MIAMI, FLORIDA

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WHERE TO EAT:

mandolin

Opened by NYC transplants, this Mediterranean taverna prides itself on simplicity and authenticity of its food. And yes, nowadays every cute, Insta-worthy eatery has great simple, yet delicious dishes so it’s not saying much. The draw here is that everything comes together nicely here: the food, the space, and the hospitality. The restaurant is located in the chic Wynwood/Design District and used to be a residence prior to becoming the bustling bistro it is today. Everything on the menu is delish, ask for their homemade hot sauce! Any spot that makes its own hot sauce is 100% legit for me.

market Edition Hotel

Located inside the fabulous Edition Hotel, this light-filled eatery is the perfect place to come nosh early in the morning or mid-day. If you’re staying at the Edition, it’s a must, multiple times over, but if you’re not, it’s still worth a visit to come eat and check out the Edition. The person behind the menu and behind all the delectable dishes at the Edition is none other than Chef Jean-Georges. So you won’t be disappointed. A fav is the weekend brunch buffet where it’s anything but basic. I’m talking king crab legs, smoked salmon and caviar, a full on macaroon bar, an entire charcuterie section of meats til your heart’s desire, and more. One word: indulge.

versailles

You know a place is good when the locals are willing to fight the crowd of tourists to come eat. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at this famous Cuban establishment in the heart of Little Havana, not far from the MIA Int’l Airport. Opened since 1971, this cafe/bakery/restaurant become a staple for great, authentic Cuban food in Miami. And the lines prove it. The portions are large but I always end up finishing because it’s so good. Yes there are plenty of other places in Miami serving really good Cuban food, but there’s something about Versailles that I like coming back to. My absolute fav is finishing the meal and walking up to the take-out window for their cafe con leche. It is like cafe con crack it’s so good. Okay it may be the heaping spoonfuls of sugar they put it in, but it’s damn good.

WHERE TO GO:

broken shaker

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panther coffee wynwood

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versace mansion

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WHERE TO STAY:

EDITION HOTEL

My favorite hotel to stay at in South Beach is the Edition Hotel. It’s iconic Miami cool, but in a sophisticated and modern way, not the loud and obnoxious Miami. The property is open and airy, washed in all white decor, gilded gold columns, lush greenery designs, and marble floors. You can’t help but to be put instantly at ease upon arriving. Greeted by the spacious lobby that has multiple lounge areas, a pool table and gorgeous bar area decked with Baccarat crystals, its no surprise its been snapped all over Instagram, and that’s just the lobby. The outdoor area has 2 pools with plenty of seating and lounge areas to bask stylishly in the sun. The food on the property is amazing, and it’s no surprise as it’s all master minded by the great chef, Jean-Georges. Everything from the casual poolside dining to the formal Matador Room, there’s no shortage of delicious food here. MARKET is a casual eatery in the hotel that offers up some amazing (but pricey) weekend brunch buffet and La Colombe coffee. And as if there’s enough reasons NOT to leave the hotel, there’s also a nightclub, ice skating rink, and bowling alley on the basement floor. That’s South Beach for you!

NAUTILUS SIXTY HOTEL

Located in the more central part of South Beach on the iconic Collins Avenue, the Nautilus is situated among the classic South Beach hotels like the Delano, SLS, and Shore Club to name a few. Part of the Sixty Hotel chains, the Nautilus is a great boutique alternative when places like the Edition, Setai, 1 Hotel are all booked and super expensive during the peak weeks, ahem Art Basel, New Year’s, etc. The hotel is well designed with art highlighted throughout the hallways, and a bar that holds its own among the bigger hotels. The vibe is chill and the decor is chic with splashes of bright colors that make it very ‘Miami’. There’s a saltwater pool and separate, large outdoor area with swinging hammocks and lounge beds for a private little oasis feel.

FAENA HOTEL

You know it’s gotta be pretty damn good when you have a billionaire investor and the likes of Baz Luhrmann collaborating on a hotel. The result? The Faena Hotel in South Beach. The Faena, known for it’s iconic red and white umbrellas and decor palette, is every bit the luxury and extravagant oasis with its over-the-top interiors and visuals, including what else, the famous Damien Hirst’s gilded “Gone but not Forgotten” woolly mammoth skeleton on full display by the outdoor pool. If you’re looking for the South Beach opulence, stay here where every part of the hotel offers sensory overload and feels like a crossroad between The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge. Somehow, it works here, it really works.