There are several restaurants setup with large screen televisions that are perfect for watching the game. A sure place to get food, drinks and raging excitment is the North Miami Beach Ale House on 163rd Street. A few blocks East and you’ll find Duffy’s Sports Grill on the water. Duffy’s has a great Wings ad posted on Facebook, for the Super Bowl.

If you’re looking to stay closer, check out Avenue 29 there’s MASSIVE screen for the game and delicious sophisticated bar snacks & drink specials – free hotdogs and more.

Are you in the mood to bar hop from place to place, check out the Village at Gulfstream. Here you’ll find awesome restaurants like Yard House and The Playwright, each with televisions throughout their space. Depending on the weather, you can watch the first half at one place and then jump to another.

The Playwright Specials include:
5 for $15 Bucket
$10 Pitchers
$5 Margaritas

There a many restaurants around Aventura that make a perfect spot to enjoy the game with friends and family. Regardless of the team you’re cheering to win, it’s well worth going out and having some fun!

Where are you going for Super Bowl Sunday?

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Disclosure: This is not an advertorial/sponsored post; however, The Playwright and Avenue 29 are advertisers.

There’s always improvements being made in Aventura. As you drive through Aventura on the short stretch of Biscayne Blvd. you should start to notice the light posts are changing. Specifically, by the Aventura Mall area there have been several new light posts installed. These posts are a lot nicer than the typical posts, these have a second lower lantern for a more luxurious look.

These new lights will give Aventura a signature look in the evening and add to the luxury lifestyle that continues to build in this area.

Share your thoughts about the new light posts.

The New York Football Giants have followed the same formula which not only propelled them to the Big Dance this year, but that also won it all for them in ‘08. Meanwhile the New England Patriots’ road to success has embarked on a much different trail than 4 years ago, yet their ultra-reliance on Mr. Brady’s talents is what will ultimately spell doom for them again.

As predicted by Yours Truly when NY beat Dallas to win its division at 9-7, the G-Men’s renewed health and hotness at the right time, especially knowing that they had stayed close in a regular season match-up with the seemingly unbeatable Packers, would place them in the same position as when they last won it all. Ironically, they face the same team that stood in their way back then, with one notable difference: The Giants beat the Patriots this year in Week 8 of the regular season (lost to them in ‘08). This fact historically does not bode well for NY, as the last 3 teams to win the regular season matchup, lost in the Super Bowl against the same team (of course, this includes the Giants in ‘08).

But there is one unmistakable aspect of this Giants’ team that mirrors that of their last title run. Simply put, the G-Men are built to pass rush and create pressure on prolific passers. See the tape of NY’s win over the Pats in their last common SB. Pressure up the middle, from the sides, and everywhere on Brady caused sacks, hurried throws, and untimely mishaps. Now sans retired DE Strahan, the Giants perhaps pose an even stronger pass rush from their D-Line with JPP, Tuck, and Osi. And let’s not forget the anchor Chris Canty, who is responsible for getting push up the middle and an effective stop-gap vs. the run. Their unique ability to place pressure on predictable passers such as Rodgers and Brady without using the blitz lets them spend other player resources on pass coverage and run-based issues. The key question will be whether these freed-up resources will be able to keep up with the two-headed TE monster that the Pats present. Ultimately, the Pats’ ability or lack thereof to vary their dependence on the passing game will determine their fate.We all know that if you give Darth Belichick 2 weeks to prep for anyone, he’ll have some sleeve-aces ready, so watch for new looks that will place pressure on the NY coaches to adjust. The tacticians and technicians will have a lot to say about this game’s outcome.

Unlike the undefeated Pats team of ‘08, this year’s version of Hoody’s squad does not feature an especially ominous deep pass game. Back then, Randy Moss was fresh off his record-breaking TD campaign (23), as was Brady (50). This season, teams must contend with an aerial game mainly reliant on short-to-intermediate strikes to 2 prolific pass-catching TE’s: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez (intermixed with the unstoppable slot game of Wes Welker). Anyone who plays Fantasy Football knows either TE can kill you, but it is the former that scares the excrement out of all NFL defenses. Gronk must be either bracketed with a LB and Safety or assigned to an elite cover CB. The Giants don’t really have the latter, so watch out here. Hernandez lines up as a blocker, in the slot, as a wideout and recently in the backfield. He even carries the ball! I expect many formation nuances from the offense in this one to create mismatches and decoy opportunities designed to spring someone like D.Branch (or Ocho) deep for a big play or 2. Deception may also lead to effective running plays for RB Green-Ellis, as the “Law Firm” may school the NY LB’s en route to a class action day (I’ll be here all week…leave a tip for your servers).

Containing Brady may be a tall task but a realistic one, and yet perhaps an easier goal to achieve than corralling the hottest 4th Quarter QB of all time: Eli Manning. Indeed, Eli’s stats in the final stanza of games this season and in the Playoffs are ridiculous and an equal factor to the defense in propelling NY to greatness. Students of the game are actually calling Eli “elite” and mentioning him in the same breath as…Tom Brady. History has yet to shed ultimate light on that debate, but there is no denying the value of No. 10 and his deserved status as one of the top QB’s in the game. Last week, his limited but solid success against the staunch and ferocious 49′er defense was a credit to his toughness and his trio of talented WR’s: Nicks, Cruz and Manningham. I don’t see any one scheme or player on the Pats limiting these guys come Sunday. The thought of WR/PR/CB/WaterBoy Edelman covering Cruz in the slot must be mouth-watering to Giants’ fans. And while Belichik has his defense playing way above the level of a 32nd ranked regular season squad, Eli and Co. will likely be able to gash the Pats’ D with both pass plays and run chunks. Only NT Woolfork will have something to say (or eat) about whether the run game will produce with Bradsahw or Jacobs (91 yards Nov 6 vs NY). If the Pats blitz as expected (watch Nimkovich), look for dump-offs to each, especially Ahmad to break big. The Pats, much like the Pack until their playoff loss to NY, have been bending but prevailing based on creating turnovers. The Giants offense takes good care of the ball, and this fact will make the key difference in spelling victory for Big Blue.

Super Bowl 46 Prediction: NY Giants 27, New England Patriots 24.

One final note: If NE manages to win this game – for any reason – QB Tom Brady will have won his 4th Super Bowl, and will likely be considered the greatest QB of all time. I’m partial to Marino, regardless of having not won any titles in a sport that hinges on much more than the performance of a single player.

By Eric Miller

A recent Sun Sentinal article, by Michael Turnbell, outlines the ins and outs of the planned work. Read the article here – Ives Dairy Traffic

In Aventura, we’ve become very familiar with TRAFFIC and most residents have learned how to avoid certain areas. Even with the shortcuts, sitting in TRAFFIC is becoming a way of life here.

Looking to hear from our readers, comments and suggestions.

The bagel scene in Aventura has officially arrived with yet another Bagel / Deli now open in the area. Bagel Works, is a hot spot for all those craving a fresh bagel, eggs, deli, and more. There must be more bagel shops in this city per square mile then in any other South Florida area. Even with all the neighboring shops, it appears there’s enough traffic to support all bagel venues.

A quick visit to this location and you’ll quickly notice this isn’t your grandfather’s delicatessen. The graffiti style logo spray painted by the register and the hip colors give it a fun vibe. Get there early on the weekends it’s been packed.

This town is no stranger to a good bagel. We look forward to your comments on the new schmear in Aventura.

Here’s a great Bloomingdales video posted on their Youtube channel.

Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, and Lincoln Road are trailblazing the new styles and trends for South Florida. Make sure to stay in the scene and check out Bloomingdales this week, there are some exciting events taking place.

“PRE WEDDING” WEDDING PARTY - Wednesday, January 18, 6-8pm at Aventura & Thursday, January 19, 6-8pm at Miami – Meet the best bridal vendors in the industry! More details below.

ISTYLIE’S WARDOBE THERAPY - Thursday, January 19, 6-9pm at Aventura – The wardrobe warriors from istylie will offer shoppers one-on-one styles consultations, where they can learn tools to pull together the perfect look with the latest fashion must-haves. More details below.

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME FASHION MOMENT WITH BLOOMINGDALE’S & VOGUE - Thursday, January 26, 7-9pm at Aventura – Join us for a runway show featuring the newest resort collection hosted by Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director Stephanie Solomon and Vogue Stylist Anne Vincent. The event will benefit The New World Symphony and feature a performance from NWS musicians.

David and Denise Saba of Aventura were celebrating their honeymoon. This was the first time on a cruise ship for Denise, hopefully it won’t be the last time the couple vacation at sea.

Read the full story about the honeymoon that will certainly never be forgotten – S. Florida couples escaped Italian cruise ship after it capsized

The busiest place in Aventura is the Aventura Mall and it’s especially crowded during the holiday season. Make sure to check out the largest Christmas tree and Hanukkah candles in town, they’re on display at the mall.

Hope everyone enjoys the holiday time with friends and family!

The Stellar Public Adjusting Services headquarters are right outside of Aventura on Miami Gardens Drive. Recently, their street credit has been elevated by the attractive and highly visible branded trucks on the road. Stellar has built a solid reputation in the South Florida insurance claim industry and has created an online presence that demands attention. Now, when the team from Stellar is on the road everyone will recognize their name, logo, and phone number. When filing an insurance claim one important factor is connecting with an adjuster quickly so that the matter is not delayed.

The Stellar trucks are an active way to reach potential clients while traveling from visiting current clients. These stylish trucks can be spotted on the road and in front of the office – you can’t miss them.

Stellar Public Adjusting Services offers prompt and professional property insurance claim assistance. Call today and get started – 305.396.9110

It has been well-documented that Fins’ owner Stephen Ross hopes to land a “young Don Shula”. But the answer to the organization’s yearning to again be competitive for a post-season trophy lies more in what they need to improve on than in the persona of a coach likely to summon glory days again.

So what is it that the Dolphins are fairly good at, and what are they lacking? Well, the defense seems to be a steady, if not spectacular unit, led by a well-respected coordinator in Mike Nolan who plays aggressive schemes and has the horses, for the most part, to execute them. Their signings of free agents Burnett and Dansby in the past 2 years, along with the drafting of Odrick and Misi to complement Pro Bowler Wake gives them the core to stop the run and play strong 7-man fronts. Another elite pass rusher is needed, but CB V.Davis is an elite cover man himself, and the safeties are good enough to get it done on many levels. Moreover, the defense is considered a unit that needs little tweaking and is well coordinated.

This leads one to the inescapable conclusion that if the Dolphins were to significantly improve their offense, a championship could lurk closer than objects in your rear view mirror. Historically, NFL head coaches and their star quarterbacks have been inextricably linked to winning a title. High profile combos such as Lombardi-Star, Noll-Bradshaw, Belichick-Brady, and recently Peyton-Brees are just some examples. Miami is now on the verge of a draft featuring a few high-profile college quarterbacks such as Matt Barkley of USC, Andrew Luck of Stanford, Robert Griffin III of Baylor, Landry Jones of Oklahoma, and Kellen Moore of Boise St. Coincidentally, the organization has an opportune window to start anew by hiring a HC who can develop this new QB talent and be forever linked to superstardom if the right decisions are made.

The right decision is to hire a head coach with proven experience as an offensive mind, who has developed QB talent, and who has championship experience at the NFL level. 2 names scream at me: 1) John Gruden and 2) Brian Billick. Each has won Super Bowls, Gruden with the Bucs and Billik with the Ravens. Gruden has developed QB’s such as Gannon later in his career and won with an average QB in Brad Johnson thanks primarily to a devastatingly dominant defense. Still, his career as offensive coordinator and QBs coach in the league gives him the penultimate pedigree as offensive Guru. Billick was the mastermind of the Vikings offense back in the Randy Moss and Cris Carter era, and his development of Duante Culpepper is well-documented. His struggles with the Ravens offense during a Super Bowl title run were overshadowed by perhaps the best defense of all time, on par with the ‘85 Bears. Both candidates are in the media, and both are a couple of years removed from their coaching stints, both of which ended on down notes.

My choice is Gruden because he appears to be the younger and more “with-it” offensive mind. Billick is a bit more regimented in his ways, but a Guru nonetheless. Each can develop a franchise QB and knows what it takes to take a team all the way. This is what the Dolphins need. Let’s see what they do about it.

That’s all for now.

By Eric Miller