Pickled beet and orange salad 

The recently opened Georges Kitchen Midtown is now offering its contemporary French fare for the bustling lunch crowd (noon–4 p.m.). Amid the restaurant’s resplendent décor, described by owner Georges-Eric Farge as “brushed brass accents and deep coral colors [that] remind diners of a little nook in Paris’ St. Germain,” lunchtime diners can tuck into light yet savory dishes like ricotta gnocchi with smoked salmon fried capers.

Michelin-starred executive chef Steven Rojas has channeled his French and Spanish training into shareable small plates and seasonal à la carte specialties. Tempting selections include Rojas’ spiced lamb burger with ratatouille sumac yogurt or his pork belly and tomato jam slider. Lighter options include a niçoise tart with poached egg, fish roe, and arugula; a pickled beet and orange salad; and an endive salad with honey crisp apples and walnut financier. Up the ante on your midday meal with head mixologist Mo Dahab's inventive cocktails or pastry chef Franck Monnier's delightful desserts. Grand Marnier soufflé with raspberry coulis, anyone? 3404 N Miami Ave., 305-438-9199

Soho Beach House haunt Cecconi's has unveiled a new roster of cocktails that are as breezy and refreshing as its garden-nestled dining area. Soho House creative bar director Chris Ojeda flew in from Los Angeles for two weeks to craft the new sips, pulling inspiration from the restaurant’s Venetian cuisine and Florida’s citrus bounty. Priced at $14 each, the four resulting cocktails give a nod to Italia and Miami. Get familiar: 

Previous Next

Barrel-Aged Negroni
Oxley London Dry Gin, Campari, Martini Sweet Vermouth

 

La Dolce Vita
Martini Rosato, St. Germain, raspberries, fresh lime, mint

 

Barrel-Aged Rum Old Fashioned
Barrel-aged Bacardi Rum, Angostura bitters, orange bitters

 

Limoncello Spritz
House-made limoncello, prosecco, soda, Aperol

 

previous

next

4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7902  

Previous Next

Signed Boucheron, Paris bracelet, circa the 1970s, from by Macklowe Gallery

 

Diamond bracelet, circa the 1920s, from Nally Jewels

 

Meiji period inlaid ivory elephant with crystal ball, circa 1880 (Shibayama, Japan), from Swiss Pearls

 

Colorful glass vases from Ophir Gallery Inc

 

previous

next

Collectables dating back as far as the 17th century will fill the Miami Beach Convention Center this weekend for The Original Miami Beach Antique Show. Today through Monday, more than 900 established exhibitors will come together to put on the world's largest indoor antique event. Treasures on view include furniture, fine art, jewelry, clocks, coins, and other blasts from the past. Visitors can peruse rare and exquisite items from iconic names like Harry Winston and Rolex while admiring pieces from the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Renaissance eras. Most notable is the show's stunning array of diamonds, pearls, porcelain, and intricate sculpture. 

In Antiques Roadshow fashion, the event will offer one-item appraisals to valid ticket holders and registrants this Saturday and Sunday—so start culling your collections. Industry professionals will also be on site to lead study-specific seminars and panel discussions on such topics as the jewelry of American first ladies and tips on how to make smart decisions when investing in antiques. Tickets are $20 and cover admission and seminars for all five showcase days. 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach

Stacy London in Miami for a book signing presented by Books & Books at Neiman Marcus last fall 

Fashion guru and TLC star turned author Stacy London knows a thing or two about getting dressed. Her debut book, The Truth About Style, hit shelves last year, inspiring droves of women to find their sartorial identity. Part personal memoir and part style guide, the book doesn’t shy away from heavier topics like London’s childhood struggle with psoriasis and college eating disorder. There’s also valuable insight into the place where London began her career, the halls of Vogue, as well as portrayals of the life-changing makeovers the TV star and stylist is famous for. Here, London gives more insight into the book, her writing process, and why it was the “hardest thing” she’s ever done.

As a first-time author, what did you find most challenging about writing a book?
STACY LONDON: I think [the timeline] was probably a little bit stressful for me. It took me literally five months because that was all the time we had. I also think there is a danger when you are considered any kind of expert on television—people think you are talking from high on the mound instead of more in the trenches. I used to be intimidated and afraid by it all, but I understand that is an issue for almost all women. With the book, I just wanted to put that in a context.

What compelled you to share your personal struggles in the book?
SL: I feel like a lot of attention has been paid to the fact that I had an eating disorder while I was in college, and that I had very severe psoriasis as a child, all of which is important, but it is important in regards to the idea that I wanted to dimensionalize myself a little bit instead of just being "Stacy the style coach." You see on What Not to Wear that my style philosophy comes from life experience, not just dressing other people.

You spell out some very clear style rules in the book. Have you always been a rules girl?
SL: The rules, page 119! Rules are a part of the What Not to Wear format. I'm personally finding that I believe in the idea of rules less and less. Technically, when in comes to fit, I believe in rules, but every woman is different.

Explain to us your "Yes, and…" approach to body image and personal style.
SL: [It’s] the idea that you can accept and be honest with yourself about what your body is like—what you like and what you don't like—instead of [ignoring] what you don't like and then highlighting other things at the expense of the rest your body. Let's say you have big hips. I can be miserable about having big hips and dress in a way that says, ‘I wish I didn't have big hips,’ or I can say, ‘I have big hips, what's my strategy to dress them?’ The strategy equals the ‘and...’   

If you could go back and talk to that twenty-something Stacy London working at Vogue, what advice would you give her?
SL: The whole book is about that in a funny kind of way. My initial attraction to the fashion world wasn't out of the healthiest impulse. It was out of insecurity, like I was trying to compensate for my scars and that I didn't feel beautiful. I wish that I could tell that girl, that isn't your only route. But in a lot of ways I so appreciate that was the route I took and that it was hard for me. That I didn't fit in so well in that world actually brought me to where I am and now. I really do what I love to do. I love to create a slightly easier style language to communicate with, as opposed to something super high fashion. I like being somewhere in middle and helping women find the identity they want to have. 

Brother Jimmy's will host a block party complete with a pig roast and courtyard jumbo screen

Can’t make it to New Orleans to see the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers battle it out at Super Bowl XLVII? No worries, some of Miami's best restaurants and bars are hosting food-fueled Super Bowl watch events.

Brother Jimmy's BBQ
Mary Brickell Village's barbecue mainstay is hosting an all-out Super Bowl block party with an outdoor pig roast, courtyard jumbo screen, and Sailor Jerry cocktails. NFL stars Jonathan Vilma, Jon Beason, and D.J. Williams will act as special guest hosts. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with a music set by DJ Vertigo. 900 S. Miami Ave., Suite 135, Miami, 786-360-3650

Haven Gastro-Lounge
Haven is honoring Super Bowl host city New Orleans with a NOLA-inspired watch party starting at 6 p.m. Order up crawfish hush puppies, Cajun hot wings, and more while catching the action on Haven's wrap-around, high-definition monitors. Double Cross Vodka will offer $200 bottle specials and complimentary bites with table purchases. 1237 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-987-8885

The Hoxton
Clams casino, fish tacos, and smoked barbecue brisket are hitting the menu for one-night-only this Sunday at 6 p.m. The Hoxton will also flaunt Bud Light Platinum $15 bucket specials and an outdoor projection screen. Reservations are recommended. 1111 S.W. 1st Ave., Miami, 305-677-8466

Sosta Pizzeria
For die-hard fans, Sosta will whip up two team-themed specialty pies this Sunday. The 49er fan-friendly Golden Gate pizza is topped with roasted vegetables and shaved Parmesan, while the Raven-inspired Baltimore Crab Pizza features lump crabmeat, basil, and ricotta cheese. Both pizzas will be available for $14 during lunch and dinner, accompanied by $3 pint beers. 1025 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, 305-722-5454

Previous Next

 

Accommodations and grounds at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

 

 

Accommodations and grounds at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

 

 

Accommodations and grounds at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

 

previous

next

Just a two-hour drive from Miami, Islamorada’s Cheeca Lodge & Spa promises a lush, secluded retreat, as well as two very romantic Valentine’s Day packages. With 27 acres of private estate property, the seaside lodge offers sweeping oceanfront views, locally sourced seafood, a full service spa, and no shortage of Florida Keys water sport activities. Reserve the J’Adore Cheeca package ($549 per night) and you’ll be treated to breakfast in bed and Champagne and macaron room service. But for the full Valentine’s Day experience, select the Swept Off Your Feet package ($1995, two-night stay), which begins with luggage unpack service and a welcome bottle of Champagne with raspberry and chocolate macarons and goes on to include breakfast in bed on both days, a private poolside cabana, a leisurely alfresco lunch, and an intimate dinner the hotel's Atlantic's Edge restaurant. (Dinner options range from chilled seafood towers and ceviche to guava-glazed mahi mahi and coconut curry sauce to a black angus cowboy steak with chimichurri butter and foraged mushrooms.) On the afternoon of your choice, the lodge will also draw a special rose petal bath, to be enjoyed with the lodge's Love Potion cocktail in a keepsake shaker and glass set. 81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Islamorada, 800-327-2888

Before it begins a world tour, Cartier’s made-to-order eyeglass collection is spending two weeks in Palm Beach at Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear's brand new Worth Avenue boutique. Arriving January 31 and holding court for two weeks, the jeweled eyewear sports diamonds, rubies, and pink sapphires. Styles are primarily rimless, with classic rectangular and oval silhouettes, as well as sleek white gold, traditional yellow-gold, and 18 carat rose gold temples. Prices begin at $12,600 per pair and climb as high as $49,000. At the boutique’s grand opening party on February 7, guests can eye the collection, sip libations and enjoy live music and passed hors d’oeuvres. The fête will also honor the 75th anniversary of The Historical Society of Palm Beach County. 150 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561-832-2020

Previous Next

Crispy potato and braised pork hash is among the new brunch dishes at Mercadito

 

PB Steak has fun with brunch, serving french toast sticks (LEFT), foie gras brûlée, and cocktails mixed with homemade marmalades

 

At Toro Toro, savory new brunch dishes like this short rib flat bread are best enjoyed with a cold michelada

 

previous

next

PB Steak
The new name on Purdy Avenue is now adding brunch to its repertoire. Starting this Sunday the PB Steak’s a la carte menu will don ceviche taquitos, foie gras brûlée, and blue crab bread pudding Florentine. Creative types can build their own steak and eggs dish, served with a side of home fries and shiso béarnaise. Mixologist Ashley Danella has also introduced new fruit-fueled brunch cocktails with fun ingredients like homemade marmalade. (NOON–3 p.m.) 1787 Purdy Ave., Miami, 305-695-9550

Toro Toro
Located on the lobby floor of the InterContinental Miami, Toro Toro recently unveiled its own midday menu. For $49 per person, get unlimited small plates alongside grilled specialties and classic cocktails like margaritas, mimosas, mojitos, caipirinhas, pisco sours, and micheladas. The pan-Latin eats include caramelized bacon guacamole, short rib arepas with a Benedict twist, and achiote-marinated chicken. Guests can enjoy brunch minus the alcohol for $39. (11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.) 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, 305-372-4710

Mercadito Midtown
The Mexican food masterminds at Mercadito have upgraded their regular afternoon offerings to include crispy potato and braised pork hash, chicken tortilla soup, and butternut squash omelets. Chef Patricio Sandoval's famed seasonal guacamoles and ceviches are also on hand. Can't wait until Sunday? Mercadito serves brunch on Saturday as well. (11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) 3252 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, 786-369-0430

Though the opening was low-key in comparison to the fanfare of most Miami club debuts, SL Miami has already drawn a guest list worth of gushing over. Zoe Saldana and Gabrielle Union made their mark New Year's Eve, while Naomi Campbell and Cameron Diaz stealthily swung by this week. Covertly nestled in the basement of the James Royal Palm Hotel, SL Miami is adjacent to the recently opened Catch restaurant—both projects are operated by the New York-based EMM Group. Owners Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum, and Michael Hirtenstein (who Ocean Drive spoke with recently) partnered with locals Michael Malone and Marko Gojanovic to create the metropolitan-meets-Art Deco SL Miami, with its intimate, neon-lit den of gold and jewel-toned glass walls, x-ray light panels, and plush banquettes. Prop up at the bar and you’re bound to witness something Page Six-worthy. 1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-224-7200

Dylan Lauren's eponymous candy bar has landed on Lincoln Road

At Shane Battier’s annual Take Charge Foundation karaoke fundraiser, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade attempted to sing Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and failed fantastically. Watch and listen. [USA Today]

The Miami-Dade Commission has given the green light on the Sun Life Stadium renovation plan, and is looking to persuade state lawmakers into helping fund the $400 million project. [The Miami Herald]

With development and increasing rents pushing gallerists out of the Wynwood Arts District, the question becomes, "Where is the next Wynwood?" [Cultist]

Dylan Lauren (daughter of Ralph) has brought her Wonka-esque candy shop, Dylan’s Candy Bar, to Lincoln Road, just in time for Valentine’s Day. [Eater Miami]

It’s rumored that The Bazaar chef and owner José Andrés is in talks to star in an Anthony Bourdain-style travel show focused on Haitian cuisine. [Short Order]