GENUINE ITALIAN
Following restaurants in the Design District, South Beach and Coconut Grove, Michael Schwartz expands his empire to Brickell. Though the chef has dabbled in Italian at Harrys Pizzeria, FiLia marks his first, full-blown concept dedicated to the cuisine. Describing dishes as honest, he applies the same simplicity and quality that made Michaels Genuine Food & Drink an overnight success. Start with charred eggplant spread on grilled bread and a traditional Caesar salad prepared tablesideincluding its toasted croutonsjust like when it originated in the 1920s. More interesting pizzas here combine pistachio pesto and the houses ricotta; or pancetta, potato and leek. The wood-fired grill is also used for a 42-oz. Fiorentina steak seasoned with rosemary and Meyer lemon. Order it with corn agnolotti in lobster sauce for surf and turf.
1300 South Miami Avenue; 305.912.1729; thegenuinekitchen.com
JAZZ JEWEL
Live music lovers have a little gem in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University. As a managing partner, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts stages prime entertainment in the 498-seat auditorium. The Etienne Charles Sextet plays on November 5 at 8 p.m. The young Trinidadian trumpeter, pictured, leads the Creole Soul bands distinctive Caribbean sound with voodoo and calypso influences. The Benny Green Trio, which comes December 3, stars one of jazzs most famous, hard-bop pianists who has performed with Art Blakey, Diana Krall and Betty Carter. Last year, the California-raised musician released Live in Santa Cruz to celebrate his fiftieth birthday. The decade-old New York Standards Quartet takes the stage January 7 for a night of classics combined with improvisation.
3301 College Avenue; 954.262.5480; nova.edu
GEOMETRY FIRST CLASS
Art Bastion gallery presents Sacred Geometries, a group show of eight international artists exclusive to Florida, through January 28, 2017. Each was selected for his unique interpretation of geometries that underpin the fabric of our daily lives. Andrea Hamiltons Line to Plane photography series printed on aluminum squares and Chris Levines The Geometry of Truth, a convex ceramic disc illuminated with a violet laser light by three rotating prisms (pictured) engage with the specific resonance of geometric forms. Levine is best known for his iconic holographic images of Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Moss. Lauren Shapiros monochromatic sculptures provide a guiding structure and sense of security through meditative repetition. Other works include Dominique Gerolinis vibrant acrylic paintings and Darya Warners microscopies. The gallery hosts the South Beach Chamber Ensemble on November 4.
2085 NW Second Avenue; artbastion.com
SEED GROWS
The nations premier plant-based festival returns with a lineup of celebrity chef dinners, tastings and wellness workshopsNovember 2-6. Toques from across the U.S. compete in the second annual veggie burger battle at Eden Roc November 3. Sip kombuchas and local brews, too, while listening to tunes by the French Horn. Friday,the two-day Seed Summit continues at Nobu Hotel where influencers dish on topics between yoga and vegetarian meals. Meanwhile, 1 Hotel South Beach hosts Food Forward, an all-day series of workshops on GMOs, sustainability and conscious branding. Afterward, head to Best of the East or Best of the West dinners at the Sacred Space or the Palms Hotel & Spa, respectively. A 5k run and Seed Festival Day Tasting Village with 150 vendors take place November 5 in Wynwood.
seedfoodandwine.com
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