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Miami Design District |
The
Grove is boring, Coral Gables is a hike and South Beach is
packed, what's a hipster to do? Well, if you promise not to
tell—we want to keep this one to ourselves—then
head across the causeway to a bohemian little enclave known as the
Miami Design District.
Covering a mere 18-square blocks from Northeast 36th to 41st street between North Miami
and Northeast Second avenues, this unique and pedestrian-friendly community is just north of downtown
Miami, less than ten
minutes from South Beach and is rapidly becoming all the rage with
artists, interior designers and fashion mavens alike.
And, just so you won't look like a tourist lost in the shuffle,
here's our friendly guide to show you the way...
FEET, GET MOVIN'
THE VAGABOND
One of the best underground music venues around has morphed into a new
club from Carmel Ophir, John Digweed and Rodney Mayo called The
Vagabond. Different DJs spin in the bar room, live room and in the
garden lounge so there's something for everyone (hence the crowd). Another
reason why we love this place? The lax dress code: Wear jeans and get in
anyway!
Why: Because indie rock takes you back to your college days, and
all your "club wear" is at the dry cleaners.
When: Right now.
Where: 30 NE 14th Street, Miami, FL (305) 379-0508
EAT
FOOD CAFE
Offering both cozy indoor and breezy courtyard dining this
charming little eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Venezuelan native and a Telemundo Network celebrity chef Lorena Garcia
has garnered an established local following. Situated among several art
galleries, décor showrooms and photography studios it's the perfect
venue for grabbing a cup of coffee and four-layer chocolate cake with
friends, or indulging yourself on chicken pallard, sesame seared sashimi
tuna, Maine lobster risotto or cilantro lime charred churrasco. And all
at the price of a neighborhood hangout to boot.
Why: Great food even your
bank account will approve of.
When: Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm; Tuesday Saturday 6pm - 10pm
Where: 130 NE 40th Street, (305) 573-0444
SOYKA
Yet another venture from Mark Soyka, the man who brought you South
Beach's News Cafe and the Van Dyke Cafe. Outfitted in a trendy
nouveau-industrial style with stressed concrete walls and a high-beamed
ceiling softened by polished terrazzo floors and lots of plush booths
and a tiny, outside garden for those who want a little sunshine with
their meals. Open for both lunch and dinner, the focus of the menu is
comfort food, but they also offer salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza,
marinated skirt steak, half a roasted chicken and sesame seared salmon.
At the bar they shake one of the meanest martinis around, and they
attract the artsy high-profile clientele that we have come to expect.
Why: Really, how many
times can you fight the spring break crowd on Ocean Drive before
going completely postal?
When: Sunday-Thursday11am - 11pm; Friday and Saturday11am -
midnight
Where: 582 NE 4TH Court, (305) 759-3117
CANE A SUCRE
Here we've found a quaint little French bakery offering the best almond croissants
and brioche this side of the Atlantic Ocean. A French bakery that can
hold its own in a predominately Latin-infused neighborhood deserves a
shout out, don't you think?
Why: Because sometimes a
cafe con leche just won't do.
When: Monday- Friday 7am - 6pm; Saturday 8am - 4pm
Where: 3535 NE Second Avenue, (305) 572-0111
DOGMA GRILL
In the midst of the urban chaos known as Biscayne Boulevard, a great
outdoor dining experience is thriving. These hot dogs are served up in
an array of unbelievable combinations, from the health-conscious Athens
(cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese) to the
self-indulgent Pomodoro (caked in bruschetta and feta cheese). They
offer many different sausage varieties ranging from traditional franks
to Polish sausages and even veggie dogs. Try getting that at Burger
King.
Why: Because hot dogs are en vogue again.
When: 11am - 7pm daily
Where: 7030 Biscayne Boulevard, (305) 759-3433
ANDIAMO
A storefront pizzeria connected to a car wash! Think brick ovens
and gourmet toppings like roasted eggplant, broccoli rabe, kalamata
olives, and truffle oil. Order by the slice or bring the family and get
a whole pie. So good you'll want them to wash your car twice.
Why: Because pizza &
carwash fit together almost as well as peanut butter & jelly.
When: Monday - Thursday 11am - 11pm; Friday - Sunday 11am -
Midnight
Where: 5600 Biscayne Boulevard, (305) 762-5751
CITRONELLE
Coined as Haitian nouvelle cuisine this minimalist, 40-seat room
with gray a industrial-style ceiling and blood-red walls is the newest
eatery to see and be seen at. Expect to pay South Beach prices on a
dinner for two, but the best time to drop in is for Sunday brunch - the
more pretentious crowd doesn't dare to cross the causeway on the
weekends.
Why:
Haitian food is so trendy no one has a clue yet.
When: Tuesday - Thursday 6pm - 10pm; Sunday 6pm - 10pm;
Friday and Satday 6pm - 11:30pm. Closed Mondays.
Where: 7300 Biscayne Boulevard, (305) 757-2555
BUY
BAGUA
Located in Buena Vista East (a.k.a. "uhh...over there east of the Design
District"), this cool little boutique specializes in feng shui products.
A must-have from this place is Tom Batchelder's hand-made candles (seen
on tabletops at Caf'sambal in the Mandarin Oriental and One Ninety).
Why: Because more feng shui will make your
life immeasurably better.
When: Wednesday and Thursday 12pm - 6pm; Friday and Saturday
12pm - 9pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm; Monday and Tuesday by
appointment only.
Where: 4600 NE Second Avenue, (305) 573-9292
BOUQUET
A unique and intimate European-style wine bar and cafe boasting an
exotic market. They specialize in wines (of course), yummy Segfredo
coffee, fresh flowers, imported cheeses, scrumptious desserts, artisan
chocolates, aromatherapy candles and flower waters. Prices are very
reasonable and it's the perfect place for a glass of wine or an
after-dinner coffee and dessert. They offer both indoor and outdoor
seating (you have to check out the koi pond). This is a great place to
pick up hostess gift for a dinner party or simply to treat yourself.
Why: Because
you have to hang somewhere, and Starbucks went out with
tight-rolled, acid-washed jeans.
When: Sunday - Wednesday 7:30am - 7pm; Thursday -
Saturday 11am - 7
Where: 5580 NE 4th Court, (305) 754-6700
SHOPPIE SECONDS
Everything from vintage concert tees to barely-used mod furniture
at basement bargain prices. Leave your smelling salts at home there will
be no need to resuscitate anyone from sticker shock - they really do
have cash and carry prices. Bonus points: Mention their web site and get
an additional 10% off.
Why: Because no matter how you package it,
"Retro" is just another name for "used" and these guys know it.
When: Monday - Friday 12pm - 7pm; Saturday 1pm - 6pm;
Closed Sundays.
Where: 2344 NE Second Avenue, (305) 573-1755
HIHO BATIK
A wide variety of hand-painted, hand-dyed one-of-a-kind clothing.
"Batik" is actually an ancient art form that uses wax and dyes to create
an image. They offer custom made items, just ask!
Why: So you'll never show-up at a party wearing the same
outfit as someone else again (isn't that reason enough?).
When: Monday- Saturday 11am - 6pm; Closed on Sundays.
Where: 6909 Biscayne Boulevard, (305) 754-8890
THE
DOO
PRIMAL HAIR STUDIO/ DIVINE TRASH
The coolest bi-level shopping/salon experience known to man. On
the ground level, Divine Trash offers an eclectic array of items from
velvet couches to vintage gowns and jewelry. Upstairs is a full service
salon, Primal Hair, with none of the attitude you're used to from such
an establishment. Added coolness factor: All the artwork on the walls is
for sale, so if you see something you like while you're processing you
can take it home with you. Ask about the handmade jewelry they sell as
well.
Why: Maybe bangs weren't such a good idea,
huh?
When: Open 7 days, call for an appointment.
Where: 7242 and 7244 Biscayne Boulevard; Primal Hair Studio:
(305) 759-1181; Divine Trash: (305) 751-1973
DRAGON LOFT
A very Zen-like fitness center offering both private and group
classes in pilates, yoga, kung fu, mystic dance, mountain dragon kung fu
and mountain dragon kung fu for kids. They also offer alternative
healing methods such as the Swedish and the deep tissue massage, as well
as traditional eastern massages like tui na, shiatsu, reflexology and
Chinese wudang. Now where else (besides China) are you going to find all
that? Visit their web site regularly for special offers, holistic news
and workshops.
Why: Oh come-on, why not?...YOU'RE IN
MIAMI.
When: Open seven days a week (check web site for class
schedules)
Where: 7300 Biscayne Boulevard, (305) 758-2501
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