When it comes to barbecue in America, the usual suspects like Texas, Carolina, Kansas City, and Tennessee often dominate the conversation. However, a new contender is emerging in the world of BBQ, and it’s happening in the Sunshine State of Florida.
In Florida, where culinary influences range from Havana to Buenos Aires to São Paulo, a unique style of barbecue is on the rise. Known as Florida Asado, this style of barbecue is inspired by the Argentine tradition of cooking over wood-fired embers, creating a mouth-watering and community-focused experience.
One of the pioneers of Florida Asado is Chef Jeffrey Budnechky, also known as Jeff Bud, a Miami native with Argentine and Brazilian roots. Bud grew up surrounded by live-fire cooking and decided to start his own venture called Apocalypse BBQ during the COVID-19 lockdowns. What started as a pandemic side hustle has now turned into a full-blown Miami barbecue sensation, with dishes like croqueta’d brisket, smoked maduros, and cafecito-rubbed ribs.
Heading north to St. Augustine, Nick Carrera of Asado Life embraces a slower, smoke-infused approach deeply rooted in Argentine tradition. Carrera’s upbringing revolved around communal gatherings and cooking over open flames, and that spirit is reflected in the dishes at Asado Life. From housemade chorizo links to tomahawk steaks, every element of the meal is prepared with care and authenticity.
In Pensacola, Chef Darian Hernandez of Brother Fox combines elemental energy with elevated Spanish technique to create a unique dining experience. Hernandez’s carne asada for two is meant to be shared and enjoyed slowly, emphasizing the communal aspect of the meal. The slow rhythm of the meal allows for deep conversations and a reconnection with loved ones.
In Hollywood, Florida, Lasso Kosher Grill brings a kosher twist to traditional Argentinian barbecue, offering a unique dining experience in a rustic farm setting. Diners can enjoy bone-in flanken and skirt steak cooked a la estaca over an open flame, surrounded by the sights and smells of the farm.
What sets the Florida barbecue scene apart is its commitment to forging its own path and creating a flame-lit frontier of its own. With dishes that blend Jewish and Latin traditions, flavors that reflect the diverse culinary influences of the state, and a focus on community and connection, Florida Asado is redefining what barbecue means in the Sunshine State. It’s not about imitating other barbecue styles but embracing its own unique cultural identity and creating a new tradition of barbecue that is deeply Floridian. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years as a way to cultivate inner peace, focus, and mindfulness. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that supports the idea that meditation can have a profound impact on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and overall well-being, the benefits of meditation for mental health are vast and significant.
One of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common occurrence for many people. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health, leading to a host of issues such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and even depression. Meditation has been shown to activate the body’s relaxation response, which can help lower stress levels and promote a sense of calm and tranquility.
Another benefit of meditation is its ability to reduce anxiety. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Meditation has been found to be an effective tool for managing anxiety, as it can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and learn to respond to them in a more positive and constructive way. By practicing meditation regularly, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, which can help them cope with anxious thoughts and feelings more effectively.
Meditation has also been shown to improve mood and overall well-being. Studies have found that meditation can increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood and emotions. By boosting serotonin levels, meditation can help individuals feel happier, more content, and more at peace with themselves and the world around them. Additionally, meditation has been found to increase levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help reduce feelings of sadness and depression.
In addition to these benefits, meditation has been found to enhance cognitive function, improve concentration and focus, and increase feelings of compassion and empathy towards others. By quieting the mind and tuning into the present moment, individuals can develop a greater sense of clarity and mental clarity, which can help them make better decisions and navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Overall, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous and well-documented. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, manage anxiety, improve mood, or simply cultivate a greater sense of inner peace and well-being, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your mental health and overall quality of life. So why not give it a try and experience the transformative power of meditation for yourself?