Season’s Bests 2010- Part II
By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
maryjoshore@aol.com
This week we continue our guide to the best Miami has to offer in the words of some of the city’s top tastemakers. Check back next week for even more great recommendations.
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Loren Ridinger
Loren Ridinger, Senior Vice President, Market America
Nightclub/lounge/bar
“LIV- I love LIV because it’s gorgeous and the music is great. Of course Dave Grutman is such a fabulous host and makes it even more fun…especially when he lets me DJ.”
Hotel
“The W hotel is sexy, they have a great pool and I love to lunch there as well. The whole place is gorgeous and the people are always beautiful there. Of course my favorite thing about it is Mr. Chow, which I love, and is one of the most beautiful restaurants anywhere.”
Expensive Restaurant
“STK- The bone in rib eye is to die for and the music and ambiance are amazing. You don’t have to go anywhere else; it’s like having dinner and going to a club all in one. I love that- it’s just smart! I also love the new Forge Restaurant. Shareef has been one of my best friends for years and just makes every experience there the best, from start to finish. I love the lobster peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, they are unique and yummy. Casa Tua is intimate and serves great food and I love eating in the club upstairs. Miki is a great friend and we love going there.”
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
“T-Mex (formerly San Loco) – has the best tacos anytime day or night. Eva Longoria turned me on to it and it’s always a late night stop.”
Daytime Leisure Activity
My favorite stores include the Webster, Oxygen, Curve, Intermix and Dash Miami. Dash has great finds, plus I love supporting my friends Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian and they really take the time to put things in the store that they really love. I love going to lunch on the weekends at Carpaccio. I think it’s a long time fave of many and the food is delicious- and you can run into everyone at one place. Of course on the weekends I love to just hang out with my friends on Utopia 3. That is always the best and the most peaceful for me. I love Miami Beach because of the water and the people, and with Utopia 3, I get to enjoy both.”
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Jose Ortiz
Jose Ortiz, Editor, Ocean Drive Magazine
Nightclub/lounge/bar
“La Fee Verte, is my favorite new space. I’m involved because I think it’s a unique, wonderland of pleasure and entertainment that I couldn’t resist and neither will you.”
“I’m also a fan of Coco De Ville and Bardot.”
Hotel:
“Whether for dinner, lounging or raging at The Wall, it doesn’t get any better than the W Hotel.”
Expensive Restaurant:
“The Forge is simply delicious and BLT is to die for.”
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
“Burger & Beer Joint has it all and is surprisingly a great date spot.”
Daytime Leisure Activity
“Standard- love hanging out by the pool and cocktailing with friends.”
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Belkys Nerey
Belkys Nerey, WSVN-7 News Anchor
Nightclub/lounge/bar
“721 – Simply put it’s just an easy hang out. No attitude, no list, no drama, no overpriced drinks.”
Hotel:
“ONE Bal Harbour — so chic and laid back. The perfect place for some peace and quiet but still sexy!”
Expensive Restaurant:
“Scarpetta – who knew spaghetti, could taste so good? And you can’t beat the view if you eat outside.”
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
“Sugarcane – the menu offers something for everybody. The service is always great and the people watching never disappoints.”
Daytime Leisure Activity
“En Avance is the best for shopping. Karen Quinones, the owner, has great taste and always keeps it fresh.”
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Elaine Lancaster
Elaine Lancaster, International Socialite
Nightclub/lounge/bar
SET, Rose Bar at Delano
Hotel
The Setai, Ritz Carlton South Beach, Four Seasons on Brickell Avenue
Expensive Restaurant
Prime 112, Hakkasan, Mr. Chow
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
Joe’s Stone Crab, Smith & Wollensky, Soyka at the 55th Street Station has good food, good service and fantastic iced tea
Daytime Leisure Activity
“I love poolside weekends at the Standard, the best brunch is at the Ritz Carlton South Beach (hands down). Ask for Sean to serve you. He’s the best. I also love to stay close to home on the weekend since my week has most likely been hyper social.”
Elaine’s Honorable Mentions:
Best Mani/Pedi: Nails 111
Best hair style and color: ORIBE
Best Botox and facials: Dr. Julio Gallo at The Miami Institute at the Four Seasons
Best Dentist: Dr. Julio Hernandez
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Hadley Henriette
Hadley Henriette, Managing Editor, 944 Magazine Miami
Hotel
“The W South Beach is the coolest new hotel, if I didn’t live here, I’d stay there.”
Expensive Restaurant
“Hakkasan blows me away, but there are a LOT of really good, really pricey places in this town.”
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
“I love Indomania and Mai Tardi – they’re both good deals.”
Daytime Leisure activity
“I’m always by my pool on weekends, putzing in the garden.”
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Erin Newberg
Erin Newberg, Socialite, TV Personality
Nightclub/lounge/bar
“Although I’m not into the whole drinking scene, I always LOVE a good night out here and there! When it comes to nightclubs, I vote for Wall at the W hotel. They play great music on Friday nights and there’s always a blasting AC, which keeps a good Jewish girl from sweating in public! When it comes to lounges, I love Casa Tua upstairs. It is very intimate, with great art and a very classy local and international crowd. For a bar scene, the Room, south of 5th, is very cozy; a very eclectic and eccentric choice for the low key night!”
Hotel
“The W has the BEST ART, is so gorgeous, spacious, and has endless options in the facility, from amazing dining at Solea, to great garden areas for chill time. There’s also a huge glam pool and it’s right on the beach!”
Expensive Restaurant
Solea
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
“Off the beaten path in Wynwood, I like Fratelli Lyon and Joey’s (amazing octopus). Also for a great light lunch, I say go to Go Go- a fantastic fast operation where you won’t damage your wallet or your figure!”
Daytime Leisure activity
“Of course, my perfect day includes food and shopping! Love the 5th street area- Barneys and Intermix always have good sales. A fashionista with 4 closets like me needs to find a way to not go bankrupt and look fab! I LOVE the Alchemist on Lincoln Road, and when it comes to a good vintage find, I ALWAYS recommend Wynwood’s Angels Vintage Boutique (north of Fratelli Lyon) has incredible selections from every era.”
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![AmyZvertical[1] Amy Zakarin](https://miamisocialholic.com/wp-content/uploads/AmyZvertical1-367x1024.jpg)
Amy Zakarin
“Tempo Miami is a new hotel located in the heart of downtown’s sophisticated culture of business, art and style savvy. It’s like being in a New York hotel, but with the most unbelievable views of Miami from all directions. “
Expensive Restaurant
“Nobu has the best sushi in town.”
Moderate/inexpensive Restaurant
“Panorama at Sonesta Coconut Grove is a surprising and delicious spot for Peruvian fare. It’s located on the 8th floor of the hotel, so it feels like you’re floating amid Sailboat Bay, which always is so perfectly populated by boats. It creates an inviting atmosphere and scene. There are tables along the pool’s glass terrace, amazing for lunch or sunset dinner. Panorama has THE best ceviche, salads, fish, wine, etc.”
Daytime Leisure activity
“I love going to The Standard for lunch when the weather is nice for amazing organic food, and I can take my dogs. Any place that welcomes dogs is top of my list. Sonesta Coconut Grove is equally terrific for a relaxing lunch, then a movie at the new Paragon Theater or shopping at the organic market on Saturdays.”
Other
“Facials by Stenya. All my friends go to her and we coordinate our appointments, then meet for lunch. Relaxing and refreshing.”