Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar

Nestled in amidst the new National Harbor development, Bobby McKey’s is the first and only dueling piano bar in the greater DC area. Every night, two to four piano players in teams of two appear on stage to interact with the audience. There is no charge to request a song or two from the two talented performers, but just don’t forget to tip!

Certainly classics of Billy Joel and Elton John would be played, but you are in it for a few surprises! The two pianists can play quite an eclectic array of songs – from Beyonce to Beethoven, and from Taylor Swift to Jay-Z. Take your pick and don’t for get to order a liter beer tube for your table.

Liter beer tubes with blinking lights? That is a sign and you know that this night is gonna be a jolly good time!

Visit bobbymckeys.com for more information.

Meinto.com: Boutique shopping’s just a click away

Meinto.com is revolutionizing online shopping, giving fashionistas exactly what they want, boutique shopping that’s just a click away.

Originated in Denmark, the site features clothing, accessories, shoes and more from more than 100 boutiques in South Florida. The idea behind the site is to offer the best of fashion boutiques combined with the flexibility and availability of online commerce.

There are shops from Miami all the way Palm Beach featured. Names include Cheap n Chic in Miami, Deco Collection on Miami Beach, Essence and Emporium boutiques in Coral Gables, Isabel Riera in Coconut Grove, Kristine Michael in South Miami, Lorie Lester Studio & Boutique in the Upper East Side and several others.

That’s just a sampling of what’s available at Meinto.com. This user-friendly site gives big box retailers some much-needed competition and provides a more unique shopping experience.

Fashionista: The Grove’s latest boutique incarnation

Coconut Grove is a neighborhood that prides itself on a Bohemian lifestyle, something the area’s been known for since the 1970s. It still only features one open-air mall CocoWalk and it’s a mid-size one at that.

Goes to figure that boutiques would be all the rage in the Grove. There are some that have been around for nearly two decades and there are always new ones joining the landmark ones. Fashionista, a boutique/consignment shop features a true Grove feel with a colorful interior, interestingly displayed clothing and accessories.

They feature designers like Chanel, Christian Dior, Diane Von Fustenberg, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Dolce & Gabbana and True Religion.

The Fashionista is located at 3135 Commodore Plaza, 305-443-4331, www.thefashionistaboutique.com

Soundscape Park: Al fresco music in heart of South Beach

The New World Symphony has a new home and fantastic outdoor space where there performances can be viewed by the general public. Soundscape Park is in the heart of South Beach, between Lincoln Road and the Convention Center and Fillmore concert venue.

The space is a welcome addition to an area that was begging for such a wonderful spot to listen to music al fresco. Aside from being a great spot to sit and read or admire the wonder that is Miami Beach, it’s best known as a spot where the general public can sit and enjoy a live performance by the New World Symphony. That’s thanks to a screen that projects the performance to the Soundscape audience. It’s the perfect spot to bring a blanket, wine and cheese picnic and catch the spectacular musicians, led by award-winning Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas.

Soundscape Park is located at 400 17 St., Miami Beach

Stiltsville Tours: Homes on water evoke old Miami

The 1920s and 30s may have been the heyday boom in Florida. The time Art Deco got famous, when Flagler’s railroad was chug-chugging and visits to Miami were about sun and fun.

It was also the time when a little place called Stiltsville on Biscayne Bay emerged. Today, there are a mere three or four “shack” homes built either on wood or reinforced concrete pilings ten feet above the shallow water. They’re situated one mile south of Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida.

There are several tour companies that make trips out to Stiltsville and recount the story of how the houses were built and the transformation of its heyday to the few that still stand.

Island Queen Cruises does their tours through History Miami. Miami historian Dr. Paul George conducts the tours. Call 305-379-5119 for reservations. www.islandqueencruises.com

Foxhole Bar: Billed as bar for locals on South Beach

Yet another drinking hole is opening on South Beach. The Foxhole Bar is the antithesis of the high-energy nightclub, being billed as “An upscale locals joint in Miami Beach,” according to their website.

And by the looks of the hard-to-find location keeping it local is the idea. The place is hidden behind a Domino’s Pizza spot off 14th St. and Alton Road. Built and designed to resemble a speakeasy, there are pool tables, dartboards, leather bench seating and even gun memorabilia on display.

This is a spot to sit and sip a two-finger bourbon, a good brew plus a number of other old-time drinks. Sure, they can make a cosmo here but it doesn’t quite fit.

The Foxhole Bar is located at 1426A 14 Ct., Miami Beach 305-534-3551 www.foxholebar.com

Surfcomber Hotel: Art Deco gem is glammed up

The Surfcomber Hotel is an icon of the Art Deco hotels on South Beach that’s a great place to stay and party.

The hotel’s exterior facade remains in the Art Deco style, something that’s unique about the buildings on Miami Beach, they like to maintain and preserve that look. Inside, the rooms have been simply updated with minimalist, clean decor, soothing colors, flat screen televisions and other great amenities.

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Oceanfront and city view rooms give a taste of the best South Beach has to offer. In-room spa services, a fitness center and pet-friendly accommodations make for a great stay. It’s easy to stroll down Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive, Collins or Washington Avenues from here meaning nightlife, shopping and of course…the beach…are just steps away.

The Surfcomber Hotel is located at 1717 Collins Ave. 305-532-7715 or 800-994-6103 www.surfcomber.com

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago performs

Hubbard Street Dance isn’t just about putting on a good contemporary dance show that combines jazz, ballet, and modern dance. It’s also the place where over 300 students come to learn how to move. But if moving to the beat isn’t quite your thing but watching is, then take in a Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company show. Seventeen dancers will take the stage and show off their versatility in a fun performance. Every season brings in a new performance with new moves and stunning choreography, and occasionally the troupe will put on a special festival show.

The Cheese Course: Gourmet nibblin’s

It’s not all about nibbling on some cheese at The Cheese Course in Midtown but that’s definitely the place’s biggest draw. The menu is mainly comprised of a veritable enormity of combinations of hard and soft cheeses with perfect accompaniments.

Some brie and manchego with olive tapenade, or perhaps a robust stilton and limburger with a side of fig spread. The combinations here are endless and what’s fun is trying as many different ones as possible. The sandwiches here are excellent too, all served on fresh baked baguettes. One of my personal faves is the Spanish serrano ham with manchego, black olive tapenade, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and greens.

The wines available for pairing are top notch too and it’s virtually impossible to leave without buying something from their incredible market.

The Cheese Course is located at 3451 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL

Arkadia: Fontainebleau’s latest club

Hip hop superstar Drake christened the place, throwing himself a smokin’ hot birthday party and the next night at the Preview Party the likes of New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez, Miami Heat’s LeBron James, actor Edward Norton and model Elle McPherson were present. Seems like Arkadia, billed as an ultra-lounge and pool concept at Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Hilton, is the newest celeb and beautiful people haunt.

DJ Ross spins the tunes from a booth covered in laser-cut gold mirrors (the ceiling and bars are covered in these too), while clubgoers sip cocktails, champagne and other libations from one of 25 tables and a handful of cushy, overstuffed, tufted sofas. Looks like the gem of an Art Deco hotel has hit nightclub gold again with another high-end installation. Arkadia is sure to be the spot for fashion shows and hot parties.

Arkadia is located inside the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

Maison Martin Margiela: Celebs shop here in Miami

One of the newest upscale, funky boutiques to grace the streets of Miami’s Design District is Maison Martin Margiela, a spot that attracts celebs like Paris Hilton, Kanye West, Jay Z and Lady Gaga. The place is a natural fit for entertainers because it’s filled with uniquely made items that keep them looking fresh and original.

R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe’s got a line of accessories at the boutique and they’ve got a black leather vest made of shoe parts (a favorite of Lady Gaga’s) and an entire line of platform shoes to match these hip fashions. And just like the store is filled with rockin’ fashions, the building itself is eye candy, sporting an industrial look that stands out from the others.

Maison Martin Margiela is located at 3930 NE 2nd Avenue, #101, Miami, FL

B.Oyama

To say B.Oyama clothes are eye-catching is an understatement. The fine suits and shirts you find here you can find nowhere else. The collars are a quarter to half-inch wider than normal. From his shirts to his ties, to his cufflings and suit jackets, one might wonder if his collection is inspired by delicious cakes. If your not sure of what look you want, you can enlist the assistance of Oyama’s image consulting program, which sends an advisor to their wardrobe to figure out the best items for their desired style.

Sugar Bar

The Sugar Bar Restaurant & Lounge is owned by the legendary singer/songwriting team Ashford & Simpson. Open from Tuesday thru Saturday for dinner and nightly entertainment. For great food and a good time, theres no place like it. Dont forget about “Open Mic” Every Thursday, where all the stars come out to play. Open for nine years now, the Sugar Bar is known for both its delectable menu and its spectacular live performances.

Miss Lily’s

Miss Lily’s, a laid-back eatery on an unassuming corner of SoHo, claims to be New York City’s most authentic Jamaican experience. It’s also an instant scene, given the folks behind it are experts in luring culture vultures: Binn and Genc Jakupi of 1Oak and The Box, Serge Becker of La Esquina and Café Select, and Paul Salmon of the Rock house Hotel in Jamaica.

Harlem- 125th Street

125th Street in Manhattan has received a much anticipated facelift, and not a moment too soon. 125th Street is poised to become a new center piece attraction to anyone wishing to celebrate Black History Month. The new Arts and Cultural hub offers some of the most historical sites, not only beloved by the Black community, but around the World. Apollo Theater for instance, is just one of the familiar sites that has stood the test of time and still gives back to the community, though it’s weekly amateur nights. Got what it takes for super stardom? Than start there.

Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe is a gold mine of African American intellectual pursuits, literature, and the coffee’s not too shabby, either. Known of its extensive list of guests authors, we were lucky to catch a glimpse of non other than Bill Cosby! With guests like that, you’re wondering just who’ll show up next.

Just down the street, stands the magnificent Abyssinian Baptist Church. From its halls every Sunday, a thunderous, praiseworthy procession of gospels sung by the in house choir. Just, heavenly.

Studio Museum should be the next stop on you’re Black History tour. The space is a showcase for Black artists, like Kira Lynn Harris. Last, but certainly not least, after you’ve worked up an appetite with all that site seeing, Visit Sylvia’s where the food not only fills the belly, but feeds the soul. It’s the taste of Harlem, featuring authentic southern style soul food.

125th Street is chuck full of history, artistic pursuit, journeys for the mind and for the soul. A definite must-visit for any and all.

Have a romantic dinner at Canoe

Overlooking a tranquil garden setting on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe draws even the most dedicated city-dwellers to charming Vinings for big flavors in a relaxed atmosphere. The dining room may have the feel of a country lodge, but the food is generous, sophisticated and unforgettable. With a focus on game meats, Canoe’s seasonal menu features unique offerings like ostrich and rabbit, as well as classic steak and seafood dishes for the less-adventurous diner. This spot books up quickly for holidays and special occasions, with a reputation for top-notch service, reasonable prices and creating an all-around evening to remember.