Fitness
Enjoy Some Great Cuisine in South Florida at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Published
3 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
Planning on doing some traveling this Fall? If you are, you may want to take a trip down to South Florida. Hit up Miami or Fort Lauderdale so you can enjoy the sun when it starts getting colder everywhere else. But that’s not all that makes South Fall such an ideal traffic spot. The great eatery known as Bodega Taqueria y Tequila helps in that regard.
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is a great spot to eat if you’re craving some authentic Mexican street food while also looking to enjoy some time at a club, you can do both in one spot thanks to the work done by this now expanding chain. Locales in South Florida keep popping up for a good reason. The pandemic couldn’t stop it and the sky is the limit here.
To get a better sense of why Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is such an ideal place to visit on your South Florida jaunts, we have an interview with co-founder and President Jared Galbut below. Get the wisdom right from the horses mouth. And after that, get your Fall trips in line with a scheduled jaunt to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila.
1. It’s Mexican Independence Day, and you own Bodega – one of the most successful fast-casual Mexican street food & speakeasy concepts in South Florida. Tell us, what are you drinking today?
I am having a little bit of a mezcal moment right now, so it will probably be a neat mezcal and a Modelo on the side, have to stay hydrated.
2. Tell us about Bodega – what can your guests expect when they walk through the doors?
The experience of Bodega has always been special. Your first interaction is with what we have created as an outdoor food truck experience just indoors. You order from a vintage retrofitted airstream, sit at high top tables with graffiti murals covering the walls and Mexican hip hop playing while enjoying some of the best tacos in South Florida. When you are ready for a cocktail, you can walk through a porta potty door past urinals into a lounge that has some of the best music and cocktails around. The design is authentic and comfortable, and I think those combinations are what have made us so successful and the approachability at all hours of the day.
3. How did the idea of opening a place like Bodega come about?
It was opportunity based, we were presented with a space on Miami Beach and my co-founder Keith Menin and I decided we wanted to do something unique for the area. We noticed the lack of Mexican and also approachable bars and lounges in this area and thought this would be the perfect it. The goal was to make it more experiential and not so expected which I think we were able to achieve with the Airstream and entrance to the lounge.
4. At the time, did you know that you would want to expand the Bodega brand beyond the flagship Miami location?
Initially we were just focused on opening South Beach and not focusing on building multiple units. Expanding was always something that we have discussed in the past recent years, but during COVID we were really able to see the strength and viability of the food side of the operations. Our delivery and pickup business really picked up we knew it was time to expand through Florida.
5. You are currently expanding Bodega at a rapid rate; please tell us more about that
If we were going to expand, we knew we had to do so at a rapid pace. There was a lot of opportunity for second generation spaces and it was important to act quickly when we did, especially in Florida, because we knew it would not last long. We were able to pick up some unique locations and are almost completed with building out our entire portfolio in South Florida. Our next phase of expanding nationally is already underway and expect to have those announcements available shortly.
6. How have you integrated technology into your concept?
With our expansion came a large digital transformation for the company. We have streamlined our existing technologies and spent the time developing new ways to better the customer experience at Bodega. This past year we have embraced digital technology as a way to not only serve our customers better but expand into new markets. Creating a seamless digital ordering experience was at the forefront of this initiative. Most notably, we launched our app in Q2 of this year and it has been incredible for the business and guests have loved it. You can order pickup or delivery, catering, book a
table in the lounge and we have an amazing rewards program. It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
7. You’re a dad and the principal of a major hospitality company. How do you find the time to stay in shape, and what is your workout regimen?
It is definitely not easy and does not always go as planned, but I think it is just always staying active and participating in the little things throughout the day. I try to stay active in some way 5 days a week and mix it up a little, which I think is the most important. Most people burn themselves out doing one thing over and over, so I try to bike, run, lift and sometimes a Barry’s class. Also, I am a big fan of intermittent fasting, which has helped a lot in terms of diet, even when I am not eating the best.
8. You have participated in a combination of 5 Ironman competitions and triathlons. What has been the toughest/what are you training for next?
They were all difficult in their own ways. My first triathlon was definitely not the easiest as the weather was really bad and not the best swim in the ocean, but it was a great feeling to finish. Overall, my Ironman 70.3 in Los Cabos was quite mentally, challenging as it was my first and did not know what to expect. It was 99 degrees with lots of climbing on the bike, definitely one to remember. After this race, it was clear that my diet and weight training needed to be adjusted in order to withstand these longer events. I am hoping to participate in another Ironman 70.3 in the upcoming year and then potentially a full ironman. It has always been a lifelong dream and I love the challenge
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
You may like
-
AI isn’t great at decoding human emotions. So why are regulators targeting the tech?
-
The great acceleration: CIO perspectives on generative AI
-
Florida Could Be The Epicenter Of Mpox Summer Outbreak: Report
-
What’s underneath a great digital commerce solution?
-
New Invasive Mosquito Species Found In Florida Raises Disease Concerns
-
New Invasive Mosquito Species Found In Florida Raises Disease Concerns
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
[$10.99 for a six-pack; deschutesbrewery.com]
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Fitness
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Fitness
The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!