Miami Beach Itinerary for September 4-7, 2008
Let’s make this a September to Remember…
Miamians are thrilled to have escaped the first half of the named storms of the 2008 hurricane season and have been hitting the town with a fervor we haven’t seen in years. Grab a friend and check out some of the new ethnic eateries in town including an Indonesian cafe on South Beach and an Ethiopian restaurant in the Design District that’s strictly a hands-on experience.
Kathy Griffin is in town this weekend along with an international roster of DJs and musicians here to rock the Brazilian Independence Day Celebrations happening all over town.
Here’s your game plan for September 4-7 including a special shout out to Chad Pennington who promises to re-energize the Miami Dolphins Sunday afternoon…
Thursday September 4
Breakfast
Pelican Hotel / 826 Ocean Drive / Your first morning on South Beach should include a quick walking tour of the Art Deco district fortified by a delicious meal overlooking the sea and your fellow travelers. Giada De Laurentis picked the Pelican as her favorite breakfast spot on South Beach based on the exquisite pastry hand crafted by Chef Emanuele Bearzi.
Lunch
Bistro One LR / 1 Lincoln Road / Experience an Astro Balance Massage, a treatment designed to soothe and pamper you that’s based upon your personal astrology using essential oils, evocative music and thoroughly relaxing massage. With a full spa menu served on site, this makes an ideal way to kick off your weekend on South Beach. Reservations 786-276-4090
Evening Action
Kathy Griffin @ Hard Rock / 1 Seminole Way / The D-List funny lady comes to town with a lot to say about recent developments in politics and celebrity culture. Fans and friends of the fiery redhead will line up early to catch the 8pm performance at the casino lounge tonight. ticketmaster.com
Cocktails
Suenalo Sound Systems @ Jazid / 1342 Washington Avenue / Live music on South Beach can be hard to find but Jazid has a hot ticket tonight with this 10 piece jam band specializing in Dominican hip-hop and Colombian cumbia.
Dinner
Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine / 4029 North Miami Avenue, Mid-Town / The cuisine of this African nation is served on a huge platter lined with a wheat pancake guests tear up and use to scoop delicious meat and vegetarian stewed dishes. While utensils are available, what makes Sheba fun is the chance to use both hands to feed your smiling face. Opened for lunch and dinner, there are often live musical performances on weekend nights.
Nightlife
Disco Sucks @ Mansion / 1235 Washington Avenue / Dress in something sexy and arrive before midnight to beat the lines and the crowds. DJs Nikolas and Konflikt spin hot tunes while gorgeous models work the catwalks in the new fashions of the season until 5am.
Friday September 5
Breakfast
Front Porch Cafe / 1418 Ocean Drive / Grab a shady table on the terrace and ask the waitress to whip you up a healthy smoothie to energize you for the exciting day ahead. Fresh fruit and juices aside, the breakfast menu features huge fluffy pancake stacks and an overstuffed Denver omelet that’s got nothing to do with politics as usual.
Lunch
Abokado / 900 South Miami Avenue / Where sushi meets South America you’ll find a whole new group of foodies gathering to experience this funky fusion cuisine at the Mary Brickell Village. From ceviches to tiraditos, from sashimi to cooked entrees, there’s something for both the curious and conservative diner at this elegant new bistro.
Evening Action
Gustavo Fidelis @ Boteco / 916 NE 79th Street / Brazilian musician and star of the South American version of American Idol makes his debut at our favorite Friday night haunt tonight at 8:30pm. With tasty snacks, inexpensive drinks and a very sexy crowd, we suggest you arrive early to grab a seat before they’re all gone. Extensive Brazilian Independence Day celebrations make Boteco a great party spot all weekend long.
Cocktails
Glamorous Life @ Opium Garden / 136 Collins Avenue / DJ Radamas and DJ 360 spin an open format set tonight at this indoor/outdoor SoFi nightclub.
Dinner
Bourbon Steak / 19999 West Country Club Drive / Venture up to Aventura to explore the top-rated menu at this modern American steakhouse where a trio of duck fat French fries just might change your perspective on this great American side dish forever! Reservations 305-279-6600
Nightlife
Marco Carola @ 90 Degrees / 60 NE 11 Street Miami / Best of the nightlife happens Downtown tonight as DJs Marco Carola, Lopera, Dsan Powell and Tomas Quiceno take turns on the decks for an all night party that promises to keep the techno crowd on their feet WAY past sunrise.
Righteous Kill Party @ Prive / 136 Collins Avenue / Send a quick RSVP to skripstein.com to get on the VIP guest list for this hot Hollywood party. Admission is free from 11-midnight with an open bar and a crowd of aspiring hotties and starlets.
Saturday September 6
Breakfast
Bark Brunch @ Oasis / 1755 Collins Avenue / The number one ticket in town this morning is the Doggy Day Out at the Raleigh Hotel. Join fellow dog whisperers at a mimosa-fuelled brunch from 10-noon including dog massages, cutest dog contests and a chance to sniff some of the sweetest butts in town. Reservations 305-375-5356
Lunch
Setai Restaurant / 2001 Collins Avenue / Designed by Jean Michel Gathy, this tropical oasis embraces an Asian aesthetic in decor and in the fusion menu offered in the dining room. Dine indoors or escape to the Beach Bar to sample the handiwork of a team of world-class chefs from Thailand, China, Singapore, Malaysia and India.
Afternoon Action
Yoga @ Victor / 1144 Ocean Drive / The spa crowd gravitates to the pool deck at the Victor Hotel Saturdays where Renee Douthat leads Saturday morning practice overlooking the ocean from 10-11am. Afterward the Vix restaurant chefs prepare a healthy lunch for the hungry hipsters who work up a sweat over their sun salutations. Class is $20 and includes free valet parking and use of the hammam co-ed steam bath. Namaste!
Cocktails
Rose Bar @ Delano / 1685 Collins Avenue / Still one of the most glamorous and sophisticated lounges on South Beach, the Rose Bar has a chic, clubby atmosphere with a view to some of the most beautiful people in town.
Dinner
Indomania / 131 26th Street / Venture up the coast a bit to experience an exotic new cuisine served family-style to share and sample. Indonesian food includes “rijsttafel,” a generous platter of rice and selected small plates of seafood, chicken, beef and pork spiced with coconut, curry and peanuts. Discover a new taste sensation this weekend at Indomania.
Nightlife
Sandy Rivera @ Mansion / 1235 Washington Avenue / “Kings of Tomorrow” star DJ Sandy Rivera is in town from London for an exclusive set just after midnight tonight. Chicco Secci opens and the club rolls until 5am.
Sunday September 7
Brunch
Nemo / 100 Collins Avenue / The relaxed vibe, indoor/outdoor dining options and delicious buffet service makes this our favorite Sunday spot for an all-you-can-eat brunch. Nemo remains one of the top dining destinations on South Beach day and night.
Afternoon Action
Dolphins vs Jets / Dolphin Stadium / Football fans gasped with disbelief when Brett Farve took off his cheddar head and replaced Chad Pennington as the NY Jets quarterback earlier this season. DolFans were even more amazed when we got Chad. Today the two warriors face off to settle once and for all which team made the better trade. Expect time to stand still, I-95 to empty and all eyes to fix upon televisions all over the city to see which way the ball bounces. The game is at 1pm. Find a bar stool or buy tickets at miamidolphins.com
Cocktails
Abbey Brewing Company / 1115 16th Street / Small batch micro brews make this out-of-the-way pub a must visit spot for beer enthusiasts and pub-crawlers. Meet the locals and see what real Miami Beach looks like tonight at the Abbey. Expect a lot of post-game chatter served up with your cocktails.
Dinner
Bartolome Grill / 1424 20th Street / New on our radar, this grill serves pasta and a daily selection of Latin-style meats prepared and served with a “mi casa, su casa” vibe. Come cozy up to the loyal local following who have made Bartolome their home away from home.
Nightlife
Pablo Ceballos @ SPACE / 34 NE 11th Street / Tonight’s rocking Terrace all nighter is geared to the Red Bull swilling dance crowd that never quits! Rocking the Terrace until 4pm Monday afternoon, DJs Ceballos (of Chus and Ceballos) and Patrick M bring the beat to the floor starting at 4am.
Have fun!
Leave a Comment