Trina Sargalski

Editor's note: In the hunt for what to do about the various mix of invasive species found in Florida, we are running a series that not only describes the problems caused by these plants and animals but, well, offers a culinary solution. Tweet us (@WLRN) your ideas and tips or email us a recipe: WLRNMIA@gmail.com.

BURMESE PYTHON

Origin: Southeast Asia

When she won a James Beard award for her cookbook, Gran Cocina Latina, Maricel Presilla felt gratified to be acknowledged for the "work of a lifetime," as well as for "the collective work of millions of Latin Americans that live on two continents, in the Caribbean Islands, and also in the U.S."

Editor's note: In the hunt for what to do about the various mix of invasive species found in Florida, we are running a series that not only describes the problems caused by these plants and animals but, well, offers a culinary solution. Tweet us (@WLRN) your ideas and tips or email us a recipe: WLRNMIA@gmail.com.

Editor's note: In the hunt for what to do about the various mix of invasive species found in Florida, we are running a series that not only describes the problems caused by these plants and animals but, well, offers a culinary solution. Tweet us (@WLRN) your ideas and tips or email us a recipe: WLRNMIA@gmail.com.

To accompany our Invasive Species Cookbook , we are also posting the potential health risks of eating certain invasive species and how to possibly mitigate those risks.

This weekend, you might notice that the humble coaster beneath your drink has a surprising message. Unlike the fool sitting next to you at the bar, the verses on your coaster are lucid, articulate and wise.

Paul Christiansen, a poet and graduate student at Florida International University, spearheaded the poetry coaster project. It's part of O Miami, a month-long poetry festival with the goal of exposing everyone in Miami-Dade to a poem in April.

As today is Earth Day, a few Miami chefs chimed in on how they try to reduce waste or recycle at their restaurants.

Jen Chaefsky, owner and general manager of Macchialina:

“Our water glasses are made out of recycled wine bottles. It’s something small, but every little bit helps; plus it’s a cool element that guests love to learn about.”

Sam Gorenstein, chef and owner of My Ceviche:

"I think feeding the deeper hunger and serving the world starts with what you serve for dinner," says writer Ellen Kanner. She admits "that's asking a lot of dinner."  Feeding the deeper hunger is the unifying theme of her new memoir and cookbook, Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith and What to Eat for Dinner.

Who's growing cocktails in their gardens? In a manner of speaking, Blackbird Ordinary and Broken Shaker are. The two Miami-Dade bars are growing plants they use to make simple syrups, infusions and garnishes. You can also grow your own "cocktail garden." Amy Stewart, author of The Drunken Botanist, visits Books & Books this Friday, and she'll be giving gardening tips.

In her March 22 article in the New York Times, Liesl Schillinger wrote that she wanted to capture the Miami restaurants and tourist haunts that are  "uncool" and serve "the salty fried food, the lime-drenched cocktails." 

Last month, Josh's Deli in Surfside was transformed into the Saffron Supper Club. The lights were turned down, and the duck prosciutto and smoked salmon were tucked away. Candles covered the long diner counter, and an infatuating aroma of nutty rice tahdig greeted dinners.

Terence Cantarella launches on his four day Canoe Project exploration on Monday morning from near NE 69th St. and Biscayne Blvd. in Miami.

New York Times columnist and cookbook author Mark Bittman adopted a diet of eating plant-based foods before 6 after his doctor gave him a wakeup call about his poor health. The author still eats the cheeses and meats he can't bear to give up, if he desires, but only after 6,  and in moderation.

 Chefs and food personalities flock to  Miami this week to take part in the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which starts this Thursday. We asked some of the out-of-town chefs which Miami restaurants they want to check out while they are here:  

Thursday is the first day of the 2013 South Beach Wine & Food Festival. In our interactive timeline (below), we take a look back at the indulgent and now-famous South Beach Wine & Food Festival last year, in 2005 and back in 2001, when it was still known as the "Florida Extravaganza."

How have ticket prices, visiting chefs, food trends and popular events changed (or not changed) over the years?

 A couple of free Smartphone apps give the lowdown on where chefs like to eat, providing an alternative to reviews on Yelp and Google. The Chefs Feed app and the Find. Eat. Drink.  app/website give  recommendations from chefs for the curious eater who wants to know about the hole-in-the-wall spots favored by chefs Jose Mendin of Pubbelly or Michelle Bernstein of Michy's.  The apps are also a good resource for out-of-towners visiting during South Florida's busy tourism season.

In this occasional column, we chat with people in South Florida who don’t work in the food business about what and where they eat.  

Hedy Goldsmith recalls her first efforts at baking -- with the Easy-Bake Oven, in her new cookbook -- Baking Out Loud: Fun Desserts with Big Flavors.

We spoke with Goldsmith, executive pastry chef at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, about her new Easy-Bake Oven and about holiday baking.

Goldsmith recently got a 1964 Easy Bake Oven with the original cake mixes:

Along with the ever-expanding constellation of art fairs and gallery events during Art Basel, pop-ups are mushrooming at this time of year, including bars, shops and restaurants.

Pop-up restaurants have been trending in Miami and around the country for years now. The term "pop-up" restaurant has typically meant that the eating location is temporary, whether it's open one night or multiple nights.

Overtown artists have participated in Art Basel with showings and events in the neighborhood in past years. However, this is the second year that the neighborhood participates on a grander scale.

The legendary salsa label hosts a free music and art event at PAX in Little Havana during Art Basel Wednesday, Dec.5 through Saturday, Dec. 8.

You may notice a growing buzz of activity--especially in Midtown, the Design District and Miami Beach--that signals that a week (or more) of art appreciation, parties and sensory overload is almost here. The height of activity is next Wednesday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 9, but gallery openings and other events are already starting.

Below are are seven signs that Art Basel is upon us.

In My Key West Kitchen: Recipes and Stories, father-and-son chefs Norman Van Aken and Justin Van Aken present recipes inspired by Key West foods their family has relished throughout the decades, including Captain Tony's Sunday Fish Fry, Dennis Pharmacy Navy Bean Soup and The Midget's Brunswick Stew.

The Midget was one of the first places Norman Van Aken cooked in Key West after arriving from Illinois. 

Miami Book Fair International is this week, culminating in the weekend's street fair and back-to-back author panels. If you're like me, you enjoy all of the Book Fair, but navigate it with special attention to food-related events.

Below is a list of food-related authors and cooking demonstrations at the Book Fair. I've also provided tips on where to eat nearby.

If you can't make it to the Book Fair, the list below still might inspire your next food-related read.

All of the  conversation about food at Miami Book Fair International inspires the appetite. Unfortunately, if the past is a guide, the food at the Book Fair is not curated with the same care as the authors; it's basically overpriced carnival fare. 

8:27 Ballot Measure and Big Races

Here are some things that happened at the top and bottom of the ballot last night.

First, 8 of the 11 ballot measures failed this year.

Only three of these ballot measures passed: