Grove Stand: Cutting the Apron Strings (Flamingo)
Taking the best of what his parents taught him about barbeque and Southern food, and combining it with refined influences, chef Kenny Gilbert fires up his grills and the culinary scene in North Florida Read complete story here.
Hamilton‘s Anthony Ramos Channels Brooklyn and Broadway on His Debut Album (Miami New Times)
Anthony Ramos’ rise over the past few years has seemed meteoric. A member of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, the actor and singer played the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. The show became an international sensation, catapulting most of the original cast — along with its principal, Lin-Manuel Miranda — to fame. Ramos went on to costar alongside Lady Gaga in the Academy Award-nominated movie A Star Is Born and is shooting a film adaptation of the musical In the Heights, in which he portrays the character Usnavi de la Vega. The role was originally occupied by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created both Hamilton and In the Heights. And to add a sparkle of romance to Ramos’ upward trajectory, he became engaged to Hamilton costar Jasmine Cephas Jones earlier this year. Read complete story here.
Martha Stewart Talks SoBeWFF, Love of Florida, and Vegetarian Meals (Miami New Times)
Martha Stewart is the woman who does it all. Just reading her list of accomplishments — author of 77 books, host of an Emmy-winning television show, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia — is enough to exhaust the average person. The “domestic diva” shows no signs of slowing down. She’s just released Meatless, a cookbook filled with 200 vegetarian recipes from the kitchens of Martha Stewart Living, and is serving double duty at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Read complete story here.
Sammy Hagar Brings Cabo Wabo Tequila to SOBEWFF (Miami New Times)
For nearly four decades, Sammy Hagar has been one of rock music’s most prolific artists. Whether in his solo career or as frontman of supergroup Van Halen, the “Red Rocker” is the voice behind classics such as “Right Now” and “Why Can’t This Be Love?” The Grammy-winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee also has a more savory side.
Hagar is a successful entrepreneur who owns several restaurant chains, including Cabo Wabo Cantina, Sammy’s Beach Bar and Grill, and Sammy’s Rockin’ Island Bar & Grill. His Cabo Wabo premium tequila has won numerous awards, and his Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum is receiving praise from industry insiders. Hagar’s passion for food and fine spirits began at a young age, fueled by a grandfather who was a chef who cooked for U.S. presidents. In his own words, Hagar describes his love for food and drink as a “lifestyle” and as much a part of his life as music. The rocker recently chatted with us about sex, food, booze, and rock ‘n’ roll. Rad complete story here.
Ziggy Marley Debuts Food Line at SoBeWFF (Miami New Times)
Ziggy Marley comes from musical royalty. His parents are Bob and Rita Marley, who, with the Wailers, brought Jamaican reggae from the Kingston ghettos into the mainstream. Being the eldest son of musical icons has rubbed off on Ziggy. At age 44, he’s already had a musical career spanning three decades, receiving five Grammy awards in the process. Marley has also acted, most memorably portraying Ernie the Rasta Jellyfish in Shark Tale. He has also grown his family’s Tuff Gong label into a worldwide enterprise, created the Marijuanaman comic book, and is active in many charities. Marley is also passionate about advocating for the labeling of GMO products in our foods, and he’s launched Ziggy Marley Organics, a line of products that are USDA-certified organic, non-genetically modified, and kosher. The products include flavored coconut oils and hemp seeds. Read complete story here.
Rachael Ray Celebrates a Year of Milestones (Miami New Times)
For Rachael Ray, 2015 has been a remarkable year.
The celebrity chef will release her 22nd book October 27. The tome, Everyone Is Italian on Sunday, features recipes and stories from her family. Ray is also celebrating a serendipitous series of ten-year anniversaries. On September 14, her daytime show celebrated the launch of its tenth season. On October 14, her magazine, Every Day With Rachael Ray, turns 10. And her Nutrish pet food line is expected to donate its ten-millionth dollar to animal charities this fall. Ray will also host the South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash for the tenth time this February. If those happy coincidences aren’t enough, she and husband John Cusimano recently celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary with a blowout party at a castle in Tuscany. Ray interrupted her über-busy schedule to chat about her big year. What began as a (of course) ten-minute phoner turned into a long and friendly gab session about everything from time management to SoBe Fest to her secret ambitions. Read complete story here.
Laine Doss Writes 