Tag Archives: miami beach

Sightseeing four-wheel limo style

Looking like a Jeep/Limo hybrid, the tricked out ride used for the Tons of Fun Tours offered throughout Miami by Florida Jeep Tours provides an unforgettably unique experience.

JeepClimb aboard the eight-passenger vehicle, complete with captain’s chair for an open-air and also air conditioned tour of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods. Ride through the celebrity playground that is South Beach, take in the serene and natural setting of Key Biscayne, the thriving young hot bed of condominium lifestyle with bustling nightlife and restaurants in Brickell, tour the artsy and urban area of Wynwood and the old-Florida, yacht-filled and still somewhat bohemian Coconut Grove.

Here’s a breakdown of what they offer:

Miami’s Best Jeep Tour is a three-hour tour that takes you across Biscayne Bay on the historic Venetian Causeway through some of the 32 man-made islands that dot the Bay, over to South Beach, playground of the rich and famous and home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. There is also a similar albeit shorter two-hour nighttime tour that showcases the area’s glowing neon and pulsing all-night-long party atmosphere.

The two-hour South Beach Jeep Tour follows the same route as above then heads back to Miami via the MacArthur Causeway past Star Island and Palm Island, the home, past and present, to celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Al Capone, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Marc Anthony.

To book a tour visit their website here.

A play on brunch at Tongue & Cheek

The restaurant’s name is certainly a play on words but the owners of Tongue & Cheek aren’t messing around when it comes to brunch. They’re taking it as seriously as any other meal of the day.

Chef Jamie DeRosa got the reigns in the kitchen where he’s concocted an all-inclusive menu for foodies with a sweet or savory tooth and those who want traditional as well as something with a bit of a twist.

T&CThe King Crab benedict with Tabasco hollandaise and baby arugula’s got some kick or the Cuban sandwich with pork cheeks and pickled cucumbers will wake up anyone hungover from a night of clubbing on South Beach. Or perhaps indulge in lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry jam, sticky buns with brown butter pecans or a basket of housemade donut holes in three varieties.

Wash it all down with what else…a bloody mary but not just the usual, here there’s a Barbecued Bloody Mary with Woodford Reserve and Belvedere Vodka and the True Blood, the traditional with Belvedere Vodka, horseradish and pickled vegetables. And if necessary, finish up with coffee which is free throughout brunch.

Brunch is on Sundays at Tongue & Cheek at 431 Washington Ave., Miami Beach is from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here to visit their website or call them at 305-704-2900.

Taste of summer at Sardinia Enoteca

On the quieter side of South Beach, away from the clubbiness of Washington Avenue and the hawkers on Lincoln Road, many restaurants are popping up along Purdy Avenue in the Sunset Harbor neighborhood. Purdy is where the Italian eatery Sardinia Enoteca can be found, as well as their summer lunch and dinner specials running June and July.

Mimicking the popular early fall Miami Spice deals, Sardinia is offering a prix fixe $23 lunch and $39 dinner menu for the two months.

Cozze 2Owner Antonio Gallo and Executive Chef Pietro Vardeu have concocted several delicious choices. For lunch try their spaghetti carbonara, housemade potato gnocchi or Sardinian tuna fish as an entree and delicate mussels or a fresh caprese salad as an appetizer. Dinner selections include a few creative octopus appetizers and choices of housemade rigatoni or diver scallops as entrees. The Wine & Dine Special as they’re calling it, also includes 40% off select wine bottles.

In addition, they’ve launched happy hour specials  on drinks available Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. They include $7 wines by the glass of Bianchi, Rossi or Frizzante or well and featured Stoli cocktails. Corona, Miller Lite, Stella Artois, Heineken or Peroni are all $3.

Sardinia Enoteca is located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. Visit their website at sardinia-ristorante.com for a complete list of what’s available.

 

Light up the sky, on Fourth of July

Photo courtesy of Miamiandbeaches.com

OK, so Fourth of July falls mid-week this year, smack on a hump day, but this is Miami, why would that stop us? After all, South Beach hotel pools are always hot to trot for a party and what better occasion than patriotic Fourth of July. Think the Delano, Shelbourne or Raleigh for upscale and the Clevelander (across from Lummus Park) for debauchery.

They’re also the perfect place to watch the fireworks display on 8th and Ocean at Lummus Park while sipping a cosmo, frozen concoction or downing shots poolside. Click here to learn about “Fire on the Fourth of July.”

If South Beach isn’t your scene, there are other more sedate, all-American parties in other parts of town.

Try Downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park for the city’s biggest Fourth celebration “America’s Birthday Bash.” There’s food and drinks, live music and a kids’ zone, open from 3-7 p.m. At 9 p.m. the sky lights up with a spectacular fireworks display, each year bigger and brighter than the year before. Click here for details.

On Key Biscayne they kick the day off with an all-American parade featuring marching bands, slilt walkers, parade floats and plenty of good eats. It’s a small-town celebration right through the town’s main street. Afterwards, hang out at either Crandon Park Beach or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park enjoying an all-day barbecue and take in the many fireworks displays over Biscayne Bay. Click here for more information.

And funky, waterfront Coconut Grove is the site for several celebrations. Start the day with a morning picnic at the Barnacle State Historic Site, featuring lawn games, kite making and crafts. Then walk a few blocks to CocoWalk for a scavenger hunt, hot dog eating contest, a beer pong tournament and music by local band Deck 52. And over at Peacock Park there’s live entertainment and delectable food and beverages from local restaurants. It all culminates with a fantastic fireworks display over the bay. Click here for details.

Goooooooooaaaaaal! Kickin’ it in summer

Soccer fans will be kicking it up in June around Miami, catching the European action at one of the tons of pubs that have popped up around the city in the last few years.

Waxy O’Connor’s on Miami Beach and in the Brickell area are where to catch all the action on their more than 15 flat screen TV’s. They’ll even open early and be serving breakfast for early risers who can’t miss a single minute.

Brickell Irish Pub and Fado Irish Pub at Mary Brickell Village are two great alternative spots for soccer fans should the others be too packed. On the riverfront Finnegan’s on the River is perfect for open-air viewing on the water.

There’s nothing better than watching a soccer match, draft in hand surrounded by equally obssessed and fanatical fans.

However, if it’s a full-on sports bar you prefer, there are lots of options there too.  Duffy’s Sports Grill or Duffy’s Tavern in South Miami are great too, as well as Village Tavern.

The soccer action begins on June 8 and runs the entire month. Click here to view the schedule of matches for UEFA Euro 2012.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante: That’s Italian!

The name is kind of long but oh so Italian — Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante on Miami Beach in the quaint area around Purdy Avenue. It’s becoming a hotbed of restaurants over here and no wonder, away a bit from the crowded South Beach scene which makes it a locals scene.

This gorgeous restaurant with pretty wooden tables and chairs, oversized tiles for flooring and an inviting bar that makes a great spot to eat too puts the wine front and center. The Italian wines are proudly displayed and elegantly lit in a bookcase looking case.

And if choosing between antipasti, soup, salad, entree, panini, pasta or any other of their wide selection perhaps the Tasting Menu is the best bet. For $65 there are plenty of seafood or landlubber selections along with a cheeseboard and dessert selection. It’s true Italian fare and because wine is so important here, they’re happy to offer diners a taste before purchasing. Very classy.

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante is located at 1801 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach, FL 305-531-2228, www.saridinia-ristorante.com

Meat Market: Sink your teeth into it

The name may be a play on words for a pick-up bar but rest assured, Meat Market on Lincoln Road in South Beach couldn’t be further from that. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Sean Brasel along with sommelier Sarah Almand are a pair of pros at their craft.

The menu features signature steaks and reserve cuts as the stars, with a great selection of sauces and butters specially created to accompany them along with classic salads that make great starters.  Pork, chicken and fish entrees and yet another classic, meatloaf make the grade here too.

For an even more unique experience, their monthly wine dinner series is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique culinary evening. The four-course meals include two appetizer courses, an entree course and dessert course. Each one is paired with the perfect wine. Succulent smoke-roasted duck breast with zinfandel and rugged dry-aged prime rib eye with hearty combination reds.

Meat Market is located at 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 305-532-0088 www.meatmarketmiami.com

Dream: This is no la la land but it’s a dream

Yet another velvet rope nightclub has debuted in South Beach. This one’s called Dream and features all that’s come to be expected from a high energy, open ’til the wee hours hot spot in what’s known as the American Riviera.

Like most of the nightclubs in the area, this one’s on Washington Avenue, the hotbed strip for late night party hounds. Dream’s decadent interior is filled with obligatory disco balls, multi-colored flourescent lighting, comfy tufted leather booths where celebrities and other high-rollers are sure to enjoy bottle service throughout the night.

The nightly themes, like Fantasy Wednesdays, Eyecandy Saturdays and Fubar Fridays seem to have a recurring theme. It’s pure South Beach decadence for sure. It’s what’s to be expected around these parts.

Dream is located at 1532 Washington Ave., 305-674-8018, www.dreammia.com

This is one Vice that’s worth keeping

One of the newest kids on the South Beach nightclub scene is Vice Lounge located in the quieter side of Lincoln Road, the area that’s closer to the beach and not among the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian mall.

It’s all decadence in this place so best to check inhibitions at the door and the interior reflects this. Red carpeted stairs lead to the second floor, great viewing areas from here for the dance floor, multiple bars and VIP areas with bottle service galore. Singer Jon Secada has hung out here, live performances are the norm and DJ’s love playing here.

As is the norm in spots like this, they regularly  host fashion shows here as well as happy hour parties. It’s a party every night, weeknights never stop any club on the beach and Vice is no exception.

Vice is located at 330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 305-532-2667 www.facebook.com/viceloungemiami

Alchemist Shop: Revolving clothes line in industrial space

Already a mecca for great boutiques that fashionistas flock to, South Beach now gets two more, the Alchemist Shop with two locations on Lincoln Road.

One is a typical stand alone boutique the other is uniquely situated inside a parking garage. Of course, because it’s on South Beach it’s not just any parking garage, this is an industrial monstrosity at the tip of Lincoln Road. Now moviegoers can make a stop at this funky shop and sift through some truly unique fashions.

They’re known to carry high-end items by designers Undercover, Rick Owens and Libertine and of course, items get softer for Spring and as the seasons change so do the fashions in the Alchemist Shop. Jewelry, accessories and even some furniture are available as well.

Both stores share a unique clean, modern look and the view from the garage location is stellar thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. People watching onto Lincoln Road never looked so good.

Lou’s Beer Garden: Hideaway hangout

Knowing the hidden spots when visiting a city is always a fun adventure, it feels less touristy that way and makes you feel like an insider.

Lou’s Beer Garden in Miami Beach fits that description perfectly after all, it’s  not even visible from the street since it’s in the courtyard of a small hotel on Harding Avenue. Sure, it’s described as a Gastropub but it’s so much more than this. It’s an experience and definitely falls into an outdoor, poolside, lounge category, if there is such a thing.

It’s what makes Lou’s unique. They bill themselves as a throwback to the Miami Beach of another era and serve up craft beers, both bottled and on tap, as well as wines. Brewskies though, are the main attraction here. The decor features a sit-down bar with cool red lighting as well as patio seating surrounding the pool.

Lou’s Beer Garden is located at 7337 Harding Ave., Miami Beach, FL 305-704-7879. Web site: www.lousbeergarden.com

Pubbelly: Simply stated, it’s hog heaven

The gastropub has come to Miami, Miami Beach that is, in Pubbelly located around the quieter end of South Beach around 20th Street. Smart move, the space has the perfect non-Art Deco-looking Chelsea New York reminiscent look and feel. It fits perfectly with what the trio of young hip owners are going for.

High ceilings, brick walls, rustic but city like, it’s the antithesis of bubblegum, neon, pastel South Beach and the unique menu is the perfect complement. Asian-inspired Gastropub’s the concept here, an unusual blend for sure but one that works.

Try the spaghetti and meatballs with lemongrass, sommen noodles, tomato and peanuts best described as tangy with a surprising addicting flavor. The McBelly with porkbelly, kimchee, barbecue, pickles and shaved onions is a must as is the pubbelly ramen with porkbelly, lemongrass broth and a poached egg. Menu’s divided into small plates (the first two mentioned here) and larger ones like the ramen, as well as veggies, raw/marinated/cured options and sides. Brews, sakes and wines are great here too with a huge selection.

Pubbelly is located at 1418 20 St., Miami Beach, FL

pubbelly 1

Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian: Easy, breezy and chic

No matter how crowded South Beach gets, there’s always a cool poolside lounge to hang at that makes being in Miami well…tres cool. The Sunset Lounge at the Mondrian South Beach is one of those places. It’s elegant with the classy touches that people visiting Miami Beach have come to expect.

As always too, it’s a multiple-space experience here so everyone can find a great spot of their own. For an outdoor experience there’s plush red velvet seating with matching red and white designed carpet and a killer view of Biscayne Bay with Downtown Miami’s skyline as a back drop. Inside is the Lobby Bar and Lounge, a feast for the eyes in a different sense with a black winding spiral staircase and silent bell light fixtures designed by Marcel Wanders. The specialty cocktails, made with exotic and local ingredients as well as the live Latin and Spanish guitar players complete the experience.

The Mondrian South Beach is located at 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

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Art Center/South Florida: Watch artists at work

What makes the Art Center/South Florida so unique is that aside from being such a great place to view local art it’s actually a working studio where artists rent space and create their work. Besides making it the perfect excuse to stroll up and down Lincoln Road on Miami Beach, not that any excuses should be needed for doing that, it’s a great way to experience the craft of creating art first-hand.

Big names in the South Florida art community, like Carlos Betancourt, Robert Chambers, David Rohn, Michele Oka Doner and others, have displayed their work here and the exhibitions include public art commissions, performance and video art, multi-media works as well as more traditional paintings and drawings.

Art Center/South Florida is located at924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL

ArtCenterSouthFlorida

Wall Lounge: W South Beach’s IT place

 

It doesn’t get any swankier than a W Hotel and with the crowds this place is attracting, especially on South Beach, a nightclub is pretty much a given so the Wall Lounge is where it’s at in this place.

Decked out to look like something out of the 1960s, with funky psychedelic lights, retro leather couches around intimate round tables, perfect for groups wanting bottle service and circular blacklight inspired images projected throughout complete the space.

DJ Irie plays the tunes here along with his other contemporaries like the legendary Paul Oakenfold who is known to make appearances here as well.

The Wall Lounge is located inside the W South Beach at 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

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Rokbar: Rockin’ attitude the Tommy Lee way

A departure from the usual high energy dance clubs of South Beach, rocker Tommy Lee’s, drummer for Motley Crue, Rokbar is the ultimate hangout place for the hard rock crowd. 

Something’s going on here every night. Insomniac Thursdays; Dirty, Sexy Rock & Roll Fridays, Fresh 2 Death and DJ Tommy Ryk Saturdays and house music every Tuesday. Celebrities like actor Ryan Gosling and bands touring through Miami are regulars at Rokbar where Crue pics adorn the walls behind the bar which features rocked lighting of black leather suspended by metal chains.

Rokbar is located at 1905 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

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DASH Miami: Reality celebs Kardashians’ boutique on South Beach

They’re stars on E the Entertainment Channel with two reality shows, the focus of one being the sisters Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian’s boutique DASH Miami located on South Beach’s gritty and happening Washington Avenue.

It’s a non-descript storefront that’s easily missed with a simple DASH sign but step inside and their style, which is a blend of fun and funky, comes right through. The K sisters love to showcase their favorite fashions in the stores from simple to simply embellished t’s, cool dresses, tanks and plenty of accessories of course. They’ve also got swimwear, a line they recently debuted at Miami Fashion Week.

DASH Miami is located at 815 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

DASH

Cameo Theatre: Marquee’s bright lights beckon good time

The iconic Cameo Nightclub  in the heart of South Beach on gritty Washington Avenue stands out among all other clubs on this famous strip. The old-style neon movie marquee can be seen from blocks away, alerting clubgoers that inside awaits an awesome night.

Once known as the Cameo Theatre, hence the marquee, there’s something going on every night. A combination of live performances and first-rate DJs including Max Vangeli, Saeed Younan and Chocolate Puma take turns on the stage and behind the booth to excite the huge crowds that gather to dance the night away to their pulsating rhythms. Cameo is also one of the spots to catch the latest masters during the yearly Winter Music Conference.

And it wouldn’t be a club on South Beach without some specialty weeknight parties like Stars and Stilettos on Tuesdays.

Cameo is located at 1445 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

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SkyBar: It’s a multi-sensory experience at South Beach’s Shore Club

One thing is for sure, visit a trendy hotel on South Beach and it’s very likely that they’ll use every inch of their space to provide multiple experiences for clubgoers and guests. The Shore Club is no exception where they utilize their interior and exterior space to the max, providing a nightclub experience among the palm trees as well as under the hot club lights.

The Redroom Garden surrounding the pool area is set up as an outdoor living room with Asian-style furniture and landscaped gardens filled with colorful perennials, bouganvilleas and passion flowers. It’s a true tropical oasis.

In keeping with the red theme, the interior Redroom is awash in the fiery color from the red lacquered teak floor, red walls that glow with intimate lighting and luxurious red bar stools. The comfy couches are filled with red-patterned cushions. No wonder local and national celebrities love to stop in and party here. Of course, a party on South Beach wouldn’t be complete without a DJ, they play here pretty much every night, Sunday afternoons there’s always a pool party.

SkyBar at the Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

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Purdy Lounge: Surprisingly low-key on South Beach

A lounge is the last thing anyone going to party the weekend away on South Beach would put on their list of “must visit” hot spots, except when it comes to Purdy Lounge. This is a definite add-on.

Located a bit off the beaten path and marching to the beat of its own drummer, the mood at Purdy is the opposite of a high-energy, thumping nightclub. Here it’s all about board games, pool tables, lava lamps and best of all, reasonable drink prices. For patrons who still want a bit of that high-end SoBe atmosphere, they do have bottle service and a VIP area but for sure the “lounge” part of Purdy is where it’s at. Five deejays spin favorites that keep people singing along and dancing, it’s all about crowd pleasers here.

Reggae lovers should visit on Monday nights to hear live performances by Jean P. Jam, Thursdays ladies drink free 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and in true SoBe style, there’s a party on Sunday nights too called Chocolate Sundays with drink specials and house deejays rotating each week.

Purdy Lounge is located at 1811 Purdy Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

Purdy nightclub

SET Up for a Thursday Weekend Kick-Start

So the weekend comes, Friday and Saturday are party nights, except on unconventional South Beach, where they play by their own rules and kick the weekend off on Thursdays. That’s when things get hopping at SETPicture 18 on Lincoln Road, a high-energy nightclub where DJ’s take their booth on Thursday nights for “Contagious Behavior” and keep the party going through Sunday night.

Fridays are hosted by legendary Beach club promoters Eric Millon and Michael Capponi and with South Beach being a mecca for fashion, don’t be surprised when events pairing the hottest tunes with the latest fashions trends, like Christian Louboutin, are a given.

Circle Art at Home: Posh furnishings and accessories

The furnishings and accessories available at Miami Beach’s Circle Art at Home are lovingly created by designer Jesse Brody with quality, style and affordability in mind. Although most of the styles are contemporary, there are also touches of African art and Oriental rugs.

There are two store locations on South Beach. The Lincoln Road store is where most of the public goes to check out their unique mirrors, modern lighting, sofas and ottomans, rugs and other accessories. Over on Lenox Avenue is where custom pieces can be ordered and there’s a bit less inventory. However, the massive expanse of Oriental rugs available at the Lenox location are a don’t miss.

One common factor between the two stores though, design and decorating enthusiasts will certainly walk out with an original piece that will add flair and style to any room in the house.

Circle Art at Home is located at 714 Lincoln Road and 1560 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach

Miami Beach Botanical Garden: Zen among the buzz of South Beach

Buzzing, bustling and busy Washington and Collins Avenues, Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, some of South Beach’s busiest streets, are just a stone’s throw away from the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and that’s hard to imagine with the the zen that overcomes anyone who visits this place.

Located across from the always busy Miami Beach Convention Center, the Garden is a place to come and get away from it all. The folks who run this place describe themselves perfectly as “Urban Greenspace in the heart of South Beach.” During the annual Art Basel mega month of December the place is abuzz, hosting events and year-round, they’re known for their own innovative revolving exhibitions held in the gardens.

The shows are far from traditional though, actually pushing the envelope of outdoor installations with unique contemporary pieces like the Giants in the City show which features 22 inflatable pieces fabricated from nylon. There are also regularly scheduled classes and lectures held here.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden is located at 2000 Convention Center DriveBotanical Garden

Boutique Betsy Hotel’s a Classic and Eco-Friendly Charmer

Sitting on the breezy porch of the Betsy Hotel on Miami Beach’s most famous stretch of road- Ocean Drive-this hotel is a standout structure with a colonial non-Art Deco look and an environmentally conscious green program throughout the property, something they’re proud to flaunt.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Picture 19Places in 1970 and this beauty deserves the recognition. While its traditional look is intact, it still has its South Beach touches. An inviting secluded courtyard pool beckons with an enclosed pool deck and plenty of amenities or there’s the rooftop retreat deck for unbeatable ocean views. Plantation style shutters, black walnut hardwood floors, walk-in showers, comfy custom built poster beds, and sunny colors make the suites and classic rooms an inviting place to relax and take in the views; staring at the swaying palm trees across the street and seeing endless ocean views is why they call this place paradise.

And when it’s time to eat, BLT Steak is where it’s at, with delectable items prepared by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel, whose skills have been praised by both Bon Appetit and Food and Wine Magazines.

Bistro One LR does American to Perfection

Swanky Bistro One LR at the Ritz Carlton on South Beach is doing contemporary American fare right and the food’s as beautiful as the oceanfront setting. Chef Bernardo Espinel brings his flair and passion to the creative dishes on the menu making for a delectable dining experiencePicture 57.

Chef Espinel’s been perfecting his culinary skills, working at several restaurants around Miami and New York, whose reputation and success earned him the present chef de cuisine status. It’s obvious he’s someone who loves to keep evolving in the kitchen as the menu is chock full of unique dishes, like Lamb Chop and Merguez Meatballs with Pear, Cardamom and Pearl Onions; Pan Seared King Crab with Green Papaya, Chilies and Lime; and Wild Scottish Salmon with Tomato Chutney, Basmati Rice and Brown Mustard. They even go the extra mile at Bistro One, suggesting wine pairings with each dish.

Insider’s Tip: On Sundays, make sure to wash away that wild Miami weekend of partying with Bistro One’s brunch, that includes a flowing champagne and Bloody Mary Bar.

Diverse Drama & Dance at Deco Colony Theater

Whether it’s laughing the night away at a comic’s jokePicture 4s or watching dancers soar and leap across the stage, Colony Theater is the place to catch a wealth of diverse entertainment. The calendar is packed with something for everyone with groups like Miami Lyric Opera, Miami Contemporary Dance Company and New World School of the Arts Music Department presenting world-class performances. The venue has also become a hot bed for controversial plays and shows by Latin American artists, making headlines in the past year with attention-grabbing presentations.

Watching a show here is like stepping back in time. The marquee and Colony Theater lettering are in Art Deco style and the look continues inside throughout the foyer with a multi-patterned terrazo floor, vintage chandeliers and a grand stage framed in Deco-inspired moldings. The theater may be inspired by the roaring 20s, but what’s showing inside is fresh, new and in the moment.

Delano is an Icon of Deco South Beach

Others may come and go, but the Delano is the hotel that set the tone for what has become hip and happening in the South Beach scene. That pool, ohhh that pool, sets the standard for the rest of what represents “livin’ it up” in Miami. Sitting beachfront and a stone’s throw away from Lincoln Road and its thriving nightlife, Delano is simply where it’s at.

Picture 11Inside, the place is decorated by room so that each area provides a different experience. White is by far the predominant color with guest rooms awash in the crisp, clean hue, from the luxurious penthouse to the more subdued, but still uber cool, rooms and suites. A rooftop spa offers a 360 degree view of nothing but turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see.

And of course, stay for some great nightlife and dining. After all, there’s the classic Blue Door, the hotel’s original and award-winning restaurant, along with Plat Bleu, and for cocktails and people watching (ahem, celeb spotting), there’s the elegant Rose Bar.

Fillmore at Jackie Gleason Theater is South Beach’s Gem

The gem of South Beach performance spaces, the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, has had several name changes, but the quality of performers and the elegant, commanding presence of the space is everlasting. The grandiose theater is treasured by locals and the many performers who grace its stage.

So beloved is the Fillmore,Picture 11 it recently underwent a massive renovation to restore it to its original beauty, and added some modern touches that brought it into the 21st century. The exterior is all Art Deco, with geometric lines and blue pastel coloring. The interior, though, is a cross between 1920’s elegance and a modern club scene, like the ornate grand crystal chandeliers that are hued with purple lighting.

Any artist would want to grace such a majestic stage, and they do, from all genres and eras. Where else does legendary singer Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young,  indie rockers Arctic Monkeys, and comedian Chelsea Handler of the “Chelsea Lately” late night talk show appear in the same venue? It all comes together at the Fillmore Miami Beach.

Exclusive Mynt Lounge an Icon on the Scene

Inching ever closer to an epic status is Mynt Lounge; around for seven years (with no itch in sight!), it’s still going strong. Located juPicture 7st close enough to the heart of South Beach, the place is abuzz with supermodels, celebrities and the local beautiful people. A perfect complement to such crowds, where Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton and Mickey Rourke (to name a few) have all partied, is a tough velvet rope rule whose policy has made it one of the hottest- and hardest- clubs to get into.

Once inside, live performances and stellar DJ’s are a nightly occurrence; and more often than not there’s a VIP event held at this exclusive nightclub. No matter who you are, everyone who gets past the velvet rope is treated like a star at this staple in SoBe.

Speakeasy Jazz Upstairs at Van Dyke Cafe

Picture 10Lincoln Road has evolved into an eclectic mix of well known chain stores, smaller boutiques and stand-alone restaurants,  but the one place that has stood the test of time on this pedestrian strip of road is the Van Dyke Cafe, where the jazz is always playing.

The place is reminiscent of a speakeasy jazz club with soft lighting, intimate seating and stellar performances of Latin jazz, AfroCuban, soloists and jazz quartets. Local legend Maryel Epps still performs at Van Dyke and has been for more than a decade! And joining her are local faves Palo! and Conjunto Progreso.

Catch a vibe from another era at this classic spot, a perfect way to either start or end an evening on South Beach.

Killer Kobe & Clientele at Beach’s Prime 112

Housed inside a former hotel and looking more like a Key West-inspired structure than anything resembling Art Deco, the hotspot foPrime 112 #2r dining south of Fifth Street on South Beach is Prime 112. Walk through the doors of this quaint yet brightly colored restaurant — seriously, it’s a cheery yellow wooden structure with white trim — and the sense of “this is the place to see and be seen” is immediately evident. Celebrities and all-star athletes love to celebrate here, seeing as the food and ambiance are amazing.

Known for the killer steaks — filet mignon, Kobe, strip, porterhouse, rib eye — they’ve got them all and then some. The seafood selections, including local swordfish, crab crusted grouper, wild salmon and Chilean sea bass, are perfect for seafood connoisseurs. And the ridiculous amount of of potato-inspired sides and other traditional fare makes ordering here that much more entertaining. Obviously, reservations are strongly recommended.

The Bass Museum: Art Inside and Out

The Bass Museum of Art has an expansive and impressive collection of art – and the building the works are housed in isn’t too shabby either. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the one time Miami Beach Public Library isPicture 13 now the centerpiece for today’s historic district.

Expanded a few years back, the original building and the new wing are home to a massively impressive 500 piece permanent collection that includes paintings, sculptures, works on paper, decorative objects and textiles by greats like Rubens and Boticcelli to modern art.

The Bass also has cool, fun events like Hot Nights & Cool Jazz at the Bass, complete with buckets of beer, to scavenger hunts on Family Fun Days. The traveling exhibitions feature modern art, video and photography and are definitely worth a special visit as well.

Party the Night Away in B.E.D.

What a concept: go out to go to bed. At this Miami hotspot, people head out for a night of dancing and clubbing on South Beach to a place called B.E.D. where yes, there are plenty of them. Luxurious surroundings create a fabulous mood prime fPicture 4or plunging into a cocktail or two and some sexy people-watching. The acronym stands for beverage.entertainment.dining because the place has all three: premier food, killer cocktails and nightly entertainment.

There’s a theme here every night; and in true South Beach fashion, there’s no waiting until Thursday or Friday, things kick off on Monday with the exclusive Secret Society party. Celebs like music producers Timbaland and Scott Storch, Miami’s own singer Pitbull and athletes galore have been known to gather and party into the wee hours here. For something more subdued, but truly elegant, the Sunday House Brunch or Breakfast in B.E.D., as it’s called ,features DJs Sonny Daze and La Trice and yummy brunchtime eats.

The Grub at Joe’s is ALWAYS in Season

Even though Joe’s Stone Crab’s famous stone crab claws are only iPicture 6n season for part of the year, this landmark spot has a menu to rival any place in town… and then some. Greats like baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, aviator Amelia Earhart and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor have all dined at Joe’s and Miami’s social elite still flock to the spot to get their fix of the freshest stone crab claws and a veritable smorgasbord of delectable sides like coleslaw, creamed spinach and hash brown potatoes.

Although they’re known for their seafood, the roasted chicken at Joe’s is unbeatable. By all means save room for dessert, the key lime pie is beyond incredible and is a perfect ending to the meal. The wait at Joe’s is long since reservations aren’t taken, but you’re in luck, because there’s always Joe’s Take Away.

Sunny Fashions, Cool Interior at Debbie Katz

Stroll down Lincoln Road – heading toward the mainland and away from the beach – and you’ll reach the ultra chic Debbie Katz boutique. The place’s crisDebbie Katz boutiquep white interior is the perfect backdrop for Katz’s colorful collection, which features a variety of patterns and designs.

Her hand dyed pieces are made from the finest cotton gauze, but hers is not the typical one size fits all sheer-looking material most of us know as typical gauze. Her pieces vary in thickness so shoppers can achieve either a solid no-sheer look or a wispier completely sheer outfit.

The place is worth checking out for clothing, accessories, sandals and handbags, all coordinating to please any fashionista.

Innovative Sounds from the New World Symphony

The string section is lulling, the horns are blowing and the ultimate in guest artists are doing what they do best to the baton of world-class conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. This exciting scenario takes place every timNWS Fellowse the New World Symphony takes the stage at Lincoln Road’s Lincoln Theatre, a beacon of culture on South Beach.

Tilson Thomas and his posse provide a twist on traditional classical music by performing lesser known pieces as well as original compositions. These pioneering musicians have garnered a respected reputation by constantly evolving their repertoire over the last two decades making each performance a mind blowing, exciting, and unforgettable experience.

Light Show & Cristal at Liv Nightclub

Head a little north of South Beach to one of the most unexpected places – the historic Fontainebleau Hotel – to party the night away at Liv NigPicture 8htclub, a hotspot catering to celebrities and locals alike. For example, chances of spotting actress Gabrielle Union, who loves to play in Miami, hanging out with her friend, Miami Heat basketball player Dwayne Wade, are very likely.

After all, the place is 30,000 square feet of pure party atmosphere with three full service bars, VIP areas where the Cristal champagne usually flows to world-renowned DJs playing dance tunes as well as hip hop and house music. The all-night light show, main dance floor, and second floor balcony viewing area are the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend.

1. Miami Art Basel: Most Important Art Show 12/3-12/6/09

The Art Basel Miami Beach is deemed the most important art show in the United States as well as a cultural and social highlight for all the Americas. That is quite a description to live up to, but year after year this art show does.

As a sister to the world’s most important art show, Switzerland Art Basel, Miami Beach brings it all: top galleries, special exhibitions, parties, and crossover events from the worlds of music, film, architecture and design. With so much going on and so many quality works of art on display, it is no wonder The Art Basel Miami Beach is a favorite meeting place for the international art world.

Awash in Miami Flair Trina Turk Opens in Bal Harbour

Awash in a tropical feel befitting Miami, Trina Turk’s latest ventuPicture 9re, a boutique at Bal Harbour Shops, is a shopping splurge. Her designs have been spotted on celebs galore including Eva Longoria-Parker, Natalie Portman, Gwen Stefani, and Kate Moss to name but a few. So chances are, a celeb-spotting is possible at the high-end store.

The store’s white exterior, aqua lettering, bright white interior, and luscious green draped fabric perfectly complement the array of spring-like fashions that include swimwear (hey, it’s Miami where hitting the beach is a year-round occurrence), dresses, tops, and pants. Oversized jewel-encrusted bracelets – Trina Turk is set to launch her own jewelry line soon – scarves and handbags are the perfect accessories to her line, while her throw pillows and area rugs can add brightness to any room in the house.

Wolfsonian Museum Boasts a Provocative Collection

It’s housed in a grand Art Deco building in the heart of South Beach, but what’s inside the Wolfsonian Museum is a design MIAwolfsoniancollection that’s unlike the Miami architecture, spanning from the late 1800s to the mid-1940s and featuring European and American pieces.

The multi-level structure is a vast wonderland of art, furnishings, objects, and memorabilia to suit any art lovers’ taste. Collector Micky Wolfson has amassed a thinking man’s collection focusing on the thought-provoking era of Decorative and Propaganda Arts. The Museum’s exhibitions and programs are an extension of the permanent collection’s theme and explore the important role of design during the industrial age through social, political, and technological topics.

The Setai: The Anti-South Beach

Stepping away from the Art Deco theme and chaos that is SoPicture 9uth Beach is The Setai, a hotel created to soothe the mind, body, and soul of all who enter and arguably the best hotel in Miami- by miles. A zen-like atmosphere is evident the moment one touches the Asian-inspired front door handles and enters the hotel oasis to a chorus of soothing sounds echoing from the sound system.

Hard-working models, celebs, and professional athletes are among the regulars that come to enjoy the scenic Setai.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby is a serene open-air courtyard with a centerpiece fountain surrounded by intricately placed palm trees, backless, cushioned benches, and a large wooden bar in the rear.

The theme continues in the guestrooms where a minimalist approach, using jade and other Asian-inspired decorative pieces, contributes to an overall soothing experience.

The Setai proves a trip to Miami can be as relaxing as Thailand.