The brand-spanking new, Urbanite Bistro, a quaint, cozy resto-bar which looks like a typical, underground SoHo spot, invites you to embrace your inner “boho, artistic child” thanks to its rotating exhibits of local artwork, which are for sale and decorate its trendy, plum colored walls.Urbanite offers eclectic bistro fare, of which we recommend the shrimp corn dogs (how can you go wrong?), Pad Thai, and alligator egg-rolls (if you dare). How’s that for “eclectic? Of course, there are your usual meat and potatoes dishes and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. The place also features two stylish and well-appointed bars, perfect for a few cocktails before hitting neighboring clubs, Vagabond and Karu & Y. If you crave a little nosh during clubbing, return to Urbanite- the kitchen closes at 3:00.

To show its support of the local art scene, The Urbanite Bistro invites guests to a public arts reception on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. This month this “rotating gallery” hosts provocative artwork by Latin American artists, Gabriela Sanchez-Vegas and Rudolf Kohn. Guests will receive an Urbanite VIP card, redeemable for a complimentary specialty cocktail during the reception. The Urbanite Bistro is located at 62 NE 14th Street. Reservations may be made by calling 305.374.0662 or visiting www.urbanitebistro.com. Valet parking is free.

So it seems that anyone with a star on Hollywood Boulevard, recording contract or fashion line was either in Toronto for the film festival or in New York for Fashion Week, the US Open and/or the VMAs, thus rendering our “Celebrity Sightings,” section null and void.  Not sure that next week will be a whole lot better, being that the Emmy’s, with their requisite pre and post parties are taking place, points west of the 305.  However, being that the name of this column is the “411,” and that those of us in the know consider Miami the “sixth borough,” we feel obliged to inform you that on Saturday night, Andre Balazs opened up the Boom Boom Room, in his Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District.  Touted as the “Biggest opening since Studio 54” by celebrity photographer, Patrick McMullan.  So, to make ourselves feel just a little bit less bummed (all right, slightly bitter) about not being there, and so that we (you) can talk about it as though you actually were (after a few vodka sodas, who really knows the difference?) we will expand our “Celebrity Sightings” for the week to include some of the fun NYC. 

Mama Mia!

Here in Downtown, Miami, there are definitely a few spots worth mentioning.  Mia Biscayne opened with much fanfare in the form of searchlights, throngs of people outside the velvet ropes and special musical guests last Wednesday.  This latest addition to the downtown club scene features
a restaurant, live music venue, nightclub and outdoor terrace that just screams “happy hour” to those who work and/or play in the downtown/Brickell area.  Conceptually, it’s a like Karu and Y, but with a cozier feel, better service and much more convenient (read less life threatening) location.  The premise is that Mia is an ideal place to spend an entire evening, where you can grab a good meal, have some cocktails and stay to dance until 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we were personally greeted by the adorable Executive Chef, Gerdy Rodriguez, a young-Tyler Florence type, who looks like he stepped out of one of those reality cooking shows.  Rodriguez credits his Cuban upbringing for his flavorful fusion concoctions, which include the Mia roll, lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantains (yes, mariquitas), scallions and avocado cream (our favorite), Kobe sliders and piping hot Manchego cheese and Serrano ham croquettes (close second).  Another highlight unique to Mia Biscayne is the I-Bar, a translucent runway installation that club goers control by touching, kind of like laser light show meets giant IPOD touch.   Talk about ADHD helper- now if only we could send texts on the thing.  Hunky award-winning actor/singer, Jencarlos Canela, and American Idol’s Christina Christian performed live, and DJ George Morel provided the sounds for guests such as Dr. Sanford Ziff; Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, and notable political figures, Mayor of West Miami, Cesar Carasa, Commissioner, Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Tomas Regalado and Mayor of Hialeah, Julio Robaina – all of whom presented the owner of MIA, Luis Arias, with a proclamation to the city.

 Get Stoned

Another terrific downtown offering is mySpa at the InterContinental Miami, where we got one of the best massages ever.  While admittedly not a spa person due to limited attention span, (I was tempted to roast weenies on the little grill in the sauna and channeled Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes in the steam room) I enjoyed the simplicity and elegance of mySpa and the hot stones massage got the creative juices flowing (I mentally wrote 2/3 of this column on the table)!  My only complaint:  that the massage didn’t last all day.  Hopefully they’ll consider our suggestion and create a 24 hour massage.  A definite bonus for “football widows”, who will have reason to look forward to Sundays this season, is that mySpa is offering the Sunday’s Fabulous Football Survival Package, which includes a 60 minute myMassage (we definitely recommend the hot stones) followed by a 60 minute True Transformation Facial, for $160.00, a 20% savings, not bad considering the price of a game ticket these days.   ”Widows” can “grieve” together by taking advantage of all spa amenities including sauna, steam, fitness center or just relax poolside with a cocktail in hand.  Now that’s what I call a support group!  For more information, visit www.myspymiami.com.

Disco Baby

Badrutt’s Place, coined ”the European gem in the heart of Brickell,” premiered Disco Baby Supper Club on Saturday, with Master DJ, Mark Leventhal spinning all the songs we grew up loving and pretending to hate during the failed “Disco Sucks” campaign.  During the party, guests enjoyed full menu items as well as delicious tapas, including Chef Mario Da Como’s signature selections, such as shrimp, Carpaccio, crab cakes, cheeseburger bites, spicy meatballs, and pepper crusted beef medallions with horseradish sauce.  We must warn you that while the food is delicious, you may be too busy dancing to even notice it. So don’t over order and wear comfortable shoes.  Badrutt’s plans to throw the 70s themed party on a regular basis, so start grooming your afro wig and buffing your platforms, Disco Baby!  Stay tuned for upcoming dates.

Spin Spin Sugar

Socialite/singer/songwriter Jamie Jo Harris rocked the tables (Mac book) at Wall on Friday night, joining the ranks of gorgeous DJ Divas:  Tracy Young, Eve Salvali and Sky Nellor and showing, yet again that girls can rule the tables too, with all due respect to our favorite local guys, Irie, Dert, Leventhal, Kurtz, Johnny the Boy and Ruckus.  VIPs including Fabian Basabe, Eric Meier, Jose Ortiz, Lance Burstyn, Rich Santelises, Jerry Powers, Nicola Siervo, Karim Masri, Eric Levin, Tara Solomon, Nick D’Annunzio, Mark Leventhal and Harris’ parents, Fran and Mel Harris, danced to her chart-topping single “U Turn Me On,” a pop duet alongside Barry Gibb, and other hits masterfully mixed by Harris. Absent from the spinning debut was Harris’ collaborator, nine-time Grammy Award-winning music producer Rudy Perez, who was summoned at the last minute by superstar client,  Beyonce Knowles (darn VMAs on the same weekend !).

In other spinning news:  David Barton is kicking off his new spinning program with his Tour de Barton spinning competition, in keeping with his goal of helping you, “look better naked.”  On Saturdays through the end of September, members and non-members will spin to win prizes including memberships, spa treatments, guest passes, apparel, and more. To sign up contact DavidBartonGym at

Gansevoort South (305) 534-1660.

Celebrity Sightings:

Seen getting down at the Boom Boom Room:  Madonna, Jon Bon Jovi, John Stamos, Josh Hartnett, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Jude Law, Lindsay Lohan, Nacho Figueras, Nicky Hilton, Rachel Zoe, and Tory Burch, to name a few.  At Marc Jacobs’ after party at Hiro Ballroom: Janet Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Rachel Zoe, Russell Simmons, Ciara, Estelle and Rufus Wainwright joined the 700 (of 1000) invitees who were allowed into the hot, sticky party, where Lady Gaga performed toned down versions of “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”  Notably absent, Madonna, who attended the show but skipped the party.

A few local celebrity artists joined forces to help the Miami Children’s Museum celebrate its first annual Family Carnival on Sunday.  Romero Britto, Alex Yanes and the guys from Ruthless and Toothless joined young fans in creating murals that will be displayed at the museum.

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Here in Downtown, Miami, there are definitely a few spots worth mentioning. Mia Biscayne opened with much fanfare in the form of searchlights, throngs of people outside the velvet ropes and special musical guests last Wednesday. This latest addition to the downtown club scene features a restaurant, live music venue, nightclub and outdoor terrace that just screams “happy hour” to those who work and/or play in the downtown/Brickell area. Conceptually, it’s a like Karu and Y, but with a cozier feel, better service and much more convenient (read less life threatening) location. The premise is that Mia is an ideal place to spend an entire evening, where you can grab a good meal, have some cocktails and stay to dance until 5:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we were personally greeted by the adorable Executive Chef, Gerdy Rodriguez, a young-Tyler Florence type, who looks like he stepped out of one of those reality cooking shows. Rodriguez credits his Cuban upbringing for his flavorful fusion concoctions, which include the Mia roll, lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantains (yes, mariquitas), scallions and avocado cream (our favorite), Kobe sliders and piping hot Manchego cheese and Serrano ham croquettes (close second). Another highlight unique to Mia Biscayne is the I-Bar, a translucent runway installation that club goers control by touching, kind of like laser light show meets giant IPOD touch. Talk about ADHD helper- now if only we could send texts on the thing. Hunky award-winning actor/singer, Jencarlos Canela, and American Idol’s Christina Christian performed live, and DJ George Morel provided the sounds for guests such as Dr. Sanford Ziff; Tara Solomon and Nick D’Annunzio, and notable political figures, Mayor of West Miami, Cesar Carasa, Commissioner, Rebeca Sosa, Commissioner Tomas Regalado and Mayor of Hialeah, Julio Robaina – all of whom presented the owner of MIA, Luis Arias, with a proclamation to the city.

As recent history has proven, the best way to create interest in and excitement over an establishment in this town is to shut it down, make some changes and reopen with a bit of fanfare. Just ask the owners of the Fontainebleau, Eden Roc, Smith & Wollensky, Karu & Y and Mynt (which seems to shut down and reopen every year or two) to name a few. Now we can add the Clevelander and Forge to that successful list.

The Clevelander, which has undergone an extreme makeover and an augmentation or two over the last year and a half, will celebrate its rebirth this Thursday with four days chock full of concerts, libations, and entertainment. Despite its roomier and glitzier revamp, the Ocean Drive staple remains the casual, wildly spirited hang-out that has made it the premier stomping ground for spring breakers of all ages for the past 70 years. Now the place where Spring Break springs eternal features over a dozen spaces to party, including the infamous pool and patio and a new, state-of- the art sports bar, complete with wall to wall High Def plasmas, where many a sports fan can cheer the Heat and Dolphins to victory, just steps from the ocean. The new Cleve also houses 1020 Music Boxx, a bonafide dance club (minus the velvet rope and snooty attitude) and the upgraded Clevelander Café, with renowned chef, Robbin Haas, at its helm. Fret not, you can still get your extra-greasy with a side of greasy chicken tenders and fries, but Chef Haas has added some sophisticated bites as well. The Clevelander’s augmentation also includes the addition of the SPF 4 Sun Deck, where we’re pretty sure a babe or two will be showing off augmentations of her own, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel’s 60 rooms have also gotten a facelift. While rooms are a bargain, starting at just $179.00, to really party like a Rock star, stay in one of the Rock- star Suites, where you’ll have your own butler to cater to your every outlandish whim! For more info or to buy tickets for the weekend celebrations, including concerts by Gym Class Heroes and Inner Circle and DJ sets by DJ Irie, Sky Nellor, Jazzy Jeff and Z Trip, visit www.clevelander.com.

After celebrating 40 years in business, and being honored by Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower on Monday, Shareef Malnik announced that his iconic restaurant, The Forge, would be closing this week to undergo renovations, overdue since its last remodeling in 1991, which was the result of a fire. Malnik, whose family has owned the 1920s storied venue since 1968, proudly declared that the revamp would include radical changes to the Forge’s menu and interior design, stating, “When we re-open in the fall of 2009, our loyal clientele will be blown away by the exciting enhancements and changes that will have been completed. Like the fine wines in our famous cellar, The Forge only improves with age. Here’s to the next 40 years.” To be honest, we kind of love the place as is, with its old world style and gorgeous chandeliers and stained glass ceiling and accents. To the dismay of many a Sugar Daddy and the girls who, ahem, love them, who flock to the Forge religiously on Wednesday nights, the culinary bastion will remain closed until next season. Perhaps the Clevelander can fill in as resident meat market in the meantime!