Name(s)?
Lee (Lise)

Where do you live?
Pinecrest

How long have you lived in the area? 
My whole life. I was born at Mercy Hospital. 

Where are you originally from and what brought you to town? 
I have lived in Pinecrest, since 1972. I went to Palmetto Middle & High Schools.

Please share about what you do for a livelihood or what keeps you busy during the week?
I own Miami Leather Co., for the past 27 years. We are a wholesale distributor of footwear, orthotics and anything and everything that has to do with a shoe or foot. We also sell materials, for making and repairing shoes, as well. So our customers are shoe stores, shoe repair stores, Podiatrists and more.

How often do you come to the market?
I come early every Sunday, when I am not traveling. When I am away, I ask someone to go for me.

Do you have a market ritual? If so, please describe. 
I get a 1/2 loaf of rye from Zak the Baker; Passion fruit, eggs and organic veggies from Bee Heaven farms; I order my bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches from Babe Froman and pick them up on my way out. Grab two large turmeric tonics from LNB Groves and Guacamole when you have it, star fruit and avocados, when available. I also walk through the market and pick up different items, mostly fruits and veggies.

What’s your favorite thing to buy at LNB Grovestand and why? 
The turmeric tonic. I drink it twice daily. I am convinced it has completely cured the arthritis, I was developing in my hands! I was recently away for over 3 weeks and it was not possible to bring the tonic. After two weeks, I felt the inflammation in my hands. I bought some turmeric and black pepper tablets but they did not seem to help! I was so happy you did your popup, after the storm so I could buy your tonic again and get back on track! THANK YOU!!

What have you made with ingredients bought at LNB Grovestand?
Great salads with your turmeric dressing, and having fun mixing your turmeric tonic with other juices.

What’s your favorite thing to buy at other stands at the market?
Zak’s bread, Bee Heaven’s organic products, Babe’s meats and breakfast sandwiches, various other fruits & veggies.

For parents: A favorite activity we enjoy with our kids?
Our kids are grown and moved away. One is in New York and the other in Lusaka, Zambia. We were just all together in NY, for the birth of our first grandchild, a girl, Noemi . It was so great to all be together for this amazing life event. My wife is still there, enjoying being grandma. I am beginning to wonder if she is coming back, LOL

The best deal at the market is:
1. Free parking.  2. Meeting, speaking to, and purchasing directly from the farmers 3. The freshness of what we buy.

I wish the market had:
Live music would be nice. Also – more places to sit, more prepared and cooked food choices. Maybe a food truck or two.

Favorite market story:
Bumping into people I know and have not seen in years.

Most-frequented local restaurants and what dish to order:
Pastis– Escargot, Lamb Shank the specials
Lan Pan Asian– Sushi, Fish dishes
Ghee – I love everything! Try the Lamb Neck, it is a 7 day preparation process and amazing
La Camaronera  – Best whole fish in town 

For special occasions, I go to: 
DB Bistro great happy hour, Pao may be one of the best places, Area 31 (best view), Yardbird, Red Fish Grill (sadly closed now), Michael’s Genuine and many more. Edge, great steak amazing brunch and great happy hour also, Cleo great bartenders, fun food, and a great happy hour.

What’s the area’s best-kept secret?
Everglades National Park, Fairchild Gardens, The Keys. Alabama Jacks

A worthy splurge:
Travel, as often as we can.

Rainy-day activity:
If weekend, nothing like a nap when it is raining!

The most romantic spot around:
Walking on the Beach, Matheson Hammock, being on or near the water.

I wish the market…:
I am a dog lover. I wish some people that bring their dogs would have them under better control. It can be tricky navigating all the dogs –  especially when it is crowded.     

Do you own your own business or offer a service? Would you share a pitch about yourself or company with the community?
I recently started a Rum Company. It is called Dreaded Rum. It is a sipping rum, finished in cognac casks, giving it a unique flavor profile. The bottle is in the shape of dreadlocks, hence the name. The first batch sold out. Next batch will be available in the fall. You can find it at Mega Liquors, on Bird Road.
A+W: Can’t wait to try it!

Is there a question that you would like to ask the LNBs?
When are you going to invite us all out for a tour. I would love to see your farms.
A+W: It is pretty brutal out there these days.

Is there a question that you would like to ask the community?
Are you beginning to worry about how the coastal flooding will affect us here in Pinecrest?
A+W: Yes, quite a bit.