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Brook Dorsch, a pioneer of Wynwood’s Arts District
When Miami's Wynwood Arts District was beginning to take shape more than a decade ago, gallery owner Brook Dorsch immediately moved into a 3,600+-square-foot warehouse space and along with a handful of other daring and fellow gallery owners pioneered what is now considered a hotbed in Miami's thriving arts community.
And with that, who better to dish about his favorite Miami spots, hangouts, etc...than someone who's in the thick of it all, making it happen.
What is your favorite season in Miami?
My Favorite time in Miami is the Fall/Winter, it's the best time to be outside, especially since biking is my favorite activity during the winter months. Als, the city is alive those months since it's the time of the art fairs, so it is nice to be able to wear a jacket and not be drenched in sweat. I consider Spring/Summer more of a slow time, a time to relax.
What's your favorite neighborhood for dining out, for nightlife?
My favorite Area for eating out is MIMO, the Biscayne corridor between 50th and 79th streets. Although Wynwood is adding new spots every week. Then there are always the food trucks which don't tie you down to any neighborhood.
For nightlife I like the 14th street area in Downtown Miami, particularly for The Bar and The Vagabond but my personal favorite is Churchills in Little Haiti. West of Wynwood has some new DYI spots that have just opened - Chum Bucket and Beelzebub's Cave - and I can't wait for the opening of Lester's.
Where do you like to shop?
The best place to shop for Seafood is Casablanca market on the Miami river. I don't generally just shop - but I stumble... I usually prefer smaller stores to any big chains. Sweat Records and some small secondhand shops on NE 2nd Avenue are fun. Markys on 79th for all things Russian. Everything else is online.
What inspires you about Miami?
The attitude. Miami has an attitude that most people don't like, and scares away the people that can't handle it. Sort of like being a tough New Yorker, that has been stuck in a Spanish sauna for 44 hours. I have lived in some of the toughest neighborhoods in Miami, and people are great! You just have to go with the flow. I couldn't live anywhere without culture, or a diverse population - I feel that that is how we can become real Americans (by jumping into the middle of the melting pot). Miami has this strange mix of culture, sun and booze to create a place with character. Miami forces you to become resilient.
Do you have an insider tip for tourists visiting Miami for the first time?
Go with the flow. Don't eat on Ocean Drive - unless someone else is paying! Seek the quiet spots, and absorb the local flavor - with an exception of the best tourist destination are the real kitschy ones, everything from Coral Castle way down South to Jimbo's on Virginia Key.
Are you a regular somewhere, have a favorite local hangout?
Churchills, Buena Vista Deli in nearby Buena Vista near the District and Club Deuce and the Abby when I am on the beach. They don't yell "Norm", but they know who I am.
Do you have a secret spot in the city (to unwind, get away, people watch, read a book, escape)?
Simpson Park, Shark Valley, the Bird Sanctuary in Grenoylds Park, and Miami Beach, the actual beach at night...for places to chill and enjoy. For peoplewatching check out the alternative non-profit art spaces -- Locust Projects, Dimensions Variable, Swamp-Space, the Little River Yacht Club and Bas Fisher. And when Lester's in Wynwood - a coffee, beer and wine bar opens - it will be my new second home.
And with that, who better to dish about his favorite Miami spots, hangouts, etc...than someone who's in the thick of it all, making it happen.
What is your favorite season in Miami?
My Favorite time in Miami is the Fall/Winter, it's the best time to be outside, especially since biking is my favorite activity during the winter months. Als, the city is alive those months since it's the time of the art fairs, so it is nice to be able to wear a jacket and not be drenched in sweat. I consider Spring/Summer more of a slow time, a time to relax.
What's your favorite neighborhood for dining out, for nightlife?
My favorite Area for eating out is MIMO, the Biscayne corridor between 50th and 79th streets. Although Wynwood is adding new spots every week. Then there are always the food trucks which don't tie you down to any neighborhood.
For nightlife I like the 14th street area in Downtown Miami, particularly for The Bar and The Vagabond but my personal favorite is Churchills in Little Haiti. West of Wynwood has some new DYI spots that have just opened - Chum Bucket and Beelzebub's Cave - and I can't wait for the opening of Lester's.
Where do you like to shop?
The best place to shop for Seafood is Casablanca market on the Miami river. I don't generally just shop - but I stumble... I usually prefer smaller stores to any big chains. Sweat Records and some small secondhand shops on NE 2nd Avenue are fun. Markys on 79th for all things Russian. Everything else is online.
What inspires you about Miami?
The attitude. Miami has an attitude that most people don't like, and scares away the people that can't handle it. Sort of like being a tough New Yorker, that has been stuck in a Spanish sauna for 44 hours. I have lived in some of the toughest neighborhoods in Miami, and people are great! You just have to go with the flow. I couldn't live anywhere without culture, or a diverse population - I feel that that is how we can become real Americans (by jumping into the middle of the melting pot). Miami has this strange mix of culture, sun and booze to create a place with character. Miami forces you to become resilient.
Do you have an insider tip for tourists visiting Miami for the first time?
Go with the flow. Don't eat on Ocean Drive - unless someone else is paying! Seek the quiet spots, and absorb the local flavor - with an exception of the best tourist destination are the real kitschy ones, everything from Coral Castle way down South to Jimbo's on Virginia Key.
Are you a regular somewhere, have a favorite local hangout?
Churchills, Buena Vista Deli in nearby Buena Vista near the District and Club Deuce and the Abby when I am on the beach. They don't yell "Norm", but they know who I am.
Do you have a secret spot in the city (to unwind, get away, people watch, read a book, escape)?
Simpson Park, Shark Valley, the Bird Sanctuary in Grenoylds Park, and Miami Beach, the actual beach at night...for places to chill and enjoy. For peoplewatching check out the alternative non-profit art spaces -- Locust Projects, Dimensions Variable, Swamp-Space, the Little River Yacht Club and Bas Fisher. And when Lester's in Wynwood - a coffee, beer and wine bar opens - it will be my new second home.
What are your favorite restaurants/museums/parks/ shopping places/bars/etc?
I support all of the Museums - so I can't pick favorites, but I will always recommend them. But the Private Art collections are fantastic as well. The Marguiles, De La Cruz, Rubell and World Class Boxing are great to visit. For Places to eat - Gigi's, Metro Bistro, Magnum (for fun). Did I mention Churchill's?
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Lesley Abravanel – the nightlife columnist shares her faves about the Magic City
Lesley Abravanel knows her way around Miami and then some...comes with the territory. What does she do? What doesn't she do. She's the Miami Herald's long running gossip/nightlife columnist/blogger (with column titles like Velvet Underground and Scene in the Tropics), editor of the food/drink blog Miami Eater, Miami listings editor for Black Book and author of guidebooks Frommer's Florida and Frommer's South Florida.
It's no wonder Lesley is the perfect person to provide insider tips and faves about the city she knows so well.
What do you love about your city in the summer/fall?
What I truly love about summer and fall is as soon as summer is over, regardless of the temperature, natives tend to whip out the Uggs, the thigh high boots and the ski caps. It could be 100 degrees with a heat index of 120, but if it's October, it's boots and hats all the way.
What are some of your favorite neighborhoods? For eating? Museums? Nightspots?
The obvious answer to this would be Midtown Miami, the Design District and Wynwood for various reasons---food, culture, hipsters, nightlife. But I'll give another shout out to the always evolving areas of Brickell and Sunset Harbour/Purdy, where on any given day, week, or month, a new restaurant or watering hole seems to emerge from nowhere. I'm also keen on developing downtown Miami.div>
What is your favorite place to shop in the city?
Why, Target at Midtown, of course.
What inspires you about your city?
The absolute inanity of it. And the insanity too. And the efforts of a sophisticated, educated group of many trying to change the aforementioned. That inspires me most.
Do you have an insider tip for tourists visiting your city for the first time?
Miami is not all about South Beach. Rent a car and explore.
Are you a regular somewhere? Local hangout?
They seem to know my name at The Room and Clarke's. (Both are on Miami Beach)
Do you have a secret spot in the city (to unwind, get away, people watch, read a book, escape)?
My balcony
What are you favorite restaurants/museums/parks/ shopping places/bars/etc?
Restaurants: Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Joey's, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill (all in the Design District), Jimmy's East Side Diner (on 72 Street and Biscayne Blvd. in the MiMo District)
Bars: The Room, Clarke's, Fox's Sherron Inn (South Miami), Ted's, Deuce, Raleigh Bar (rest are on Miami Beach)
Shopping: Marky's (a gourmet food store)
Parks: South Pointe Park (Miami Beach)
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Laura Bruney- Executive director of Miami’s Arts & Business Council.
![laura_bruney[1]](http://citybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/laura_bruney1-280x300.jpg "laura_bruney[1]")
Tell me about your current job and your past history that makes you the perfect person to be a Miami insider.
I moved to Miami when I was 11 years old so I think I am almost a native. I have been Executive Director of the Arts & Business Council of Miami for over 23 years. In this role I create working partnerships between the corporate and cultural communities. We have programs that help business professionals connect with their creative side and make meaningful use of their skills and their free time. I work with over 500 arts groups and hundreds of artists in Miami Dade and am a passionate fan of the arts in our community.
What do you love about Miami in the Fall?
The cultural season gets into full swing in the fall. I also love football which starts in the fall and love the Miami Dolphins (most years). The weather cools off and hurricane season ends.
What are some of your favorite neighborhoods?
South Beach on the bay side, Design District, Mimo and Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.
For eating? Lincoln Road, Coral Gables
Museums? Miami Beach, Downtown
What is your favorite place to shop in the city?
Museum gift shops have the best and most unique items for sale. Your purchase supports the arts. Many museums carry the work of local artists. You can find a list of all the museums in Miami-Dade at www.MiamiDadeArts.org and click on find an arts group.
What inspires you about Miami?
The diversity of the people and places, the sunshine, the warm and inviting atmosphere and of course our world class cultural community including over 1,000 arts groups.
Do you have an insider tip for tourists visiting Miami for the first time?
Explore. Go to the different neighborhoods for different experiences. Visit our museums, take an Art Deco walk or historic walking tour with Dr. George. Check the Weekend Section of the Miami Herald and go to a festival or special event. Miami has more festivals than days in the year! Visit the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau website www.gmcvb.com for a great calendar of events and programs and great promotions such as Miami Spice month at some of our best restaurants.
Are you a regular somewhere?
The Adrienne Arsht Center, museums, theatres and festivals.
Do you have a secret spot in the city (to unwind, get away, people watch, read a book, escape) and why?
Maurice Gibb Park in South Beach is a quiet little park right on the bay. Perfect for a small picnic with friends, walking the dog or just watching the sunset over beautiful downtown Miami.
What are your favorite
Restaurants – Joe Allen, Solea at the W, Dynamo Café at Wolfsonian, Garcias on the River, Sr. Martinez
Museums – Miami has a great variety of museums and I love them all. Some of my favorites Wolfsonian, Bass Museum, Lowes Art Museum, Deering Estate. Looking forward to our new museum park opening in a few years in downtown Miami.
shopping places – Lincoln Road, Bakery Center Art Space, Museum gift shops
favorite events:
Art Basel, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Miami Book Fair, Summer Shorts, Miami Hispanic Theatre Festival
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Owner/Curator Amanda Fernandez-Leon Swears by The Restaurant at the Setai
"Picking a favorite restaurant in Miami is like picking your favorite star in the sky: an impossible feat," Amanda Fernandez-Leon, owner and curator of Calix Gustav Gallery, told citybuzz. "But there is one restaurant that truly never fails- this is not just a restaurant, it's The Restaurant at the Setai."
Located in arguably the best hotel in Miami, 
The Restaurant at the Setai is pan asian cuisine that exceeds all expectations and prior experiences. As a Miami trendsetter and owner of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, Amanda has a spot-on taste for what's cooking in Miami, and especially for what's sizzlin' at The Restaurant.
"The menu is massive and intimidating for newcomers," Amanda warns, but follow her favorites and you're sure to have as fabulous experience as she does. "The Pecking Duck Salad with the sweetest shallots you'll ever taste; nothing says Dim Sum like the melt-in-your-mouth Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns; the Pork Belly with dreamy Kimchi is unreal; the Lamb Curry is my pick for my last meal on Earth; and [finally] the Tandoor Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, so succulent it's naughty," Amanda recommends. With food that delicious and with so many options, she adds this advice, "Ladies, I don't recommend wearing a tight dress." Point taken.
*** Amanda Fernandez-Leon is the owner and curator of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, the new Calix Gustav Gallery, in the trendy Wynwood Arts District. With an unbelievable taste for the unique, she has also established herself as a trendsetter in both the culinary and fashion worlds. Always decked to the nines, Amanda can be found giving tours at her gallery as well as dining at restaurants that are on the verge of becoming the next big thing.
The Restaurant at the Setai is pan asian cuisine that exceeds all expectations and prior experiences. As a Miami trendsetter and owner of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, Amanda has a spot-on taste for what's cooking in Miami, and especially for what's sizzlin' at The Restaurant.
"The menu is massive and intimidating for newcomers," Amanda warns, but follow her favorites and you're sure to have as fabulous experience as she does. "The Pecking Duck Salad with the sweetest shallots you'll ever taste; nothing says Dim Sum like the melt-in-your-mouth Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns; the Pork Belly with dreamy Kimchi is unreal; the Lamb Curry is my pick for my last meal on Earth; and [finally] the Tandoor Jumbo Tiger Shrimp, so succulent it's naughty," Amanda recommends. With food that delicious and with so many options, she adds this advice, "Ladies, I don't recommend wearing a tight dress." Point taken.
*** Amanda Fernandez-Leon is the owner and curator of one of Miami's most avant-garde galleries, the new Calix Gustav Gallery, in the trendy Wynwood Arts District. With an unbelievable taste for the unique, she has also established herself as a trendsetter in both the culinary and fashion worlds. Always decked to the nines, Amanda can be found giving tours at her gallery as well as dining at restaurants that are on the verge of becoming the next big thing.
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Rocker Jamie Jo Harris Parties at The Wall
The newest lifetime member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame is also an It Girl on the Miami social scene. Jamie Jo Harris is one part rock-chic jewelry designer, one part Kylie Minogue-esque singer-songwriter, so when she wants to let loose, it's always on a dance floor, and more often than not it's at W South Beach's new hotspot The Wall.
Jamie Jo told citybuzz that if you're 
looking for a "great 'in spot,'" then Wall is one of the elite places to go in Miami. Describing it as "very fresh and chic," this lounge/club just opened in 2009 and is as sleek a club as the W is a hotel. Outfitted in a gold and black theme and refreshingly high ceilings covered with gold copper mesh, Wall sets the stage for a glamorous night of dancing and bottle service. The dance floor is nearly as spacious as the airy ceiling levels. The ever changing lights of purples, reds and greens against the wall is an added bonus to get you in the mood for a serious night of partying to hip hop and Top 40 mixes. If you're lucky, you might even catch Jamie Jo behind the DJ booth, spinning the killer mix that has everyone dancing.
As one of the newest nightclubs on SoBe and with VIP events happening every week, Wall's velvet rope is one of the hardest- and best- to get through.
*** Jamie Jo Harris is a singer-songwriter and founder of jewelry line, Belle Coeur. Jamie Jo's latest album, In Violet, features the hit single "U Turn Me On," featuring none other than legendary vocalist Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.
looking for a "great 'in spot,'" then Wall is one of the elite places to go in Miami. Describing it as "very fresh and chic," this lounge/club just opened in 2009 and is as sleek a club as the W is a hotel. Outfitted in a gold and black theme and refreshingly high ceilings covered with gold copper mesh, Wall sets the stage for a glamorous night of dancing and bottle service. The dance floor is nearly as spacious as the airy ceiling levels. The ever changing lights of purples, reds and greens against the wall is an added bonus to get you in the mood for a serious night of partying to hip hop and Top 40 mixes. If you're lucky, you might even catch Jamie Jo behind the DJ booth, spinning the killer mix that has everyone dancing.
As one of the newest nightclubs on SoBe and with VIP events happening every week, Wall's velvet rope is one of the hardest- and best- to get through.
*** Jamie Jo Harris is a singer-songwriter and founder of jewelry line, Belle Coeur. Jamie Jo's latest album, In Violet, features the hit single "U Turn Me On," featuring none other than legendary vocalist Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.