Wine tastings are so ho-hum. To entertain your friends, it’s time for a mango tasting.
When Alia Poonawala discovered Mango Men Homestead and their collection of rare and special mango cultivars, she decided to celebrate them with a party.
Poonawala, who goes by the first name Lilia for her acting career, lives in South Beach. “By day I run an innovation office and by night I’m an actress,” she says. “I get with my friends every Tuesday – we all take turns hosting.”
She learned about Mango Men Homestead, the mango stand run by tropical fruit expert Dr. Richard Campbell and his family every summer, from a friend’s husband. “He is a fanboy of the Mango Men and told me about them,” she says. “He nearly interrogated me after I went because he was so excited.”
This is the first summer Alia has been home in Miami, so she decided to go all out. Campbell consulted with her on the mango purchases, explaining each cultivar and its characteristics.
Since her friends are from all over the world, they all have their own regional mango preferences. “We loved evaluating the mangos like little sommeliers and taking notes,” she says.
Her personal favorite was Bullock’s Heart, she says. “I thought it was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the texture was perfectly smooth. Everyone voted on the Kheo Leombang, though.”
Alia’s advice? “Don’t take mango season for granted! It’s such a treasure. Also, go to Homestead and pick your own fruit. It’s a reminder of how abundant the world can be.”
Mango Men Homestead is open on weekends during mango season, usually through July. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
Party photos: Alia Poonawala
