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Month: April 2015

Imagine yourself sipping free Ketel One cocktails at the swanky 1930’s House , near the pool at the elegant new Thompson Hotel in Miami Beach, meeting other Miami Curated readers and members of a smart new local social and professional networking group, called IvyPlus LGBT South Florida.
Not only international retail brands but also major shows and fairs are following the lead of Art Basel and holding their prestigious shows in Miami, serving as a nexis for the Americas. The latest entrant is the renowned, Paris headquartered Maison & Objet that describes itself as “the premiere arbiter of global luxury in the home market” . And a look at the 340 exhibitors, 20 conference topics and speakers such as David Rockwell, the Campana Brothers and Karen Rashid will literally have you drooling.
There’s a natural affinity between St.Tropez and Miami – the climate, beautiful people, beach setting, and the let’s party lifestyle. So it’s not surprising that a number of restaurateurs from France have opened outposts in South Beach (La Piaggia, Baoli, Villa d’Azur) and now Bagatelle. After a recent visit, I’ve added it to my list of best places to celebrate a special occasion (or make an ordinary occasion special).
In December I mentioned that bespoke tailoring from Hong Kong would be coming to Miami in May, and now the dates are set, May 10 and 11 so mark your calendar. Plus, I can report on first person experience (not just what a good friend told me). Mr. W had a sport jacket custom made last year from The Man.
Don't miss a visit to the current exhibit of Antoni Tapies at the Perez Art Museum Miami, running until May 3. It will surely give you a new appreciation for his intellect, sensibilities and rich artistic talent. Mr. W gives an overview of what to expect. And make a visit an afternoon with a picnic lunch at Museum Park.
Artisanal desserts are thriving in Miami, I come across several every month. You’ve read about a few of my favorites here (Pavlova, Casa Gioia, True Loaf),My latest find is the rich, buttery and moist Real Almond Cake. The Nicaraguan born Zandra Zampieri is a former New York public relations executive who fell in love with luxury Greek food products (and a successful Greek naval architect), lived on a Greek island for a year and a half, and found a new passion: making almond cakes inspired by mythology. And are they ever delicious, a perfect idea for a Mother’s Day gift.
Guest blogpost by Steve Deitsch: Cielo means sky or heaven in Spanish. In this case, it’s more the latter. After a dinner at Colombian celebrity chef Juan Manuel Barriento’s new restaurant El Cielo, you’ll feel like you just died and went there. Open only a couple of months, it is tucked away in the Brickell area in an unassuming residential tower, overlooking the Miami River.
Though I go to the gym about four times a week, I haven’t changed my workout shoe for 5 years. Why? The number of choices is overwhelming and I didn’t want to spend the time researching which to buy. That being said, I have noticed the tread is wearing thin and the shoe is getting out of shape, so it’s time to go to the pros and ask what shoe they recommend if one is buying one all purpose workout shoe. Here’s what leading trainers around town recommend:
The new Quality Meats in the former Art Deco Bancroft Hotel is arguably the closest thing to a classic New York steakhouse in Miami. That’s for the décor, menu selections and the crowd. What’s not classic is the 15 inch bone from the Tomahawk rib eye, reason in itself for a visit (the meat of course too).
Today's post kicks off a new feature here called "Deals and Doings". As one reader wrote in the survey, "I really want to know about things to do in the dog days of summer", so this should get you going. I'm going to aim for two posts on the topic a month. Love to hear your feedback and if there are any special kinds of deals you're most interested in.And note a terrific film by Vik Muniz one night only, tonight.