Elia Gourmet: Downtown's Fresh Food Spot

Elia Gourmet opened in 2012 after owner Dimitris Harvalis realized there was a need for something healthy and delicious for residents in the Downtown Miami building where he lived.

Since then it’s become a local favorite and neighborhood gourmet go-to for delicious contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. It’s owned and operated by hospitality pros Dimitris Harvalis and Mario Harvalis, brothers originally from Athens, Greece who have 45 years of combined experience at establishments such as Prime 112, Timo, Rokbar and Opium Group. Nestled in the bottom floor of 900 Biscayne Bay, across the street from the American Airlines Arena, Elia has become the perfect place for healthy eats in Downtown Miami.

Wellness WednesdayAmber Love BondMay 30, 2017Downtown, Greek, MiamiComment

Smart Bites: Urban Farming and a Healthy Café

In the quadrant between I-95 and The Dolphin sits the Allapattah “ Healthy” District, a mixture of sparkling glass medical centers and empty warehouses and lots. On a corner of NE 20th visible with its bright green awning is Smart Bites, a small storefront café that is run by Mari Vila and features healthy soups, salads, burgers (including a Bison Burger!) wraps, sides and fresh juices.

Restaurants, Wellness Wednesday, FeaturesEllen BowenMay 3, 2017Vegetarian, Vegan, Healthy Eating, Urban Farm, MiamiComment

RECIPE: Carol's Papaya Salad at MKT by bazbaz

It was a hot hot hot Saturday at this week’s HOOD FOOD at MKT by bazbaz Art installation and Marketplace at 2100 North Miami Ave., but that didn’t keep the local artisans, food vendors and many attendees from strolling thru the various stalls, tasting the local food offerings from Jucy Lu, Smart Bites, LadyFingrs popsicles, Mary's Brigadeiros and Lesage Bakery. and enjoying the electronic pop sounds from the very talented Ari Blik.

But,one of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation from Carol Lopez-Bethel, the Development Director for Slow Food Miami and owner of Swirl Wine Consulting.

Carol took the stage in the amphitheater and talked about Florida’s fresh food scene, and the fact that we have TWO growing seasons. While the rising temperatures will soon end the season for traditional produce like tomatoes, asparagus, and peppers, the little appreciated season for tropical fruits and vegetables begins.

Events, Recipes, Wellness WednesdayEllen BowenApril 30, 2017Healthy Eating, Wynwood, Miami Comment

MKT by bazbaz: HOOD FOOD in Wynwood this weekend

Events, Wellness WednesdayEllen BowenApril 26, 2017wynwood, MiamiComment

The Wynwood Yard: Della’s Bowls-A Morning Refuge

As Miami continues to embrace healthy eating, MIAbites is pleased to introduce a new weekly feature; Wellness Wednesdays. Each week we will share our discoveries of new and not so new spots offering local ingredients, plant-based and healthy dining options.

By now most of us are familiar with The Wynwood Yard, the open air space for creative dining, drinking and community gatherings, created by Founder and CEO Della Heiman in 2015. Her personal project, della test kitchen, offers healthy, fast, casual dining popular at lunch and dinner.

Wellness Wednesday, Features, RestaurantsMIAbites TeamApril 19, 2017Wynwood, MiamiComment

MKT by bazbaz opens in Wynwood

Wellness WednesdayEllen BowenApril 11, 2017Wynwood, MiamiComment