The highly anticipated Jazz in the Gardens is merely a few days away. Two days of music, fun and more importantly food. So what is on the menu for this year? Worthy Magazine  had the opportunity to sample a few of the culinary titans who will be at the festival, and we are happy to report that you will not be disappointed with this years lineup. Ticket holders will be able to pick from a total of 40 food vendors. There will be something for every palatte from barbecue to sea food salads and a bevy of tasty treats.

You have to try:

Randy’s Barbecue

The stand -out: It’s all about the honey mustard sauce.

It is the perfect combination of sweet, savory and spicy. The sauce pairs well with Randy’s ribs and chicken.    Michelle Fletcher assistant to Randy says that the details of the sauce will always be a mystery. “I have worked with him for two years now and he still won’t tell me what is in it.”

Healthy Lifestyle Cuisine

In the midst of all the fried foods and sweets, Healthy Living will be one of the tastiest and healthy alternatives in a sea of temptation.

The stand-out:

The sea food salad is a crowd pleaser and the lobster and waffles is an unexpected surprise. All of the recipes are the owner’s take on her mother’s recipes.

South Beach Burgers 

There is no denying that the art of crafting the perfect burger is a fleeting talent. The team behind South Beach Burgers does not disappoint with their signature burgers and bold and flavorful seasoning. This particular caterer was a favorite of the reporter for the evening.

Reed’s Catering has become a staple in the Jazz in the Gardens experience. The conch salad served in a fresh pineapple draws a crowd further than the eye cares to look. The crowd gathers to watch the intricate construction of the conch salad. Cucumbers, tomatoes and fresh conch are zested to perfection using oranges and limes and topped off with conch fritters. It is literally a festival in a pineapple.

The South Beach Food and Wine Festival has gone just as quickly as it came to Miami and to be honest our tastebuds are still in a daze. So what stood out to us?

Barilla interactive lunch:

Guests waited in the courtyard at The Biltmore’s country club while enjoying a glass of  Entwine’s chardonay.  After being ushered upstairs into the country club’s ballroom, guests were greeted by a sea of round tables with simple plate settings. The twist was that there was a small cooking station at every table and a chef standing next to each station.  As the guests took their seats, the term interactive lunch began to take on more of a literal meaning. Guests were given step-by-step instruction for two courses and were rewarded with a sweet and savory dessert.

For the first course Barilla Campanelle

Our EIC had the awesome opportunity to preppare the second course. However, it should be noted that the chefs took care of the prepparation for the guests.  Essentially ticket holders merely sauteed their delicous entrees.

New Product Alert:

One of the rewards of attending such a distinguished event is the privalege of walking away with an idea of the next culinary trend. While there were quite a few innovative recipies and spices that captured our attention, Barilla captured our attention and heart with their latest product Pronto Pasta. The new item is the perfect key ingredient for anyone who is on the go but still interested in having a healthy meal. Pronto Pasta can be preppared in the same pot as the intended ingredients for your pasta. For an editor on the go, this is a dream come true. No waiting for the water to boil and no draining required.

Macy’s today announced the official launch of the Thalia Sodi collection, inspired by the internationally recognized singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, author and philanthropist, Thalia. The exclusive, new collection includes apparel, shoes and jewelry and is available at 300 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com.

“Macy’s new Thalia Sodi collection is our largest introduction yet, launching in multiple categories and offering our customers a coordinated look across apparel, shoes, and jewelry,” said Jeff Gennette, President of Macy’s. “We have been honored to partner with international superstar Thalia to create a collection inspired by her personal style that will appeal to women everywhere.”

The eponymous new line will feature feminine, figure-flattering dresses, tops and pants, as well as shoes and accessories. Bold prints, bright colors, sexy silhouettes and glitzy jewelry bring a touch of glam to the line and are staples throughout the collection.

A lot of people like to argue that you never know how single you are until Valentine’s Day. However, I believe most holidays have a way of reminding you. Christmas and mistletoe are synonmous. New Years is ushered in with a kiss and even Halloween has been commandeered by happy couples. Make no mistake, I am not jealous. I am just happily aware. I am single and I am making the most of it. I am not sure if it is the fact that I hail from a big family or what but I find myself unmistakingly aware that once you jump into that family lifestyle there is no turning back. So it is important that you make the most of those single years and once you find yourself in that family situation, do everything you can to carve out those moments for yourself.

Self-love is paramount in the sense that how you treat yourself is a direct reflection of the love that you are willing to allow yourself to receive. If you don’t know how to love you, how will anyone else know? We are own worst critiques and typically people are all too willing to join us in our critical critiques of ourselves. So be kind to yourself. Learn to forgive yourself. Learn to love yourself because ultimately, the way you learn treat yourself is the way others will treat you as well.

Our advice for the month of February: Love yourself without question with everything you have because you wouldn’t expect anything less from the person who tells you they love you. You are worthy of a selfless and kind-hearted love.

With Valentine’s Day just on the horizon, lovebirds and food lovers alike have one thing on their mind. What is on the menu? Here are a few Worthy Approved places to dine in South Florida.

Costa Grill

This exclusive culinary gem is a dining experience reserved for the hotel guests of Acqualina Resort and Spa. For Valentine’s Day the restaurant is pulling out all the stops with their Valenitne’s Day dining special, which includes three savory courses only to be complete with a delectible dessert for two.  The night is filled with mouth-watering dishes and Michelle Manzo’s sultry sounds. Ladies are greeted with a rose and a macaroons upon departure.

Details: Dinner menu $150 per person plus tax and gratuity (beverages are additional). Sunset seating is at 6 p.m. and moonlight seating is at 9 p.m.

For reservations please contact Dustin Lapekas 305-918-6872 or dustin.lapekas@acqualina.com

Beauty and the Feast

One of our worthy-approved favorites is offering up a vaentine’s day special that is undenianble. For the love of food is our definition of the perfect ladies night and couples night. This four-course meal under the starlight over-looking the ocean is just what the doctor ordered for couples and friends looking to have a wonderful night filled with beauty and love.

Details:  $59 per person. For $199 a sweedish massage can be added on

Red Steakhouse New drinks:

One of our go-to Miami locations had added on to their mouth-watering cocktail menu just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you are in search for a sensational meal or the perfect cocktail during Valentine’s Day, Red can meet your needs.

Our favorites: Strawberry Slasher and the new signature cocktail The 305. Feel free to thank us later.