By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

maryjoshore@aol.com

Tastemaker–noun

A person that establishes or strongly influences what is considered to be stylish, acceptable, or worthwhile in a given sphere of interest…

We’ve asked a few of our favorite tastemakers, whose “fabulocity” makes Miami such a “fabulous city” to weigh-in on some of their favorite nightlife venues, hotels, restaurants and pursuits.

In this two-part series, you’ll find a short list of places and delights you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check back next week for Season’s Bests 2010- Part II.

Tara Solomon

 Tara Solomon, Principal, TARA, Ink.

Nightclub/lounge/bar

“The bohemian in me loves Cafeina in Wynwood; my cabaret girl alter ego is enthralled by the burlesque at La Fee Verte; my late night side is partial to the chic Coco de Ville; and my inner oenophile could live at the bar at The Forge Restaurant|Wine Bar, where I was introduced to the most luscious Super Tuscan — by my own luscious, Super Italian — at the 80-wine, self-pour enomatic system. It elevates imbibing to an art form.”

 Hotel 

“There’s nothing better than hotel culture, and Miami has amazing choices. Among them: Hotel InterContinental Miami and its otherworldly MySpa; The National Hotel for its clandestine beachfront tiki bar; The Gansevoort for an enticing mix of vices under one roof — red meat, cocktails, sun and shopping; The Standard and its weekend pool scene; and The W South Beach, which offers the ultimate lobby experience.”
 

Daytime Leisure Activity: 

“My favorite Sunday goes something like this: Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (where half of Miami Beach goes, it’s a beautiful thing), followed by brunch at Balans and, in season, the very fun Lincoln Road Antique & Collectibles Market, where I keep my hoarding impulses under wraps by buying only items that can fit in my purse.” 

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Nick D'Annuzio

 Nick D’Annunzio, Principal, TARA, Ink.

Nightclub/lounge/bar 

“I love Coco de Ville. It’s the chicest little jewel box of a club with the sexiest crowd and the counter culture vibe of Cafeina in Wynwood.  The inside out space is so welcoming and the crowd is refreshingly talented and pretty.”

 Hotel 

“I love the new pool cabanas at the National hotel. Such cool things are happening at the hotel for season. I’m most excited about the new SLS coming in two years. Three words: Hyde, Katsoya and Bazaar. The W South Beach got it so right with everything. Yet another crown jewel for Starwood.” 

Expensive Restaurant 

“The Forge is my favorite. Shareef got it so right on every level. I mean really… the decor, food, and wine: perfection! STK is is the hottest scene in Miami. Everyone who is ‘anyone’ is there. And it’s the best spot for celeb and model sightings. Love Zuma, best Japanese hands down. Better than even the Zuma in Hong Kong.”

Moderate/Inexpensive Restaurant 

“Burger & Beer Joint on Miami Beach and Brickell are such a scene. I love the local sensibility about it. It’s like Miami’s answer for Cheers, where everybody knows your name and the food is always the same 🙂

 A Fish Called Avalon is the most authentic Ocean Drive restaurant- a true landmark and the only true culinary destination on that street. It’s such a great place to people watch and have the freshest seafood.”

 Daytime Leisure Activity

“I love Balans for brunch on Sunday after Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The best choir in all of Miami and Lincoln Road for shopping. They have Penguin, Tashcen, Y-3, Base. It’s just so chill; and of course, Bal Harbour, the Webster, Etro in the Village of Merrick Park.

For a pool party scene the only place to be is the Standard on Sundays. It’s where us cool kids hang. I love that I can go by boat.

The Best gym and social club is Equinox South Beach. Everyone goes but it’s never over crowded. And it is the cleanest. It’s worth every penny. “

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Michelle Leshem

 Michelle Leshem – Co-Founder of Super Market 

 Nightclub

Vagabond -“The “Vag” like every loyal Vagabond patron likes to call their club de choix. ‘Back to Basics’ nightlife is not so basic here. There’s never a dull night. The music, the talent and the crowd are consistently enlightening.”

Lounge/Bar

Cafeina- Wynwood’s hybrid spot – a lounge, gallery and terrace in one; where uptown meets downtown.

Daytime Leisure Activity

International Polo Club, Palm Beach

This club is in a picturesque setting, in a land not so far away, where Sundays are reserved for champagne, divots, horses and glamour.   

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 Vanessa Poskanzer, Director, Harrison & Shriftman Miami  

 Nightclub/lounge/bar – WALL at W South Beach

 Expensive Restaurant – Mr Chow, Prime 112

 Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant –Sugarcane, Joe Allen, Burger & Beer

 Daytime Leisure activity – Sundays at The Standard

 Other- Training with Rob Severiano at ME Fitness in Wynwood.

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Michael Gongora Miami Beach Commissioner

Michael Gongora

 Nightclub/lounge/bar. 

“Mondrian Hotel lounge is a great Friday night spot to enjoy the sunset views and good looking hip crowd.  It’s a perfect way to end the work week!  The Mondrian has been converted to a top notch hotel and the western view gives you a panoramic view of Monument Island and downtown Miami.”

 Hotel 

While there are several that I love in Miami Beach, The Shore Club has always been a favorite.  From the penthouse suite with wrap around views of Miami Beach to the beachfront townhome suite (where I celebrated my election victory) the rooms are unique and spacious.  I also enjoy the fun vibe and pool scene with a hospitable staff that is well-managed by Tim Nardi.

 Expensive Restaurant – The Forge

“I recently had the opportunity to present Sharif Malnik with a Proclamation and Key to the City of Miami Beach at the unveiling of the new Forge.  The unique and delicious menu by Chef Dewey LoSasso was a delight.  I particularly enjoyed the lobster appetizer…with peanut butter.  I couldn’t have imagined this being such a great combo.  Of course, the decor which was overseen by Michael Capponi set the look for the new millennium at this Miami Beach institution.”

 Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant. 

 “Burger & Beer is a favorite of mine.  Personally, I enjoy the Buck Necked which is the turkey burger with the fried mushrooms.  It’s especially fun when there is a party ordering the “giant” burger. I like watching the staff parade around and have to slice it up with a buzz saw.  I’m always jealous when I see the kids enjoying a birthday party there….it looks like fun!”

 Daytime Leisure Activity

“I love the Sunday brunch at the Fontainebleau Hotel.  I was a long time fan of the Sunday brunch at Scarpetta and am pleased that since it moved to Gotham it remains delicious.  There is an incredible amount of food to choose from accompanied with all you can drink bubbly.  It’s a wonderful way to enjoy your Sunday but don’t plan on doing much after.”

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Marysol Patton

 Marysol Patton, President, The Patton Group

 Nightclub/lounge/bar

“The Lounge at Zuma is the perfect spot for seeing the who’s who from around the world casually walking in to dine. The drinks are exotic one-of-a-kind creations-like nothing I have ever experienced.”

 Hotel 

“Eden Roc continues to hold some of the city’s best red carpet events and continues to be booked solid week after week.”

Daytime Leisure Activity

“Shopping at the Village of Merrick Park is so convenient and there is such a huge variety of stores that I can always find something for any and every occasion.”