River Landing is a new neighborhood in Miami that is now a major entertainment area. I have the scoop. Miami’s comedy scene is hot, hot, hot. Here are some upcoming shows you should know about. You have to live in Miami to possibly get into the world-famous Italian eatery, Rao’s.  We finally dined there recently and guess who was at the next table? And you’ll be inspired by my podcast conversation this week with Jeanne Jaffe who inspires other mature women to be free.

Tanuki At River Landing

Miami is growing so fast that most residents can’t keep up with all of the new neighborhoods that are popping up. The one that I don’t want anyone from The Three Tomatoes to miss is called River Landing, the flourishing urban hub located in Miami’s Mid-River district.

I was so surprised when we recently visited the new area. We usually go to the Tanuki restaurant on Alton Road, Miami Beach. This new area used to be completely derelict and dangerous.  Now it’s a major entertainment area. River Landing is full of shops, residences, and—more importantly—restaurants. Tanuki River Landing features Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Tanuki is known for its exceptional Asian cuisine. You’ll find not only an abundance of sushi but a bevy of other specialties including dim sum; wok items like fried rice, Mongolian beef, and pad see ew; and prime grill selections like shoyu octopus and A5 wagyu. There’s even ramen—and all these items are just a tiny taste of the offerings.

The River Landing also has a gorgeous river backdrop. You have a front-row seat to breathtaking river views. During golden hour, there’s only one way to describe the sights: beautiful. Even if you’re just passing through River Landing, I urge you to stop by for a drink on the patio. It’s just so Miami.

Miami Is Just Not a Pretty Place

We love to laugh, and Miami has a fast-growing comedy scene. Here are a few shows you should check out, like “Light Em Up Comedy Show” at Smokes Up, one of the newest comedy shows.  Then there’s the Socialites Comedy Show on 8^th Street; open mic nights at Little Havana, and more.

Light Em Up Comedy Show at Smokes Up Miami (Kendall)(FREE EVENT!)

This is one of the newest comedy shows in south Florida. A very intimate room, that get filled with laughter throughout the night. Hosted by local comedians. Definitely a spot to check out. Book a Reservation to the Light Em Up Comedy Show 

The Socialites Comedy Show (8th Street)

On historic 8th street, a comedy show has been catching fire. Come see some of the best comedians of South Florida. The show is in the lovely Social 27 Cuban Supper Club. Tickets to the Socialites Comedy Show

Thank You Miami (Little Havana)

Located near Marlins Stadium, this venue has great food; and a wonderful open mic comedy show. Thank You Miami Comedy shows take place on Monday & Friday nights.

Lost in Laughs Comedy Show (North Miami)(FREE EVENT!) 

This hot spot in the middle of North Miami has a wonderful showcase of non-stop jokes, and home brews from Lost City Brewery. The show is hosted by comedian Raul Hernandez (@FunnyRaul), and is sure to be a fun Saturday night for any audience. Book a Reservation to Lost in Laughs at Lost City Brewe

Comedy Night at Prison Pals Brewery (Oakland Park)(FREE EVENT!)

A weekly Friday night show hosted by one of South Florida’s funniest comedians. Located at Prison Pals Brewery in Oakland Park. A great showcase of talents, hosted by the hilarious Raul Hernandez (@FunnyRaul). Make a reservation for Comedy Night at Prison Pals Brewery

The Comedy Inn (Palmetto Bay)

This venue is truly wonderful. With a hidden locale, some of the best comedians in the nation make a stop at the Comedy Inn. With an eccentric host, David Stebbins, and hospitable staff; it’s always a winning choice to spend your night here. Make a reservation for The Comedy Inn

Silly Sips Comedy Show at Mellow Grapes (Kendall)

In the heart of Kendall, lies one of the best comedy rooms in Florida. Mellow Grapes has a great selection of wine and eats that is hard to match. Hosted by the hilarious Raul Hernandez (@FunnyRaul). Book quickly! Tickets run out fast! Get Tickets for the Silly Sips Comedy Show

You Have To Live In Miami to Possibly Get Into The World-Famous Italian Eatery

Eliot and I lived in Manhattan for 40 years and never tried to get into Rao’s because we knew the tiny restaurant in Harlem was so difficult to score a reservation.

We knew one or two folks who dined at Rao’s over the years. It was always portrayed as a big deal when they got in. Everyone who did always said the food was delicious and some celebrity was at one of the other 10 tables at the restaurant.

Years ago, Rao’s built restaurants in Vegas and then Miami. While they were well received, they never were as revered as the Harlem restaurant. Eliot and I never thought too much about dining at Rao’s Miami till our godchildren were coming to Miami from Columbus, Ohio  and were staying at the Loews Hotel. Since Rao’s Miami is located at the Loews we decided to eat dinner there on the first night of their vacation.

Surprise, surprise, Ron Straci, the owner of Rao’s, was sitting at the next table. The place was jammed. Ron heard we were New Yorkers and decided to say hello. We invited him to visit us at our home to see the view. Let’s see if he ever calls us. Woohoo!

By the way, we forgot to ask him if we could get a reservation at Rao’s Harlem. Maybe we already knew the answer.

Jeanne Jaffe Inspires Other Mature Women to Be Free 

It’s not that often that I meet a woman who is more interested in her inner values than what she looks like on the outside. Even though Jeanne Jaffe, of Boynton Beach, looks damn good compared to many women her age, and way younger, she has lived a rewarding and fruitful life because she focused on what makes her happy. In this case it’s her art.

Jeanne decided at an early age that she was not going to live the life that she was born into. In other words, the type of life her immediate family expected of her. We talked a lot about that in my podcast, Art Lovers Forum. It wasn’t really about the art, it was about the time you spend on earth and what type of life you decide to lead. It’s never too late to make yourself happy.

Listen to episode 15 of the Art Lovers Forum podcast here – https://lnkd.in/eG9qZ_ag  

Apple Podcasts – https://lnkd.in/eZXwxKP5

Audible – https://lnkd.in/eke8YFpX