ performances of a new dance work created by former Martha Graham dancer Peter London in response to Tamary Kudita’s new collection, Fabrics of Man, Family and Society. This work is presented in partnership with the City of Miami Beach and the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs by the Peter London Global Dance Company. Other 2022 Miami Art Week installations @TheBetsyHotel include (1) The Betsy’s Outdoor Sculpture Garden exhibiting Zimbabwean stone carved sculptures inspired by traditional Shona mythology; (2) The Betsy Poetry Rail, presenting the words of 12 writers who ‘shaped Miami,’ located between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue at 14th Place; (3) more than 300 historic images of The Beatles and Rolling Stones (the Paul Saltzman and Bob Bonis Collections), situated in hallways and stairways; and (4) work from architectural photographer Robin Hill, Miami Beach documentarian Andy Sweet, Hollywood set photographer Robert Zuckerman, and travel photographer Alessandro Sarno. The Betsy Hotel exhibits art in 20,000 square feet of gallery space located throughout the property with nine galleries as well as halls and stairway areas open during regular business hours (9 AM – 11 PM) during Miami Beach Art Week 2022. The Betsy’s exhibiting artists will host individual openings with details forthcoming at thebetsyhotel.com/calendar. ABOUT EXHIBITIONS AT THE BETSY HOTEL – Exhibitions at The Betsy are curated by co-owner, Lesley Goldwasser, as a component of the hotel’s commitment to arts and culture – with other programming in literature, music, and community. Since 2009, Betsy exhibitions have provided a portrait of Miami both old and new by embracing diversity through artist selection, subject matter, and cultural framework. Since 2018, The Betsy has exclusively focused on global photography in all but one of its 9 public galleries; the remaining gallery features the work of emerging artists working in sculpture, painting, illustration, and mixed media. Partners have included The Art of Black (GMCVB) The City of Miami Beach No Vacancy Program, Prizm Art Fair, Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, Untitled Art Fair, Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, James Danzinger Gallery, Yossi Milo Gallery, Leila Heller Gallery, Jill Newhouse Gallery, Museum of Art and Design, Centro Cultural Espanol, Miami Dade College, Florida International University, Women’s Photographer’s International Archive, ForFreedoms, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. More info on Betsy exhibits here: https://bit.ly/3g3XIMX MORE ON THE BETSY HOTEL A family-owned and operated luxury beachfront gem and one of the preeminent arts and culture hotels in the world, The Betsy anchors the quiet end of Ocean Drive in the historic Art Deco District. Inside, guests find an award-winning restaurant, rooftop pool deck suspended in midair, artist-residency program, property library, Panther Coffee Bar, live jazz nine times a week, and curated exhibitions. Random acts of art are also often part of a Betsy guest experience including Opera on The Betsy’s front terrace, concerts in the park, dance programs, and poetry readings. Public Art includes #TheBetsyOrb, a unique design element that connects the hotel’s two historic wings, located adjacent to The Betsy Poetry Rail containing the words of 12 writers who shaped Miami culture. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of THE BETSY HOTEL

Following the long-overdue renaming earlier this year of the Aswan Apartments located at 2888 NW 132nd Street in Opa-Locka, to the Mary Alice Brown Apartments, the apartments’ non-profit owner, the Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation (OLCDC), has commissioned and unveiled an exciting piece of visual art, an expansive, vibrantly colored mural of Mary Alice Brown, a woman whom many consider “the Matriarch of Opa-locka” for her wide contributions to the growth of the City and North Dade in general. The mural, which is close to 12 feet wide and 7 feet tall, was commissioner by OLCDC from the artist Paul Firmin, aka KINI. A rising star in Miami’s cutting-edge arts scene, KINI is a Haitian-born traditional artist making modern strides in acrylic and oil. KINI’s work reflects his examination of his spirit and the human condition in the hopes of better connecting the world. Willie Logan, OLCDC Founder, President, and CEO and Mary Alice Brown “This mural represents the best of two worlds for us at OLCDC: First, we are honoring one of our (s)heroes, Mrs. Brown, and showing her the love and respect, she deserves. Second, we are pushing our community building mission by showcasing the work of KINI, a rising star whose massive work has enriched and enlivened our property,” stated Willie Logan, OLCDC Founder, President, and CEO. “It is an honor to be thought of in this way,” stated Mrs. Mary Alice Brown, a 70-year resident of Opa-Locka, and founding member of OLCDC. “This city, this community and those who reside here have been central to me throughout my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve them,” Mrs. Brown concluded. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Allice Brown

Burberry announced the opening of a new womenswear store at Bal Harbour Shops, an open-air luxury shopping mall in Miami, Florida. Located on the lower level and curated in the image of the new Burberry global luxury design concept, the store offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rich and celebrated history of the British luxury brand in an iconic location. ‘We are delighted to welcome customers to Burberry’s new womenswear store at Bal Harbour Shops, Florida. Housed in an iconic luxury destination in the heart of Miami, our new store is inviting and open, at once pushing boundaries with our global design concept whilst embodying our rich heritage with Burberry icons, such as our signature Check, reflected throughout. It is an elevated setting and we are thrilled to provide a bold, modern and creative space for local and international customers to come together and discover our brand and products.’ Thibaut Perrin-Faivre, President – Americas, Burberry Designed in collaboration with renowned architect Vincenzo De Cotiis, the global luxury design concept sees house codes reinterpreted and luxuriously realised. Taking inspiration from the evolution of the signature Burberry Check, the concept couples mirrored ceilings with intersecting metallic grids and roaming monochrome tiled chequerboard floors, each reflecting one another and creating a sense of openness. At Bal Harbour, the Burberry Check is reflected on both the exterior and interior, with the store facade featuring a blend of stone and champagne metal arranged in the signature house pattern and finished with a subtle black edging. The core colours of the Burberry Check – beige, black, white and red – are explored throughout and in a variety of textures, from concrete and ceramics to high-gloss finishes, juxtaposing brutalist elements with luxurious materials to create a distinctly modern feel. Stone and glass vitrines punctuate the space alongside integrated red lacquered and beige mohair sculptural seating. Building on the language of gloss and tile, walls are decorated in a trench-coloured mosaic tile and reflective white lacquer, or covered in a sensual beige mohair, enhancing the feeling of openness whilst also offering a sense of intimacy. Featuring an array of womenswear and accessories, the Bal Harbour store is the ultimate shopping destination for the Burberry woman. Visitors are invited upon entry to discover a selection of handbags and small leather goods, including the signature Lola and TB bags, each defined by the distinctive Thomas Burberry Monogram clasp – a homage to the brand’s founder. The Lola features quilting inspired by the signature Burberry Check, available in a range of colourways from classic black and tan to orange and peach pink. A selection of Spring/Summer 2022 Pre-Collection womenswear is available at the store, including botanical sketch-print T-shirts and hoodies, bright Monogram map-print shorts and anoraks, T-shirts with label appliqué, dark birch brown chevron check oversized cardigans and mini skirts. The store also includes iconic Burberry rainwear in black, beige and honey hues are also available in the signature Burberry gabardine, including the Chelsea, Islington and Kensington styles. Towards the back of the store, high-gloss beige mosaic and mohair are contrasted to create an intimate alcove from which to explore Burberry shoes. Showcasing a range of sandals and heels to the Arthur and Ramsey sneakers, the shoes are complemented by a selection of soft accessories, including scarves, capes, socks, headwear and more. By ML Staff Images Courtesy of Burberry

This classic focaccia topped with fresh rosemary is easy to make and feeds a crowd. Perfect for feeding a crowd, focaccia is a rich and flavorful Italian flat bread baked in a sheet pan. It’s made with a yeast dough that rises twice: once after it is mixed and then again after it is shaped (so be sure to allow plenty of time). To give the bread its signature dimpled appearance, you use your fingers to form little indentations all over the dough. These “dimples” hold tiny pools of olive oil that soak into the bread as it bakes. The recipe calls for about one cup of oil, which I know seems like a lot, but that’s what makes focaccia so good! Note that the oil is added in stages, so be sure to read the recipe carefully before starting so that you don’t accidentally add it all at once. Adapted from Anne Burrell, this simple focaccia is topped with coarse salt and fresh rosemary, but other toppings can be added, such as thinly sliced tomatoes, olives, or grated cheese, to name just a few. Enjoy the bread warm out of the oven with soup, pasta or a salad. Leftovers make wonderful sandwiches. WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE FOCACCIA I use instant or rapid-rise yeast (it is sometimes labeled “bread machine instant yeast,” as pictured above) to make focaccia and other yeast breads. It rises much faster than regular active dry yeast. Yeast is sold in jars or packets, and will keep in the refrigerator for three to six months once opened. If you don’t bake a lot of homemade breads, it’s best to buy the individual packets to ensure freshness. STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Step 1: Make the Dough Begin by combining the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix to combine. Add 1-3/4 cups warm water and 1/2 cup of the olive oil. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together into a sticky mass. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the dough becomes soft and slightly tacky. It should stick to the bottom of the bowl a bit. If the dough seems too wet, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of flour, and turn the mixer back on to knead it briefly to combine. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Briefly knead with your hands until it comes together into a smooth ball. Step 2: Let the Dough Rise Place the dough in a large greased bowl, flipping it over once so that both the top and bottom of the dough are lightly slicked with oil. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours. Step 3: Shape the Dough and Let Rise Again Pour about 1/4 cup olive oil onto a 13″ x 18″ rimmed baking sheet (I know it seems like a lot, but that’s what gives focaccia its characteristic crispy bottom), then place the dough on top. Flip it over once so that both sides are coated with oil; this makes it easier to stretch. Using your hands, spread it out to the corners of the pan. Use your fingertips to make dimples all over the dough. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise again a warm spot until puffed up and doubled in size, about an hour. Drizzle the dough with a bit of olive oil, so it pools in the dimples, and sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh rosemary. Step 4: Bake Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden. Let cool for about 15 minutes, then transfer to cutting board and slice into squares. Drizzle with a touch more olive oil if desired. HOW TO FREEZE FOCACCIA The finished focaccia freezes beautifully. To freeze, cut it into portions, wrap in plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat the focaccia, remove the plastic wrap and rewrap it in the foil. Heat it in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Rosemary Focaccia By Jennifer Segal Adapted from Anne Burrell This classic focaccia topped with fresh rosemary is easy to make and feeds a crowd. Servings: 24 (2½-inch x 3-inch) foccacia squares (serves 10-12) Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Total Time: 40 Minutes, plus 2 to 3 hours rising time INGREDIENTS 5 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off with a knife, plus more for kneading 1 tablespoon sugar 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant/rapid-rise yeast (see note) 1 tablespoon + ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1¾ cup warm water ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for oiling the bowl and drizzling on top 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, from several sprigs INSTRUCTIONS In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the salt. Mix on low speed to combine. Add the water and ½ cup of the olive oil; mix on low speed until the dough comes together, then turn the speed up to medium-low and continue to knead for 5 to 6 minutes, until the dough becomes soft and slightly tacky. It should stick to the bottom of the bowl a bit. If the dough seems too wet, sprinkle with a few tablespoons of flour, and turn the mixer back on to knead it briefly to combine. Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface (it helps to flour your hands, too). Knead by hand briefly until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Coat the inside of a large bowl with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, flipping once so that both the top and bottom are lightly slicked with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm, draft-free spot until the dough has doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours. (The warmer the spot, the faster it will rise.) Coat a 13" x 18" rimmed baking sheet with ¼ cup of olive oil. (It will seem like a lot, but that's what makes the bottom crispy.) Plop the dough onto the prepared pan and begin pressing it out with your hands to fit the size of the pan. Turn the dough over once to coat both sides with olive oil. Continue to stretch the dough to fit the pan. Once the dough is stretched, spread your fingers out and make impressions almost all the way through the dough (don't poke holes, just press down to the bottom of the pan). Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the warm, draft-free spot until the dough has puffed up and doubled in size, about 1 hour. While the dough is rising a second time, preheat the oven to 425°F. Set an oven rack in the middle position. Sprinkle the top of the focaccia dough with the remaining ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and rosemary, then lightly drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top so it pools in the indentations. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Transfer the focaccia to a cutting board and slice into squares. Drizzle a touch more oil on top before serving, if desired. Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: Focaccia is best eaten freshly baked but it can be made 1 day ahead of time, if necessary. For best results, wrap the focaccia in aluminum foil and place in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature. Reheat, wrapped in foil, in a 350°F oven until just warmed through, about 10 minutes. The focaccia can also be made ahead and frozen. To freeze, cut it into portions, wrap in plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat the focaccia, remove the plastic wrap and re-wrap it in the foil. Heat it in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Note: Active dry yeast may be used instead of instant/rapid-rise yeast, however, the dough will take longer to rise. To give active dry yeast a boost, you can add it to the warm water in the recipe, let it sit until frothy, about 10 minutes, and then proceed with the recipe. NUTRITION INFORMATION Serving size:2 squares Calories:325 Fat:15 g Saturated fat:2 g Carbohydrates:41 g Sugar:1 g Fiber:2 g Protein:6 g Sodium:160 mg Cholesterol:0 g Special thanks to Jennifer Segal, for the recipe and images. You can support Jennifer by purchasing her cookbook, "Once Upon a Chef, the Cookbook," featuring over 100 delightful recipes.

‘Tis the season to give back! For over 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been selling Christmas trees to help bring holiday cheer into South Florida homes and to create great futures for area youth. The tradition continues at the Hank Kline Club tree lot that will be open seven days a week, starting Monday, Nov. 21, until trees are sold out. The trees, gorgeous Fraser firs, hand-selected by President Alex Rodriguez-Roig in North Carolina, stand 5-feet to 14-feet tall with a starting price of $65. Poinsettias are also available starting at $15. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to Sponsor-A-Child to help make a positive impact in the life of an area youth. Proceeds from tree sales and Sponsor-A-Child will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s many positive programs, including its after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs, for area youth who need them the most. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The tree lot is open seven days a week, starting Monday, Nov. 21 until trees are sold out. Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24 Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Hank Kline Club 2805 SW 32nd Ave Miami, FL 33133 By ML Staff. Image courtesy of unsplash and Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of MiamiDade County (@arshtcenter) and Pandora are pleased to present DISNEY PRINCESS –THE CONCERT (@disneyconcerts) Saturday, on Nov. 12, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ziff Ballet Opera House as part of the Live at Knight series. The 2022-2023 LIVE AT KNIGHT series is supported by BACARDÍ, Epic Hotel and Café Bustelo. Tickets to DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT are $35, $59, $79, $109 and VIP $165* and may be purchased at Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at arshtcenter.org. For generations, Disney’s princesses have enchanted us with their courage and kindness. Their music has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, that beloved music will be celebrated in DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT. Be our guest as Broadway’s Belle, Jasmine, Nala and Anastasia celebrate all the Disney princesses in an unforgettable evening of story, animation and song! Drama Desk nominee Christy Altomare (original Anastasia, Mamma Mia!), Broadway.com Audience Award nominee Isabelle McCalla (Princess Jasmine in Aladdin, The Prom), Disney Channel star Anneliese van der Pol (Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Chelsea Daniels on That’s So Raven/Raven’s Home) and BroadwayWorld Award winner Syndee Winters (Nala in The Lion King, Hamilton) combine forces in this concert of a lifetime, joined by their magical music director, Benjamin Rauhala (Fiddler on the Roof), and enchanting prince, Adam J. Levy (Moulin Rouge). Every fans dream will come true as these acclaimed Broadway stars sing favorite Disney princess songs, and share their exclusive, hilarious and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories. We invite you to become part of our world. Guests are encouraged to wear their best royal attire and get ready for an unforgettable evening at DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT, presented by Pandora Jewelry. DISNEY PRINCESS - THE CONCERT is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, Disney recommends this show for ages 6 and up. All persons entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket. The show runs approximately two hours with intermission. The DISNEY PRINCESS - THE CONCERT VIP ticket includes: • One premium reserved seat in the first 10 rows • Priority access to merchandise shopping • A royal merchandise pack of a limited edition Disney Princess - The Concert fanny pack, exclusive VIP light up wand, Disney Princess - The Concert sleep mask, DISNEY PRINCESS - THE CONCERT sticker set and an official DISNEY PRINCESS - THE CONCERT VIP laminate The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the MiamiDade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT

Feeding South Florida® is pleased to announce the dates for its fall 2022 Culinary Training Program and Warehouse Training Program and is accepting applications. Feeding South Florida, the leading domestic hunger-relief organization in South Florida, is dedicated to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty not only by providing food, but also increasing self-sufficiency through job training and workforce development programs. The Culinary Training Program, a 12-week curriculum, created by James Beard-nominated Chef Lindsay Autry, provides participants with hands-on experience for both back-of-the-house and front-of-the-house culinary skills, while learning about meats, poultry, fish, sauces, menu planning, knife skills and more. In partnership with Feeding South Florida’s hospitality partners, the program provides job placement upon graduation. Starting Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, the program will take place at Feeding South Florida’s state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot Community Kitchen, located at its Feeding Palm Beach County facility in Boynton Beach. Chef Autry has held various chef positions at prominent restaurants on the East Coast and in Mexico and made headlines as a finalist on Bravo’s ninth season of “Top Chef.” From 2018–2020, she received James Beard Foundation nominations for “Best Chef: South.” To be eligible for the program, applicants must be: Minimum 18 years of age Authorized to work in the U.S. Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent Prove reliability and interest in pursuing a culinary career Have experienced financial hardship (unemployment, underemployment, government assistance, etc.) during the last 12 months Agree to a background check and drug test Be able to attend classes Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. During Feeding South Florida’s 5-week Warehouse Training Program students will learn about food safety, material handling equipment, inventory, picking, receiving, shipping and inventory. The curriculum provides hands-on experience in Feeding South Florida’s 72,000-square-foot Pembroke Park warehouse where students will gain knowledge on how to operate machinery, earn fork-lift certification and receive training on food safety and OSHA standards. Feeding South Florida is currently accepting applications for the cohort starting Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. Graduates can gain employment at Feeding South Florida’s food industry and logistics partners. Both workforce training programs also provide life skills and soft skills training that makes students more marketable. Participants will receive resume writing support, interviewing skills, financial literacy and computer skills. “We are excited to engage our fall Culinary Training Program and Warehouse Training Program,” said Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida. “We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty by increasing household stability and economic self-sufficiency through our workforce training and job placement programs. These programs have proven to be a successful experience for both the graduates and employers.” To apply to be a participant in the Culinary Training Program, visit https://form.jotform.com/FeedingSouthFlorida/culinarytraining. To apply to be part of the Warehouse Training Program , visit https://form.jotform.com/FeedingSouthFlorida/warehouse-training-program-applicat. For more information, please click here. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Feeding South Florida

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach continues its Art For Good program that addresses global issues by celebrating art, innovation, and the limitless potential of human collaboration. For the latest installment, the iconic hotel hosted a thoughtful collection of community-driven, arts-based events on October 6th and October 8th to celebrate The City of Miami Beach’s sister city designation with Odessa, Ukraine, to welcome the visiting Ukrainian delegates and to champion freedom through the arts. The celebrations began on October 6th with a ceremony in the ballroom presenting the visiting Ukrainian delegates with a key to the city to honor the very special sister city designation between Miami Beach and Odessa. This was followed by dinner hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach’s signature restaurant Fuego y Mar in partnership with the City of Miami Beach and Chamber of Commerce. Later that same evening, the hotel and it’s ownership hosted “An Exhibit for Peace”, a private art exhibition for collectors, influencers, and tastemakers, directed by Ronit Neuman in partnership with the prestigious Manolis Projects Gallery, founded and co-owned by artist J. Steven Manolis and his wife Myrthia Natalie Moore. Dedicated to nature’s unifying colors of the sun, beach, water, and sky of Miami Beach and the Ukrainian flag - blue and yellow - over 30 specially commissioned paintings by acclaimed contemporary artists Ron Burkhardt, Carol Calicchio, Samuel Gomez, Jill Krutcik, Aurelia Majorel, Timi Ogundipe, Annemarie Ryan, and Camilla Webster were displayed in the resort’s restaurant for guests to admire and purchase. As a continuation of the hotel’s Art For Good program and dedicated to the healing power of the arts, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach hosted a city-key gifting ceremony, art exhibition, and private concert to celebrate the City of Miami Beach’s sister city designation with Odessa, Ukraine and to highlight the importance of hope and freedom. Notable guests in attendance included Ronit Neuman, Co-owner of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach; Dan Gelber, Mayor of City of Miami Beach; Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, Miami Beach Commissioner; Michael Gongora, former Miami Beach Commissioner; Paul Kanavos, Partner at Flag Luxury Group; J. Steven Manolis, Co-owner of Manolis Projects Gallery; Elysze Held, Stylist and Influencer; Oksana Sabo, Former Miss Ukraine; and Alina Sushchenko, Ukrainian Model. The works were then examined and voted upon by a jury of high-profile judges including: Ronit Neuman, Art Director for Sagamore South Beach; Marcella Novela, Art in Public Spaces and Vice Chair of No Vacancy project; Brandi Reddick, Cultural Affairs Manager at the City of Miami Beach; Rhonda Mitrani, Director, Producer, and Art Curator; and Bruce Helander, Artist, Speaker, and former Fellow of Florida Artists Hall of Fame. The winning artist - Ron Burkhardt - received a Certificate of Recognition from the panel of judges. Proceeds from the art sold in this collection are being donated to Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) support efforts in Ukraine. Working with restaurant partners across Ukraine and in seven countries welcoming refugees, WCK quickly mobilized to provide hundreds of thousands of nourishing meals for people in need every single day at shelters, hospitals, transit hubs, and more. As more people remain in Ukraine and the refugee crisis has evolved, WCK has focused its efforts to support Ukrainians staying within the country, working with local restaurants, volunteers, and community organizers. To date, WCK has served more than 160 million meals in response to the crisis in Ukraine. To learn more about WCK’s effort, please visit this link. “Art has always been at the center of our programming at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Through our hotel’s Art For Good platform, and by partnering with local artists and galleries, we create and help curate authentic exhibits that portray subject matters through the magic of art,” says Ronit Neuman, co-owner of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and Artistic Director at Sagamore South Beach. “This specific “Blue & Yellow” collection with Manolis Projects Gallery presents a unique opportunity for Miami Beach, now a sister city to Odessa, Ukraine, to educate and create awareness around the hardships facing the victims and refugees of this war.” Later that week, on October 8th, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach hosted a final event in partnership with Morris Lapidus Foundation, Seeds of Hope from Barry University, an initiative spearheaded by Ekaterina Elagina, a graduate student at the Adrian Dominican School of Education, Leadership, and Human Development at Barry University, and USA Help Ukraine Corp that invited Ukrainian child refugees between the ages of 9-14 to view the art exhibition and then participate in an interactive art project to learn about the history of the Art Deco and MiMo style central to Morris Lapidus’s career, the original architect of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and a Ukrainian refugee himself. The art lesson instilled hope in these children that incredible possibilities still lay ahead in their lives, as demonstrated by Lapidus’s impressive architecture career. It also gave these young minds a chance to channel their thoughts, emotions, and experiences into a creative outlet. Morris Lapidus Foundation aims at funding educational programs and teaching about the history and the present day of Lapidus’ architectural and design styles. By organizing the interactive art event for the Seeds of Hope Program participants, Morris Lapidus Foundation also extends the legacy of the legendary Morris Lapidus by showing children who have escaped the war new connections between their home country and Miami. It also provides an opportunity for these Ukrainian children, the Sunflowers, to create a new vision of their talents, aspirations, life in Miami, and the future. Letting the Sunflowers bloom and grow. “The Ukrainian-born Morris Lapidus is one of Miami Beach’s most prolific visionaries, whose influence can be seen across the city’s most iconic structures and on our own Lincoln Road,” said Peter Kanavos, Partner, Flag Luxury Group. “Our hope is to instill hometown pride in these children, amid the hardships their home country is facing, through the great work of Lapidus and help them feel immersed in his work at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Our team is committed to protecting and revitalizing the legacy of this property, of Lincoln Road, and of Lapidus himself.” The children were joined by the Ukrainian delegates as members of the Miami Symphony Orchestra performed an hour-long private concert, playing the Ukrainian National Anthem and other traditional Ukrainian songs to close out the series of events. Thanks to the efforts of USA Help Ukraine Corp that supported the event, family members of displaced children were able to join the Seeds of Hope Art and Music Event. The children’s parents and the local community members shared a heartfelt experience expressed in visual art and music performance. Creating a new, big, and welcoming family is a constant endeavor for USA Help Ukraine and all the partners of the event. Images of the key ceremony are linked here. A list of all works displayed at the October 6th art exhibition are available here. B-roll of the children’s art and concert event is linked here and images are linked here. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton

Five hundred years after the first Spaniards set foot in Florida, the feel and appeal of all things Latin remains indelibly strong. Stands to reason. Their descendants multiplied exponentially and new ones from near and far just kept coming, making a bigger and bigger imprint. Worth seeing: Domino players along Little Havana's Calle Ocho. Photo by Peter W. Cross for VISIT FLORIDA Nowhere is that more true than in Miami, where the Spanish past links to the Hispanic present with an eye toward the future, and the flavor of its various Iberian, Caribbean, and South and Central American influences -- especially Cuban -- turns up on almost every corner. The city is famous for its Latin sounds and tastes, but if you want to feast your eyes and your corazon on some historic, iconic, or just plain culturally symbolic sights, here’s a quick guide. Freedom Tower is an inspiring icon. Freedom Tower 600 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Fl 33132 Some of us still remember when this place earned its name. Thousands of Cuban refugees passed through its doors searching for, and finding, a hearty welcome, a helping hand and what they longed for most, freedom. The tower, of course, had been there long before those waves of huddled masses came yearning in the 1960s and early ‘70s, but it took on a special meaning during those turbulent times as the “Ellis Island of the South.” Originally built in 1925 as the headquarters for South Florida’s first newspaper, The Miami Daily Metropolis and News, the 17-story building is modeled after the Giralda Cathedral Bell Tower in Seville, Spain, blending Spanish and Italian architectural influences with Moorish ornamental touches. Lavishly ornate scrollwork decorates the facade, columns topped with Corinthian capitals flank the solid oak main doors, sweeping the eye up toward the richly ornamented bell tower itself, high above downtown Miami. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2008. The building now belongs to Miami Dade College and houses gallery and exhibit space, including the 2,600-square-foot Kislak Center and the Cuban Exile Experience & Cultural Legacy Gallery with its collection of photographs and personal stories illustrating the refugee experience that gave the building a permanent and prominent place in exile lore. The Torch of Friendship 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 You can walk to this monument from the Freedom Tower. It’s just a couple of blocks away on Biscayne Boulevard, at the entrance to Bayside Marketplace. It’s been a feature of the downtown Miami landscape since October 1960, a permanent emblem of Miami’s place as the “Gateway of the Americas” and a shining symbol of welcome for its neighbors to the south. “We hope it will have the significance that the Statue of Liberty now has,” Miami’s then-mayor said. The “eternal flame” of the torch went dark a few years back, but the imposing 18-foot-tall central pillar bearing the seal of the United States and the wraparound keystone wall next to it still stand as a lasting testament to the city’s “everlasting friendship” with its Latin American neighbors. Most of them anyway. The wall is adorned with 20 round plaques displaying the coat of arms and names of just about every South and Central American country, arranged alphabetically, with a notable gap just the right size for one more, right where Cuba would fall in the lineup. (Yours truly represented Panama at the dedication ceremony, wearing an itchy montuno and slapping his sandals to the country’s national dance, the tamborito.) American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora 1200 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145 Or, simply, as it likes to be known, “The Cuban.” It’s a showcase for all things Cuban or, more precisely, all things Cuban Exile. It’s dedicated to telling the story of the “history, culture, and contributions” of the Cuban refugees forced to abandon their homeland and start anew here. And it does it, in its own words, “through the eyes of its greatest artists, thinkers, and creators.” For example, a year-long exhibition paid tribute to the iconic Cuban “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz, in full 3-D — including not just her albums and unpublished photographs taken by her longtime friend and colleague, photographer Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte, but also “never-before-seen artifacts from her private collection.” Like a full-size replica of her New Jersey private study complete with her actual desk and a floor-to-ceiling display of her numerous awards, the Cuban passport she used when she went into exile, and the very first contract she signed with the Hollywood Palladium. Not all the exhibits are about phenomenally popular celebrities. One examined themes of terrorism and exile. Another highlighted the famous rum-making Bacardi family and its efforts to stand up against Cuba’s communist government. Bacardi Building 2100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137 It’s actually two, in a complex that served as both the family’s corporate headquarters from 1963 through 2009 and as a blatant thumb in the eye to Fidel Castro. Both buildings very deliberately blend art and innovative engineering into a distinctively cultural example of what’s known as MiMo, Miami mid-century modern, architecture. The eight-story tall main tower appears to float above the plaza. Giant murals formed of traditional Spanish blue and white azulejos cover two exterior walls facing south toward Cuba — 28,000 hand-painted and glazed 6-inch-by-6-inch tiles in all, kilned in Brazil and fitted together like the pieces of a giant puzzle to depict artist Francisco Brennand’s vision of floating flowers and twining jungle vines rising toward the sky. The second building, the “Jewel Box,” added in 1973, similarly “floats” 47 feet above the ground, supported by tensor rods from the roof, jutting out an amazing 24 feet beyond the central pedestal on each side. The four walls are made of one-inch thick hammered glass pieces forming a shimmering mosaic version of an original abstract painting, designed to withstand hurricane force winds. The complex now serves as national headquarters for the YoungArts Foundation, a nonprofit that nurtures young artists in a variety of creative arts, which has converted the interior of the Jewel Box into an artists’ work and collaboration space. The tower houses a two-story gallery designed by Frank Gehry as an exhibition space for works by its proteges. That means you can gawk in awe at the exterior of the buildings, then go inside to gasp in amazement at how talented some of these kids really are. Casa de las Guayaberas 5840 SW 8th St Miami FL 33144 Few things say Hispanic more than a guayabera. We wear them to weddings and funerals, to parties, or just because. They’re elegant and comfortable; formal, yet not. As the stories go (yes, there’s more than one), the guayabera originated in Cuba. One popular version credits a resourceful housewife adding a pair of pockets to a shirtfront so her husband could carry his tobacco and flint along with his pens and pad and other things. Local guava farmers (guayaberos) latched on to the practicality of the idea for packing their pockets full of guava fruit and — voila! — the guayabera became a thing. Everywhere. The distinctive shirt with twin bands of tightly regimented pleats (typically 10) running down the front and the four pockets (of course) spread throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. And, thanks to Cuban refugees, to South Florida. Perhaps the most well-known maker of quality guayaberas has been a fixture in Miami for almost a half-century. The late Ramon Puig started making them back on the island in its pre-Castro days, then opened La Casa de las Guayaberas on Calle Ocho after he went into exile. It’s now run by his son, and between one generation and the next they’ve outfitted Ernest Hemingway, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Andy Garcia, Alonzo Mourning, and Sylvester Stallone, among others, as well as Presidents Reagan, Clinton and George H.W. Bush. If you're going to be in the area you should visit, even if you're not planning to get one for yourself. You'll see an array of short-sleeve and long-sleeve variations, custom-made and off-the-rack, and just about every color and hue. They’ve even broken the gender barrier, making women’s dress versions of what was once a for-men-only style. Ermita de la Caridad 3609 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129 The Shrine of Our Lady of Charity is one of the spots most venerated by the Cuban exile community in all of Miami. Understandably. It holds a replica of Cuba’s patron saint, La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre — The Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre, in English. Or, as the refugees and their descendants affectionately call her, La Cachita. According to legend, two men and a boy in a small boat were caught in a storm off Cuba’s coast in 1612. They prayed to the Virgin Mary to save them. Suddenly, they said, the sky cleared, the sea calmed, and they saw a small statue of Mary holding the baby Jesus floating on the water. It bore the inscription, “I am the Virgin of Charity.” The statue ended up in the town of El Cobre, where the three were from. Pope Benedict XV declared her Cuba’s patroness. Fast forward to 1961. As Miami filled up with Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro’s Cuba, a replica of the 16-inch statue was smuggled off the island through the Panamanian embassy and secreted in a blue carry-on case to join them in exile. They scraped together donated refugee dollars to build the ermita for it, on church land looking out over Biscayne Bay — toward Cuba. The building was consecrated in 1973, and, oh, what a shrine it is. The conical metal roof is patterned after the statue’s mantle, perched on six support columns representing Cuba’s six pre-Castro provinces. The statue stands on an altar inside built on a composite block of earth, sand and stone from each of those provinces, mixed with water brought from the island on a raft. The floor-to-ceiling mural behind it spans a massive 747 square feet and depicts 63 figures representing Cuban history — from original indigenous tribes to modern-day rafters — all surrounding an image of the Virgin Mary and her Child floating over the sea. Brigade 2506 Monument Intersection of SW Eight Street and 13th Avenue The six-sided marble statue closest to Calle Ocho commemorates the men who fought and died in the abortive Bay of Pigs assault on Cuba in 1961. It’s topped by a flaming torch, surrounded by artillery shells, and bears a bronze replica of the Brigade 2506 arm-patch insignia, along with a list of the names of the fighters who perished. Just a few feet behind it, you’ll find a bust honoring the renowned Caballero del Tango, Manolo Fernandez, followed by a full-sized statue of one of the Brigade’s most-respected anti-Castro fighters, Tony Izquierdo, poised for attack in full combat uniform and armed with an M-16. Continuing south along Southwest 13th Avenue, aka Cuban Memorial Boulevard, there’s a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, a giant relief map of Cuba, and a bust of Lt. Gen. Antonio Maceo, second-in-command of the rebel army in Cuba’s war of independence against the Spanish. Past that, there’s a bust of Cuban writer Salvador Diaz-Verson, a statue commemorating Cuba’s political prisoners, and, finally, a marble-fronted pyramid in memory of Cuban journalists who opposed Fidel Castro. In all, it’s a tree-lined four-block stroll past some of the more painful reminders Cuban exile history, and a window into their passion for the homeland they lost. By Carlos Harrison. Image courtesy of Freedom Tower. Special thanks to Visitflorida.org for this story reprint