Walking down Ocean Drive on 13th Street on South Beach you enter the Art Deco region of Miami with classic examples such as the Tides Hotel. The area started to spring up in the 1920's visited by the rich and the famous, later to be frequented in the 1950's by the Mafia.

The Art Deco movement can be linked to the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes held in Paris in 1925. So how did Art Deco arrive in Miami? Its introduction to Miami coincide with John Collins and Carl Fisher (1910) undertaking to transform the island now known as Miami Beach from a mangrove swamp into a tourist destination.

Today Miami has moved beyond it Cocaine Wars to represent luxury and premium lifestyles. Visit the Versace Mansion on Ocean Drive, travel up to Bell Harbour Mall or try and spot Operah on Fisher Island. Lincoln Road now represents the new modern heart of Miami.

Luigi Bezzera of Milan (Italy) in 1901 developed and introduced the first espresso machine. By the 1940's the piston lever espresso machine was introduced, producing our beloved espresso solely by steam pressure (approximately 8 to 9 BAR needed for the perfect cup creating the magical crema).

An authentic espresso is clearly distinguished by its thick consistency, a higher dissolved content and the magical "crema" which is the reddish-brown foam that floats on the surface and is composed of vegetable oils, proteins and sugars.

Even though the trend is downwards for general coffee drinking there is evidence to show that consumers are searching and demanding more premium and authentic quality coffee (2008 National Coffee Drinking Trends).

Biomania appears to be sweeping Germany. In many parts of Europe "organic" supermarkets dominate organic food sales. However in Germany the trend is different. It is suggested (Spahn 2009) that a fifth of revenues in the organic food sector now come from "bio supermarkets".

One reason for the emergence of "biomania" in Germany maybe attributed to negative connotation linked to "eco". Many Germans still associate "eco" with the 1970's "hippie communes". This is perhaps why bio has become the default reference point in Germany for organic foods.

Attracted by a liberal lifestyle, modern zeitgeist, an urban landscape combined with an historical legacy Berlin has become a global focal point for young and artistic individuals. Berlin has grown to be the second most populous city in Europe with a population of 3.4 million. The city encourages diversity and has along history of financial hardship which has fostered a creative freedom unique amongst other European cities. Visit Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain and Badeschiff districts and you will see an eclectic mix of creativity around every corner.

Sustainable sustainability....

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is operated by the Centre for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA). Since starting as a one-off event in 1992 it has grown in popularity leading to the market opening all year-round in 1993. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is at the forefront of organic food activities, attracting 10,000 - 15,000 shoppers on Saturdays, highlighting the growing global trend of consumers wanting to reconnect with local food sources and those searching for a strong emphasis on authenticity, relating to both taste and experience.

Early morning activities

Tsukiji fish market was first established by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period to provide food for Edo castle, later to become Tokyo. Today the market handles over 2000 metric tons of seafood per day. The market only allows licensed participants to purchase fish via an auction process.The auctions start around 5:20 a.m. and usually end around 7:00 a.m. The market offers a fascinating insight into Japans love affair with fresh fish and the experience is rounded off by a fresh fish breakfast.

www.tsukiji-market.or.jp

Chili peppers owe their name to Christopher Columbus, one of the first Europeans to encounter them in the Caribbean, he called them "peppers" because of their similarity in taste with peppers of the piper family. Chili peppers originate from the Americas and are the fruit of the plants from the Capsicum species. They appear in many forms and can be used as a vegetable (bell pepper) or as a spice (cayenne pepper).

Many cultures will be thankful for the chilie. In particular Szechuan cuisineis a style of Chinese cuisine originating in Sichuan Province of southwestern China which is famed for bold flavors, pungency and spiciness resulting from liberal use of garlic and chili peppers, as well as the unique flavour of the Sichuan peppercorn.

Chilies have traversed the globe back and forth. There is nowhere better to experience (other than China) the flavour of Szechuan Chinese cuisine in the oldest Chinese community in the USA, explore around Portsmouth Square (Clay and Washington Street) the myriad of small cafes and restaurants. The simplicity of the establishments often belies the quality and authenticity of the dishes. Being brave and setting foot into these eating places will provide unforgettable experiences.