🌱 ​Queen Miami Beach Opening Soon + Miami Makes James Beard List

Hello, Miami! I'm Carlos Hernandez, here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more...

• The James Beard Foundation awards have put a number of local food and drink businesses on the map
• Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is this weekend in South Florida
• Three South Florida nursing schools have been charged by the federal government in a fraud scheme

But first, today's weather:

Breezy and not as warm. High: 73 Low: 72.

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Here are the top stories today in Miami:

1. Uber Rent with Valet has officially launched in Miami and allows drivers to rent a car for travel, including out-of-town trips, directly through the Uber app. Drivers ages 25 and up need a driver's license and credit card to secure their vehicle. (Time Out Miami)
2. Three South Florida nursing schools have been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in a scheme to fraudulently provide diplmas to nurses. 7,600 nurses are impacted in the scheme at Siena College and Sacred Heart International Institute in Broward County as well as Palm Beach School of Nursing in Palm Beach County. All three schools have been shuttered. (Miami Patch)
3. Miami is on display at the annual James Beard Foundation Awards nominations. Nominated businesses include Ariete, Zak the Baker, Macchialina, Cafe La Trova, and more. Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has also been nominated for the Outstanding Chef award. (Eater Miami)
4. Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is this weekend and drivers are being warned to expect road closures. Around 20,0000 runners from around the world will participate in the event. Closures will start this morning at 10 a.m. (CBS Miami)
5. Queen Miami Beach is a luxurious new Japanese restaurant opening in South Florida on Feb. 2 from restaurateur Mathieru Massa. The menu will feature French techniques infused with Japanese ingredients with input from Chef Julien Jouhannaud and chef Mitchell Hess. Menu items will include Japanese wagyu, omakase, sushi, and more. (Subscription: Miami Herald, Free: Eater Miami)

Today in Miami:

• FinTech Friday: Crypto Corridor, Happy Hour, Private Islands, & More at Casa Blanca On The Bay. (3:30 p.m.)
• Food Trucks Fridays Fiesta Tropical Park. (5 p.m.)
• Movies At The Park, Presenting "Vivo" at Miami Lakes Veterans Park. (6 p.m.)
• FinTech Friday: DeFi & Drinks at The Crypto Corridor VIP Private Beach Party. (6 p.m.)
• JAZZ at MOCA. (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Miami-Dade Public Library System shared:"Kids at the Westchester Regional Library learned about financial responsibility last week while showing off their creativity painting their own piggy banks." (Miami-Dade Public Library System via Facebook)
• Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce shared: "😋 Moloko Miami is quickly becoming one of Miami’s most beloved dining destinations. Its enchanted garden, encased with lush landscaping, creates a tranquil atmosphere that pairs perfectly with its Asian-Mediterranean cuisine." (Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• It'Sugar has opened its 9th location in South Florida at Dania Pointe at Dania Beach. The candy store is one of the largest in the nation. (Subscription: South Florida Business Journal)

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Events:

• The Phoenix Life Project Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament (February 20)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Miami Daily? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com