From the beginning of December to the end of May, Miami can feel as if it’s going to burst at the seams. Good-time seekers pour into the “Magic City” to attend one of the many conferences, festivals, major sporting events or holiday celebrations (oh, and maybe to soak up the incredible tropical sun). This influx of visitors causes higher hotel rates and increased traffic jams, but even so, there are many positives.
Under pressure to make a good impression during the city’s “high season,” new restaurants, retail stores and hotels plan opulent events to showcase the latest and greatest in hospitality. These pop-ups, openings and renovation unveilings draw out celebrities, socialites and the paparazzi. During this crazy season, there’s plenty to do and see. Thus, making it totally worth your time and the pinch in your wallet.
Below are a few of my favorite new dining and shopping hot spots, as well as those that have stood the test of time:
The Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION Hotel (South Beach)
During the winter of 2014, there was a lot of chatter about the opening of The Miami Beach EDITION Hotel, a property by Marriott. And, rightfully so, as its eccentric design is by hotelier Ian Schrager, “the man who made Miami.” Schrager incorporated many wow-factors such as a skating rink, a bowling alley and a stylish restaurant, titled The Matador Room, headed-up by Michelin starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Spanish-cuisine restaurant sits tucked away to the right of the alluring, all-white lobby and offers both indoor and terrace dining. The decor inside is reminiscent of a previous era (ahem, Miami’s heyday), though most prefer to be seated on the luscious terrace. Service here is nothing less than excellent (attentive, but not noticeable). It is suggested to sample several dishes from each category and I recommend the cured meat and cheese board, raw shaved Florida red snapper with green chile dressing and crunchy rice, Peekytoe crab and corn fritters, griddled Florida grouper tacos, and the scallop entree special (when available). 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Florida 33139; (786) 257-4600; www.matadorroom.com
Juvia (South Beach)
Located in the heart of South Beach on Lincoln Road, this penthouse-level eatery gives way to excellent city views (regardless where you are seated). Each night a live DJ spins rooftop sound sessions, while the very knowledgeable wait staff delivers a mix of French, Japanese and Peruvian flavored cuisine, and fresh cocktails. A few items not to be missed are the ceviche mix, hearts of palm salad, prawn entree, and lamb chops. 1111 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139; (305) 763-8272; www.juviamiami.com
Coya (Brickell)
This London-based concept by Arjun Waney, also behind Zuma, is a stunner with its high ceilings, bright colors and sultry vibe. Upon entry, you notice the bar area radiating with beautiful people, and a slim, dark wooden door leading into a private space – a members lounge that offers live music and personal lockers for storing cigars and bottles. More intriguing than the decor is the cuisine – contemporary Peruvian, and specialty cocktails (try the Chicha Morado Pisco Sour). The menu consists of several categories of small dishes and can be shared family-style. Highlights are the Pargo Rojo Trufa ceviche, Atun’ Nikkei, Remolacha y Queso de Cabra, Gambas, Arrzo Nikkei, Papa Seca, and the Sundae de Maiz. Check out the amazing decor and artfully plated dishes on their Instagram: coyamiami. 999 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131; (305) 415-9990; www.coyarestaurant.com/miami
Lagniappe (intersection of Wynwood, Design District & Mid-town)
In a glam-central city, it’s nice to find a super chill, laid back spot with good eats and this “New Orleans style wine house” is such. The concept goes like this… you enter into a modest-sized room where nightly live music is enjoyed in a living room style setting. Here you order your wine (by glass or bottle) or beer at a counter. If you’re looking to eat, head out to the spacious patio, which has lights strung from tree to tree and a random mix of garage sale finds used as seating. From a small refrigerator, you can choose meats and cheeses, which you then take to the outside counter to have arranged with jams, bread, and olives. Here you can also purchase select made-to-order entrees fresh off the grill. For two people, I suggest mixing up a meat and cheese board and sharing the churrasco (it is amazing!). 3425 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137; (305) 576-0108; www.lagniappehouse.com
Blackbrick (Midtown)
If you haven’t found great Chinese food in Miami before, check out Blackbrick as it could be your new go-to for fried rice. There is limited outdoor seating, but the place to be is inside, where you can revel in the marvelous aroma, cheeky decor, and cool air conditioning. The menu has a few fun regional twists on classic dishes like the General Tso’s Florida Gator, and the portions are generous. 3451 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137; (305) 573-8886; www.midtownchinese.com
Louis Vuitton (The Design District)
Those who enjoy the pleasures of art and high-end retail flock to the Design District in Miami, so when a brand decides to open here they better bring it with the architectural design and merchandising. As expected, the LVMH design house got it right. They opened their luxurious doors to the public on April 10th, offering the Louis Vuitton world collection of leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, fine jewelry, and location exclusives for both men and women. The insane abundance of style and sophistication might make you dizzy, but it is totally worth going inside – just give yourself a spending limit beforehand! 170 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137; (305) 573-1366; www.us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/stores
The Webster (South Beach)
This luxury boutique has been around since 2009 and continues to offer the latest and most astounding fashion collections, and exclusive products. The multi-level store is a must for South Beach shopping – grab an espresso and pastry afterward on their ground floor. To see their latest in inventory, check out their Instagram page, thewebstermiami. 1220 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139; (305) 674-7899; www.thewebstermiami.com
Nordstrom Rack (Midtown)
Because nothing feels better than getting a deal, I had to check out this new store that opened in April. The discount store experience may not be your thing (having to dig, items out of place, and long lines may raise your blood pressure), but don’t worry here. The store has a lot of on-trend items that are easy to find, and cashiers are roaming around with hand-held devices so you can check out anywhere. Tip: Visit Nordstrom online to hunt for fashion inspo before. 3201 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127; (786) 338-2000; www.nordstromrack.com
Photo credits: Obsessions Now; @juviamiami; @coyamiami; @lagniappe_house; @midtownchines; @nordstromrack
I’ve also round-up places for dining and drinking around Los Angeles. You can check it out here.