Name(s)?
Brittney, Kara and Jackson Dean

Where do you live?
That seems like an awfully personal question. We live in South Miami…maybe. Maybe not. 

How long have you lived in the area?
We’ve lived in South Miami for about 6 years.

Where are you originally from and what brought you to town?
Kara was born in Miami, as were her 3 siblings and her parents. Kara thinks this fact makes her very, very special. I am from Ohio, originally, and have moved around quite a bit. I moved to Miami in elementary school and graduated high school here. I thought I escaped Miami when I was 18 when I left for college in the Northeast, but returned in 2009 because Kara will never leave Miami. And I like her a lot. We will be here forever. 

Please share about what you do for a livelihood or what keeps you busy during the week?
I teach 6th grade History. Kara is an Air Traffic Controller. Despite Kara having one of the most stressful jobs in existence, what really keeps us busy during the week is our 4-year-old son. 

How often do you come to the market?
We try and come every week. 

Do you have a market ritual? If so, please describe.
Make a list. Buy entirely too many things not on the list. Get Jackson his “rainbow smoothie” from your stand and a pickle from Mr. Flap. Forget something on the list. Leave happy. 

What’s your favorite thing to buy at LNB Grovestand and why?
Please see above. Nothing makes Jackson happier on Sunday mornings than his “rainbow smoothie.” Well, that and demanding that the “orange” goes on the bottom. Always orange first. This kid and orange. 

What have you made with ingredients bought at LNB Grovestand?
We usually just purchase smoothies and the tonic.

What’s your favorite thing to buy at other stands at the market?
We do not leave the farmers market without getting coffee, even though we already have had two cups of coffee at home.  It’s so good!

For parents: A favorite activity we enjoy with our kids?
Jackson is obsessed with driving the tiny boats at the Miami Children’s Museum. I’m not sure if watching a 4-year-old drive tiny boats around a tiny pool for what feels like 65 hours is my favorite thing to do, but his pure happiness in those moments makes it my favorite thing. 

The best deal at the market is:
Wait. There are DEALS?  The coffee is a great price, especially considering how good it is.  

I wish the market had:
Happy hour. Is that weird? Also, Kara wants more cheese, grass-fed beef …and local beer would be awesome.  

Favorite market story:
Almost avoiding your stall for 6 months because we hadn’t filled out this interview. In fact, we should be at the market right now, but Kara won’t let us leave until this is done. None of this is made up. It is my reality at this very moment. And I really need the coffee from #10.  

Most-frequented local restaurants and what dish to order:
Honestly, we’re big fans of cooking at home. However, when we do venture out, we’re loving some of the Downtown Dadeland spots like Brick, Barley and Ghee. The cauliflower mac n cheese at Brick will blow your mind. 

For special occasions, I go to:
Netflix, mostly. We are tired. But if it’s SUPER special, we’ll never say no to a great steakhouse. We pretended to be fancy on a couple of occasions at Prime 112, but Ruth’s Chris is a go-to. If you’re willing to drive a bit north, Bourbon Steak is our very favorite.  

Do you have a family recipe that you would be willing share?
Kara’s mom makes me a chocolate chip pound cake for my birthday every year. I’d share it…but then she’d be unhappy. And I try not to do anything that makes my mother-in-law unhappy.

What’s the area’s best-kept secret?
The Carbonara at Apizza Brooklyn. What??????!

A worthy splurge:
A spa day at The Standard Hotel. I’m dreaming of their hammam at this very moment. And coffee. 

Rainy-day activity:
Jackson would say watching “Ryan’s Toy Review” on YouTube. I would say anything but watching “Ryan’s Toy Review” on YouTube. 

The most romantic spot around:
The spot I’m standing in when Kara says, “Don’t worry yourself, baby. I’ll do it. Why don’t you just sit down and relax.”  We love Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink.  The Bulletproof Manhattan’s are THE best Britt has ever had.  

I wish you had asked me about:
Bourbon. Kara LOVES to talk about bourbon. Britt just prefers to drink it already. 

Do you participate in any community or philanthropic events that you would like to share?
Does filling out this questionnaire count? We are huge fans of the YES Institute, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of all youth through powerful communication and education on gender and orientation.

Do you own your own business or offer a service? Would you share a pitch about yourself or company with the community?
Nope. But thanks!

Is there a question that you would like to ask the LNBs?
Where do you like to go out to eat? We are always looking for new spots. 

A+W: We are loving the dishes at Chana Thai – they make the best green papaya salad in town (second to Adena’s). Also, next time you’re dining in Downtown Dadeland – visit Nanndi for dessert. We love their ice cream and pastries. 

 Is there a question that you would like to ask the community?
What’s an appropriate amount of time to complete a 27-question interview? 6 months, right?

A+W: For such a good laugh, we’ll gladly wait 6 months. Thank you both!