Monday, October 17, 2011

Building a Mystery

Contemporary art goes live at the inaugural Wynwood Art Fair, Oct. 21-23, taking over N.W. Sixth Ave. between 23rd and 29th Streets. Internationally acclaimed artists, from all over the world and working in a variety of mediums, aim to create spontaneous works as they invite fairgoers to become a part of the creative process. The proceeds benefit Lotus House, a non-profit organization that aims to provide housing for homeless women and children. Come get artistic! Here are some of the weekend's can't-miss happenings…

VIP Launch Party, Oct. 21
Guests mingle with artists and sponsors at the Margulies Art Warehouse for the Opening Night VIP Launch Party. The event features a live Sotheby's Benefit Art Auction. Tickets $500. 591 NW 27th St.

Performance Pieces, Oct. 21-23
Performance pieces litter the street during the weekend. Be on the lookout Friday and Sunday for "Magic, Luck and Friendship!" an installation by Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III of Friends With You. These brightly colored inflatable figures will parade through the streets of Wynwood putting smiles on the most skeptical of fairgoers.

Others to watch for…
New York-based artist Ellen Fisher is sure to please with whimsy. Fisher will create a relaxing story-salon at which fairgoers will be absorbed into a world visualizing classic stories that emphasize the heart.

The Intimacies Project is an ongoing collaboration between Marinov Dance and Red Dress Films. This multimedia event features dancers expressing the emotions of love to the sound of original music and poetry.

Collectors Brunch, Oct. 23
The final day of the fair will feature a special Collectors Brunch presented by Paramount Bay in the VIP lounge. Champagne will be poured while guests are privy to exclusive performances. Mingling is strongly encouraged. Tickets $150.

Fair hours are from 10AM to 6PM. General admission $10. N.W. Sixth Ave. between 23rd and 29th Streets, wynwoodartfair.org


This article was published online for Miami Magazine

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Miami Spice

Filet Mignon with creamy béarnaise sauce, seared red snapper with a leek ragout, lavender crème brulee and chocolate soufflé grace the tables of the chicest restaurants in Miami.

For the average college student the thought of a gourmet dinner is food porn. However, now until September 30th Miami is celebrating Miami Spice, the city’s restaurant month.

The event is organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the restaurants are grouped into four districts. The event offers three-course fixed-price meals at some of Miami’s best restaurants including South Beach, Midtown, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.

This year is the event’s 10th anniversary and Jennifer Diaz, associate vice president of Media Relations & Promotions for bureau said in an email that this year is more exciting than ever with 142 restaurants participating. She said it’s a great way to try new restaurants.

“Miami Spice is an excellent opportunity to venture out and explore a new culinary experience with minimal risk because of the discounted rate,” Diaz said. “The program makes a foodie out of anyone.”

“It’s cool because it’s fancier food,” senior Sabrina Ginete said. “It’s nice for an average college student, who’s a little broke, to experience fine dining.”
Ginete went to El Gran Inka in Brickell last week with friends for dinner. She said the menu was amazing.

The Miami Spice menu is only $22 for lunch and $35 for dinner, perfect for students with tight budgets. A word of caution-- not all restaurants participate for both meals and some do not include weekends. It’s best to explore the extensive website of restaurants and menus to find what your taste buds are lusting after.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to try different restaurants,” senior Asha Agrawal said. “Since they have the restaurant list I’m more likely to try a restaurant I wouldn’t have known about.”

She said she plans on going to BLT Steak in South Beach with some friends. Their menu features an heirloom tomato and watermelon salad as a starter. Diners can chose between top sirloin and yellowtail snapper for their main course.

Junior Nicholas Taubes agreed “The best dinners at cheap prices is the best thing that a student could ask for. A lot of these restaurants would have remained completely foreign if it hadn’t have been for these promotions.”




Over 100 restaurants are participating this year, from steak houses to sushi restaurants to tapas bars. The Miami Hurricane found some sure bets for a great meal.

The Royal at the Raleigh Hotel- The Royal serves up American fare with elegant presentation. Miami Spice diners can sample duck breast with morels while overlooking the Raleigh’s baroque pool. The Royal is participating weekdays for lunch. The special dinner menu is available Sunday through Thursday. 1775 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 305-612-1163.

Mercadito Midtown- Mercadito’s Miami Spice menu is perfect for groups. Diners chose different tacos, ceviches, guacamole and desserts for the table while those over 21 sip an included cocktail. The lunch and dinner menus are the same so go midday for ultimate savings. The Miami Spice menu is available weekdays for lunch and every day for dinner. 3252 NE 1st Ave., Midtown. 786-369-0430.

Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge- Red Koi is located on Miracle Mile and is known for it’s Asian fusion and specialty sushi rolls. Miami Spice diners can chose from lemongrass chicken, short ribs of the Havana roll for their main course. The menu is available for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday. 317 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-446-2690.

Shula’s 347 Grill- This restaurant is perfect for freshman, it’s walking distance from campus. A 12 ounce flat iron steak with chimmichurri is on the menu along with grilled salmon and tenderloin tips. Dessert is capped off with cheesecake or key lime pie. The Miami Spice menu is available for both lunch and dinner weekdays. 6901 Red Road, Coral Gables. 305-665-9661.