As April unfolds its petals, it brings with it a day dedicated to celebrating the rich, indulgent flavor of amaretto. National Amaretto Day, observed on April 19th, is a delightful occasion to raise a glass and pay homage to this beloved Italian liqueur. With its origins steeped in tradition and its taste revered worldwide, National Amaretto Day offers an opportunity to delve into the history, versatility, and allure of this timeless spirit.

Amaretto, derived from the Italian word “amaro,” meaning bitter, has a heritage as rich as its flavor. Legend has it that this delectable liqueur traces its roots back to the Renaissance era in Italy, where it was crafted by a discerning blend of almonds or apricot pits, alcohol, sugar, and secret spices. Renowned for its sweet yet subtly bitter taste, amaretto has evolved over centuries, becoming a staple in both classic and contemporary cocktail culture.

What sets Amaretto apart is its remarkable versatility. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in cocktails and culinary creations, its distinctive almond flavor adds depth and sophistication to any libation or dish. From the timeless Amaretto Sour to the indulgent Amaretto Espresso Martini, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting cocktails that showcase this liqueur’s complex profile.

Moreover, amaretto isn’t confined to the confines of a glass. Its rich flavor can enhance a myriad of desserts, from tiramisu to almond biscotti, elevating each bite with a touch of Italian flair. Even savory dishes benefit from a splash of amaretto, as it lends a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to sauces, marinades, and glazes.

On April 19th, aficionados of fine spirits and culinary delights unite to celebrate National Amaretto Day. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of amaretto, there’s no better time to raise a toast to this iconic liqueur.

Host a tasting party with friends and family, sampling an array of amaretto-based cocktails and take this opportunity to experiment with crafting your own signature amaretto-infused creations, adding a personal touch to this cherished tradition.

Amaretto cocktails are very popular too. The ultimate must be the Amaretto Sour, blending the liqueur with lemon juice to showcase its ability to balance tartness with its inherent sweetness.

This beloved cocktail has earned its place among the pantheon of iconic drinks, thanks to its irresistible flavor and simplicity. Perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant soirées, the Amaretto Sour strikes a harmonious balance between indulgence and refreshment.

Amaretto Sour

Ingredients:

2 oz amaretto liqueur

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

Ice cubes

Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the amaretto liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

Secure the lid tightly on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients and properly mix them.

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.

If desired, garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serve and enjoy your refreshing Amaretto Sour!

As National Amaretto Day approaches on April 19th, let us come together to celebrate the enduring legacy of this timeless liqueur. From its storied origins to its unparalleled versatility, amaretto continues to captivate and inspire enthusiasts around the globe.

Whether enjoyed in a cocktail, dessert, or culinary creation, the distinctive flavor of amaretto serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity found in every sip and bite. So, raise your glass, savor the flavor, and toast to National Amaretto Day—a day dedicated to indulgence, tradition, and the simple pleasure of good company. Cheers!

Until we drink again…I send you Delicious Wishes, xoDenise

The post National Amaretto Day on April 19th appeared first on Savor Our City.

Today’s blog post is courtesy of guest contributor, Joyce Wilson.

As an entrepreneur, you understand that your company’s success comes down to more than just your products or services. Your employees are the backbone of your business, and keeping them satisfied and motivated is crucial to your organization’s flourishing.

Providing benefits beyond standard healthcare and retirement plans is a marvelous strategy for boosting employee morale and creating a loyal team. Savor Our City explores six out-of-the-box benefits to increase happiness, engagement, and productivity among your employees:

1. Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in your employees’ professional growth and development can enhance their motivation on the job. It tends to increase employee morale if they know there’s a potential to improve and advance in their career path. Consider offering mentoring or coaching programs to your team members and organized participation in conferences, seminars, or classes to promote learning that will enhance their skills on the job.

2. College Tuition 

Paying for your workers’ education can be a wise move for your company, especially if their degrees are related to your industry and job roles. As an employer, it’s an excellent way to show your staff that you value their professional development and are willing to invest in their future.

Online schools are a fantastic option for busy employees who may not have the time to attend traditional classes, and they allow for flexibility in scheduling. For instance, the University of Phoenix provides degree programs (take a look at this) that won’t distract your team members from their jobs; they’ll be able to focus on their work during the day while studying in the evening (or on weekends).

Providing a pathway to higher education can attract and retain motivated employees who see a future with your company. It could be a win-win for your team members and your business!

3. Flexible Schedules

Offering a flexible schedule can make a significant impact on employee work-life balance and morale. Allowing your workers to fulfill their jobs remotely can leave them more productive and happy.

Giving the option to work a compressed workweek is another way to promote work-life balance. The key is to trust your team’s professionalism while still establishing clear terms for performance and work expectations.

4. Health and Wellness Programs

More businesses are understanding the importance of employee wellness programs by investing in on-site fitness facilities like gyms, health classes, and mental health counseling. Most employees should focus more on their physical and emotional well-being, and your organization can give them what they need to make it happen.
Providing a company-subsidized gym membership can be a great deal for your employees. You could also implement a company-wide step competition or fitness challenge that rewards individuals for reaching specific wellness goals.

5. Creative and Social Outings

Socializing with colleagues outside of the office can significantly contribute to an employee’s well-being. Consider organizing social and creative events for your team members that align with their interests and hobbies.

Participating in fun group activities like escape rooms, geocaching, happy hours, or art classes can do wonders for team morale. Planning a food tour, a scavenger hunt, a cooking classes and “Iron Chef” or “Chopped” style cooking competitions, a mixology class or a painting party with Savor Our City can also make for an unforgettable experience that helps sustain motivation and engagement among your employees!

6. Paid Volunteer Time 
Inspire your employees to give back to the community. Go to the next level and offer paid time off for volunteer work during working hours. It will create a positive workplace culture where your team feels good about working for a company that understands the importance of giving back!

Conclusion

Boosting employee morale is essential for any business, and giving unique benefits is an excellent way to do just that. It doesn’t have to be extravagant and expensive — the ideas above offer tangible and cost-effective rewards that any staff would appreciate.

Allowing for flexible scheduling and work arrangements, investing in helping wellness programs, and looking for team-building opportunities will go a long way toward keeping your team members engaged and creating a positive workplace culture. Determine what type of benefits matters most to your team, and start incorporating them!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our team building activities?

Visit SavorOurCity.com today!

The post 6 Unique Benefits To Boost Employee Morale appeared first on Savor Our City.

Today’s post features one of my favorite fast casual foods: tacos!  I received an invitation to dine at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Ft. Lauderdale a few weeks ago and I’m happy to share my experience with you today.

Since opening its doors to their original location in South Beach, just steps away from the famed Lincoln Road Mall on 16th Street in 2015, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, founded by Menin Hospitality’s Keith Menin and Jared Galbut and led by Culinary Director Bernie Matz, has been offering traditional Mexican favorites as well as unconventional and innovative interpretations, Bodega specializes in tacos and tortas, homemade sodas and authentic beverages in a dynamic, eclectic “puebla” inspired setting.

“We’ve always loved Fort Lauderdale and have been waiting for the right moment and location to open a Bodega Taqueria y Tequila there since we opened our first flagship location in South Beach in 2015,” said Keith Menin, Co-Founder & Principal of Menin Hospitality. “When we saw that they were developing and re-envisioning the riverfront, the new towers, and the Wharf, we found an iconic historic corner that just felt like Bodega. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome guests to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, Fort Lauderdale.” 

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has been revered as one of the hottest Mexican restaurants in America. GQ Magazine has named Bodega “the most popular restaurant in the entire state of Florida for late-night eats”;  InStyle Magazine said it’s one of “4 hot spots worth visiting on your next trip to Miami”; HuffPost called it the “hottest Mexican restaurants in America”; and Elite Daily boasted it as one of “Miami’s hottest nightspots.” A favorite among celebrities, fans include Michael B. Jordan, Niall Horan, Brody Jenner, Diplo, Jamie Foxx, Gabrielle Union, Travis Scott, Nina Agdal, and Joe Jonas, to name a few.

Inside the taqueria, a door leads guests to Bodega’s late-night speakeasy – the perfect spot for happy hour, daytime fun, and late-night debauchery – that features an extensive cocktail menu and live music by local bands and DJs. Signature cocktails include the Pico Picante (Herradura Silver, Ilegal Mezcal, Cucumber, Cilantro, Jalapeno, Lime, Orange Bitters); La Diablita (Don Julio Blanco, Apricot, Blackberries, Ginger, Fresh Lime); and Mezcal Old Fashioned (Casamigos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, Old Fashioned Syrup). Additionally, every Monday, Bodega is activating ‘Margarita Monday’ specials, where guests can enjoy a curated $5 margarita menu from 6 PM-close. Happy Hour is Monday – Friday from 6 PM – 8 PM, and offers $2 Classic Tacos, $3 Chips & Salsa, $4 Chips & Guac, $4 Bottled Beers, $5 Frozen Margaritas, and $7 Bottled Cocktails.

Open daily from 11:30 AM – 12 AM, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, Fort Lauderdale mirrors the flagship South Beach location, doubling as a fast-casual taco joint and a late-night speakeasy-style lounge. The front half of the venue is a taqueria featuring an authentic Mexican street food menu created by culinary director and Chef Bernie Matz. Signature menu items consist of Loaded Carne Asada Nachos (Grilled Rib Eye Steak, Chili Queso, Cotija, Red Onion, Tomato, Cilantro, Chili Crema, Sliced Jalapeno); Late-Night Burrito (Guajillo Braised Short Rib, Roasted Pork, Roasted Chicken, Mexican Rice, Black Bean Refrito, Oaxaca Cheese, Potato Sticks, Salsa Rosada); and Steak Chimichurri Tacos  (Grilled Rib Eye Steak, Purple Cabbage, Tomato, Potato Sticks, Radish, Cilantro, Chimichurri Aioli). Guests order from a full-sized, retrofitted vintage airstream trailer turned into a taco truck and then dine in the garage chic seating of picnic tables, neon bar stools, and graffiti walls. In addition to the regular menu, a weekend brunch menu is available.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Fort Lauderdale is located at 21 W. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL and can also be experienced in South Beach and in American Airlines Arena.  For more information, please visit BodegaTaqueria.com and follow on Instagram @BodegaTaqueria.

*Hours of operation are in accordance with mandated COVID-19 regulations and are subject to change. 

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Bodega Taqueria y Tequila appeared first on Savor Our City.

Today’s post is a two-for, featuring both a wonderful new hostel/boutique hotel and restaurant we were introduced to right in the heart of South Beach. Founded in 2011, Generator, a London-based brand known for their trendy design-forward European Hostels that feel more like boutique hotels, has just opened its first US location in Miami Beach this past August on famed Collins Ave, just one block from the beach. Generator, remodelled from a 1940’s condo building, offers 300 beds in 105 rooms. One of the unique things about this hostel is that in addition to the traditional shared rooms (which start at $20 per bed per night), is the addition of private rooms that start at just $95/night. Generator is not the hostel you might have stayed at while travelling around Europe (probably in your early twenties). They have pulled out all the stops to create a sense of community, incorporating such amenities as an inviting pool, 2 on-site restaurants, beautifully designed shared and private rooms and several really unique common spaces for guests to interact with one another or just take in the serene environment that’s been created for the solo traveler to enjoy on their own – not to mention the awesome location, right in the heart of South Beach. Several activities are being offered at Generator including yoga, mixology demonstrations, movies, a pool table, DJs and more planned.

I was invited by Desirey, the Event Sales Manager and my lovely host for the afternoon who arranged a tour of the hostel/hotel and a lovely lunch for us at Driftway, one of the two restaurants found on the property. As we made our way past the pool heading towards Driftway, I couldn’t help but notice this amazing mural painted on the side of the building. It had been painted by South African artist Chris Aurett. The food & beverage operations are being overseen by Gui Jaroschy, whose impressive resume includes opening the Broken Shaker in Miami Beach as well as several other locations in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York; managing the Anderson in Miami’s Upper Eastside; and consulting on cocktail menus for Ricochet Lounge, Drunken Dragon and British Airways.

Alex, our Driftway guy let me sample all four of their frozen drinks; the Suze and Coke, OMFG Margarita, Bird of Paradise and the Friesling. I enjoyed them all, but my favorite was the Bird of Paradise which was made with Beefeater Dry Gin, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, Martini Bitter and J Wray Rum, allspice and cubeb pepper.

The food and frozen drinks were amazing, as was the ambience and the company. I am looking forward to planning my next Staycation right there at my new favorite place on South Beach.

If you are planning a trip to Miami Beach and are looking for things to do in the area, you might want to consider booking a Savor Our City tour. Private tours are offered for a minimum of 2 guests and groups of up to 50 people. Choose from South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, Miami Springs, Doral and Brickell. For more info on tours, contact Savor Our City.

Generator Miami is located at 3120 Collins Ave. Miami Beach 786 496 5730

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Staycation Alert: South Beach for $20/night…are you kidding?!?! appeared first on Savor Our City.