Imagine this view with a glass in your hand.

The Taste of Brickell Food & Wine Festival takes over Miami Circle for two days of good food, great wine, and entertainment.

On Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24, from noon to 10 p.m., more than 40 local restaurants will entice you with their fare as you sample hundreds of fine wines and spirits -- all overlooking the Miami River.

Participating restaurants include China Grill, SuViche, Toscana Divino, Atrio, Machiya Ramen Noodle House, Baru Urbano, and the Oceanaire, to name a few. More restaurants are being announced daily.

You'll also enjoy a free kids' zone, live entertainment (including an international concert), and interactive vendors and artists.

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Alex Rodriguez

Arepa specials at La Latina and more!

What a bunch of assholes! Serving celebratory specials for the death of a human being?

Well, not really. Hugo Chávez may have personified heartache and headache to millions of Venezuelan citizens, immigrants, and their U.S.-born descendants, but to say we're celebrating his demise would be horrifically offensive.

However, the socialist leader's death this afternoon cannot go without recognition, be it with excitement or sympathy. After all, this evening marks the beginning of a new hope for the people of Venezuela and every country that deals with it.

That being said, a handful of Miami restaurants are serving specials and happy hours to celebrate the end to his tumultuous rule and hopeful road to prosperity.

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Via tasteofbrickell.com

Come March, memories of the South Beach Wine & Fodd Festival (SOBEWFF) will be fading fast -- and you'll need some new bacchanalia to look forward to. Luckily, the third annual Taste of Brickell Food and Wine Festival is bringing eats, drinks, and entertainment to the Miami Circle on March 23 and 24.

And now you can score a set of VIP couple's tickets to the shindig for half price. Hint: This makes a sweet surprise for your foodie Valentine -- plus, if you're feeling insecure about your relationship status, this means he/she is likely to stick around for at least another six weeks.

See also:
- Lee Schrager on SoBeWFF, Mixology and Where He Eats in Miami: Hip and Hot, Part Two
- South Beach Wine and Food Festival 2013: The Six Best Events Featuring Miami Chefs

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Celebsview.com

Julia and Paul Child -- culinary sweethearts.

Throughout history there have been famous couples that have worked together. in just about every industry.

Some duos that come to mind are Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall; Bonnie and Clyde; John Lennon and Yoko Ono; Hillary and Bill Clinton; Masters and Johnson; Irene and Frederic Joliot-Curie; Carl Sagan and Anne Druyan; Bill and Melinda Gates; Julia and Paul Child; Sigfried and Roy....the list goes on.

These couples served as each others muses and partners not only in love, but in a shared passion regarding their combined interests. Though many of us cringe at the thought of working with our significant other, it works for some special people who have the ability to share everything with their partners -- and know the secret of leaving the business at work at the end of the day.

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Miami Event Productions

Beer on the beach.

Miami Beach is getting its very own beer event -- and it's only a week away.

On February 2, from 7 to 10 p.m., the Beach Brews Beer Fest will take over the Miami Beach Convention Center, bringing some of Florida's best craft and micro brewers together under one roof.

The event features over 50 different beers, food, music by DJ Bill and games for prizes. Which means all those nights spent perfecting your beer pong game at the frat house will come in handy.

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Patrick Tylicki

They salt their steaks before tossing them in the charbroiler.

In honor of our nation's birthday, the folks at STK at The Perry (formerly known as The Gansevoort) have thought of a perfect way to celebrate: a Stars & Strips holiday special. One of Miami Beach's best steakhouses is offering a 10-oz. New York strip sirloin for just $25.

"Its one of our most popular dishes," said marketing coordinator Giselle Delapuente. "So we wanted to give back to our loyal customers who have kept us thriving for so long."

Chef Aaron Taylor keeps his steaks at around 34 degrees until they are spiced with salt and pepper. The steak is then charbroiled over charcoal, allowing it to become slightly charred in texture, then topped with a butter emulsion.

"The butter emulsion gives it a very rich flavor and texture," said Taylor, , who helped open Lincoln Road favorite Meat Market before coming to STK in November 2011.

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It's that time of year again when Miami New Times and Zoo Miami take the term Animal House literally...at the third annual New Times Brew at the Zoo.

On Saturday, April 28 from 7 to 10 p.m., hundreds of brews, ales, and other liquid delights will be available for your sampling enjoyment, along with live entertainment, delicious eats, and (of course) promotional beer girls.

Beer partners are still being added, but expect to find your favorite domestic and imported beers, while discovering new brews at the event. 

We are also pleased to confirm that Misfit Home Brewers will be at Brew at the Zoo, fresh from their best overall brew win at the New Times Beerfest, held last week in Fort Lauderdale.

This year's live entertainment features headliners Alien Ant Farm, along with the Spazmatics and the Bushmen.

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When was the last time you went sailing?

Living in Miami, we sometimes take for granted all the cool and amazing things that we have in our own backyard - like the ability to spend the day eating and drinking on a boat.

Sure, owning a boat requires a lot of money that we don't have, but what if we told you that you could spend the day drinking on a boat for the price of....well, spending the day drinking at some dimly lit dive bar. Not that there's anything wrong with drinking at a dive bar (we do it all the time -- just ask our livers). But there is something cool about heading out to sea, watching the dolphins frolic, and smelling the fresh salt air.

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Share a bottle of discounted wine on Area 31's lovely terrace.

​You only get the chance to run a leap year special once every four years, so it's surprising more places don't do so. Area 31 is getting into the action by offering 29 different bottles of wine at $29 apiece for leap day only -- and that's tonight. The $29 tab represents a 20- to 50-percent discount from regular pricing.

Wines available to guests include J. Vineyards Chardonnay (normally $54); Bell Syrah (normally $56); Tikai "Patriota" Bonarda-Malbec Blend (normally $50); and MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir (normally $50). I'm familiar with the last wine; I sampled some while in Napa last year, drawn to the label because it came from the late actor Fred MacMurray's vineyard.

This is a great deal for those who enjoy a fine bottle of wine with their dinner -- or just want to enjoy a fine bottle of wine. For the former, call 305-424-5234 or head to the website.

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​Valentine's Day is rearing its capitalistic head up, yet again. What to do? Where to celebrate? How much is dinner, drinks, flowers and chocolates going to cost? And frankly, will your main squeeze appreciate your efforts? Here's some fun stuff that will make you fork up a few bucks but ... it will be memorable.

Head over to Strike Miami at the Dolphin Mall on Valentine's Day. Order a bottle of champagne (different prices are available starting at $40), and for the special evening you'll get to bowl for free. The Dolphin Mall is a fun place for shopping. When you've purchased your items, go to the second level, pick a lovers lane, clink a few flutes of champagne and throw some balls.

Chef David Burke prepares the dishes at the bowling alley which include barbecue chicken pizza, topped with cheddar and red onions, filet mignon, pulled pork, crispy fish, spicy tempura shrimp, pork ribs and cheesecake lollipops. I've tasted the food and it's delicious. The champagne special is only available on the 14th for walk-ins and includes two free games per person. Open daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Parking is free.

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