Excitement fills the air as hundreds of fans adorned in red and black fill the streets. Impatient and unable to stop for cars, police whistles sound off trying to control the pedestrian chaos while uneasy drivers tap their horns; sounding like an improvised orchestra piece. The voices of the fans are full of anxiety and their movements are jittery as they approach the stadium. The surrounding traffic is at a stand still, allowing the pedestrians to walk as if they were a herd. Due to the automobile congestion, there is a strong odor of gasoline and overall dirtiness that is emitted from the mufflers. It is that familiar smell "Miamians" encounter the moment they step out of the airport and back out onto their streets.
The cars’ headlights and the traffic lights put on a gleaming show. In the back drop are Downtown Miami's monstrously illuminated buildings adding to the light spectacle, making it a must see for all those in the area. In the distance Cuban music, from local cafe Bongos, can be faintly heard while the heavy breezy blows creating a chilly atmosphere. As time dwindles down, the late comers’ shoes and sandals rattle down on the street as they run towards the arena in hopes of seeing The Big Three make their infamous grand entrance. It is this excitement and anticipation that can only mean one thing; the heat is on and The Miami Heat is taking the court tonight.
By: Danielle Fernandez
“When was the last time you felt something for the first time?” adorns the walls. Champagne and wine bottles are enclosed in an illuminated glass case; treated as individual pieces of gold. Soothing lounge music fills the room, as one looks over Biscayne Bay from an outdoor seating area. The aroma of fine dining food engrosses each individual as they enter into restaurant nirvana.
Crazy About You, located in the heart of Brickell, is one of Miami’s newest and chicest eateries. Born from the same owners as Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita, this new hang out combines exquisite food at an economical price. Karlene Souza, manager for the restaurant, said, “ The target audience is 80% of the population. Therefore, they do not label the restaurant as “fine dining”. But anyone can come and spend a lot of money, or two people can come and eat for less than $50.”
The menu is divided into three price ranges, with each price range offering a selection of choices. It gets better. Each entree ordered per guest, includes an appetizer of their choice. However don’t try and share one appetizer and entree with a partner. “We are basically giving away to the guests free appetizers when they order an entree. Therefore they [guests] can’t share food, if they do it will cost them $10,” said Souza.
For those who dine at Crazy About You on a weekly basis, there is no need to worry. Every three months an executive chef from Spain visits the kitchen and re-updates the menu, giving the local diners a variety of plates to choose from. Additionally, customer service is their main focus. “The staff are always on top of their guests. If a plate is constantly being sent back to the kitchen then we take it off the menu and make revisions,” Souza commented, “ The main concept is 100% satisfaction from the guests. If they are not satisfied with the food, then we take care of their bill.”
Along with unique entrees and appetizers, each item on the menu has an interesting and creative name. All the drinks surround the theme of love; The Big O, French Kiss, and Love Potion, to name a few. The name of the restaurant itself makes many people, including Souza, wonder what is its significance. “ The name is interesting. The owner can answer you correctly because so many people have different meanings behind the name,” said Souza, “He [the owner] likes to come up with different names. A name you will always remember and keep in mind. It actually took him a month to come up with it.”
Cristina Ayo, a frequent Crazy About You visitor, could only praise the restaurant and staff when asked about her experiences there. “The staff is always making sure I am pleased with the service and the food. Every time I enter, I am greeted with smiles; it seems as if I am eating at a family member’s home,” commented Ayo. According to Souza, the smiles are not uncommon. “ Want to see the same faces over and over again that is the goal. To have the same customers coming every week,” said Souza.
Written on the wall, above the entrance to the kitchen, is the most commonly asked question at the restaurant, “What are you crazy about?”. When asked, Ayo said, “I am crazy about their food, it is delicious, and I can vouch for them.” So, what will you be crazy about when dining at local and new eatery Crazy About You?
Located in the Mark Building
1155 Brickell Bay Drive
Miami, FL 33131
Hours of Operation:
Monday- Thursday 11:30 am - 12:00 am
Friday and Saturday 11:30 am -1:00 am
Sunday 12:00 pm- 11:00 pm
(305) 377-4442
http://www.crazyaboutyourestaurant.com/
By: Danielle Fernandez
Ralph Fernandez de Castro simply wanted to scratch off the words, “full marathon” from his bucket list. However, running became more than an ordinary obstacle on a list nearly no one ever completes. It developed into a passion and led to the establishment of local and free of charge Miami running group, Team FDC.
“The running group started almost by mistake...I gathered a few family members and friends and we went out. That initial group of about fifteen grew and grew and that first year forty-five of us ran the 2009 ING Miami Marathon," said Fernandez de Castro.
The motivation for running spread like wildfire and the second running season began with 200 new team “FDCers”, as the members are nicknamed. These members benefit from cardiovascular fitness, in a therapeutic environment throughout the streets of Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and the Brickell area. For the team leader, however, it is more than just exercise.” My main motivation is to get people out there and have them discover something about themselves that can lead them to be a more empowered version of themselves,” said Fernandez de Castro.
But running is not a challenge-free activity. Psychologically, most Team FDCers have difficulty during the tapering down period, a time of recovery right before a race. It is up to the coach to remove those doubts and nerves out of each runner’s mind and reassure them that are ready. Even Fernandez de Castro did not know if he could continue with the group training.
“This last season only happened because a few FDCers from previous seasons refused me when I told them that I could not do the group because I had to train for the Ironman 70.3," commented Fernandez de Castro, "We met at my home and planned out a way where they would take the reigns while I was training. I learned a lot about myself in that process and discovered that this group is bigger than just me anymore."
Team FDC has become a recognized team throughout Miami and its members continue to participate in local and national marathons and triathlons. Most recently, the group participated in the ING Miami marathons which occurred on January 30, 2011. And even while they are running a race, Fernandez de Castro and FDCers continue to motivate thousands of runners. The back of all Team FDC shirts have the quote by Dean Karnazes, “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up," an inspiration for all marathon participants.
By: Danielle Fernandez
