Okay, okay, North Miami. You win. I take you back.

Google Street ViewAnother awesome event I attended this weekend was the North Miami Food, Wine & Spirits Festival, which I advertised right here on this website a few days ago.  I’m sure glad I did!  If you weren’t there last night, you should kick yourself in the butt.  You totally missed out on the perfect event to start off the season.

Twenty local businesses, providing the food and drinks, were represented in a perfectly planned set up in the plaza right in front of City Hall.  There was continuous entertainment on the stage, plenty of space to mingle, and lots and lots of people to meet.  I honestly can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.

It seems like everyone in North Miami and beyond came out to enjoy the food, music and festivities.  Let’s just say that this festival was the place to see and be seen.  I met the owners of several businesses, including my favorite java joint – the Alaska Coffee Roasting Co. (which is inexplicably not listed on North Miami’s Business Directory website).  I also met several present and former council members, the president of the NM Chamber of Commerce, a former Police Chief, and the Miami New Times #1 blogger of 2012, Al Crespo of the Crespogram Report.  I also introduced myself to Mayor Lucie Tondreau, who could not have been more gracious to me, which was very surprising to say the least.  Politics aside, I was charmed by Lucie’s keen sense of humor and bubbly personality.  I’m glad I finally met her.

It’s also worth noting that I felt absolutely safe at this event.  There was plenty of police presence and not one negative incident to report.  Everyone there seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves and having a great night out with their families, friends and neighbors.  This was a fabulous way to bring together a community!  Needless to say, I had an absolute blast!

Despite its political problems, many of which are ongoing, North Miami manages to continuously serve the community in positive ways.  For starters, the city promotes its businesses right on its website.  Another thing worth noting is that the world class Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, or MOCA, is located right in the center of town and easily accessible to everyone.  North Miami is also home to the Miami Auto Museum at the Dezer Collection, which showcases those vintage cars that I love so much.  Another famous institution, Criteria Recording Studios, is located in North Miami.  Tons of superstar recording artists have cut records at Criteria over the last forty years, including some of my personal favorites – Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley, and Grace Slick, among hundreds of others.  Adding to that already impressive list of entertainment facilities is the premier film making company, Greenwich Studios, which is also located in North Miami.  Also worth mentioning are the many unique art galleries located around the city.

I always judge the personality of a city by its cultural offerings.  And believe me, North Miami is on the cultural map!

It also boasts the best coffee shop in South Florida.  Bar none!

The Flavors of North Miami Festival was the first event I have attended in that city, but it certainly won’t be the last.

So, yeah, I gave in.  I kissed and made up with you, North Miami.  Just don’t break my heart again!

Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”

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