”Coleoid cephalopods,” such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus, spray an ink which is used as a defense mechanism. And while the concept of consuming a black-colored substance may be off-putting for some, it’s become an increasingly popular food additive or coloring agent, particularly when it comes to making pastas and risottos. ▫️ Made up of “melanin,” the same pigment which colors skin and hair, squid ink contains amino acids, like dopamine, lipids, minerals and proteins, and is believed to offer antioxidants (which may improve overall health) and to have cancer-fighting benefits. ▫️ So, given that backdrop, when our waiter at UNION KITCHEN & BAR – a new “neighborhood eatery” located at 2309 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida -- suggested the SQUID INK SPAGHETTI -- which comes with “Key West shrimp, white wine and lemon zest” ($15 app./$25 entrée), there was no pushback from us. ▫️ Now some describe the inky taste as briny, while others believe it adds an “earthy-fishy” flavor, but however you’d like to describe the sensation, we thought the husband-and-wife team of Roberto Colombi and Christie Tenaud (the talented owners of this establishment) got this dish just right. Nothing about it was extreme, offensive, or overpowering; all the elements jibed perfectly. (We just wished there were more.) ▫️ While we thought the price was a little high, given the parsimonious pasta portioning, it still scored a very respectable A-. ▫️ Now please don’t make me sling any more ink …. Go give this dish a try! . . . #lucasaferrara @union_kb . . . #restaurant #restaurants #food #foodie #foodies #foodreview # foodcritic #wiltonmanors #wiltonmanorsfood #unionkitchen #southflorida #southfloridafood #floridafood #pasta #pastas #italianfood #foodreviews #foodreviewer #eatery #italianfoods #neighborhoodeatery #fortlauderdale #fortlauderdalefood #squid #squidink #ink #blackspaghetti #spaghetti #pasta #pastas #shrimp #keywestshrimp

Next up at UNION KITCHEN & BAR – a new “neighborhood eatery” located 2309 N. Dixie Highway (Wilton Manors, Florida) -- was the PORCINI CAMPANELLE – described as “wild mushrooms, peas, fresh herbs and truffle cream” ($14 app/$24 entrée). ▫️ Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Italian, the name of this dish translates into mushroom “bell flowers” or “little bells” – so called, because of the pasta’s ruffled edges and hallow center. And due to its sturdy composition, it pairs well with meats, fish, and heavy/creamy sauces. ▫️ While certainly contested, some believe this pasta originated in the Italian region of Tuscany, where it’s known as “riccioli” (curls) or “gigli” (lilies). Whether you believe that or not, Roberto Colombi and Christie Tenaud, the husband-and-wife owners of this establishment, cooked this house-made offering to perfection. Not only did it have a nice “al dente” texture, but it captured and complemented the taste of the mushrooms and other ingredients added to the mix. ▫️ Known by its scientific name of “Boletus edulis,” and found in the forests of Europe, North American and Russia, porcini is said to be among the most popular edible fungi in the world. And given its meaty texture and high protein content, it’s often used as meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes. (I enjoy the nutty earthiness it brings to every dish.) ▫️ Sound the alarm, ‘cause this dish was a hit with us, and scored a not too shabby B+. (Points were deducted because some found it a bit “heavy” on the cream, and we had an issue with the small portioning given the price-point, but that shouldn’t repel you from stopping in and ordering this delectable dish.) ▫️ I guess you could say, this pasta was almost as sound as a bell …. 🔔 🔔 🔔 . #lucasaferrara @union_kb . . . #restaurant #restaurants #food #foodie #foodies #foodreview # foodcritque #wiltonmanors #wiltonmanorsfood #unionkitchen #southflorida #southfloridafood #floridafood #pasta #pastas #italianfood #foodreviews #foodreviewer #eatery #neighborhoodeatery #fortlauderdale #fortlauderdalefood #italianpasta #porcini #campanelle #truffle #trufflecream #wildmushrooms #mushrooms

The Italian-Peruvian husband and wife team, of Roberto Colombi and Christie Tenaud, have opened a new “neighborhood eatery” in the City of Wilton Manors (near Fort Lauderdale) and it’s called UNION KITCHEN & BAR – 2309 N. Dixie Highway. ▫️ By way of some fun facts, with a population of about 12,243 people, Wilton Manors happens to be home to the second largest number of gay couples -- with Provincetown, Massachusetts, ranking #1. ▫️ Since the restaurant’s owners sport an impressive pedigree -- with Christie having worked as an executive chef at the Boca Raton Resort & Club and having served as chef de cuisine for the award-winning Chef Melissa Kelly (of Tucson, AZ), while Robert worked with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay (in the U.S. and U.K.) – our expectations were pretty high. And although this talented duo did not disappoint, overall, the very first dish we tried … gave us some pause (and had us worried). ▫️ We started with their “Tomato Lumache” – beef Bolognese, Parmigiano Reggiano ($13 app/$22 entrée). Now “lumache,” which is Italian for “snail,” is a bulky, shell-shaped pasta which can support chunky sauces. (You’ll find them in your local market, called “conchiglie pasta,” “pipe rigate,” or “shell pasta.”) Even though Union’s house-made version was perfectly cooked, salinity overwhelmed; making it exceedingly difficult to enjoy. (Maybe the restaurant should ease up on the salt and allow customers to apply their own cheese?) ▫️ While it rated a lowly “C,” I’ve got a SPOILER ALERT for you: Based on the other dishes we ordered that evening, this particular item was a “fluke” … a “one-off” … an anomaly. ▫️ Ready for a more perfect Union? ▫️ Stay tuned! . . . #lucasaferrara @union_kb . . . #restaurant #restaurants #food #foodie #foodies #foodreview # foodcritque #wiltonmanors #wiltonmanorsfood #southflorida #southfloridafood #floridafood #lumache #pasta #pastas #italianfood #bolognese #beefbolognese #foodreviews #fortlauderdale #fortlauderdalefood

Thicker and chewier than soba, Udon are Japanese noodles made of wheat flour, water, and salt. ▫️ While its origins are disputed, some food historians believe Udon can be traced back to 7000 BC, when wheat cultivation techniques are believed to have reached China, and the edible grains were incorporated into local cuisine. Interestingly, these noodles supposedly didn’t reach Japan until the 700’s – where they slowly became as popular as spaghetti is to Italians, largely due to its low cost, simple prep, and delicious taste. ▫️ Many also attribute the item’s popularity to its supposed health benefits. Rich in folate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B, this food is believed to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. ▫️ Since we were at PLANTA – a recently opened, 200-seat, plant-based, vegan restaurant up in West Palm Beach, Florida (700 S Rosemary Ave) – and our waiter claimed it was one of their “signature dishes,” we decided to go with their UDON NOODLES, served with a “truffle mushroom cream, shaved truffle” ($24.50). ▫️ Of course, since “cream” is a diary product, and isn’t vegan-appropriate, the noodles were actually coated with a “coconut, truffle, miso glaze.” And while we liked the nice doughy texture, we found the sauce rather gelatinous and cloying. (It lacked the desired fungi earthiness.). And even though I thought this dish deserved yet another “fail,” particularly given its $24.50 ask (pre-tax and tip), it somehow managed to escape with a “C.” ▫️ “Udon?” our waiter asked, as he stared at the bowl of unfinished food. “We most certainly are,” I sardonically responded. “We most certainly are.” ▫️ (See how that mushroomed?) . . . #lucasaferrara @planta . . . #restaurant #restaurants #foodreview #foodreviews #wpb #westpalmbeach #southfloridafood #wpbfood #food #foodie #foodies #foodcritique #vegan #veganfood #vegeterian #veganrestaurant #plantbased #plantbasedfood #plantbasedrestaurant #floridafood #floridadining #pasta #noodles #udon #udonnoodles #truffle #fungi #pastas #japanesefood

Many do not know that broccoli isn’t a naturally occurring plant. It was created by human beings; a byproduct of “selective breeding” – like brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi. ▫️ Widely touted as a “superfood,” because it’s replete with antioxidants, fiber, minerals and vitamins (like Vitamin C), broccoli is part of a cabbage plant species known as “Brassica oleracea,” and is considered a “flower vegetable,” largely because it has an edible head and stem, and seeds that produce inedible flowers. ▫️ So, there we were, at PLANTA – a recently opened, 200-seat, plant-based, vegan restaurant up in West Palm Beach, Florida (700 S Rosemary Ave) – suffering through a few dishes, when our waiter strongly urged us to try the BANG BANG BROCOLLI (sweet chili & peanut sauce ($13.25)). Given its health benefits, and with a name like “Bang Bang,” we thought we’d get something nutritious that would knock our socks off. But, instead, it was just another dud -- a sorry letdown. ▫️ Given that it’s not a complicated dish to make – typically, with olive oil, chili sauce, sriracha, lime and seasonings – we don’t understand how this greasy goo was allowed to leave the kitchen. It tasted just liked it looked: AWFUL. (Instead of having a crunch, it was repulsively soft and chewy.) And it takes chutzpah charging customers $13.25 (BEFORE tax and tip) for a side-dish that more appropriately belongs in a compost -- a recycling bin for food waste. ▫️ Because brutal, base, broccoli should be banned, and not served to any living creature -- whether herbivore or carnivore -- we scored this dicey dish an “F.” . . . #lucasaferrara @planta . . . #restaurant #restaurants #foodreview #foodreviews #wpb #westpalmbeach #southfloridafood #wpbfood #food #foodie #foodies #foodcritique #vegan #veganfood #vegeterian #veganrestaurant #plantbased #plantbasedfood #plantbasedrestaurant #planta #floridafood #floridadining #broccoli #vegetable #vegetables #greens #superfood #bangbangbrocolli #veggies

Under the direction of executive chef David Lee (“Ouzo Bay” in Boca Raton, “Sushi Garage” in Miami Beach), PLANTA – a plant-based vegan restaurant – recently opened a 200-seat restaurant up in West Palm Beach, Florida (700 S Rosemary Ave). ▫️ Because we liked this hospitality group’s South Beach restaurant, we thought we’d venture up north and give their new location a try, particularly since it’s extremely difficult to find a restaurant that caters to vegans – people who prefer foods free of any animal proteins or byproducts. While our FULLY LOADED NACHOS (reviewed a few days ago) were a total bust, we thought we’d stay and give their CRISPY RICE — avocado, spicy ahi, watermelon ($15.75) — a go. ▫️ Apparently, according to some recipes, the key to making this dish is to use leftover rice, which is coated in oil, seasoned, and then fried. Upscale Japanese eateries will usually top the resulting crunchy, golden-brown rectangles with fresh, spicy tuna. But since animal proteins aren’t utilized at this establishment, we were stuck with unpleasantly crunchy mounds of dry, super-hard rice. (They were exceedingly gritty and difficult to chew.) ▫️ If that weren’t enough, the guacamole (which topped each of the six pieces we received) suffered from a watery consistency, like the nachos we reviewed the other day. And even though the accompanying ahi (a vegan mayo-based marinade) and watermelon (the “iconic fruit of summer”) added a much-needed kick and moisture, those elements weren’t enough to salvage this dish from yet another “F” score. ▫️ Because $16 (BEORE tax and tip) was an outrageous price for these bite-sized servings of ranky rice, you’d be well advised to avoid them. ▫️ (PS: Given our utter disdain for this dish, does that make us ricists?) . . . #lucasaferrara @planta . . . #restaurant #restaurants #foodreview #foodreviews #wpb #westpalmbeach #southfloridafood #wpbfood #food #foodie #foodies #foodcritique #rice #hardrice #crispyrice #vegan #veganfood #vegeterian #veganrestaurant #plantbased #plantbasedfood #plantbasedrestaurant #planta #floridafood #floridadining #southfloridarestaurants #veganrestaurants

If you refuse to eat animal-made or derived products – like meat, eggs, and/or dairy -- it’s not easy finding restaurants that will accommodate your preferences. So, a few years back, when we heard that PLANTA – a vegan restaurant – had opened up in South Beach (Miami, Florida), we headed down and enjoyed our experience there. ▫️ Fast forward a few years, and one of my friends called to tell me that the hospitality group behind this “no animal proteins or byproducts” eatery had leased out some 7,000 square feet up in West Palm Beach (700 S Rosemary Ave.), and was insistent that we give the place a try. ▫️ This 200-seat restaurant is certainly an upscale and nicely appointed establishment. But that’s where the positives end, unfortunately. ▫️ Being fans of Mexican cuisine, our eyes were drawn to the FULLY LOADED NACHOS (“queso,” black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled onion, jalapeño, cilantro) -- $17.95. This dish was created back in 1940, by a man named Ignacio Anaya -- a maître d’hôtel at a restaurant in Coahuila, Mexico. His recipe had only three elements: tortilla chips, cheese and pickled jalapeños. (But, over time, people started piling on additional elements.) ▫️ Sadly, when Planta’s version arrived at our table, it was far from “fully loaded.” Ours was full of voids. In fact, it looked like the kitchen had haphazardly dumped a pile of chips on the plate and left out a significant bulk of the promised toppings. ▫️ Charging us $18 (BEFORE tax and tip) for what was basically a pile of chips, some beans, watery guacamole, and way too much cilantro, didn’t sit well with us, at all. ▫️ And since “queso,” or cheese, is a dairy product, don’t expect the “real” thing to be offered here. Instead, their topping consisted of a carrot and potato paste which we found too sweet. ▫️ Not appreciating that we were fed a load of cr@p, rather than some “loaded nachos,” we unanimously scored this feloniously foul fodder an “F.” . . . #lucasaferrara @planta . . . #restaurant #restaurants #foodreviews #wpbfood #food #foodie #foodies #nacho #nachos #cheese #queso #vegan #veganfood #vegeterian #veganrestaurant #tortillachips #chips #tortillas #guac #guacamole

If you have fond memories of a relative -- particularly a grandparent -- you’re going to love Kevin Keck’s new short, “MANUFACTURED LUCK.” ▫️ Brought to you by “East Tennessee-based creatives,” this project set out to “blend traditional Appalachian storytelling with film.” And in it, we follow young Ash, and her grandfather, Jim – who has an affinity for contests, church raffles, and all things sweepstakes. ▫️ According to Kevin, we follow the exploits of “two introverts from vastly different generations trying to bond.” And the two eventually align when Jim decides to make it his mission to win his grandkid the bike of her dreams. It’s an emotional and inspirational message (about love and family). ▫️ While the film is currently competing in festivals, Kevin was kind enough to prepare this behind-the-scenes peek and has allowed me to share it with you. ▫️ I'm sure you'll agree it's a heartwarming story and journey. ▫️ Enjoy this preview of @manufacturedluck (And, of course, my sincerest thanks to the cast and crew tor this compelling piece of art.) . . . CREW: @b_evans24 - Producer, Brandon Evans @tyleroxendine - Producer, Tyler Oxendine @kevinckeck - Director, Kevin Keck @_adamchapman - Director of Photography, Adam Chapman @carrieferrelli - Production Designer, Carrie Ferrelli chelseyspaige - Costume Designer, Chelsey Paige @thatvintagedarling - Editor, Breeana Kovelman @yeemeister, @truepeaksound - Sound Designer, Shaun Yee and True Peak Soundworks @robertmai107 - Composer, Robert Mai @drnewport - 1st Assistant Director, Hampton Newport . . . CAST: @peteman.7 - Jim, Peter Aylward Ash, Azra Basile @ameliabartlett - Lilly, Amelia Bartlett . . . #luck #lottery #lotteries #chance #fate #destiny #odds #shortfilm #shortfilms #film #films #indiefilm #indiefilms #kid #granddad #grandfather #grandkids #motherdaughter #director #filmmaker #filmmakers #filmmaking #sweepstakes #contest #contests #lottery #raffle #family #love #familylove #life

Blake Ridder has just released his latest film, KILLING HER SOFTLY, and it's safe to say it’s NOT for the faint of heart. (It has plenty of blood and gore. So, expect violence ... and a few expletives) ▫️ Believe it or not, this seven-minute short was shot entirely on Blake's new iPhone 13 Pro Max, in cinematic mode. (I watched this video on my large-screen TV, and the details picked up by that Apple gizmo is astounding.) ▫️ Now if you're into cyber-currency trading, you’ll appreciate the metaphors here. And even if you’re not, be prepared for some wild "activity." ▫️ Blake has given me permission to share this teaser with you. If you like what you see, you can view the whole thing FOR FREE on his YouTube channel. Just go to @blake.ridder and click on the link in his bio. ▫️ This production features some dynamic performances by (in alphabetical order): Mya Brown, Louis James, Price Lindsey, Bibi Lucille, Sarah Alexandra Marks, and Danielle Scott. (Even Blake makes a brief appearance toward the end.) ▫️ If you're ready to view this preview ... PLEASE ask the kids to leave the room ... and prepare for sheer savagery .... . . . #lucasaferrara @blake.ridder @price_collective @wandering_white_rabbit @myaam8 @sarahamarks @bibi_lucille @louisjames24 . . . #murder #murders #drama #thriller #cryptocurrency #trading #marriage #cheating #cheatingspouse #mayhem #blood #gore #indiefilm #indiefilms #filmmaker #filmmaking #short #shortfilm #shortfilms #director #actor #actors #movies #moviemaking #moviemaker #iphone13 #iphonemovie #film #films

In just a little over a week after entering the festival circuit, my second full-length feature film, MAKEUP, has already started receiving laurels. ▫️ The 90-minute movie has just secured recognition from Oniros Film Awards and Lift-off Global Network. ▫️ And there are many more festivals yet to come! ▫️ My heartfelt congratulations (and sincerest thanks) to the amazing creatives (listed below) who have worked on this project. Chief among them: the writer and director, Hugo André, and his “partner in crime,” Will Masheter; both founders of Red Blazer Productions. These two incredible talents are destined to take the film industry by storm. ▫️ Onward! . . . Written & Directed By: Hugo André @hugoandre_media Co-Writer: Will Masheter @will_and_film D.O.P.: @dylan.bijou APs: @paul.andrews.uk, @boywolfemurray 1st AD: @will_and_film 2nd AD: @visconti.tv 1st AC: @flo_sknr 2nd AC: @mr.skina Camera Assistants: @coynecamera, George Stephenson Sound Operators: @atom3eq, @ajenningscomposer Makeup: @englishrose_98, @abm.mua, Courtney Pressley-Almeida Production Assistants: dorian.semencic, @producertev, @fia.jimenez Movement: @adelemarieheenan Still Photographers: Kristian Knight, @dragos.bejanaru Spark: @cabritasteadicam Sound Design: @atom3eq Music: @ajenningscomposer Cast Dan / Danielle: Will Masheter @will_and_film Sacha: Hugo André @hugoandre_media Rudy / Boss: @kentgoldfinch Jay: @lloyd.mundell Toby: @zakyws Rich: @starkeyadam Gracie: Julia Anwuli Sydenham Host: @boywolfemurray Comedian: @peteinskip Singer: @marialidze Dancers: @teddysaunders89, @louiscirce Xavier: @ez3kiel_martin Milo: @chachabakes Luca: @visconti.tv Dance Coach: @adelemarieheenan Office Workers: @shaelynayannablue, @daisyhirst @theworldofgt, @jorge.field_ Waiter: @dorian_semencic . . . #lgbt #lgbtq #makeup #transgender #trans #sexuality #gay #indiefilm #indiefilmmaking #indiefilmmaker #feature #featurefilm #moviemaking #moviemaking #acceptance #love #roommates #friends #friendship ▫️ Special thanks to: @onirosfilmawards and @liftoffglobalnetwork

The cast members of FALLEN were kind of enough to send me this short clip at a recent screening. ▫️ Seen here (from left to right) are that stars of the film: Rafe Mitch, Pilar Amores, Jonah Paull, and Paul Baichoo. (Missing are: Writer and Director Matthew Todd, and actress Scarlett Archer.) ▫️ Since this tape was made, there have been some great developments. Jonah, (second from right), has been awarded “Best Young Actor” accolades from both the HALO International Film Festival (@halo_festival) and High Tatras Film Festival (@hightatrasfilmfestival). ▫️ Our congratulations to Jonah, his mom, Sharona, and to the rest of the FALLEN family. Additional recognition of your great work is sure to follow as the movie makes the rounds at festivals worldwide. ▫️ Onward! . . . #lucasaferrara @thepilaramores @jonahpaull09 @paulchoochoo @scarlett.archer.page @matthetenor . . . #actor #actors #childactor #chils #children #childactors #youngactor #youngactors #bestactor #film #films #bestyoungactor #shortfilm #festivals #shortfilms #filmmaking #filmmaker #filmmakers #faith #faithbased #faithbasedfilm #filmfestival #filmfestivals

For our final course at “Meet Dalia,” a new Mediterranean restaurant located at 640 Ocean Drive, in Miami Beach, Florida, our server suggested we go with the “Dragon Fruit Parfait” – which consisted of a “banana pastry cream, crispy kataifi, spiced syrup” ($13). ▫️ Food historians think the “parfait” was created around 1869, where it was described in a French cookbook as “Parfait au café” -- a coffee-flavored concoction made up of eggs, sugar syrup and cream. But over the last century or so, it’s morphed into any layered dessert served in a clear glass. ▫️ Dragon fruit, which goes by several different names, including pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear, grows on the Hylocereus cactus -- also known as the “Honolulu Queen.” Native to southern Mexico and Central America, you’ll now find this fruit all over the world. And while it may not look particularly attractive, it’s usually quite delicious – tasting much like a cross between a kiwi and a pear. And, according to published sources, since the fruit also happens to be a decent source of fiber, magnesium, and iron, and because it’s considered to be nutrient-dense, it ain’t that bad for you neither. So, we decided to give this dessert a whirl. ▫️ But, alas, the banana pastry cream slayed the dragon (fruit) … rather than complementing it. And while the crispy kataifi – basically, shredded phyllo dough – added a nice crunch, we found the combination of ingredients exceedingly sweet; a sensation unpleasantly magnified by the spiced syrup. ▫️ Let’s just say it was an imperfect parfait. In fact, because we thought the whole $13 thing (BEFORE tax and tip) was so underwhelming, we rated this flawed finale a lowly C-. (I, for one, thought it deserved an “F” … as in a “Fakakta Folly!”) . . . #lucasaferrara @meetdaliamiami . . . #mami #miamirestaurant #miamirestaurants #miamifood #mediterranean #bananacream #mediterraneanfood #floridafood #foodreview #foodviews #restaurantreview #foodreviewer #miamibeach #turkish #turkishfood #greekfood #greek #parfait #dessert #desserts #fruit #dragonfruit #fruits #syrup #spicedsyrup #phyllo #kataifi #banana #restaurant