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COCHON555’s Heritage Fuego Presented by Goya Foods

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Flames, Feasts, and Finery: COCHON555’s Heritage Fuego by Goya Foods Sets Foodies’ Hearts Ablaze.

November 12th, 2023

For the 13th year, this time concluding a 12-city Heritage Fire tour and taking place at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, COCHON555’s Heritage Fuego presented by Goya Foods was straight fire! For foodies chasing the best barbecue and fresh-off-the-grill live-fire taste, Heritage Fuego was the place to be.

Before getting to the mouthwatering dishes from the award-winning chefs, we have to talk about the ambiance. Away from the likes of South Beach, Brickell, and Wynwood, The Biltmore offered elegance that you just don’t find at other culinary events – but that didn’t stop the party. From blocks away, you could hear the live music and DJ spinning, keeping the spacious open-air terrace moving.

Entry was seamless, and those who sprung for VIP access ($175) had 45 minutes of early access to enjoy all the premium bites and sips before general admission entry ($125). Although there was a solid crowd, the vendors were well prepared and well stocked. When there were lines, they moved quickly, and it gave me a chance to finish a prior bite, compare notes with other attendees, or catch my breath.

Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

Not to be outdone by the venue, Heritage Fuego’s lineup of 20 notable South Florida chefs and the dishes they prepared, inspired by global food cultures, were the real stars! To mention a few highlights along my journey, the Cafecito Rubbed Spare Rib from Jeff Budd at Apocalypse BBQ was near emblematic of the event, and the perfect place to start. As the rib fell off the bone, that hint of sweet coffee perked up my appetite. Next, noticing a few vendors offering chicken wings, I figured I’d flock to those spots so I could best compare. Of the multiple chicken wing offerings, the Guayaba y Queso Chicken Wings from Darien Borges and Ismael Llano of Pin Pan Pollo were the best – crispy and creamy, with a hint of sweet.

Continuing on the culinary journey, Josh Elliot of QT Tapas gave me my first opportunity to try Charred Lamb Belly. And wow, am I glad I did. The flavor of the lamb belly was incredible, so tender, and seasoned with the umami flare of fish sauce and coriander. The accompanying Koji Manhattan opened the door to an impromptu cocktail hour staring some botanical Gin offerings from Whitley Neill Gin, a St-Remy Mint Julep from The Botanist, a whisky cocktail from Uncle Nearest, some unique concoctions, like Salty Watermelon Whisky, from Ole Smoky Moonshine, and Baileys Chocolate and Espresso Martinis that almost convinced me it was dessert time and I should stop eating. Then, I saw the Mojo Roasted Porchetta and the feast was back on. From Eric Benitez at Amelia’s 1931, the flavor was incredible – salty and crispy, with a daikon twang.

For the best traditional barbecue taste, the Short Rib Burnt Ends from Rick Mace and Tropical Smokehouse were so smoky, perfectly sweet, a meat candy dream – I had thirds. Other artistic and unique highlights included the exceptional Artichoke & Baby Back Ribs Paella from Carlos Garcia at Leku Miami, the delectable Wood Grilled American Bison Striploin with an egg yolk chimichurri from Eating House & Luca Osteria, the Smoked Duck Chorizo Tlayuda, Ayocote Morado Bean Puree, Pasilla De Oaxaca from The Tides – gamy, creamy, earthy, with a little crisp, and the visually striking Smoked Spare Rib Korokke with a black truffle aioli from Fernando Desa of Goya Foods.

In addition to wine and cordials, to close out the evening, a couple sweet options included the OG Sticky Roll from Rolled and the perfect bite to say goodnight, the Chocolate S’mores Cookie from Night Owl Cookies (both by Andrew Gonzalez).

Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

COCHON555’s Heritage Fuego was an elevated barbecue fan’s dreamland. The fresh, live-fire cooking of heritage-bred proteins grilling al fresco would have been enough, but lucky for the attendees, Heritage Fuego also delivered so much flavor. If you have the opportunity to attend a Heritage Fire or Heritage Fuego event in the future, make sure you pack your appetite. For future event information visit: https://heritagefiretour.com/.

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Cary Levinson

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

  • Heritage Fuego Tour. Photo by Anthony Nader

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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

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Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

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ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.


May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.

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