Performers at La Fée Verte
LA FÉE VERTE
WHY: Sometimes you want to be around nearly naked girls and not harassed into buying a lap dance. And who doesn’t want to watch a beautiful Russian contortionist who’s more flexible backward than you are forward?
CLAME TO FAME: It’s owned by fashion photographers Navid—whose works are on display—and Antoine Verglas, who’s shot for Victoria’s Secret.
WHO GOES: Kind of a Delano Tuesday-night crowd mixed with glam-queen stylists, bankers and a surprising number of couples
NAMES TO DROP: Say hi to VIP director Davis at the door.
INSIDER TIP: Go early (doors open at 10) to secure the best seats for all three of the burlesque and aerial sets. Register as a member online with the invitation code HEMINGWAY (all caps).
AURAL STIMULATION: Hallmark South Beach DJ Mark Leventhal spins classic hip-hop, funk and rock on Fridays, while Saturdays it’s open-format.
OVERHEARD: “Did you know la fée verte is a nickname for absinthe? Here, have a sip… it’s made from an herb called grande wormwood.”
DON'T: Touch the girls, no matter how grande the wormwood.
TABLE RESERVATIONS 411: info@clublafeeverte.com
912 71st St., Normandy Isle; clublafeeverte.com
BARDOT
WHY: It feels like the massive loft of a world traveler who likes his rock ’n’ roll live at home and who encourages all your vices.
CLAME TO FAME: You can’t take photos in this place—ever.
WHO GOES: Left-of-center professionals, young teachers looking to get drunk, painters, musicians, creatives who’ve tired of the typical South Beach bottle experience and foodies drifting over from Gigi
NAMES TO DROP: Amir Ben-Zion, the owner
INSIDER TIP: Go early on weeknights and have the bartenders make you some of their superlative cocktails or guide you through the esoteric bourbons.
AURAL STIMULATION: Outstanding live music from the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Roots collaborator Cody Chesnutt and spun tunes ranging from the Stones to Michael Jackson
OVERHEARD: Q: “Do you think they’ll get mad if I jump on the drum set?” A: “Not if you take your pants off first.”
DON'T: Try to impress doorman Russell Welker with glitz (though pulling up on a vintage motorcycle might help).
TABLE RESERVATIONS 411: reservation@bardotmiami.com
34th N. Miami Ave., Miami; bardotmiami.com
GRAND CENTRAL
WHY: Because man cannot live on South Beach DJs alone, and because they’re booking interesting acts that are too edgy for larger venues and too on-the-rise for smaller spots
CLAME TO FAME: A live performance by Duck Sauce at WMC 2010
WHO GOES: It’s all about live music and an avant-garde DJ act, so the crowd ranges from WVUM radio minions following Crystal Castles and Felix Da Housecat to an older clientele loving Los Amigos Invisibles’ Latin funk. Hot and spicy Latin ladies flock on Fridays.
NAMES TO DROP: Aramis Lorie, a co-owner
INSIDER TIP: Tips are included in the drink prices.
OVERHEARD: “Do you prefer the original of this song or the remix?”
DON'T: Be afraid to arrive early.
TABLE RESERVATIONS 411: info@grandcentralmiami.com
697 N. Miami Ave., Miami; grandcentralmiami.com
