The Quinces Celebration Continues With Some Friends from Miami & NY

I often say, “I’m the luckiest,” and I totally feel like that’s true. 

I was in Miami in December of 2019, – before the plague hit – and had the great pleasure of sitting down and talking and eating and hanging (and eating some more) with Chef Mike Beltran at his fabulous restaurant, Ariete, along with Nick Jimenez, the creator of Pan con Podcast. 

I shared a lot about this historic encounter on my Instagram stories, but that’s not important right now.

I also had the great pleasure of visiting Chug’s Diner (also owned by Mike) for a late night pastelito where I met up with the incomparable Maggie Jimenez, the catering genius who owns Maggie’s Kitchen 2U. 

All that to say this: I was delighted when they all sent me “Felicidades” messages for my Bloggy Quinceañera. 

My cyber-friend, Louie Estrada, who owns My Cuban Spot in Brooklyn also joined in the fun. 

Thanks, you guys! 

The first take away is that if you’re ever in Miami, get yourself over to Coconut Grove and partake of the magic that is Ariete and the down-home Cuban comfort that is Chug’s Diner. You’re welcome. 

And, of course, if you find yourself in Brooklyn, New York, drop into My Cuban Spot and say hi to Louie Estrada. Tell him Marta sent you! 

Also, please appreciate and enjoy the cutaways to the ceiling fan, the great drinks from the bar and all the very Cuban cigar smoke. You all ROCK! 

Oh, the Cubanity!