Ocean Drive Magazine

Hublot LaFerrari Watch

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

While in BaselWorld, ATimelyPerspective.com posted on our Facebook page about the new Hublot LaFerrari watch—created to celebrate the partnership between Hublot and the sleek and stealth Ferrari brand. As those who love cars and watches know, the Ferrari brand has partnered with other watch brands before Hublot: Girard-Perregaux and Panerai are among them.

However, the relationship with Hublot may have been made with the idea in mind by both parties to create as something bold and uniquely different. The LaFerrari being the first example therein—created with input from both the car and watch sides. The question is, does it deliver what car and watch lovers want?

The new watch features a bold case shape that is designed to emulate the look of the stealth car. The materials used are high-tech, as is the technology. This watch holds a thus-far world record in the power reserve field. It offers a massive 50 days of power reserve—not 50 hours like many watches—50 days. Thus, one can wear this watch for just over a month and a half without having to wind it. The indication of power reserve is visible on a cylindrical readout.

The complex movement, which contains 637 pieces, includes 11 spring barrels lined up in the center of the watch and resembling a crank shaft; underscoring the automotive motif. With a full sapphire crystal, much of the movement is visible to the eye. Time (hour and minutes) is displayed on cylinders opposite the power reserve readout. The watch—which also houses a large 14.5mm flying tourbillon escapement—offers seconds on an aluminum cylinder attached to the tourbillon cage.

So, is the verdict in now? Is this what you expected from Hublot genius Jean-Claude Biver? Is this the new generation of Ferrari that everyone was waiting for? It should be noted that this world-first watch (remember 50 days of power reserve) created in a limited edition of 50 pieces retails for $345,000—certainly much less that the million-dollar car, but still a hefty figure.

Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.

6 Beach Bag Essentials

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:19:00 -0400

Our Favorite Summer Jazz Venues

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:46:00 -0400

Outdoor Concerts at the Museum of Contemporary Art
MOCA's free outdoor concerts take place every last Friday of the month at 8 p.m. Jowee Omicil will perform on May 31, followed by Manuel Valera on June 18. MOCA's galleries are also open by donation from 7-10 p.m. Concerts go on rain or shine. 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami, 305-893-6211

Hot Nights, Cool Jazz at the Bass Museum of Art
This annual four-week contemporary jazz series lures music lovers indoors. Programming begins on Friday, June 28 (7-9 p.m.), with trumpet player Paul Ayick, and continues every other Friday through August 9. Admission is free for members and $10 for non members. 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-7530

Mostly Jazz at The Betsy Hotel
This month-long live music lineup pops up every Wednesday and Thursday night at 8 p.m. This week welcomes Greek songstress Maria Zouroudis, followed by guitarist Tom Lippincott with drummer Reuben Hoch. There is no cover or drink minimum. 1440 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, 305-531-6100

SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch at Riverwalk
Taking place the first Sunday of every month (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), this free event packs some the area's best jazz artists onto three stages. Attendees can bring lawn chairs to picnic or stroll Ft. Lauderdale's Riverwalk as music fills the area between Esplanade Park and the Las Olas Riverfront. Esplanade Park, 401 S.W. 2nd St., Ft. Lauderdale

Nightly Jazz at Van Dyke Café
Van Dyke's upstairs speakeasy is famous for showcasing hometown talent, hosting nightly jazz, Latin-infused funk, and songwriter sessions. Live shows begin at 9 p.m. and table seating is $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends. 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-534-3600

BY LIANA LOZADA

Pros Talk Trends in Hair, Diets & Dermatology

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Hairstylist Julien Farel and nutrition expert Betsy Berthin.

HEAD MASTER
An appointment at the Julien Farel Salon has been among the most coveted in Manhattan since his first salon debuted in 2001. Twelve years, two salons, and a haircare line later, Farel is escaping to Miami to premiere his first free-standing salon and spa outside of New York.

Why did you choose Miami as the location for your next salon?
Opening a salon and growing a team here was something I always wanted to do, and was part of my business development vision for the US. I’m from the south of France; I love the heat and sunshine.

Which hair trends will be big this summer?
Bangs. I also expect texturized curls, definitely not a beach bum look but a sophisticated beach look— straight and sleek at the roots with curl at the end and an ombre color. That will be everywhere.

And a look that’s on its way out?
The shag is done. We’re back to the sexy glamour, and the shag haircut is not sexy. Miami is all about glamour, and that’s glossy hair.

How will your new Restore haircare line help Miamians?
Water, sun, saltwater, and chlorine are very hard on hair. My new Restore line incorporates ingredients like hyaluronic acid to penetrate and heal the scalp and follicle.
Julien Farel Salon and Spa, 200 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-372-1278

SKINNY GENIUS
When nutrition wiz Betsy Berthin isn’t advising the Miami Heat on high-energy pre-game meals or the Mandarin Oriental Miami’s A-list clientele on East-meets-West menu planning, she runs her private practice, consulting with an average of 25 clients a week.

How is dieting in Miami unique?
Miami is such a melting pot of different cultures and lifestyles. I don’t tell a Latin person not to have café con leche or beans and rice if that’s their culture. It just takes figuring out how to work it in and make allowances, be it portion control or moderation.

What’s the most common problem with dieting these days?
The reason diets work is the same reason that they fail. We’re a society that celebrates around food, so portion control is paramount. When our parents were kids, they were eating off nine-inch dinner plates, and now the average is 12 inches. That’s 30 percent more food on our plates!

Which healthy trends do you see in Miami?
The Mediterranean diet is getting a lot of buzz right now because of a recent Spanish study, which showed a sharp decrease in heart disease and cancer. It’s low in red meat, processed foods, and sugar, and high in grains, lentils, and grilled fish without the marinades, gravies, and sauces. It replaces butter with olive oil and advocates moderate amounts of red wine. The Paleo diet is big, too, because CrossFit has made such an impact on Miami, but I think it’s at its peak.

Which trends are waning?
Restrictive, low-carb diets are making their way out. To restrict certain categories of food is difficult, and you’re eliminating nutrients, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are essential to daily life.

What’s your take on the adage “You are what you eat”?
In Miami, we’re surrounded by water, and we’re so concerned with what our outside looks like that we neglect what’s happening on the inside. For the most part, it’s absolutely true.
Betsy Berthin, 283 Catalonia Ave., Ste. 101, Coral Gables, 305-476-7771

Skincare specialist Dr. Fredric Brandt.

ABOUT FACE
Dr. Fredric Brandt—the founder of the scientifically driven Dr. Brandt skincare line (and University of Miami alumnus)—splits his time between his buzzing Miami and Manhattan dermatology offices.

What cosmetic procedures are women booking now in Miami?
The demand for injectables is rising in Miami. Facial reshaping with fillers is popular because everyone wants a youthful contour. Fillers evolved in the last 10 years to enable us to completely fill lines and reshape the face. Women also prefer procedures with little to no recuperation time. Light fractional lasers, which help fine lines, wrinkles, and discolorations, allow patients to come in and appear perfectly normal three hours later.

Are you finding that people are seeking cosmetic procedures at younger ages than before?
Yes, and part of the reason is because antiaging is ubiquitous in our culture. People are more aware of signs of aging than they were 20 years ago. Also, technology has evolved. You can do minor treatments that aren’t overkill on younger patients, whereas before, we didn’t have much to offer them.

What are men looking for in cosmetic treatments?
Men definitely want procedures that look undetectable. Often men are big believers in Botox because the results are not immediately apparent. Men want to come in and do things gradually, so the change is not dramatic.

Are there any once-popular procedures that are now fading?
Overplumped lips that are inappropriately large for patients’ faces are a thing of the past. People want to look more natural.
Dr. Brandt Dermatology Associates, 4425 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Ste. 200, Coral Gables, 305-443-6606

Exclusive New Resto News; Guest Chef at Khong River

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:24:00 -0400

Edge, Steak & Bar will host a wine dinner with Alvaro Palacios this Thursday night

Exclusive News on Carol's Downtown: Set to open in late June, Carol's Cucina & Vino in Downtown Miami will feature Brazilian fusion cuisine crafted by executive chef Gerardo Reyes, formally of the SLS Miami Beach. Carolina Moura, the restaurant's partner and namesake, plans to serve small plates like cod fitters and veal shank with creamy polenta in an "intimate atmosphere." The venue will also flaunt playful twists on classic Brazilian libations and an international wine selection. 245 S.E. 1st. St., Miami

Miami Chefs to Headline NYCWFF: Food Network's New York City Wine & Food Festival's just-announced lineup includes events with Timon Balloo of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill, Myron Mixon of Pride and Joy BBQ, and the crew at Pubbelly. Ticket pre-sales open to MasterCard holders on Monday, June 10.

Chef Pop-up Dinner at Khong River: Brooklyn chef Dale Talde will host Khong River's inaugural guest chef dinner on Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. The evening will feature four courses and a welcome cocktail. Price is $75 per person. 1661 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, 305-763-8147

Wine Dinner with Alvaro Palacios: Meanwhile, this Thursday, May 23rd, at 7 p.m., Edge, Steak & Bar inside the Four Seasons Hotel will host a wine pairings dinner with Spanish winemaker Alvaro Palacios. Oenophiles can delight in Palacios' L’Ermita wines while chef Aaron Brooks lays down a five-course feast. Reserved tickets are required and are $275 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the event's co-host, Wine Watch, at 954-523-9463. 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami

New Garden Lunch at Cecconi's: Slide into the Soho Beach House for an alfresco lunch at Cecconi's, whose new menu items include a focaccia sandwich with mozzarella and prosciutto, cavatelli with ricotta salata, and a bevy of seasonal salads. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7902

BY LIANA LOZADA

La Palina's Goldie Laguito No. 5

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:51:00 -0400

La Palina Cigars launched the latest cigar in its Goldie Collection, the Goldie Laguito No. 5 (ABOVE), in New York City earlier this month. And while cigar smoking is typically a boys' club, this collection was made in celebration of women in the cigar industry. Hence the company's recruitment of Maria Sierra, one of the first Cuban women to master the art of cigar rolling, and a former cigar roller for Fidel Castro.

Being such an integral part of the La Palina brand is exceptionally rewarding for the legendary roller. "Being a part of the first group of women to break through the barrier of male rollers in Cuba in 1967 makes me so proud," says Sierra. "I am so pleased to be a part of such a memorable project that celebrates the accomplishments of women in the cigar industry."

And Sierra isn't the only woman in the mix. The Goldie collection is produced in Little Havana's boutique El Titan de Bronze Factory under the supervision of Sandy Cobas. Furthermore, the wrapper features a portrait of Goldie Drell Paley, the wife of La Palina founder Samuel Paley. Says Sierra, "The La Palina Collection Goldie line truly embodies the tradition of our industry and the contributions of women within it."

The Goldie Laguito No. 5 will be limited to 2,500 numbered boxes, with a second special release coming in August 2013.

BY LIANA LOZADA

Condo Market Surges in Sunny Isles Beach

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Call it a luxury boomlet. The city of Sunny Isles Beach, a straight shot up Collins Avenue 20 minutes from South Beach, is geographically tiny, clocking in at a mere one square mile, yet in the last year six luxury high-rises have stepped into the market. What’s more, the area is seeing soaring prices to match.

Take the Porsche Design Tower (18555 Collins Ave., 305-974-0500). Since it started sales in May of 2012, the building—132 units constructed around three car elevators that travel all 60 stories and make up the core of the building—has converted more than $400 million in reservations into contracts. This includes its two penthouses.

“We sold them [each] for $22.5 million,” says Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development, which is developing Porsche Design. “One came in early on as a reservation; now he’s under contract. The other was a walk-in, a foreign national, no broker, no nothing. He fell in love with the building, and he bought the penthouse and a cabana and a man cave.” (A man cave being a 2,500-square-foot haunt with a living room, bar, ocean views, and an up-tonine- car garage. The building has six of them.) The total sale was $25.5 million.

Over at The Mansions at Acqualina (17749 Collins Ave., 305-933-6666), 69 of the 794,600-square-foot-plus residences starting at $7.8 million have sold since the sales office opened in March last year. What’s more, Michael Goldstein, president of The Trump Group Residential, the developer on the project, says he has not one but two parties interested in the $55 million Palazzo d’Oro penthouse. The penthouse in question has two stories, 20,000 square feet, and comes complete with a $5 million Fendi Casa furniture package and a glass-bottomed outdoor pool that cantilevers out 12 feet, for a 649-foot view straight down.

And the list goes on: Regalia (19505 Collins Ave., 305-405-3270), whose 37 full-floor and two double-floor units came on the market in May 2012 (the building was just topped off), has remaining units priced in the $7 million range and up, and is “over 60 percent sold,” says Louis R. Montello, president of Regalia Beach Developers LLC. 400 Sunny Isles, a two-tower, 230-unit project on the Intracoastal, has presold close to 90 percent of its units with available residences priced from $750,000 to $3.5 million. And Chateau Beach Residences (17475 Collins Ave., 305-944-4440), which is currently tiling the foundation of the building, has 70 percent of its 84 units under contract for $1,000 to $1,100 a square foot, according to Manuel Grosskopf, CEO of the Chateau Group, the developer on the project.

These last two buildings represent a more accessible price point for Sunny Isles, around $1,000 a foot compared to The Mansions’ $1,750 to $3,500 a foot or Porsche’s average of $1,200 a foot.

“It’s a great price for us and a great price compared to the competition,” says Grosskopf. “The competition is above the $1,200 [-a-foot mark], but the difference between us is we have an absolute price that is more reasonable.”

What’s luring buyers to Sunny Isles is the opposite of what they might find in South Beach, namely large units and a preponderance of quiet.

“The only similarity between Sunny Isles and South Beach is that they’re both on the beach, and they’re both in Miami,” says Edgardo Defortuna, CEO (as well as founder and president) of Fortune International, which is developing the Jade Signature (16901 Collins Ave., 305-940-0335), a 57-story tower with 192 units and the last of the six out of the gate. Presales began in April at about $1,200 a foot. “The South Beach customer is trendy and less family oriented, and they want relatively smaller units.”

There’s a significant Russian contingent in the area, but Defortuna sees other trends building. “When you move up the beach to Sunny Isles, it becomes more Latin American, Brazilians,

Argentines, Mexicans looking for larger apartments to accommodate their families,” he says. “They spend a long time here even if they come fewer times a year.”

Sunny Isles wasn’t always so suited for families. In the ’90s, before the city was incorporated, it was a haven for cheap motels frequented by spring breakers, affected by crime, and had a less desirable quality of life. What it needed was someone seeing its potential.

“I’m a New Yorker, and I came down and saw a city that was located between three of the most expensive neighborhoods in the area,” says Dezer, referring to Bal Harbour, Aventura, and Golden Beach. “People were driving by the motels and poopooing Sunny Isles. We saw oceanfront.”

Starting in 1997, developers began buying up those old motels. Dezer Development, for one, bought 17 different parcels. And slowly new product was built. The first wave included the Acqualina, sister to The Mansions.

Now, well into the second wave, restaurants and services are following.

“You have Timo, which is a high-end Italian restaurant, Epicure [Market], there are a lot of things now,” says Goldstein. “Before there was nothing. People went to McDonald’s and KFC.”

While vacant parcels are few and far between today, there are a handful of projects still on the horizon. Dezer Development has nine plots left to develop. And the Chateau Group has approval on a building called Chateau Ocean designed by Arquitectonica, at 94 Collins Avenue, a couple of blocks south of Bal Harbour. “It’s one of the only sites that’s within walking distance to the shops and restaurants,” says Grosskopf.

If the last year is any indication, Sunny Isles still has room (and interest) to grow.

“Ninety-five percent of all the inventory has been bought up there,” says Goldstein. “There were 6,500 units available [during the real estate bust of 2005 to 2008]. Now there are fewer than 400 units.”

Montello is similarly bullish: “The distinction between the New York buyers and the international buyers is that [New York buyers] think we’re still in 2008. That ship has long sailed. All the stuff on the ocean, the high end, those prices are back up where it was, and that inventory has dried up.”

Spring's Best Sky-High Sandals

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:12:00 -0400

BY LIANA LOZADA

Architectural Projects on the Rise

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:17:00 -0400

A rendering of Zaha Hadid's One Thousand Museum Tower

One Thousand Museum Tower
Pritzker Architecture Prize-winner Zaha Hadid's first foray into Western real estate is happening in downtown Miami, complete with a unique, spiraling exoskeletal design, helipad, indoor pool, and amenities deck. Standing 62 stories high, the futuristic skyscraper will sell units starting at $4 million each. Hadid's previous work includes designing the 2012 Summer Olympics' London Aquatics Center, Bridge Pavilion in Aragon, Spain, and the magnificent Guangzhou Opera House in China. 1000 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

Pérez Art Museum Miami
Herzog & de Meuron's vision for the new home of the Miami Art Museum is steadily rising over Biscayne Bay. The three-story Pérez Art Museum Miami's elevated structure will add even more visual intrigue to Downtown Miami's skyline. Slated to open in December 2013, just in time for Art Basel, the museum's design includes lush, hanging gardens and a shaded veranda. 1075 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

Faena District
Britain's Lord Norman Foster and Dutch mastermind Lucas "Rem" Koolhaas are working together to execute the ambitious Faena District, a $500 million Miami Beach neighborhood project that will include a 19 story residential building, the Faena House, at the old Saxony Hotel. The inspiration? A similar project in Buenos Aires by developer Alan Faena, who turned a series of rundown buildings into an eclectic mini metropolis. 3331 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

BY LIANA LOZADA

Zumba's Founding Fathers

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

What happens when three Colombian expats in Miami put their heads together to launch a new business? In the case of the three Albertos—dot.com entrepreneur Alberto Perlman, his childhood friend Alberto Aghion, and dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez—the result is a vast fitness empire sweeping gyms from Manhattan to Milwaukee: Zumba Fitness. Conventional workout classes may seem like, or even be described openly as, “boot camp” sessions; Zumba feels like a dance party that just happens to have fitness side effects. The startup that kicked off with 200 of Beto Perez’s fiercest fans shown dancing on a beach in a video filmed on a shoestring budget more than a decade ago is today a global phenomenon that has spread from Miami to Mumbai, Cape Town to Beijing—and even the Pentagon, home to the bootcamp approach to fitness. The company’s growth has been just as explosive. The privately held company doesn’t disclose details of its finances, but it is now a business empire with an estimated valuation of $500 million, 250 direct employees, tens of thousands of licensed instructors, and courses offered in 150 different countries.

Zumba is the kind of phenomenon that could only have gotten its start in today’s Miami, where so many Latin American trends and traditions in food, music, and art mix and mingle with their US counterparts to create something altogether novel. Miami, explains Perlman (the company’s CEO and marketing and business development expert), “helped us with the image and is part of our brand. It offers South Beach coolness with classic Latin American and Colombian flavor, mixing them into something unique and distinctive.”

The impetus for the phenomenon belongs to Perez, who crafted his dance-based workout routine while still working as a choreographer (clients included Shakira) and dance and fitness instructor in Bogotá back in the 1990s. “I wanted more. My country felt too small, and I wanted to challenge myself,” Perez explains today. Four trips to Miami reinforced his conviction that this was the place where he could test his new approach to fitness, discovered almost by accident in the early ’90s when he forgot his usual aerobics music tape at home and instead popped a mix tape of classical Colombian dance music—cumbia, salsa, merengue, and more—into the player. It was a hit in his hometown, and Perez’s voyages of discovery to Miami made him realize that nothing like it existed in the United States. “I think that Miami was waiting for me; what I did wasn’t there, so there would be a space for me,” he says.

It didn’t hurt that Perez found ready-made fans among the Colombian expats who had begun to relocate to Miami in the late 1990s or to establish second homes there and in the surrounding communities, such as Aventura and Key Biscayne. One of these was Perlman’s mother; when her son’s Internet incubator flamed out during the dot.com crash, she suggested that he find a way to create a new business with Beto Perez. “I had been complaining about how I was 23 years old, broke, and unemployable, and she said, ‘Maybe you could start a gym or something.’” But when Perlman dropped in to watch one of Perez’s classes at a Miami gym, he realized that there was potential for something much bigger. “I was watching people enjoying a workout instead of feeling that they had to be there, and none looked at their watch the whole time!”

Back then, in 2001, Miami may have been a hot dance and entertainment scene, but it wasn’t viewed as a logical place to start a new fitness business. Not only was the fitness world not an obvious one for a Latino businessman, Perlman says, but the hubs of that industry were Los Angeles and New York, both cities where trainers could attract the kind of celebrity following that would allow them to build a brand name. The Albertos—Perlman brought in Aghion, his best friend since the age of 5, as president and COO—took a different approach to growth, focusing on Beto’s Miami clubs and infomercials, as well as the Midwest. Thanks to that first video, filmed on a Miami beach, they teamed up with an Ohio company to produce a collection of tapes and DVDs, marketed via infomercial, and suddenly found themselves fielding calls from people all over the country eager to take classes and become Zumba instructors. Where middle-class mainstream Americans in Kansas City and Milwaukee went, celebrities like Jennifer Lopez,Natalie Portman, and Victoria Beckham have followed. The trio’s efforts have put Miami on the map as the next fitness industry hub.

Initially, the Albertos had thought to profit principally from selling the dance fitness videos. When their cell phone service couldn’t handle the volume of all the calls, the trio decided to branch out into teaching and training; five times the number of attendees they had expected showed up at their first session at a Miami hotel in 2003. That model—relying on fans to proselytize and to generate funds for the company by running their own businesses—has proved immensely successful for Zumba. To become licensed requires eight hours of formal instruction, at an average cost of about $250. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: The vast majority of newly fledged instructors continue to generate a stream of revenue for Zumba by signing up for ZIN, the Zumba Instructor Network. In exchange for $30 a month, they receive new choreography and new music (students get bored with the same routine, however much fun it is at first) as well as marketing support and links to job openings worldwide. Zumba also generates revenue from the sales of its accessories, clothing, and footwear (sales are expected to nearly double this year from 1.8 million units in 2012), its own CDs, and at-home workout DVDs, as well as from video games (more than 8 million of those sold to date).

Perez, the company’s chief creative officer, is also the brand’s global ambassador, showing up at the annual instructor convention or dashing off to visit Zumba classes in China, all the time trying to push the envelope in terms of choreography. “It has to stay fresh,” he says. “We only succeed if our instructors succeed, and I feel the responsibility of providing them with the material to do so.” Part of that creative process involves Perlman’s push to identify and develop new Latin artists. “We’re like a radio station,” he says. “About 14 million people now take Zumba classes every week, so this is a great way to introduce up-and-coming artists to a potential audience.” Perlman and Zumba team up with Latino musicians such as rapper Pitbull (born Armando Pérez, the son of Cuban immigrants to Florida) to create music for Zumba classes; two CDs featuring original Zumba music as well as other music hits used in the routines and released in Europe in partnership with Universal Music Enterprises have just gone platinum in France.

Perez, for his part, spends time flying up and down the Florida coast on his custom chopper (painted with an image of Batman on one side and the Joker on the other). But he insists, “I’m not a wild and crazy guy; my perfect weekend means going to the beach, a good restaurant, and a movie.” He will sometimes just show up at the movie theater and pick something to see when he gets there. “I’ll watch anything and everything,” he says. Perez pauses, suddenly reflecting on the possibilities. “There are no limits to our dreams here in America, right? So maybe the next step is Zumba the movie.”

What We're Reading

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:32:00 -0400

The Fashion Poet dresses the part for a concert at The Fillmore Miami Beach

Blogger Annie Vazquez (aka The Fashion Poet) offers outfit inspiration for concertgoers inside The Fillmore Miami Beach. The sneaker platforms are wise choice. [The Fashion Poet]

Need a weekend restaurant reco? Already a James Beard Award winner, chef Douglas Rodriguez and his De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean have earned the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond Award. [NBC Miami]

Angelina Jolie's May 14 New York Times op-ed revealing her preventive double mastectomy took Hollywood and the medical world by complete surprise. Here, AP Entertainment writers Sandy Cohen and David German trace Jolie's transition from rebel to role model. [The Miami Herald]

The Museum of Modern Art's new Rain Room experience, presented as part of the "EXPO 1: New York" exhibit, has celebrities like Julie Bowen waiting two hours to get in. After seeing these breathtaking photos, we're hoping the Rain Room makes it way to Miami at some point! [The New York Daily News]

Owners of an Arizona restaurant featured on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares got into a social media screaming match with commenters on Yelp, Facebook, and the like earlier this week. Brustman Carrino Public Relations' Larry Carrino shared his professional opinion on the matter with Short Order. [Short Order]

BY LIANA LOZADA

5 Neighborhood Spots for Cool Treats

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:37:00 -0400

Feverish Pops popsicles

Azucar Ice Cream Company
This Hialeah spot is known for infusing classic Latin flavors into its artisanal sorbets and ice creams. Patrons can order up flavors like sweet plantain, caramel flan, and rum cake, as well as seasonal selections that range from rose petal to orange blossom to sweet corn. 1503 S.W. 8th St., Miami, 305-381-0369

Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant
Antique trinkets like old license plates and vintage signs make up the décor at this old fashioned parlour, which opened in the 1950s. There's a candy shop, servers wear candy strip uniforms, and the menu is a retro sundae lover's dream. Parties of four or more can indulge Jaxson's Kitchen Sink, a massive ice cream special served in an actual kitchen sink.128 S. Federal Hwy., Hollywood, 954-923-4445

Jugo Fresh
Jugo Fresh serves delicious smoothies and juices that just happen to be über-healthy. The West Avenue location has become a South Beach staple, and locations on Lincoln Road, South Pointe Drive, and as far as Coral Gables are in the works. Stop by for a sunflower sprout juice or a cool "mylk shake" made with almonds and vanilla. 1935 West Ave., #102, Miami Beach, 786-472-2552

Feverish Pops
With flavors like peanut butter and jelly and watermelon-ginger vodka, popsicles stand second to no ice cream in this shop. Made with organic, natural, and vegan ingredients, the Feverish Pops were first served out of vintage ice cream carts, but soon necessitated a brick and mortar Midtown flagship. 3252 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, 305-482-1832

Todo Frio Ice Cream N More
Cool down and pick yourself up with Todo Frio's signature Cafecito Joe, which flaunts a scoop of coffee ice cream and a shot of Cuban coffee. There's also the Guava Q (guava ice-cream, queso blanco, hot guava syrup) and the Sizzling Pineapple, in which half a pineapple is smothered with three ice cream flavors, banana, strawberries, and sweet syrup. 2715 S.W. 37th Ave., Coral Gables, 305-442-1907

Kick Back with Craft Brews

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Interesting infusions will jazz up the tap beers at OTC this weekend

"Randall the Enamel Animal" at OTC
Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19
Throughout this weekend, OTC will "Randall" its beer selections, infusing taps with unique ingredients like mint, mango, and ginger to create one-of-a-kind brews. Starting at 7 p.m. tonight, enjoy Ommegang selections including Rare Vos, Three Philosophers, and the Game of Thrones-inspired Iron Throne. 1250 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-374-4612

Abita Southern Social at Yardbird
Friday, May 17, 4-8 p.m.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is serving up four hours of $3 Andygator and Purple Haze specials. Sit at the bar to nosh on the afternoons special Creole-inspired bites. 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, 305-538-5220

Brews & Bites at the Four Seasons
Saturday, May 18, 2-4 p.m.
The Four Seasons Hotel hosts Edge Steak & Bar chef Aaron Brooks and FIU's advanced beer brewing club, B.R.E.W. (Biscayne's Renowned Engineers of Wort), for an interactive cooking and tasting session. Tickets are $75 per person and include a welcome cocktail, unlimited beer during the event, and a gift bag. 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305-381-3063

Weekend Recommender: May 16-19

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

See War Horse at the Broward Center for Performing Arts before it closes its run

War Horse
Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19
Broadway Across America takes over the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with the final engagements of War Horse, the acclaimed play-turned-Oscar-nominated film. Set in England during World War One, the plot centers on a young boy determined to reconnect with his horse, which has been sold to the cavalry. The play a winner of five Tony Awards, this production features puppetry by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company. Tickets begin at $39.50 and may be purchased online. 201 S.W. 5th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, 954-522-5334

Wendy Williams Book Signing
Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m.
Outspoken talk show host Wendy Williams will be at Books & Books Coral Gables to sign copies of her latest book, Ask Wendy, in which she shares personal stories and advice on marriage, self confidence, and running a business. 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-442-4408

Mad House Happy Hour
Saturday, May 18, 7-9 p.m.
Celebrate World Whisky Day at the SLS hotel's Hyde Beach with a two-for-one happy hour hosted by George Dickel Whiskey and Bulleit Bourbon. Bonus: London-based brand Christys' Hats will be passing out complimentary fedoras while Mike Russ spins. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-1701

Mitchell Kaplan's Summer Reading List

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:48:00 -0400

Christy Gast Sculpts 'Barefoot Mailman'

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:08:00 -0400

Christy Gast stands next to her Self Portrait As The Barefoot Mailman

This past weekend, artist Christy Gast unveiled her 12-foot, bronzed fiberglass Self Portrait As The Barefoot Mailman sculpture at Bal Harbour Founder's Circle as part of the community's "Unscripted" public art series. The piece nods South Florida's legendary barefoot mailmen, who walked the route between Palm Beach and Miami in the 1880s, before there were roads and Henry Flagler's famed railway.

Gast's submission idea was born when she happened across a historic plaque describing these contracted postmen. As she began to research the topic, she learned that the "Unscripted" sites overlapped with the old delivery route. "The idea of being alone and walking on the beach was really romantic for me," says Gast. "I wanted to play with that concept." Play she did: to add a personal touch, Gast used herself as a model (with the help of a high-tech 3D scanner) and turned the piece on its head, literally. "To me, it resembles an hourglass, which is another way of measuring time," she explains.

The more feminine hourglass shape also helped demasculinize the notion of classic statues. Says Gast, "My work always expresses my interests, particularly landscapes and places. I've done a lot of performance, incorporating my body, so this was a natural process for me."

Also symbolic is the piece's wedged in position, making it look as though it may have been washed up during a turbulent Florida storm. And of course, the mailman's bare feet are better displayed with the sculpture turned upside down: "People are going to see this from their cars. I wanted the viewer to recognize it quickly and say 'I get that it's a monument, but it seems like something is wrong. I need to investigate this.'" Related photography prints by Gast are available for those passersby who want to take a piece of the sculpture home, and the artist will join Miami Art Museum director Thom Collins this Thursday, May 16 (7 p.m.) for a talk at Books & Books Bal Harbour.

Openings: ModShop by Room Service

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

ModShop by Room Service

The brainchild of husband and wife duo John and Taryn Bernard, ModShop by Room Service, which will host a grand opening party this Thursday, has brought an eclectic collection of made-to-order furnishings, mid-century-style décor, and colorful artwork to Miami's historic MiMo District. The well curated boutique combines sleek European style with old Hollywood glamour circa the '50s, '60s, and '70s. And thanks to its own production facility, ModShop is able to offer clients everything from customizable upholstery to specified lacquer finishes. The space also boasts in-house design consultants to help shoppers create their desired interior. Miami's outpost is the latest in a line of locations that includes hubs in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. 6101 Biscayne Blvd., 786-409-3148

Tissot Celebrates 160 Years with the Powermatic 80

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com

This year marks the 160th anniversary of Swiss watch brand, Tissot. To honor the milestone, the brand has been very busy, and this year unveils multiple new movements and a host of really cool new timepieces that move it to the next level of sophistication.

Among the new pieces is the Powermatic 80—an automatic watch with 80 hours of power reserve. The watch was made possible thanks to the revolutionary new caliber, the Powermatic 80 movement. To achieve this technical prowess, Tissot strongly reduces the consumption of energy of the watch. The oscillation frequency of the Powermatic 80 is therefore brought down from 4 to 3 Hz. A high-performance synthetic material is used in the construction of the escapement to reduce friction. Thanks to a reduction of the diameter of the barrel-arbor’s core, the mainspring is stretched, thereby increasing the power reserve even further. Finally, the precision is increased with a new and innovative balance.

Making the watch even better is the fact that it is a COSC-certified chronometer. It is available in two sizes appropriate for men and women—33mm and 41mm—and is crafted in steel, steel, and gold-plated, and in versions with diamond adornments. The watch, which looks great and offers superb craftsmanship and precision, retails for a wow price of $1,075 to $1,575 depending on the model.

Gold and Pepper Opens; Restaurant Day Returns

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:54:00 -0400

23-karat gold leaf brownie dessert at Gold and Pepper

Gold and Pepper Opens in South of Fifth: Helmed by chef Andrea Chiriatti, this new restaurant stands out with gold dusted dishes. According to the eatery, the precious metal garnish has myriad health benefits. 101 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-397-8362; goldandpepper.com

Guest Chef Dinner at Tongue & Cheek: Chef Jamie DeRosa will host special guest chefs Brandon Baltzley (Chicago's Crux restaurant) and Jeremiah Bullfrog (gastroPod) for a collaborative dinner on Monday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The seven-course dinner ($125 per person) will include dishes from all three chefs with select cocktail pairings. 431 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-704-2900; tandcmiami.com

New Summer Series at Meat Market: The popular Lincoln Road steakhouse will roll out a summer dinner, cocktail, and wine series starting Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. On the menu ($75 per person) this night will be five courses by chef and co-owner Sean Brasel paired with cocktails by Miami mixologist Ezra Pattek. Sample dishes include Kumamoto oysters topped with yuzu sorbet, an angus beef wood-grilled deckle with truffle ricotta potato ravioli, and a chocolate bourbon walnut pie. A portion of the dinner's proceeds will be donated to The One Fund Boston, which assists families affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. Reservations are required. 915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-532-0088; meatmarketmiami.com

Restaurant Day Returns: Tuck into spicy banana fritters, ackee-stuffed chayote, and stewed chicken and shrimp in coconut broth at this one-day, global "food carnival" pop-up initiative. Taking place this Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Ruthie's "little blue house" in Wynwood, the quarterly concept hosted its first event this past February. 152 NE 27th St., Miami; restaurantday.org

Champagne Ruinart Tasting at Happy Wines: Champagne Ruinart head winemaker Frédéric Panaiotis will lead a tasting at Happy Wines in Coconut Grove this Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. The
$15 per person admission doubles as a credit toward any Ruinart purchase made that day. 2833 Bird Ave., Miami, 205-460-9939; happywinemiami.com

Wolfsonian-FIU Unveils Two New Exhibits

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:35:00 -0400

Fitness and food go hand in hand at the Wolfsonian-FIU this week as the museum unveils two new exhibits on Thursday, May 17. Examining the evolving image of the "physically active woman" in the early twentieth century, "Women in Motion: Fitness, Sport, and the Female Figure," encompasses international government propaganda, fitness paraphernalia, advertisements, and artistic works. FIU faculty members Laurie Shrage and Dionne Stephens guest curated the exhibit, which reflects on how images such as these influenced the feminist movement at the time.

Thursday night will also welcome "Modern Meals: Remaking American Foods From Farm to Kitchen," a similarly retrospective look at how the mass production of food from 1900 to post 1945 helped redefine America's dining experience. Guest curated by April Merleaux, the exhibit uses similar artifacts and visual interpretations to chronicle how Americans slowly embraced the conveniences of industrialization, while still saluting the everyday farmer, economic soundness, and family values.

Thursday's joint exhibition preview (7-9 p.m.) will feature an informal discussion, passed hors d'oeuvres, and complimentary cocktails. Admission is free for the FIU community and museum members and $10 for the general public. 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-531-1001

Meet Luxury Watchmaker Franck Muller

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:01:00 -0400

Known for his intricate and timelessly elegant watches, Franck Muller will present his latest designs during a rare in-store appearance this Saturday, May 18 at Ft. Lauderdale's Levinson Jewelers (NOON-3 p.m.). Miami Dolphins legend, CBS sports commentator, and watch aficionado Dan Marino will host "the master of complications" as he flies in from his headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Muller's impressive oeuvre includes creating the largest tourbillon in watchmaking history via the Giga Tourbillon, which boasts a 20mm carriage and four mainspring barrels to allow for a 9 day power reserve. Muller may also have one of the world's fastest tourbillons in the Thunderbolt Tourbillon, whose rotation checks in at a mere five seconds. Other notable brand accomplishments include a collaboration with Roberto Cavalli and limited-edition collections worth upwards of $3 million.

Come Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to view some of the brand's most exclusive creations and hear from the master watchmaker himself. Among the featured pieces are additions to the Conquistador Cortez collection, known for its masculine, bold, and occasionally sporty stylings. Ladies can marvel at the white diamond encrusted Infinity Curvex, with its dazzling gems set inside an 18 carat white gold face with a hand-sewn black alligator strap. 888 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, 954-462-8880

Getaway: An Insider's Guide to Aspen

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

There’s an old local adage in Aspen that the town’s bestkept secret is its summers. The jig is up, however (sorry, Aspenites), and come June through August, increasing numbers of in-the-know Miamians trade azure seas and oppressive heat for hiking boots and mountain trails. The tiny resort of Aspen may have staked its international renown via superb skiing, but an Aspen summer has its own glory: active mornings, lazy alfresco lunches, and a heady mix of art and culture. The chic mountain town’s bevy of affluent second-homeowners includes top Miami players who just so happen to also influence Aspen’s bustling summer scene.

Miky Grendene, the celebrated owner and founder of Casa Tua, first visited Aspen 20 years ago on a ski trip with Turnberry Associates principal Jeffrey Soffer. “Jeff invited me and [Miami developer] Ugo Colombo to his house,” Grendene says. “I love the nature of Aspen. It’s a great ski station and a great little town, but has a cosmopolitan culture.” In 2010, Grendene decided to bring his Northern Italian cuisine and private club to Aspen, drawing on his famous Casa Tua brand in Miami to lure the jet set in the mountains. A three-story building in the heart of downtown was redesigned to accommodate the impeccably appointed Casa Tua Aspen, a central hub for Miamians looking to wine and dine while in the Rockies. Grendene’s decision to open there was driven more by quality of life than by dollars and cents. “I opened Casa Tua Aspen simply because of my desire to spend time here,” he explains. “It may make more sense to open in New York City, as it doesn’t have Aspen’s off-season, but I started a business so I could live here and be part of its special community. I also thought the town was lacking a good Italian restaurant. I have seen an increase in Miamians over the last three years, and they like to come to Casa Tua Aspen because it feels like home to them.”

Grendene has gone so far as to form his own Casa Tua ski team, which participates in several charity events, including the Ajax Cup, and his Aspen restaurant and private club hosts highprofile events, including fundraisers by another prominent Miami couple, Mark and Robin Levinson, of Levinson Jewelers. Last summer, the Levinsons gathered friends, many from Miami, in support of the music-education programs at Jazz Aspen Snowmass, which stages the anticipated June festival (June 21 to July 6) and Labor Day festival (August 30 to September 1). The Levinsons first visited Aspen 30 years ago and now spend every summer in the mountains. “It’s so captivating and beautiful, you can’t not be there,” says Robin Levinson. “And I love all the boutiques, including P.E. 101, Nuages, Max, and Chequers.”

The Aspen-Miami connection first ramped up during the ’70s. A yen for partying often found Miamians of ambiguous employment touching down in private jets, with wads of money to spend. Dressed to impress, they would dance into the wee hours at Aspen’s former Andre’s nightclub, famous for its retracting roof and a mix of A-list celebrities and rowdy town locals. Recalls entrepreneur and lensman Larry Sands, who in 1972 launched the Optical Shop of Aspen (which eventually grew into a nationwide chain of stores, including a current Miami outpost), “The Miami clientele has always been strong. Some of my first big customers in the ’70s were rich Miamians. Those were the drug days, and the Aspen-Miami scene was often related to it. It was almost a competition on [which city] had the biggest party scene. These guys would always stop off for sunglasses, God bless them, and pay cash, and then went on to open up successful, legitimate businesses across the country.”

These days, Aspen is certainly less of the freewheeling Wild West, and several lucrative businesses with a Miami flagship or a Miami owner are integral to the resort’s retail and dining scene.

“Aspen is summer camp for adults,” says former longtime Miamian and Belly Up Aspen owner Michael Goldberg. As Aspen’s music man and partner in Matsuhisa restaurant, Goldberg is at the center of the town’s diverse summer culture scene, a three-month offering of world-class art, music, dance, food, and theater unlike any other mountain town in North America. “It isn’t just the musical offerings that make this place special,” he adds. “You can’t be at a loss for cultural or intellectual challenges.” As with the Levinsons, Goldberg advocates the Jazz Aspen Snowmass events, as well as the Aspen Ideas Festival and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge (August 19 to 25), all interesting events that add to the amazing season of classical music put on by The Aspen Music Festival and School (June 27 to August 18). Additionally, an Aspen summer is bookended by the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (June 14 to 16), a three-day epicurean extravaganza of grand tastings, seminars, and cooking demos headlined by the who’s who of the culinary and wine world, including Mario Batali and José Andrés, among others. Launched in 1983, the success of the Aspen event helped spawn Miami’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Lee Brian Schrager, the mastermind behind the SBWFF and vice president of corporate communications and national events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America, says of Aspen’s fest, “Since I’m not involved in producing the event, the Classic is really a time for me to enjoy myself as I visit with great friends and colleagues.”

ART BOOM
Perhaps the strongest Miami-Aspen connection is a burgeoning contemporary art scene that involves a staggering list of Aspen and Miami collectors, curators, artists, and gallerists. Fulland part-time Aspenites, including Nancy and Dr. Robert (Bob) Magoon, and John and Amy Phelan regularly attend Art Basel Miami Beach. Conversely, the Aspen Art Museum’s annual ArtCrush (July 31 to August 2), chaired by Amy Phelan, attracts the top tier of Miami taste makers, including Debra and Dennis Scholl, who have owned five Aspen homes and are involved in both art scenes. They first searched for the perfect escape from Miami in 1989. “We had begun this methodical search for a place to get out of Miami in July and August,” Dennis says. “We went to Park City, Whistler, Telluride, Vail, just about every ski place you can think of. When we found Aspen, we knew we were done right away. There are many wonderful ski towns, but there’s only one Aspen when it comes to cultural opportunities.”

In the summer months, Aspen’s art scene is at its peak, with the Aspen Art Museum and Anderson Ranch Arts Center luring top collectors from around the globe. Both institutions have become powerhouses on the international art circuit. “In the summer, Aspen has the greatest aggregation of American collectors anywhere,” notes Scholl. “To spend the summer hanging out and talking about art with collectors of such high caliber is incredible. Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson (CEO and director of the Aspen Art Museum) and Barbara Bloemink (executive director of Anderson Ranch Arts Center) have really changed the level of engagement possible when it comes to contemporary art. And there is an incredible number of Miamians engaged in the art community in Aspen.”

Among them are Chad and Ilona Oppenheim, Sandy and Tony Tamir, Gabi and Tato Garza, Miami’s Bass Museum of Art President of the Board of Directors George Lindemann, Aaron and Dorothy Podhurst, and Don and Mera Rubell, who own one of the greatest private contemporary art collections in the world. In fact, the abovementioned Magoons were one of the first Miami couples to flock to Aspen. “When they came and stayed, a lot of Miamians took note. People certainly follow Bob and Nancy in matters of taste,” says Scholl.

“The Aspen Art Museum was very smart to invite artists, museum directors, curators, and collectors, during a time of year when Aspen is at its best,” notes Silvia Karman Cubiñá, executive director and chief curator of Miami’s Bass Museum. “The shows are always great, and the residents and people close to the museum make a beautiful effort in hosting everyone. For these reasons, Aspen has become an art moment in the art-world calendar.”

TRAILBLAZERS
Just about every Miamian with a passion for Aspen touts the grandeur of the mountains, and the outdoor adventures, as the reason for first visiting, and ultimately buying a second home. From June through September, Aspen’s trails are humbling and exhilarating, whether on foot, horse, or bike. Like many, Miami real estate magnate Ugo Colombo and his wife, interior-design maven Sara, first visited Aspen as avid skiers, but soon fell in love with the rewards of summer. They purchased a home near Aspen Highlands and now spend as much time as possible there. “Summer in Aspen is a complete change of mind, and perhaps more interesting than winter, as there’s a wider variety of things to do—hiking, biking, kayaking,” says Ugo. “It’s a very healthy lifestyle. The restaurants and shops are of high quality, and it doesn’t have a highway running through the middle of it, like Vail. It’s a cozy mountain town and is more difficult to access, which makes it exclusive.”

Sara, who owns the über-chic home-design store Nest in the Miami Design District (a Bal Harbour location is set to open the end of June), credits Aspen’s small-town vibe for quality time with their two children. “Aspen is much more conducive to family time than Miami,” she says. “It’s a slower pace of life and much more intimate.” (Shoppers, take note: Sara scours Aspen’s Paris Underground Antiques for rare vintage pieces, and Lee Keating’s Performance Ski is a must-stop, too. “Lee has such great style, and a great eye for both summer and winter,” she says.)

Surprisingly, the adrenaline-fueled sport of dirt biking is Ugo Colombo’s current outdoor obsession when in town: “We bike [more than 30 miles] to Maroon Bells and Crested Butte.”

Colombo’s wilderness rides are just the kind of connection with the land, the scale of the continent, that makes Aspen and the raw mountains around it so special. It’s a place where you can be dwarfed by the Rockies, yet return to a sophisticated town whose cuisine and culture are avant-garde—a tale of two quite lovely realities that Miamians can’t seem to resist.

New Watch Collection Glows in the Dark

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Tondo by Night, de Grisogono ($9,400– $17,500).

As glamour-loving women know, not every timepiece is serious and conservative. Some are downright whimsical, such as the hit Tondo by Night watches from de Grisogono. Unveiled last year, the collection has just begun to make its way into luxury jewelry stores in the last few months. In addition to being mechanical works of art, these timepieces possess an unusual quality in the luxury watch world that begs them to be worn.

Designed by Fawaz Gruosi, the founder and president of de Grisogono, the Tondo by Night is intended to be a capricious, playful timepiece that stores light during the day and then frees it after the sun goes down. The case is created from a pearly photoluminescent fiberglass composite—with pieces of mother-of-pearl blended into the fiberglass for extra shimmer—then further bedecked with color-coordinated gemstones.

“It has such wide appeal because it is fashionable, hefty, and different from everything else on the market,” Gruosi says. “Still, I never dreamed Tondo by Night would be such an amazing success. The demand is much higher than what I produced, which was extremely unexpected.”

Each Tondo by Night watch is equipped with an exclusive in-house mechanical movement, specially developed to display the gem-set oscillating weight on the front side. Built in collaboration with an outside lab, the Tondo by Night timepieces are offered in an array of colors, each with a row of 48 gemstones on the bezel, plus another 60 on the dial (and a black diamond on the crown). The colors include white with white diamonds, yellow with yellow sapphires, pink with pink sapphires, green with tsavorites, purple with amethysts, and orange with orange sapphires. And three new shades were unveiled at the Baselworld show in April: a vivid green case with a tourmaline bezel, a blue case with a blue sapphire bezel, and a coral case with a spinel bezel. The most expensive watch in the collection is currently the white (diamond) version, which retails for $17,500.

“I dedicate this watch to happy summer days and glamorous nightlife,” Gruosi says. “It’s not only a luxury timepiece but also can be worn as a magnificent jewelry piece, with a twist.”

Gabrielle Anwar's Healthy Restaurant Picks

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Not everyone can look like Burn Notice star Gabrielle Anwar, but you can eat like her. We tapped the honorary local, who’s been living in Miami on and off for seven years, to give us the exclusive lowdown on her favorite healthy eats in her own words.

Cecconi’s Miami Beach
The quinoa salad is light but satisfies the appetite. Add the grilled Mediterranean octopus with lemon, capers, and olives, if you’re so inclined, for a satisfying, salty bite. And they serve Badoit mineral water. 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7902; cecconismiamibeach.com

Choices Vegan Cafe
The creative vegan fare is delicious, and the quesadilla, with spinach, Daiya cheese, onions, mushrooms, chipotle, and soy chorizo, beats any non-vegan version, without the guilt. 379 SW 15th Road, Miami, 305- 400-8895; mychoicescafe.com

The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar
Kale is the green du jour, and this finely chopped salad at The Forge eliminates the coarseness of the vegetable. The sweet currants are a perfect complement to the bitterness of the leaf. Pine nuts add a hearty, woodsy bite, while lemon zest with the hint of fresh grated Parmesan is an unusual yet harmonious fusion of flavor. The only drawback is having to withstand the desire to order every other irresistible dish on the menu! 432 41st St., Miami Beach, 305-538-8533; theforge.com

JugoFresh
Cold-pressed juices have become a fetish among the health-conscious, and Jugo is no exception. The lithe, damp bodies of the city’s most attractive women after Flywheel, yoga, and Pilates line the ecofriendly reclaimed-wood counter every morning, and the ambience is that much better for it. The “spoons” [of Medicina, with coconut oil, bee pollen, and coconut palm sugar] are positively hedonistic. 1935 West Ave., Ste. 102, Miami Beach, 786-472-2552; jugofresh.com

Katsuya by Starck
If you’re going to have to devour an entire meal of omega-3 fishes, then this really is the only way. The salmon sashimi with caviar placed on a crisp of cucumber is my “Achilles eel.” SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-455-2995; sbe.com

Michy’s
Michelle Bernstein’s squash blossoms with shrimp mousseline, cheesy grits, and Tabasco seafood nage is such a creative way to encourage the consumption of healthful vegetables. To me, it’s the sensual texture of contentment. 6927 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-759-2001; michysmiami.com

Mint Leaf Indian Brasserie
This is Indian cuisine at its American finest. The vegetable korma, a medley of veggies in a mild cashew nut sauce, is a must, and the garlic naan bread is hopelessly preposterous to avoid. 276 Alhambra Cir., Coral Gables, 305-443-3739; mintleafib.com

Paradise Farms
The vegetable source for the better restaurants in Miami, this small, magical farm holds seasonal feasts under the stars. World-famous chefs prepare mouthwatering multiple courses of locally produced, organic meals, paired with fine wines, in an intimate and environmentally reflective setting. And it’s where I met my man [Shareef Malnik]—in paradise. 19801 SW 320th St., Homestead, 305-248-4181; paradisefarms.net

Thrive
A rare vegan spot on the Beach, Thrive offers a throwback to my hippie haute cuisine days. The pesto alfredo, made with spiralized squash in a basil pesto sauce sprinkled with extra-virgin olive oil, is a wonderful alternative when craving a bowl of heavy pasta. And dessert is good, and harmless. 1239 Alton Road, Miami Beach, 305-532-7227; thrivevegan.com

The Ultimate Parking Space

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:25:00 -0400

For our April issue car feature, “Speed of Sight,” Ocean Drive brought some of the most sophisticated vehicle brands together to present their latest ultra-luxury, exclusive models. But photographing these mammoths of opulence presented an interesting challenge. A group composed of a Bentley Continental GT Speed, an Audi R8, a Porsche 911 Carrera, and a Maserati GT Sport would swallow an ordinary studio space. They required an equally elevated level of luxury—so Ocean Drive turned to 1111 Lincoln Road.

Barely three years old, the Herzog & de Meuron-designed structure rising above Lincoln Road and Alton Road has already become a signature landmark in Miami Beach, with its stark elegance and dramatic lines. “I thought it would be interesting to juxtapose the sleek surfaces and lines of these incredible cars against the raw interior of the building,” says award-winning architectural photographer Claudia Uribe, who shot these vehicles on the garage’s seventh floor.

That level in the structure, with its 34-foot-high ceilings, 25,000 square feet of space, and sweeping views of Miami Beach, doubles as a highly coveted event location—and Ocean Drive has not been the first to make use of it to highlight luxury autos. Ferrari hosted an exclusive party there during Art Basel Miami Beach 2011, where it unveiled the 458 Spider; days later, BMW launched its line of electric cars, including the BMW i3 and BMW i8 Concept cars there. The space, in fact, is a favorite of the Art Basel crowd, hosting the most exclusive events during the art week; this last December, the Moncler 60th anniversary dinner—hands-down the most sought-after invitation during Art Basel—was held there.

The Ocean Drive shoot took two days, with two cars being shot each morning. Once the vehicles arrived at the garage, they were driven to the seventh floor and positioned accordingly, with the team of 1111 Lincoln Road making sure that every need for the shoot was met, including preparation of the surrounding areas and helping to coordinate the safe transport of the vehicles, as well as any additional catering needs. The end result? A stunning eight pages of glossy cars, powerful interiors, and Miami flavor. 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Ste. 760, 305-538-9320, ext. 101

Burgers Without Boundaries

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:11:00 -0400

The Morning Glory Burger at Bulldog BBQ

Morning Glory Burger at Bulldog BBQ
Indulge a carnivorous breakfast for dinner with Top Chef alum Howie "Bulldog" Kleinberg's Morning Glory burger, wherein a hearty angus beef patty is topped with a fried egg, bacon, hash, cheddar cheese, and chipotle mayonnaise.15400 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami, 305-940-9655

Cubano Burger at Umami Burger
Talk about fresh: Umami Burger opens in Miami Beach today. To boot, the West Coast burger chain's new location in the former 8 oz. space is its very first outside of California. Try the Miami-only Cubano Burger, which sandwiches together a pork and pork belly patty, mojo mustard, house cheese, pickles, prosciutto, and smoked ham. 1080 Alton Road, Miami Beach

Cypress Burger at The Cypress Room
Michael Schwartz' recently opened fine dining gem is home to one of Miami's most buzzed-about burgers. Beginning with cheese flown in from New Hampshire's Jasper Hill Landaff Creamery, the burger is topped with an onion marmalade and served with thrice-cooked fries. 3620 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, 305-520-5197

Carbonara Burger at Eating House
Giorgio Rapicavoli is flexing his supply-and-demand muscle with this limited-edition burger offered every Wednesday throughout May. Only 24 burgers will be made each Wednesday night, so servings are first come, first serve. In the mix is a black angus patty, applewood smoked bacon, black truffle, egg, and fontina and Parmigiano cheese. The most recent batch sold out in just 15 minutes. 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 305-448-6524

Bison Sliders at The Grateful Palate
If you find yourself on the northern side of the Dade-Broward county line, take a seat at The Grateful Palate and order their prized Bison Sliders. Executive chef Hector Lopez tops his signature appetizer-size burgers with crispy pancetta, pepper jack cheese, and avocado aioli. 817 S.E. 17th St., Ft. Lauderdale, 954-467-1998

What We're Reading

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:39:00 -0400

Gloria Estefan at the Miami Marine Stadium (image via)

Hometown songstress Gloria Estefan has become the public face of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's campaign to save Virginia Key's Miami Marine Stadium. Estefan hopes to help raise the millions of dollars needed to repair the unique, raw concrete structure, which has been closed since 1992. [Miami Herald]

Kudos are in order for one of our favorite rooftop haunts: last Friday, Juvia scored The James Beard Foundation award for Restaurant Design and Graphics: 76 Seats and Over. [Eater]

While scantily clad and filming the video for her single "Liv it Up" on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Jennifer Lopez was interrupted—by gunfire. [New York Daily News]

DawnTown, the annual international design competition centered on Downtown Miami, has announced the winners of this year's Landmark Miami competition. Entrants were told to come up with a modern city landmark that would make Miami recognizable to the world. The winner after the jump. [DawnTown]

Sun Life Stadium's buzzed-about plans for Super Bowl-size renovations were shut down by Florida lawmakers. The Miami Dolphins organization says they cannot proceed with the plan without a private-public funding partnership, leaving the stadium's future in limbo. [Miami Herald]

New Spring Sakes at SushiSamba Dromo

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Through June 15, South Beach's SushiSamba Dromo is serving seven varieties of nama sakes, which are synonymous with springtime in Japan. Young and unpasteurized, nama sakes are characterized by their fresh, crisp notes of fruit (think citrus, melon, and berry) and grass. Selections on offer at SushiSamba were handpicked by beverage director Craig Tabandera to pair well with the restaurant's Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian fusion cuisine. For instance, the Kamikokoro Tokagen Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu ($69 per bottle) boasts notes of white peach, lime, and bamboo and pairs nicely with sashimi or ceviche. Meanwhile, the Ichinokura Tokubetsu Junmai Nama Genshu Nigori ($85 per bottle) has a creamier mouthfeel with hints of mushroom, melon, and lemon and should be paired with richer flavors and equally creamy sauces. If you like lots of wasabi on your sushi, cut the heat with a can of full-bodied Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Honjozo Genshu ($14), imbued with flavors of chocolate and coconut and best enjoyed on the rocks. 600 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-673-5337

Weekend Recommender: May 9-12

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:03:00 -0400

Bryan Fenkart as Henry Calhoun in Memphis

Memphis
Thursday-Sunday, May 9-12
The underground club scene of mid-century Tennessee comes alive in Memphis. The storyline follows a white radio DJ out to popularize soul music. He quickly falls for a black club singer and the complexities of business, love, and race heat up. This Tony Award-winning musical will close Arsht's Broadway in Miami season.1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722.

George Lopez Book Signing
Saturday, May 11, 4 p.m.
After turning 50, surviving a kidney transplant, going through a divorce, and saying farewell to his late-night show, comedian George Lopez has gained a new lease on life. He'll be signing copies of his new memoir, I'm Not Gonna Lie: And Other Lies You Tell When You Turn 50, this Saturday afternoon at Books & Books Coral Gables. 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-442-4408

Cedric Gervais
Saturday, May 11, 11 p.m.
Superstar producer and music festival headliner Cedric Gervais mans the decks at LIV Nightclub Saturday night. Gervais' appearance will be his first in Miami since heading out on his Asian tour. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

Mainly Mozart Festival
Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m.
A performance by the Amernet String Quartet opens the 20th season of the Mainly Mozart Festival inside the Coral Gables Museum. Concerts will take place on Saturdays and Sundays through June 9. Individual show tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance through an online order form. 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-603-8067