A Feel Good Pizza and a Very Miami Cup
Plus, get cultured in Fort Lauderdale and adopt your own Groot
Here’s a Feel Good Story About a Pizza
Last Friday, I went to see Elvis Costello at the newly reopened Fillmore Miami Beach Theater. I was running a half marathon the next day, hadn’t eaten dinner, and knew I needed some fuel, so I popped into Harry’s Pizzeria, right on Meridian Avenue in South Beach after the show.
It was about 10:30 p.m. and, as I sat at the bar, I noticed most of the tables were finishing up. I asked the bartender if the kitchen was still open. She said her name was Kyla and that she would check.
A second later, she returned with a menu and said, yes, they were still serving food. I said I’d be quick, and she said to please not rush. After I placed my order, I mentioned I was running to the bathroom and Kyla walked me down the corridor to show me where it was. When I returned, she poured me my beer and I thanked her for being so nice.
We chatted for a few minutes before my pizza arrived: A spicy pepperoni pie, the crust was beautifully charred and the pepperoni was crisp. Paired with a nice IPA, it was exactly what I needed.
Harry’s always does a fine pizza. It’s continually been a favorite of mine, but this time around, the meal was completely enhanced by the people who worked there.
The next day, after my race, I texted owner Michael Schwartz to thank him and to let him know about my wonderful experience. He replied, “Kyla’s a gem”.
I know a lot is written about food and drink and how it tastes or what it looks like. But a dining experience is only as good as the people who work behind the scenes to make your food and bring it to your table. They have the power to make or break your meal.
So, when someone goes out of their way to make you feel good — be it through an extra pour of coffee, keeping the kitchen open so a hungry person can grab some food, or just a kind word — let’s make a point of celebrating these fantastic people by talking to their manager or giving a shout-out on social media (and, of course, leave a generous tip).
Get your pizza and good vibes at Harry’s Pizzeria. 1680 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach; 786-204-2321; harryspizzeria.com.
You’re Going to Want This Cup — And What’s in It
You know the saying about Miami — it’s a sunny place for shady people. We have a reputation for beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife, great restaurants, and…ya know…cocaine. Then again, where would we be without Miami Vice, Scarface, and Cocaine Cowboys?
If you love Miami and all its gritty charm, you need to run over to Kush Brickell for its new Frozen Irish Coffee: A frozen treat made with Irish Whiskey, malted milk, and Per’La Coffee Roasters coffee. The drink is a thick, rich, delicious boozy blend, served from a soft serve machine for an extra creamy texture, according to Kush’s Matthew Kuscher, who said he’s always been an Irish coffee guy and that his team played with the recipe for a while before perfecting it with Per’La coffee.
Although the drink alone is enough to entice — you’re going to crave the vessel that holds this elixir: A cup that says: “Cocaine is Miami’s Cup of Coffee”.
I predict that this cup will be a hotter ticket than the Stanley/Starbucks collaboration — and cheaper at ten bucks (including the drink).
And the cups? “I play with Miami as much as possible. And, since we can’t serve cocaine, I had the cups made as a fun thing,” quips Kuscher.
Industry peeps will love the fact that they no longer have to travel to New Orleans to get their beloved frozen Irish Coffee from Erin Rose— which Kuscher says inspired the drink. So refreshing and so Miami!
Get the drink and the cup at Kush Brickell. 650 S Miami Ave., Miami; 786-703-3120; kushhospitality.com.
Get Cultured at Lauderdale Art Week
Lauderdale Art Week returns to Fort Lauderdale this week, considered one of the largest celebrations of all genres of art in South Florida. An initiative born from the evolution of Fort Lauderdale Art & Design Week, the weeklong event's transformation is aimed at embracing the diverse artistic landscape found across multiple cities in Broward County.
Now back for its second year, the event kicks off this Saturday and runs through Sunday, January 28, highlighting an array of exhibits, events, and symposiums, all generously promoted for free by Lauderdale Art Week cofounder Andrew Martineau. Highlights include the event's second annual Reel Lauderdale, a local filmmaker showcase at Savor Cinema; the unveiling of Hunt Slonem's "Thunderbunny" sculpture at Justin Flippen Park; and a panel discussion showcasing the work, design process, artistry, and inspiration from a group of local
Broward-based architects.
For more information on Lauderdale Art Week 2024 and a complete list of events, exhibits, and talks, visit LauderdaleArtWeek.com.
He is Groot!
Love Guardians of the Galaxy? Or possibly you’re a fan of David Grutman’s restaurants? Either way, you can’t go wrong by adopting Groot (Adoption number A1948812, located in Kennel Number E01). Groot is an 8-year-old gentleman, available at Miami-Dade Animal Services. He’s been at the shelter since July — and that means someone needs to spring Groot ASAP!
Groot is one of hundreds of dogs available at Miami-Dade Animal Services. Adoptions are only done in person, and you should bring a current picture ID and proof of current address. Dogs older than four months carry a $65 adoption fee and puppies are $85 — all dogs come home fully vaccinated, are dewormed, and have been spayed/neutered.
Adopt Groot at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals.
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