SoBe’s newest hotspot Mokai already attracting celebs

Since today’s reality celebrities are always lumped in with A-listers, let’s consider Kendra Wilkinson (of reality television’s “Kendra on Top” on WE TV) stopping in at SoBe’s newest nightclub Mokai for a night of partying with girlfriends, a true celeb sighting.

 The scene at Mokai is typical South Beach. Scantily clad dancers, sometimes alone but many times in pairs (or trios), set the scene for a night of revelry and debauchery like only SoBe can deliver. DJ’s pump the house music nightly, since the nightclub scene really never dies, while bottles of bubbly pop all night in the VIP section.

Weeknight parties here have kitchy names like Ransom Mondays, Relapse Wednesdays and Weekend Warrior Fridays. On Saturdays Gino G., Mike Russ, S1 spin while Weisson plays drums.

Mokai is located at 235 23 St., Miami Beach, FL, 305-673-1409, www.mokaimiami.com

Game watchin’ and gourmet noshin’ at Duffy’s Tavern

When it comes to Miami sports bars, Duffy’s Tavern located on the cusp of the Coral Gables/South Miami neighborhoods, is an institution where just about any University of Miami sports fan has spent some time, no doubt downing many drafts while watching the ‘Canes and the Miami Dolphins in action.

This locals hangout, filled with memorabilia from those football team’s glory days, is the ideal spot to soak in and experience old Miami. The jukebox here is legendary as are the autographed photos that adorn the walls.

There’s nothing fancy at Duffy’s, it’s the typical wooden bar, table and chairs and the friendly bartenders and loyal patrons who love to reminisce about good times they’ve spent here. It’s the type of place that gets recommended when you say “I want to avoid the tourist traps and go where the locals hang.”

Duffy’s Tavern is located at 2108 SW 57 Ave. 305-264-6580, click here to visit their FB page.

Lush gardens inspirational at Ancient Spanish Monastery

Traverse West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach and just after the bend in the road, there’s a hidden gem where gardens, statues and and gorgeous open-air courtyard of this historic building are enough to get anyone’s creative juices flowing.

It’s the Ancient Spanish Monastery which was dismantled stone by stone in 1925, transported to the United States then re-constructed at its current location in 1952.

The result is a gorgeous, inspiring location filled with statue-filled manicured garden pathways with benches for reflecting, writing, drawing or painting. The open-air courtyard with flowing fountains, stately columns and welcoming archways are perfect for meandering through. The grounds easily transport visitors to old-world Spain, so much so if you sit quietly, the once-inhabiting monks’ presence can almost be felt.

The Ancient Spanish Monastery is located at 16711 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach. (305) 945-1461, www.spanishmonastery.com

Stella McCartney (Beatle’s daughter) sets up shop in Bal Harbour

Swanky, open-air and the epitome of high-end in Miami Beach’s north end, the Bal Harbour Shops are now home to a Stella McCartney boutique. Yes, the famous Beatles’ fashion designer daughter has set up shop where Miami’s elite go for their designer duds.

Models showcase McCartney's fashion at her Bal Harbour store opening. Courtesy of Miami.com

Airy and bright, the store is set up in true boutique style, with her unique, bold, colorful fashions hanging neatly off dangling racks. The shoes and handbags have their own displays and toward the back is a quaint, colorful kids’ clothing section.

The beautiful parquet wood floors feature violet and pink hues (the designer’s favorites) while  at the front of the store a coffee table and chairs greet shoppers. Perhaps they might enjoy leafing through the book that features photos of her famous Dad.

The Bal Harbour Shops are located at 9700 Collins Ave. 305-864-2218. Click here to visit the site.

Que rico! Miami’s five best spots for Cuban eats

There are so many Cuban restaurants in Miami that it’s hard to figure out where to get the most authentic flavors of the island. Spread out all over Miami, the list of the best five are both on the mainland and over the Causeway.

The tried-and-true two — La Carreta and Versailles have to be on the list. Yes, it’s a bit cliche but the food at each is really authentic. And if anything, making this list is a testament to their longevity. There’s only one Versailles but there are several La Carreta’s so make sure to go the original one, with the wagon wheel out front, on Calle Ocho (SW Eighth St.) and 36 Ave. The bakery at Versailles as meeting place for many Miamians is a time-honored tradition as is a late-night dinner at La Carreta after a night of partying.

 

Habanero steak at Islas Canarias

Sergio’s on Coral Way and 32 Avenue is great for midnight sandwiches, an afternoon cafecito and their never fails, cure anything that ails you sopa de platano (plantain soup). While over at Islas Canarias in Kendall the croquetas are killer as are their stuffed tostones and paella.

And believe it or not, South Beach’s David’s Cafe II on Lincoln Road has excellent black beans and rice, picadillo and palomilla steak. A welcome authentic, Cuban restaurant that’s surviving among all the other nouveau cuisine places.

La Carreta, David’s Cafe, Sergio’s, Versailles, Islas Canarias

Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach in Miami is the hidden jewel of South Beach, located at One Ocean Drive along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean amid swaying palms trees and warm sunny breezes. Nikki Beach Miami has established itself as the landmark nightclub and venue for ultimate private parties, large celebrations, and always lives up to its reputation as a South Beach Miami party playground for jet setters, celebrities, VIPs, guests and visitors alike.

The Hamilton

Strange and amazing, unlikely and enviable, the life of Alexander Hamilton could be a blueprint for the evolution of Washington, DC. This is a man who started off an orphan and ended up a lawyer, banker and founding father before dying famously in a duel with the Vice President of the United States. First built to house the federal government, DC is now a city where polish and sophistication have been charmed by a bohemian spirit yielding a new, thriving, artistic underground. Located just two blocks from the White House, the District’s newest destination for envelope-pushing, visionary music and talent defies convention, much like Hamilton himself. Visit thehamiltondc.com for more information.

Seoul Garden brings the soul of Korean cuisine to DFW

Located off Royal and I-35 (aka “Koreatown”), Seoul Garden is one of the more popular Korean restaurants in the area. The outside looks a little, dare we say, “strip mall,” however the interior and ambiance is the exact opposite: clean, nice, and almost “fancy.” They offer all the Korean favorites, including Korean barbecue, bulgogi, dolsat bibimbap, Soon Doo Bu (soft tofu soup), Pajeon (Korean pancake), and the traditional Banchan (aka, those little dishes they set out before the meal, including Kimchi) making Seoul Garden is both a meat eaters panacea and a vegetarian’s panacea. They also have the regular gamut of Korean aperitifs, including Soju (a weak-ish vodka made from sweet potato), wine and makkolli (an unfiltered rice wine).

Try authentic schnitzel at Bavarian Grill

Plano’s Bavarian Grill Restaurant and Beir Garten is one of the few places in town to get tried and true traditional German food, from the Bavarian region to be specific. Get spatzel, schnitzel, wurst, authentic German beer and schnapps in this festive setting with equally festive staff. Reservations are recommended on Saturdays when the “oompah” band plays as patrons tap silverware on beer glasses and sing along to German songs. Be wary that the oompah band may make you get up and do the chicken dance. Every spring they have a special “Weisser Spargel” (white asparagus) menu featuring these sweet and delicate white spears.

Find high fashion for a steal at the Shops at Park Lane

The Shops at Park lane (located just across 75 from North Park Center) is a new mixed-use development with retail stores and restaurants that follows the trend of an open-air shopping space with big sidewalks and apartments towering above. The retail stores all have the common theme of fashion at a bargain, with stores like Nordstrom’s Rack, Sack’s Off Fifth, Home Goods and the Bloomingdale’s Outlet. There are also a few nice little eco-conscious boutiques like Reuse Jeans and Evol Society. There is also a Whole Foods and, while there are just a couple restaurants currently open, several more are “coming soon.”

Find fresh local produce year-round at the Dallas Farmer’s Market

The Dallas Farmer’s Market has been serving Dallas with fresh local produce for 60 years. The market is open 362 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s) from 8 am to 6 pm. The vendors at the market offer all kinds of produce as well as meat, flowers and shrubs, and local honey. There are also some produce vendors from out of state (don’t worry, everything is marked if buying local is your cup of tea) in addition to eateries and gourmet food vendors. They also host all kinds of classes throughout the year ranging from cooking and fitness classes to more “how-to” classes (as in, how to pickle things).

Put a little zen in your life at the Japanese Gardens

Fort Worth’s Japanese Garden, located within the greater Fort Worth Botanic Garden network, is a little sanctuary in the city. The 7 acre garden is filled with traditional Japanese plants and flowers (like the tranquil Japanese Maple) and a water feature throughout filled with colorful Koi fish. There are little coin-op fish food dispensers throughout for feeding the Koi; toss the food pellets in one at time or all at once to watch a frenzy. They also have a meditation garden and a moon viewing deck. The Japanese Gardens hold two annual festivals, in fall and spring, celebrating Japanese art and culture.

Appreciate the arts at the Dallas Arts District

After a recent rejuvenation (or rather, a recent overhaul), the Dallas Arts District has transitioned from simply a downtown neighborhood to a destination in and of itself. The district is on the north side of downtown and encompasses Dallas’ premier art museums and performance halls that are all connected by a lovely outdoor urban space. It’s also a great areato view some of the city’s bestarchitecture, like the Meyerson and the Wyly Theater. The Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Winspear Opera House and the Dallas Arts Magnet also call the Dallas Arts District home.

Come early and stay late at Bar Louie

Bar Louie brings an urban atmosphere to the new(ish) West 7th development in Fort Worth. They specialize in handcrafted martinis but also serve a selection of craft beers, wine and other cocktails. Their menu takes upscale bar food to the next level with flatbread, a decent salad selection, or mac ‘n cheese with fried chicken in it. The interior restaurant and bar areas are spacious, but the real ambiance is on their equally spacious rooftop patio. On weekends, Bar Louie makes sure to keep the patio from getting too elbow-to-elbow by enforcing a strict one-in, one-out policy once it fills up. This is really awesome when you’re on the patio but really annoying when you have to wait in line, so plan accordingly.

See new bands at old-school Trees

Trees has been a staple music venue in Deep Ellum since 1990 that came into its own hosting grunge bands (like Nirvana, before they were super insanely popular). Despite closing a few times during Deep Ellum’s transitional period, they are back open and rocking out like it’s 1990 again. Named for the tree trunk building supports, the venue is a decent size with a second floor that has a few seats and a great view of the stage. One of the nicest things about Trees is that they post a video of each band on their event calendar, so you can check out the music without opening a million tabs on your browser. Yep, Trees always thinks of the fans.

Have a cocktail and play basketball at Grapevine Bar

Grapevine Bar is an interesting little entity with all kinds of things to keep you busy while you overindulge. It’s located right off Oak Lawn and has a rooftop deck with great views of the city. They also have a large patio with a basketball court and ping pong tables and TV’s, pool and Sony Playstations inside. Located right off Oak Lawn, but not necessarily a GLBT establishment, Grapevine is the kind of place with such diverse patronage that no one is out of place. They also have happy hour every day (even Saturday) that’s all day long Sunday through Tuesday.

The Dutch at the W epitomizes simple elegance

The Dutch at the W Hotel on South Beach is turning the chic, boutique hotel on its head offering an unpretentious menu and equally casual atmosphere. It’s easy to relax in the lovely, bright restaurant where the kitchen is expertly run by renowned New York chef Andrew Carmellini.

Of course, housed within a hotel, which is unusual unto itself given that most hotel restaurants really aren’t of such a high quality, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hazelnut crusted French toast amd crab cake benedict with asparagus and a kicky chipotle hollandaise elevate the breakfast standards while entrees like short rib ravioli, roast mushroom and taleggio fonduta and pappardelle, lamb ragu, sheep’s milk ricotta and milk are great for lunch and hefty enough they could be on their supper menu. Short ribs and sea scallops make a second appearance on that menu but are dressed up differently.

The Dutch is in the W Hotel, located at 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-938-3111, www.thedutchmiami.com

Do some soul searching at Buttons

Buttons Restaurant takes the upscale approach to soul food with gourmet ingredients and regularly scheduled live jazz, R&B, blues and motown that’s netted them awards in both the culinary and music categories. The menu offers a little something for everyone, but the real deal is in the “old school” section of their menu. This is where to find all the old soul food favorites like fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffles and shrimp, fish and grits. They also have an excellent gospel brunch with live music and a breakfast buffet featuring some of the menu’s favorites and then some. Originally located in Fort Worth, they now have an Addison location and a jazz lounge in DeSoto.

A clubbing evening…at home (or House Nightclub)

The kitchen...er bar, at House Nightclub

Those club promoters, what will they think of next. Well, it seems like next has already arrived and it’s called House Nightclub in the Wynwood neighborhood. The concept is just what it seems, a nightclub that looks and feels like…a house. A very modern, futuristic house.

Naturally, it’s housed in a former warehouse and although there are kitchens, showers and bedrooms within this club theme, for sure no clubgoers will be wearing robes and house slippers. They will however, grab their cocktails in the kitchens which will serve as bars, lounge on beds while sipping (or perhaps slammin’) their chosen concoctions and hang out in showers that double as VIP rooms. Promoters are calling it the “Ultimate House Party,” a cyber modulated world with holographic technology, 360 degree panoramic projections and 3D architectural mapping.

Check out details about House Nightclub in Wynwood at their website www.housenightclub.com

Old Florida’s alive and well at Miami River Inn

Forget for a minute the barrage of fancy high-rise hotels that dot the Miami skyline and envision a leisurely weekend stay at the Miami River Inn, where old Florida is embraced, celebrated and preserved and has been since 1910.

Set along the historic Miami River (hence, the name), this quaint bed and breakfast has survived the changes that have made Downtown Miami into a thriving, modern metropolis.

The pale yellow house with lime green trim cries out Florida citrus while the lush tropical landscaping surrounding the pool provides a soothing, relaxing, sun-soaking oasis.

The Inn’s four cottages each with 10 rooms, feature hardwood floors, antique brass, wood and wicker furnishings, lovely sitting areas, garden views and comfortable, beautifully dressed beds. First floor rooms feature porches that open to the garden area, while second and third floor rooms provide a remarkable view of the Miami River and Downtown Miami.

The croquet green is a fun way to pass the time followed perhaps by a complimentary glass of wine in the evening.

Miami River Inn is located at 118 SW South River Drive, 305-325-0045, www.miamiriverinn.com

Try Mexico City style tacos at Urban Taco

Looking for authentic Mexican taqueria cuisine without the bars on the windows? Then Urban Taco is calling your name. They’ve brought Mexico City style tacos and tortas to two locations in Dallas, but snazzed up their taqueria with contemporary interiors and flavored margaritas for one “modern Mexican dining experience.” The menu is chef-driven while keeping to tried and true Mexican favorites. Whether you’re there for the tacos, empanadas, or just to pick up some fresh poblano-pepita pesto, it’s all fresh food made daily. Some favorites to check out include their yucca fries, pozole tortilla soup, the mango-jicama slaw or anything in barbacoa.

CVI. CHE 105: Peruvian classic with a hip twist

Ceviche

The small, mom and pop eatery in Downtown Miami is slowly disappearing, replaced by modern, hip restaurants and leading the trend is Cvi.che 105.

Chef/owner Juan Chipoco and sous chef and co-owner Luis Hoyos have created an incredible ambiance and menu that is indicative of their passion for traditional, delicious Peruvian cooking. The space is deceivingly large and inviting,  with a bright interior, open kitchen and ultra-contemporary furnishings and accents.

Chipoco blends sexy dishes like seafood orgy ceviche, a blend of marinated raw seafood including fish, calamari and shrimp served in typical Peruvian tiger milk with more traditional ones like Mama Ele Corvina Fish – his grandmother’s recipe of pan roasted fresh corvine fish served with a crab cake in a rocoto sauce and a homemade potato cake

 They also take great care in developing specific flavors for each ceviche depending which region of Peru it represents.

Cviche 105 is located at 105 NE 3 Ave., Miami, FL 305-577-3454, www.ceviche105.com

Consign of the Times: Bargain designer duds and wares

Not only is the name catchy with its play on words, Consign of the Times is a legendary spot with two locations in Miami where fashionistas shop to find great deals on designer clothing, accessories and home furnishings.

Making their mark since opening in 2001, the store quickly became the go-to spot in Miami Beach and South Miami, especially during season for gowns, jewelry, shoes and handbags. Their high-end luxury pieces are continually rotated and revamped in an effort to keep their return customers pleased with their findings.

The list of designer names is impressive and includes Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blanik, Chloe, Christian Louboutin and Bottega.

Boutiques are located at 1635 Jefferson Ave., Miami Beach 305-535-0811 and at 5900 SW 73 St., South Miami 305-667-6675, www.consignofthetimes.com

Ballet Flamenco La Rosa: Passionate castanet moves

Ilisa Rosa, artistic director of Ballet Flamenco La Rosa. Photo by Ali.

One of Miami’s most beloved dance troupes Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, led by artistic director Ilisa Rosal, who formed the group in 1985. In their nearly three decades of existence, Rosal has developed more than 100 flamenco performances.

Serving as a choreographer and dancer as well, Rosal and her troupe take flamenco beyond the traditional well known dance and in their performances, present it in a theatrical setting. Their original numbers explore the connection between flamenco and other dance forms including Middle Eastern, Indian, jazz, tap, blues and Afro-Cuban.

They regularly collaborate with internationally renowned guest musicians and dancers who enhance the experience. In “Celtic Callings” they were joined by the Breffini Irish Dancers while productions like “Las Brujas de Salem” (“The Witches of Salem”) and “Rey Lear” were inspired by Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” and Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” respectively.

Ballet Flamenco La Rosa performs throughout the year at various venues around Miami and also host weekly classes at the Performing Arts Network, 13146-8 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami 305-899-7730, www.balletflamencolarosa.com, www.panmiami.org

Best of Miami’s beaches for fun in the sun

Narrowing down the top-five beaches in Miami is no easy feat, especially since South Beach gets all the glory, but there are four others (of course South Beach makes the list) that deserve a top spot too.

South Beach, from South Pointe Park to 14th Street is pure beauty, decadence and what put the area on the world map, once hailed as “America’s French Riviera.” There’s no shade here, just pure beautiful Miami sand, clear waters, plenty of eye candy and lots of bars and restaurants along Ocean Drive for fun before or after the beach. Click here for info on Miami Beach.

Further north in Miami Beach’s Surfside/Bal Harbour area there’s a great little stretch of beach along 94th to 96th streets. Behind the condominiums the water is pristine. Chair and umbrella service is available, showers are nearby and it’s quiet and uncrowded. Parking’s great too, plenty of it on the surrounding streets unlike South Beach where it’s a challenge. Click here for info on Surfside.

Crandon Park Beach

The remainder of the beaches on the list are on Key Biscayne  where the water is quite different and a bit warmer. The area has a much more natural feel. Pay $1.50 to get on the island and just a few miles down the road on the right is Hobie Beach, shallow, no wave water, perfect for windsurfing. Further down are the Crandon Park beaches, known for great picnic areas, shallow, warm waters and cool sandbars. At the tip of Key Biscayne is Cape Florida/Bill Baggs State Park beach. There are several areas to drive in and park and one of the best is the one closest to the Lighthouse. Similar to Crandon, picnicking here is ideal with barbecues, a food stand, shady areas and nature trails . Click here for info on Key Biscayne beaches.

Kitesurfers glide, soar through the air

Catching some air then gliding on the water is the ultimate thrill when it comes to kitesurfing and just like the name implies, the sport uses both skill sets.

Riders are strapped to what looks like a cross between a boogie board and a small surfboard while they hang on to a kite contraption that allows them to soar through the air and then land on the water. It’s ideal for adventurous types who love getting out on the water and experiencing more than just tanning on the beach. MiamiKiteboard in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne even does trips out to remote islands with great sandbars. The warm waters of Crandon Park make it the ideal place to learn and participate.

Miami Kiteboard is located at Crandon Park, North Beach, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-345-9974. Click here to visit their website.

The Abbey’s very “un” South Beach

The door stays open, no velvet ropes or long lines here, The Abbey Brewing Co. is one of the most “un” South Beach spots on the beach. It’s a dark bar with no pretense, just a place to hang, talk and drink.

Unlike all the Irish pubs and other fancy prew pub spots around Miami, The Abbey has been doing hand-crafted beers since 1995, way before it became the trend. They’re proud of their award-winning brews here and boast about them on their website. There are plenty of bottled beers as well as tons of drafts. Stained glass, dark wood, dart boards and funky art make this place a beer/pub lover’s paradise. Some pub grub and quality cigars go great with the beer selection and complete the experience.

The Abbey, 1115 16 St., 305-538-8110. Click here to visit their website.

Salumeria 104: Midtown’s ode to the trattoria

Lovers of salami, cheeses, olives and the like are flocking to Salumeria 104 in Midtown Miami. It’s the latest addition to the area’s “restaurant row” and an ode to the Italian trattoria.

Sure there are fantastic pastas on the menu, but the star here is the salami after all, it’s billed as a “Salami Shop and Trattoria.” Those nifty wooden boards get plenty of use here, piled high with hard salami rounds and thin slices of prosciutto and truffle ham and a round ramekin filled with olives. It’s a veritable feast for those who love to nibble.

One of their most authentic dishes and one not easily found on Italian restaurant menus is the gnocchi alla romana. Unlike the traditional small round gnocchi, these are thick round homemade semolina gnocchi topped with parmesan cheese and crispy prosciutto and baked until it’s crispy and bubbling. Aside from the mouthwatering pastas, they’re also serving succulent roasted pork loin wrapped in crispy pork belly and slowly braised pork spare ribs.

Salumeria 104 is located at 3451 NE 1 Ave., #104, 305-424-9588, www.salumeria104.com

The Federal’s serving unique eats

The latest installation in the ever-growing MiMo (short for Miami Modern) section along Biscayne Blvd. is a funky, tiny little spot called The Federal. They’re serving up equally funky eats not normally found on most menus.

Just look at some of the dishes, especially the names:

Jar-o-Duck with candied sweet potato, charred fluff and slow-cooked Hudson Valley duck; diet coke and foie gras fritters with corn-nut mayo and velveeta foam; Crispy Niman Ranch pig ears with pineapple, radish, jalapeno and kumquat-apple vin; crispy beef bits bbq scented omasan, savory maple.

OK, there are some traditional items like cheese biscuits, chicken, steak, shrimp & grits, salads, collard greens and mashed potatoes.

The decor is as quirky as the menu, completely rustic with intricate wood sculptures along the wall and plain and simple seating. It’s all about comfort here, no pretense.

The Federal is located at 5132 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-758-9559 www.thefederalmiami.com

Tuyo’s spectacular view mirrors chef’s menu

Miami-Dade College Culinary Institute’s Tuyo Restaurant is a sight to behold, for everything from a spectacular Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay view to the meticulously thought out menu by Executive Chef Norman Van Aken, considered the “founding father of New World Cuisine.”

Van Aken’s restaurant ventures throughout Miami have left an indelible mark on the culinary world and wherever he lands, fans and foodies flock. Tuyo, which is Spanish for “Yours” is on course to do the same with a farm-to-table concept and strict sustainability practices.

They use only locally or Southeast U.S. sourced ingredients like the salad of local lettuces, heirloom tomato and avocado, with salt roasted beets, pepitas and blue cheese. Or the pan-c00ked fillet of Key West yellowtail snapper served over mashed potatoes with citrus butter and malabar spinach.

Their commitment to their local and sustainable practices is outlined right on the menu where it states that “certain items on the menu may vary due to local availability and seasonality.”

Tuyo is located atop the Miami-Dade College Culinary Institute at 415 NE Second Ave., 305-237-3200, www.tuyomiami.com

Bond No. 9

Perfumery has always been about head-turning. Now, perfumes have been turned on their head. For the first time in fragrance history, a major, full-blown fragrance collection was launched as an homage to a great city. The name of this fragrance collection is Bond No. 9 (which is also the address of its headquarters boutique at 9 Bond Street, in NoHo). The city it celebrates is none other than — could be no other than — New York.

The Bond No. 9 collection of women’s, men’s, and unisex eaux de parfum — has a dual mission: To restore artistry to perfumery, and to mark every New York neighborhood with a scent of its own. Each fragrance represents a specific downtown, midtown, or uptown locale or a city-wide sensibility. With new introductions in the coming seasons, Bond No. 9 infuses the island of Manhattan with scents.

Billie’s Black

Besides being known for their amazing food (and let’s be clear: Billie’s Black serves food that is not just good; it is delicious), Billie’s also has gained respect from the city’s independent music scene. If an artist wants to do a show in Harlem, Billie’s is either first on their list or close to the top.

And so, suddenly, Adriane finds herself owning the exact business she expected. Part restaurant, part lounge, part family reunion, Billie’s Black has grown from a dream into a reality.

BB Kings Blues Club

Lucille’s Bar & Grill is a separate bar/restaurant located inside B.B. King’s and is named for B.B. King’s guitar. Lucille’s is open daily from 11am-1am on weekdays, 11am-3am on Friday & Saturdays for lunch, dinner & drinks. There is free live music nightly in Lucilles!

Christine Cameron on Screaming Mimi’s

Long a favorite of designers and wardrobe stylists, Screaming Mimi’s is one of the funkiest downtown destinations for affordable, well-preserved vintage clothing. With innovative window displays and a bright, colorful interior, owner Laura Wills’ boutique could almost be mistaken for a smaller, slightly twisted branch of Barney’s Coop. Attentive, smartly-dressed sales associates help shoppers navigate the racks to find a Quiana shirt to go with their Saturday Night Fever leisure suit, or try on some kicky, kitten heels for a vintage prom dress. Most of the store’s items are classic casual wear from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, although a back balcony area displays collector’s designer pieces from names like Courreges, Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga

Perrin Paris

The Perrin house, dating back to 1893, continues its longstanding heritage by offering an elegant and contemporary array of handbags, gloves and leather accessories. Modern in design and timeless in appeal, the Perrin collection embodies refinement, integrating the finest quality leather with first-rate craftsmanship and dedication to absolute perfection.

Devoted to an expertise passed on from one generation to the next, the Perrin house remains attentive to the quality and excellence of its products, controlling every step of the leather making process. The house has recently invested in its own manufacturing plant built according to the latest standards, and in full compliance with environmental codes.

“We wish to offer women a luxurious product, no matter the lifestyle” explains Michel Perrin, the fourth generation representative of the marque. “Our handbags and gloves are appreciated by a woman who knows her style, what is unique about it…and about herself. They reveal a woman’s’ attitude while enhancing her natural elegance.”