Go to Wynwood Brewing Company Before Last Call
Plus, Miami's James Beard Semifinalists, Yelp's Top 100, and a Prada to call your own
There’s Still Time for a Few Beers at Wynwood Brewing
Wynwood Brewing Company announced some devastating news for Miami beer lovers this week. The beloved brewery, founded by Luis Brignoni and his father, “Pops” Brignoni, would close its taproom as of February 4. Brewing operations would also cease there. The brewery, owned by Anheuser-Busch, will still make beer as of January 5 from neighboring Veza Sur (also owned by Anheuser-Busch), and Wynwood beer will be available on taps at the Veza Sur taproom.
The reasoning behind this switch-up is, from what I can gather, to position WBC’s core beer, La Rubia, to become a big national brand. This makes sense from a business point of view, but it doesn’t ease the pain of Miami beer lovers.
Wynwood Brewing, after all, is the first craft brewery to open in the City of Miami.
And in a city that is ever evolving into an ad for Gucci, Wynwood maintained its authentic charm. The taproom was a place to grab a few beers, play a board game, and have an entire evening out with friends in a convivial setting without breaking the bank. Plus, the beer has always been consistently excellent and everyone involved in Wynwood — from the brewers to the beertenders — have been some of the best humans in Miami.
A Change.Org petition has been started to keep the brewery open. Not sure how effective that will be against such real-world issues as real estate, mergers, corporations, and business, but it’s good to know people care.
For now, however, Wynwood Brewing’s taproom is open and has a robust weekend planned. This Saturday, January 27, come out for the can release of Wynwood Haze. Starting at noon, get some wings from Cluckin’ Right Chicken (the best wings in Miami, in my honest opinion), and enjoy a Vinyl DJ set by Krishna Villar.
I am in NYC this weekend, but if anyone wants to meet me for a beer next week, I will be there on Sunday, February 4 for last call. I was at Wynwood Brewing on opening day, and I will be there to wish it a fond farewell. Crying in my Beer!
Grab a cold one while you still can at 565 NW 24th St, Miami; wynwoodbrewing.com.
The James Beard Foundation Announces its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists
The James Beard Foundation recently announced the semifinalists in the restaurant and chef categories for 2024. Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 3, and winners will be announced on Monday, June 10 at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
This year, you could count the number of Miami hospitality professionals in the running on one hand: five (six if you include Clay Conley at the excellent Buccan in Palm Beach). Though the list is small, it’s filled with genuine standouts that are truly frontrunners on the road to the final award ceremony in Chicago. Here are the Miami (and Palm Beach) semifinalists:
Outstanding Bakery. Zak the Baker
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Jesus Brazon and Manuel Brazon, Caracas Bakery
Outstanding Wine Program. Macchialina
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR) Valerie Chang, Maty’s; Clay Conley, Buccan; and Tristen Epps, Ocean Social Well Deserved!
And Then There’s Yelp….
I rarely give a lot of weight to Yelp. The crowdsourced ratings on the site seem more like a place for those in need of anger management training than people giving thoughtful reviews of the restaurants they love. But, from time to time, I do seek out Yelp when I travel and so, yes — it is a useful tool when taken with a grain of salt.
Yelp just released its Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024, with four Broward restaurants, one Boca pizza spot, and two Miami eateries on the list. Of these, the standout would have to be Bunbury, the quaint Argentine restaurant that also has a wonderful wine selection. My suggestion is to sit at the bar with a wine and an empanada. It’s the kind of casual spot that Miami needs more of — unpretentious, warm, and without any “celebrity” names on the shingle. Tasty!
Try the empanadas at 55 NE 14th St, Miami; bunburymiami.com.
Everyone Wants Prada
Miami — home to designer bags, designer cars, and even designer condos. There might be no city on earth that loves labels more than the one we call home. That’s why, I’m sure no one will be able to resist taking home a Prada.
This fine Prada is a female American Bulldog. Her ID is A2325981 and she’s in kennel number H07. Prada is an exquisite pre-loved pup that’s only two years and four months old. In the world of luxury goods, I’d rate her in excellent condition.
Prada is one of hundreds of dogs available at Miami-Dade Animal Services. If you’re looking to bring a new best friend into the family, this is the place to start your search. 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. In other words, adopting a dog is the best deal in Miami. Luxurious!
Get this designer dog at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals
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Omg your description of yelp is the best thing I’ve read all day! 🤣