Chef Ralph Pagano Opens Alba on Collins, in Sunny Isles Beach

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – (Jan. 14, 2013) – Solé on the Ocean and Executive Chef Ralph Pagano are pleased to announce the official re-launch of Alba, a seaside Italian restaurant and lounge located at 17315 Collins Ave., inside Solé on the Ocean hotel. Overlooking the glimmering sands and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the 130-seat indoor/outdoor beach-chic concept serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

“Sole’s pristine beach, groovy design and incredible sunrises and sunsets seduced me like a siren,” says Pagano, whose effervescent personality has landed him multiple TV roles, including the host of Lifetime Television Network’s “All Mixed Up” and Travel Channel’s award-winning “Pressure Cook.” Ralph has battled Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and been to Hell and back with Gordon Ramsay on the original season of FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Pagano’s flavor balance stems from a lifetime of culinary travel mixed with Italian style and classic French technique, creating what he calls “vacation cuisine.” His approach to Alba’s menu is centered on casual fine dining and offers the freshest seafood and pasta, both à la carte and family-style.

The menu offers a daily variety of fresh seafood and shellfish, including legendary Florida Stone Crabs, Stingray Oysters, Maine Lobster Cocktail, Colossal Shrimp Cocktailand Maryland Lump Crab Cocktail.  A selection of fresh fish is available and can be prepared simply grilled, Fra Diavolo-style with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari in Arrabiata tomato sauce, or topped Oscar-style with colossal crab meat, hollandaise and jumbo asparagus.

Win a set of Amazing Luggage & a trip to LEGOLAND in Florida courtesy of Atlantic Luggage

This post brought to you by Atlantic Luggage.  All opinions are 100% mine.

The Summertime has arrived and with that, the usual cries of boredom from kids all across the Country who just don’t know how to survive without some form of electronic gadget or a TV. Well if your from my generation or any older, you were raised by people who didn’t want to hear all that screaming, so you were told to go outside or to a park to run wild and free. It was a real treat to get taken to an amusement park, let alone a place you could get hands on with the toys and bring your imagination to life. 


Well Atlantic Luggage is going to make Summer a really special time this year for a lucky family, by sending them on a 2 day vacation to LEGOLAND in Florida. Atlantic Luggage, the stylishly great and durable luggage manufacturers they are, know what it takes to get a family moving with ease when on vacation, will be giving the winners a set of brand new Atlantic Luggage to take on their trip.  This isn’t some lengthy survey or set up of any kind, where your going to be bombarded with calls, questions and emails about signing up for any servies, not in the least. All you have to do is sign up for the contest and that is it. 


Atlantic Luggage will select a winner to take their family (2 Adults & 2 Children) on a trip to Florida to experience the wonderful newly built waterpark (which just opened in may 2012,) have a meet and great with a LEGOLAND Master Model Builder and get a chance to build their own LEGO vessel to float down the 1,000ft Lazy River, something your kids will never forget. Also included in this trip is a voucher for a car rental, so the last thing you need to worry about is how you will get around in Florida, once you arrive. One of the greatest perks about this giveaway is the set of Atlantic Luggage you will be receiving. Light, durable, affordable (but who cares your winning it for FREE) and most importantly stylish, the manufacturers behind this brand know what functionality means to the modern day traveler and work tirelessly to create that can withstand the tests of time.  All you have to do is fill out the form below and you are entered automaticlly into this fantastic drawing. My advice, enter now or regret it down the line, when the kids are jumping on the couch and spilling soda in your car… Have a great Summer. Atlantic Luggage and Legoland Sweepstakes

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Designed for Foodies, Beauties & Beach Lovers

For the indulgent traveler in search of a dream summer vacation in a tropical paradise, with beautiful beaches, shopping and extraordinary nightlife, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach presents the ultimate escape with specially-priced packages and exclusive activities for families, romantics and more. The sizzling summer lineup includes a Spanish-inspired three course dinner event, an oceanfront grill event, a Southern style Crab boil Sunday afternoons, a day package for beach and beauty lovers, a specially-priced Spa menu and an overnight package with a $50 daily resort credit to enjoy the hotel’s unique amenities.

Escape to España

Enjoy a taste of Spain in South Beach by savoring a special three-course menu by chef Felipe Arango-Salazar featuring a selection of dishes inspired by the Spanish Coast for $39 per person. Pair with a glass of blanco y tinto at Miami’s famed Bistro One LR, a contemporary bistro infused with Latin flavors.

Available from 5-10 pm, 7 nights a week. It’s the perfect gastronomic getaway.

Far East Summer Nights

Celebrate hot summer nights in a cool, chic ambiance by heading FAR EAST to the oceanfront DiLido Beach Club, 5-8 p.m.  Monday through Saturday.  Enjoy Japanese delicacies made-to-order from the Robata Grill including skirt steak, portabello mushrooms and chicken wings starting at $6 and $12 Asian-inspired cocktails, listening to a deejay spin lounge music at this people-watching playground.

Ritz Kids
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is pleased to offer an oceanfront Ritz Kids program providing children, ages 5-12, with myriad outdoor activities on Miami Beach. The supervised children's program allows parents to play in South Beach while their children are in the care of counselors, trained and certified in infant, child and adult CPR, basic first aid and water safety.

The Ritz Kids program features full or half-day schedules, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kid’s Meal Plan
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach offers a specially-designed program for children 12 and under that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and unlimited fountain drinks at mealtime at various hotel dining venues, including Bistro One LR, DiLido Beach Club and poolside. $35 per day, per child, plus tax and gratuity.

D.B.C (Down-home, Beachfront, Crab boil)

Gather with friends and family from 4-7 p.m. every Sunday for a relaxed afternoon at DiLido Beach Club indulging in ocean views, live music and traditional Southern food with all the fixins’. Enjoy an unlimited display of whole blue crab, succulent shrimp, red bliss potatoes and flavorful sausage for $39 with $10 Southern Comfort Tea cocktails and $5 Blue Moon Beers.

Beauty & The Beach

Make The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach your summer sanctuary of indulgence with the exclusive ‘Beauty and Beach’ package: One 50-minute Signature massage or facial and access to the hotel’s plush beach chairs or bed for 2, for $99.

Hot & Cool Summer Spa Menu

The award-winning Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach provides savvy spa goers with an opportunity to indulge all summer long, for a reduced price. Available through September 2012, the special menu features services to complement the warm weather, beautiful beach ambiance and sexy South Beach attire.

·      Sobe Tropical Massage (50 minutes/$119 add an Express Pedicure for $30)

Ideal for normal to dry skin types, this massage uses Swedish techniques and Apricot-scented oil to relax the body while nourishing, hydrating and healing the skin affected by prolonged exposure to the elements.

·     Firming & Cooling Legs 

(50 minutes /$119 add an Express Pedicure for $30)

This treatment was created for swollen, tired legs and the appearance of varicose veins. Guests are immersed in an ice cold bath also known as “cryotherapy” to constrict blood vessels and decrease metabolic activity, which also reduces swelling and tissue breakdown. Following the bath, a lychee & chestnut firming product is applied to regain circulation and stimulate the skin.

Divine Derriere

(50 minutes /$99 add Bikini Wax for $30)
An often-neglected delicate area is treated with an exfoliation, and mask to address specific skin needs. Tone and tighten your posterior and reduce cellulite and water retention on your hips. This service will leave your derrière to be envied by all at the pool and beach.

Comfort You!

Enjoy the comfort and chic sophistication of Miami’s leading luxury oceanfront hotel and indulge in the resort’s many unique amenities during your stay. Starting Rate: $339 USD per night.

Overnight plush accommodations

Daily buffet breakfast for two at Bistro One LR

$50 USD hotel credit per night

  

The Definition of Sophistication... The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

When your brand boasts 77 hotels worldwide in exotic places such as Chile, Grand Cayman, Indonesia, Mexico, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates; and the United States its hard not to attract a clientele that expects only the best. Whether it be a quick overnight business trip or the Honeymoon that dreams are made of, lets face it, The Ritz-Carlton name exemplifies excellence, everywhere.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is without a doubt the area’s most lavish oceanfront hotel. Situated perfectly in the heart of Art Deco district (surrounded by great shopping and pristine beaches) the property is affectionately referred to by locals as “the hotel where the action meets the ocean.”

We flew into Miami for a brief stay prior to taking a cruise and found ourselves stuck in the lap of luxury. (click read more for the Entire Story & More Photos)