Miami was recently crowned with the dubious distinction of having the highest inflation rate in the country. While New York or Los Angeles might seem more likely for this title, it is no surprise that inflation is running amuck in Miami.

 

Combine recent trends like “pent up demand” for travel and “work from anywhere,” along with longer term trends like the great migration south and it’s no surprise that Miami has gotten pricey. More people chasing fewer goods.

 

Fortunately, not everything in Miami will cost you 25-50% more than it used to. You just need to know where to look. A great deal might be hiding in clear site.

 

Housed in the swanky SLS hotel, Japanese restaurant Katsuya is known for having some of the best sushi and Japanese fare in Miami Beach. The popular spot—with other locations in Los Angeles and New York—is not exactly a “deal” though. Perhaps not the main dining room, but hiding in clear site lies a deal. You just need to look up [stairs].

 

 

On the second level of Katsuya you’ll find the Dragon Lounge and a happy hour deal that is hard to beat. From 6-8pm, Monday – Friday, you can satiate your hunger and thirst with some of the best sushi, small bites and drinks in the area.

 

Enjoy classic and contemporary cocktails, beer and wine and world-class sushi, all in a hip setting that features murals by local Miami artists.

 

 

With $8 sushi rolls and other delicious eats at very reasonable prices, this is one spot worth searching for.

 

Currently on the Dragon Lounge happy hour menu:

 

Salmon Lemon Roll Scallion—scallion, asparagus, salmon, masago ($8)

 

 

Spicy Tuna Roll—tuna, cucumber, scallion, masago ($8)

 

Katsuya Veggie Roll— avocado, asparagus, cucumber, tofu, ponzu sauce ($8)

 

Asparagus Fries— tofu, yuzu aioli, sesame, furikake, togarashi ($8)

 

Truffle Fatty Tuna and Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice— Nikiri soy, shaved truffle, furikake spicy mayo ($19)

 

 

Short Rib Fried Rice— jidori egg, leeks, mixed veggies, cilantro ($18)

 

Crispy Brussel Sprouts—balsamic tsume, toasted almonds, scallions, sriracha, toasted coconut shaving ($8)

 

Short Rib Bao Bun—steamed bum, ponzu mayo, BBQ sauce, black sesame ($11)

 

 

 

In the hyper- inflationary world we live in, value has never been more important when considering your wine purchases. Value, however, does not necessarily mean “cheap.” It simply means you are getting something at a better price relative to its peer group—in this case, wines of similar quality.

 

Here are 8 wines we love, ranging from $12-$60, that I consider a good value.

 

 

La Forge Estate Syrah 2018 (SRP $12)

The Languedoc region is located in Southern France, along a Mediterranean coastal area known as “The Occitanie” that stretches from the Spanish border to Provence.

 

First-generation winemaker (fourth generation grape grower) Jean-Claude Mas is one of the leading new winemakers in this area of Southern France that is making some really exciting wines at great prices.

 

This wine has an intense nose, with notes of crushed flowers and blueberry combined with white pepper and licorice, supported by a hint of oak. Full-bodied with plush tannins, this Syrah has a smooth mouthful, with notes of grilled meats, tobacco, leather and blackberry current on the finish.

 

Chapoutier ‘Bila-Haut’ Cotes du Roussillon Blanc 2020 (SRP $15)

 

Chapoutier is a perfect example of “value does not necessarily mean cheap.” In fact, Chapoutier’s upper echelon wines are some of the most expensive in the Rhone Valley, yet still a good value. Their wines from the Languedoc region, however, come in at much lower points. And their ‘Bila Haut’ Cotes du Roussillon Blanc is downright cheap. Cheap and really good. You can’t find a better value than that.

 

A blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Macabeu, Vermentino and Marsanne, this Cotes du Roussillon Blanc from world-class Rhone producer M. Chapoutier, is round and rich, yet balanced with good minerality, ample acidity and tons of bright flavors. Alluring white peach, quince and lemon zest give way to saline and limestone notes on the finish.

 

 

2019 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec (SRP $20)

I have always liked Malbec as a plush, soft tannin, mellow alternative to bigger Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon. However, I have always felt there was a ceiling to its quality. That is before I met Germán di Cesare, chief winemaker at Mendoza Valley’s Bodega Trivento and tried two of their reserve Malbecs.

 

At $20, their “Golden Reserve” is a terrific wine and a great value. This wine reminds me of a Napa Valley red blend, with bright red fruits wafting out of the glass. The soft tannins and complex fruit-forward flavors make it a great match for a range of foods including filet of beef, hearty pasta dishes, hard cheeses and rich hors deurves.

 

 

2018 Carmel “Appellation” Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel

 

Israel is one of the world’s most underappreciated wine regions and the quality of their wines is only getting better. From the Upper Galilee region, this Cabernet is fruit forward with red currents, holiday spices, anise and tobacco. The tannins are soft and plush allowing this wine to pair nicely with a lot of dishes, both simple and hearty.

 

2019 Benovia Sonoma Mountain Grenache ($45)

Benovia is known for their Russian River Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, which are also a relative value compared to some of the lofty prices coming out of Russian River these days. Rhone varietals often command much lower price points in Sonoma than the Burgundian varietals which the region is known for. This means they can be great values and at $45 a bottle, this Grenache is a steal.

 

Cherry, raspberry and crushed flowers are followed by pepper, spice, grilling meats and subtle oak notes. The soft but adequate tannins make this a nice wine to have with cheeses and passed appetizers, or as a cocktail wine.

 

 

2020 Drouhin Oregon Roserock Amity-Eola Amity Hills

 

If you’re into points, then this wine will definitely get your attention. With 95 points from James Suckling and 94 points from Wine Spectator (and on their Top 100 Wines list) you might think this wine would cost north of $100. It does not. At $35, with many accolades, your only problem is getting your hands on it.

 

Pear, white peach and lemon zest vibrate on the palate and linger for minutes. This wine is rich and opulent with great minerality and acidity making it a great match for many of your dishes this holiday season.

 

 

2016 Frank Family Blanc de Blancs (SRP $55)

Frank Family is one of the more expensive names in Napa Valley, yet they have some relative values when considering price-to-quality. Their sparkling wines are particulary good values in my opinion. Napa will never be able to compete with “Champagne,” nor do they try to. As a result, Napa producers are realistic about the demand for their sparkling wines and thus realistic on pricing. This presents an opportunity for consumers who are willing to trade vanity for value.

 

The 2016 Blanc de Blancs displays wonderful finesse, lightness, and elegance. A classic bouquet of lemon peel, green apple, and honeyed nuts persist to a pristinely fresh palate. Delicate beads of bubbles intermingle with hints of browned butter cut by crystalline acidity that converge with a long, tangy finish.

 

 

2018 Priest Ranch Brut Rose (SRP $60)

This luxurious méthode Champenoise sparkling wine is made entirely from estate-grown Syrah grapes from the Somerston Estate in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley. Aged 24 months on its lees, with an additional 24 months in bottle, this Napa Valley sparkler is smooth and complex with mouth watering flavors of tangerine and peach upfront and “strawberries and cream,” and macadamia nut on the finish.

 

Want to add some more flavor and pizzazz to your party using some of your red wine and champagne (or sparkling wine)?  Here is a great punch recipe—with a festive hue—from our resident mixologist, A.J. Rathbun.

 

Cardinal Punch

This is kind of a curious punch, at first glance, with its two liquors, two kinds of bubbles, English drawing room favorite claret (but no ascots to be found), and then (as if that weren’t enough), a curious coalescence of sweet vermouth, orange, pineapple, and a bit of simple syrup (well, maybe a touch more than a bit–a sweet bite, let’s call it). It almost seems, at that first glance, doomed to fail. But to use a metaphor that matches the title, it actually flies like a bird, with every flavor slipping here and there to the forefront (like birds in a flock as they fly, if I may be so bold), and with a serious enough undertone hiding within that it can both charm and fortify. As a bonus, it looks lovely, with a deep rich coloring. All in all, it’s so darn swell that I nominated it for Punch of the Year, 2008. And, you know what? It won. Of course, I was the only judge, but hey, that’s how the contest went.

 

Serves 10 to 12

 

12 ounces brandy

12 ounces dark rum

16 ounces claret red wine (Merlot or Cabernet will suffice)

12 ounces Simple Syrup

4 ounces sweet vermouth

1 ice round, or cracked ice

1 orange, cut into slices

5 pineapple rounds, cut into chunks

One 2-liter bottle chilled club soda

One 750-milliliter bottle brut sparkling wine

 

1. Pour the brandy, rum, claret, simply syrup, and vermouth into a large punch bowl. Stir slightly with a long spoon.

2. Add the ice round to the punch, or add enough cracked ice that the bowl is almost halfway full.

3. Add the orange slices and pineapple chunks, and slowly add the club soda. Stir again, but not frantically.

4. Gently add the sparkling wine and stir–but just once more. Serve in white wine glasses or punch cups.

 

From authentic raw bars, to rooftop dining, to the cozy confines of Grand Central’s favorite speakeasy, here are some GLR articles dedicated to fun and easy NYC spots to grab small bites and great drinks in cool places.

Raw Bar Hopping – 8 Great Oyster Bars in NYC

The most coveted oyster varieties from both North American coasts are appearing on the menus of Manhattan eateries in fresher, tastier and more robust selections than ever before. Here’s our list of top eateries in NYC shucking these delicious and ecologically powerful bivalves, and more.

 

A Higher End Happy Hour at These Popular NYC Restaurants

From $2 Osyters at The Standard East Village to Buratta Toast at Great Jones Distilling Co, You Can’t Go Wrong at These Top Spots

With the weather slowly cooling down, it’s about time for New Yorkers to enjoy the after-work hours, easily sipping libations with co-workers or friends. Sometimes, what you need is something exceptional, yet uncomplicated. Here are 5 of our favorite happy hours that will be sure to please:

 

 

The Campbell At Grand Central—Still A Treasure Sans The Apartment

If you travel through Grand Central Terminal every day and find yourself scratching your head right now, don’t worry—that was sort of the point. Touted as one of Grand Central’s top hidden secrets by Travel + Leisure, this opulent space has never needed trickery to retain its speakeasy status.

 

 

6 Easy Rooftop Bars in NYC

Like any good idea in New York City, once it’s out, everyone wants in. The proliferation of rooftop bars and restaurants in NYC has been a great thing, as many hotels, restaurants and building owners have realized just how valuable their rooftops really are.

 

Founded in Monterey, Mexico in 1895 Topo Chico’s uber-bubbly mineral water is now a world-wide brand. The story of this seemingly innocuous sparkling water that was born in Mexico, raised in Texas and is now flourishing on multiple continents—thanks in part to its acquisition by Coca Cola in 2017—dates back over 125 years.

History of production and relationship with Coca-Cola

Speaking of its parent company Coca Cola, Topo Chico and Coca Cola have a relationship that dates back about 100 years. In fact, long before Coke acquired Topo Chico, Topo Chico actually acquired the licensing rights to bottle Coke in Mexico, roughly 100 years ago. Needless to say, they have been working with Coke for many years so it’s not a big surprise that Coke decided to acquire them.

When Topo Chico was founded in 1895, it sourced and bottled the water from a spring near a small mole-shaped hill that it was named after. “Topo” means “mole” in Spanish and “chico” means “small.” 127 years later, it still sources water from the very same “Cerro del Topo Chico” spring. 

The minerals matter

Topo Chico is not just ordinary sparkling water, like seltzer or club soda. It is actual mineral water, containing naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes like Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Manganese. For comparison sake, “La Croix” sparkling water (another popular brand) is simply seltzer and does not contain any minerals. So what’s so special about these minerals? Sodium is needed for blood regulation (absence can cause serious impairment of bodily functions), regulates bodily fluids and transmits electrical impulses in the body; Calcium is an important nutrient and major component for bones and teeth; Magnesium aids in digestion, helps muscles recover and promotes a sense of calm; Potassium provides fuel for the heart and promotes kidney and nervous system function; Manganese is an antioxidant that benefits your bones and increases collagen production (healthy looking skin).

I’m not saying drinking Topo Chico everyday will solve any of your health problems but it certainly won’t hurt and the extra mineral intake could have some positive effects—if nothing else the electrolyte-laiden water will help keep you hydrated.

It now comes in 3 flavors but you may like the original

In addition to their original unflavored version, TC also comes in three litely flavored mineral waters; Twist of Lime, Twist of Grapefruit and Twist of Tangerine—all zero calorie. 

 

 

While Topo Chico’s flavored versions are quite popular, their original unflavored water tastes quite good too. The naturally occuring carbonation, while plenty effervescent (more on this in a sec), has a softer mouthfeel than other sparkling waters, as if the bubbles are smaller but greater in quantity, leading to a texture that is mellow and inviting. Also, despite the minerals, TC also has a very mild, neutral aftertaste, if any at all—something I would imagine most people want in a sparkling water. I know I do. Less is more when it comes to a water’s taste.

It all about the bubbles

While less may be more on the aftertaste, more is more when it comes to carbonation. Yes, Topo Chico’s secret weapon—you guessed it—is in its bubbles. Simply put, the naturally occering carbonation in Topo Chico is more explosive and lasts longer than other brand I have tried. No wonder it is a cult-favorite for consumers and bartenders alike who like a vibrant Vodka Soda or Tom Collins with ferocious fizz that doesn’t go flat.

Leave an open bottle of TC out overnight and the next day it will taste like you just opened it. And while all mineral waters naturally contain sodium—which can be off-putting to some people—the sodium level in TC is fairly low and provides a thirst-busting sensation (Gatorade’s secret thirst busting recipe has ample sodium for a reason).

What is Ranch Water?

You cannot make an authentic Ranch Water cocktail without Topo Chico. What is a Ranch Water you ask. It’s simply a tequila and soda with lime—a popular drink these days due to its low calorie, low hangover appeal. It is only a Ranch Water though if you use Topo Chico. It is also the unofficial cocktail of Texas—which is the unofficial home-away-from-home of Topo Chico. Yes, Texans love their Topo Chico and likely have played a big part in TC’s meteroic rise in popularity over the past decade.

 

Photo Courtesy: Valerie’s Kitchen

 

In March of 2021 Topo Chico released a lineup of Hard Seltzers onto the market—hardly a surprise in today’s hard seltzer crazed world. The flavors include: Tangy Lemon Lime, Exotic Pineapple, Strawberry Guava and Tropical Mango. Almost a year later TC released a new lineup of hard seltzer “Margaritas” (with salt, lime and tequila flavors) in four tropical flavors including Signature Margarita, Tropical Pineapple, Strawberry Hibiscus, and Prickly Pear. Seperately, during the same launch campaign, TC released their highly anticipated “Ranch Water” Hard Seltzer. Inspired by the taste of the popular cocktail recipe made famous by Texas bartenders, Topo Chico Ranch Water Hard Seltzer features real lime juice and a refreshing, crisp taste.

 

 

A Higher End Happy Hour at These Popular NYC Restaurants

From $2 Osyters at The Standard East Village to Buratta Toast at Great Jones Distilling Co, You Can’t Go Wrong at These Top Spots

With the weather slowly cooling down, it’s about time for New Yorkers to enjoy the after-work hours, easily sipping libations with co-workers or friends. Sometimes, what you need is something exceptional, yet uncomplicated. Here are 5 of our favorite happy hours that will be sure to please:

 

 

The Campbell At Grand Central—Still A Treasure Sans The Apartment

If you travel through Grand Central Terminal every day and find yourself scratching your head right now, don’t worry—that was sort of the point. Touted as one of Grand Central’s top hidden secrets by Travel + Leisure, this opulent space has never needed trickery to retain its speakeasy status.

 

 

Raw Bar Hopping – 8 Great Oyster Bars in NYC

The most coveted oyster varieties from both North American coasts are appearing on the menus of Manhattan eateries in fresher, tastier and more robust selections than ever before. Here’s our list of top eateries in NYC shucking these delicious and ecologically powerful bivalves, and more.

 

6 Easy Rooftop Bars in NYC

Like any good idea in New York City, once it’s out, everyone wants in. The proliferation of rooftop bars and restaurants in NYC has been a great thing, as many hotels, restaurants and building owners have realized just how valuable their rooftops really are.

 

The Best U.S. Airport Terminals To Be Stuck At 

Delays at airports are not as woeful as they used to be. That is, if you are lucky enough to be stranded in a choice terminal replete with the type of trendy dining and watering-hole options that rival our very cities. If you find yourself in an airport for an extended period of time this coming holiday season—or any time for that matter—hopefully it’s at one of these terminals.

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