Your Evening Sift

Long day, folks, but I have a pretty decent evening Sift for you. Have fun.

A- Gun Free Zone will never do a similar comparison between the United States and Japan.

B- The history and impact of Venezuelan immigration in Miami-Dade County, courtesy of Miami Urbanist.

As a result of this growth and modest growth in Downtown, Urban Miami saw nearly twelve percent of its growth over the past decade come from Venezuelan-born immigrants. So, while Miami’s growth will likely push forward regardless of what happens to Hugo Chavez and his presidency, the impact of Venezuelan immigration on urban Miami is noteworthy, particularly for what might be considered the newer, trendier neighborhoods. There is a fair amount of truth to the notion that Chavez’s reign has accelerated up Miami’s urban growth and perhaps even some truth to the speculation that whatever happens in Venezuelan politics will have a very real effect on Miami’s urban real estate market.

C- Brunch at Little Palm Island is an all day adventure, according to Florida Keys Girl.

There are a few notable points about the brunch here. Yes, it is $85/person plus tax and gratuity, but it is worth a splurge every now and then. The cold buffet is full of cheeses, salads, smoked meats and fish, fruits,breads and a carving station. It was worth two or three trips, but I admit that I lost count after a while. Also inside at the bar is the Bloody Mary Bar – a do-it-yourself Bloody Mary station with several kind of olives, mixes, spices and more. I learned that I make a darn good Bloody Mary. Also inside at the bar is the Champagne bar with sparkling wine and several fruit and juice mixers. I made several visits.

D- The Chowfather enjoyed the time spent at PB Steak...although he stayed away from the steak.

PB Steak is clearly going to be another huge hit with locals and tourists too thanks to its diverse and creative menu offerings, cool setting, solid bar area and cocktails.

E- Eater Miami takes us inside the soon-to-open Swine Southern Table & Bar.

F- South Florida Classical Review's Critic's Choice this week features a violinist playing at Gusman Hall this weekend.

The Canadian-born violinist Lara St. John, who performs this weekend at Gusman Hall for the Sunday Afternoons of Music series, throws most of that out. Although her concert begins with César Franck’s Violin Sonata—a work that appears on too many programs—she follows it with music few veteran concertgoers would recognize. All the rest of the works are by living composers, including two world premieres.

G- If you're in the mood for some gnocchi then All Purpose Dark is a must visit this evening.

Probably the only thing that could get me out and at Casa Tua at 9am the morning after the Burger Bash was the boisterous Italian chef Fabio Viviani. Along with a dozen other groggy food writers I settled in at the rustic communal table framing the open kitchen at Casa Tua to catch the former Top Chef star (and now Bertolli endorser) share some culinary wisdom and make gnochhi.

H- Eye on Miami has a video of a Miami-Dade commissioner doing his best George W. Bush imitation.




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