Coral Gables Restaurant Week...Why Not?

Food Lovers, which is just about everyone, would be happy to learn about Coral Gables Restaurant Week (if you haven't so already). It works just like Miami Spice, it has a pre-set, three-course menu for lunch and dinner. The only difference is that the restaurants are located in Coral Gables (duh).

It starts on June 1st and runs through June 14th and has the following delicious restaurants (some are among strictlyMIA faves) to chose from:

• Bangkok Bangkok II
• La Cofradia Ceviche Bar
• Le Provencal
• Ortanique on the Mile
• Por Fin

Point is, if you don't participate...you're dumb and we mean that in the nicest way possible.

For more info regarding the Coral Gables Restaurant Week, please call 305-569-0311 or visit their website.

$5 make you wanna holla

Tonight, @MiaSci Happy Hour with Substance (the Miami Science Museum's monthly, young professionals mixer) goes on the road to Cabana One Rooftop Lounge at The Mayfair Hotel.

Enjoy complimentary Polar Beer, drink specials at the bar, music by EP and live science fun with Merlin the Magician. All this for only a $5 cover - so no "I'm broke as a joke" excuses for not going!

Some details...
Location: Cabana One Rooftop Lounge, The Mayfair Hotel
Address: 3000 Florida Avenue, Coconut Grove
Time: Happy Hour time...so leave work early and be there at 6 PM!

Happy Hump Day!

We're scrapping for a "seriously, WTF" so instead here's a funny to celebrate hump day!

Quads are making a comeback!

So, I was driving down NE 2nd avenue in Wynwood yesterday and passed by a Dominoes pizza. Apparently, I missed the memo because that location is now a skate up joint. Waiting at the counter there was a girl (totally done up with make-up and all) waiting for her pizza in old school quad skates that looked like they were circa 1986 (I think I had might have had the same pair).

EVERYONE has in bike in my neighbor...but seriously, WTF, now we're pulling out the quads?? Yea...I think that's pretty awesome.

Are quads be making a comeback? What do you think??

Miami's best band? duh, ArtOfficial!

The Miami New Times is launching its annual "Best of Miami" survey and needs your votes! This local tradition highlights the best of the best in the city and I personally always look forward to it. From new eateries to local music venues to the best boutiques and the best new bands, the "Best of Miami" always brings us Miami's hidden treasures.

In particular, this year, I think you should vote for ArtOfficial in the best band category. Here's my shameless, yet totally derserving plug:

• Have you ever been to one of their shows and seen people NOT dancing? Yea, that never happens...they always know how to bring it and personally, I always leave a show one hot mess...which is what you want from a good night out. Plus, they have their own "Dancing Queen" front and center at every show.


• There's no perfect way to describe their sound because they're just 'Too Nasty'....seriously, think about the sickest rapper you know from the golden era of hip-hop, jamming with a classic jazz band....luckily you don't have to think about it, because it exists. ArtOfficial is basically a match made in heaven...and anything that comes heaven must be good.


• Their sax guy, Keith, will likely spontaneously combust on stage one day...it doesn't get any cooler than that.


• They won't ban you from their shows if you act a fool and sing into their mics while they're trying to record live...they'll just turn them off and welcome back you back with open arms.


• The just won a Grammy! Well, almost...more like the Grammy Florida showcase, which is still the coolest thing and one step closer. They also made it as finalists to play at Lollapalooza. They've released an album in Japan. They were part of the line-up to re-open South Beach's iconic Clevelander Hotel. They have multiple weekly shows at some of Miami's best venues. Yet, despite all their success and the number of good things that continue to happen for them...they're still just a bunch of guys passionate about what they do and make sure they work hard to do it...and that's why it works.

So, basically, they simply just rock! It's hard to find genuine goodness like this in Miami, even if you tried. Trust me on this. So go on and vote now!!

Photo: Photography by Kar Gar

Hello, Hello...strictlyMIA...you there?!?!?

Yes, we're alive! There really is no excuse for our lapse in posting...or is there? Actually, the thing is, I just got a puppy and she peed on my laptop...so as you can imagine, it has been hard to connect to bring you the latest and greatest about anything and everything Miami. Do you forgive us?

Well...if I'm begging forgiveness, I should tell you the truth (especially since I haven't really actually gotten my puppy yet)...we've simply fallen off the map...have been slacking off...lost our focus...but behind every slacker there is always an excuse, so here are some of ours:

1. Travelin' - I went on vacay a month ago...and while I physically checked-out and came back, I hadn't really mentally checked-in. Luckily, I just survived a 50-hour work week...so my brain has re-activated itself from "slacker, do just enough to get by" mode to "get shit done, while burning the midnight oil" mode. In addition to my fun in the sun, I also had some business travel in between. All the air travel sent my funny, witty brain chip into hibernation...I'm not sure if it is fully awake yet, but hopefully the rustiness will wear off in the next few posts.


2. Celebratin'- strictlyMIA graduated!!! So, she took some time to mentally decompress...after all the shize she went through at F-I-U...I don't blame her. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!


3. Workin' - After graduation, StrictlyMIA started the "real world." Meaning goodbye Friday mani/pedi at noon, hello 9 to 5, baby! Some growing pains are in order.


4. Couch Potato-in' (kinda) - Blame it on the a a a a a alcohol...well, not really...more like the TV...I got sucked into Grey's, Lost, the NBA Playoffs...which all did include some alcohol-happy (or miserable if we're talking about the Heat's elimination) viewing parties. Plus, I'm broke...so TV and Robert Mondavi's Pinot Noir (only the $9, private collection) have become my new BFFs.

But, there's no need to fear! I just got my tax return check, bought some new red shoes, and found some new inspiration...so, I'm happy to say we're back business!!!

P.S. do you have any lame excuses for laziness?? Please do share...my excuse well is running dry and I'm sure I'll need something at one point or another (of course, not for the blog =).