Miami Beach Itinerary November 13-16 2008
It’s another November to Remember! Our game plan for November 13-16 encompasses some wild nights, some soothing days and more than a few world-class dinners. We’re crazy about a brand new Latin steakhouse South of Fifth that serves more meat than anyone can comfortably eat; so show up hungry and consider wearing stretchy pants. The annual Caribbean Music Festival promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend with internationally renowned musicians playing all day and well into the night on Virginia Key Beach.
Whether you’re here to work or play, we’ve scoured the city for the best events to keep your heart beating just a little bit faster. After all, that’s what Miami is all about…
Thursday November 13
Breakfast
Pelican Cafe / 826 Ocean Drive / A bottomless cup of coffee, freshly baked pastry and a friendly staff await you at this casual sidewalk cafe in the heart of the Art Deco district. One of our favorite spots for a quiet start to a busy day, the Pelican really delivers.
Lunch
Clarke’s / 840 First Street / Gastropub fare gets an upscale twist at this Cheer’s style restaurant where classic shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage make for a filling lunchtime treat. Service is friendly and fast so you’ll never want for a fresh beer or a second nip through the bread basket.
Afternoon Action
ECA/Thrive @ Miami Beach Resort / 4833 Collins Avenue / Are you ready to shimmy into that skimpy cocktail dress and WOW the folks at your holiday parties? Grab a friend and head to this 2008 convention of fun, fitness and full-body workouts including seminars, spin classes, aquatics and self-defense. “Pick up the Beat,” a night of DJs and live drumming starts at 7pm.
Cocktails
Bubbles and Blowouts @ Ritz Carlton / 1 Lincoln Road / Nothing gets you ready for the weekend quite like a smashing new hairstyle and some bright red nails. The stylists at the Ritz spa know just how to tame your wild locks while you sip French champagne and snack on a few light bites. Reserve a spot from 6-9pm by calling 786-276-4090
Dinner
Fogo de Cháo / 836 First Street / Carnivores of the world can celebrate at this brand new all-you-can-eat grill where friendly waiters parade to your table with great skewers of beef, lamb, pork, sausages and more. Simply sit back and smile as slices of sizzling meat are piled high on your plate. Not for the faint of heart or frail of appetite, this place serves guy-sized portions of deliciously grilled, juicy goodness. Reservations 305-672-0011
Nightlife
The Resolvers @ Purdy Lounge / 1811 Purdy Avenue / Spend the night in a reggae wonderland as Purdy celebrates Kulcha Shock with the Resolvers, Lance-O and a crowd that’s surfer chic and ready to party. Jah Mon!
Friday November 14
Breakfast
Preston’s @ Loew’s Hotel / 1601 Collins Avenue / One of the best oceanfront dining spots starts your day with eggs benedict & chorizo or a luxurious Florida lobster omelet and a tempting array of early morning treats. Enjoy!
Lunch
Jam Cafe / 1935 West Avenue / A modern space with a dazzling range of sandwiches and salads, this indy coffeehouse has a loyal local following who enjoy espresso drinks from mochas, caramels and fruity fresh smoothies with their wraps and paninis.
Evening Action
Cars Can Be Blue @ Vagabond / 30 NE 14th Street / Head out early to the Vagabond to check out this hot little band from Athens Georgia as they romp across the stage doing covers and original songs that have catapulted them from relative obscurity to hot indy playlists on iPods near you. Something about that funky college town spawns hit-making hipsters like REM and the B-52s on a regular basis!
Cocktails
Limoncello @ The Tides / 1220 Ocean Drive / One of the hottest hotels on Ocean Drive invites you to enjoy $5 beer and wine or one of their spectacular $8 limoncello popsicle martinis out on the terrace overlooking the sea from 5-9pm tonight. Chef Pietro Rota’s snacks are free with the first round.
Dinner
Grazie / 701 Washington Avenue / Locals who usually avoid South Beach still flock to this cozy Italian bistro for home style cooking served by some of the most inviting waitstaff you’re likely to encounter. From the pesto-spiked bread basket to the nightly specials to the classic tiramisu for dessert, you’re going to love the way you feel after a night surrounded by people who really care about their customers.
Nightlife
Flash Fridays @ Cameo / 1445 Washington Avenue / DJ Irie is Miami’s hardest working spinner with regular gigs at the hottest clubs and on the sidelines of Miami Heat games as well. From the Gansevoort to the Delano and tonight at the Cameo’s hot new Friday night party, DJ Irie really makes Miami move!
Saturday November 15
Breakfast
Segafredo Espresso / 1040 Lincoln Road / Rise and shine at the farmer’s market on Lincoln Road and then find a cozy antique lounge to relax and sip a strong coffee with the happy locals. We’re wild about the apricot pastry and the cute waiters too! This restaurant and bar offers the best people watching on the mall day and night.
Lunch
BBQ Beach / 1555 Washington Avenue / In a city with no particular flair for Southern style fare, the slow-cooked and smoked meats at BBQ Beach are a welcome remedy for home sick visitors craving ribs, pulled pork, home made corn bread and whipped sweet potatoes spiked with caramelized bananas.
Afternoon Action
Miami Vintage Clothing Show / 2985 South Bayshore Drive / Whoever decided that buying vintage clothes was a GREEN idea has spun gold from straw once again. Never before have so many bought so much in the name of eco-friendliness! Join friends and fans of bygone fashion today at the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove where last year’s model is on sale at this year’s prices. $5 admission from 11am to 6pm.
Cocktails
Nikki Beach Happy Hour / 1 Ocean Drive / No matter where you tan today, know that at 4pm the mojitos are on special at Nikki and everyone, just EVERYONE is there.
Dinner
Tuscan Steak /431 Washington Avenue / Lush wood interiors, family-style service and a cozy Italian atmosphere make this a prime spot for dinner tonight. Try the gnocchi Gorgonzola and you’ll fall into a haze of cheesy bliss. 305-534-2233
Nightlife
Pool Players in Paradise / 1 Seminole Way / All eyes are on the prize tonight as talented amateurs and world-class pros enter the final countdown at this high stakes billiards contest featuring celebrity athletes and more than a few hard core hustlers. ticketmaster.com
Sunday November 16
Brunch
Wish / 801 Collins Avenue / One of the most promising comebacks in a city that never forgets, Wish has a brunch menu that makes us happy to get out of bed. From Brazilian-style skirt steak and eggs to a fruit-filled stack of buttermilk pancakes, everything you could ever wish for is waiting for you this morning.
Afternoon Action
International Caribbean Music Festival / Virginia Key Beach, Key Biscayne / The perfect day, the perfect crowd, the world of reggae unites for a once-in-a-lifetime event today on Key Biscayne. Join legends Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Movado, Spragga Benz, Da’Ville, Sean Kingston, Tony Rebel, and many more for an all day celebration of music and memories starting at noon. We be Jammin’!
Cocktails
Classic Sundays @ LoveHate/ 423 Washington Avenue / DJ SelfBorn spins old school hip-hop, R&B, reggae and dancehall from the 70s, 80s and 90s Sundays to a crowd that loves to rock and remember. Sing along with the locals as you floss your tattoos.
Dinner
Taverna Opa / 36 Ocean Drive / Sundays at Opa are about fun and frolic. With a decidedly casual atmosphere, loud Greek music and waiters who just love to get you up and dancing on the tabletops, be sure you’re ready for a lively encounter and deliciously garlicky grilled food.
Nightlife
Amazing Sundays @ Nikki / 1 Ocean Drive / Party til dawn with a host of international DJs and bodies so hot they’re practically illegal! Nikki starts the party out on the sunny sand midday and keeps things rolling until the last bit of fun has been squeezed out of the weekend.
Have fun!
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