Monday, July 26, 2010

Miami In Style

Mod, sexy and trendy…Miami oozes with steamy nights and cool people. Every trip I take, the scene becomes showier than the time before. If you’re ready for a wild ride, then follow my travel tips below to visit some of the hottest spots that Miami Beach has to offer…
(Photo of Miami Beach by wallcoo.com.)


















Where to Stay

Pools, sun, 70's style shabby-chic bar, martinis…what more could you ask for? At the newly renovated Eden Roc, you can get a room with a view starting at $219. 




The hip, white and orange lobby bar attracts visitors from around the world. On Saturday nights, relax with a cocktail in hand as you listen to a live DJ spin. 



The hotel has all the basics a traveler needs: Starbucks coffee shop, massage and spa amenities, as well as an eternity pool overlooking the beach. 
Located on 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Tel: 305-531-0000.
(Photo of pool by marriot.com.)







Where to Go Out
Hit the chic Bleau Bar at the legendary Fountaine Blue hotel for a cocktail, where James Bond was said to play a hand in gin rummy. 


Continue on to the hotel’s pumping dance club, LIV. DJ’s spin rock, hip-hop and house all night. The crowd is mainly in their 20's, and the whole place seethes with energy. Stilettos, sheer mini-skirts, glittery jewelry, expensive cologne, long lines, VIP treatment – it's the real Miami deal. Located in the Fountain Blue Hotel on 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-674-4680.

Miami’s newest club is Wall, at the W South Beach hotel. Look the hottest you’ve ever looked. Play it very cool. The shorter the skirt, the better. The hipper the dress shoes and the bigger the Rolex watch, the more attention you’ll get. Located at 2201 Collins Avenue. Tel: 305-938-3000.

Sunday bingo night at The Standard is a kick. Dress retro-casual and prepare yourself for a strong martini. Here you can relax, mingle and win something cool while listening to chill out music. Games start at 8:30 p.m. Get there early for a seat, otherwise, standing room only. Located at 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-673-1717

Where to Eat
Join the hip Miami crowd at this hot Italian spot. For delicious thin crust pizza, a mozzarella-tasting bar, and a decently priced bottle of Italian wine, go to Casale restaurant. They offer outdoor patio seating, perfect for a balmy Miami night.

Favorite picks on the menu include the Granturco anipasti (polenta with wild mushrooms and arugula). Clay oven-baked pizzas come out hot and fresh. Try the Catalana (pizza with chorizo, manchego, tomatoe and olives) or the Vegetariana (pizza with cipolline, zucchini, endive and radicchio). Pizza prices range from $9-$15 per pie. Located at 1800 Bay Road, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-763-8088.

If you’re in the mood for Haitian food, you can’t miss out on Tap Tap restaurant. This colorful, casual, lively place offers mouthwatering dishes such as Griyo (lightly fried, marinated pork chunks), Kribish Kreyol (shrimp in Creole or coconut sauce), or Pwason Gwosel (poached yellowtail snapper with lime sauce). Be sure to order a fresh mojito. Meal prices range from $9-$17. Located at 819 5th Street, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-672-2898.

To be seen (and to get some great grub after a long night of partying), go to the Front Porch Café for brunch. This eatery has been voted the “best breakfast in town” by locals for years. Located in the heart of South Beach, the café is attached to the newly renovated Penguin Hotel. You can get all types of omelets, pancakes, health shakes, burritos and sandwiches. Located at 1418 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Tel: 305-531-8300. (Photo of Front Porch Cafe by penguinhotel.com.)


***All photos are taken by me, Molly Malone, unless otherwise specified. Photos are not available for re-posting or publication. Stay tuned to my next blog post on where to go in Cuba...