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For someone who started his painting career in SOHO, Federico Carosio, III has truly found his muse in the natural and man-made surroundings of South Florida.

The self-taught artist’s work ranges from hyperrealist depictions of soda cans and snack food bags to evocative landscapes and streetscapes that truly capture the mood of Miami, almost like images from a dream.

The Colombian-born Carosio has made his name with landscapes that walk a fine line between photo-realism and romanticism, like looking at a photograph through a magical lens. Tree shadows play on the asphalt in scenes that typify the back streets of Coral Gables on a beautiful, sunny day.

Discovering a new Carosio streetscape is like stumbling across a photo of a stunningly beautiful woman on Facebook -- you both feel like you know her and wish that you knew her all at the same time.

Wandering through Carosio's website, you find yourself going back to certain special paintings again and again.

Artist Spotlight:

Federico Carosio III

Style: realist, abstract

Themes: landscapes, South

Florida, pop culture, portraits

Technique: acrylic on canvas, watercolor, pencil on paper

In one beautiful painting, a salmon-hued Coral Gables estate beckons the viewer with warm feelings of home and hearth, evoking feelings of nostalgia and familiarity, even in a house one has never been seen before. You feel like this could be your home - you want this to be your home.

In his “Royal Palm,” the only thing missing from the picture is you, fast asleep in the hammock that sways gently in the breeze on this idyllic lawn.

A Carosio landscape on the wall brightens any room with color and opens a window to the sultry vitality of the South Florida verve.

Federico Carosio III

FFind out more:

Carosio on FaceBook: Federico Carosio

“Three Guys From Miami Celebrate Cuban” is our latest book. Here you’ll find many classic Miami Cuban recipes, this time with an emphasis on dishes that are great for parties.

“Three Guys From Miami Cook Cuban” is our first book. It contains many classic Miami Cuban recipes and favorite dishes.

Two great Miami Cuban cookbooks that you will use for years to come!

Your friendly server at Farm Stores Express.

The Farm Stores Express are great places for picking up milk, soda, beer or snacks. The Miami stores carry a complete selection of Cuban snacks: Chifles, meringues, Maria cookies, Cuban crackers, Jupiña - even a decent loaf of Cuban bread.

You never have to leave your car! Just drive up, roll down the window, and tell them what you want. Cubans call them "La Vaquita" (the little cow). You'll find them all over Miami. Many are open 24 hours a day.

They have a bread warmer that keeps the loaves hot and fresh -- they almost taste like they just came out of the oven.

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Creek 28 Restaurant at the Indian Creek Hotel

Creek 28 serves up Mediterranean gourmet in a classy art deco setting. The menu at lunch or dinner is limited to a dozen items and the menu changes frequently. A divine coconut curry, grilled tuna, and anything with goat cheese are highlights.

Open: Lunch: Monday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Dinner: Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Price: Expensive

Dress: Dressy

2727 Indian Creek Drive

Miami Beach, Florida 33140

305-672-7825

Manolo

This new South American eatery serves churros, sandwiches, cakes, burgers, gelato, and pizzas to a crowd of Latins intent on watching soccer on several strategically placed TVs. The planchita is a combination of meats, peppers, and potatoes. Hot dogs wrapped in bacon and a burger with everything including a fried egg might make Manolo an anathema to the health food crowd. However, healthy eaters can’t go wrong with Manolo’s fresh squeezed juice. For those who gave up on counting calories, they serve a rich hot chocolate made with whole milk, just perfect for churro dunking.

Open: Weekdays 7:30 a.m. to midnight| Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Price: Low

Dress: Casual

7300 Collins Avenue

Miami Beach, Florida 33141

305-868-4381‎

Mykonos Restaurant (Greek)

You can’t miss this landmark with its blue roof and powder blue neon signage. The restaurant has held down this prime corner location for more than 33 years. Flaming plates and piles of gyro meat with tangy yogurt sauce go a long way toward satisfying your craving for Greek.

Open: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Price: Low to moderate

Dress: Very casual

1201 SW 22nd Street

Miami, Florida 33145

305-856-3140‎