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Accommodations and grounds at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

 

 

Accommodations and grounds at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

 

 

Accommodations and grounds at Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

 

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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

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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

 

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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]

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This weekend is your last chance to see Zach Braff's hilarious new play, All New People, at Arsht.

 

Imbibe under the full moon at Delano's Full Moon Party on Saturday night.

 

The colorful works of Stephan Knapp debut at The University of Miami's Lowe Art Museum on Saturday morning.

 

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All New People
Thursday through Sunday, January 24-27
Zach Braff's comedic play All New People closes its run at the Adrienne Arsht Center this weekend. Braff is best known as the writer, director, and lead actor inthe hit film Garden State, as well as for his turn on Scrubs. The storyline follows main character Charlie through a depressing mid-thirties crisis and the unexpected friendships he develops along the way. Tickets from $40. 1300 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-6722

Kota Yamazaki
Friday and Saturday, January 25-26, 8 p.m.
Contemporary choreographer Kota Yamazaki's multi-genre work, (Glowing), transforms The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse into a traditional Japanese house, combining dance, music, architecture, and lighting to explore themes of Eastern beauty. The weekend performances are presented by the Miami Light Project. General admission tickets are $25. 404 N.W. 26th St., Miami

Full Moon Party
Saturday, January 26, 9 p.m.
The Delano Beach Club's monthly full moon fête rings in its January edition with DJ sets by Ess & Emm, Danny Santiago, and Dave Sol. The poolside party will also include fire dances and a full moon drum circle. Come early and enjoy an hour of free Beck's Sapphire Beer. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-924-207

“Infinite Mirror” and “New Light”
Saturday, January 26, opens at 10 a.m.
The University of Miami's Lowe Art Museum unveils two diverse new exhibits: Stephan Knapp's "New Light," which is comprised of 14 stunning, multidimensional light paintings, and the group exhibit “Infinite Mirror: Images of American Identity.” A total of 39 artists will be represented in “Infinite Mirror,” wherein the themes are self-selection, pride, cultural assimilation, and protest. Both shows run through March 24. Program admission is $10 for non-museum members and free for members. 1301 Standard Dr., Coral Gables, 305-284-3535

Marki Costello

A pioneer of the modern-day television host, Marki Costello has catapulted the careers of Miamians like Michael Yo (Y-100, E!,Chelsea Lately) and Jason Kennedy (E! News) and helped groom the likes of Cee Lo Green, Kelly Osbourne, and Bill and Giuliana Rancic. She’s also the granddaughter of comedic great Lou Costello—so Hollywood literally runs in her veins.

Aside from running a hosting school in Los Angeles, Costello heads Hollywood's first on-air personality agency, Creative Management Entertainment Group (CMEG). Come March, she'll bring her knack for priming television talent to South Florida with a weekend pop-up hosting bootcamp. Students will learn the ins and outs of the hosting industry and how to brand themselves for success. Those who miss the bootcamp can opt to read Costello's how-to book, Become a Host.

Here, Costello opines on the talent of such well-known hosts as Oprah, Matt Lauer, Khloe Kardashian, and Ryan Seacrest, while also giving the skinny on her Miami bootcamp (March 22-24).

Who is the bootcamp for and what can students expect?
MARKI COSTELLO: The bootcamp is great whether you've never hosted before, just started out, or have experience. In two days you learn what the hosting elements are—copy transitions, -isms, personality, brand building, co-hosting, understanding your audience, expertise and knowledge, game show structure, etc.—and then it's up to you afterwards to practice and do the hard work.  

What mistakes do you see hosts and interviewers making most often?
MC: They don't listen. When Oprah interviewed Lance Armstrong, there were moments when she asked a poignant question and there would be silence. Instead of jumping in and filling that silence or talking in that space because it is uncomfortable, as most hosts would, she waited. The viewer wants the dish, the story, and it is the interviewer's job to get that. You have to be smart about it.

So aside from Oprah, whose television career do you admire?
MC: Matt Lauer is a hard interviewer, which is good because he doesn't let anybody off the hook. He pushes until he gets the answer, which I like. Why else would I be watching? You owe the information to your audience. I love Joan Rivers—she can do no wrong. I want to see her working for another 20 years. She's a genius and has masterfully made her way through show business and career reinvention.

You told the New York Post that the X-Factor’s hiring of Khloe Kardashian was a “colossal mistake.” Tell us how you really feel.
MC: Khloe is a reality star, but she's not a host. She shouldn't be hosting. Mario [Lopez] should have picked up the slack and he didn't. I teach my students to be a generous co-host and he wasn't very generous. I understand why Simon [Cowell] hired her, but having your first hosting gig be a network, primetime, live show with a star-filled panel is career suicide.  

Do you think they will bring her back for the next season?
MC: No. I think the backlash was so huge that they won't. They need to bring in someone who knows how to host.

Switching gears to American Idol, do you think Ryan Seacrest will stick around?
MC: If he's smart, no. Ryan is the hottest host around and he is reliable. He knows his audience and his audience knows him. He is the same guy on TV as he is on radio.  

And what of your protégés? Who have you coached that’s gone on to make you proud?
MC: I am really proud of my client Todd Newton, who won the Daytime Emmy for best game show host. When he won, he thanked his audience first and then he thanked me, which was a career high. Seeing Jason Kennedy take off, too. I met him as a sophomore at the University of Miami and we kept in touch. We did his reel together, built his brand, and I got him his E! News job. I loved coaching Cee Lo Green and now seeing him host a music show is great.

Enough about others, what's next for you?
MC: I'm writing my second book on creating and nurturing your brand and creating a point of view. I'm in the process of creating a television show about what I've built as a woman. I'm a woman and I have it all and I think every woman can have it all. Hosting is a great balancing act, but so is life. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't challenging sometimes. I have children and I want to make sure I have time with them, but I also manage 26 successful on-air hosts, and in many ways they are like my children, too. 

Visit becomeahost.com to enroll in Costello's Miami bootcamp. 

Grilled octopus starter on Bianca's one-year anniversary menu this Saturday 

The Delano South Beach's chic Italian haunt Bianca is celebrating its one-year anniversary this Saturday with a delectable four-course dinner ($80 per person) by executive chef Luciano Sautto. First course options of grilled octopus or fresh tuna pizza are light and sea-inspired, while second courses include rich truffle tagliatelle, veal ravioli, or classic pomodoro. For the main event, Sautto is serving Bianca’s coveted king salmon, sirloin bistecca, or roasted bronzino. A whimsical assortment of mini Italian desserts and a complimentary glass of prosecco top off the evening's celebratory menu. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-5752

Catalina Cuervo as María in María de Buenos Aires 

The Florida Grand Opera (FGO) has announced the launch of a three-year initiative in which its expertly trained vocalists will perform on stages throughout South Florida. Entitled “Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places,” the pop-up opera program will debut with a four-day run of Tango, by Robert Xavier Rodriguez, and María de Buenos Aires, by Ástor Piazzolla, at Midtown’s The Stage on March 21.

The goal of the program is to attract new, younger audiences and loosen up the art form’s image. Operas selected skew dark and provocative, which the FGO believes is ideal for a nightclub or bar setting with standing room only—so guests can experience the opera up close and personal. And the youth-friendly ticket prices ($25) don’t hurt the program’s chances of rallying younger fans either.

"Today's audiences demand to be engaged," says Dennis Scholl, vice president of arts for the Knight Foundation, which supplied the grant that will make Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places possible. "The opera's new format is embracing that challenge by taking artists out of the formal performance hall and into people's everyday lives and, we hope, reminding them how important and fun the classics are. Tickets can be purchased at fgo.org or by calling 800-741-1010

Stars rarely take risks with their gown choices for big red carpet events like the recent Golden Globes, but refreshingly, they are getting experimental with their manicures. “I was so excited when I saw customized nail art and trendy manicures on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards,” says Nail Bar owner Desiree Parth. Here, the beauty and nail care expert gives her two cents on the most take-notice manicures at the Globes. 

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“One of my absolute favorite manicures was Zooey Deschanel’s film-inspired nail art, set against chic, matte white polish. I love that the pixie-like actress got into the spirit of the awards show by incorporating the color gold and giving a sweet nod to the film and television industry.”

 

A close-up of Deschanel’s Golden Globes manicure.

 

“Anne Hathaway was decked out in Chanel, from her gown to her nails. Celebrity manicurist Alicia Torello used Chanel Le Vernis in Pearl Drop and added a beaded pearl detail to her ring finger nail for texture. Classic and chic—and very Chanel.”

 

A close-up of Hathaway's Golden Globes manicure.

 

“Stiletto nails were also a big hit on the carpet. Adele once again was showing her love for manicures and nail art and went for a super glittery, copper-colored polish with her stiletto nail shape. It looked beautiful on stage.”

 

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Nail Bar, 3301 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami, 305-514-0305