STAY FIT 305

Miami casual eatery DIRT has announced that it will open its first location outside Miami in Ballston, VA within the highly anticipated Ballston Exchange from Jamestown LP. DIRT Ballston will be located at 4121 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 102B, Arlington, VA 22203, and plans to open in spring 2019.Following visits to various parts of Washington, D.C. and the greater DMV area, DIRT Co-Founder Jeff LaTulippe noticed quickly that Ballston encompassed a unique and rapidly expanding community, one that DIRT could call home and grow with. LaTulippe and Director of Operations JJ McDaniel were immediately attracted to the energy of the neighborhood. Ballston is an active area that fits DIRT perfectly with neighboring gyms and boutique fitness studios like Sport & Health, Gold’s Gym, Orange Theory, VIDA Fitness (also opening in 2019), Ballston CrossFit, and Bash Boxing.

“DIRT was borne out of necessity,” says Jeff LaTulippe. “Having overcome my own personal weight loss struggles (I lost about 60 pounds in my early to mid-20s), it was important to me to create a menu that was more than just kale and quinoa and grilled chicken. We wanted to strike the right balance of ‘health-conscious’ and ‘delicious’ at any time of day, an all-day restaurant that wasn't solely focused on salads and bowls but could offer a variety and keep the dining experience fun and enjoyable. We couldn't find a place like this, so we created it.”DIRT also takes a different approach to service with a “counter casual” operating model.“We have a different service model than the omnipresent Chipotle-style assembly line that people have become inundated with,” says JJ McDaniel, DIRT Director of Operations. “You order at the counter, and although we don't have formal servers, from there it's very much a full-service experience. We bring your order to you, with real plates and silverware and linen napkins, check on you during your meal, and clean your table after you leave. Trays and bus tubs are purposely absent from the DIRT dining experience.”Featuring 1,800 square feet, DIRT Ballston has enlisted local architecture and interiors firm //3877 to spin a design evocative of DIRT’s roots in Miami and Ballston’s rich character.

“DIRT has a unique approach to clean, beautiful, fresh food in that they offer a wide variety of dietary options, invigorating the D.C. fine casual scene,” says Meghan Scott, Interior Designer at //3877. “They have a strong brand aesthetic which provided a solid basis for the design. At the same time, they were open to new ideas throughout the collaborative process allowing creative freedom to push the concept. Jeff and JJ’s excitement about coming to D.C. was infectious and we are more than excited to be a part of the team.”The opening of DIRT Ballston is a homecoming of sorts for LaTulippe. His wife is from Silver Spring, MD and the pair originally met in Washington, D.C. – with their first date in Georgetown in 2010. They are excited to return home and share DIRT with the D.C. area.“We're very community-focused, so we’ll take the same approach in D.C. that we've had in Miami – we’ll make friends in Ballston and the greater D.C. area and support local farms and food artisans as much as we can.”

Dr. Smood has announced the debut of a select line of products at Whole Foods Markets across Miami that hit stores earlier this week.

*Read: Dr. Smood Continues Miami Expansion*

With an emphasis on nutrient quality over calorie density and food backed by science that has the power to change lives, partnering with Whole Foods Market has allowed Dr. Smood the ability to change lives through food on a wider scale.

Consumers can find a curated selection of certified organic Dr. Smood products at the following locations: Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Dadeland, South Beach, and Biscane.

The 5th Annual SEED Food & Wine Week Presented by Whole Foods Market (SEED) returns Wednesday, November 7 to Sunday, November 11, 2018 and will include over 10 events featuring local, regional and national chefs, restaurants, exhibitors, and personalities over the course of five action-packed days. Ranked 3rd in the “Top 10 Best Wine Festivals” by USA Today the premiere plant-based festival offers something for everyone while raising awareness for sustainable living.Unique to this year’s festival, SEED will have a ZERO carbon footprint. The environmental impact for these types of events typically can be significant, but the SEED festival will counteract this with the use of solar energy, composting, food recovery, bike share programs, Smart Cars and carpools to transport talent. Additionally, there will be no plastic straws, and they have established a TerraPass account (which provides carbon offsetting products to individuals, business, and events).The festivities begin the evening of November 7th with a VIP Kick-Off Party at Planta South Beach. Guests will enjoy cocktails, beats and bites with fellow conscious lifestyle enthusiasts, celebrities, content creators, influencers, and foodies from across the country.The two-day SEED SUMMIT presented by VegNews returns for the third year on, November 8th and 9th, featuring workshops, speaker panels and networking designed for media-types, content creators, influencers and entrepreneurs in conscious, sustainable and plant-based living. For those early-stage and emerging startups that are looking to elevate their presence, the BRAND BOOTCAMP on November 9th is an intensive day-long event presented by Start Up FIU FOOD and the South Florida Food and Beverage Association. It will feature programs with a variety of resources and strategies from securing investors to getting on the shelves.Special foodie events throughout the week include intimate dinners, tastings, and brunch and will highlight spectacular chefs and brands from around the country. The FOURTH ANNUAL PLANT BASED BURGER BATTLE™ on November 8th will feature an array of delectable vegan burger creations. Celebrity judges and attendees will vote on who will be crowned the “Best Veggie Burger in America” from a dozen participating chefs and national brands.Signature celebrity chef events, BEST OF THE BEST DINNER and MADE IN MIAMI THE LEGENDS EDITION on November 9th and 10th, respectively, will include James Beard Finalist and restaurateur Rich Landau along with Chefs Kate Jacoby, Allen Susser, Brian Nasajon, and Josh Gripper to name a few.The SEED FESTIVAL DAY TASTING VILLAGE is the best bet for the entire family to enjoy a day-long celebration of over 180 exhibitors with incredible food, drink, speakers, demos, shopping, music, and much more. Attendees aged 21 and over can partake of libations from wines and spirits from around the country as well as in the Brown Distributing Craft Beer Garden.Guests can learn from national experts at the Baptist Health Culinary Stage on plant-based nutrition, athletics and wellness at the 22-Day Nutrition Speaker Stage, check out crafts, cruelty-free fashion, and delicious plant-based treats.At ELEVEN/ELEVEN CRITICAL MASS YOGA + MEDITATION + BRUNCH on November 11th, yogis and brunch lovers unite for a morning celebration of mindful living featuring a yoga practice followed by a guided meditation session with Jennifer Grace. Then, dig into a delicious, organic, plant-powered brunch made by an impressive lineup of culinary all-stars including Giorgio Rapicavoli, Soraya Kilgore, and Max Santiago among others.Fashionistas will love CATWALK: A NIGHT OF CONSCIOUS FASHION on November 9th, an evening of style, food and fun at SEED’s 2nd annual fashion show benefitting Debris Free Oceans. Celebrities and models will strut the runway poolside wearing the hottest cruelty-free fashions. The show will feature casual garb, from hipster tees to bohemian pants and plant-strong statement wear to big names in cruelty-free high fashion.The best price is always free, and those looking for a bargain can attend NAMASEED YOGA & MEDITATION on November 10th with a morning of invigorating and centering yoga with Miami’s favorite yogis, followed by a guided meditation. That evening, party-goers can attend THE AFTER PARTY at Wynwood Yard for a fun night of live music, plant-based bites by a variety of resident food trucks, cocktails, craft beers, vegan wines and much more.Ticket selections, with prices ranging from $25-$559 (plus service fee), feature a variety of a la carte options and VIP all-inclusive packages. Tickets and additional information are available at www.seedfoodandwine.com. Follow SEED on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Jackson Hall, the food court that was to add a cheery space and good food to the institutional world of Jackson Health System, has closed after just six months in business. The 10,000-square-foot food hall shuttered its doors abruptly yesterday. Partners Della Heiman and Ken Lyon posted a statement on Facebook:We have made the difficult decision to close Jackson Hall, as of today, October 2, 2018.

While this is a deeply disappointing day, we remain fully committed to serving the greater Miami community through transformative programming, culinary, cultural and wellness experiences.We are profoundly grateful to the many supporters who believed in our vision for the community of the Health District.We would also like to express tremendous appreciation for the talented team who helped us create and launch this ambitious project, and who made its many wheels turn each day, creating and serving delicious food and welcoming guests with our special brand of gracious hospitality and genuine warmth.Jackson Hall was created with the goal of creating a community of nourishment and connectedness in the health district. The decision to close our doors has not been an easy one. As a grassroots small business competing with heavily subsidized food offerings in the area, we learned through experience that our business model is not viable given the context and timing.Our next steps as a company will refocus our energy on ramping up our Magic Season at The Wynwood Yard, and we hope that our community will continue to gather with and support us there. We are incredibly excited to launch our best season ever at The Wynwood Yard and to continue expanding the catering and programming arms of our business. We also look forward to sharing new projects on the horizon, including North Beach Yard, with the Miami community.There is always much to learn from failure, but it weighs heavily on us that the closing of our business affects the futures and livelihoods of our team. We came to this difficult decision as we did to the initial concept for Jackson Hall — with great care and concern, and thoughtful consideration of the best trajectory for our company and community. We extend our humble thanks to our entire Jackson Hall family.

Though some Miami business pundits might see the closure as a sign that the local food-hall scene is oversaturated, Heiman disagrees. "Our situation should not be compared to other food halls," she says.Heiman explains that the goal of Jackson Hall was to offer meal alternatives to hospital workers, but many of them chose to continue patronizing the subsidized food-service providers within the medical center buildings. "People have tight budgets for lunch, and they can get a meal for three or four dollars."Dinner service also proved to be a challenge. "We thought people would still come for dinner, but after 5 p.m., the area is very quiet. We couldn't drive traffic to the space."Heiman says she and her team mulled over options such as closing some of the concepts or lowering prices. "Closing some of the windows would take away the food-hall vibe, and we were working with some pretty slim margins. We weren't getting enough business to decrease the prices. We couldn't keep investing in something that was losing money."She says that the catering arm of Jackson Hall is still "alive and well" and that the Wynwood Yard, her popular outdoor culinary hub, is ramping up for its busy season.Less than a month ago, it was announced that the Wynwood Yard, along with O Cinema Wynwood, would close in the spring of 2019 to make way for an 11-story building dubbed Wynwood Green. Heiman says the Yard is very much in business for the remainder of the season, providing a variety of programming, from live music to a Shabbat dinner for 100 people this Friday, October 5.Heiman stresses that she's looking forward to her new business ventures. Plans for the North Beach Yard, with a proposed 2019 opening date, are moving forward. Also, she's working on a vision that includes sharing the Yard concept with other cities.*This article was originally published on Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

An estimated 1,000 plant-munching party people will take over Regatta Park in Coconut Grove for an evening of food, cocktails, games, and music Saturday, October 6, during what's billed as Miami’s first Vegan Block Party.The party will offer food, vegan presentations, a vendor marketplace, outdoor lounges, lawn games, and kombucha pong. Alcohol is not included in the ticket price, but a full vegan bar will sell craft beer, wine, and mixed drinks.“People don’t realize that a lot of alcohol isn’t vegan,” says Ariel Levine, coordinator of the event. “Alcohol is very weird, and it can be processed with fish bladders and can sometimes have gelatin or different animal byproducts.”Levine, a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in nutrition and dietetics at Florida International University, undertook the massive task of organizing an event this size. It turned out to be more than she’d bargained for, so she's taking a semester off school to make it happen.The young vegan credits her grandmother for inspiring her to quit eating meat. “My grandma made us steak one night, and it was so pink and so bloody, and I didn’t want to eat it,” Levine says. “I made a connection that it was an animal, that it was a life.”Levine dumped the food, locked herself in her parents' bedroom, and did not come out till Grandma took off. “We’re fine now,” Levine says of her relationship with her grandmother, “but she thinks I am crazy for being vegan.”Levine became officially vegan at the age of 16. A few years ago, she began hosting potlucks to meet other vegans, and within a year and a half, the gatherings were drawing more than 100 people. But she wanted more.“I was literally traveling to L.A. to attend vegan events because there’s so few here in South Florida,” she says. And that's when inspiration hit. “It came to me in this dream,” Levine says. “Vegan Block Party. I rolled with it, and it’s grown into the event you see now.”Levine's party will offer more than just food from places such as Ali’s Sweet Treats, That Vegan Food Truck, Harmless Hot Dog, Planet Protein, Roots N Seeds, and the New Vegan. During the evening, nine speakers will discuss subjects such as nutrition, environment, and plant-based economics between performances by an array of poets, rappers, and performance artists. A vendor marketplace will sell organic clothing and eco-friendly products. A host of nonprofits will be onsite to discuss opportunities for community involvement, Miami-Dade Animal Services will offer dog adoptions, and DJ Sal will spin hip-hop.Ticket prices include food samples; full-size dishes will be available for purchase. Each guest will also receive a goody bag to stuff with swag such as candles, soaps, and foodstuffs from sponsors such as Follow Your Heart, Upton’s Naturals, Raw Revolution, Nut Pods, Go Raw, and Vegan Rob’s.“It’s not going to be an event that you show up, have to wait in lines, and walk around with nothing else to do,” Levine says. "There’s going to be a lot of things going on, and you can learn more about a vegan lifestyle.”Vegan Block Party.5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 6, at Regatta Park, 2699 SW 27th Ave., Coconut Grove; veganblockparty.com. Tickets cost $10 to $20 via eventbrite.com.*This article was originally published on The Miami New Times by WendyRhodes, and can be found here.

Shoppers in Miami with Amazon Prime accounts can now get Whole Foods groceries delivered straight to their door.Prime Now, Amazon’s same-day delivery service, now includes delivery from Whole Foods Market locations across South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.Using the Prime Now website or app, customers can peruse thousands of Whole Foods Market items — including produce, meat and seafood, everyday staples, and other locally sourced goods — place orders, and track delivery. One- and two-hour delivery windows are available upon checkout. Service is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.In addition to being able to order fresh and organic produce and meats, Prime members can purchase bakery goods, dairy items, flowers, and select alcohols.Amazon Prime is the e-commerce company's premium subscription service that, for $119 a year, gives members access to free two-day shipping on most items, streaming video and music, and other perks such as Prime Now, which delivers a host of items in less than two hours.Prime Now's Whole Foods delivery launch comes two months after the Seattle-based company announced 10 percent off for Prime members on hundreds of sale items when using the Whole Foods Market app. In addition, Prime Now also delivers meals from popular local restaurants such as Harry's Pizzeria and Cypress Tavern, as well as wine and craft beer from local breweries.In Miami, some of the most popular items ordered through the service are pantry staples, fruit, and Amazon Fire TV sticks.*This article was originally published on the Miami New Times by Clarissa Buch and can be found here.

The first food-and-beverage concept is now open inside downtown's MiamiCentral. Visit the first floor of the Brightline station and walk into Joe & the Juice, a popular Denmark-based juice and coffee concept with more than 200 locations around the world. This is the chain's fifth location in Miami-Dade.Joe & the Juice, along with the surrounding station, is part of an 11-acre development spanning six blocks in downtown Miami, which will include office and residential towers, a major grocer, and a food hall called Central Fare.Expected to open sometime this fall, Central Fare will include outposts of the Miami Beach-based French café Rosetta Bakery and the Japanese-Spanish fusion spot Kuenko. Other concepts in the lineup are the boutique coffee shop Parliament Espresso and the Los Angeles pizza joint 800° Woodfired Kitchen. More than a dozen other vendors have yet to been announced.Joe & the Juice's 2,400-square-foot store specializes in sweet and tangy juices, along with smoothies, coffee, and light bites. The bright space includes an ample seating area with individual and communal tables, encouraging customers to plug in their laptops and spend time before their travels.The menu is similar to those of other juice brands in Miami. Find more than 30 juice and smoothie blends, as well as espressos, lattes, and iced coffees. Pair a drink with a tuna, avocado, and pesto sandwich or a chicken and tomato club. Pricing is low compared to other chains: A 12-ounce cup costs less than $7, and all sandwiches run less than $10 each.Founded in Copenhagen in 2002, the brand encourages an upbeat lifestyle while serving relatively healthy food and drinks in a modern and hip atmosphere with funky music. Service includes flashy performances in which juicers balance cups on their heads or toss utensils into the air for dramatic effect. Sometimes the juicers might even jump on top of the bar for an encore.*This article was originally published in The Miami New Times by Clarissa Buch, and can be found here.

About a year after the real-estate company Terranova announced plans to open a food hall off Lincoln Road, concrete details about the project have finally emerged. The Lincoln Eatery, a 9,600-square-foot food hall on the corner of Lincoln Lane and Meridian Avenue in South Beach, is schedule to open this fall.Terranova founder and chairman Stephen Bittel says his company intends to extend Lincoln Road's footprint north, with the Lincoln Eatery as the focal point. That block already holds a Marshall's and Macy's and, in the past, has been home to several restaurants, a combination bar/laundry, and a tanning salon. In 2019, the real-estate company will open a rooftop terrace at the Lincoln Eatery as a second phase of the project. Michael Schwartz's Genuine Pizza and Havana 1957 will also occupy this new shopping and dining area.The food hall, designed by the renowned Miami-based firm Arquitectonica, will gather 16 food and drink concepts under one roof, with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 200 people. A central bar will serve wine, beer, and cocktails.Unlike the upcoming Time Out Market — which will boast some of Miami's most established culinary names, such as Jeremy Ford, Jose Mendin, Michael Beltran, Michael Pirolo, and Alberto Cabrera — Lincoln Eatery is banking on new concepts that don't seem attached to major Miami players.According to Bittel, the restaurant tenants will be different from one another in order to offer a dining experience for every palate. "We are thrilled with the creative and delicious mix of cuisines and concepts that are joining forces us.”The concepts announced so far are as follows:

• Necessary Purveyor, offering sandwiches, teas, and house-made granola.
• Fresh Garden Bowls, serving salads, wraps, and fresh juices.
• Chill'N, a Miami-based nitrogen-ice-cream counter.
• Marble & Rye, a New York-style kosher deli.
• Tyo Sushi, a Japanese sushi spot serving modern takes on traditional items.
• Toast & More, a French bakery offering sweet and savory tartines.
• Gotam Pizza and Gotam Chimney Cakes, specializing in pizza and Hungarian chimney cakes.

The full roster of tenants will be announced later this year. The names of the restaurateurs and chefs behind the concepts haven't been revealed yet.The Lincoln Eatery will join an ever-growing list of Miami-area food halls, including La Centrale and Casa Tua Cucina at Brickell City Centre, Treats at Aventura Mall, St. Roch Market, 1-800-Lucky, and Jackson Hall. Other food halls on the horizon are Time Out Market, Wynwood Food Hall, Central Fare at Brightline, and the Citadel Miami.*This article was originally published on the Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

This June, celebrity bodyguard-turned-entrepreneur Chris Kingen will expand his farm-to-bottle juice bar concept, Wellness Grub, with the opening of two new Miami locations, at the Equinox Fitness Clubs in South Beach (520 Collins Avenue) and Four Seasons Hotel Miami (1435 Brickell Avenue.) Since April 2017, Kingen has opened three other South Florida locations at Brickell Heights, Aventura Mall and the Shops at Merrick Park.“I’m thrilled to bring my special blends of organic juices and smoothies to the health-conscious South Beach community, as well as offer another convenient spot for residents, businesses and visitors to pick-up nutritious grub in bustling Downtown Miami,” says Kingen, a Brickell resident. “Wellness Grub is the perfect way to fuel up pre-or-post workout, or enjoy while on the run.”

*Read: Former Celebrity Bodyguard Opening Wellness Grub at Equinox Fitness Clubs in South Florida*

Open to the public, Wellness Grub serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots, and tonics, made with 100% organic, locally-sourced produce from Brothers Organic Farmers Market, as well as raw superfood bites to fuel and replenish the body and mind. Smoothies and juices can also be made-to-order at select locations. Many menu items are Kingen’s original blends, created while on the road working exhausting hours as a bodyguard for high-profile celebrities including music producer Dr. Dre, songstress Lisa Marie Presley, in addition to international diplomats.There are dozens of juices and smoothies to select from at Wellness Grub. Two of Kingen’s signature drinks – the Green Protein Ultra smoothie and Vital Greens juice – are rich in Vitamin A, iron and magnesium. Several favorites include the Citrus Glo, which features grapefruit, orange and lemon, while the beet-red Tru Blood juice is full of antioxidants to support the kidneys and liver.The bright, colorful shots and tonics are packed with concentrated doses of healing herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, cilantro, blue green algae, and ginseng. Food items include Mung Bean Pesto Pasta, Goji Berry Bites, Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding, Hummus, Kale Salad, and more. Additionally, Wellness Grub offers three juice cleanse programs suited for individual needs.“I founded Wellness Grub out of a passion to live a healthy lifestyle and also help others. Our customers know that what they are putting into their body is going to make them feel good. Every ingredient has a purpose,” Kingen adds.As a former bodyguard, Kingen, who is 6’7” and 240 lbs., had to use readily available ingredients during his travels and to this day, most of his smoothies continue to be reverse osmosis water-based. Smoothies are hand-blended and measured to the exact ounce to ensure the taste and quality of each product is always consistent. For optimal quality and an eco-friendly approach, products are packaged in glass bottles.A self-made entrepreneur, Kingen first learned about diet and exercise from his former client, Dr. Dre. In order to meet the demands of his job and eliminate processed foods from his diet, Kingen began traveling with a NutriBullet to make his own high-energy, nutrient-dense smoothies. Later, while working for the Saudi royal family, he deepened his knowledge of healthy foods and healing herbs, such as Mucuna pruriens and Shou Wu, which are incorporated into several of his products.Kingen is a longtime Equinox member so it only made sense that his farm-to-bottle products have a home at the premier fitness center. Although Kingen intended to start his juice business in Miami, the opportunity to open his first Wellness Grub at the Equinox in Lincoln Park, Chicago in 2015 was too good to pass up. Kingen received help from co-founder/partner Brian Ottmer, who assisted with menu creation and learned about nutrition and nutrient-dense food and smoothies while working in California.Today, Wellness Grub is in a total of six locations – three in Miami and three in Chicago. South Beach and Four Seasons Miami will bring the number to 8. Kingen has plans to further expand the brand.Kingen credits his mom, sister Heather, brother-in-law Rick, and friend Kathy Krenger for encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He partners with local businesses and events, including Equinox’s upcoming Cycle for Survival, to inspire others to live well.Get the blend on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.

For the first time ever, PETA has named Miami as one of the top 10 vegan cities in the country. Highlighted restaurants included Atlas Meat-Free Deli, Bunnie Cakes, GLAM, Choices Cafe, Manna Life, Della Bowls and the Vegan Cafe by Chloe Coscarelli.Here's what PETA had to say about Miami:

Miami is known as the Magic City, and it does magical things with vegan food.

Take, for example, Atlas Meat-Free Delicatessen, a vegan butcher shop that serves Wood-Bone Wings (fried vegan chicken in hot sauce), Buttamlk Fried Chk’n, Kansas City Burnt Tips, and other hearty fare. And then there are the Spaghetti & Meatless Balls, Jackfruit “Al Pastor” Taco, Watermelon Ceviche, Truffles, Choco-cado Mousse, and Ube Pie (purple sweet potato custard with gingersnap crumble) at GLAM Vegan. No trip to Miami would be complete without enjoying the stunning views and exceptional vegan food at Plant Miami.Locals load up on healthy fare at Manna Life Foods—which specializes in “Life Bowls” loaded with creative and fresh veggie combinations, cold-pressed juices, and desserts—as well as at Della, where you can build-your-own “healthy bowl of happy” from an array of vegan proteins, veggies, and sauces. Choosy eaters can get exactly what they want at the all-vegan Choices Café, which offers plenty of tasty options in bowl or wrap form, including the Insane Mex with soy chorizo and cashew cheese, as well as brunch items, including The Kind Slam (pancake, tofu scramble, tempeh bacon or soysage patty), and more. Coconut Grove will go nutty for Miami’s recently opened and very first vegan food hall, V Shops, which features delicious eats from Choices Cafe as well as Neo’s Blender, a smoothie bar for kids. Also new to the scene is the restaurant of vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli: the Vegan Café. It features delicious “eats” like the Butternut Nachos (butternut-cashew queso, honee-Sriracha, seitan, guacamole, mango salsa, and a coconut-lime drizzle). If you still have room, don’t forget to get a taste of the Food Network Cupcake Wars award-winning cupcake, the Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake. Speaking of customization, at Bunnie Cakes Studio, which recently opened as an extension of the Bunnie Cakes Vegan Bakery, guests can decorate their own vegan cupcakes.See the rest of PETA's Top 10 Vegan Cities here.

Celebrity bodyguard-turned-entrepreneur Chris Kingen transformed his passion for healthy living into a rapidly-expanding business with the creation of Wellness Grub, a farm-to-bottle juice bar concept, located inside six Equinox Fitness Clubs in the U.S. Since April 2017, Kingen has opened three of those locations in South Florida (Brickell Heights, Aventura and Coral Gables) and is planning two new spots - coming soon in Miami.“My dream originally was to open a juice bar in Miami, but at the time, starting a new business in South Florida proved to be a challenge,” says Kingen. “I’m thrilled to finally bring my special blends of organic fruits and vegetable juices to the South Florida community.”Wellness Grub, which is open to non-Equinox members as well, serves grab-n-go, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots, tonics, and raw superfood bites and desserts made with 100% organic, locally-sourced ingredients to fuel and replenish the body and mind. Smoothies and juices can also be made-to-order at select locations. Many menu items are Kingen’s original blends, created while on the road working exhausting hours as a bodyguard for high-profile celebrities including music producer Dr. Dre, songstress Lisa Marie Presley, in addition to international diplomats.There are dozens of juices and smoothies to select from at Wellness Grub. Two of Kingen’s signature drinks – the Green Protein Ultra smoothie and Vital Greens juice – are rich in Vitamin A, iron and magnesium. Several favorites include the Citrus Glo, which features grapefruit, orange and lemon, while the beet-red Tru Blood juice is full of antioxidants to support the kidneys and liver.The bright, colorful shots and tonics are packed with concentrated doses of healing herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, cilantro, blue green algae, and ginseng. Food items include Mung Bean Pesto Pasta, Goji Berry Bites, Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding, Hummus, Kale Salad, and more. Additionally, Wellness Grub offers three juice cleanse programs suited for individual needs.Kingen adds, “I founded Wellness Grub out of a passion to live a healthy lifestyle and also help others. Our customers know that what they are putting into their body is going to make them feel good. Every ingredient has a purpose.”As a former bodyguard, Kingen had to use readily available ingredients during his travels and to this day, most of his smoothies continue to be reverse osmosis water-based. Smoothies are hand-blended and measured to the exact ounce to ensure the taste and quality of each product is always consistent. For optimal quality and an eco-friendly approach, products are packaged in glass bottles.At 38 years old, Kingen is a self-made entrepreneur who first learned about diet and exercise from his former client and mentor, Dr. Dre. In order to meet the demands of his job and eliminate processed foods from his diet, Kingen began traveling with a NutriBullet to make his own high-energy, nutrient-dense smoothies. Later, while working for the Saudi royal family, he deepened his knowledge of healthy foods and healing herbs, such as Mucuna pruriens and Shou Wu, which are incorporated into several of his products.Kingen is a longtime Equinox member so it only made sense that his farm-to-bottle-and-table products have a home at the premier fitness center. He opened his first Wellness Grub in 2015 in Lincoln Park, Chicago with help from co-founder/partner Brian Ottmer, who assisted with menu creation and learned about nutrition and nutrient-dense food and smoothies while working in California.Currently residing in Miami, Kingen credits his mom, sister Heather, brother-in-law Rick, and friend Kathy Krenger for encouraging him to pursue his dreams. He partners with local businesses and events, including Equinox’s upcoming Cycle for Survival, to inspire others to live well.Get the scoop on all things Wellness Grub at www.wellnessgrub.com and follow @wellnessgrub on Facebook and Instagram.

A health-minded café, bakery, salad and sandwich bar, and market have united to offer Fort Lauderdale its first all-vegan spot specializing in plant-based foods.On April 20, Vegan Fine Foods opened at 330 NW Second St. in the city's Riverwalk neighborhood. The 4,000-square-foot space is a one-stop shop for those looking for organic produce and vegan groceries, eat a healthy meal, have a cup of coffee, or sip a glass of wine or beer.Vegan Fine Foods is the brainchild of Florida Atlantic University professor Steven Smith, who says he styled the market and eatery after a number of his favorite brands, including the New York City-based upscale grocery chain Dean & DeLuca. The venue offers an array of organic produce, vegan products, coffee and tea at the in-house café, and a bar where patrons can craft bowls, wraps, pitas, hot "dawgs," and veggie burgers.Smith says he switched to a totally plant-based diet after the stress of obtaining two postgraduate degrees, and 20 years later, he remains a committed vegan."I saw an opportunity for an all-vegan market because I knew that shopping was a lot of work and very time-consuming for those wanting to maintain a vegan healthy lifestyle," Smith says. "I thought, Wouldn’t it be nice to go to a place where someone else did all the work, where you knew it was 100 percent plant-based and care was taken to select a broad array of superhealthy products with some vegan indulgences mixed in?"As a result, Vegan Fine Foods has been designed to appeal to a wide range of vegans and nonvegans alike by selling everything from smoothies, juices, and açaí bowls to Pinkberry's first vegan frozen yogurt. The business also has a mission to spotlight local vendors alongside national and international purveyors. Many of the more than 1,500 products are made by over 40 local vendors, such as the in-house Inika Café, from the Delray Beach-based Inika Foods, as well as local chef Olga Keller, known for her raw vegan cheese made from coconut."We like to say we are strictly vegan — but not just for vegans," Smith says. "Vegetarians, flexitarians, Paleos, carnivores — anyone looking to enjoy some plant-based foods are welcome and will find [something] they can enjoy."Vegan Fine Foods.330 NW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-533-6412; veganfinefoods.com. Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.This was originally published on The Miami New Time by Nicole Danna and can be found here.

There's no place prettier than Planta. Open less than a month, David Grutman's chic, new, all-vegan SoFi spot is already a hotbed for celebrity visitors and Miami's elite — and its plant-based menu appeals to eaters of all kinds.The list of guests thus far includes actor Mark Wahlberg and NFL superstar Rob Gronkowski (who flexed together in the rooftop garden), Colombian singer J Balvin, Nicky Jam, and others.The plant-based menu is lengthy and includes raw/ceviche items, salads, small plates, pizza, sushi, and large plates. The restaurant's plant-based cocktails are heavily inspired by the on-site garden. New Times was invited to sample some of the offerings.As befits a Miami Beach restaurant, there are many "seafood" offerings. The coconut ceviche with corn nuts, date guajillo, pickled cucumber, and tortilla chips ($15.25) was tangy, creamy, and fresh; and a heart of palm "crab" cake with chana dal, coconut milk, and cilantro ($23.50) was an exact match for crab, texture-wise.For something more comforting, the cauliflower tots with truffled almond parmesan ($11.25) are rich and flavorful; and the "chicken" fried mushrooms with cilantro and chili lime sauce ($9) are crunchy and indulgent.Vegan nigiri is a rare find. Varieties include ahi watermelon with ginger; celeriac with olive oil and sea salt; carrot wasabi; and mushroom truffle soy ($2.75 per piece). The nigiri was a beautiful presentation, with the watermelon closely resembling tuna.The restaurant also offers pizzas made with nut cheese. The Frenchie pizza is topped with mushrooms, squash, arugula, cashew mozzarella, almond parmesan, and truffle vinaigrette ($19.50). Sweet and savory, it had a hearty, cheesy taste.For dessert, try the sweet-and-salty chocolate terrarium with mousse, peanut butter cream, chocolate date soil, and salted caramel ($11.50), or a creamy, cashew-flavored soft-serve ice cream of the day ($8).All in all, it was a plant-powered, supercolorful feast. Planta is the future of food for SoFi.Planta.850 Commerce St., Miami Beach; 305-397-8513; plantarestaurants.com. 5:30 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. *This article was originally published in The Miami New Times by Hannah Sentenac and can be found here.

Whole Foods is expanding its reach in South Florida with the opening of its sixth store in Broward County. The new Fort Lauderdale market will be located on the corner of North Federal Highway and SE 17th Street, making it the 17th South Florida location.“We are eager to serve the neighborhood and bring new high-quality grocery offerings to this community,” says Juan Nuñez, president of Whole Foods Market’s Florida Region.Although not slated to open until winter 2020, the store is expected to carry local brands — a large part of the supermarket chain’s philosophy.“Whole Foods is very famous for supporting local farmers and manufacturing,” explains Woody Descorbeth, grocery team leader of the Fort Lauderdale store at 2000 N. Federal Hwy. “We have a ton of local products here.”They include Buzzn Bee's unfiltered and unpasteurized honey, bee pollen, and raw honeycomb from West Palm Beach. Miami products include SuperFuzio's vegan nut butter, Branford’s marinades, and Shawnee’s Greenthumb organic popcorn coated with the superfood algae spirulina. “It’s good stuff,” Descorbeth says.In light of the recent and sudden closure of juice partner Jugofresh, it's not known whether Whole Foods will name a replacement company to fill the cold-press-juice gap. Earlier this month, the juice company's founder and CEO, Matthew Sherman, posted a candid list on social media explaining why JugoFresh shuttered and said, “When you sign a deal with a large company, it is difficult to maintain a clear brand message.”Little information has been released about the opening of the new Whole Foods. “Because this project is still so far out, no specific details are available regarding products or specific offerings in the store,” public relations coordinator Heather McCready says.Whole Foods Market.SE 17 Street and North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; wholefoodsmarket.com. Opening winter 2020.*This article was originally published in The Miami New Times by Alona Abbady Martinez and can be found here.

Jugofresh, the cold-pressed juice company, is closing all locations.Founder and CEO Matthew Sherman made the announcement, effective today, March 13, in a candid email blast sent to the juice company's followers."The last six years have been amazing, and I feel blessed to be so embraced by the community of Miami," Sherman said, thanking his employees, vendors, and customers. "I love people and I love creating, but running a business is different than creating."Jugofresh started as a small shop in Sunset Harbour in spring 2012. It became an overnight success among Miami Beach residents who wanted to embrace a healthier lifestyle or simply needed an after-party detox on the fly.The shop then launched into expansion mode, opening locations throughout Miami-Dade. Music diva and sometime-vegan Beyoncé famously hopped onto the counter at the Wynwood location and posted a photo. The internet exploded, and so did Jugofresh's reputation as the place to go for juice in Miami.Jugofresh's lifespan saw many changes. Sherman made a deal to open Jugofresh at the Whole Foods Market in downtown Miami and then closed most of the company's freestanding shops to concentrate on operating inside several Whole Foods locations, including North Miami.In the email, Sherman took sole responsibility for the demise of the brand. "The OG store in Sunset Harbour was magic. I have learned that you cannot bottle magic and that magic can only cover a lack of business acumen for so long. At the end of the day, all failures of Jugofresh are mine. My lack of experience and the rapid expansion are what ultimately led us to close."Sherman also listed the pros and cons of running Jugofresh, stating, "Everything else is just an excuse, so here are the excuses":https://www.instagram.com/p/BgP3UsrDT1v/?taken-by=jugofreshIn a phone conversation with New Times, Sherman said he shared so much information because he figured people would ask anyway. He said that, although he lost a significant amount of money in the endeavor, it was a "great experience." The entrepreneur, who also conducts lectures and retreats, said he's looking for a job —possibly in one of Miami's kitchens.Sherman also shared a bit of advice for his Jugofresh customers and fans of Miami's culinary scene: Patronize local businesses, or risk a world of national chains. "I make sure I go to Panther Coffee every day because I love the coffee and the company employs a lot of people."He added that every choice a consumer makes affects the community. "When we choose to spend a dollar on a local person, not only are we supporting that person, but that person is spending money in the community. I hope people will support places like My Ceviche and Panther and Pubbelly."Sherman said practicing "conscious consumerism" is the best way to keep your favorite mom-and-pop in business. "It's really important we spend our money in places we feel good about — or risk having Amazon trucks as our only option."*This article was originally published on The Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

With spring just around the corner, we’re all about the green...matcha green! These creamy, guilt-free zen pops are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a powerful dose of antioxidants.Matcha is great for improving mental clarity and mood as well as boosting energy and metabolism. You won’t find any caffeine crashes or jitters here. Yourlixir’s ceremonial grade Japanese matcha powder is luxuriously smooth and delicious, giving these popsicles a rich and velvety texture with a mildly sweet and earthy flavor, perfect for a hot day when a matcha latte just won’t do!

*Read: Boost Your Bowl with Yourlixir Superfood Powders*

What you’ll need: (makes about 5-6 popsicles depending on size of mold)For the raspberry compote:

• ½ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp raw organic honey
• ⅓ cup mint leaves
• Dash of cinnamon

For the coconut matcha mixture:

• One can organic coconut milk (thicker consistency than regular coconut milk)
• 1.5 tbsp Yourlixir Matcha Powder
• 3 tbsp raw organic honey
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut shreds
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, water, honey and cinnamon and simmer over low to medium heat.
2. Use a fork to lightly smash the raspberries into the mixture while it simmers.
3. Stir occasionally until it is no longer liquidy and has a more jelly-like consistency.
4. While the raspberries are simmering, finely chop the mint leaves.
5. Once the raspberry mixture is the right consistency, remove it from the heat and mix in the chopped mint leaves. Set aside to let it cool while you make the matcha coconut cream.
6. In a bowl or blender (we prefer to use a blender for even texture), combine the coconut milk, matcha, vanilla, honey, salt and coconut shreds and make sure it is mixed evenly.
7. Use a small spoon to add a dollop of the raspberry compote to the bottom of each popsicle mold.
8. Next, fill the rest of the mold with the matcha mix.

*Optional: Use a fork or knife to smear the compote at the bottom and create a tie dye appearance.Freezing times will vary depending on your temperature settings.

Wynwood Yard founder Della Heiman and restaurateur Ken Lyon are opening a new health-conscious food hall this spring.Jackson Hall, located in the Civica Center at Jackson Health District, will offer five different food concepts and a small marketplace in its 10,000-square-foot space. In addition, a hydroponic garden by Cincinnati-based 80 Acres Farms is planned for the third floor of the venue.Heiman explains that the project began when business partner Ken Lyon found out about a vacant food court space in the hospital campus from a chef at the Wynwood Yard. "A couple of hours later, Ken called me. We are already committed to open a second Yard in North Beach and Ken thought he would have to sell me on the idea, but I got it in 30 seconds."Heiman, who is passionate about finding ways to make healthy food more affordable and accessible, thought opening a food hall at Jackson was an opportunity to do something interesting with a unique demographic. "It's more than creating a wellness-focused food hall. It's about creating community and warmth in an environment that's very sterile."Unlike Wynwood Yard, which offers space to individual owner/operators, Jackson Hall's concepts will all be owned and operated by Heiman and Lyon. Miami chefs Julie Frans and Nicole Votano will head the culinary program, with Votano developing recipes that include plant-based and gluten-free choices. Items will feature foods free of hormones, antibiotics, partially hydrogenated oils, synthetic colorings and preservatives, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and other highly refined sweeteners.Frans is establishing an educational component that will work closely with the various hospitals and medical centers at the Jackson campus to help provide nutritional offerings based on the dietary needs of outpatients. First up is Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where Frans is developing color-coded menu options for patients undergoing different treatments. Heiman says she wants patients to feel comfortable eating foods based on their specific recovery process.The five concepts at Jackson Hall include Della Bowls, Charcoal (featuring meats cooked on a Josper rotisserie), Leo & Bloom Delicatessen (offering soups, salads, and sandwiches), Island Poke, and Levant (a Middle Eastern concept serving kabobs, shawarma, and mezze).In addition, the Radiate Apothecary + Bar at Jackson Hall will offer freshly made juices, smoothies, kombucha, elixirs, tonics, beer, wine, and spirits. The beverage program will be directed by Susan Duprey, a certified nutritionist, former bartender, and founder of Radiate Miami.The space will also offer a petite market with grab and go items, and a mobile app where busy healthcare professionals can order meals to go for their entire families. Says Heiman: "I know so many doctors that eat pizza and bagels because they're too exhausted to even think about shopping for themselves after a 12-hour shift."In the works is a retail component where people can buy gifts and flower crowns for patients, and a positivity library where people can borrow or buy books that make you laugh or provide comfort.Jackson Hall will also offer an event series that will include yoga, nutrition classes, wellness lectures, and happy hours with live music in the afternoon. Heiman says the event schedule won't be as robust as at the Wynwood Yard but feels an educational and entertainment component is important. "We hope that this will be a refuge where people can recalibrate."*This story was originally published in the Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here*

Forget resolutions, make a change that you can actually stick to in 2018. Fad diets are out, flexible dieting is in! We've partnered with our friends at Fifty-Two Thursdays and invite you to join us in the #52DayShred Nutrition Challenge and you will learn from your own private coach about flexible dieting and how to achieve your own specific fitness goals (not someone else's).With a customized nutrition plan, your own personal coach, weekly check-ins to keep you honest and on track, weekly workouts, and weekly emails with mini-challenges and prizes, 2018 is set to be your fittest year yet.The #52DayShred Nutrition Challenge follows a Flexible Dieting (counting your macronutrients) nutrition-based approach. You can follow a flexible dieting approach even while sticking to Paleo, vegan, Whole30, etc. food choices. The foods you choose to hit your macro's are up to you, but we do give some guidelines to follow along with support from our coaches and entire #52DayShred community!Challenge begins on January 8th. Last day to sign up is Jan 6th. But we will also have additional challenges coming up, so email today to claim your spot!Spaces are limited and filling up quickly. Mention StayFit305 for 10% off!Contact: fiftytwothursdays@gmail.com and learn more about the challenge here: #52DayShred

Planta, a Toronto restaurant that offers plant-based meals and burgers, is set to open its first U.S. location in South Beach.The restaurant is expected to debut in early 2018 in partnership with David Grutman, the Miami hospitality entrepreneur best known for LIV at the Fontainebleau, OTL in the Design District, and Komodo in Brickell."One of my partners has Planta in Toronto, and eating there just blows me away," says Grutman, who considers himself a part-time vegan. He says eating a plant-based diet is more than just a trend. "It's the way the world is moving. People really care about where ingredients are coming from. I know I do."Grutman, who avoids dairy and egg products, says Planta will attract vegans and omnivores alike and will incorporate a mix of food, music, and atmosphere for a welcoming vibe. "I'm creating a space that has great mixology, great music, and great food. We want people to have an experience when they're going to lunch or dinner. I think you're going to get that here.”Though the menu isn't set yet, expect items similar to those at the flagship. Dishes will include cauliflower tots, plant-based crab cakes, a burger, coconut ceviche, and an "18-carrot" dog. The restaurant will also offer a vegetable sushi bar and cold-pressed cocktails.Grutman says the main focus will be on flavor. "I want people to enjoy and not think that because they're eating plant-based, they're sacrificing. Planta is for everybody."To introduce Planta to Miami Beach, the restaurant's chef, David Lee, will host a dinner with vegan chef and author Chloe Coscarelli as part of the lineup of events during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.*This story was originally published on Miami New Times by Laine Doss and can be found here.

The nation’s premier plant-based food and wine festival is back for its fourth year, bringing hundreds of the hottest plant-based celebrities, chefs, and influencers to Miami for five jam-packed days of events starting Wednesday, November 1st and running through Sunday, November 5th.Seed Food + Wine Week presented by Whole Foods is a whirlwind of experiences and activities featuring 200+ exhibitors, 10,000+ attendees, 40+ celebrity plant-based chefs, and 30+ vegan athletes, authors, and experts. From celebrity dinners to a 5K to a fashion show — there’s something for every interest, budget, and taste.

*Get 25% off your Seed Food + Wine tickets by using the code “STAYFIT305” at checkout*

“We are ridiculously excited about how Seed has evolved into such a massive, one-of-a-kind community-wide experience,” says Alison Burgos, co-founder. “With competitions, celebrity dinners, fitness events, panels, demos, and meditations, we have a lineup designed to appeal to all people. Anyone and everyone can find something amazing to do, see, and eat.”Key events include Thursday night’s Plant-Based Burger Battle™, where chefs from across the country engage in a battle royale to impress judges and audience alike; Thursday and Friday’s Seed Summit presented by VegNews, a two-day conference for content creators, bloggers, entrepreneurs and influencers in conscious, sustainable and vegan living; Wednesday’s Food Forward, a one-of-a-kind gathering of food entrepreneurs and influencers dedicated to creating a more sustainable food system; and the unforgettable smorgasbord that is Saturday’s Seed Festival + Tasting Village presented by Whole Foods, where hundreds of vendors showcase their best plant-based food, drinks, attire, cosmetics, and much, much more.New this year is Friday Night’s Catwalk, a Night of Conscious Fashion, where models will strut the runway showcasing the hottest cruelty-free attire — both casual wear and haute couture, all to tunes curated by DJ Sasha.“The fashion show is going to showcase an incredible array of cruelty-free fashion, from dresses and designer bags to t-shirts and hoodies,” says co-founder Michelle Gaber.Events are being hosted at some of Miami’s most incredible venues, including the chic and stylish Sacred Space in Wynwood, and the unforgettable, art-adorned Jungle Plaza in the Design District.Also included in Seed’s weeklong lineup is a Kick-Off Cocktail Mixer; a Best of the Best Dinner; a Live Ultimate #Miamistrong 5K Run to benefit Hurricane Relief, Yoga, and Meditation event; a festival day After-Partyat Wynwood Yard; a Made in Miami: the Legends Edition Dinner; and a Yoga, Meditation, and Brunch gathering to bring the festival to a close.Some of this year’s participating influencers include:

• Rich Roll: plant-based ultra-distance athlete, wellness advocate, cookbook co-author and host of the wildly popular The Rich Roll Podcast.
• Marco Borges: founder of 22 Days Nutrition and sought-after celebrity exercise physiologist.
• Mary Mattern: celebrity vegan chef, founder of Nom Yourself, and cookbook author.
• Vegan Fat Kid: social media all-star and curator of the Vegan Street Fair.
• Julie Piatt: cookbook author, plant-based chef, meditation guide, and motivational speaker.
• Dr. Tom Campbell: son of the legendary T. Colin Campbell, PhD, and Medical Director of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, whose work was featured in Forks Over Knives
• John Salley: four-time NBA champion, wellness advocate and owner of Vegan Vine Wines.

This singular annual experience is dedicated to elevating the conversation around plant-based foods, sustainability, conscious living and the welfare of animals. It’s the only weeklong event of its kind where there’s something for every budget, taste, and interest.Tickets and more information available at www.SeedFoodandWine.com. Get 25% off your Seed Food + Wine tickets by using the code “STAYFIT305” at checkout.

A slice of Wynwood’s hip vibe is now set to take root in North Beach.Miami Beach commissioners approved a five-year lease for The North Beach Yard on Wednesday, moving it from eagerly anticipated concept to a future reality. The outdoor gathering space planned for the public lot at 81st Street and Collins Avenue will offer a minimum of seven cultural and community events each week at no charge. They will include urban farming classes, live local music, nonprofit events, cooking workshops and fitness classes, among other activities.Della Heiman, founder of The Wynwood Yard and head of the North Beach concept, predicts there will be an average of 35 food, retail and fitness businesses in the space. The commissioners said they hope the Yard will be an entrepreneurial hub offering people a chance to experience the culture of North Beach through discounted events and pop-up food options.

*Read - Della Heiman: The Visionary Behind Miami's Culinary Incubator, The Wyndwood Yard*

Heiman is excited about speaking to businesses who want to be involved with the project. A handful of people have already told her they are interested in working with her, she said.“We are starting to have those conversations with people now that the lease is approved,” Heiman said. “We will start finalizing our plans to get a clear sense of a timeline. But for now, we are just really grateful the community voted to move forward with the lease.”North Beach Yard started out as just an idea in April, before the community and commissioners were quickly convinced the concept would be a positive way to revive the empty public lots on upper Collins Avenue.The idea was inspired by the success of Wynwood Yard, which Heiman founded in 2015. The Yard concept gives local business owners in Wynwood a place to interact with residents and visitors in an intimate way with food trucks, outdoor music shows and garden spaces.Commissioner Ricky Arriola saw the success of Wynwood Yard and suggested that North Beach implement its own Yard concept, asking Heiman to guide the project. Her team developed plans with North Beach residents in mind before commissioners approved the lease Wednesday.

Commissioners mostly embraced North Beach Yard, though a few raised concerns over how the new space might impact neighbors. Commissioners Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and Joy Malakoff asked Heiman and her team to talk about the only reason for their hesitation: noise.“I want there to be a term in the contract where we can pull out without repercussions in case we get too many noise complaints,” Rosen Gonzalez said. “This clause would be to protect the residents.”Malakoff agreed, and asked why the late hours included Thursday night. “I recall Thursday still being a working night,” Malakoff said.On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, businesses must end all sales by midnight and close by 1 a.m., according to the lease. On Sunday through Wednesday, sales will end at 11 p.m. and doors close by 11: 30 p.m. The Yard will open daily between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. for caffeine lovers and fitness enthusiasts.“This is a much more family-oriented community and we do not want this to disrupt the quality of life,” Malakoff said.Heiman said her team is open to adding a clause in the lease and that they would renegotiate operating hours to make the commissioners feel comfortable with the plans.“We want the neighborhood to become more enhanced and vibrant. We have no intention of playing loud or disruptive music at any time of the day,” Heiman said. “This is a catalyst for entrepreneurs to give people a central meeting place where they can be inspired by one another.”The city will be responsible for landlord improvements on the lots before construction starts. The estimated cost of preparing the land for the Yard is $750,000.Heiman, emphasizing the entrepreneurial success of Wynwood Yard, said some of its businesses have succeeded to the point that they outgrew their space.“In Wynwood, a number of our businesses have graduated to brick and mortar,” she said.Derrick Turton, owner of the World Famous House of Mac food truck, is a Wynwood Yard alum. He told commissioners that his food truck, which serves Caribbean and soul-food inspired macaroni and cheese creations, will soon be opening a full-fledged restaurant.“The Yard allowed me to be a part of a community of different cultures and exposed me to different people,” Turton said.Other than noise complaints, the factor that could stop the progress of the North Beach Yard is the old log cabin sitting on that public lot. The commission had planned to demolish the deteriorating cabin, built in the 1930s, but after a public outcry that it was historical and should be saved, commissioners said they’d try to find the money to move and restore it.The lease excludes the log cabin from the premises and states city commissioners must determine the status of the cabin before moving forward with finalizing the lease and tenant plans. The commission will discuss the fate of the cabin again in September.Arriola asked City Manager Jimmy Morales if the log cabin will impede the approved North Beach Yard plans.“There is a lot of work that can be done without impacting the cabin property,” Morales said. “Hopefully by September we’ll have guidance about what to do with the cabin.”Heiman previously said her team will go along with whatever the city decides, and will include the cabin in the plans if the city pays to refurbish it.*This post was originally published in the Miami Herald by Alexandria Bordas and can be found here.