There are few competitors in the Italian dining space in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.  One being Cerutti, which is more of a fancy, fine dining establishment you would take a date or spouse, the other being Cafe DiBartolo.  Depending on who you ask, DiBartolo is often called the best Italian establishment in Costa Rica.  Personally, I can’t stand the attitude there nor the fact that you they make you feel like an ant if you don’t spend $500 or more every time you set foot in the door.  In light of keeping things cordial, I’ll say their food is great but I’ll never be back after dozens upon dozens of past visits.  I’ll also add that I’m very happy Tres Scalini is kicking their ass on the west side of town now and grabbing their market share.

Back to my Tres Scalini review, I’ll state that the menu consists of fine Italian entrees, appetizers, and they also boast an extensive wine list, if your into that sort of thing.  Of course, it can get pricey if you order fine wines, but of course, that’s up to you.  The prices for the meals are VERY fair, and the head chef, Tony, asks you if you’d like anything in particular.  Don’t be shy, if something you like to order is not on the menu, he will make it for you.  Just ask.  My personal favorites are the veal parmesan with extra parmesan, as well as the Tortellini Michaelangelo, which is oustanding!  They also have a very fresh ceasar salad that comes with tons of anchovies, so if you are into those, certainly tell them and you will be in for something special.

Tres Scalini’s staff is warm, polite, and suggestive, but never pushy.  They are professional, courteous, and a pleasure to be around.  This is by far the best Italian restaurant in Costa Rica.  It’s not even close.  Congrats to Tony and his  team for opening up on the west side of town.  Wishing them tons of success.

-Terry Bender

Resident travel blogger and Miami Socialite

So, I thought it was a good idea to point out to all my fellow smokers who have not made the switch to e-cigarettes, that this Memorial Day Weekend, one of the best electronic cigarette brands, Green Smoke, is having a pretty exciting sale.  They are calling it the “Green Smoke Zero Nicotine Giveaway,” and it’s happening NOW.

Read the below information, and if you want to read what the leading authority 0n electronic cigarettes, Andy Gray, has to say, just click through the link below to find dozens of reviews done by the master himself.

Andy Gray talks about Green Smoke & Other Electronic Cigarettes

Here is a quick summary of what every sale during the memorial day kit giveaway includes:

The Memorial day Kit contains everything you need to Green Smoke Plus 2 Free Packs of ZERO NICOTINE Cartridges .

It includes:

	1 Short lithium ion rechargeable electric cigarette battery with Green Tip Lights Red
	1 Long lithium ion rechargeable electric cigarette battery with Green Tip Lights Red
	1 USB home charger kit  (includes USB adapter and wall adapter) (100-240VAC)
	15 Zero Nicotine cartridges (Choose 3 five-pack cartridges)   Choose from: Menthol, Tobacco M (Marlboro), Chocolate, Coffee, Apple or Strawberry
	1 Green Smoke electric cigarette manual

The New Orleans Saints reeled off an impressive 31-17 victory in come-from-behind fashion versus the Indianapolis Colts.  Drew Brees was named the games MVP in the process, giving New Orleans their first ever Super Bowl victory.

An impressive game featuring the WHO as the featured halftime performance let fans of both teams enjoy lead changes and momentum changes.  A big interception by New Orleans, returned to the end zone for 7 points was the icing on the cake for the Saints, who took the lead earlier when Miami resident Jeremy Shockey hit paydirt on his third reception of the game.

Other Miami news and notes to come later today.  Miami did a great job as always hosting the Super Bowl….

There is a ton going on today in the Miami area in forms of Super Bowl parties.  Of course, this is the premier event, the culmination if you will, of the entire 2009-2010 football season.  The Super Bowl is the last football game played in any major division or level of the sport, and it’s for all the marbles.  This year, it’s right here at Sun Life Financial field in Miami, Florida.  Being the hosts means we have many more opportunities to party this year.  Here is a list of some known locations having Super Bowl parties in Miami.

Hard Rock Live has a brunch starting at 10:00 am for all of you who want to start early.  REAL early.  That’s sure to mean Miami style.  Mimosa’s, bloody Mary’s, etc.  Game will follow at 5 pm with coverage…..

Bud Light Hotel (Beachcomber) host Jimmy Football has the offical Bud Light Tailgate Approved tailgate party.  Jimmy Football will show all attendees how to properly tailgate, among other things.

Hooters of all locations will certainly be slammed.  They all have parties and decor for the Super Bowl.

Millers Ale House (many locations) traditionally take reservations for the big game.  Check with your nearest Ale house to find out what the deal is. Usually they do an all you can drink deal.   Don’t forget to check out the super-charged Ale Houses, the Carolina Ale House In Weston, a more modern version of the Ale House by another company.  Huge outdoor patio and televisions can’t be beat.

There is alway’s South Beach’s Ocean Drive, and of course, the Clevelander.  Always a great option no matter what the occasion.

For all of you looking to celebrate your gambling win or your teams victory, head on over to the Hard Rock Casino where none other than LudaCris, (LUDA!) will be hosting the Super Ballers after party at Club Passions.  Sure to be an off the hook event, Luda-style.

That’s just a handful of the many opps out there for this years Super Bowl.  There are sure to be parties on every corner. Whatever  you choose to do, we ask that you be safe.  Don’t drink and drive.  Get a designated driver if you are going to drink heavily.

Enjoy this years Miami Super Bowl.  The Miami Blog is rooting for the New Orleans Saints!  Nothing against Peyton Manning, perhaps the best ever, but there is a new quarterback willing and ready to take the title this year:  Drew Brees.

From the Miami Blog Staff….

We’ll be taking off until the weekend over here at Miami Blog, but we wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays if you celebrate other Holidays) from the staff at Miami’s Best News Blog!

While we are away, here are some things you can keep up with over the Holidays in the Miami area…

If you are feeling lucky over the Holidays, take your chances at poker, blackjack, or slots at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

If you are a sports fan, there are a number of bowl games happening daily – tonight Utah takes on California.

Jacory Harris and the Miami Hurricanes take on the big-ten team Wisconsin Badgers from Orlando in the Champs Sports Bowl – that’s on December 29th in Orlando.

Even though it’s a little bit cold out there, Miami golf is always a great idea!

If you are a fan of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, you are in luck.  The popular event is taking place once again in February this year, and there is a long list of celebrity cooks that are going to be there!

The countdown is on – it’s only 77 days away at the time of this post.  Here is a list of people expected to be in attendance at this year’s event:

• Rachel Ray
• Bobby Flay
• Guy Fieri
• Emeril Lagasse
• Ming Tsai and many, many more.

If you have not been to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, it’s an event you MUST SEE if you are in the area.  Basically, many of the restaurants in the area have a chance to showcase their best dishes in a rain or shine even put on right on South Beach.  Of course, many of the best wines in the world are on showcase, with their proud makers in attendance to talk about anything about the wines.

You can sample dishes from places like Nobu, Pearl, Prime 112, and other participating Miami Beach Restaurants.

It’s a can’t miss event that may seem pricey, but once your there, you will agree it’s a great value.

There are several new updates on the best Miami news blog around!  If you haven’t seen them, I urge you to take a look at the site for a while.  We have several new sections, including an in depth South Beach Information page.  This page talks al about South Beach, and while it’s nothing new for locals, people looking for information about South Beach will find it handy.

Moving forward, we’ll add some items to the South Beach page, such as a directory of local businesses as well as some South Beach restaurant/nightlife reviews.

We also have some pages about other Miami topics, which are sponsored by local businesses.  This includes our Miami real estate page, as well as our Miami Mortgage information page.  Be sure to check them out as they are SOLID companies.

As we strive to keep this the top Miami news blog, we will continue to expand our uber-informative website.

Coming soon, Miami Night Life information and reviews….

I know this isn’t exactly Miami news, but it’s close enough, and especially since Tiger Woods stays nearby in Jupiter, it’s worth reporting.

Tiger Woods was involved in a car accident today, and was treated for facial lacerations.  He was already released (phew) and appears to be fine.  The topic made national news today….

Miami area news…..

Dolphins to face division rival Buffalo this weekend on the road….

Hurricanes football faces South Florida….

One of our local sponsors, EliteSkin, has a big Holiday Sale.

It’s been a great first year at Miami Blog. Just wanted to thank everyone for the continued readership, comments, suggestions, and support. May you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Here are some Miami area notes for Thanksgiving Day, 2009:

Dolphins Running Back Ricky Williams was named the player of the week in the AFC.

The Miami Heat edged the Orlando Magic last night, 99-98.

The Miami Hurricanes Football team will play the South Florida Bulls this weekend.  Jacory Harris is still listed as questionable with a hand problem.