A Taste of Spain in Downtown Miami

My mouth went to Spain the other day.

Tender, smoky octopus, redolent of the salt spray that splashed my skin when I went fishing in Galicia -- combined with a tangy piquillo pepper sauce, garbanzos, perfectly briny black olives and roasted Marcona almonds -- made me wonder if I hadn't boarded a flight on Iberia and traversed the entire peninsula from Andalucía to the shores of the Bay of Biscay, all in one mouthful.

While slowly enjoying each bite, I envisioned Flamenco dancers from the south and Gaiteros performing Celtic jigs to the north. Along the way, I saw fields of sunflowers and the castle ruins of Castilla-León.

I am rarely this inspired by food. This dish transported me.

Pulpo A La Gallega is an appetizer served at at DB Bistro Moderne, located at the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami. For less than $20, it's far cheaper than a flight to Spain and an absolute pleasure to devour -- slowly, of course -- with no shame to mop up the sauce with bread.

Silicone Bitch: Is Pinterest a Cult?

The original "social pinning." Photo courtesy of Brendajos on Flickr.

Speaking of religious fervor, oh, I don't know, a bazillion users daily in a short period of time? Pass the kool aid. Not even Jesus can get so many people to attend church.

Pinterest seems to sum up what is inherently narcissistic about social media. (I'm the first guilty party to raise her hand, by the way.) "Here's pictures of shit that I like, and I absolutely must share them with you, even if I violate someone's copyright beyond creative commons."

If you must create a pin board about something you're planning, why feel compelled to share it with the rest of the universe? Wouldn't you want to share your wedding dress options with your nearest and dearest in a private board?

I know the answer: it's because we all want some validation and don't want to exist in a vacuum.

By the way, I created one Pinterest board about fishing called Angler's Cove and it's pretty boring because it's not about girly things like fashion and kittens.

As I always say: in social media, if the shoe fits, wear it. But don't feel obligated to be an adopter unless the platform really works for you in an organic and authentic way.

How quick are you to adopt social media trends? Do you see dollar signs immediately or are using new platforms for personal enjoyment?