Miami Beach Itinerary for January 8-11 2008
New Year’s Resolutions are made to be broken so what are YOU waiting for? We’ve found sumptuous brunches, power cocktails and a weekend filled with professional sports and bowl games to start the year with a bang (and a brewski).
Grab a friend and a plate of pancakes and say, “Maybe next year I’ll lose 10 pounds!” We want to hear all about your first tattoo, your second mojito and your third try to get past the bouncers at SET this weekend. South Beach is in full throttle and we’ve got your game plan for January 8-11 right here! What are you awaiting for?
Thursday January 8
Breakfast
11th Street Diner / 1065 Washington Avenue / Start the day in an aluminum-sided diner car in the middle of the Deco District with hot cakes and sausage just like they make them in Jersey. Food-TV’s Diner show “discovered” this place and suddenly it’s hot again…
Lunch
Fratelli la Bufala / 437 Washington Avenue / A sidewalk cafe in January makes everyone smile or so we believe as weather reports from up north turn bleak. Grab a seat and a platter of antipasti fresh from the kitchen including cured meats, imported cheeses and a few baked pies that go down well with a hearty red wine.
Afternoon Action
TailGaiting @ Dolphin Stadium / 2267 Dan Marino Boulevard / The Budweiser National Championship Tailgate Party is expected to draw 14,000 fans to the NW parking lot of Dolphin Stadium at 6pm to play on the ferris wheel, the rock wall, and a mechanic bull. There will be performances by the Miami Heat Street Band and the rock band Smash Mouth plus stunts by a group of X-Games athletes.
Cocktails
Spa V @ Victor / 1144 Ocean Drive / MojiTOES is a minty-fresh approach to sandal season here in Miami Beach for all you snow boot wearing girls who need a quick pick me up before dipping your feet in the pool. With a rub and a scrub and some great new polish, you’ll discover your sexy new gams are ready to party! 305-725-6500
Dinner
660 Mediterranean Kitchen / 660 Washington Avenue / We’re always buzzing about the tastes and textures of well-prepared Mediterranean cooking and soon you will be too after a visit to the Angler’s Boutique Resort and their brand new venture (after Maison D’Azur slipped over to the Astor). 786-594-5811 or opentable.com
Nightlife
AeroBar/ 247 23rd Street / Hit Collins Park tonight for a mega-performance by DJ Tom LaRoc, DJ Artime and D-JROD. If you believe in magic, believe in the Guilty Pleasures party Thursdays.
Friday January 9
Breakfast
Balans / 1022 Lincoln Road / Still the best spot for a Benedict and a Bellini, we like the cool reaches of the restaurant’s interior for a wake up coffee and a glance at the newspaper. You’ll prefer the see and be scene outside – but there’s room here for all of us.
Lunch
Smith & Wollensky / 1 Washington Avenue / Power Lunchers favor this steak house for their Friday martini lunches, but we’re partial to the club sandwiches and the view across Government Cut where cruise ships steam by and the world seems so far away. Score a patio table and see EXACTLY why we love South Beach…
Afternoon Action
Miami Tattoo Expo / 1901 Convention Center Drive / Friday through Sunday brings out ink fans and their pierced cohorts for a gathering of the faithful including live performances by Jim Jones, Evergreen Terrace, DJ Laz and the Shameless Burlesque troupe. Details at www.miamitattooexpo.com
Cocktails
Night Nurse @ Bella Rose / 423 16th Street / Old school reggae and rum rule the night at this small storefront bar that’s popular with the locals. DJ Dharma rolls out dancehall classics and lovers’ rock for fans of the retro genre.
Dinner
Bartolme Grill / 1410 20th Street / You need to expand your horizons in 2009 so we’re telling you to head WEST to see the new night spots near Purdy Avenue. Dine tonight on simply delicious grilled steaks, shrimp and pastas “al dente,” then wander over to Shiso and see what the new buzz is all about.
Nightlife
Pin-Up Party @Heathrow Lounge/ 681 Washington Avenue / DJs Joe Dert and DJ Self Born spin for a wild night of mash ups and cool photos by Wasabi Fashion Kult. Come get your freak on!
Saturday January 10
Breakfast
Enriqueta’s / 2830 NE 2nd Avenue / Head west to the Design District and then south to explore cool home fashion showrooms and the new arts district where the Basel crowds have faded and the locals discover our bohemian brethren. This tiny greasy spoon serves classic Cuban grub and a belly full of breakfast starting at daybreak.
Lunch
Joey’s Italian Cafe / 2506 NW 2nd Avenue in Wynwood / Joey’s is a brand new heavy in an area not-quite-ready for prime time, so we’re suggesting a gallery tour and then a pasta and salad lunch at this hip “Veneto” style eatery. Check out daily specials for the top of the chefs game.
Afternoon Action
Atlanta Thrashers @ Panthers / 1 Panther Parkway / Hockey seems a logical choice everywhere but here where temps seem summerlike and the beach always beckons. That why we like the Panthers offer of free tickets if you’ve never been to a game or a $17 deal that includes food, parking and a $5 gas credit! Info at Panthersfirsttimer.com
Cocktails
Ariston / 940 71st Street / A glass of ouzo, a plate of mezze and thou… We’re falling for the quiet reaches of Normandy Isle and the cool breezes on the sidewalks by the fountain. You will too!
Dinner
Asia de Cuba / 1100 West Avenue / Book a table at the Mondrian’s cool new dining spot overlooking Biscayne Bay and SEE Miami in a totally new way. Residents of the west side of South Beach have kept their secret long enough! Dine on La Comida China, a fusion of the Latino and the Far East like Black Pork lechon and a side of tostones. Buen Provecho!
Nightlife
New School Party @ Cameo-Vice / 1445 Washington Avenue / Arrive early so you’re sure to get into this one – Mr. Mauricio spins with DJ Shawn Rudnick and näKOut until 5am.
Morgan Page @ AeroBar / 247 23rd Street / Grammy-nominated producer Morgan Page hits town for one night only with an opening set by Bruno. Check out the guy behind “The Longest Road,” which we always thought was Collins Avenue…
Sunday January 11
Brunch
Talula / 210 23rd Street / All You Can Eat is a touchy matter this close to New Year’s Resolution season but we’re still hitting the buffet at this gourmet bistro in Collins Park for a hefty helping of all things tasty and fattening this morning. Reservations – 305-672-0778
Afternoon Action
Surf Lessons @ F1rst / 100 Collins Avenue / While the swells barely ripple most days on South Beach, the guys at this classic surf shop will take you and your friends out for a few hours and show you how to take off and drop in on the waves for just $40 per person. Embrace the lifestyle that makes Maui move at F1rst Surf Shop. 305-397-8103
Cocktails
Miami Ink’s LOVEHATE Lounge / 423 Washington Avenue / Party with the VIP crowd starting at 6pm with hot mixes by DJ Drop D until 10.
Dinner
AltaMar / 1223 Lincoln Road / One benefit to the endless construction on western Lincoln Mall is easier access to a quiet table at this popular seafood spot west of Alton Road. Take your shot now before the streets clear and the tables fill up again.
Nightlife
Steve Angelo @ SET / 320 Lincoln Road / Stephan Luke warms up the crowd at the hottest Sunday Soiree on South Beach. Steve Angelo, the child-prodigy of the Swedish House Mafia, kicks things into high gear late night.
Have a Great Weekend!
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