The Dutch Miami’s head bartender, Robert Ferrara, was recently named the Miami cocktail champion at the Plymouth Gin Competition, held in New York City and judged by Liquor.com. Ferrara's winning libation, the English Rose, is a mix of Plymouth Gin, Dolin Blanc, and muddled strawberries. You can order the winning cocktail at The Dutch, or you can whip it up at home with this recipe provided by Ferrara.

English Rose
SERVES ONE

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce homemade rhubarb syrup
1 ounce Dolin Blanc
1 small egg white
1 1/2 ounces Plymouth Gin
2 strawberries, muddled
3 drops of Bittermens Burlesque Bitters

Add all ingredients to a shaker—without ice—and shake for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg whites. Next, add ice and shake vigorously for another 20 seconds. Double strain into an ice-cold glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-938-3111

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Seedless baby watermelon with feta, fresh mint, and hydroponic arugula

 

Tiradito swordfish carpaccio with sweet onion and shaved Yukon potato salad and toasted mustard seeds

 

Quinoa salad with spring greens, chayote, mango, sprouts, and pink grapefruit vinaigrette

 

The garden room at Soyka

 

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Much to the delight of a few lucky guests, Soyka restaurant debuted its new “Timeless” menu items at an intimate dinner party earlier this week. Among the dishes we tasted at the menu launch was an architectural watermelon and feta salad, black risotto with jumbo scallop, and swordfish carpaccio with shaved Yukon potato salad.

Newly added dishes echo the modern American cuisine that Soyka is known for, such as tuna tartare, sesame salon, and a comfort classic meatloaf—all of which were carefully crafted by chef Christian Martin and Graspa Restaurant Group corporate chef Alberto Marcato.

Kudos to the restaurant’s saucier: time and again, we’ve found their sauces to be light, savory, and complimentary of each respective dish. The pink grapefruit vinaigrette on the quinoa salad, the citrus butter on the crusted corvina, and the rosemary glacé on the pork chop are all shining examples of Soyka sauces that make our palates sing.  

Save room for dessert, as the popular sticky date pudding and new caramelized banana cream puff are not to be missed. 5556 N.E. 4th Ct., Miami, 305-759-3117

Haven't booked your Memorial Day Weekend escape yet? Don't fret. These three hotel havens are all within driving distance of Miami and still have a handful of rooms available for the holiday weekend. And, considering it’s a three-day weekend, it might be fun to resort hop and unwind at two, or even all three, of these inviting retreats.

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Westin Sunset Key Guest Cottages
Hit I-95 south and get lost at the Sunset Key Guest Cottages' secluded island oasis. The 27-acre paradise is only accessible by ferry and offers sun-seekers quiet Key West charm further afield from the area’s bustling bars. Guests can book cottages with up to four bedrooms, relax with a signature Bamboo Massage at The Spa, or tuck into local seafood at the on-premises Latitudes Restaurant. Rates: from $900 per night. 245 Front St., Key West, 305-292-5300

 

Marco Island Florida Marriott Beach Resort, Spa & Golf Course
Fresh off a $225 million renovation, this Marco Island beachside escape sports new Balinese-style decor, the private Rookery Golf Course, and a slew of exotic excursions. Drink and dine at one of the resort's nine bars and eateries, or indulge in traditional Indonesian relaxation techniques at the onsite spa. Rates: from $489 per night. 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, 239-394-2511

 

The W Fort Lauderdale Hotel & Residences
Cross the county line and find a home away from home with a condo rental at The W Fort Lauderdale Hotel & Residences. These stylish abodes don full kitchens, spectacular views, and access to all hotel amenities. The W's trendy, AAA Four Diamond-awarded locale houses a Bliss Spa, WET Bar near its infinity edge pool, Steak 954's prime cuisine, and late-night hot spot Whiskey Blue. WET will be hosting a pool party on Memorial Day. Rates: from $599 per night. 401 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-414-8200

 

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Dirk Quinn performs at the Moca this Friday

The Broken Shaker's Closing Night
Thursday, May 24
Bar Lab's pop-up cocktail lounge inside the Indian Creek Hotel invites guests to savor its handcrafted concoctions one last time (sort of). Stop in and order a “see you later” sip, as the bar will return to Miami with a more permanent endeavor this fall. 2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach, 305-531-2727; bar-lab.com

Jazz at the MOCA
Friday, May 25, 7–10 PM
Pack a picnic blanket and some lawn chairs and lounge at this month's edition of Jazz at the MOCA, where Philadelphia-based guitarist Dirk Quinn and his ensemble will treat audiences to their unique brand of funk-fusion. The concert is free and open to the public. 770 N.E. 125th St., North Miami, 305-893-6211; mocanomi.org

Shops at Equinox Memorial Sale
Thursday–Monday, May 24–28
The Shops at Equinox are offering holiday shoppers deep discounts on eco-friendly activewear brands like ALO and breezy daywear labels like Ella Moss and Splendid. The sale runs through Memorial Day and is available at the Aventura, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach locations. equinox.com

The DB sirloin burger

Summer calls for easy living and long, leisurely lunches. Take a siesta at one of these three neighborhood eateries serving indulgent lunchtime fare. Save room for dessert and treat yourself to a mid-day nap afterward.  

Cafeina Wynwood Lounge
Monday–Friday, 11 AM–3 PM
Cafeina warmly welcomed the spring and summer season by launching lunch service. The indoor-out space allows diners to relax in the garden lounge or unwind inside the artsy exhibition area. Menu items include coffee and rum braised short rib tacos, pork and tostone sliders, and succulent shrimp ceviche. 297 N.W. 23rd St., Miami, 305-438-0792; cafeinamiami.com

Cecconi's
Monday–Friday, 11:30 AM–5 PM
Recoup from morning madness with Cecconi's newly launched Garden Lunch, a delightful three-course Italian prix fixe ($25). Entree options include grilled shrimp and quinoa salad, classic spaghetti pomodoro, and grilled skirt steak. Top off the meal with tasty treats like pineapple carpaccio or traditional Italian sorbet. 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 786-507-7902; cecconismiamibeach

DB Bistro Moderne at the JW Marriott Marquis
Monday–Friday, 12 PM–2:30 PM
Upgrade your afternoon déjeuner with DB's new Burgers & Bordeaux offerings. Diners can enjoy a complimentary glass of Bordeaux with any burger order, or opt into the $35 prix-fixe menu, with added appetizer and dessert. Pairing and plate selections include the original DB sirloin burger with Gabart-Laval, Franc Beauséjour 2010 or the grilled dorado with Château Magence, Graves Blanc 2011. The pairing special will run through July 30. 255 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-421-8800; danielnyc.com

Krasavica II, 1998-2001, by Ursula von Rydingsvard

The Frost Museum at Florida International University will be the summertime home of a magnificent collection of artist Ursula von Rydingsvard's awe-inspiring wooden sculptures. Known for her fantastical manipulation of Western red cedar and powdered graphite into, von Rydingsvard’s creations are colossal. 

The traveling exhibition will be on view at Frost through August 5, displaying popular works from the artist’s Krasawica II series (Krasawica means “beautiful woman” in Ukranian) that express fluidity despite their abundant proportions. The work is fueled by von Rydingsvard’s childhood in post-World War II Germany, where she lived primarily in a refugee camp and often used scattered bricks to build a mini-fort, creating an imaginative escape from the reality of the outside world.

Many of the pieces in the Frost exhibit appear whittled by Mother Nature, resembling an archaeological artifact form a long-lost natural wonder. Up close, one can see von Rydingsvard’s the purposeful and intricate cuts. Guided tours are available upon request and admission is free and open to the public. 10975 SW 17th St., Miami, 305-348-2890; thefrost.fiu.edu

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A dress by Lorie Lester

 

Clutch by Candy Woolley Accessories

 

Bikini by Maya Swimwear by Carolina Dinardi

 

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Starting Thursday, the inaugural Miami Metropolitan International Fashion Week will take over the LMNT Art Space for three days of shows and presentations by local, international, and emerging designers. The weekend-long event will include ready-to-wear, evening, and swimwear shows, followed by swank afterparties at Gavanna Miami, Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, and Kyma Lounge. Here are the designers with shows we suggest seeing.

Candy Woolley Accessories
Thursday, May 24, 8 PM
Woolley's exotic, handmade bags and clutches have been sported by the likes of Kourtney Kardashian and Whitney Port. Woolley uses an animalistic arsenal of supplies like leather, ostrich, and alligator skin to create one-of-kind, statement accessories. candywoolley.com

Lorie Lester
Thursday, May 24, 8:45 PM
Lester's contemporary duds have been rocked by Miranda Kerr, Brittany Snow, and E! News' Ashlan Gorse. At her Biscayne Boulevard boutique and locally-grown studio, you’ll find separates and dresses in colorful corals, electric blues, and neutrals. lorielester.com

Maya Swimwear by Carolina Dinardi
Saturday, May 26, 8 PM
Miami is synonymous with swimwear and Maya's flirty florals and silhouettes are a favorite among celebrities and locals alike. Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie, and Hayden Panettiere have all been snapped frolicking in Maya's flattering tops and bottoms. mayaswimwear.com

Single day passes begin at $45, with food and beverages available for purchase on site. 55 N.W. 36th St., Miami.

Jafar Panahi in This is Not a Film 

Critically acclaimed documentary This is Not a Film will close its Miami run with showings at the Miami Beach Cinematheque this Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23.

Directed by Jafar Panahi and Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, this intriguing and powerful narrative follows Panahi's day-to-day life after the Iranian government banned him from making films. The documentary begins in 2008, when Iranian politicians shut down production of one of Panahi’s films, swiftly placed him under house arrest, and then sentenced him to six years in prison. 

Panahi's open support for Iran's oppositional party during the country's 2009 election earned him a two-decade long ban on filmmaking, screenplay writing, and interviewing with the foreign press. This is Not a Film powerfully follows Panahi as he awaits news on his appeal to the Iranian courts.

Partially shot using an iPhone, the 75-minute video diary was smuggled out of Iran and later screened at the Cannes Film Festival. While Panahi lost his appeal in late 2011, the worldwide film community, including Robert De Niro, Oliver Stone, and Steven Spielberg, continues to petition for his release. 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4567

A rendering of Club RED

Opening August 4, BankAtlantic Center’s Club RED will take the VIP arena-viewing lounge experience to the next level. The 12,000-square-foot, members-only club sits at center ice for hockey games and adjacent to the stage during concerts.

Designed by George Heinlein and the team at 360 Architecture, Club RED will don a full-service bar, HD flat screens, Wi-Fi, customized name-plated seating, private concierges, and modern décor. The saturated color scheme gives the high-tech entertainment hub a den-like feel. Chef Lou Iaconetti, known for his famous fresh sea scallop and risotto dish, will man the kitchen.

Want to join the club? Choose from packages that allow all-inclusive arena access, entrance to hockey games only, or attendance solely for musical events. Club RED members will also have access to exclusive social gatherings and player meet-and-greets. Opening day will coincide with the arena's previously scheduled Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart concert.1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise

McInnis in the kitchen at Yardbird

Debuting tonight and continuing every Friday thereafter, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar will host a midnight chef’s table dining series ($40 per person) geared toward late-night gastronomes. Executive chef Jeff McInnis will cook tonight’s tasting menu and following Fridays will introduce menus by guest chefs. The series will focus on Southern cuisine with a modern slant and each dinner includes a cocktail inspired by the menu and prepared tableside.     

Already slated to man the midnight servings are Sugarcane's Timon Balloo (May 25), 3030 Ocean's Dean James (June 15), and 1500 Degrees' Paula DaSilva (June 22). Midsummer night dates for Jeremy Ford, also of 3030 Ocean, and Top Chef contestant Howie Kleinberg will be announced in the coming weeks.

Though McInnis is keeping tonight’s menu close to the vest, diners can expect a family-style menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients and plenty of time to chat with the chef. With only ten seats at the midnight table, reservations will be taken on a “first reserve, first serve” basis. Despite the revolving menu items, the prix-fixe price tag will always include a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine. 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, 305-538-5220