September 25, 2026
Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
Miami Chef Mika Leon Celebrates New Cookbook
SNDWCH Rebrands as Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches
Negroni Week at Rum Bar
Wine Dinner at CARBONE VINO
Miami Chef Mika Celebrates New Cookbook
Miami chef, restaurateur, and television personality Mika Leon, who is celebrating the October 6 release of her debut cookbook, Cuban Soul: 100 Vibrant Recipes from Mi Cocina, has two special pop-ups bringing some of her beloved dishes back to Miami.
The pop-ups will feature the return of a Caja Caliente favorite, a classic Cuban sandwich from her new cookbook, and signed copies of Cuban Soul available for purchase at both events.
Tuesday, October 13 | Vaca Frita Taco Pop-Up
Mika is bringing back Caja Caliente’s popular Vaca Frita Taco for one day only at Wolf of Tacos (550 NW 1st Ave., Suite 230-A2, Miami). Available while supplies last, the taco gives guests the chance to enjoy a favorite from her former Coral Gables restaurant. Signed copies of Cuban Soul will also be available for purchase.
Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17 | Pan con Bistec Pop-Up
Mika will head to Frankies & Wally’s (216 Palermo Ave., Coral Gables) to serve her Pan con Bistec, a classic Cuban steak sandwich featured in Cuban Soul. Inspired by her family, Miami upbringing, and Cuban heritage, the sandwich reflects the flavors and food traditions that shaped her culinary journey. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the cookbook during the two-day pop-up.
Leon will also celebrate the book’s official Miami launch with a book signing at Books & Books in Coconut Grove on October 12, for a special conversation about the cookbook, her Cuban family traditions, her Miami upbringing and the stories behind the recipes. Guests can meet Mika, take photos, and get their copy of the cookbook signed. Tickets are $35 + tax and include admission for one guest and one copy of Cuban Soul upon entry. She will end her book launch celebration at UMA House South Beach on October 18th. Tickets are $35 + tax and include Havana Club cocktails, a live Cuban band, and passed bites by Chef Mika herself.
SNDWCH Rebrands as Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches
SNDWCH has officially rebranded as Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches, marking the next chapter for the chef-driven concept founded by husband-and-wife team Chef Adrian Patron and Dominique Hawit-Patron.
Since opening in Doral in 2023, Adriano’s has grown to three Miami locations, an expanding catering business and a loyal local following. The new identity brings the founders, Italian inspiration and Miami roots behind the concept to the forefront while staying true to its signature promise: “Always Sliced to Order.”
Adriano’s also offers a lineup of weekly specials:
TUESDAY | Half & Half Tuesdays: $12–$13
Half of a 4-inch sandwich + choice of Caesar Salad, Creamy Tomato Soup, Caprese Salad or French Fries*. Prosciutto sandwiches are $13.
*Fries available at Coral Gables & FIU only.
WEDNESDAY | $10 Wednesday
One rotating sandwich drops to $10, often nearly 50% off its regular price. The sandwich is announced Tuesday night, with pre-orders opening at 10 p.m. and available Wednesday until sold out.
THURSDAY | 2 for $30
Choose two Signature Sandwiches for $30, available all day Thursday.
FRIDAY | Adriano’s $15 Lunch Club
All Signature Sandwiches are $15 each from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Images (Photo credit: Adriano’s Italian Sandwiches)
Negroni Week at Rum Bar
Rum Bar, nestled within the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, celebrates Negroni Week with classic pours and creative twists, all benefiting Slow Food. Guests can sip the Classic Negroni with Hendrick’s Gin, Campari and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth; the lighter White Negroni with Hendrick’s Another Gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and Lillet Blanc; or the whiskey-forward Boulevardier with Jefferson’s Ocean Rye, Campari and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth.
Wine Dinner at CARBONE VINO
CARBONE VINO is pleased to partner with Bruno Giacosa, one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo and Barbaresco producers, for an exclusive tasting experience and four-course prix-fixe dinner centered on a vertical of the estate’s acclaimed single-vineyard wines. Taking place October 1 at 6:30 p.m., the event will showcase bottlings from Falletto, Rabajà, Asili and Le Rocche, with vintages dating back to 1998.
The evening will begin with a Champagne reception featuring Tuna Toast and Mozzarella & Carozza canapés, paired with NV Charles Heidsieck ‘Réserve.’ Guests will then move through a guided tasting and four-course dining experience featuring CARBONE VINO’s signature dishes.
The menu opens with Baby Eggplant Scapece and Caesar alla ZZ alongside the 2024 Arneis, followed by Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Mario’s Meatballs and Cavatelli Sausage & Rabe paired with the 2023 ‘Valmaggiore’ Nebbiolo and 2022 ‘Asili’ Barbaresco. The third course brings Lamb Chops Giudia and Veal Milanese, served alongside Garlic Broccolini and Potatoes Louie, paired with the 2019 and 2022 ‘Le Rocche’ Barolo, before closing with Un Cotto and a cheese course alongside the 1998 ‘Rabajà’ Barbaresco and 1998 ‘Falletto’ Barolo. Make your reservation here.
Photo Credit: Nico Schinco