March 18, 2016
We're excited to announce that you can now find Shanea Savours Miami restaurant reviews on SocialMiami.com. To celebrate becoming a Contributor, @ShaneaSavours is taking over @SocialMiami's twitter this weekend as an introduction to their 50k+ follower family.
March 17, 2016
When I first visited Drunken Dragon, after it opened, I was in love with this new concept of sharing plates and Asian fusion food. I looked forward to returning to see if it was still how I remembered it. If it is your first time visiting it make sure you take the address with you as the restaurant is signless and has blacked out windows. Located in a seedy strip plaza, the sign above it says, "Market".
March 16, 2016
We opted for a chef's tasting at $65 for five courses, two appetizers, two mains and a dessert, which is a relative bargain. It works out to $13 per course. Yes they are tiny portions but each dish is labour intensive and has good quality ingredients. I think for a first time here that is the way to go so you can sample some of Chefs Brad Kilgore’s cooking. But a la carte is also an option. The wine list was also quite reasonable. We enjoyed a bottle of Whispering Angel Rose that went well with our dinner. Please note the prices have not increased in the past year.
March 14, 2016
I liked my Insalata di Salmon, which was fresh tasting and perfectly grilled. They serve Lavazza coffee and it was prepared like espresso we get in Italy. In addition, they gave us a tiny glass of limoncello. I don't think I would run back but it wasn't a total disappointment. We also really enjoyed dining al fresco.
March 13, 2016
Alinea has been on my list for years. More than just a dinner, it's performance art. Innovation at the highest level, and a science project all rolled into one. For me, personally, it was a phenomenal food experience. A well conceived and show-stopping menu, the dishes are beautiful, yet experimental, complex and labour intensive, each executed with precision.
March 13, 2016
Exploring the complex and ever-changing story of Italian high fashion (alta moda) through a contemporary lens, the exhibit highlights stunning garments designed by Italy's biggest names.
What I found most interesting was how many of the creations are still relevant. It is a small exhibit, but it is one worth visiting.
March 11, 2016
For the past few years one of Miami's top hot spots and a magnet for celebrities, hipsters, and fashionistas has been Cipriani Downtown, located at 465 Brickell Ave in the Icon Building. The gorgeous nautical-themed dining room, designed by Michele Bonan, is backdropped by the beautiful bayside setting – one of the most stunning in Miami.
March 10, 2016
We were told we were standing in the middle of the largest private gallery space in the world.
Gary Nader Fine Arts specializes in Latin American Art, but the collection includes Modern and Contemporary Masters. For me, I was most impressed by his HUGE collection of Botero sculptures, paintings and drawings. The manager said it was the most extensive, privately-owned collection of Botero in the world! It was mind blowing.
March 9, 2016
Unfortunately, SuViche, is going to go in my pass section. The first strike was the lack of cleanliness. This usually means a dirty kitchen as well. All might be forgiven if the food was great but I am sorry to report it was mediocre.
March 9, 2016
Miami is really becoming a cultural destination with the World Symphony, the Opera House, The Adrienne Arsht Center, The American Airlines Arena, Art Basel, and Art Miami, the Boat Show and so on. There is always something to do. One thing I always look forward to is Art Wynwood.
March 8, 2016
Marion is a restaurant with the flavours of the South of France and elements of Spain, Greece and Italy. Located in the Brickell area. It's a little tricky to find but worth the effort.
March 7, 2016
The evening held lots of surprises. The organizers really outdid themselves, there was so much going on. It was a who's who of celebrities, philanthropic icons, business leaders, fashionistas and exhibitionists. The people watching was off the charts. The evening was co-hosted by Gloria and Emilio Estefen, Tommy Lee Jones and his wife Dawn, and Christian Slater and his wife Brittany.
March 7, 2016
A cool concept has opened at 7610 NE 4th Ct., in the same courtyard as Ironside Pizza. At F27 they serve customized ice cream using liquid nitrogen to freeze the it to 27 degrees Fahrenheit. They operate specially designed machines to enable them to use liquid nitrogen, which is injected into the ice cream liquid base. This is a flash freezing process that causes water crystals to be the smallest, achieving a velvety, creamy and smooth texture.
March 7, 2016
You know how sometimes you crave a simple meal, you don't feel like getting dressed up and you just want something good but unfussy, well I would like to suggest Blue Collar on 6730 Biscayne.
March 6, 2016
We started with some rolls, like the NaiYaRa Roll, which was probably my favourite. It contained salmon belly, cucumber, avocado and truffle oil. The presentations were all pretty, but if you know good sushi, you are mostly getting pretty rolls. Is the quality of the rice or the fish transporting? No. It is more designer rolls, which is fine.
March 5, 2016
Hidden in a dingy market where the staff is not so friendly and the place has lots of rules – no phones, no takeaway, no second orders – the Chef works sushi wonders.
The best rolls for me weren't even on the menu but thanks to an insider I knew what to order. Now I can share this information with you ...
March 4, 2016
The best part about Myumi, a charming food truck in Wynwood, Miami is the sushi, it's so fresh tasting and the chef explains where each piece comes from. It could be Alaska, Japan, Boston, Florida , Scotland etc. The menu rotates based on availability. The meal is quite traditional, there are no gimmicky surprises.
March 4, 2016
I have read rave reviews about the newly opened Salty Donut so naturally, I had to give it a try. The Miami born craft donut shop is currently operating out of a trailer at 29NW 24th St. This this their temp pop-up location is before opening in the Wynwood Arcade once construction is complete.
March 3, 2016
We only went for lunch but I can't wait to go back for dinner later next week to try the American Southern barbecue technique of slow cooking, and smoking. We saw the chef select some wood that was piled on the side so he can start smoking some meat – he said takes up to 14 hours.
March 2, 2016
Made in Italy Gourmet has a wine bar and a retail market with items such as oils, sauces, pasta, and Italian artisanal products. There is also an Italian wine library with over 2,000 bottles in all price ranges. And don't forget the cheese and cured meat counter. Their motto: Taste, Live, Share. They really follow these ideals.
March 1, 2016
We visited Cantina la Veinte for the first time last year. It is located at 495 Brickell Avenue on the ground level of the Icon Brickell. It is owned by Mexico's largest hospitality group, the Cinbersol group. They obviously have deep pockets because this is not your average Mexican joint. It is a 210 seat Mexican showcase, with a black onyx bar, antiqued mirrors, black and white tile floors, dark wood paneling, and shelves with copies of tasteful Mexican artifacts. The space is quite glamorous, the waiters are well dressed, and the crowd is hipsters or wannabes ready to make a dent in their wallet.
March 1, 2016
Palm Beach Luxury footwear boutique, Stubbs and Wootton is a located at 1 Via Parigi, in a shopping alley off of Worth Avenue. They have been purveyors of handmade artisan-crafted slippers, loafers, espadrilles and sandals since 1993. They are made in Spain and have since opened stores in New York, Southhampton and Palm Beach.
February 29, 2016
I have been visiting Capri for over 25 years in a row, and one of my favourite shops is 100% Capri. It is a luxury lifestyle brand shop owned, run and designed by my friend Antonio Aiello. He is suave, charming and multi-talented. His luxe brand of stores is now becoming a worldwide chain with locations in the poshest of places including St. Bart's, the Graff Estate in Cape Town, Dubai, Rome, Mykonos, Florence, Beverly Hills and Bal Harbour to date.
February 27, 2016
Here's my list of must-try's for 2016. Comment with some of the spots you are dying to try!
February 25, 2016
We decided to take a day trip to the upper Florida Keys. I didn't have a lot of information on where to stop for lunch so I decided to try Marker 88 at 88000 Overseas Highway. It has been popular since the late 60's and it is one of the few restaurants located on a natural beach with ample outdoor seating.