Miami Beach Itinerary for February 19-22 2009
They say “Patience is a Virtue,” and while most folks think South Beach promotes little more than Vice, we’re here to tell you that this weekend was definitely worth the wait! The South Beach Wine and Food Festival brings the Top Chefs and their myriad fans together to celebrate primetime Celebrity Pan Handling and with any luck, Tony Bourdain will deck Rachel Ray and YOU will be there to snap the prize paparazzi photo.
South Beach is so crowded, we’re giving a bit of advice to those who might prefer dinner without a long wait at top restaurants in Coconut Grove, North Miami, Sunny Isles and Aventura. It seems all those visiting VIPs tend to bump even confirmed reservations and we do not want anyone to go hungry. The clubs are thumping all over the city with the Martinez Brothers, Sultan and a sneak preview of the WMC on deck. Are you ready to check out our dance card for February 19-22?
Have a Great Weekend!
Thursday, February 19
Breakfast
Agua Spa / 1685 Collins Avenue / Start the day on the rooftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where the sunlight, breezes and the total pampering of a deep tissue massage help you relax, unwind and get ready for another exciting weekend in South Florida. The white cloud algae body mask detoxifies and texturizes your skin with Lavender, Ylang Ylang and essential oil conditioners to soothe and pamper.
Lunch
Jaguar / 3067 Grand Avenue / Coconut Grove’s friendliest Latin Bar and Grill shares the love Thursdays with live music, a fun crowd and food and drink specials. Sample house-made ceviches, an extensive wine list and skewers of spicy grilled meats slathered with garlicky chimichurris.
Afternoon Action
South Beach Wine and Food Festival / Various Locations / One of the benefits to the sluggish economy for you last-minute guests is that tickets to some of the top events in town this weekend are still available. Join FoodTV network celebrity chefs at the Delano Hotel, the Grand Tasting Village, even Jungle Island to eat drink and be merry! Check the website to see what’s available www.sobewineandfoodfest.com
Cocktails
RumBar / 455 Grand Bay Drive / Escape to old Havana at the Hemingway-inspired RumBar where they pour 52 rums, cachacas and piscos from 18 countries. Thursday nights, a swinging salsa band plays live until medianoche.
Dinner
Chef Allen’s / 19088 NE 29 Avenue / Allen Susser stands alone as the Mango Gang’s Godfather, slinging Floribbean delicacies at his newly refurbished Aventura dining room to hoards of loyal patrons and a whole new generation of fans. We’re wild about his fresh seafood and anything from the appetizer menu. You’ll love the brand new digs and the new energy in the dining room.
Nightlife
Rooftop Royalty @ Mayfair / 3000 Florida Avenue / Don’t call it a comeback! The rooftop rocks over Coconut Grove as the brand new Cabana Lounge and Pool Club offers majestic views of the Magic City while you party out on your own personal Nintendo Wii, groove to the resident DJ and enjoy house signature cocktails until 5am.
Friday, February 20
Breakfast
Roasters & Toasters/ 525 Arthur Godfrey Road / New York style bagels are hard to find even though it seems everyone in town says they are a New Yorker. What to do? Start the day at R & T where the bagels just feel right and the breakfast crowd lines up early to get one toasted, smeared and ready to roll!
Lunch
Plat Bleu / 1685 Collins Avenue / The brand new brasserie installation at the Delano has at it’s heart the casual-but-classic menu inspired by French Chef Claude Troisgros who creates a duck confit medianoche and crocks of steaming onion soup to dazzle the lunchtime crowd. Opened late for the club crowd too!
Evening Action
D.L. Hughley @ Improv / 3390 Mary Street / Fans of TVs Breaking News and Politically Incorrect are already holding tickets to see D.L.Hughleyshred the stage in Coconut Grove this weekend. With two shows nightly at 8:30 and 10:45, there will be plenty of in-your-face entertainment for everybody.
Cocktails
Nikki Beach Club / 1 Ocean Drive / Stone crab happy hour starts at 4pm-7pm with jumbo claws, lobster tails and half-priced mojitos! Need we say more? Cheers!
Dinner
Red Light / 7700 Biscayne Boulevard/ Chef Kris Wessel hosts a cozy clubhouse perched along side the Little River where a clutch of loyal foodies gather to sample BBQ shrimp, slow cooked ribs and some great regional American comfort food in his tiny (blink and you’ll miss it) waterfront diner.
Nightlife
Shine @ Shelborne / 1801 Collins Avenue / The official warm up to the Winter Music Conference starts at 10 tonight with Darren Emerson, Dennis Ferrer and Jon Cowan taking turns at the decks. Celebrating the release of his latest CD, Emerson promises a night of deep global beats. Ladies drink free until midnight.
Saturday, February 21
Breakfast
Ice Box Cafe/ 1657 Michigan Avenue / Take a pancake, top it with gently caramelized apples, cinnamon and spice and then seal the deal with another pancake. What have you got? Paradise on a plate. A shaded sidewalk table awaits you, your appetite and your little dog too.
Lunch
WhiteHall / 1671 Collins Avenue / Italian style seafood soup filled with lobster, mussels, clams and shrimp perfume the air with garlic and tomato. It’s Tuscany in a tureen today at the brand new restaurant at the Sagamore Hotel where a who’s-who of the Food and Wine Fest are likely sitting at the next table.
Afternoon Action
Washington’s Birthday Regatta / 3485 Main Highway / By George! We all know our new President prefers Abe Lincoln, but today the love rolls out for El Numero Uno – the guy in the powdered wig on the one-dollar bill – George Washington! Head to Coconut Grove in your best 19th Century outfit and join the seafaring fun at noon when sailing vessels of every stripe will take to the bay. The Barnacle Historic State Park celebrates all things Washingtonian culminating in a chowder party at 5:30 out on the lawn.
Cocktails
Dada Bar / 1671 Collins Avenue / A brand new hang out at the art gallery anteroom in the Sagamore Hotel lobby where chrome bar stools sparkle in the all-white lounge. Sip specialty cocktails like a Chilean Passion Fruit- tini and enjoy the sublime sound system with your fellow art lovers.
Dinner
North One 10 / 11052 Biscayne Boulevard/ Dewey LoSasso owns and operates this middle-of-nowhere dining spot that’s so popular it refutes the notion that the 3 elements to restaurant success are “location, location, location!” Yes you park by a gun shop. Yes there is absolutely nothing opened on the street at dinnertime and it just doesn’t matter. Dewey’s food is THAT good.
Nightlife
The Martinez Brothers @ AeroBar / 247 23rd Street / Aquabooty parties are always thumping and tonight’s bash promises to be over the top as guests gather for the return of the Martinez Brothers “one-night-only” on South Beach. Luckily, Aero Bar is big enough to handle the over flow crowds so show up late and bring your dancing shoes!
Sunday, February 22
Brunch
Biltmore/ 1200 Anastasia Avenue / The biggest, boldest, brunch in town starts at 10am and serves until 2pm so PACE yourself. Guests are served French Champagne while sampling bountiful buffets of seafood and caviar, carved meats, omelets, sushi, pastas, salads, tapas, quiches, artisanal cheeses, and a dessert display highlighted by a chocolate fountain. Reserve your tables in Coral Gables at 305-913-3202
Evening Action
Oscar Night @ Paris Theater / 550 Washington Avenue / Oscar night is best shared by a group of like-minded enthusiasts who will back you up when you scream at the TV if Brad Pitt doesn’t totally win BIG! Stop by the dry cleaner and pick up your tux because Oscar Night America starts at 6:30 with Bobby Flay, Stephanie March and WPLG’s Laurie Jennings hosting a champagne-swilling extravaganza! See you on the Red Carpet!
Cocktails
Dune @ The Ritz / 455 Grand Bay Drive / Sundown Sundays at this sensual sandy oasis feature a DJ, an international selection of wine, beer and champagne, and a St. Tropez vibe by the sea in Key Biscayne.
Dinner
Timo / 17624 Collins Avenue/ Tim Andriola creates a casually upscale vibe at his 120 seat dining spot perched on the edge of Sunny Isles serving hearth baked pizzas, tender pastas and fresh and locally-sourced seafood that always exceeds expectations. Sunday nights are all about family so bring yours along and see how a well-run restaurant leaves everyone with a smile.
Nightlife
Sultan @ SET / 320 Lincoln Road / Dress sexy and show up before midnight or risk spending the evening at Chismosa Taco Shop like we did last weekend. Sultan spins live tonight after an opening turn by DJ Stephan Luke. As an added attraction, vocalist Antoine of Second Sun will also perform LIVE!
Have Fun!
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