It’s that time of the year when we celebrate the fierce, fabulous women who light up our city with their strength, grace, and vibrant energy. As the sun-kissed shores of Miami embrace the arrival of International Women’s Month, our city is gearing up for a month-long fiesta honoring the women who make waves in every aspect of life. From the bustling kitchens of our iconic restaurants to the chic ambiance of our luxurious hotels, Miami is set to roll out the red carpet, ensuring every phenomenal woman feels the love and recognition she deserves. Get ready to indulge in a fusion of flavors and experiences, as we explore the special offerings and events that our Miami hotels and restaurants have in store for International Women’s Month. It’s time to raise a toast to the incredible women who bring passion, flavor, and style to the Magic City!
Women’s History Month at Art of Hip Hop
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Art of Hip Hop will honor Lucy Lopez (formerly of Power 96), Supa Cindy (99 Jamz), and Stichiz (103.5 The Beat) for their impact on Miami’s music and Hip Hop culture with a special open-to-the-public panel discussion on March 15th at 7PM. The discussion will celebrate their rise in a male-dominated industry, highlighting Lucy Lopez’s 15+ years as the Voice of Miami, Stichiz’s dynamic multilingual Hip Hop artistry and community leadership, and Supa Cindy’s influential role at 99 Jamz and her collaborative projects, like an all-female album with Trina among others. Each has uniquely contributed to the landscape of Miami’s Hip Hop scene through their careers in media and music. The Art of Hip Hop will also be presenting awards to these women for their achievements. WHEN: Friday, March 15, 2024 at 6:30PM WHERE: The Art Of Hip Hop – 299 NW 25th Street, Miami FL 33127
International Women’s Month at MILA and BAOLI
In honor of International Women’s Month, MILA and BAOLI have partnered with Women of Tomorrow to inspire, empower and uplift women through the art of gastronomy. Exclusively for the month of March, immerse yourself in the wonderous flavors of the expertly curated Olive oil cake, meticulously crafted with Raspberry jam, Orange blossom espuma and Vanilla cream. Invoking feelings of strength and perseverance, this decadent dessert will elevate your taste buds to a truly sumptuous level this International Women’s Month. For the month of March, a percentage of proceeds from each Women of Tomorrow Dessert will be donated back to Women of Tomorrow.
Inspired by the essence of female energy, both restaurants will be also featuring a special female DJ every Wednesday during the month of March. With renowned DJ’s every week guests will dive into a world where powerful female DJs spin stories of rhythm and soul. Elevated dining, enchanting ambience and transportive sounds await you this March at MILA and BAOLI. The Women of Tomorrow Mentor and Scholarship Program (WOT) provides pathways out of poverty for minority, low-income and at-risk high school students through a unique and effective mentoring model in South Florida and Metro Detroit.
Moxy Miami South Beach
Immerse yourself in the spirit of empowerment as Moxy Miami South Beach toasts to the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. On March 8th, Moxy Miami South Beach will be offering a Strawberry Champagne Margarita to celebrate International Women’s Day. The sweet and sparkling pink concoction will be offered at Serena, the lushly planted rooftop serving up Mexican inspired fare, and the vibrant Bar Moxy, in honor and support of women. The Strawberry Champagne Margarita ($16) will feature Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Strawberry Puree, Strawberry Syrup, Lime Juice and topped with a pink sea salt half rim garnish. International Women’s Day offering here.
Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove
In honor of International Women’s Day, Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove welcomes female – owned luxury Italian shoewear brand SantM for a one- day only pop – up shopping event at Il Giardino, the property’s luscious garden creperie. Owned and operated by Min Santandrea, SantM gives modern women a newfound sense of freedom and ease in their day-to-day lives with comfortable yet stylish shoes that don’t sacrifice on luxury. Created with comfort and craftsmanship in mind, each SantM shoe is a product of great design and careful production using the finest Italian materials and fourth – generation craftsmen to achieve the highest standard of shoe design – inspiring strong and powerful women one shoe at a time. The SantM pop – up will be at Il Giardino at Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove March 7th from 11AM to 6PM.
Burlock Coast to Launch Femme Affair Menu During International Women’s Month
Elevate your dining experience this International Women’s Month with Burlock Coast’s Femme Affair menu at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. The hotel’s talented female culinary team, including Culinary Director Paula DaSilva, Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier, Executive Pastry Chef Samantha Kanterman, and Beverage Director Marta De La Cruz have curated a special menu featuring three dishes and three cocktails available as a prix fixe with a cocktail pairing for $89, just three courses for $59, or individually (prices vary). The Femme Affair menu will be available Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 31.
Guests can commence with a light appetizer inspired by the start of Spring perfectly crafted by creative visionary Paula DaSilva. Made to share, the Grilled Artichokes are served with preserved lemon marinade and garlicky aioli ($19). For the main course, South Florida culinary darling Adrienne Grenier will offer one of her all time favorite pastas, Braised Pork Ragu cooked low and slow with Strozzapretti pasta Nduja, smoked pickled tomatoes, and whipped fresh ricotta ($33). Guests can end their culinary journey on a sweet note with Samantha Kanterman’s Earl Grey Panna Cotta, served with almond crunch and whipped lemon ganache ($15).
Complementing these delectable creations are specialty cocktails expertly crafted by Marta De La Cruz, each inspired to elevate the dining experience with flavor profiles that harmonize with the dishes. Priced at $18 each, libations include the herbaceous Rum Tichoke, Don Q, Cynar, St. Germain, orgeat and lime juice, Lady Pea, Glendalough Gin, homemade Butterfly Pea syrup, lime, ginger beer and flower ice cube, and the earthy Grand Grey, Grand Marnier, homemade Earl Grey simple syrup, and lemon juice.
Reservations: OpenTable
Address: 1 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
MO BAR + LOUNGE AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI DEBUTS FEMALE-INSPIRED COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE
In reverence of International Women’s Month this March, MO Bar + Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Miami’s sophisticated Brickell Key hotspot, is offering a month-long cocktail program that showcases female splendor through some of the most inspirational women of all time. The award-winning bar has concocted a limited-time beverage experience that pays homage to four prominent female figures who have shaped the women’s narrative throughout history.
The Women’s Month cocktails commemorate iconic figures including Cleopatra for the mysterious (milk washed clarified bourbon and honey syrup, topped with a homemade cream honey foam); Coco Chanel for the fashionistas (vodka, italicus, coco pina, dragon fruit juice, finished with bergamot mist); Frida Khalo for the artists (cristalino tequila, yellow chartreuse, tea-leaves peach syrup finished with absinthe spray); and Amelia Earnhart for the adventurous (gin, maraschino liqueur, pama pomegranate liqueur, rose petal). Each libation has been thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of these historic female heroines.
Cocktails will be available at MO Bar + Lounge exclusively throughout the month of March and are priced at $22 each (excluding tax and gratuity). Additionally, the bar will offer a special happy hour every Wednesday of March from 5 to 7 p.m. where guests can indulge in featured Women’s Month cocktails and enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free special.
Address: 500 Brickell Key Blvd., Miami, FL 33131
Influential Miami Women in Food & Beverage
Patricia Lara, Co-Owner at Casa Sensei
Since her 20s, Patricia Lara had always held the desire to open a restaurant. What began as a small investment opportunity eventually became Casa Sensei, the Pan-Asian, Latin fusion restaurant that’s been named the “Best Asian Restaurant” by Fort Lauderdale Magazine for four consecutive years. As Co-Owner, Lara grew inspiration from her world travels alongside her husband and helped cultivate a dining destination that brilliantly blends the East and West to form a creative selection of decadent sushi, dynamic Latin dishes, craft cocktails and special experiences, like sushi making classes and dinner cruises along the Las Olas canals. When Lara is not dedicating her culinary expertise to Casa Sensei, you can find her acting as co-owner of the Broward-based animal rescue Wonder Paws alongside her daughter.
Erica Rosen, Pastry Chef at THesis Hotel
Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Erica Rosen, THesis Hotel’s Pastry Chef, incorporates southern hospitality when curating her delicious desserts. Rosen learned to bake from her grandma and now features some of her traditional recipes such as the Polish Pound Cake, which is offered at THesis Hotel during special occasions and holidays. Rosen began her journey in the culinary industry at Johnson & Wales University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in the Science of Baking and Pastry Arts. Her passion for honing her skills took her to École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in the south of France, owned by renowned chefs Alain Ducasse and Yves Thuriès, for a transformative study abroad experience. Rosen’s expertise encompasses various realms of pastry arts, including recipe development of chocolate and confections, plated desserts, entremets, and petit gateaux. Her skills extend to sugar artistry, classic pastry techniques, artisan bread making and viennoiserie. Rosen began her career at Beaker and Gray in Miami and has held pastry positions at other well-known establishments including Komodo and Red Rooster.
Jordan DelGiudice, Beverage Operations Manager, Delilah Miami
Jordan DelGiudice has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in a notoriously male dominated industry. As the Beverage Operations Manager at h.wood Group, DelGiudice has made her way to the top of the beverage industry through dedication, creativity and outstanding commitment to her craft. DelGiudice’s career began in Hawaii, where she worked as a bartender for well-known restaurants, such as Sky Wakiki, and was able to explore menu creation and ideation. Her talent and hard work opened doors for her beyond the island, leading her to Los Angeles to pursue an opportunity with The h.wood Group, the famous LA-based hospitality and lifestyle marketing company known for their iconic nightlife venues and restaurants including Bootsy Bellows. Now, with 15 years of experience under her belt, DelGiudice has played a pivotal role in opening new venues for the group nationwide, including the latest venture, Delilah Miami. Regarding what sets her apart from the rest, Jordan shared, “I’m committed to excellence. I blend strategic vision with hands-on leadership to elevate every guest experience.”
JANE HERNANDEZ OF BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA
Born and raised in the sun-kissed city of Los Angeles, California, Jane Hernandez has more than two decades of creative expertise under her apron. With a prolific track record in culinary ideation, product/program development, and concept prototyping, Hernandez holds the distinguished title of Vice President of Culinary at Bodega Taqueria & Tequila, the rapidly expanding national brand renowned for its fast-casual taco joint-by-day and speakeasy-style lounge-by-night concepts. Throughout her career, Hernandez has held executive positions with globally-recognized companies such as Subway and Starbucks, as well as notable hospitality brands like Kimpton Hotels, PKR Group and Trio & Spectra Restaurant Group. In her new role with the South Florida-based brand, Hernandez oversees everything from scratch development of new menu items to the development of the culinary teams at Bodega’s multiple locations across South Florida, Chicago, and coming soon to Nashville and Washington D.C. A proud alumna of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California, Hernandez spent her formative years in the kitchen of Farallon in the Bay Area.Having recently moved from Seattle to Miami, Hernandez is excited to create authentic and innovative culinary experiences at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila that reflect her impressive pedigree, California-inspired style, and her commitment to community and team camaraderie.
MICHELLE BERNSTEIN
Born and raised in Miami of Jewish and Latinx descent, Chef Michelle “Michy” Bernstein is a fixture in the culinary world, paving the way for bright Latin flavors and standout ingredients in her lively, vibrant cuisine. These days, Bernstein’s schedule is more jam-packed than ever, juggling multiple projects with her husband and business partner, David Martinez, while hosting several cooking shows on television. Together, they own and operate Michelle Bernstein Catering, developing incredible menus for catered events large and small. In 2019, Bernstein and Martinez teamed up to open the award-winning Café La Trova on Calle Ocho in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Additionally, they are partners in the internationally recognized Miami Beach cocktail bar, Sweet Liberty, as well as La Cañita located in Miami’s Bayside Marketplace which celebrates the food and flavors of the Caribbean with influences from Central and South America. More recent projects include Michy’s Chicken Shack and Lunchería, both located in the new Downtown Miami food hall, Julia & Henry’s. Coming soon, a modern take on the beloved, award-winning Sra. Martinez will open in Coral Gables (2023). Sra. Martinez promises to bring an experiential and exciting dining, cocktail and live music venue to the area. Bernstein also devotes time to causes she is passionate about, including Common Threads, a national program that she brought to the South Florida community to teach underprivileged children about cooking and eating healthy.
PAULA DASILVA OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE
Director of Culinary and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Paula DaSilva is directly responsible for the property’s culinary outlets, beverage and wine program, in-room dining, Club Lounge, stewarding, purchasing and receiving and banquet operations. In addition, she continues to refine and strengthen operational and financial excellence with a substantial focus on elevating the customer experience. She brings more than two decades of expertise in professional cooking, kitchen management and an unyielding dedication for excellence to the property. Prior to this position, DaSilva served as Executive Chef, a role in which she executed innovative and speed-to-market offerings to position Burlock Coast amongst Fort Lauderdale’s top culinary destinations. DaSilva, who also worked at 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale under Chef Dean James Max, earned a slot on Season 5, in 2009, of FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsey; she finished as the season’s runner-up and fan favorite, cementing her place as one of Florida’s celebrity chefs.
ADRIENNE GRENIER OF BURLOCK COAST AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE
Adrienne Grenier, culinary school graduate with a Bachelor’s in Food Science and Nutrition, began her career in 2005 at 3030 Ocean Restaurant, learning under esteemed chefs Dean Max and Paula DaSilva. She honed her skills in Southern California, cooking at Gordon Ramsey’s Michelin-starred restaurant before returning to South Florida in 2010 to work with DaSilva again at 1500 Degrees Restaurant, earning acclaim and winning Food Network’s Chopped. Returning to 3030 Ocean as Executive Chef, Grenier emphasized local produce and seafood before a stint in Brooklyn where she opened Pasta Louise amidst the pandemic. In 2023, she returned to South Florida as Chef de Cuisine of Burlock Coast, where she demonstrates her capacities as one of South Florida’s foremost culinary talents by incorporating her innate skill in combining flavors found in locally sourced ingredients into the modern coastal cuisine featured in the restaurant’s diverse menu.
SAMANTHA KANTERMAN, EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF, THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE
Samantha Kanterman, the Executive Pastry Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, brings innate creativity and a passion for flavorful ingredients to the culinary world. Her professional journey, fueled by a Bachelor’s degree in Restaurant Management from the esteemed Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, is a testament to her dedication and love for the art of pastry making. Her inspiration to dive into the fast-paced hospitality industry stems from a profound appreciation for the community and connections fostered over meals. Samantha is particularly moved by the ability of food, especially desserts, to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, culminating in a shared, sweet ending. When she’s not orchestrating the dessert symphony at The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Samantha indulges in her hobbies, which include soaking up the sun at the beach, lifting weights, and immersing herself in music. Her favorite culinary creation? Oreo Cheesecake.
MARTA DE LA CRUZ MARRERO, FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS MANAGER, THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE
Marta De La Cruz Marrero stands as a dynamic and accomplished Food and Beverage Operations Manager at the prestigious The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. With over 19 years of rich experience in luxury and lifestyle hotels, resorts, and restaurants, Marta’s journey to management roles showcases her dedication and mastery of operations across the dynamic hospitality industry. Marta’s exceptional skills and decision-making prowess have led to numerous accolades, including the coveted SABRE Restaurateur award by Marriott International in 2018. Selected from 900 nominees, she emerged as a global discipline award winner, securing a place in the top 10 and winning the Americas, competing against the world’s best restaurateurs within the Marriott company. Marta was also named as the 2021 Leader of the Fourth Quarter, a prestigious honor awarded by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. A foodie and cocktail aficionado at heart, Marta loves exploring different restaurants and bars, enjoying beach days, and taking her dog on car rides and park visits.
MARTHA PALACIOS, JARANA
With a vibrant career spanning over two decades, Martha Palacios has seasoned her keen culinary skills across South America, stirring up flavors in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. Her international exposure is vast, including a significant decade in Japan. Born in Lima, Peru, Martha’s culinary journey has been shaped by her education at San Ignacio de Loyola University and influenced by her grandmothers’ teachings from Cuzco and Lima. With significant roles at renowned establishments like Panchita and La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Martha’s leadership as Executive Chef at JARANA in Aventura highlights her commitment to authentic Peruvian cuisine and the philosophy of cooking with love. Beyond her culinary achievements, Martha’s dedication to her family and her joy in both the kitchen and personal life reflect her passion, earning her recognition such as the title of “Best Female Chef” by El Comercio in 2022.
ROXANA GARCIA OF FOX’S LOUNGE
Roxana Garcia, a culinary professional hailing from Venezuela, discovered her love for cooking through the fond memories of her mother’s kitchen. Inspired by her family’s culinary traditions, Roxana pursued a career in gastronomy, starting with roles in events and catering before making her mark in the culinary scene of the United States. Throughout her career, she has worked with renowned establishments like Bocas Group and Hilton, and even ventured into entrepreneurship with her own business, Kapas Food. Now serving as the Executive Chef at Fox’s Lounge in South Miami, a Lost Boy & Co. concept, Roxana continues to delight patrons with her creative flair and impeccable execution. Her approach to cuisine blends tradition with innovation, resulting in dishes that tell stories and bring people together.
ASHLEY STANTON OF ISABELLE’S GRILL ROOM & GARDEN, THE RITZ-CARLTON, COCONUT GROVE
A native of Buffalo, New York, Ashley Stanton has been part of The Ritz-Carlton family in Florida for a majority of her food and beverage career. A member of The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami culinary team since 2012, most recently in the role of Executive Sous Chef, Stanton now serves as Executive Chef for the entire property. Across all elements of culinary operations, she brings nearly 15 years of expertise, creativity and unyielding dedication to the resort. Upon joining the brand, she rose through the ranks across a variety of positions at the property, gaining extensive management experience and familiarizing herself with Coconut Grove and the market’s evolving tastes. Stanton has received a number of awards and recognition for her culinary management skills, has competed in television competitions such as Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network, and keeps her playful side in the spotlight with creations such as her Smithworks Vodka first place award-winning Buffalo Chicken Wing Bloody Mary. Her intimate knowledge of the brand and clientele, coupled with her passionate energy for hospitality, led her to be named Executive Chef of the property in 2021.
