(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento) Carlos’ Country Rice is inspired by the comforting spirit of Cuban arroz campesino, a rustic country-style rice dish made to bring people together around the table. This version blends that Cuban foundation with flavors from across Spain, the Caribbean, and South America. Saffron and paprika add a Spanish touch, while the sofrito-style combination of garlic, onions, tomatoes, and carrots creates a deeply aromatic base. Argentinean chorizo brings sm

(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento) There is a distinct art to pairing spirits with fine dining. While wine often takes center stage, a well-crafted rum pairing can unlock layers of flavor that are entirely unique. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Golden Summer Rum Dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Coral Gables, where the legendary Don Q Rum took the spotlight. (Photo: Carlos Sarmiento) The evening was a masterfully curated journey, guided with infectious

(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento) The DAOU Soul of a City: Miami event was nothing short of a revelation. Experiencing the unveiling of the 2023 DAOU Soul of a Lion in such an immersive, high-energy setting at Casadonna was an exquisite experience that stayed with me long after the evening concluded. (Photo: Lissette Alvarez ) For those who would like to revisit the story behind this unforgettable launch and learn more about the legacy of DAOU Mountain, you can read my full recap of

There is a distinct magic that happens when a winemaker travels thousands of miles to share the story of their land. Recently, I had the privilege of experiencing that magic firsthand at Zucca Restaurant in Coral Gables, where Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. hosted an exclusive unveiling of the Melini 2020 La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva. The afternoon was a masterclass in Tuscan tradition, featuring a special appearance by winemaker Alessandro Zanette, who flew in from

(Photo: Carlos Sarmiento) By Carlos Sarmiento: (Photo: Lissette Alvarez) There are wine events, and then there are evenings designed to leave a lasting impression. On March 25, 2026, I had the pleasure of attending DAOU Soul of a City: Miami at Casadonna, a cocktail-style experience created to celebrate the debut of the 2023 DAOU Soul of a Lion. The evening brought together rare wines, elevated culinary pairings, immersive moments, and the unmistakable energy of one of Miami’

Photo by Carlos Sarmiento Earlier this summer I had the privilege of going back to wine country in California, including Paso Robles,...

Photo by Carlos Sarmiento The perfect wine for a perfect midweek dinner. I love crafting quick meals that don’t compromise on flavor, and...

Photo by: Carlos Sarmiento Tenuta di Nozzole has consistently delivered exceptional wines across vintages and has quickly become my go-to...

Photo by Carlos Sarmiento The perfect weeknight pasta dish is here. Simple ingredients with expressive flavors is what makes this recipe...

Photo by: Carlos Sarmiento Looking for a savory, simple recipe that feels like a gourmet treat? This shrimp and scallop dish is...

Jaguar Restaurant Photo Courtesy of Amore Communications Fellow travelers and foodie friends…get ready for an unforgettable adventure in...

Photo by Carlos Sarmiento This dish is named after my mother, Aida. One evening, she wanted me to make something that was relatively...

Photo courtesy of Novatore Cucina e Bar Finding culinary inspiration is a journey—one where each experience, whether at restaurants,...

Photo by: Carlos Sarmiento Let‘s get cooking! Menu: Carlos’ Italian burger on ciabatta with ground mustard, sharp provolone, spiced...

Photo by Carlos Sarmiento In my search for great red blends, I was pleasantly surprised by St. Supery’s Bordeaux-inspired Napa Valley...

(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento) Steak Diane: A Retro Classic with a London Twist Steak Diane, a dish that exudes elegance and indulgence, has...

(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento) In my journey of exploring food, wine, and the stories they tell, I recently discovered a connection with...

(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento) The best challenge a cook can have is creating with what is a available. I recently found myself with very...

(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento) Carlos’ Food & Wine mission has always been to “give your kitchen a chance” and allow you to cook amazing...

(Photo by Carlos Sarmiento) About a year ago, I took a trip to Disney world with my daughter and my mother, a fun little weekend getaway....