The 50 Essential Bars in Miami (Miami New Times)
Since ancient times, humans have availed themselves of the convivial spirit of bars. In his classic history The Story of Wine, Hugh Johnson writes that the city of Pompeii was home to about 200 wine bars where citizens gathered to drink the product of the soil made fertile by Mount Vesuvius. Centuries later, revolutions were plotted in colonial taverns and pirates traded spoils and information in the dark bars of their time. To this day, the corner bar is a community meeting place. We repair to our favorite bars to watch the big game, to celebrate a birthday, or simply to enjoy that most aptly named activity, the “happy hour.” Read complete story here.
The “Farmer Nerd” Winemakers of Paso Robles (Alcohol Professor)
About three hours south of what most people consider America’s “wine country” of Napa and Sonoma, lies a much different experience. More than 200 wineries – many of them family owned and operated businesses – are located in Paso Robles. You’re more apt to find people wearing Levis and work boots than designer duds and the only traffic jams you’ll encounter are when you’re stuck behind a tractor. Growers and winemakers here come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Read complete story here.
2020: Miami Chefs Look Back (Miami New Times)
Though few have made it through the year unscathed by illness or financial peril, the restaurant industry was hit particularly hard. Through it all, however, chefs, restaurateurs, brewery owners and their staffs held fast. They helped to provide food for first responders. They pivoted their business models. And they persevered. Read complete story here.
Funky Buddha Wants to Be Your Craft Hard Seltzer (Alcohol Professor)
Hard seltzer has become so much a part of American drinking culture, that it’s difficult to believe that the beverage only really gained ground in 2016 when White Claw was introduced to the American market. After all, what’s not to love about a low-alcohol beverage that’s fruity, fizzy, and doesn’t feel as heavy as a beer or cider? And, since most hard seltzers are gluten-free and low calorie, there’s a reason why the hard seltzer industry, “has the most sustainable growth trajectory across the U.S. alcohol landscape,” according to a recent Nielsen study. Read complete story here.
Naples Restaurants Welcome a Return to Business as Usual (Miami New Times)
Much like Miami, Naples relies heavily on tourism, luring visitors with its beaches, shopping, resorts, and dining. It is, however, much smaller than Miami, with a population of about 22,000 residents compared to Miami’s 470,000. This past weekend, tree-lined, tony Fifth Avenue South was bustling with activity. Families strolled the boulevard, gaggles of friends window shopped, and the cafés were filled with diners. Though most of the populace appeared to be adhering to physical-distancing protocols, the majority weren’t wearing masks. Read complete story here.
Tobacco Road to Pop Up in Brickell (Miami New Times)
When Tobacco Road closed in 2014, a page was torn from Miami’s history book. For 102 years, the Road served as a bakery, a brothel, a gangster hideaway, and a speakeasy. Its liquor license was issued in 1912 and within its walls, nearly every major blues act performed. Read complete story here.
Laine Doss Writes 