Why We Love It: It’s showtime for Hialeah. Writer and producer Javier Mayol says he and director David Vargas, who grew up in Hialeah, talked about doing a show about Cuban culture. “I had always wanted to do a story about a guy who has to come live with his in-laws in an entirely different culture,” he says. “We knew immediately that putting this character in the middle of the rich culture of Hialeah not only presented us with so many comedic opportunities but a chance to show what everyone knows about Hispanics … family is everything!”

A chance meeting with Hialeah native actor Melissa Carcache of Nickelodeon’s “Every Witch Way” sealed the deal – Hialeah Series was born. “These stories are a mixture of two worlds inspired by our real-life experiences,” says Carcache. Six episodes were produced. The premiere in Nov. at Milander Park featured authentic food and drink – papas rellenas with guava and cheese, chicharrones, beer from Hialeah-based Unbranded Brewing Co. – revealing how the city is changing. “Hialeah is opening up our eyes to other cultures, like La Fresa Francesa’s French cuisine and Trigo Cafe,” where they serve avocado toast alongside batidos de trigo. “I still love Vicky Bakery, though.”