Browse: December 2007

“Look out weekend ‘cause here we come, because weekends were made for fun.”

As if the shady people in this sunny town needed another excuse to let it
all hang out. It’s the last weekend of the year, people — so, let’s get ready
to get a little (more) crazy. There will be plenty of time next year for
resolutions, in the meantime, don’t miss our online calendar for a complete
rundown of the happenings around town this weekend.

If this Wednesday has you dreaming of a weekend getaway, you’ve come to the right place. You still have plenty of time to get it together, pack-up the car and clear your schedule for Friday afternoon. This weekend, we’re cruising to Captiva Island.

Captiva Island will have you channeling an island vibe much different than our beloved Miami Beach. We’ve done the research, and here are the places to eat, drink and get married.

It will be impossible for you to miss the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge while visiting Captiva. Named after Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and pioneer environmentalist Jay Norwood Darling, the refuge spans 6,300 acres and provides visitors more opportunities to camp, hike, canoe and nature watch than one could cram into a single weekend.

Tame your appetite at the Mucky Duck, a legendary locals spot. Here the food is great, the beer is cold and the sunsets are breathtaking. If you enjoy a great game of darts, this is also the place to be. For fine dining, head over to the Old Captiva House located in the ‘Tween Waters Inn. Here Executive Chef Jason Miller prepares mouthwatering island cuisine, plus all pastries and breads are baked fresh daily.

A must-see while there is the historic Chapel By the Sea. It was originally built as a schoolhouse that doubled as a church in 1901. Now, this charming chapel serves as a seaside meditation site, nondenominational church and popular wedding spot. (Perfect place to elope, perhaps?)

While there are hotels in Captiva, we recommend living more like a local and staying at one of the small cottages or inns on the island. Also, be prepared to pay a $6 toll to cross the Sannibel Causeway on your way to Captiva Island (although, no fee to return to the mainland). Get driving directions here.

See you on Monday!

Chapel by the Sea; 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva; 239-472-1646.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge; One Wildlife Drive (off Sanibel-Captiva Road); 239-472-1100; www.fws.gov/dingdarling.

Mucky Duck; 11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island; 239-472-3434; www.muckyduck.com.

Old Captiva Inn; 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island; 239-472-5161; www.oldcaptivahouse.com.

 

Art Basel | Satellite Fairs | Events | Artist Profiles | Collector Tours | Exhibitions

 

Design Miami is one of Basel's most prominent satellite fairs. The 2007 show featured 26 of the world's leading historical and contemporary design galleries. We caught all the action.

Back in the 60’s, a phone call from Andy Warhol changed the life of Miami photographer William John Kennedy. Warhol, who had seen Kennedy's work, wanted the local photographer to shoot him in New York. That's when Kennedy set off for The Factory and fate stepped in.

For twenty years, the Warhol photos stayed locked away inside Kennedy’s vault. After a successful run at Art Basel, however, he decided that it would be a shame for these works of art to be once again be hidden away from the public. So, with that sentiment in mind, the photographs are still currently available for viewings, albeit, by appointment only.

William John Kennedy Fine Art Photography, Miami Beach; 305-673-0000; www.williamjohnkennedy.com.

Welcome back to Verbatim, our stage for amateur and professional writers. Today we hear from Miami Carol City High Schooler, Cierra Colson.

Summer of Secrets

Trying to keep my life on track after
Some summer secrets
Losing my grandma and having almost been raped
By a boy that I shouldn’t
Nearly never neared
Each night I lost my mind trying to sleep
I have had flashbacks about him every night
About what he almost did before my
Dad derailed destruction
Friends and family worry about me
None of them even know what had happened
Between me and him
But I would find I was not the only one
Hiding horrible happenings
My mom and long life friend, too
Mom is pregnant and my friend might be also
Enough of this terrible trash
Truce!
I cannot sleep or even be around another boy
Did any of you ever think of asking me?
But I should have told you all soon
Now that it’s out what can I do?
Scared, screwed, scarred.

Art Basel | Satellite Fairs | Events | Artist Profiles | Collector Tours | Exhibitions

 

Plans for Basel 2008 may be well underway, but we’re still reveling in the magic of Basel 2007. A good party never dies – enter F.A.M.E. Collective. The Dec 2 bash aimed to bring street culture into the upper echelon of arts. Thirty of the country’s hottest contemporary street and graffiti artists got together to tackle fashion, art, music and entertainment. We caught all the action.

Were you naughty or nice this year? Regardless, it's time to stuff those stockings with holiday cheer and a whole lot of gifts. For that very reason, we've made it easy for you to find the perfect present by assembling this handy list of South Beach gift ideas — that won't break the bank. Located around the Lincoln Road Mall, you last minute shoppers won’t have to travel far to get all of your holiday shopping done in one fell swoop. So, bust out the gift-wrap and tape, Santa baby, because it’s starting to look a lot like Christmas.

BASE; 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-531-4982; www.baseworld.com.
At this place that features music for modern living, stock up on some CDs from artists such as De-Phazz, LCD Soundsytem, or whatever floats your boat. There's a huge collection of soulful jams that will surely make you groove.

Books & Books; 933 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-532-3222; www.booksandbooks.com.
For the bookworms in your life, stop by this literary powerhouse and maybe ask owner and word warrior, Mitch Kaplan, what he’s reading these days.

Britto Central; 818 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-531-8821; www.britto.com.
Works of art can run a pretty penny, but at Britto Central you can find authentic, artistic, collectables that won’t put a whole in your wallet, including limited edition prints, posters, or even a Britto vodka bottle to adorn atop the tree.

Ghirardelli; 801 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-532-3451; www.ghirardelli.com.
Sweet! Get to this chocolatier and stock up on some delicious treats like the peppermint chocolate crisp. Mmmmm, chocolate.

The Shop; 660 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-535-0926.
Shop for some wicked his and her kicks by Ed Hardy or maybe a rhinestone encrusted belt buckle at this Mecca of South Beach style.

Spiegelworld sets up shop on the sand at 21st & Collins this week. The main show, Absinthe, is a trippy mix of cabaret, burlesque, comedy and pure entertainment that runs from Dec. 20 to Feb. 17.

Sideshows such as The Gazillionairs Late Night Lounge, Raindance Miami, The Turn Tables South Beach, Global Cubafest and Wednesday Night Fever will also be featured in the tent.

Check out our sneak peek at the show and visit the Spiegelworld website for specific shows and times.

Spiegelworld; 305-358-5885; www.spiegelworld.com.

It's the freakin' weekend baby and we are about to have us some fun. Check out this handy compendium of all the best happenings around the Magic City and make sure to access our online calendar so you'll be in the know. Remember what G.I. Joe told you all those years ago--"Knowing is half the battle."

Thursday

Hailing from New York, the internationally acclaimed performers of Absinthe take you on surreal journey when Spiegelworld hits Collins Park with a dazzling burlesque style show sure to titillate you and your friends. For a more family friendly outing, take the kids down south to Santa's Enchanted Forest. It's the world's largest Christmas themed amusement park. To cold for that? Then heat things up when the Miami Heat take on the New Jersey Nets.

Friday

Hey, twinkle toes, why not grab a drink at Wine Fridays at the Mandarin then check out the abstract mechanics of Ballet Mecanique, you can enjoy the live performance and the original 1924 film. After that, pop in and check out the Pop Art King's work when the Miami Beach Cinematheque offers up viewings of The Rare Films of Andy Warhol:The Naked Restaurant.

Saturday

Take a stroll through the Wynwood Sculpture Park and gaze upon the five monumental sculptures by Hans Van de Bovenkamp. Then take a walk through Jorge Pardo's House and peruse objects that cross the boundaries of art, design and architecture, defying genre and definition. Cap off the artsy day by visiting Enoc Perez and his forty featured canvases.

Sunday

Wake up early and shop for healthy fruits, vegetable and flowers at the Farmer's Market on Lincoln Road or get in the holiday spirit with a festive trip to Key Biscayne where Winter Nights & Lights will brighten up you and your family's day. Then, get cultured by taking in a performance of My Fair Lady, starring Christopher Cazenove and Lisa O’Hare at the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House.

Just call us the fashion police. Every week PlumTV looks for the most stylish citizens in the 305. This week we found these couture cuties sashaying down South Beach and we just had to know what they were wearing.

Amir Ben-Zion only invests in places he thinks are cool enough that he would frequent himself. That's why his latest venture, Domo Japones in the Design District, promises to be en eclectic mix of trend-setters, chic scenesters and culinary aficionados. The owner of the Townhouse Hotel, Bond St., Buck 15 and now Domo sat down with us to share his vision of the ultra-hip sushi-bistro.

What do we need to know about Domo?

"It's a restaurant/lounge/sushi-bistro. It’s a hang out where you can look at the beautiful people and enjoy the art on the walls."

Are you a collector?

"I don't like to use the term art collector. The Rubells are art collectors. Craig Robinson is an art collector. I have a few pieces."

You are mostly known for you places on the beach, why the sudden interest in the Design District?

The Design District is the next big market. It's the next SoHo, the next Chelsea. Between Wynwood, the Design District and Midtown, this is it right now. Plus, you know, I'm a South Beach local. I'm at David's Cafe everyday drinking my Cuban coffee, but on the weekends the locals they get pushed out. I wanted to create a place where we could go and feel comfortable.

It's tree time in Miami. If you have been procrastinating, it's time to get out there and get yours. We stopped by The Log Cabin Nursery, a non profit nursery that benefits developmentally disabled adults, on 81st & Collins to see what they had in stock (which was plenty!)

If you are looking for a last minute tree, here are some places to go:

John's Christmas Tree Lot; 530 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables; 305-757-7777.

North-Cut Christmas Tree; 8670 SW 24th St, Miami; 305-223-9006.

The Log Cabin Nursery; 8128 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-993-2008; www.logcabinnursery.org.

Publix; multiple locations, Miami; 1- 800-242-1227; http://publix.com.

Art Basel | Satellite Fairs | Events | Artist Profiles | Collector Tours | Exhibitions

 

Green Goes Glam as Ocean Drive Magazine celebrates its 15th year during Art Basel, proving that "green" can also be luxurious and glamorous. The event was meant to bring awareness of the "green movement" to Miami.

 

It’s no secret that prices at the pump are putting a serious dent in our individual and collective wallets. Filling a 12-gallon tank means shelling out nearly $40, while petroleum imports cost the US over $4.4 billion a week. Today, Earth Bytes helps stop the madness with easy fuel efficiency tips. Cheaper bills and better mileage are a few changes away.

 

Like what you see? For more Earth Bytes click here.

Art Basel | Satellite Fairs | Events | Artist Profiles | Collector Tours | Exhibitions

 

Miami Art Museum Director, Terence Riley, discusses the new, still evolving design plans for the museum in Bicentennial Park.

Work in Progress: Herzog & de Meuron's Miami Art Museum; Dec. 1 - April 6; 305-375-3000; miamiartmuseum.org.

 

Blink and you'll miss Me! Gym. The tiny Wynwood fitness dungeon is where Robert Severiano, trainer to the stars, puts his celebrity clientele to work. There's not a sign in site - it’s the perfect place to buff up in privacy for your next blockbuster.

In true celeb style, Severiano, who trains Matt Damon and Heidi Klum, celebrated Me!'s opening with an opulent invite-only event last Saturday night and a bit of Hollywood dish: “I have the biggest diva client who shall remain nameless. All this guy does is yell at people all day, bark orders at people, you know a total diva, but when he comes in here—he’s all mine,” said a grinning Severiano.

High-end clientele can expect to find a nondescript gym with just a few machines and a Jonathan-Adler inspired reception area.

Me! Gym, 50 NW 29th Street, Miami

Meet the latest reason to linger in the Design District. Brosia Miami opens this week, bringing Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to the developing neighborhood.

Chef Arthur Artiles, formerly of Chispa in Coral Gables, blends the essence of Spain, Italy, France, Greece and North Africa is dishes like Chermoula prawns grilled with preserved lemons & served with hearts of palm salad and braised lamb shank with creamy polenta, caramelized pearl onions and allspice oil. Extra bonus – the signature sangria is said to be a house specialty.

In true Miami fashion, Brosia’s opening date has been hopping around the calendar for weeks. Latest we’ve heard is later this week. Happy eating!

Not a Mediterranean fan? Check out Domo Japones, innovative Japanese opening this week in the neighborhood, or our Design District dinning guide.

Brosia: 163 NE 39 St, Design District; brosiamiami.com.

Welcome back to Verbatim, or stage for amateur and professional writers. This week we hear from Angelo Coaxum, a freshman from Miami Carol City Senior High School.

Bein Criticized for Nothin
Hairstyles, clothes, jewelry, all kinds of appearances
I know that we all have our own differences
But deep down inside, I know that we’re all alike
We all have to go through serious things in life.

No matter what color, no matter what your race is
We all have to go through certain changes
But the thing is, there’s a word called strikes
And I’m guessing that I had two of them that same night.

Just because I have dreads and I have black skin
Doesn’t give you the right to judge me and the life I live in
Because when we were at the movies, I knew what were your thoughts;
How many people did he kill and how many cops has he fought?

Well, you can call me what you want
Because I know what I am
An educated, young
Black man.

Plum TV hit the streets looking for some of the Beach's most stylish patrons. Check out our slide show to see who we found.