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Tuesday, 11 April 2017

THE VOLI HOP 2017

When in Miami, hop from one place to another and check out how each place shows how 'iLov Voli’ in their own unique way!

The Voli Hop reminded me a lot of how Pitbull’s music is genre-less or jumps from one to another without being boxed into a particular category. Similarly as we visited the venues that offer the newly branded Voli 305 Vodka, each one was different from the other. Different area, different clientele, different style, different cuisine, different ambiance. With one thing in common that crosses all the tastes in the establishments. Voli 305 Vodka.

The bold, clean, bright, red, white and black branding stands out from the rest on the shelves. The new design has a more personalised look with Mr Worldwide’s tattoo on the bottle, the design also feels very ‘approachable’ and fun. Just like Pitbull. With an added personal touch of Pitbull’s signature and also signed off by Matt Malone (Master Distiller), the vodka is now handmade IN Miami with its own distillery in the 305. Flip the name and bottle around and we have #iLov as Voli flipped back to front as part of its slogan and putting a stamp on its own social media hashtag trend upon the relaunch.

Without further a-do, off fellow #PitbullGirl, Bertie and I went to explore some of the Voli 305 Vodka hot spots in Miami.

The Sugar Factory, Ocean Drive

Let go and entertain that inner child like a kid in a candy store – very literally!

It is Insane! Like a fantasy land outside and goes deeper hidden inside Hotel Victor on Ocean Drive. A novelty place from brightly coloured candy and ice creams to a classy and affordable American themed brasserie and bar area at the back. New age ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’ is what sprung to mind! Something far beyond the imagination from savory to sweet from salads, pancakes, mac cheese balls, quesadillas, crepes and burgers to snow cones, inventive ice creams, world famous Couture Pops drawing in various celebrities to milkshakes with chocolate you can scrape off from the outside of the glass to consume outside to within.

Aside from the creative food and desserts the Sugar Factory is renowned for its range of flavoured alcohol and candy garnished drinks and we were here to sample what magic the Sugar Factory does with Mr Worldwide’s Voli 305 Vodka in light of their partnership with this ‘wonderland’ restaurant.  

One of the Sugar Factory’s Unique Selling Point’s is its premium cocktail Goblets. Which may also be viewed as a fishbowl or industrial sized wine glass with chunks of dry ice which is what makes the drinks steam and bubble and its size to what feels like a bottomless drink.

The bar staff were very welcoming, friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable about their products. Thank you to Jose Mayora and especially Chris Montoya who spoke to us about the popularity of Voli 305 Vodka and demonstrated making some captivating Voli 305 Vodka infused Goblets in the videos below. Video 1 is a demonstration of the delectable and mesmerising Passion Punch Goblet made from Voli 305 Vodka. Sweet, easy to drink, definitely has punch to it and watch the Voli make it steam as cool as the vodka itself is! Video 2 is the second demonstration is the Voli 305 Vodka within the Energy Bear Goblet, garnished with gummy bears of course!

The experience of making these goblets are both as exciting and thrilling to watch as well as to drink.



Passion Punch
 

Energy Bear





114 Ocean Drive, Miami, FL 33139




The Globe

Family owned since 1997, sees The Globe celebrate 20 years in the heart of the Coral Gables. With a classic European vibe incorporated into its surroundings, the Globe is very welcoming, lively and has a grand piano as decor amongst crystal chandeliers and beautiful old paintings.

True to some of its 'Euro flair' it wasn't so long ago that The Globe held a St Patricks Day party sponsored by Voli 305 Vodka.

Two whole shelves vertically dedicated solely to Voli 305 Vodka prominently draws attention to the strong and clear presence of the brand. Think deeper and see how the 'globe' on the Voli 305 Vodka bottles go beautifully hand in hand with real life, different sized globes which sit horizontally on top of the adjoining central bottle shelf. 

Come to think of it. The Globe, the globe bottle design derived from Pitbull's tattoo, Pitbull with the globe in the palm of his hand, global domination and the connections go on as the penny drops when thinking from an in-depth view.

Lovely staff and management. Thank you so very much for everything during our visit.

A must visit and their delicious Voli 305 Vodka pineapple and (not or, but and) apple martini are the ones to ask for in this unique charming place known for its lively happy hours, Live Jazz music and spilling the ambiance outside with its al fresco seating.


377 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134




Christy's Restaurant  
Known as Miami's premier Steakhouse, the iconic Christy's located in the Coral Gables for over 38 years is classy, with a little club feel. Elegant, wood panel decorated, soft-red lit, inviting, relaxing and relevant. Attracting a range of clientele. Where the service and staff are renowned for being friendly and customer-centric as well as their mouthwatering menu. 

Thank you General Manager Richard Legra who kindly spoke to us with his team about the passion and popularity of the Voli 305 Vodka especially as part of a mean Capiroska! With further excitement about a very specific Voli 305 Vodka cocktail going on the drinks menu as 'La Palmita' comprised of: 

2 oz Voli 305 Vodka, 1 oz Simple Syrup, 1/2 Lemon, 1/2 Lime, 1 oz (cantaloupe) melon juice. Garnished with orange slices carefully placed to resemble a palm tree. Translate to La Palmita! 

Book a table at this divine dining place for a Voli 305 Vodka champion cocktail and bespoke-beyond. I've heard their Caesar Salad and show stopping Baked Alaska are a must try for my next visit. Looking forward to more on the Voli 305 Vodka upcoming La Palmita in the near future.



3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134




Komodo

Upon entering, I'm taken aback by Komodo's enchanting ambiance and can't help but follow as my eyes dart from one corner to another discovering new details along the way. 


Komodo is situated in the heart of Miami's thriving Brickell area and takes Asian fusion to the next level. Dim red lighting, giant red palm leaves overhead by the bar area, bamboo tree trunks floor to ceiling disguised as part of the structure carefully carved designs to let out a soft red light. To another carefully blended atmosphere with an outdoor oriental garden-like dining area. The venue also has an more intimate lounge area with a DJ and bar area that awakens Thursday to Saturday evenings. 

Accompanied by some delicious Dragon Fries we cleansed our palette with a Ginger Passionfruit Mule and Watermelon Basil Mojito the latter which uses fresh watermelon. Both made from Voli 305 Vodka and equally refreshing, moreish and very flavoursome. Our drinks were created by 'Jaime' who talked about his passion for Voli 305 Vodka and how it's the ‘go-to vodka’ for his creations. Thank you and Manager Mark for talking to us. Another must visit place when in Miami.









801 Brickell Ave Miami FL 33131



Ruth Chris Steak House

Ruth Chris Steak House is a casual yet stylish restaurant that feels familiar and at home at the same time.  Carpeted and with what looks like an endless finely finished bookshelf with their wide range of wines also in the cabinet that goes on forever and around corners, the restaurant allows you to dine off their appealing menu and sample what the restaurant is known for, their custom-aged USDA Prime midwestern beef customised further to how the customer wants the flavour or simply sit and enjoy a drink at the bar. 

We sampled the Voli and Soda and Voli Bloody Mary and it was very bloody strong might I add but very scrummy too. Another popular one is just as Pitbull may have it, on the rocks with lime.


2320 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134



La Fontana Havana

The vibrant Espaniola Way is where La Fontana Havana is located. A restaurant which has taken inspiration from the famous La Fontana Havana in Havana, Cuba. Very authentic, draped Cuban flags and photographs on the wall with a fuss-free feeling.

Voli 305 Vodka is how you like it, simply ask to create- and they will create!




512 Espanola Way, Miami Beach, FL 33139


So there you have it, just some of the most characteristic and charismatic places to add on the list of places to visit to get your favourite Voli 305 Vodka infused tipple! 



With thanks for a great adventure and shared photo credits to @247Pitbull 

Dale!

Friday, 9 October 2015

LET'S FALL IN LOVE WITH MANGO'S! EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ANTONIO LARACUENTE




Vice President of Operations of Mango's Tropical Cafe Orlando Antonio Laracuente will be taking the unique ‘Mango’s party’ blend of ingredients from Miami to the new Mango’s in Orlando. Antonio has been with Mango’s for nine years and is the creator Latin Tuesdays, Miami’s Premier Latin VIP Dance party at Mango’s which has been running strong since 2009 at the sizzling Latin flavoured Ocean Drive hot spot.

Watching Antonio at work is impressive and inspirational. Someone who works so incredibly hard each night and clearly enjoys what he does while interacting and ensuring visitors are having a good time. That operations are running smoothly and always wearing a warm smile while having fun at the same time with so much energy. With the opening of the new Mango’s Orlando in late November this year, Antonio is currently on site of the new venue at the heart of International Drive. As preparations from scratch for the opening of the brand new Mango’s Orlando are underway.

“Come fall in love with Mango’s” is what Mango’s tell us. My interpretation is that this is NOT an instruction or an invitation, it’s more like a guarantee that you will!

Without further a-do, let’s talk to Antonio about  Mango’s Miami, Mango’s Orlando, Pitbull, Voli and more!

Thanks for taking the time to talk to me Antonio

Tell us, for anyone who has never been to Mango's, can you sum it up for us in a few words or sentences?
Mango's is a unique restaurant and nightclub featuring fabulous Latin and Caribbean comfort foods, exotic libations and high-energy entertainment provided by beautiful dancers. The music ranges from Salsa to Bachatta, Reggaeton and Pop, while guests sip on hand-mixed Mojitos, Daiquiris, Martinis and Cosmos. Mango's has coined the phrase "Florri bean Cuisine"  to describe the wide range of world-class dining  creations including  favourites like Churrasco steak, BBQ ribs, Al Ajillo  and Caribbean  Creole,  to mention a few.

Mango's Miami is renowned for being one of Pitbull’s favourite places, what happens when Mr Worldwide has made a surprise visit?
Yes, Mango's is one of Mr Worldwide's favourite places to get away and unwind.  When he arrives, he likes to be low key, enjoy his favourite Voli cocktail - Voli, water and limes - and of course, loves the view of our beautiful sexy ladies performing.  While he likes to be low key the minute Mr Worldwide sets foot in the venue and is spotted by his fans, the line to take a picture with Pit is non-stop all night – and he never turns anyone away! He respects and understands that he is where he is in his career because of his fans. There are times when the lines to get him get overwhelming. I look at him and say "You want to take a break?" and he says "No Papo - Dale, I am good." I can truly say he enjoys his fans and loves feeding off their energy for him.



Do you have a favourite Pitbull song?
Don’t Stop The Party…  Which goes perfectly with Mango’s!

Has anything funny, crazy, scary happened on any of these Pitbull visits?
Nothing crazy or scary has really happened during one of Pitbull's visits, but funny things happen every time he is with us!   From fans asking to marry him to others showing him their best Pitbull impression.  It is always fun when he is at Mango's.  Never a dull moment!

Many fans think you look a lot like Pitbull, have you ever been mistaken for Mr Worldwide?

Sometimes, but once I start singing the mistake is corrected very quickly! (Laughs)  Pitbull is a unique character and his charisma is hard to duplicate! It is fun to be mistaken for him, if only in appearance!

What about dancing? Have you ever had the urge to get up on that bar and bust some moves to a Pitbull song?
Of course!  Doesn't everyone get that urge when they feel the beat of a Pitbull song? The only  problem  is that  I  certainly  would  NOT be mistaken  for  Mr Worldwide  if  I  was ever to get on  the  stage and "bust
some moves!"  (Laughs)

Haha yes I think we all get that urge! I’m sure everyone would happily dance along with you though. Talk to me more about the food at Mango’s. Are there any particular dishes you would personally recommend?

My  personal   favourites  are the  Churrasco  steak and Caribbean   Creole,   I prefer  the  chicken  with  that  one.  But believe   me,  the food  is so good at Mango's,  you  really can't  go wrong  no matter  what  you select- and  the  appetizers   are so delicious  and generous,  there  are always  great beginnings  to every meal.

 …And of course the cocktails are amazing there! Pitbull's  Voli  Spirits  Dreamsicle  and Volito  cocktails  are my favourites  at Mango's  so  far, do you have any preferences?
The Dreamsicle has to be my favourite.   It has a unique flavour that really gets things off to a great start.  But Mango's has such a large and creative drink  menu,  I  promise  there  is something  for  everyone's  taste!


Absolutely!  I'm also excited about the new Mango’s Voli Vodka!  Can you tell us more about this and Mango’s Orlando?
The new ‘Mango's by Voli’  was created  to celebrate  the  25th  anniversary  of the  legendary  Mango's Tropical Cafe South  Beach and the  opening  this fall of the $50 million, 55,000 square  foot  Mango's Tropical  Cafe Orlando.  It's  a great  combination  because  Pitbull  is the Voli Vodka spokesperson  and ambassador  and,  of course,  a  great  friend  of Mango's!   The   Mango's  Orlando  location will  be located  in the  heart  of International  Drive close to Sand Lake Road  and will  be three  times  as large as the South Beach iconic cafe.


WOW that is huge! I can’t wait to visit sometime.  I’m obsessed and in awe of the progress made in the photos, especially the magnificent staircase and platform area in the making at the new Mango’s Orlando   - is this a performance or VIP area?
The staircase and platform area were designed to be performance areas.   We have the Vodou Room, Havana Lounge, Mojito Lounge and VIP Main Stage seating for VIP areas.


Do you have your own secret formula for a great party?
I sure do!  It's the Mango's formula.  Beautiful  women  providing   entertainment,   fabulous  high-energy Latin  music,  a fun  and classic environment   with plenty  of room  for  dancing, creative  and tasty  drinks, and the  best food  in the  world!

Your work schedule seems really busy!  How do you relax and unwind?
Sip a Dreamsicle, put on my earphones and listen to Pitbull, of course!  He's so high-energy though, it gets my blood flowing and it’s hard to stay in my seat. But it is always great to also spend time with family and friends, and Orlando  has such great  entertainment   opportunities like theme  parks, beaches  nearby,  the new Orlando  Eye,  professional   sporting  events,  they  are all a  great way to unwind.
  
Do you have any words of advice for anyone wanting to go into the restaurant,   nightlife    and entertainment     business?
Be ready for the ride of your life!  It's a very demanding business requiring long hours and a lot of sacrifice.  So  my advice would  be to do your  homework  before  you get into  it,  talk to  people  like me who have the  experience  they  can share and be sure you are willing  to put in the time and effort  to make  it work!   It is a very  rewarding  career and as  long as you know  what  you're getting  into. It can be a  dream come true.


It's been a pleasure Antonio, thank you so much for sharing with us. I've spent many a great nights at Mango's Miami and am excited about visiting the new Mango's Orlando sometime.

Follow Antonio, Mango's Tropical Cafe Miami & Orlando on the following links and check out the fantastic videos below.


Follow Antonio Laracuente
  
Mango’s Orlando Opening Late November 2015
For more information, reservation & party bookings visit


Mango's Orlando


Mango's Miami


Voli Vodka  (Over 21 only)






VIDEOS
For more Mango's Tropical Cafe Videos Click HERE






Monday, 23 March 2015

VOLI 'LIVE' CONTEST AT MANGO's SOUTH BEACH



The 18th of March 2015 hosted by myself was a 'Voli-good' takeover with a LIVE Voli contest at the heart of Latin music on Ocean drive. A place where Pitbull himself often makes surprise visits and a place where you can get the BEST Voli cocktails. Mango's South Beach, Miami. 

In order to be in a chance to WIN one of four free refreshing Pitbull Voli Vodka cocktails the entry requirements were simply to BE at Mango's post 9pm on the18th March and TWEET @pitbull @MangosTropCafe @VoliSpirits #StaySexy 

The winners selected at random were  @Sam11Salman @schlampy11 @hilwontorres @baddesthotchick


Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all those who took part in the contest. Thank you to the #Pitbullgirls worldwide for supporting and a big thank you also to Voli Vodkas, to Mango's for donating the refreshing prizes. Thank you to the lovely Antonio Laracuente (Senior Operations Manager Mango's) and Raquel Santana (Events Manager Mango's) for enabling the contest to take place.

Check out more images from the night below and remember when in South Beach Mango's is the place to eat, party and get the full Latin vibe and entertainment experience with the best Voli cocktails around. There is something there for everyone! Get in touch through the Mango's link below for group bookings too. Mango's will not disappoint!

Dale!

www.mangostropicalcafe.com

www.Volivodkas.com