Tucked away in Coconut Grove, Si Papa is a small, candlelit Italian neighborhood gem—intentionally simple, with no menu and no distractions, just lasagna done right.

We arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday to beat the crowds and were greeted by two servers in the cozy, compact space. Seating is limited (about 24 seats), which gives the restaurant an intimate, almost speakeasy-like feel. We grabbed seats at the bar and ordered right away.

My husband chose the bolognese, while I went with the vegetarian (pesto, peas, and green beans). Both were rich, comforting, and absolutely worth the hype. As more patrons trickled in—waiting patiently for tables—the lively Italian playlist added to the warm, inviting atmosphere.

We ended the night with their homemade tiramisu, the perfect excuse to linger just a little longer and soak in the ambiance.

Come hungry and leave full. With a cozy vibe, honest pricing (lasagna is around $15), and great value, it’s easy to see the appeal. The intimate wine bar keeps things focused, serving only Chef Rossi’s signature “Si Papa” lasagna, a curated selection of about a dozen Italian wines, and a decadent tiramisu.

Si Papa
3190 Commodore Plaza
Miami, FL 33133

Founded by the team behind Cotoletta and San Lorenzo.

In a city that thrives on spectacle, something truly transportive stood apart. Enter illy’s Art of Dining—a year-long series designed to bring coffee into the heart of fine dining, where every detail is intentional and every moment unfolds with quiet precision.

The debut took place in Miami at Boia De, the Michelin-starred dining room known for feeling more like an intimate gathering than a traditional restaurant. That energy defined the evening. Guests moved together through the experience, each course arriving in rhythm, creating a shared cadence that felt both elevated and warmly familiar—like a family dinner shaped by extraordinary talent.

The menu revealed itself as a study in balance and craftsmanship. It began with a foie gras terrine—silken, composed, and richly layered—followed by a bright, delicately dressed fish crudo that brought clarity and contrast. From there, the evening unfolded into handmade pastas: celeriac agnolotti, refined and earthy, and ricotta gnocchi, light yet deeply satisfying, each dish reflecting precision and intention.

The main course, a coffee-rubbed porchetta, served as a defining moment—an expression of illy’s versatility, where coffee moved seamlessly into the language of the plate. Dessert carried that same sense of cohesion, with a crispy tiramisu offering texture and depth, followed by raspberries and cream that delivered a fresh, elegant finish.

Each course was paired with curated wines, selected to mirror the progression of the menu and enhance the overall experience. The pairings moved in harmony with the dishes, creating a seamless dialogue between glass and plate that elevated every moment.

At the center of it all was illy—our favorite for its consistency, depth, and unmistakable refinement. Its presence was felt throughout the evening as a unifying thread, bringing cohesion to an already masterfully composed experience.

The Art of Dining series, rooted in illy’s Chef Ambassador program, brings together globally celebrated chefs who approach coffee with the same discipline and creativity as their cuisine. In Miami, that philosophy came to life through a dinner defined by connection, artistry, and a shared sense of purpose.

As Cristian Arcangeli shares, the focus is on creating meaningful, immersive experiences—moments that engage every sense and leave a lasting impression. It’s a philosophy that resonates throughout the evening, where flavor, atmosphere, and connection come together in perfect harmony.

“Gastronomy and fine dining have always been at the heart of illy, but at its core, our brand is about creating memorable experiences,” said Cristian Arcangeli, VP of Marketing & Digital. “In an increasingly digital world, we see real-life experiences as the most powerful way to create authentic connections, where people can truly engage with our brand through all their senses. Through this immersive dining series, we are bringing illy into a new dimension—where every detail, from flavor to atmosphere, is designed to engage the senses and elevate the experience. In collaboration with some of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, we are crafting moments that blend taste, culture, and atmosphere into something truly memorable. Because ultimately, it’s these lived experiences that define luxury, build emotional connection, and stay with our guests long after the moment has passed.”

“I’m very excited to be a part of this fantastic program that brings together best-in-class gastronomy with illy’s extraordinary coffee,” said Chef Rupert Blease. “Being a part of the illy Chef Ambassador program has illustrated that the level of detail and care that goes into each illy coffee blend is akin to how I would craft a meal. It was a true joy to be able to create my own personal blend with illy and I look forward to seeing people experience it within my custom tasting menu. Coffee can be more than just a morning ritual, it’s a true culinary experience.”

As the series continues to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco—with chefs like Rupert Blease developing bespoke tasting menus—it carries forward this same spirit: collaborative, immersive, and deeply considered.

At its core, Art of Dining is about gathering—around a table, within a moment, and across a shared appreciation for craft. And anchoring it all is illy: refined, expressive, and unforgettable.

For more information, visit illy and follow @illy_us on social platforms for upcoming dates, chef collaborations, and ticket availability.

Easter in the Caribbean hits different—and nothing captures that spirit quite like Jamaican Easter Bun. This rich, spiced loaf—made with molasses, dried fruit, and warming notes of allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger—is more than just a seasonal treat; it’s a whole vibe rooted in heritage, memory, and migration. Typically paired with cheese (yes, cheese—don’t question it, just trust the process), the bun has evolved from the British hot cross bun into something unmistakably Caribbean, layered with bold flavor and even bolder history.

As Caribbean cuisine continues to heat up in the U.S., the Easter Bun offers a more intimate taste of that story—one that’s been passed down through generations and still shows up strong every spring. Whether it’s stealing the spotlight on your Easter table or making your morning coffee feel a little more main character energy, this is one tradition that refuses to be overlooked.

And if you’re not baking it from scratch, Golden Krust has you covered—turning out over 150,000 buns a year, with the real rush leading up to Easter. Because let’s be honest: one bite in, and suddenly you understand why this isn’t just a treat… it’s a yearly obsession.

The 15^th annual Slow Food Miami’s Annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party will return on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at an exciting new venue, the one-and-only Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. 

Tickets are available to purchase via Eventbrite HERE. General admission tickets are $125 per person in advance; $145 per person at the door. VIP Garden Sponsor is $750 and includes (2) two tickets and access to the VIP Lounge + sponsorship of one school garden bed.

Often referred to as, “Miami’s Freshest Night Out,” the annual event is Slow Food Miami’s (SFM) night to honor Miami chefs, restaurants, artisans and purveyors who make sustainability and local sourcing of paramount importance. The celebration goes hand in hand with SFM’s mission to support local farmers/growers and help educate future generations about the importance of smart, responsible sourcing and the authentic origins of the food we eat. Event proceeds benefit SFM’s Edible School & Community Garden Program. This year’s celebrity emcee will be Miami’s own Olee Fowler, 1/3 of the trio behind the Magic City’s favorite new food blog The Leftovers.  

Participants confirmed thus far include: Christoper Robertson/Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; Logan McNeil/Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; Michael Beltran/Ariete; Allen Susser/Slow Fish & Chef Allen’s consulting; Chef Pedro Mederos/Kojin; Domaselo; Everglades Oysters; Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami; Laurie’s Pantry; Pamela Wasabi Bakery; Radiate Kombucha and Titanic Brewery. More to come.

“We are excited to bring this year’s celebration to the gorgeous and health-minded Carillon Miami Wellness Resort,” says SFM Chair Michele Benesch. “We look forward to this night all year; our annual opportunity to pay tribute to and celebrate the talents, visionaries and dedicated doers who have committed themselves and their businesses to help further Slow Food’s Mission. The funds we raise directly benefit our edible garden school program and every year it becomes more important to get to kids and show them what real food is and where it comes from.”

Slow Food Miami’s 15th annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party is sponsored by Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Royal Caribbean, SYLTBAR, Brustman Carrino Public Relations, Jet Set Sound, and Menu Men, Inc.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-snail-of-approval-tasting-party-tickets-1983910227897?aff=oddtdtcreator