Last blog of April

Yes, it’s the last weekend of April so there’s a possibility I may be going to Jazz at MOCA tonight or to George Neary’s birthday party. I haven’t decided yet. It takes a lot to drive to the beach on a Friday night.

Order window at Humo Bodegon in North Miami Beach

Wagon wheel smoker contraption with busy chef at the helm at Humo Bodegon.

The very cool vibe inside the warehouse bar at Humo Bodegon.

Gorgeous Harley motorcycle, one of many on display at Humo Bodegon.

But let’s return to last Friday night when Vance and I enjoyed a date night to Humo Bodegon, an off—the-beaten path (I mean this place is really hidden) in North Miami Beach in a warehouse/open-air spot right by the railroad tracks and off NE 164 St., an Argentinian barbecue food truck with glowy string lights and picnic tables. It was the perfect night to dine al fresco and their cool warehouse space was a whole other vibe. We walked through the space, admiring the decor which featured oversized chairs, classic cars and motorcycles and bar that seems to have been plucked from another era. After dinner we stopped in at Duffy’s for an after dinner cocktail because it was close by and convenient. My Jack Daniel’s old fashioned was good.

Saturday, after volunteering at the monthly Food Rescue Farmer’s Market event and sweating up a storm I freshened up and drove to Little Havana’s Koubek Center to watch the Miami Film Festival’s Poetry City. I loved the film which chronicled Miami’s Oscar Fuentes AKA The Biscayne Poet and others in Miami’s literary world, especially O, Miami who every April in honor of National Poetry Month host the O, Miami Festival, and also Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Miami’s darling indie bookstore Books & Books and our amazing Miami Book Fair. It was a special afternoon indeed.

Monday night, I went to the Bakehouse Art Complex to attend a conversation led by Elisa Turner, author of the book “Miami’s Art Boom” and former visual arts critic for The Miami Herald and current contributor to various publications, someone who has become a friend. Listening to her describe her book which is filled with her articles over the years, I felt like I’d stepped back in time to when Miami’s art scene was in its infancy to what it’s become today, a national cultural jewel. I bought her book and was excited when she autographed it. I already read the Foreword which was great and can tell I’m gonna love it, so many familiar names in there!

Koi pond at Simpson Park

Brickell Bay Drive view

Wednesday was Earth Day so I spent some much needed time in nature. I’ve been very busy these past few weeks with writing assignments so taking time to walk through Simpson Park and along Brickell Bay Drive was truly wonderful.

Andrew, Nick and Geno at the Marlins game on Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, Nick went to the noon Marlins game with his program and ran into his Best Buddy from high school Andrew Marcus. That’s him with his friend Geno and Andrew on the left. And the Marlins won!

Speaking of writing assignments, click here to read my latest article for Artburst Miami. It’s about the winners in O, Miami’s Sonnets Boom poetry contest, two fantastic individuals I had the honor of interviewing. Loved hearing their inspiring stories.

Tonight, Vance and I may drive over to Miami Beach for my friend George Neary's birthday celebration and Elizabeth arrives. She’ll be here until early Sunday morning so we’ll be doing something fun with her on Saturday morning.

Tomorrow we have dinner plans with Michelle and Kevin we just haven’t decided where we’re going yet then on Sunday afternoon I’ll be at Taquiza Tacos on North Beach for the annual volunteer appreciation party with Food Rescue South FL. I might stop by Bridge Red before the party for their closing reception brunch and a final look at Pablo Cano’s exhibit, we’ll see.

Calendar of Events:

Tonight choose between Cultural Fridays in Little Havana, Jazz at MOCA in North Miami or Party on the Plaza at the Moss Center in Cutler Bay and they’re all free!

Miami Beach Quest scavenger hunt hosted by O Cinema and Jazzin’ in the Grove Concert in Coconut Grove on Saturday, April 25

Orchestra Miami final concert at Pinecrest Gardens on Sunday, April 26

Earth Day events around Miami all weekend

And as usual, I leave you with a photo of a cardinal bird sighting in our backyard, you know, old people stuff! LOL

And… last but not least, a shoutout to my neighbors Matt and Carlos for completing the 10-mile race at Disney and to my great niece Isabelle for another award recently and her upcoming May graduation, looking forward to celebrating her with the whole family!

See you next Friday.