Interactive Dining at the Biltmore
The Rusty Pelican's Michael Gilligan hosts a culinary how-to luncheon on June 16.
June 05, 2012
Chef Michael Gilligan
The Rusty Pelican's executive chef Michael Gilligan will take up residence at the Biltmore Hotel on June 16 as guest chef for the hotel’s Interactive Luncheon. The afternoon event (NOON–2 PM) allows guests to prepare prime meals under the instruction of the well-known local chef.
Greeted with aprons and a glass of Champagne Mumm, participants will receive step-by-step guidance on making perfect salmon sashimi, complete with sesame oil, scorched jicama, and Asian pear and avocado salad. Also on the menu is a soy-honeyed duck breast wth three bean salad and teardrop tomatoes followed by a sweet surprise prepared by the Biltmore pastry team.
The Biltmore’s members-only Cellar Club produces the hands-on event to give fine dining fans a behind-the-lines look at local top chef techniques. Tickets are $52 for Cellar Club members and $65 for non-members. Reservations are required. 200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 305-913-3203
photograph by michael pisarri
Father’s Day Gift: A Manly Spa Day
There’s more to a spa day than rose petals and Enya. Sign dad up for a sports massage, salon haircut, and more.
June 05, 2012
Salon Vaso
Though they may not know it, all dads can use a little “me” time, and Miami spas and salons are lining up to provide the setting. This Father’s Day, surprise dad (reallysurprise him) with one of these manly spa and grooming packages.
Lapis Spa
The Fontainebleau's sensory retreat has a warrior-themed menu perfect for hardworking fathers. The Weekend Warrior's Rehab and Buff Manicure ($171) digs deep into sore muscles with a sports massage and complimentary Lapis Soak. Dads who visit on June 17 will receive an extra 20 percent off any 50- or 80-minute spa service. 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-4772
The Spa at Equinox
Choose from three distinct packages to help dad relax on his big day. The MANdatory ($330) includes an 80-minute Swedish massage, the Knot an Issue ($345) soothes with an 80-minute deep tissue massage, and the Best Man ($330) packs a conditioning facial with complimentary special upgrades. Packages can be purchased through June 17 at the Aventura, Coral Gables, and South Beach locations. equinox.com
Salon Vaso
Miami Beach's Salon Vaso is perking up its already top-notch men's services for Father's Day. Purchase a $100 gift card towards and get a gift box with up to $25 worth of products. When dad swings by to redeem his gift, he'll be treated to a complimentary Scotch, whiskey, or wine. 1500 Alton Rd., Miami Beach, 305-674-7470
June's Best Independent Films
From an Alcoholics Anonymous documentary to a Russian thriller, this month’s indie films are worth a look.
June 04, 2012
Elena
June 8–13 at Miami Beach Cinematheque
With its masterful, Hitchcockian suspense, this Russian thriller took home the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. The plot? Title character Elena’s wealthy and none-too-kind husband suffers a heart attack but clings to life, leaving the subject of his will up for suspicion. Believing her husband will leave his money to his estranged daughter, Elena hatches a desperate plan. 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4567; mbcinema.com
Bill W.
June 7–10 at O Cinema
This poignant documentary follows the life of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) founder Bill Wilson. The film captures Wilson’s struggles and triumphs to form AA during a time when alcoholism was deemed a psychiatric illness. Through recreations, interviews, and archival images, Wilson’s own battles with alcoholism, depression, and drugs are brought to light. 90 N.W. 29th St., Miami, 305-571-9970; o-cinema.org
Polisse
June 8–13 at Miami Beach Cinematheque
Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, Polisse is about a team of workers in a Parisian Childhood Protection Unit. With plotlines inspired by actual child investigation cases, the abuse and systematic injustices witnessed by the workers influences their ability to carry on successfully in their work and home-lives. 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4567; mbcinema.com
4 Stylish Miami Shopping Events
A wedding night at Blo, the opening of Touch Boutique, a penthouse sale brimming with McQueen duds, and more.
June 04, 2012
Garter Talk at Blo Midtown
Wednesday, June 6, 7-9 PM
Brides-to-be and their wedding parties will have a chance to sample Blo Midtown's signature styling services, as well as products and services from a selection of wedding vendors at Garter Talk. The event is a collaboration between the salon, Weddings Illustrated, and Twenty7Events. Expect rose-tinted libations, bite-size nibbles, cotton candy, and cupcakes. 3301 N.E. 1st Ave., Suite #102, Miami, 305-438-1460; blomedry.com
Touch Boutique Opening
Thursday, June 7, 7-10 PM
Upper East Side newcomer Touch Boutique will celebrate its grand opening with a blogger-hosted soirée. In addition to light bites by Moonchine, Stoli cocktails, and 3 Men & a Lil’ Lady sweets, the fête will offer guests the opportunity to win a $100 gift card by styling (and tweeting) the evening’s best ensemble. Mirror Mirror Salon will offer chignon hairstyling and All Dolled Up will dole out polish changes. 7231 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-235-8633
Spring/Summer Sales at Curve Soleil and Violet & Grace
Saturday June 9, 3-6 PM
Two of Miami's most coveted boutiques have teamed up to give shoppers an unbeatable seasonal sale. Gansevoort’s Curve Soleil and jewelry haven Violet & Grace will transform the Boulan Hotel's penthouse suite into designer discount den with up to 40 percent off Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, and more. A live DJ will keep the afternoon energy high and guests can enjoy complimentary styling sessions, Nails 111 manicures, and summer-themed cocktails. 2000 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
The District Factory Pop-Up
Saturday, June 9, 7-10 PM
Since launching in April, The District Factory has become a one-stop-shop for local designer duds and handmade accessories. The pop-up runs simultaneously with the Design District's Gallery Walk and June's edition will feature bites by Phuc Yea!, cocktails courtesy of Mandarine Napoléon, and art installations by Taylor Kienholz of Pencils and Sawblades. 3900 N.E. 1st Ave., Miami; districtfactory.com
First Look: H&M Pop-Up
A slideshow of favorite finds from the brand’s invite-only Miami Beach pop-up preview.
June 01, 2012
After months of dangling anxious shoppers on a retail string, H&M is finally giving Miamians a taste of its upcoming flagship store. As of noontime today, the brand will open an H&M preview pop-up shop with a slew of seasonal must-haves. We stopped by the press preview and were overwhelmed by the sartorial selection of maxis, minis, and statement accessories in beachy prints and shades of coral and cerulean. Guys can snag polos in classic colors like heather gray and navy blue, pastel shorts, and cool canvas lace ups. The permanent outpost is slated to open in September, but in the meantime, get a shopping list ready with these snaps from the invite-only sneak peek. 1669 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-695-0324
The Shore Club Launches Sunday Brunch
Lemon ricotta pancakes and bottomless Bellinis by the pool, anyone?
June 01, 2012
Terrazza at the Shore Club will launch its new weekly brunch this Sunday, June 3 (11 AM–4 PM). The new poolside brunch menu will don Italian-inspired plates and signature brunch classics like lemon ricotta pancakes, grilled branzino fillet, and Tuscan beef stew with potatoes. Hotel brunch staples like made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit salads, and assorted desserts will also be available.
Ladies who brunch will be especially smitten over the fact that the brunch buffet ($32) comes with two hours of unlimited Bellinis, Bloody Marys, and mimosas, while men will have to dish up an extra $20 for the same cocktail privileges. Ladies will also receive a discount card for the Shore Club’s Scoop boutique and rooftop Spa. When you’ve had your brunch fill, step over to the hotel’s infamous Sundaze pool party. 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-695-3226
White Rabbit Pool Party at Delano
A day-to-night Alice in Wonderland-themed pool party debuts this Sunday.
June 01, 2012
The Delano Hotel's Beach Club is the latest outdoor lounge to launch an afternoon fête. This Sunday (June 3) at noon, the stylish haunt will debut its new weekly White Rabbit Pool Party. The midday soirée will feature sounds spun by DJ Rony Seikaly and take place amidst the Delano's iconic pool and whimsical gardens. At 6 PM, the party moves underground to the luscious FDR lounge, where DJ Stefano Noferini will man the decks. White Rabbit guests are also welcome to slip indoors rocking their poolside attire. There is no cover charge and cabanas are available with a reservation. 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-924-4071
Weekend Recommender: May 31 - June 3
Shop The Webster's seasonal sale, discuss bass beats at the MAM, and catch the start of a new summer music series at Wynwood Walls.
May 31, 2012
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar kicks off a new summer music series this Friday
The Webster Spring/Summer Sale
Through July or while supplies last
Now a household name—thanks to its Target collaboration—The Webster is having a huge seasonal sale this weekend. Designer duds by YSL, Pucci, and Alexander Wang will be reduced by up to 50 percent. Max out on the markdowns while supplies last. 1220 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-674-7899
"The Beat Who Cheated Death: How Bass Shaped Miami"
Thursday, May 31, 6–9 PM
Author, journalist, and musical historian Dave Tompkins will lead a lecture on the history of bass and how it continues to impact Miami's cultural landscape. An afterparty will follow with bass beats spun by Tompkins himself. Cocktails will be provided by Smirnoff and Red Bull. The event is free for MAM members and $8 for non-members. 101 W. Flagler St., 305-375-3000
Sounds of the Wynwood Walls Kickoff
Friday, June 1, 8 PM
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar's new musical curator, Nestor Torres, will launch "Sounds of the Wynwood Walls" live music series this Friday. With over ten acts slated to perform alongside Torres, including local standouts Big Brooklyn Red and Silvano Monasterious, the celebration will likely last into the wee hours of the night. The event is free and open to the public. 2550 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, 305-722-8958
Sunglass Hut Opening Draws A-List Stars
Chanel Iman and Gabrielle Union were among the stars at the boutique’s Lincoln Road opening.
May 31, 2012
Sunglass Hut, Lincoln Road
The largest Sunglass Hut in the world is officially open on Lincoln Road. At nearly 1,900-square-feet, the boutique stocks more than 2,000 of designer sunnies. To mark the occasion, the super-size Hut invited Victoria’s Secret model and Vogue darling Chanel Iman to host its ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 23. Miami's own DJ Irie manned the decks while shoppers perused labels like Ray-Ban, Tory Burch, and more.
The launch lingered on with an invite-only afterparty at 1111 Lincoln Road. The ultra-chic garage space was transformed into a summer-themed block party, complete with a life-size chess board, arcade-style basketball games, and grilled bites. In addition to Iman and Irie, actor Anthony Mackie and Ocean Drive cover star Gabrielle Union also showed up at the fête, which peaked with a performance by super duo Karmin. 845 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-674-6906
May 23, 2012
845 Lincoln Road
May 23, 2012
845 Lincoln Road
May 23, 2012
845 Lincoln Road
May 23, 2012
845 Lincoln Road
May 23, 2012
845 Lincoln Road
May 23, 2012
845 Lincoln Road
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SETH BROWARNIK
Q&A: Magic City's Danny Huston Drops the Act
Huston talks about his role as ruthless mobster Ben “The Butcher” Diamond and his newfound love for Miami.
May 30, 2012
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When actor Danny Huston emerges onscreen as Ben "The Butcher" Diamond in new mob drama Magic City (Starz), audiences know he means business—serious business. Born in Italy and raised throughout Europe, Huston comes from a long line of acting and filmmaking legends: his half-sister is acclaimed actress Anjelica Huston and his father, John Huston, was one of the most treasured actor/directors of the twentieth century. Storming the screen as a ruthless Jewish mobster, Huston’s performance in Magic City is a reflection of his command of the genre and his talented gene pool. In advance of this Friday’s (June 1) series finale, we spoke with the actor about playing a wise guy and his love affair with Miami, where the show is filmed.
What do you love about playing the unforgiving Ben Diamond?
DANNY HUSTON: [laughs] Well, why do you call him unforgiving?
He doesn’t show the slightest bit of mercy to anyone or anything.
DH: I always take great pride in dissecting my characters and, essentially, pulling out a scalpel, prodding their insides, and seeing what it is that they feel—no matter how villainous they are. In the case of Ben Diamond, I thought I'd give that all up and just play him for the badass that he is. Having said that, there's logic to his cold-blooded nature. That logic is part of gangster crime. You don't cause anybody grief when it's not necessary. I hope he'll surprise people as the show goes along.
How did you prepare to play a “cold-blooded” gangster?
DH: I researched Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel, and characters in films like those portrayed by Edward G. Robinson, [such as] my father's Key Largo. He's clearly a bad character but he also has certain fears. There's a turn in Ben in the finale that we hope will surprise people.
How did you work with series creator Mitch Glazer to fine tune the character?
DH: We both agreed the idea would be to play Ben Diamond in an unforgiving manner and not worry too much about his motivation—and as bits were revealed it would create suspense. I felt like Ben was a larger-than-life character. His sun-bathing screen on a revolving chair is sort of Roman.
The show is set in 1950s Miami and has a strong historical context. How does that inform your job as an actor?
DH: It's kind of great to look at a series set in 1959 and hear the characters' opinions of politics and their suspicions for the future. There's a sort of glamorous attitude and an ignorance that allowed people to live more dangerously. [On the show] Kennedy is about to be elected, free jazz is being developed, and no one knows smoking is bad for you.
The show shoots in Miami, but did you spend any time here prior to filming? What struck you most about the city?
I'm a big believer in shooting in the actual location where the story takes place. I arrived about two weeks before filming and spent a good five or six months filming. The pulse in Miami is so tangible, [with] the whole South American influence. The balmy nights and the heat give you a little bit of a swagger. You feel like you might be able to get away with certain things that you normally wouldn't. I'm really looking forward to going back. Now that we're starting the [second] season a little later I'm really looking forward to Art Basel.
Any favorite local spots?
DH: Joe's Stone Crab is unbelievably good. Just walking on the boardwalk, off Collins, there are so many surprises and different restaurants. It makes it easy to explore.
When will filming for season two begin?
DH: We're looking to start mid-to-late August. We should be getting the screenplays very soon.
What are looking forward to in the second season? Any actors you'd like to have more screentime with?
DH: I love working with Jeffrey Dean Morgan. For me, he's like a modern day Robert Mitchum. He's just so solid. I enjoy how we do a little dance together. Everybody in the cast is a delight. The table readings are fantastic. Any direction that Mitch wants to take this, I'm looking forward to.
photography by mark sullivan
