December 2008

Serving the communities along the Biscayne Corridor, including Arch Creek East, Bay Point, Bayside, Biscayne Park, Belle Meade, Buena Vista, Design District, Downtown, Edgewater, El Portal, Hibiscus Island, Keystone Point, Miami Shores, Morningside, North Bay Island, North Miami, Oakland Grove, Palm Grove, Palm Island, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Star Island, Wynwood, and Venetian Islands www.BiscayneTimes.com Volume 6, Issue 10

Burst, card stock paper, 2007, by NWSA graduate Jen Stark. Photo by Harlan Erskine.

Miami Art Machine ONE SMALL SCHOOL HAS HAD ONE HUGE IMPACT By Anne Tschida rt Basel Miami Beach could be a But that’s a measure of art markets. It center of the art universe, one of its most Auction and Exhibition,” opening bit of a bust this year. By many has nothing to do with art makers. The radiant celestial bodies is homegrown, a December 4 and showcasing 23 artists Aaccounts, even the once mighty quality of work on display at this seventh local institution that has had an impact who graduated with either a high school markets for modern and contemporary installment of the aesthetic extravaganza far out of proportion to its size: Miami’s diploma or a BFA from the school’s col- art have fallen victim to the crashing will include some of the most inspired New World School of the Arts (NWSA), lege program. A glance at some of the world economies. It will likely cast a — and inspiring — to be found any- in particular its visual arts program. pall over segments of our glamorous where on the planet. And if, during the To get a sense of New World’s influ- Art Machine annual bash. first week of December, Art Basel is the ence, consider the inaugural “Alumni Art Continued from page 4

Art & Culture Community News Our Correspondents Dining Guide

The Boulevard An amazing More restaurant Our brief and Theater flips night that listings than eccentric guide to from boys had hopes anywhere! Art Basel week. to girls. soaring high. Plus wines! Page 38 Page 29 Page 47 Page 51 2 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 DEK KNIGHTC CONCERT HALLEMBERC CARNIVAL STUDIO THEATERZ ZIFF BALLET OPERA HOUSE P PEACOCK FOUNDATION STUDIO SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete 1 2 Works of William 34Works of William Works of William 56Works of William Works of William Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) ALTON BROWN 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 2 & 7:30PM C Annie Annie Annie Annie Annie December 13 8PM Z 8PM Z 8PM Z 8PM Z 2 & 8PM Z “One of the best Michel Camilo musicals ever!” Tribute to the Sistema 8PM K - Chicago Tribune 8PM K The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete 7 Works of William 8 9 Works of William 10Works of William 11 Works of William 12Works of William 13 Works of William Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) C 2 & 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 2 & 7:30PM Annie “Laugh? I nearly Jose Feliciano Saturday Night Live Jazz Roots Series: Paul Taylor Dance 2 & 7:30PM Z died!” 8PM K meets Shakespeare! Bossa Nova: The Company Bet your bottom - London Daily Mail First 50 Years 7PM Z dollar the whole 8PM K Alton Brown family will love it! 8PM K The Complete Works The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete 14 of William 15 16 17 18 The Complete Works of William Works of William Works of William 19 Works of William 20 Works of William Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare (abridged) Shakespeare (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) 2 & 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 2 & 7:30PM C Paul Taylor Dance “Wildly Funny!” All 37 plays in 97 The Nutcracker Company The Nutcracker - LA Times hilarious minutes! Z 2 & 7:30PM Z 3PM Z 7:30PM Zarzuela Tonight Free Gospel Sundays Messiah K 8PM K 4PM K December 2-7 8PM The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete The Complete 21 Works of William 22 23 Works of William 24 25 Works of William 26 Works of William 27 Works of William Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) 2 & 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 2 & 7:30PM C 2 & 7:30PM C The Nutcracker The Nutcracker “The funniest show “Pithier than 2 & 7:30PM Z 7:30PM Z you are likely to see Python...irresistible!” in your entire - The New York Times Zarzuela Tonight lifetime!” 3PM K - Montreal Gazette

The Complete The Complete The Complete 28 Works of William 29 30Works of William 31 Works of William Shakespeare Shakespeare Shakespeare (abridged) (abridged) (abridged) 2 & 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C “A hyperkinetic “Enthralling, side- Cats “WILDLY FUNNY!” laughfest!” splitting stuff...” 7:30PM Z -Los Angeles Times -Los Angeles -Melbourne Times, Herald-Examiner Dec. 31-Jan. 4 Australia December 2-31

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 3 C OMMENTARY: FEEDBACK

PO Box 370566, Miami, FL 33137 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Member of the Best Bear Ever image of the area and its residents, excerpts from two of his interviews: Florida Press Association I’ve read much on the housing markets which of course are mostly of 1) Dick Hurlin, former producer of COPS since 2004, everything from St. Louis African/Ethiopian descent. DH: “If you look up ‘liberal’ in the www.BiscayneTimes.com Federal Reserve releases to Florida Unfortunately Ms. Glasgow is not dictionary, I’m sure my picture is in Todayand the International Herald alone, nor is this a recent phenomenon there somewhere.... Anger does well, PUBLISHER & EDITOR Tribune. And yes, the blogs, of course. in the history of American media. hate does well, violence does well, try- Jim Mullin [email protected] But Rebecca Wakefield’s article “Bear In 1915 the film Birth of a Nation, ing to be better than you were last year Market Meets Biscayne Corridor” which had the dubious honor of being does less well.” INTERNS (November 2008) was the best I have the first motion picture to be screened in MM: “Less well in the ratings?” Andrew Leins ever seen on the market in South Florida. the White House, depicted black men as DH: “Oh, yeah!!” [email protected] Congratulations. rapists of white women, and generally 2) Arthur Busch, county prosecutor, Erin Polla Steve Muir dangerous to society. In one of the Flint, Michigan [email protected] Tequesta, Florida scenes, members of the KKK ride into a “Quite frankly, the black community CONTRIBUTORS Victor Barrenchea, Pamela Robin Brandt, town on horseback to “save” its white has become entertainment for the rest of Terence Cantarella, Bill Citara, Wendy residents from an unruly mob of the community, the entertainment being Doscher-Smith, Kathy Glasgow, Jim W. From Birth of a Negroes. They lynch one and chase the that the crime of the day...gets to be the Harper, Lisa Hartman, Jen Karetnick, Jack Nation to COPS rest out of the town. front story and that becomes the percep- King, Derek McCann, Frank Rollason, Silvia Ros, Jeff Shimonski This letter is in response to the articles White Americans flocked to see the tion of an entire community, which could of Kathy Glasgow, the neighborhood film and it became a blockbuster. The not be further from the truth, in my opin- ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE correspondent for Liberty City — NAACP tried to stop the New York City ion.” Marc Ruehle [email protected] which, interestingly, is not served by premiere, but President Woodrow A large photograph of an angry, this news paper and therefore not read Wilson’s ringing endorsement gave the screaming black man graces Ms. OFFICE MANAGER by its residents. This situation may actu- film much credibility. Glasgow’s November column, titled Wilmer Ametin ally may be good for its publisher, who In 1989 the television show COPS hit “Hearing Is Believing.” Here are some [email protected] otherwise might have many angry peo- the airwaves>. Known as “the original excerpts: ART DIRECTOR ple banging on Biscayne Times’s doors. reality show,” it put camera crews in “I woke up again to shouting voices. Marcy Mock I too am angry, but I have decided to police cars all over the U.S. Of course, ‘Then you ass ih the fuck outta here — [email protected] use my pen instead of my knuckles. the majority of suspects shown are I ain’t take no threat muhfucka —’” ADVERTISING DESIGN In covering our area, Ms. Glasgow black and Hispanic. Filmmaker Michael “It seemed our crackhead neighbors Image Tech Studios has decided to take the low road of Moore introspectively addresses the were angry with one of the dope boys www.imagetechstudios.com cheap journalism. She consistently uses media’s portrayal of black people in his The Biscayne Times welcomes proposals Continued on page 6 for articles and press releases. Submitted her articles to assault the character and film Bowling for Columbine. Here are material may be edited for length, clarity, and content. All submitted material becomes the property of The Biscayne Times. Please be ABLE OF ONTENTS sure to include your name, address and tele- T C phone number in all correspondence. Gender Bender: Naked Ladies Spotted at Boulevard Theater ...... 29 All articles, photos, and artwork in the Biscayne Times are copyrighted by Biscayne COVER STORY How You Voted: A Peek at the Precincts ...... 30 Media, LLC. Any duplication or reprinting with- Miami Art Machine ...... 1 Two Decades of the News Café ...... 30 out authorized written consent from the pub- lisher is prohibited. COMMENTARY POLICE REPORTS The Biscayne Times is published the first Biscayne Crime Beat ...... 36 week of each month. We are hand delivered Feedback...... 4 to all the homes along both sides of Biscayne Miami’s King...... 10 Boulevard from downtown and the Venetian Word on the Street...... 12 ART & CULTURE Islands to Arch Creek. Off the Basel Path...... 38 The neighborhoods we serve include: Arch Art Listings...... 41 Creek East, Bayside, Biscayne Park, Belle OUR SPONSORS Culture Briefs ...... 43 Meade, Buena Vista, Davis Harbor, Design BizBuzz ...... 8 District, Edgewater, El Portal, Keystone Point, Advertiser Directory...... 8 Magnolia Park, Miami Shores, Morningside, PARK PATROL North Miami, Oakland Grove, Omni, Palm Small Park with a Big Heart...... 46 Grove, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Wynwood, NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS and Venetian Islands. In addition we are dis- Jen Karetnick: Bring Back Taste of the Shores...... 20 tributed to select businesses in Buena Vista COLUMNISTS Kathy Glasgow: Entering the Promised Land ...... 22 West, Little River Business District, Design Harper’s Environment: Two Wheels Are Better Than Four ...... 35 District and Wynwood. Frank Rollason: The Boulevard and the Crystal Ball ...... 24 Kids and the City: Spoiled Rotten and Loving It...... 45 Wendy Doscher-Smith: In the Land of No Sun ...... 26 Your Garden: The Big Chill ...... 48 Advertise! Pawsitively Pets: Quiet Dog, Good Dog...... 49 305-756-6200 COMMUNITY NEWS What If They Built a Skatepark and...... 28 DINING GUIDE WE NOW ACCEPT Coppertone Girl Finds a Home — at Last!...... 28 Restaurant Listings ...... 51 CREDIT CARDS The Vagabond Market’s Shaky Start...... 29 Wine: Red White & You...... 52

4 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 5 C OMMENTARY: FEEDBACK Letters Terminal Decline: Off no longer be a spring chicken, but I’m Karetnick didn’t, because she and the BT Continued from page 4 Target, On Point certainly far from old. I hope to God are missing out. Just wanted to thank you for Jen when I’m the age of the “active” mem- Melinda Jester on the street.” Karetnick’s column on the Miami Shores bers of our club that I can still get out on Miami “A diminutive middle-age woman was Country Club (“A Country Club in the tennis court or hit the links. Shoot, pacing the median on NW 79th Street, Terminal Decline,” October 2008). I’m exhausted after nine holes at age 42, singing to convince herself she was However, I’m afraid she went after and much less trying for 18 once in awhile. Who’s That Behind Those happy, or happily singing because she offended the wrong members. The older And I sure hope I look as good. Foster Grants? was high or crazy.” group is the “active” group. The ones who I saw a lovely group of women golfers After three years of being a newcomer It seems incredulous to Ms. Glasgow should be ashamed are those of us who there today, and every one of them to this great Biscayne Corridor, I had to that someone could actually be happy in are younger and don’t make the effort to looked fit as a fiddle, having a leisurely take a few minutes to give you some Liberty City! Here she is in a previous support our club on a regular basis. lunch and catching up. Yes, they were feedback. issue (“Cuba’s Open Doors,” October You guys gave me the wake-up call I older than I, and they were friendly — To me, the Biscayne Times has been a 2008), describing people in Cuba, who I needed. not that it’s their job to make little me free and steady source of community strongly suspect are also black, which I must stop taking for granted a club feel welcome. (I certainly don’t go out of news, providing me with a multilayered shows that her techniques are not limited that this 42-year-old tennis member has my way to make the rounds and say hello road map to this community. The well- to us in Liberty City: been a part of since my early 30s. A club to everyone, but I didn’t know that was a balanced list of articles and topics “We peeked into a little shack where that has always been nothing but cordial prerequisite for joining a country club.) included in each edition, plus the level of two massive, hard-looking women in and welcoming on every occasion. A club I’ve probably been a member for about commitment and awareness shown by its dirty Spandex were mired in a beyond- that is completely unpretentious. And I ten years now, give or take, and I’ll bet I writers, gives a newcomer like me an repair sofa.” for one think the food is quite a deal for haven’t eaten there more than 20 times. unparalleled head start. Many of her articles are filled with the money — and good. Plus the staff is That’s crazy. Who’s snubbing the club in I can only imagine a very bright future similar ranting. She and Biscayne Times always friendly and accommodating. that scenario? Me. And I’m sure there for an information tool like Biscayne should be ashamed to write and print Sure, we’re not LaGorce, and never are many other “semi-young” members Times. Perhaps your future is so bright such cheap shots at our image. So I ask claimed to be. But it’s a nice club. out there doing the same. I hope they that you should all be wearing sunglasses! publisher and editor Jim Mullin to please Maybe a little dated here or there, but join me in making a conscious effort to Vicente Pimienta stop printing this stuff. It’s not cool. that’s fine by me. I love it. And anyone be more visible. Miami And Kathy, baby, you’ve got to chill who’s never walked in just to check out You pissed me off, Biscayne Times. out. I’ve been reading your stuff from the bar after a round of golf is missing For a paper that supposedly supports our the beginning. Just because you could out. It’s beautiful and unique and the community and should be embracing not afford to buy a home in nice white largest bar I’ve ever seen. local businesses in these crucial times, Morningside, don’t take out your anger Every resident in the surrounding you tried to stick a fork in us — in an on us. community really should stop by and issue in which we advertised, no less! Yes, Liberty City has its issues, but I take a look sometime. I urge you to What kind of business sense is that? Correction: am an architect who has lived in and come by with a member. Watch the sun- Well, we’re not dead yet. And don’t you explored many neighborhoods all over set, have a cocktail, and spoof on the forget it. Missing From Mapping In our effort to compile a compre- Miami-Dade County and I feel most golfers hitting on the driving range. Just If you ever choose to do a fairer piece, hensive list of every single business comfortable and happy here. So relax, kidding! See? We do have a sense of I hope you’ll introduce yourselves when on Biscayne Boulevard between 14th Kathy, and instead of writing this pes- humor. you’re there and get an interview or two. and 87th streets (“The Boulevard Is simistic rhetoric, smoke a spliff, go out- I just came from there. Had a buffet Those older members, and even we Back!” October 2008), we inadver- side with some garden tools, beautify lunch for I think $8.95 or something like younger ones, have a good story or two. tently left out two. Jenny’s Flowers is your property, and be an example to your that. Don’t know many places you can You might even find you like us, appre- located at 6807 Biscayne Blvd., and neighbors. That’s what I did. So can you! eat for that anymore, and with a table- ciate our little piece of the community — Nails Etc. is at 5084 Biscayne Blvd. Najeeb Campbell cloth no less. golf and tennis, that is — and maybe Anyone else? We hope not. But let Liberty City As for the “older” clientele, I was even find a fondness for our carpet. In us know. ashamed and offended for them. I may fact I think it’s kinda cool. Sorry Jen

6 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com November 2008 Kevin Burns’

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 7 O UR S PONSORS BizBuzz: December 2008 Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible By Pamela Robin Brandt accurate!” the picky, double-checking Christmas Eve, the restaurant’s most designer Ana Cristina Correia of Casca BT Contributor Cortez enthuses. “And it takes 45 minutes popular annual event (now in its 14th Doce Studios reports that new acces- to do what used to take two hours. year). Additionally, there’s a traditional sories and furniture hand-selected at h, the holidays! Time of glorious Actually, we could probably do it in half central European St. Nikolaus party on this past fall’s High Point Market in excess, including excess pounds. an hour, but we don’t want to be that fast.” December 6, plus gluhwein (hot spiced North Carolina (with more than 2000 AFor those who don’t want their Supplementing their popular Taste of wine) and free Advent calendars, filled exhibitors from 110 countries, the New Year’s resolution list to start (once Greece dinner menus (served Sunday with chocolates, all month long. largest furnishings industry trade show again) with “Lose that through Thursday), Ariston restaurant At Sushi Square, a suppertime sushi in the world) is now in. The fair is Christmas/Chanukah 20,” Shuichi Take now offers three prix fixe lunch menus spot with French flair (and a lunchtime known for its concentration of high-end, Fitness Company is waiving member- for $9.95, $12.95, and $14.95 (about half secret identity as Simplee Salad), the one-of-a-kind showrooms, ensuring, as ship fees for anyone who hires a one-on- the ticket of the already bargain-priced stylish but small interior space is about Correia says, “the most updated style one fitness professional. The offer is multicourse dinners). And now there’s no to be supplemented by an outdoor garden there is.” good until the grand opening of need to worry about the eatery’s reduced patio. According to co-owners/brothers Getting the post-midnight munchies in Shuichi’s main club in Midtown Miami summer hours. As of November 18, Julien and Yann Durosini, the official the Midtown area is no joke, but the on December 17. Additionally, for new- Thanasis Barlos’s popular opening party is scheduled for December chain food that’s been our only recourse bie exercisers seeking just a regular Greek/Mediterranean place is open for 20, but the garden will actually be open sure is. Now there’s an alternative. membership, initiation fees are 50-per- lunch and dinner daily. for Art Basel week. Though hip little “art resto” Moriano, cent off until the opening event. (By the In France, Christmas Eve dinner During December only, Arco Glass which serves up homemade food with way, Mr. Take’s name is pronounced means oysters, preferably the Rolls and Mirror is offering customers a five- creative attitude, has been open only sue-ee-she tah-kay.) Royce of bivalves: brilliantly briny percent discount on their full range of about a month, co-owners Jorge Di Speaking of the holidays, a new “Prism Belon flats, from France’s Brittany products. These include storm shutters Cataldo and Vanessa Suhr (an Argentine- Alignment System,” based on Bluetooth region. For Miamians seeking to cele- plus impact-resistant windows and doors, trained chef) have decided to expand technology, has Gabe Cortez at Plaza brate the same way, the River Oyster for practical spirits looking ahead to next their 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily meal Tire & Auto (an award-winning full Bar’s David Bracha announces the hurricane season. But those caught up in hours to 1:00 a.m., starting in December. service shop, not just a tire joint) as arrival of Belons farm-raised in Maine, the more light-hearted spirit of this sea- “And we’re planning on going to 3:00 excited as an eight year-old who just but with the same distinctive delicate son will find custom-cut coffee table a.m. in the near future,” adds Di Cataldo. found a shiny bike under the tree. One texture and intensely crisp, lemony bite. tops, sexy shower enclosures, art glass “At least on weekends.” Joy! difference: This high-tech toy is really a For celebrating with a German accent, mirrors (etched with their designs or gift for customers. “Alignment always Alex Richter’s Royal Bavarian your own), and other fun stuff. Something special coming up at your used to be mechanical, so mistakes read- Schnitzel Haus offers a roast-goose To match that decorated spruce, how business? Send info to bizbuzz@bis- ing the gauges were possible. This is so menu with all the trimmings on about some spruced-up décor? Interior caynetimes.com. For BT advertisers only.

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8 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 9 C OMMENTARY: MIAMI’ S K ING The Election Fog Begins to Lift From president to city commission, the view still isn’t clear By Jack King which doesn’t bode well for our neigh- will play out. Actually, the county has And almost immediately, Miami Mayor BT Contributor borhood. The three amigos did little for been trying to straighten out this mess Manny Diaz’s name was bandied about us when they were in the majority. since 1954, when we adopted the cur- for a position in the Obama administra- o say that I’ve been a political Now they’ll have zero chance of help- rent government structure based on a tion. I’m not sure if the leaks came from junkie all my life would be quite ing South Florida. weak mayor. It’s still a mess. Anybody the Obama team or Diaz’s press office. Tan understatement, but spending I think you’ll see a new Cuba policy, got some ideas? Whatever, Diaz is in his last year and the past two years enmeshed in the race and that is long overdue, thanks in no Another ballot initiative that went cannot run for re-election, but even if he for president, along with all the other small part to the three amigos. Over the down in flames was a proposal to con- could, he’d be unelectable. political dramas, has taken its toll on me. past 30 years, millions of dollars have solidate all the fire-rescue services under So why not make a move to Quite frankly, I’m glad it’s over. It could been spent and thousands of hours frit- a county umbrella. Of course, when it Washington? He has a Hispanic name, is have been worse had my team had lost. tered away to make sure Fidel Castro was first proposed, the big cities with the mayor of a Hispanic city, and has But then again, you should be careful doesn’t win whatever he is supposed to fire departments cried foul. As a result, been fooling most of the people most of what you wish for. The country has more win. That fact that he lasted 50 years has they were removed from the deal. These the time with his vague programs and serious problems than we’ve seen in so infuriated the anti-Castro forces in kinds of battles have been going on for even vaguer accomplishments. many years, and the solutions will not be Miami that they’ll do anything to make decades — county and city governments But if he takes a Washington job, he’ll easy or quick. Can Barack Obama turn fighting over responsibility for leave the mayoral slot open, maybe for the country around? I hope so, and I services. Over the years, it’s city commissioners to fill. They might hope the country will give him the time The three clowns — Joe Sanchez, Angel become so bastardized that select a new mayor for the remaining 12 and the support needed to make it hap- Gonzalez, and Michelle Spence-Jones — I’m not sure any of it works. months of Diaz’s term. This is where the pen. This is not politics. This is country. are fomenting some palace intrigue to The odd thing is that con- scheming begins. The city charter is But speaking of politics, I like many make sure they stay in control. solidating the fire and rescue unclear about exactly who selects a new others was deeply disappointed and services really does make mayor if the incumbent resigns, so city mad with the Republicans’ selection of sense. Miami-Dade County attorneys are poring over all that. Sarah Palin for the vice president’s doesn’t have very many fires Meanwhile, the three clowns on the city slot. I know political motives are sure he looks bad and they look good — because the area is young and most commission — Joe Sanchez, Angel always in play and that vice presidents no matter how many Cubans suffer, both buildings have been constructed with Gonzalez, and Michelle Spence-Jones — seldom make it to the White House, here and on the island. good fire-suppression equipment and are fomenting some palace intrigue to but this year was different. John With any luck, this will be the three nonflammable materials. The fire depart- make sure they stay in control. McCain is 72 years old. He would amigos’ last term in Congress. In light of ments essentially have put themselves It goes like this: Diaz resigns and have been the oldest man ever elected Democratic Party dominance in out of business because they have been heads to Washington. The commission president. Palin is completely incom- Washington and demographic shifts so good. However, they still want their appoints Joe Sanchez mayor. Sanchez, petent, other than her impersonation of down here, I don’t think the three amigos own little fiefdoms and will do most with the approval of Gonzalez and Tina Fey, and had no business being will run again in 2010. What we need is anything to protect them. Plus they have Spence-Jones, then selects his own suc- that close to the presidency. She even a new group of young Hispanics from lots of friends in high places, like former cessor as city commissioner. made Dan Quayle look good. both parties to put this nightmare to rest fire fighters Carlos Gimenez (Miami- Commission approval is guaranteed. Closer to home, the three amigos — for once and for all. South Florida Dade commissioner) and Luis Garcia There is a bit of fuzzy math here, but Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart and deserves better. (state representative). that’s never bothered the commission. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen — were reelected Last month’s ballot at the county The outcome of the presidential race All they have to do is count to three. with better margins than I’d anticipat- level included a number of initiatives may very well change the local political Three votes controls all. ed. That’s the good news for them. The designed to give county Mayor Carlos landscape. Obama’s victory was due in Happy holidays! bad news is that they’ll be going back Alvarez a real job. Most passed, but no small part to Hispanic support, some to Washington as the minority party, some didn’t. I’m curious as to how that of which was found right here in Miami. Feedback: [email protected]

10 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 11 C OMMENTARY: WORD ON THE S TREET

Now that a new president has been elected, what do you think the next four years have in store for this country? Compiled by Victor Barrenechea — BT Contributor

Mariana Rivieri Sarah Freidin Eldys Diaz Victoria Martinez Melina Grinberg Janessa Garcia Sales Manager Wax Technician Police Officer Aesthetician Student Business Owner Design District Upper Eastside North Miami North Miami Design District Hopefully the economy I really don’t think that Little Haiti I’m scared. I think white I think things are going Hopefully our economy will get better. Not only much is going to change. I think we’re going to con- supremacists are going to to improve. The econo- will get better. As a busi- that, but hopefully the I think there is too much tinue the same trajectory of do something to [Obama]. my will get better. I ness owner, I’ve had a cost of health insurance responsibility on economic disarray proba- They’re going to kill him. think [Obama] is going loss of sales. I had to get a will be less and it will be [Obama’s] shoulders and bly until the end of I’m afraid for his safety to help the middle class. second job because my available for most people. he’s going to disappoint a [Obama’s] first term, and the safety of this Hopefully, he’ll end the business wasn’t doing I hope a lot of the things lot of people. The whole because the gears that are country. If he gets killed, war. I’m not a citizen very well. I sell clothing, Bush messed up will be infrastructure of our econ- in motion are too big for there would be civil war, but I was hoping he’d but in the current econom- fixed. We’ve always had a omy is crumbling. In him to stop. I think we’re white versus black. It win. He had very differ- ic situation, people can’t white president and now order for it to get fixed it going to see improved could be very ugly. I hope ent ideas than Bush did. afford to spend money on it’s different. It’ll change has to collapse complete- international relations. The it doesn’t happen. I think I think the next four luxuries. I voted for the perception the world ly, and I think that’s going status of the United States he’s going to have the years are going to be Obama, and I think he can has of us. Politics has to happen soon. I like as the moral compass for hardest term any president good — hopefully. change things. become more exciting. Obama, but he’s got his the world is going to be can ever have. He’s not Young people are getting work cut out for him. restored. I do think we’re experienced, but I hope more involved. We all going to see a dramatic he’ll be well-advised. want to work together to reassessment of values make this country better. across the board domestical.

12 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 13 C OVER S TORY BT photos by Silvia Ros

Visual arts dean Maggy Cuesta was amazed at the response to the Student Felipe Lagos with full-time faculty member Aramis O’Reilly. alumni auction.

Student Bianca Bandera in a NWSA painting class. TM Sisters: The Air Near My Fingers.

Art Machine attention through prestigious awards, modest funding, the students, grads, and community a sense of self-worth. Today Continued from page 1 museum shows, and acceptance into cel- teachers have shaped Miami in consid- artists can be born, raised, schooled, and names behind the donated work reveals ebrated exhibitions such as the Whitney erable ways. Its magnet high school become successful in Miami — some- NWSA’s singular contribution to the Biennial, sponsored by New York’s program is unique in the nation, and thing inconceivable little more than a contemporary art scene: Hernan Bas, Whitney Museum of American Art. both the high school and college pro- decade ago. Loriel Beltran, Natalia Benedetti, COOP- And those are just the students. The grams get rave reviews for innovation That was about the time that photog- ER, John Espinosa, Naomi Fisher, Adler instructors, many of them respected and creativity. (See sidebar, page 18.) rapher Naomi Fisher and painter Hernan Guerrier, Jiae Hwang, Joshua Levine, artists themselves, have also played a NWSA has developed its own voice Bas were graduating from the high Michael Loveland, Bert Rodriguez, and significant part. In the relatively short and reputation as it coalesced around the school program, which has a vigorous Jen Stark are but a few. They are among time the conservatory has been in exis- remarkable trajectory of Miami’s local the graduates who have won national tence (1987), and with its relatively arts scene; the school has helped give the Continued on page 16

14 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 .

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 15 C OVER S TORY

Art Machine Continued from page 14 vetting process requiring prospective students to provide a portfolio and to be reviewed. “Being able to concentrate on art at such a young age was a great BT photo by Silvia Ros opportunity,” recalls Fisher. “Sometimes I joke that people of my generation who came through Miami’s magnet-school program were like the Russian gym- nasts of art.” The students attend classes in down- town Miami buildings, without anything resembling a normal “campus,” but with intimate interaction with teachers and real-world tools and training. Remembers sculptor COOPER, who goes by a single name and was also a 1990s high school grad: “The program covered all technical aspects of art-mak- Gallery owner and teacher Fred ing, and quickly reinforced those prac- Snitzer: “There are many more tices with theory and concept.” The artist options here in town to keep echoes Fisher when he says, “To be [artists] here, or bring them back.” exposed to that material at that young of an age really opened up a lot of possibil- of New World’s working-artist teachers, ities for my work, [as well as] the access along with students, participatSed in a to working artists as teachers.” seminal exhibition for Miami’s burgeon- Tom Wyroba has been teaching draw- ing art scene. The “demolition show” at Jacin Giordano: A Garden. ing, painting, and design to NWSA high the Espirito Santo bank in downtown schoolers for 21 years. “How do they Miami featured site-specific art on nine also a teacher at New World. By the time [the students] keep doing it?” he laughs floors. The show would last only four Art Basel Miami Beach tested these when commenting on the high quality of days, before wrecking balls knocked shores in 2002, Snitzer was on the selec- their work. “Now, these students set the down the old building. Adjunct instruc- tion committee for that highly competi- standards with their technique and skill. tors Carol Brown and Karen Rifas, tive fair, and was on his way to repre- Each year the colleges keep recruiting established artists and still with the senting many of the New World artists. these kids more and more.” He points to school, produced spectacular works that A Miami scene was emerging, and New the phenomenal success of Hernan Bas expressly fit with the theme. A young World was playing a central role. — Miami-born, New World-educated — student, Bhakti Baxter, popped up on a Not surprisingly, former dean of visual as helping to raise the reputation of couple of floors as well. He would later arts Louise Romeo is proud of both the Miami. Bas was part of the 2004 be associated with the alternative gallery program and the product. “The students’ Whitney Biennial, and will have a solo The House and with another group of intense training has equipped them to show in February at the Brooklyn successful New World grads. take challenges and create work that is Museum of Art — a first for any Miami The whole impermanent adventure at truly on the cutting edge,” says the artist, NWSA alum or otherwise. Espirito Santo was curated by Fred Italian-born, founding member of the At the turn of the millennium, several Snitzer, a leading Miami gallerist and faculty. “In many ways, they are the pio- neers who have brought attention to Miami as an art Mecca. Their contribu- {Alumni Overview} tions have significantly helped to create Some of the New World alumni who have appeared with frequency in Miami — a serious art culture in South Florida for Michael Loveland: Blow Up Bad and further afield — in the school’s short history. the very first time.” People. The combination of international Bhakti Baxter Naomi Fisher Tao Rey attention from Art Basel, the growth of here in town than before to keep them Loriel Beltran Adler Guerrier Bert Rodriguez the gallery hub in Wynwood, and the here, or bring them back.” Natalia Benedetti Jacin Giordano Raymond Saa continued development of other art Some former students who have Tim Buwalda Jiae Hwang Evelyn Serrano schools (including at Florida returned to Miami from prestigious Leyden Rodriguez- International University and University schools are also now teaching in adjunct Joshua Levine Jen Stark Casanova of Miami) has formed a fairly solid base roles at their alma mater, artists such as Alex Sweet Alejandro Contreras Michael Loveland for Miami, according to most. Says Michael Loveland and Ivan Toth COOPER Christopher Miro Tasha and Snitzer, who represents Bas, Fisher, and Depena. According to Tom Wyroba, COOPER among others: “The students those graduates bring with them valuable Ivan Toth Depena Lee Materazzi Monica (TM Sisters) haven’t changed much, but the climate John Espinosa Martin Oppel Michael Vasquez has. Now there are many more options Continued on page 18

16 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 17 C OVER S TORY {School Overview} New World School of the Arts has a unique history — locally and nationally. The original school was called the Performing and Visual Arts Center, which began as a high-school magnet program. According to former dean of the visual arts program at the school, Louise Romeo: “The students took their academic classes in their home school and then were bused into the Miami-Dade Community College [MDCC] campuses in the afternoons for their art classes. The program came together as NWSA in 1987 at the downtown campus of Lee Materazzi: Hose. Jen Stark: Primary Invert Blue. MDCC, and after the first year, a col- lege program came into existence.” Art Machine For all that Miami is now offering, Now it is an educational partner- however, both Guerrier and Fred Snitzer ship of Miami-Dade County Public Continued from page 16 say that students still need to leave town, Schools, Miami-Dade College, and insights: “Those coming back as at least temporarily, to experience other the University of Florida. It is a adjuncts, they know the contemporary art worlds and learn from them. magnet public high school for the art scene, the progressive new stuff.” Guerrier, Snitzer, and almost everyone arts and a four-year arts college That, in turn, informs a whole new gen- else familiar with NWSA marvel at what eration of students. teachers and students alike have been offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts and But with the success of the school and able to achieve with relatively little fund- Bachelor of Music through the of the emerging art scene comes some ing. “Remember, when people talk about University of Florida. potential pitfalls. One concern: Are and compare art schools, they forget we Students must audition or provide young students overexposed? This year, can be talking about private versus pub- a portfolio and be reviewed for for instance, a “Wynwood Student lic schools,” observes Guerrier. “That’s a admission, a rigorous process and Exhibition” will take place during covet- huge difference.” one that sets it apart. So do the small ed Art Basel time. Is there too much In fact, Snitzer points out, it’s the pressure on youthful artists to sell biggest drawback to continued suc- class sizes. On average, both high instead of grow their work? cess. “It needs money — that’s all that school and college classes have Says former dean Romeo: “Yes, our it is,” he says about building up the between 9 and 12 students. This year students have received a great deal of faculty (who are paid very little), there are 165 students in the college attention, and the question is a very improving the facilities, buying new visual arts program, 135 in the high provocative one. Do I have concerns equipment, and perhaps one day Bhakti Baxter: Untitled: Wall Mural. school division. about their getting overexposed too adding a graduate program. Another highlight: Students in soon? Yes. But,” she continues, “the Snitzer is the curator of the alumni fellow students didn’t go anywhere else, both high school and college have trend today seems to be the discovery of auction, which he says has been a lot of either. She says she was amazed at the the young, cutting-edge artists. I hope work for no money, but it makes a great response she got when they first con- been taught by artists who are active that we at NWSA are training all of our statement about the success of the school. ceived of the alumni auction. “There and respected, such as Carol Brown, students in the arts and in life, so they Jen Stark, a high-school grad (class of was so much interest from the former Maria Martinez-Canas, Westen understand how to handle ‘instant suc- 2001), is one of the latest hot artists in students,” she recalls. “They all said, Charles, Trisha Brookbank, Ivan cess’ if they are the chosen ones.” town, and someone who has donated to ‘Anything you want, Maggy!’” Next Toth Depena, Michael Loveland, Among the chosen ones is Adler the auction. She is as effusive about year she hopes for a repeat, with a dif- Karen Rifas, and Wendy Wischer, to Guerrier, a BFA graduate who was one of NWSA as others are about her bright, ferent crop of alumni. That may be the name a few. two NWSA alumni in this year’s Whitney colorful artworks. “Both the magnet art most persuasive evidence of the Biennial (the other was Bert Rodriguez). and academic classes at New World are school’s success. Areas of concentration include Guerrier thinks the prominence of New some of the best in the country,” she drawing, painting, photography, print- World graduates can overshadow talented asserts. “The art classes made me 100 The Alumni Art Auction will be held making, graphic design, sculpture, locals coming out of other university pro- percent a better artist; the teachers were Thursday, December 4, 8:00-10:00 p.m., and electronic intermedia. grams. But he also believes the synergy awesome; it was my first choice for New World Gallery, 25 NE 2nd St., Through various collaborations, in Miami that has grown over the past high school. I’m glad I didn’t go any- Miami. For more information call 305- students work with local museums decade is good for everyone involved in where else.” 237-3597 or visit nwsa.mdc.edu. and exhibit spaces, and the college the arts. “There’s so much that can be Current visual arts dean Maggy Cuesta produces an annual BFA exhibition. squeezed out of this time,” he says. is thrilled that Stark and so many of her Feedback: [email protected]

18 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 19 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: MIAMI S HORES Bring Back Taste of the Shores A revived Village food festival? Yes! By Jen Karetnick Miami Shores Country Club — were BT Contributor Shores businesses. The others were invit- ed from outside the Village. (As it turns was waiting for the bathroom to free out, the Taste of the Shores — a model up in a house on Grand Concourse, for later events like Taste of the Grove Iwhere I was celebrating the birthday — had been operating annually for about of an extended family member, when I eight years. Mike Finkelstein later told noticed a plaque on the wall. “Taste of me it was eventually taken over by the the Shores,” it read, “sponsored by the Village and folded into what became Miami Shores Fine Arts Commission.” Unity Day. The event, which had taken place on Certainly we’d face a similar dearth of April 17, 1994, had been co-chaired by participants, and resort to the same my husband’s relatives, Laura and Mike stretching-of-the-boundaries solution, if Finkelstein, our birthday hosts. The day, we were to resurrect Taste of the Shores which featured a street festival along the for 2009. The Village proper only has a Concourse with music, games for kids, few food-related ventures currently oper- arts and crafts, an auction, and of course ating. We’d have to enlist help from lots of food, benefited the Children’s restaurants, markets, and chefs unrelated Genetic Disease foundation. plaque also commemorated all the as a gastronomic hot spot with a review- to the Shores just to fill in the gaps. I was immediately intrigued, and not restaurants and markets that had taken worthy establishment within its environs Or would we? just because of my vocation (in addition part, and I was curious to see who’d — let alone an entire culinary festival If you look at it statistically, we’ve grown to this column, I work as the restaurant been around in the Shores back then. devoted to it. hundreds of percent in the culinary depart- critic for Miami Modern Luxury as well Though I was working as a critic for What surprised me was that only two ment. In addition to the well-established as a food writer for a handful of maga- Miami New Times in 1994, I’m fairly of the seven participating vendors — zines regionally and nationally). The sure Miami Shores wasn’t on my radar Norberto’s Meat Market & Deli and Continued on page 21

20 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: MIAMI S HORES Taste LoSasso, chef-owner of my neighbor- Light’s Kris Wessel, whose clientele is harm in participating for once in a project Continued from page 20 hood fave North One 10, and wife Dale drawn largely from the Village (and who that would indirectly benefit themselves. Village Café, Côte Gourmet on NE 2nd LoSasso, general manager of the newly refers to himself a “Shorecrest rat”), and What would come of such theoretical Avenue, which makes possibly the best opened Gotham Steak in the spectacular- also Michael D’Andrea, chef-proprietor funds? Therein would no doubt lie many omelets I have ever had in Miami, has just ly refurbished Fontainebleau, reside in of Macaluso’s, who also is an Upper delicious arguments. I’d love to use some of extended its hours and is now open for the Village. So do married chefs Frank Eastsider. What could be better than two the money to develop a community organic three squares daily. With the addition of Randazzo and Andrea Curto-Randazzo, booths side by side, one offering garden, where those of us who don’t have Flower Bar, which serves tea; Starbucks; who are proprietors of the cozy Talula on N’awlins barbecued shrimp, the other enough of a backyard can grow vegetables Iron Sushi; and what the hell, Subway, South Beach (which you really should Staten Island-style meatballs? and supplement diets stripped down by the we’ve got six spots already filled. visit if you haven’t been lately for While these chefs — and others I don’t economy. Or we could find a plot of vacant Check out Sixth Avenue, the other Andrea’s risottos and Frank’s steaks), and know about — haven’t located their land (there are some) and plant a living only main street in town, and there’s the catering company Creative Tastes. restaurants in Miami Shores, they have museum to memorialize the pineapple and Pizza Point and Sopranos (no longer Che And Johnny Vinczencz, who operates an investment in the local community. To mango plantation beginnings of Miami Sopranos after the owner was tragically the phenomenally successful Johnny V that end, many of those I’ve mentioned Shores, of which there are still vital rem- killed). And if you want to push the in Fort Lauderdale and the recently have already agreed to participate should nants (at least of the mangos). This could point, no doubt we could get Publix to opened Smith and Jones, lives just a revitalization of Taste of the Shores even be an educational opportunity open to help out; they already have a lot of prac- around the corner from me — not that he come to pass. Mike and Laura Finkelstein the public, something along the lines of the tice cooking hotdogs in the foyer of the ever invites me over for his famous bar- have also promised to jump in and help. county’s Fruit and Spice Park, giving the store. So that makes nine. becue. As for Michelle Bernstein of As a means to an end, then, for this community not only a point of pride but a Get various church groups cooking congre- Michy’s and the forthcoming Sra. metaphoric festival, I’d want for moneys site for future festivals of all kinds. gation favorites, and the number doubles, at Martinez in the Design District, she lives raised to remain in the Shores. Not that I know, I’m dreaming big. But in this the very least. Then there is Barry University in the Upper Eastside, but she’s an alum I’m against soliciting funds for disease- case, it’s a dream that started as a small and the three secondary schools that might of Miami Country Day School. David research foundations; as the spouse of a one in someone else’s head, and made it want to be involved. I know Miami Country Bracha, chef-owner of the River Oyster cancer survivor, quite the opposite. But into the real world. So why not dream it Day is putting a together cookbook they’d Bar, and his family live in Buena Vista these chefs and restaurants get as large as possible, and share it with want to promote. With all that, a Taste of the East, and he and his wife send their two approached on an almost daily basis to you? Then, one day, it might become a Shores is looking quite feasible. children to Miami Shores schools. contribute time, energy, and talent to reality again. In addition, Miami Shores is home to If we were to stretch the boundaries a causes that are, however noble and wor- some of the area’s best chefs. Dewey bit, as in times past, then I’d call on Red thy, less than personal to them. There’s no Feedback: [email protected]

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 21 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: LIBERTY C ITY Entering the Promised Land — Along NW 22nd Avenue On one amazing night, the hopes of millions were soaring By Kathy Glasgow got our marriage license six years ago BT Contributor and where, six days earlier, I had waited among hundreds to vote early. To the n November 4, I watched the southeast stands Jessie Trice’s pioneering election returns in Coral Gables Economic Opportunity Family Health Owith some Obama campaign Center, and across the street the beautiful workers. Then later that amazing night BT photo by Marc Ruehle red dirt of the baseball diamond at — it seemed epochs later — I drove Partners Park. home to Liberty City. I have no idea North past the African Heritage what time it really was; maybe midnight Cultural Arts Center at NW 62nd Street, or one o’clock. shops, eateries (a small square building I took NW 22nd Avenue north, through advertising SOUL FOOD has a big Jesus Little Havana, over the river, on into painted on the façade of one side of the Allapattah. Past the bakery with the big front door and an Obama sign taking up revolving camel outside, the 24-hour gas the other side), and so many great and station — all quiet and dimly lit. The sky small churches — Hosannah, Mt. Zion, was clear, the moon waxing almost half. New Canaan, New Jerusalem, New Also in those very heavens on that very Hope, Prophecy, Bright Star. date, a long-heralded planetary alignment NW 36th Street was almost deserted as kets, always with someone hanging out- New hope: After leading the children of clicked: Saturn and Uranus moved into I crossed, and then under the SR-112 side; the auto repair and salvage lots; the Israel out of slavery in Egypt and enduring opposition, a marker of earthly transfor- overpass into Brownsville, up into trashed vacant lots and boarded-up, graf- a generation-long exile in the Sinai wilder- mation last seen in the mid-1960s. “The Liberty City. For the first time ever, I felt fiti-scarred buildings that once were ness, Moses died without ever crossing the world is being reshaped before our very surprising glimmers of affection for hopeful businesses. Jordan River into the Promised Land. eyes,” astrologer Jeff Jawer wrote of the these proudly patched-up, long-suffering There’s the Caleb Center on the corner configuration, on his StarIQ Website. surroundings. The garishly painted mar- of 54th Street, where my husband and I Continued on page 23

22 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: LIBERTY C ITY Promised Land epiphany with him, a black Cuban who signs and telephoned friends and strangers that an Obama victory would be a clari- Continued from page 22 had spent his whole life learning nothing on behalf of the senator from Illinois. He on call for whites to finally unite and Instead God chose Moses’s lieutenant about the Bible or Martin Luther King and his good friend Cristobal spent hours “fight for our heritage.” Joshua to fight his way in, to take Canaan or any of the great African-American discussing every twist and turn of the As we are learning, however, with miraculous military victories over its figures in U.S. history. campaign and the debates. Even if they vengeance is working the other way. idolatrous inhabitants. Because of our distinct races, cul- were short on historical knowledge, even Organizations that monitor hate crimes, Those universal, eternal Bible stories tures, and backgrounds, my husband if they paid little attention to complex notably the Southern Poverty Law were as influential and foundational to and I experienced the 2008 election issues such as Obama’s difficulties with Center, have reported post-election my white fundamentalist Christian from vastly different perspectives, some Jeremiah Wright and Jesse Jackson, (even increases in violent and nonviolent upbringing as they have been to of which were really hard to share with though they couldn’t vote!) they were on racially motivated crimes — against America’s civil rights movement. the other. He, Luis, neither a U.S. citi- emotional tenterhooks waiting to witness people of color, including unspeakable Melodramatic as it does sound, that zen nor English speaker, was forced to the advent of the first black President of things like Obama lynchings in effigy. night, to me and millions more, was the absorb huge amounts of political “infor- the United States. Another American tradition my husband crossing of the Jordan and the fulfillment mation” from Cuban talk radio. Every Luis and Cristobal, members of both barely appreciates. He’s been yelled at of prophecy. The Joshua generation now day he took note of the subtle and overt of America’s two largest minority groups on the street because of his Obama girds itself for new battles. Even when racial disparagements, the labeling of (and Hispanics are the fastest-growing), bumper stickers — nothing serious, but I the Israelites did enter their promised Obama as a communist, destroyer of represent most of what xenophobes and still get nervous sometimes. land, they still had to establish them- small businesses, and Castro-enabler. racists in the U.S. have been warning As for the white Christian heritage I’m selves, still had more powers to fight. Almost all of Luis’s white Cuban about for a while now: the subsumption supposed to be defending, don’t Duke and Maybe Jesse Jackson was thinking along friends and co-workers feel a deep ani- of the once-dominant Anglo/Aryan his clan recognize what our heritage is? those lines too, and maybe that’s why mus for Obama and believe even the Protestant majority by a darker, more The Israelites (among other enslaved peo- Liberty City looked suddenly different to most outlandish lies about him and heterogeneous society that no longer fol- ple) built the great pyramids of Egypt; the me in the darkness, steadfast in a way it about African-Americans and lows its founding principles. African-Americans built the great struc- hadn’t before. I swear it did. Democrats in general. Before the election, it was common to tures and industries of the United States Unfortunately, the appearance of our My husband, well accustomed to the hear white voters express their fears that and fought in its wars. White men sowed little house had not improved by the pervasive Cuban brand of racism, took if Obama were victorious, black people the wind centuries ago. We’ll be reaping time I got home and burst into tears the radio rants with a grain of salt, and would feel they could exact “vengeance” the whirlwind for a long time. upon greeting my elated husband. But I even went so far as to volunteer at Obama on white people. Ex-Ku Klux Klan wiz- couldn’t share my promised-land headquarters in Hialeah. He put up yard ard and politician David Duke predicted Feedback: [email protected]

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 23 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: BELLE M EADE The Boulevard and the Crystal Ball Here’s what 2009 could have in store for the Upper Eastside By Frank Rollason side of the Boulevard between NE 36th BT Contributor Street and the city limits at NE 87th Street. Now, if one person from each res- ith the end of 2008 just around idence would visit a restaurant or shop the corner, I thought it would twice a month — just twice a month —

Wbe good to get a jump on 2009 BT photo by Erin Polla what a positive impact that would have and speculate about what’s in store for on these small businesses enduring very our neck of the woods from three differ- difficult times. I know many of you have ent levels of government. your favorite haunts on the Boulevard, Federal Government Unless you’ve but I urge you to spread out a little and been in coma, you’re aware we have a hit a place or two you haven’t tried. You new president-elect by the name of may be pleasantly surprised. Barack Obama and that change is in the State Government The way I see it, wind. Change not just on the national our state legislature still has two major level, but change around the world mandates to address from last year: regarding how our country is perceived the next four years. Most people I speak think back a few short months, before the Lowering property taxes and lowering as both a military power and unofficial with are optimistic. I say go with the MiMo Historic District designation, property insurance rates. Remember our leader of the free world. flow and hope for the best. before the Boulevard rebuilding project new governor’s press conference right From a local perspective, the Upper Certainly there are more tough times got under way, and before more upscale after being elected? He held up a rock and Eastside is a microcosm of our nation as ahead on the political front, the military shops and restaurants began relocating to boasted that both these rates would “drop a whole, and certainly a much more front, and closer to home, on the eco- our part of town. It was a different world. like a rock” during his first year in office. diverse community than most in this land nomic front. Speaking locally, I reiterate Times are tough for all of those The actual result is more like an old of the free and home and the brave. my position that as go the small business- Boulevard businesses, and they need our helium party balloon, slowly drifting to Regardless of your political beliefs or es along our stretch of Biscayne help. A little math reveals that we have party affiliation, Obama is our leader for Boulevard, so go our neighborhoods. Just in excess of 2000 residences on either Continued on page 25

24 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: BELLE M EADE Crystal Ball reconstruction of Biscayne Boulevard which was a huge success at its debut Once in place, the district would impose Continued from page 24 should be wrapping up during 2009, with this past January at Legion Park, is back a tax on its property owners for improve- the ground but lifting ever so slightly the landscaping elements finally in place. for the season and does not require this ments not funded from any other source. with the lightest breeze. We need to keep Once completed, this should greatly ordinance to continue operating. This concept is being proposed by our the pressure on our legislators to concen- enhance the look of the Boulevard from The historic Vagabond Motel property, District 2 commissioner as it has some trate on the people’s business — address- 36th Street all the way up to the work owned by cousins Eric Silverman and support in the Coconut Grove business ing our concerns with legislation that already finished in Miami Shores. Octavio Hidalgo, is the first to explore district. The commissioner is offering a results in meaningful relief. Another FDOT project will look at the new opportunity and has already city grant of $100,000 to get the ball On the subject of property taxes, keep traffic-calming on NE 82nd Street as it operated several weekends under a spe- rolling, and several local business and in mind that a runoff election will take cuts through Shorecrest. Much was cial permit, testing the waters on a tem- property owners are answering the call to place Tuesday, December 16, for our promised by our District 2 city commis- porary basis until the ordinance receives spearhead the initiative. Commercial first-ever elected county property sioner to help slow the traffic along this final approval. Upper Eastside residents property owners in the Grove are in the appraiser. (Miami-Dade is the only coun- “race track,” yet little has been achieved need to evaluate the merits of such enter- midst voting as I pen this column, and I ty in the state where the appraiser is over the past two years that would give a prises, because ultimately it is the mar- am hearing that, with the economy in appointed.) Hopefully there will be reprieve to residents whose homes front ketplace itself that will determine the such dire straits, the vote will probably another candidate forum in our commu- this main artery. This project can and success or failure of such ventures. I be very close. We’ll have to wait to see nity before the election. Also keep in should be the first step in returning 82nd encourage everyone to visit the how they fare, and pay attention to how mind that our local city commissioners Street to the Shorecrest community as a Vagabond and make a determination this plays out in the Upper Eastside. have a tremendous impact on our proper- neighborhood road. whether the products and prices make And finally we have our beloved ty taxes in that they set the millage, or City of Miami Government Several sense for your pocketbook. Coppertone Girl’s unveiling and dedica- tax rate, for our municipality. So even if issues affecting the Upper Eastside are The next big undertaking for business- tion at 7300 Biscayne Blvd., scheduled the assessed values are lowered, our on the front burner of our local officials, es along the Boulevard is the formation for December 2. The restoration and local elected officials set the rate, which notably our District 2 commissioner. of a Business Improvement Committee, installation of this historic sign should is why your property value can go down First there is the special ordinance that which, if successful, could ultimately give a boost to the MiMo District, luring but your taxes can still go up! would allow commercial properties of at lead to a Business Improvement District. more visitors, who will spend at least In addition to political issues, the least 15,000 square feet within the MiMo Property owners within such a district, some of their hard-earned money in our Upper Eastside is dealing with the state District to operate farmers markets on which tentatively matches the boundaries local shops and restaurants. Department of Transportation on several Saturdays and Sundays. As you surely of the MiMo Historic District, would important projects. 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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 25 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: BISCAYNE PARK In the Land of No Sun It’s gray, it’s cold, it’s miserable — so how about some ice cream! By Wendy Doscher-Smith never one of my strengths. However, BT Contributor when faced with the prospect of having exactly eight hours of “light” during the he behavior of the winter sun in day (most of which is arguably not really upstate New York is like a fish out light, as Miamians would consider it, but Tof water. When it appears, it makes a sort of lighter shade of gray than quick, darting movements, as if gasping black), I am a quick study. for air. And now that I’ve abandoned The sun is up by 7:00 a.m. and begins Biscayne Park for Binghamton, New York to set by 3:45 p.m. That’s some chutzpa! (a.k.a. Merciless, Frozen Tundra), I see Doscher-Smith BT photo by Wendy It’s nervy and confusing. The times all things in a different light. Or lack thereof. jumble together and become one. Five o’ I now understand why my friend who clock feels much more like 8:00 p.m. moved to Miami Beach from Albany, Eight o’clock feels like 11:00 p.m. after growing up in Ohio, used to marvel Eleven o’clock feels like you just at the presence of shadows. The sun is deplaned at MIA from the red eye back required for shadows to form. from Barcelona. And all those times my husband used If you doubt that a lack of vitamin D to get antsy to go outside on gorgeous has a significant impact on one’s mind, Miami “winter” days? I get it now. He really hard and squinted, you might see Folks up here don’t know the sun like just look to the movies. Granted, in The was just suffering from residual Sun some yellowish rays. I, a true Miamian, know it. Ignorance Shining, Jack Nicholson may not have Deprivation. The saying “Don’t know what you got, can lead to fear. Sadly, some mock the been such a bad boy if demonic twin I understand why, when traveling to till it’s gone” comes to mind. It is easy to sun. They don’t need the sun. girls hadn’t written “red rum” all over London, I would see locals sprawling out take the sun for granted in Miami. It is Thus this is a place for vampires. If his hotel walls in blood. But those in bikinis on beach towels on what I con- shining often and helps ensure a certain you are not one, you best get a grasp on sidered a gray day. But, yeah, if you tried level of psychological well-being. time management. This concept was Continued on page 27

26 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 N EIGHBORHOOD C ORRESPONDENTS: BISCAYNE PARK No Sun million miles away and tread according- takes to make an honest living? Do you yourself, every day? Continued from page 26 ly.) I had warned Jeremy to be extra nice know how much milk is these days? Ice Cream Nazi: Of course I do! matching little freaks would not have to the Ice Cream Man (he wasn’t known (I am looking for a way to crawl into the We leave with our cones and I hiss at materialized if Mr. Sun had zapped them. as Nazi just yet) because we might need hot fudge vat and disappear.) Jeremy that he blew it and now we’ll More proof? You needn’t go any further him in the dead of winter — you know, Jeremy: Well, I’m just saying — never be able to get anything but store- than the latest Republican vice presiden- in case a Nor’easter of epic proportions Ice Cream Nazi (baring his remaining bought pints. tial candidate to understand what lack of blew through and we had to have our teeth): Well, I’m just saying that it costs Fast forward to two weeks ago. We light does (or doesn’t do) to one’s brain. rum raisin. I knew already, before setting me a lot! decide to give the Ice Cream Nazi anoth- Sun-Deprived Jacks are all around me. foot in the shop, that I could rely on the Jeremy: Okay. Do you take credit cards? er try. This time we take Jeremy’s cousin Take the right-front-tooth-missing Ice Ice Cream Man. Ice Cream Nazi: For over $10 worth. along. I’m wearing my Pepto-Bismol Cream Nazi. Jeremy: What?! pink, 80-percent goose-down Michelin To my delight, the Binghamton area Ice Cream Nazi: What Man jacket. (This jacket and I have been specializes in mom-and-pop ice cream The sun is up by 7:00 a.m. and begins What?!! Do you know inseparable since it arrived in its recycla- joints. To my not-so-much delight, most to set by 3:45 p.m. Five o’ clock feels much how much they charge ble L.L. Bean box a month ago.) of them shut down at the end of autumn. more like 8:00 p.m. Eight o’clock feels to run those machines? Ice Cream Nazi: Argh! You warm This rendered me temporarily panicked like 11:00 p.m. Do you know how enough? until I saw the place just down the street much they take from Me: What? It’s freezing out there. from my home with the “Open All Year” every sale?! Ice Cream Nazi (shaking his greasy sign. My jubilance was short-lived. Alas, here is what happened: Jeremy: Okay, I am not doubting you, head): Eh! It’s always the women who Seinfeld had his Soup Nazi, and Jeremy: So, how much will it be for I’m just saying that people might not are cold! Binghamton, it turns out, has its Ice two cones? always need $10 worth of ice cream. Me: What are you talking about? It’s 30 Cream Nazi. Jeremy and I stopped in The Ice Cream Nazi pats down a Ice Cream Nazi: Well, you don’t have to degrees out there! one night shortly after September 1, greasy hair strand and gives us a price get ice cream here. Ice Cream Nazi: Whoa! She’s sen-si-tive! when most of the frosty treat vendors exceeding $8. (By now I’m cradling my head.) I am willing to bet the Ice Cream Nazi call it quits. I should have known some- Jeremy: Whoa! Isn’t that a little high for Jeremy (looking down at all the flavors): is a true towny. Surly and Sun-Deprived. thing wasn’t quite right. two cones? Who makes all this? And now I gotta run. A monster bass The first mistake we (read: Jeremy) Ice Cream Nazi: High? You think that’s (And now I’m groaning softly.) just broke the water’s surface. made was questioning the Ice Cream high, do ya? Do you know what the Ice Cream Nazi: What do you mean? I do!! Nazi. (I can typically spot a psycho a taxes are here? Do you know what it Jeremy: You make all these flavors Feedback: [email protected]

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 27 C OMMUNITY N EWS The Kids Will Be Grinding for Air in the Funbox Meaning a public ska8board park is finally coming to Miami By Erik Bojnansky Lara De One benefit of a skate park is that Special to BT Souza, spokes- young skateboarders would have another woman for place to try their skills besides public iami is a skateboarding Mecca, Miami’s property, especially public parks. And according to Tito Porrata, proj- Department of then there is the tendency for teenage ect manager for Team Pain, a Parks and skateboarders to get hit by cars. The

M BT Photo by Ben Warren central Florida company that specializes Recreation, parks department cites a 2001 study in in building skate parks. Funny thing is, notes that the the British Journal of Sports Medicine there aren’t any public skate parks in the city has long had which states that “the more serious City of Miami. an interest in [skateboarding] injuries resulting in hos- That may soon change. creating a skate pitalization typically involve a crash with Last month Miami’s Community park near down- a motor vehicle.” Therefore “skateboard- Redevelopment Agency earmarked a town. “We’ve ing should be restricted to supervised million dollars to create a 54,000-square been seeking for skateboard parks,” the journal reports. foot facility called Biscayne Skate Park three years to Skateboarding also happens to be one at 150 NE 19th St. The park will feature find the money of the fastest-growing sports in the slopes and valleys of varying degrees of to enable us to Team Pain’s skate park in Winter Springs, Florida. nation. “The sport is ranked sixth in the difficulty, as well as “street plazas” that build a facility U.S. in terms both of number of partici- mimic real-world plazas. where we can bring the teens into a safe million in property taxes available for pants and popularity,” according to the “Is the word ‘cool’ still in the vernacular? environment, dedicated to their skate- projects like Biscayne Skate Park. The parks department. “One in every ten Is that something people say?” asked board interests,” she says. “One only has CRA will be footing the majority of the teenager owns a skateboard.” Commissioner Marc Sarnoff when the park to go to the Brickell area on a Saturday project’s bill, which is estimated to total Miami-Dade County is already a was unveiled at the November 3 CRA meet- afternoon and see the groups of teens who $1.14 million. The parks department popular Florida destination for skate- ing. “This is a pretty cool project.” Sarnoff, are using staircases and ramps as their plans to begin the bidding process in boarders, says Porrata of Team Pain. whose District 2 encompasses the proposed playground to realize what a huge need February, with an eye toward opening “The larger cities tend to have a lot of skate park, says the project would “reinvig- there is to provide a park such as this in the park by April 2010. Once open for street elements,” he says, meaning side- orate” the area. “It is arguably dead,” he the area.” business, skateboarders will pay a nomi- walks, stairs, guard rails, benches, says, joking about the park’s proximity to Enter the Omni Redevelopment nal fee to use the park, though the the historic Miami City Cemetery. District, which has a budget of $26 amount hasn’t been determined. Continued on page 31 Home At Last! The Coppertone Girl is back on the Boulevard, and all lit up

By Margaret Griffis the sign and install it elsewhere in time a three-story-tall girl, her dog, and a Special to BT for its 50th anniversary. Their exhaustive smattering of letters, but she was still efforts have paid off, and on December 2 considered historically important and couple weeks ago, motorists the sign will be illuminated during a cer- given to Dade Heritage Trust for safe- traveling south on Biscayne emony at its new home in the MiMo keeping. She flew that coop only last ABoulevard noticed workmen Historic District. BT photo by Erin Polla May, when the Trust deeded the sign to attaching a group of vaguely familiar, Anyone who spent time in downtown the MiMo Biscayne Association to facili- bright-yellow letters to a white building Miami will recognize the sign instantly. tate her next journey. at the corner of 73rd Street. They might It was perched for more than 30 years at Needless to say, such a daunting task not have immediately worked out the the Parkleigh Building on Biscayne often gets filed for a snowy day in significance of the letters that defiantly Boulevard near the Freedom Tower. At Miami, but diligence and perhaps more proclaimed “RTONE” to the world, but that time, the full sign was about seven than a bit of luck helped secure the sign’s in the following days — when the stories of beautifully gaudy, neon glory. continued existence. This past October, “COPPE” part of the message was It was built in 1959 to introduce a new Miami’s Historic and Environmental added, followed by a pair of chubby lit- ad campaign for the Miami-born tanning Preservation Board approved the sign’s tle legs — it became clear that the product, and featured a little girl who designation as a local historic landmark. Coppertone Girl was coming home to the would eventually become one of The designation may not sound like Boulevard. America’s favorite icons. much, but it makes the girl exempt from Last year, when members of the MiMo The Parkleigh’s razing in the early the many laws that could keep her off Biscayne Association learned that a vin- 1990s forced the sign’s relocation to the any building in the city. tage Coppertone sign would be removed Concord Building, just across the street Not quite there, but by the time In the weeks that followed, a number from its Flagler Street location, they from the county courthouse on Flagler you read this, she’ll have herself of people worked hard to make sure began a difficult campaign to refurbish Street. By that time, all that was left was together. Continued on page 31

28 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 C OMMUNITY N EWS Don’t Mess with My MiMo So says one Boulevard preservationist to one Boulevard property owner By Terence Cantarella Silverman protested that he’d been cited BT Contributor in error. The canvas banner he placed over the word “Motel” was stretched so he only constant, they say, is tightly across the sign, and was painted change. And although the adage in such a way, that the code enforcement

Tapplies to nearly everything in BT photo by Erin Polla officer who issued the citation didn’t life, one group of people make it their realize it was canvas. She believed that business to prevent change: historic new electrical letters had been installed. preservationists. Recently, in the MiMo Two days after the notice of violation, Historic District along Biscayne the city’s historic preservation officer, Boulevard, one such preservationist has Ellen Uguccioni, wrote a letter to code been unusually active. Her name is Teri enforcement on Silverman’s behalf, D’Amico. explaining that the Vagabond’s current D’Amico is outraged over what she signage is only temporary and that a considers to be the desecration of the formal Certificate of Appropriateness is area’s most prominent structure — the not necessary. She asked that the cita- Vagabond Motel. Her ire is directed at tion be canceled. Eric Silverman, owner of the MiMo gem Silverman applied for the certificate located at 7301 Biscayne Blvd. The controversial sign: Did it cover or did it replace? anyway, and was approved the same day. Silverman, whose efforts to turn his “Believe me,” he says, “if I could get the property into a marketplace and retail MiMo Biscayne Association, which pro- canvas banner with the word “Market.” [motel] sign fixed quickly, it would be venue were chronicled by BT in “Big motes and protects the historic district “One of the most important things in the first thing I do. It’s completely rotted Man on the Boulevard” (September and its architecture, believes the MiMo District is signage,” D’Amico on the inside and most of the electrical is 2008), kicked off the first phase of a Silverman’s venture sets a terrible prece- asserts. “According to the rules of his- faulty.” He’s having a new sign fabricat- multi-stage redevelopment plan on dent for other historic buildings in the toric preservation, you can cover some- ed, at a cost of $14,000, which will be a November 1, with the opening of an MiMo District. She showed up at the thing up but you can’t remove it. Eric is replica of the original. “As soon as the indoor farmers market in the Vagabond’s Vagabond Market on opening day, demonstrating his lack of respect for the Historic Preservation Board approves it,” former lobby, and a vintage store in what armed with a camera, and later sent pic- process of preservation. He needs to fol- he says, “the new sign will go up.” used to be a large guest room. Several tures and a letter of complaint to neigh- low the proper procedures. He doesn’t D’Amico argues that Silverman violat- outdoor vendors set up shop under white boring homeowner associations, local have a ‘Certificate of Appropriateness’ ed other preservation rules as well. One tents in front of the motel, selling books, activists, and city officials. from the Historic Preservation Board for example: recently installed silver air- clothing, handmade jewelry, and other Her foremost objection centered on his new signage. He skipped that process conditioning ducts that jut out of a win- vintage and miscellaneous items. Silverman having removed some of the entirely, and he’s in violation.” dow along the side of the motel. In addi- While the market is becoming increas- original, backlit letters from the motel’s City of Miami code enforcement offi- tion, she points to the words “Farmers ingly popular with local residents, highly recognizable sign. Letters spelling cials initially confirmed her allegation. D’Amico, a member of the nonprofit out the word “Motel” were covered by a But when BT visited the motel, Continued on page 33 Gender Bender: Here Come the Naked Ladies If at first you don’t succeed with guys, try again with gals

By Erik Bojnansky One positive bit of news resulting to a female strip club to a male strip club Special to BT from the change, especially in this miser- and back again. Griffith has even tried a able economy, is that Club Madonna II is kind of skin-trade buffet: gay, straight, fter reopening this past August as hiring dancers of the female persuasion. live bodies, and movies simultaneously. At The Boulevard, a gay club One newspaper advertisement practically In recent years, the impresario saw an Afeaturing talented DJs and buff shouts it out: “Large upscale club. Bottle opportunity to attract the Upper male dancers, the old Boulevard Theater service. Private Suites. Flexible Hours. Eastside’s substantial gay community. So has been transformed once again. Now it NO HOUSE FEES. Great Income why didn’t the gay theme work? Griffith is Club Madonna II. Leroy Griffith, who Potential. Fun Place to Work. Great jokes that the BT frightened away local owns the historic theater at 7770 Management Team. Safe Place to Work.” residents who read “Edifice Complex,” Biscayne Blvd., touts the new incarna- This isn’t the first time, or even the an August 2008 cover story. “It’s a tough tion. “It is going to be an adult night- fourth time, the theater has flipped for- area,” Griffith quips. “We didn’t get the club,” he says. “It will have a nice mats. Since Griffith took over the venue Madonna II: “Large upscale club. word out.” atmosphere, a restaurant, free parking, in 1970, it has bounced from being a Great income potential. Fun place the right prices.” burlesque show to an adult theater house to work!” Continued on page 32

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 29 C OMMUNITY N EWS From South Beach to the Boulevard in Two Quick Decades As the News Café turns 20, Mark Soyka looks forward to his own 120th By Pamela Robin Brandt druggie-vagrant- the News Lounge’s men’s room, decorat- BT Contributor hooker strip it ed with automobile-themed artwork. was when the Biscayne Times: I’m wondering about ere is something restaurateur Station opened in the cars. Mark Soyka wants you to know: 1999 to one of Mark Soyka: I’m a car nut. I used to “I am not a visionary.” That will our town’s most own many, 15 over the years. Actually H BT photo by Silvia Ros certainly surprise a lot of people. For exciting restau- Soyka restaurant was a warehouse for instance, there’s the City of Miami rant rows. them. I bought it many years ago with no Beach, which presented Soyka the key to Not a vision- intention of opening a restaurant, until I the city in 1998, the tenth anniversary of ary? Hmmm. started diluting my collection. Then I had his News Café in South Beach. This Be that as it the empty building and when I thought month the famed 24-hour Ocean Drive may, his company of what to do with it. I only do one hangout, whose early cosmopolitan headquarters at thing. I open a place to eat. I never think clientele epitomized SoBe’s rebirth, cele- 55th Street of anything else. brates its 20 birthday. Station makes So you didn’t think of revitalizing the When Soyka opened the News, how- instantly clear neighborhood, even though you did? ever, it was an urbane oasis in a not-yet- that Soyka is an I Soyka on the Boulevard: “It will never be South Beach. No. Absolutely not. I never said, I’m gentrified area of closed hotels, drug Did It My Way It should never be South Beach. Over there, it’s wall-to- gonna open this here because there’s dealers, and aging residents in rockers. kind of individu- wall people. Here you can’t have that.” nothing around. Craig Robins in the On our side of the bay, there’s Soyka’s alist. How many Design District, my old friend Tony pioneering 55th Street Station. A mixed- business offices contain a 1958 Bentley The office is really a very eclectic Goldman in Wynwood — they’re real use complex (anchored by Soyka restau- and a 1969 Mercedes? Not to mention, design museum, which is fitting, since estate guys who look for an area where rant, plus Soyka’s newer eateries, among a massive collection of other vin- the start of Soyka’s varied career path, they can buy 30 buildings and convert an Andiamo and the News Lounge), it has tage items, a spooky mannequin wearing after leaving his native Tel Aviv at age entire community. I’m not a visionary on been universally credited with spear- a satin roller rink jacket (memento of the 20, was a stint at the New York School that level. heading the turnaround of the Biscayne disco roller-skating rink, Manhattan’s of Interior Design. He still designs his Corridor’s Upper Eastside from the first, that Soyka opened in the late 1970s). own restaurants’ interiors, right down to Continued on page 34 A Peek at the Precincts Here’s how you voted for president and on the gay-marriage ban By Rob Jordan wealthy are not necessarily tax-averse education about how, when, and why Special to BT conservatives, and minority voters it’s crucial to vote. Yet the single lowest aren’t automatic liberals, especially turnout among our sample pool was n the days since Barack Obama’s when cultural heritage comes to bear on precinct 156, in the heart of Miami monumental election victory, an sensitive issues like marriage and sexu- Shores, where only 52 percent of regis- Iintriguing pattern has emerged from al preference. tered voters showed up. voter data in California. That state’s The November 4 election was historic Unsurprisingly, black neighborhoods black voters, who turned out for Obama on multiple counts beyond the obvious such as Little Haiti and parts of North en masse, opted not to support another storyline — the election of the first Miami voted overwhelmingly for progressive cause — gay marriage. black president. Voter turnout in the Obama, by margins as high as 954-37, Political analysts say the black vote was sampled Biscayne Corridor areas aver- 1629-244, and 781-32. Areas with a mix decisive in the passage of Proposition 8, aged close to 70 percent, the highest in of people and incomes, such as El a state constitutional amendment that decades, and overwhelmingly those Portal, and wealthy, predominantly restricts marriage to union between a votes went to Obama. white areas like Belle Meade and man and a woman. Residents of the affluent Venetian Morningside also went for Obama by In Florida, the passage of constitu- Islands as well as Star, Hibiscus, and wide margins (1067-128 and 889-234, tional Amendment 2, which is identical Palm Islands voted in droves, with respectively). Yet hand-in-hand for to Proposition 8 except that is also nul- about 80 percent of registered voters Obama as they might have been, resi- lifies the legal validity of domestic part- making their voices heard. dents of Little Haiti were the only ones nerships (gay or straight), has received Comparatively poor areas such as Little along the Biscayne Corridor who voted less scrutiny. But a sampling of county Haiti (precincts 506, 514, 515, 517, and to ban gay marriage, while the Upper elections-department data from more 519) had some of the lowest turnout Eastside generally gave Amendment 2 a than 20 voting precincts along the percentages, about 61 percent. For this resounding no. Biscayne Corridor paints a surprising there are the obvious explanations, Continued on page 32 picture: In our part of the state, the among them a lack of awareness and Services Department Alejandro Guzman, Miami-Dade Enterprise Technology Precinct map courtesy of

30 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 C OMMUNITY N EWS Sk8board Park at his Miami Beach skateboard store. For Continued from page 28 another, a park can only help bolster the newspaper boxes, statues, and other sport, he says. “Our park might be a lit- forms of street furniture. tle more challenging for kids anyway,” But actual skate parks are rare in Williams points out. “Having more Miami-Dade. Currently only the South places to skate, let them get better. And Dade municipality of Palmetto Bay has a then go to M.IA. to try [their skills].” public skate park, which opened in 2006. Porrata says he’s received many Homestead has plans to build one. calls from Miami skateboarders who There are a few private indoor parks want Team Pain to build a skate park like M.I.A. Skate Park in Doral, a somewhere in South Florida. Among 12,550-square foot facility in a ware- those who gave Team Pain a call is house. Although the lack of public skate Miami’s parks department. “They parks helped make M.I.A. popular, asked us to give them an idea on owner Chris Williams would love to see cost,” he says. a public park open in the Omni area. For one thing, a skate park could help sales Feedback: [email protected]

Home sign, and the electric bills. Continued from page 28 With the final touches on the restoration completed, the sign was carefully attached everything was set before the rapidly to its new home on a building owned by approaching lighting ceremony. Hye Realty. Debbie Ohanian, who is the Attorneys Barbara Gimenez and Mark L. principal at Hye, is thrilled by her new Rivlin worked pro bono on the contracts neighbor. Her years in the fashion industry needed to install the sign, and the City of have given her a slightly different angle Miami did its part by rushing through on the Coppertone Girl. Ohanian calls her the permit approvals. Meanwhile, Alec “Miami’s first supermodel,” and says she Blotnik at Tropical Signs in Hialeah was is “thrilled to give her a home.” repairing the sign under the direction of This all begs a question: Why trouble Jerry Bengis, whose father built it in ourselves for an “outdated” corporate 1958 and installed it on the Parkleigh. logo? Heck, she doesn’t even look like Unfortunately the sign had some the kid that is on the bottle these days. extensive damage. In particular the girl’s Perhaps it’s best to ask the girl’s model, face went missing during a hurricane. Cheri Brand. It was Brand’s mom, Joyce The electrical workings hidden inside the Ballantyne, who illustrated the icon 50 cases were also in bad shape, so she’s years ago, so Brand is very attached to been given a new face as well as energy- her iconic twin. Deeply moved by the saving LED lights, which replaced the attention the sign is still getting, Brand broken neon. says, “I want to commend the efforts of The Schering-Plough Corporation, the historic preservation people and the which owns the Coppertone brand, citizens of Miami, who are looking to helped out by contributing $88,600 for preserve that home feeling in their com- the sign’s removal, restoration, and rein- munity. Miami has a certain tone to it, stallation. Brent Saunders, president of and [the Coppertone sign] certainly has the Consumer Healthcare division, says been part of the culture there. I’m hon- that “Schering-Plough is pleased to sup- ored to be the thing they’re preserving. port this important preservation effort,” Miami people have always been awe- adding that “the Coppertone Girl and some and very protective of the dog image is part of American culture Americana aspect of it, and definitely past, present, and future.” He and other have been speaking up for years, saying, company executives are expected to ‘No, no, you’re not taking that away attend the lighting ceremony. from us.’” A couple of issues remain to be Now, when was the last time you resolved, though. First is this year’s heard an out-of-towner calling Miamians $1200 insurance bill, needed just in case “awesome”? Enjoy it while you can by the city’s biggest baby topples over and attending the formal lighting ceremony sits on a car or two. The MiMo Biscayne on December 2 or by simply basking in Association would like someone to step the sign’s light as you drive past it dur- forward and cover that. Also the associa- ing its 50th year in Miami. tion hopes that further donations will pay for routine maintenance, repairs to the Feedback: [email protected]

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 31 C OMMUNITY N EWS Gender Griffith’s various business plans, can’t fun on the Beach and have gone on with prospers. “It helps that the area’s Continued from page 29 resist his own quip. “I guess donkeys their lives,” he says, referring to South streets are open and that new restau- will be next,” he says. Flanders adds that Beach. “They are settling down.” rants [are arriving].” But will naked ladies work? “I think Griffith made a clear-headed marketing Eventually, Flanders believes, Griffith Another added bonus, according to Madonna II will be busy,” Griffith ven- decision when he opted for naked will recognize that “it’ll be more valu- Griffith, is that Club Madonna II will be tures. “Adult clubs are doing business women instead of g-stringed men. able to sell it than to have some adult able to serve full liquor, as it has for everywhere I go.” By that he means the “There are 95 percent more heterosexu- type business. The Boulevard doesn’t years. Club Madonna on South Beach, clientele drawn to his South Beach oper- als than gay people,” he notes. “And 50 send out the [seedy] message anymore. meanwhile, is restricted to nonalcoholic ation (the original Club Madonna), and percent of that 95 percent are men.” It’s not the same message the area had beverages because the City of Miami other adult clubs like Gold Rush in Flanders also says that Griffith will 10 or 15 years ago. I mean, Balans is Beach refuses to allow liquor with nude Miami’s downtown entertainment district need to draw customers from outside the about to open here.” entertainment. Griffith is contemplating and Solid Gold in North Miami Beach. Upper Eastside if a strip club is going to Griffith insists that his Boulevard a lawsuit to overturn the law. Bob Flanders, a veteran Upper work. “The people who populate the operation is quite profitable and will Eastside activist and wry observer of Upper Eastside are people who had their only do better as the Biscayne Corridor Feedback: [email protected]

Precincts the real numbers surprised even veteran Little Haiti precinct, nearly a third of the only has 332 registered voters. Doubly Continued from page 30 pollsters. This year’s votes were for ballots were turned in with the amend- odd, 4 of the 348 who supposedly voted Keystone Point, the wealthy, gated issues, not parties. ment left blank. Indifference to the issue, didn’t bother to mark their choice for North Miami community that one might Consider the exclusive islands of Star, tight victories, and unexpected rejections president, while 23 didn’t vote on expect to harbor some conservative sen- Hibiscus, Palm, and the Venetians. Not of a gay-marriage ban are interesting Amendment 2, according to records. timent, not only gave Obama a convinc- only did Obama win by roughly two-to- considering how strongly many Poor administration or fraud notwith- ing two-to-one victory, its residents also one, the gay marriage ban was handily Caribbean nations condemn homosexual- standing, this year’s “surprises” thank- voted against Amendment 2 by a count voted down, by three-to-one at Venetian ity. Perhaps not all cultural baggage fully didn’t affect any outcomes. This of 638-486. Islands precincts. makes the journey after all. year, we can say we did it to ourselves. Whatever ultimately shook party lines In black neighborhoods like Little This being Miami, surprises and oddi- this November — the Iraq war, the hous- Haiti that approved Amendment 2, many ties didn’t stop on Election Day. In Former BT editor Christian Cipriani ing crash, the stock plunge, Dick voters apparently didn’t feel strongly precinct 158 (Shorecrest), 348 voters contributed to this report. Cheney’s tight-lipped opposition to gay enough (or were too confused by the bal- went to the polls, according to county unions in spite of his lesbian daughter — lot language) to vote either way. In one elections records. The precinct, however, Feedback: [email protected]

32 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 C OMMUNITY N EWS MiMo Silverman runs his current market under a she was standing on the corner, screaming visionary and an impetuous bulldozer Continued from page 29 temporary special-events permit. at people: ‘You’re parking illegally!’” (depending on who is talking), hopes one Market” and “Transit Boutique” (a cloth- From the outset, D’Amico, who shares D’Amico insists she doesn’t have any- day to see a return on his multimillion- ing store operated by Silverman’s wife) credit for coining the term “MiMo,” was thing against Silverman or his market dollar investment. Both sides are clearly painted onto the façade of the building. less than enthusiastic about the idea of concept. “A marketplace is a phenome- wary of each other. “Painting a sign directly onto a historic an outdoor market at the Vagabond. She nal use for that building,” she says, “but “If Teri succeeds in putting Eric out of building is improper,” she contends. “He felt it would provide Silverman with a the [new ordinance] is going to allow business,” says Wedner, “what will be would never have been approved by the convenient way to generate income from him to set up tents around the perimeter left but a shell? I’m not sure what would Historic Preservation Board to do that.” his property without actually restoring it, of the building, which will obscure it. So be achieved. It’s bad for all of us if the Silverman counters that the board did and she feared that an outdoor market when someone drives down from the Vagabond goes dark.” approve the signage as a temporary meas- would morph into a kind of low-rent Smithsonian in D.C. to see this incredi- But MiMo architecture is D’Amico’s ure: “They approved the color, size, font, bazaar. In her view, the market has ble building that is on the National passion. She played a key role in identi- everything. It’s a mock-up of the real sign already morphed. “It’s a flea market,” Register of Historic Places, they’ll say, fying, promoting, and preserving MiMo I’m planning to install. The letters are she says derisively. “It’s a hodgepodge ‘Where’s the historic building? All I see structures along the Boulevard. It is, in a going to be metal and lit in the back.” of things they’re selling.” are tents selling junk.’” sense, her legacy. “I will always, until D’Amico doesn’t buy it: “As I said The proposed Market District ordinance “It’s so frustrating,” Silverman says with the day I die, be promoting this neigh- before, he’s already clearly demonstrat- specifically defines what can be sold, not exasperation. “Teri thinks I’m trashing the borhood,” she says. “I’m just asking Eric ed his lack of respect for the preserva- all early vendors were aware of the neighborhood. It’s such negative energy. to follow the rules. That’s it.” tion process.” restrictions. Ellen Wedner, who recently I’m working 16-hour days, seven days a “I am trying to follow the rules,” coun- This past September, the city’s Planning stepped down as Silverman’s special- week, to make this place vibrant, and these ters Silverman. “I always go to the preser- Advisory Board approved the creation of events manager to concentrate on her vin- people bust my chops for nothing.” vation board first. And the amount of pos- a special “Market District” along tage store at the motel (Vagabond D’Amico, who is both applauded for itive feedback we’ve gotten from locals Biscayne Boulevard, from 51st Street to Vintage), says only one vendor violated her preservation work and unpopular for has been heart-warming. People thank us. 77th Street, which, if passed by the city those restrictions on opening day. “I was her assertive tactics, wants preservation So do I listen to the 300 people who are commission on December 11, will allow the first one to tell vendors who brought standards strictly upheld so the positive or to the handful who are not? Silverman and a few other qualifying [prohibited] things that they had to leave,” Vagabond can remain a viable symbol of And who’s done more than I’ve done? property owners, to permanently operate she says. “I’m trying to very careful. But I the MiMo District she worked so hard to Show me one person on the Boulevard.” outdoor markets on Saturdays and think Teri has a lot of nerve walking create. At the same time, Silverman, who Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. around taking pictures. People told me is alternately referred to as a clever Feedback: [email protected] AUTO BODY EXPERTS ONLINE.US

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 33 C OMMUNITY N EWS Soyka worked for whatever I achieved, and I Boulevard is looking much cleaner and much here that can be. The artistic part Continued from page 30 developed a self-confidence in what I nicer and I do not oppose the MiMo of what we do will probably stay, and The vision for me is: Is this the right could do, but I didn’t really have any thing, I never saw the reality of thou- dominate in many areas. place for a restaurant? Absolutely. I live idea what I wanted to do. So I tried little sands of people walking up and down I do think it was a major mistake not here with my wife and kids, in things — you take a newspaper route or the Boulevard. U.S. 1 — it’s a main allowing Kubik [the condominium Morningside, since the early 1990s, so I whatever, small things. vehicular thoroughfare between Key project just north of Andiamo] to hap- know it cannot be scary. People are not And that’s what I did in South Beach. West and Canada. Cars zoom up and pen because of the fear, by a very comfortable driving in and parking just With a partner, I opened a little ice down. You’ll probably stand 20 minutes small group, that Biscayne was going anywhere. But if I have 200 parking cream/croissant store. It was not like it is to cross the street. to become a high-rise corridor. That spaces and good food and a great look, now. The bar was the only thing there. What we are doing is creating little will never happen. But if there were people will come. We didn’t have a kitchen. We didn’t pockets of interest. Back before I-95, one or two pockets where there was I did know that I would open a restau- cook for four years. We sliced bread and people who came to Miami Beach drove such an architecturally beautiful build- rant, not another café. A restaurant is a put cold cuts in. And it just grew and on U.S. 1, and every so often there ing where there was a bank, dry clean- destination. For a café — coffee/cake/ grew and we grew with it. So it’s not would be a cute little historic district ers, a great gourmet supermarket — people-watching — you need the whole like I opened a huge thing and took a with a few boutiques, some motels. And they would shine their light down and area to be a destination, like South tremendous chance. It was a different they would stop. So I think in some way wake up five blocks south of it and Beach. There are no people on the side- time and place, and didn’t take much we are simply taking, in this portion of five blocks north of it. walks walking by over here. money to open a sweet little café. Biscayne, a similar character to what Sounds almost...visionary. And your There weren’t many in SoBe in 1988, What of the future? Many people was. People will be able to drive the last own future, any projects? when you opened the News Café. As you have been saying that with so many of three or four exits to the beach on U.S. I don’t have major aspirations to open said, it was still a depressed area. SoBe’s creative pioneers opening 1. and enjoy the pockets we are creating new restaurants. Maybe I’ll add a sec- Weren’t you taking a chance? places over here now, the Biscayne here and there. ond floor here, a few lofts, play with Not really. If you look to my past, I’m Corridor is the new South Beach. Do Do you think there’s a chance that with design. Maybe in six months or a few an only child who grew up in Israel. I you see similarities? so many arts-oriented developers, we’ll years the neighborhood will be such that lived through the independence war and Absolutely wrong. It will never be do it right over here, rather than force it will make sense to open the News the English barbed wires. I grew up kind South Beach. It should never be South out the creative artists, clubs, and indie Lounge for breakfast. I intend to live to of semi on the streets. I wasn’t a person Beach. Over there, it’s wall-to-wall peo- restaurants with ridiculous rents? be 120. Who knows? who was going to have academic ple. Here you can’t have that. With all I think so. It’s not possible to deny achievement. I didn’t like school much. I due respect, because Biscayne economic reality, but there isn’t that Feedback: [email protected]

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34 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 C OLUMNISTS: HARPER’ S E NVIRONMENT Two Wheels Are Better Than Four Bicycle culture in Miami? Don’t laugh, it’s happening By Jim W. Harper with narrow bike paths instead of wide BT Contributor streets. And every Sunday this city and others in Colombia transform into Bike- he end is near! The end is near opolises. Known as Ciclovia, the weekly because people around the world event shuts down the streets and hands Tare following the consumption them over to bikers. Bogotá closes more patterns of the U.S. The end is near than 70 miles of roads and counts well because the almighty automobile is con- over a million participants every Sunday. quering the world. Don’t be fooled by By comparison, the “Bike Miami” sour economic news. Car sales world- event in downtown on Sunday, wide are heading for a record this year, Photo courtesy of www.Bike-Miami.com November 9, drew 2000 participants. according to a recent, terrifying special Miami Mayor Manny Diaz has strapped report in The Economist. The difference on his bike helmet and made a point to is that purchasing has shifted from the support initiatives like Bike Miami, West to the East. If everyone in China Pedal Power: Mayor Manny Diaz leads the pack at the inaugural Bike which closed streets to traffic in down- acquires a car, this planet is toast. Miami on November 9. town for a few hours. With enough sup- Speaking of China, this column is sup- port, this event could become a regular posed to be about riding bicycles. I’m just Besides sweating, people have other included 8 cyclists, 61 motorcyclists, and occurrence. In fact, a second Bike Miami slightly distracted by the prediction of 3 mental blocks against biking around town. 90 pedestrians. So for safety’s sake, stop Sunday is scheduled for December 14. billion cars by 2050, although the current Number one would be the danger factor, walking or driving and hop on a bike. “Bike Miami was a fantastic event that number, 700 million, is disconcerting, too. which is impossible to eliminate where Like Di Nezio, local blogger Daniel made a huge statement about the com- Bikes. In Miami. Are you crazy? bikes and cars share the road. But 30-year- Perez owns a car but chooses to bike mitment of Mayor Manny Diaz and the Here in Miami, bikes should be outlawed. old cyclist-around-town Pedro Di Nezio daily. He believes that flat, warm Miami City of Miami toward making this won- They are dangerous obstacles for irate driv- says Miami is much safer than Buenos is optimal for cycling. “Having been to derful city a better place for cyclists of ers trying to get to work in the morning, and Aries, where the streets are treacherous, Europe a couple of times, especially on all stripes,” says Perez. they are practically invisible at night. although his Omni neighborhood is no my visits to Amsterdam, I was familiar Biking once a week, or even once a Children could be hit by them! These two- picnic. “We really need bike paths, of and in love with the idea of the bike as a month, would be a step in the right direc- wheeled pests are a menace on our streets. course, especially on Biscayne Boulevard. primary means of transportation,” says tion. Choosing to bike daily instead of Friends don’t let friends ride bikes. From Omni to the Julia Tuttle, cars go like Perez. “After bemoaning the fact that driving is a major lifestyle decision, but it That is the car-crazed logic in Miami. crazy,” says Di Nezio. He regrets that Miami was a place that could have such would go a long way toward achieving a In other parts of the world, bikes and recently upgraded parts of the Boulevard a great bike scene but didn’t, my wife carbon-neutral existence. Imagine those 3 pedestrians rule the road and cars have to did not add bike paths. “It was a crime.” and I both decided to be the change we billion cars melting into 3 billion bikes. It get out of the way. The people are (It could be a crime now, because a new wanted to see. Riding our bikes has could happen if we put a priority on healthier and the air is cleaner. In Miami, Florida regulation requires paths for all made us connect more with the city, with health and balance instead of convenience we call that communism. Regardless, the new or reconstructed state roads.) our surroundings, and made us feel good and consumption. We have some lessons bicycle is a viable solution for local, Statistically bicyclists in Miami-Dade about doing our little part toward the to learn from our neighbors in Bogotá. individual transportation that also helps County experience few traffic accidents conservation of our environment.” save the planet and save your health. in comparison to motorcyclists and In our hemisphere, the epicenter of For details about the Bike Miami event Bikes are even better alternatives than pedestrians, according to the Florida bicycle culture is Bogotá, Colombia, on December 14, see page page 44 or scooters, which I previously advocated Department of Highway Safety and where former mayor Enrique Peñalosa put visit www.bike-maimi.com. in this column. With bikes, the human Motor Vehicles. In 2006 the 347 traffic- parks and cycling at the foreground of body is the only source of emissions. related fatalities in Miami-Dade County development. Entire suburbs were created Feedback: [email protected]

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 35 P OLICE R EPORTS Biscayne Crime Beat Compiled by Derek McCann Hostile Takeover a towing yard. He was not looking for 800 Block of NE 86th Street his car. Soon he grabbed some jumper Two men knocked on a homeowner’s cables lying on the ground. Then he door and asked if her air conditioner was made a hole in the fence and wormed his for sale. She assured him it was not and way out. The cables belonged to one of wondered how they had come by this the tow trucks, and needless to say, he incorrect information. The men left, but a did not have permission to access them. few minutes later the homeowner heard a He was arrested on the spot and the loud noise emanating from outside her cables were returned to the tow truck home. The two men had forcibly removed operator. Police towed the thief to jail. the air conditioner and placed it in a wait- No word if he ever got that much-needed ing vehicle. It’s a bear market: Sell! jump start. Pastor Victimized by Am I My Brother’s Thirsty Tech Nerd Keeper? 100 Block of NE 73rd Street Omni The location had been locked as usual, Police were called when the victim but upon returning, a pastor noticed the arrived home and saw that his laptop and for an iBook G4.) He added that he was an arrest can be made after the awkward security gate had been damaged and his all of his brother’s belongings were not returning to Miami. The brother’s Christmas dinner. computer was missing. A five-gallon missing. The brother could not be found, new area code indicated he was in the jug of water was also taken. There are so he became the prime suspect. The cold of northern Connecticut. Charges Fixing a Hole no leads and all prayers were likely slippery brother did call a week later and were dropped because there is no hope 2500 Block of N. Miami Avenue stored on the hard drive of that comput- admitted he’d sold the Apple laptop for of an arrest — unless, of course, the This suspect was clearly observed by $400. (He could have gotten a better deal brother comes down for the holidays and several people scaling a 12-foot fence at Continued on page 37

36 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 P OLICE R EPORTS Crime Beat information from the most knowledge- asking for money. The kind man did not One Way to Avoid Continued from page 36 able neighbors — the crack addicts. give the panhandler money but offered er. This string of events so affected the Druggies led the PIs to a fencing opera- food. He brought him to his residence, Collection Calls officer who wrote the report that he tion at an apartment on NE 3rd Avenue, sat him down, and served him some 200 Block Biscayne Boulevard sprinkled his narrative with exclama- where several of the stolen monitors impromptu microwave dinner. The kind A man owed a law firm $65,000. He came tion points. were found with shipping packaging man then went upstairs for a minute — by the office to “verify” the fees. When the addressed to Haiti. The monitors were perhaps to get dessert? While he was office clerk gave him the files to review, the A Musician’s Lament retrieved without incident. According to gone, the now-sated panhandler stole man grabbed them and ran out of the office. Multiple calls were placed to him asking 2200 Block of NE 4th Avenue the victim, the apartment was filled his bicycle and iPod. There have been for the files to be returned. Police got If you are going to live like a musician, from floor to ceiling with stolen mer- no arrests. involved and a deadline was set for a show- you will likely be robbed like one. This chandise, and there was a flow of foot down. The files were returned without inci- victim, living in a condo, had his guitar, traffic in and out of the building. Police No Justice for dent and charges were not filed over the computer, and a box of money (in lieu of set up surveillance at the location for now-filed files. What the indebted man did a bank account) stolen by an unknown the next several days (the subject who the Pothead Omni not know is that the files were backed up intruder. The theory is that the criminal lives there owns a vessel that regularly by computer. Guess he only had two hands. entered his unit via a vacant motel next sails to and from Haiti), but they Police responded to a homeowner who door. The musician, perhaps after a late- observed no illegal activity. The case is reported that a man was removing night show, had left his balcony door closed pending further stolen goods. So plants from his backyard. The owner Phoning Your Way to Jail open. Biscayne Corridor denizens should if you’re in the market for cheap elec- was gone by the time police arrived, 3400 Block of Biscayne Boulevard never underestimate the dexterity of a tronics, it looks like this fence is closed but upon closer inspection, the officers On patrol, police observed a man appar- determined crook. for business. discovered that these beautiful plants ently trying to break into a pay phone. He were of the cannabis variety and were banged the metal phone housing and Good Samaritan growing inside the home. The man shook it in an obvious attempt to retrieve Fencing Operation absconding with the plants was a bur- coins. When police stopped their vehicle Ongoing? Richly Rewarded for glar, who was arrested immediately. and approached him, the man pretended to 200 Block NE 59th Street Compassion The rightful owner of the plants was be talking on the phone. That did not stop Television monitors valued at $40,000 100 Block of NE 48th Street notified of the arrest, but by press time the officers from arresting him. Good luck were stolen from a business. Private A kind and decent man (read: naive) he still had not responded. Police have trying to steal coins in the county jail. investigators were hired by this television was enjoying a walk when he was indicated they want to talk to him to company and they obtained pertinent approached by a seemingly hungry man “discuss” the burglary. Feedback: [email protected]

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December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 37 A RT & CULTURE Off the Basel Path A short guide to some of the more novel art shows By Victor Barrenechea A work by BT Contributor Portland artist t’s year number seven for Art Basel Ian Hawk, Miami Beach, which once again appearing Ipromises to be the catalyst for a full at the Bas week of art hysteria in our town. With Fisher more than 20 satellite fairs and countless Invitational. other events sailing along in ABMB’s huge wake, it’s easy to become over- whelmed. So the BT has put together a list of some of the more exciting and quirky shows worth seeking out amid the artistic extravaganza. Oliver Sanchez, who has a studio next door to the “American Donut” project, RAD MOON RISING also across the street from Design The consistently cutting-edge New Miami. So Sanchez is transforming his York City Deitch Projects has put to space into an installation that will oddly together an exhibition titled “Rad Moon resemble a cobbled-together bazaar or Rising,” curated by Nathan Howdeshell, bodega. The artist hopes the piece will better known as Brace Pain, guitarist for Mette Tommerup’s piece at CasaLin’s outdoor exhibition. be something of an oasis from the hectic the Portland, Oregon, indie group The pace of the fair. Inside you’ll be able to Gossip. What you get is 16 emerging at a man who’s shooting another man in exploring the nature of trash and dispos- purchase soft drinks, empanadas, cook- young Portland artists, predominantly the head. Also look for performances by able objects. ies, as well as café cubano, cigars, and under age 30 and few with any gallery the New Humans’ Lansing-Dreiden, and Through December 7 at Casa Lin, 55 botanicals. Sanchez also stresses that representation whatsoever. Expect lots of on opening night Terence Koh. Other NW 30th St., Miami, www.casalin.org, there is no sponsorship for this event and screaming fluorescent colors, Polaroids, artists include Rita Ackermann, Diana [email protected]. that all proceeds go to D.A.S.H., the crude drawings and collages, each exud- Al-Hadid, and Peter Coffin. Reception December 4 from 10:00 a.m. neighborhood’s arts-magnet high school, ing youthful DIY aesthetic. The fitting December 2 through 7, Midblock East, to 12:00 p.m. Design and Architecture Senior High. venue for this event is the former experi- 3250 NE 1st Ave., Miami. For more infor- December 3 through 7, 3821 NE 1st mental art space known as the Bas Fisher mation visit www.thestationmiami.org AMERICAN DONUT Ct., Miami, varied hours. Invitational, reopened for this one-time- Organized by Scott Murray of Twenty only special event. YARD WORK Twenty Projects, with artists Nicolas MIAMI ART MUSEUM AND MUSEUM December 4 through 6, Bas Fisher For the past six years CasaLin (brain- Lobo and Jay Hines, and located directly OF CONTEMPORARYART Invitational, 180 NE 39th St., Miami, child of Lin Lougheed) has been show- across the street from the Design Miami Our own local museums are doing their #210, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. casing an intriguing series of outdoor fair in a warehouse space, you’ll find an part to pump up the Art Basel fervor with exhibitions, and this year is no excep- unassuming closed garage door, decorat- two exciting projects. “The Possibility of THE STATION tion. Six local artists have created ed with a donut mural and a peephole in an Island” will be on exhibit at the MOCA In a yet-to-be-occupied building in the center. Several times each Goldman Warehouse. The show explores Midtown Miami with a completed façade night throughout the week, the themes of anxiety, alienation, technology, but an unfinished, raw industrial interior Several times each night throughout the garage door will fling open aging, and death as presented in French that encompasses 12,000 square feet of week, the garage door will fling open for for minute-long performances author Michel Houellebecq’s popular sci-fi space on three floors, “The Station” is a minute-long performances by a wide by a wide range of artists. novel of the same name. Taking part is an show that explores themes of temporality range of artists. This is part of an ongoing, impressive array of international artists, in the urban landscape. Organized by amorphously collaborative art including Cory Arcangel, Cristina Lei Eleanor Cayre and curated by New York- project known as “American Rodriguez, Heman Chong, Peter Coffin, based artist Nate Lowman and Shamim works that interact with nature and the Donut,” which will record and broadcast and Julika Rudelius, among others. M. Momin, co-curator of the 2004 and outdoors. Mette Tommerup takes a gar- a multitude of audio performances MAM will be presenting public-art proj- 2008 Whitney Biennials, “The Station” den shed and transforms it into a habitat (including the aforementioned) for broad- ects featuring works by Jeff Koons, Daniel exhibits more than 40 of today’s hottest for moss and air plants, a symbol of cast on telephone party lines. Eventually Arsham, and John Henry. Above MAM’s contemporary artists, with a few locals man’s encroachment on nature and vice it is to become a vinyl LP containing a downtown plaza will hover Koons’s thrown into the mix for good measure. versa. Her husband Robert Chambers portion of those recordings. kitschy Silver Rabbit Balloon, a 50-foot, You’ll find a painting of L.A.’s Fox presents a sculpture in which he fuses December 2 though 7, 3825 NE 1st rabbit-shaped helium balloon in the tradi- Plaza Building set ablaze by Gary two tractors together, head to head, a Ct., Miami, unscheduled evening hours. tion of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Simmons; a naively rendered wall draw- statement on America’s heartland her- Arsham’s project involves choreographing ing by Olaf Breuning depicting a dimin- itage and its precarious future. Frances THE BORDELLO BODEGA the exterior floodlights at the landmark ishing chain of aggression, with a bomb Trombly’s Toilet Paper Prank shrouds a “I can’t be here and not do some- Bank of America Tower to pulsate like a falling on a tank that is firing its cannon tree in a fabric facsimile of toilet paper, thing,” says local artist and sculptor Continued on page 39

38 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 A RT & CULTURE

In Da Shade by Rita Ackermann, which will be on display at “The Station.” Rendering for the Friends With You Fun House at SCOPE. FUN HOUSE an adventure,” says Borkson, who invites Basel Path St., Miami, 305-893-6211. And finally, look to the SCOPE Art people of all ages to come play and enjoy Silver Rabbit Balloon, on display Fair for a carefree and fun interactive themselves in the piece. Also included Continued from page 38 December 4, MAM Plaza, 101 W. installation of ambitious size. Fun House, will be a gallery of Friends With You beacon. John Henry’s 80-foot, painted- Flagler St., Miami. by the Friends With You art duo of Sam sculptures and paintings, and a gift shop steel sculpture will be installed at Daniel Arsham’s floodlight project at Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, is a to purchase toys and products, including Bicentennial Park, soon to be Museum the Bank of America Tower, December 4, 4000-square-foot, hands-on magical vil- limited-edition T-shirts. Park and the future home of MAM. 100 SE 2nd St., Miami. lage, complete with a bounce house, December 3 through 7 at SCOPE Art “The Possibility of an Island,” John Henry’s sculpture on display playrooms with inflatable figures, and a Fair, 2951 NE 1st Ave., Miami. December 4 through March 21, MOCA December 4, Bicentennial Park, 1075 restaurant and bar. “Our hope is to give at Goldman Warehouse, 404 NW 26th Biscayne Blvd., Miami. people an art experience that’s more like Feedback: [email protected]

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 39 A RT & CULTURE ART LISTINGS WYNWOOD GALLERY WALK & DESIGN DISTRICT CHAREST-WEINBERG GALLERY DOT FIFTYONE ART SPACE ART + DESIGN NIGHT 250 NW 23rd St., Miami 51 NW 36th St., Miami SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 305-292-0411 305-573-9994 www.charest-weinberg.com www.dotfiftyone.com ABBA FINE ART Through December 21: Through January 20: 233 NW 36th St., Miami Solo show by Marc Seguin “and let it go” by Leslie Gabaldon 305-576-4278 Reception December 5, 7 to 10 p.m. Through January 22: www.abbafineart.com Reception December 13, 7 to 10 p.m. “Laboratory” by Leonel Matheu Through January 8: “Fusion” with Pip Brant, Emanuele Cacciatore, Tony CHELSEA GALLERIA ELITE ART EDITIONS GALLERY Caltabiano, Emmy Cho, Debra Holt, David McConnell, 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 151 NW 36th St., Miami Peter Mackie, Sara Modiano, Kerry Phillips, Susan 305-576-2950 305-403-5856 Woodruff, and Jayoung Yoon www.chelseagalleria.com www.elitearteditions.com December 13 through February 4: Through December 13: December 6 through 20: Solo show by Jayoung Yoon “Earth, Part One: Anima” by Fernando “Art Basel @ Wynwood Art Show” with Anica, Alicia H Reception December 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Calzadilla Torres, Carolina Rojas, Fabia Nitti, Francisco Ceron, Reception December 13, 7 to 11 p.m. and Jorge Matas ALEJANDRA VON HARTZ FINE ARTS Reception December 6, 7 to 11 p.m. 2134 NW Miami Ct., Miami CITY LOFT ART 305-438-0220 61 NE 40th St., Miami FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY www.alejandravonhartz.net 305-438-9006 2247 NW 1st Pl., Miami Through January 31: www.euartgallerymiami.com 305-448-8976 Solo show by Pablo Siquier Ongoing exhibition “Acrylart” with www.snitzer.com various artists December 5 through January 3: AMAYA GALLERY Reception December 13, 7 to 10 p.m. “Heavy Manner” by Luis Gispert and “DEATH BY 2033 NW 1st Pl., Miami BASEL” with Chim_Pom, Cyprien Gaillard, Daniel 917-743-2925 DAVID CASTILLO GALLERY Newman, Eirik Saether, Eric Pougeau, Ida Ekblad, www.amayagallery.com 2234 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Item Idem, John Riepenhoff, Ken Kagami, Tai Ogawa, Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-573-8110 Yamataka Eye, and Yoshiaki Kuribara www.castilloart.com Reception December 5, 7 to 10 p.m. ART FOREVER STUDIOS December 1 through January 3: 6140 NW 7th Ave., Miami “Four Solo Shows” with Wendy Wischer, GALERIE EMMANUEL PERROTIN 786-294-4174 Glexis Novoa, Aramis Gutierrez, Frances 194 NW 30th St., Miami Through December 10: “Nothing You Have Ever Seen Santiago Rubino,Vescica Piscis, graphite Trombly, and Leyden Rodriguez- 305-573-2130 Before” by Addonis Parker Casanova www.galerieperrotin.com and charcoal on paper in artist’s frame, Reception December 6, 7 to 10 p.m. December 4 through January 3: ART FUSION 2008, at the Spinello Gallery. “the PIG presents ...” with Paola Pivi, Gelitin, Alfredo 1 NE 40th St., Miami DELUXE ART GALLERY Jaar, Mario Grubisic, Jeremy Deller, Simon Martin, and 305-573-5730 2051 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Roberto Cuoghi www.artfusiongallery.com Through December 12: “Recession Proof” with Robert 305-858-7735 Through December 24: Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, Robert Thiele, David Through December 13: GALLERY DIET “Fusion V — A Global Affair” with various artists Hockney, Jim Dine, and James Rosenquist “VooDoo Cracker Magic” by Graham Wood Drout 174 NW 23rd St., Miami Reception December 6, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception December 13, 70 to 11 p.m. 305-571-2288 Reception December 13, 7 to 10 p.m. BAYFRONT PARK www.gallerydiet.com 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami DIANA LOWENSTEIN FINE ARTS Through December 20: ART ROUGE 305-572-0040 2043 N. Miami Ave., Miami “bi(h)ome” by Brian Burkhardt 46 NW 36th St., Miami www.artformz.net 305-576-1804 305-448-2060 www.bayfrontparkmiami.com/pages/events.html www.dlfinearts.com HARDCORE ARTS CONTEMPORARY SPACE www.artrouge.com December 2 through 7: December 2 through February 7: 3326 N. Miami Ave., Miami Through January 20: “Giants in the City” with Gustavo Acosta, José Bedia, “Spill-Over” with Felice Grodin, Perry Hall, Gye-Hoon 305-576-1645 “The Box of Mental States” by José Manuel Ciria Tomas Esson, Frank Hyder, Anja Marais, John Martini, Park, Udo Noger, Silvia Rivas, Sterz, Karina www.hardcoreartcontemporary.com Alejandro Mendoza, Angel Ricardo Rios, Alette Wisnieska, and Xawery Wolski; “Fantastic Voyage” Ongoing show: “A Slice of the Action” by Carl Pascuzzi ARTFORMZ Simmons-Jimenez , and Michelle Weinberg with Luis Alonzo-Barkigia, Carlos Betancourt, Vicenta and Jonathan Stein 171 NW 23rd St., Miami Reception December 2, 9 to 11 p.m. Casañ, Rabindranat Diaz Arjona, Michael Loveland, 305-572-0040 Marc Hello, Cecilia Paredes, and Michael Scoggins; HAROLD GOLEN GALLERY www.artformz.net BERNICE STEINBAUM GALLERY and “$999¢” with Luis Alonzo-Barkigia, Sergio Temporary location: Through January 3: 3550 N. Miami Ave., Miami Bazan, Carlos Betancourt, Trisha Brookbank, 314 NW 24th St., Miami “No Easy Pieces” with Fabian De La Flor, Natasha 305-573-2700 Vicenta Casañ, Clifton Childree, Julie Davidow, Tulio 305-576-1880 Duwin, Donna Haynes, Anja Marais, Alejandro www.bernicesteinbaumgallery.com De Sagastizabal, Rabindranat Diaz Arjona, Nina www.haroldgolengallery.com Mendoza, P.J. Mills, Ray Paul, Natalia Reparaz, Through December 27: Ferre, Felice Grodin, Jill Hotchkiss, Rosa Irigoyen, Through December 12: Rosario Rivera, Alette Simmons-Jimenez, and Chieko “Cycles” by Hung Liu and “In Your Hands” by Maria Laura Kina, Michael Loveland, Katrin Moller, Marc “The Cosmic Blob Show” with KRK Ryden Tanemura Gonzalez Hello, Cecilia Paredes, Silvia Rivas, Graciela Sacco, Jorge Simes, Nicole Soden, Guillermo Srodek-Hart, JULIO BLANCO STUDIO BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX CAMINERO ART STUDIO Sterz, Annie Wharton, Karina Wisniewska, and 164 NW 20th St., Miami 561 NW 32nd St., Miami 598 NE 77th St., Miami Xawery Wolski 305-534-5737 305-576-2828 786-597-8467 Reception December 6, 7:30 to 10 p.m. www.onemansho.com www.bacfl.org December 12 through January 9: December 6 through February 14: December 4 through 7: “Last Works of Maximo Caminero” by Maximo DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY “Sisters in Arms” by Julio Blanco “Garden and Grotto of Manifest Desitiny” by Randy Caminero 3938 NE 39th St., Miami Reception December 6, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Polumbo Reception December 12, 7 to 11 pm. 305-573-4046 Reception December 13, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. December 4 through January 25: www.diasporavibe.net “Paraphernalia” curated by Carol Damian with Tristan CAROL JAZZAR CONTEMPORARY ART December 3 through January 22: KELLEY ROY GALLERY Fitch, Leanne Hemmingway-Siebels, Moira Holoham, 158 NW 91st St., Miami Shores “Caribbean Crossroads Series - Art / Basel - When 50 NE 29 St., Miami Jill Hotchkiss, Stephen Barron Johnson, Kathy Kissik, 305-490-6906 Black Is Clear” with various artists 305-447-3888 Cyriaco Lopes, Mario Marinoni, Luisa Mesa, Deborah www.cjazzart.com Reception December 3, 7 to 10 p.m. www.kelleyroygallery.com M. Mitchell, Daniel Ortiz, Tere Pastoriza, Randy By appointment: [email protected] Through January 31: Polumbo, Susan Radau, Rosemarie Romero, Angelika Through January 10: DORSCH GALLERY “Migration” with Joe Concra and Kevin Paulsen Rothkegel, Tina Salvesen, Anica Shpilberg, José “Limpiesa” by GisMo Girls 151 NW 24th St., Miami Reception December 4 through 7, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Pacheco Silva, Loren Squire, Kikuko Tanaka, and 305-576-1278 Ramon Williams CENTER FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATION www.dorschgallery.com KEVIN BRUK GALLERY Reception December 4, 6 to 10 p.m. 541 NW 27th St., Miami Through December 31: 2249 NW 1st Pl., Miami 305-571-1415 “Shapeshifter” with Jenny Brillhart, 305-576-2000 BARBARA GILLMAN GALLERY www.visual.org Elisabeth Condon, Robin Griffiths, www.kevinbrukgallery.com 4141 NE 2nd Ave. #202, Miami Through January 31:“Rauschenberg Retrospective” by Richard Haden, Michelle Hailey, m lafille, Through January 7: 305-573-1920 Robert Rauschenberg Martin Murphy, Ralph Provisero, John Sanchez, www.artnet.com/bgillman.html Reception December 7, 7 to 10 p.m. and Kyle Trowbridge Continued on page 41

40 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 A RT & CULTURE Art Listings

Continued from page 40 “New Images / Unisex New Images/ Unisex” with Kerstin Brätsch, Davis Rhodes, Nikolas Gambaroff, Adele Röder, Taylor Kretschmar, Georgia Sagri, Charles Mayton, and Greg Parma Smith December 2 through January 17: “Deal or No Deal” by Mika Tajima Reception December 2, 6 to 9 p.m.

LOCUST PROJECTS 105 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-576-8570 Carlos Betancourt,The Last Supper, ink on canvas, 2008, at Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts. www.locustprojects.org Through December 31: “Purvis Young & Friends” with Purvis Young, Steve OUR HOUSE WEST OF WYNWOOD Juan, and Agusto Zanela “10 Years of Locust Projects” curated by Gean Moreno “Beast” Alvin, and more 3100 NW 7th Ave., Miami December 13 through 31: and Claire Breukel with various artists and “New Work Reception December 5, 7 to 10 p.m. 305-490-2976 Solo show by Alexa Horochowski (wall painting)” by Ed Youngs www.oh-wow.com Reception December 13, 7 to 10 p.m. MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY December 2 through 7: LUIS ADELANTADO GALLERY MAIN BRANCH “It Ain’t Fair” with Tauba Auerbach, Stefan Bondell, PS14 98 NW 29th St., Miami 101 W. Flagler St., Miami Scott Campbell, Dan Colen, Phil Frost, Patrick Griffin, 28 NE 14th St., Miami 305-438-0069 305-375-5048 Evan Gruzis, Ben Jones, Terence Koh, Nate Lowman, 305-385-3600 www.luisadelantadomiami.com www.mdpls.org Ryan McGinley, Slava Mogutin, Takeshi Murata, Jason December 6: Through January 30: Through December 15: Nocito, Ara Peterson, Aurel Schmidt, Shinique Smith, “Unbreak” with Alex Yannes , NF Romero, Ross Ford, “Escape” by Aldo Chaparro, “Altarium 14 Wheeler” by “Polychrome Affinities” curated by Michelle Weinberg Agathe Snow, Dash Snow, Francine Spiegel, Kon Luis Diaz, E.S. Angel Bayrol Jiménez, and “In a Moment’s Notice” by Ricky with Guerra de la Paz, Michelle Weinberg, and Trubkovich, Solange Umutoni, and more Reception December 6, 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. Rayns Magali Wilensky Reception December 3 through 7, 9 to noon PANAMERICAN ART PROJECTS PUZZLEMENT GALLERY MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY O 2450 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 81 NW 24th St., Miami MIAMI ART GROUP GALLERY F ART AND DESIGN 305-573-2400 917-929-8559 126 NE 40th St., Miami 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami www.panamericanart.com www.puzzlementart.com 305-576-2633 305-428-5700 Through December 31: December 3 through 7: www.miamiartgroup.com www.mymiu.com Francis Acea, Tracey Snelling, and Ana Maria Pacheco Group show with Kevin Brady, David Button, Manuel Ongoing show: December 4 through January 8: Reception December 6, 6 to 9 p.m. Carbonell, Nichole Chimenti, Dest, Gary Fonseca, “Art and Serenity” with Jeffrey Gluck, James Kitchens, Annual faculty exhibition Steven Gamson, Jennifer Kaiser, Raquel Glottman, and Gail Taylor Reception December 4, 5 to 8 p.m. PRAXIS INTERNATIONAL ART Jim Herbert, Alejandro Paiva Lopez, Andy Piedilato, 2219 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Pablo Power, Tomy F. Trujillo, Jon “Depoe” Villoch, and MIAMI ART SPACE MILOU GALLERY 305-573-2900 Giancarlo Zavala 244 NW 35th St., Miami 17 NW 36th St., Miami www.praxis-art.com Reception December 3, 6 to 11 p.m. 305-438-9002 305-573-8450 December 2 through 13: www.miamiartspace.com Through December 20: Group show with Alexa Horochowski, Torres Llorca, December 5 through 13: “The Pucker-Up Project” by Perry Milou Federico Uribe, Hisae Ikenaga, Luis Mallo, Andrea Continued on page 42

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 41 A RT & CULTURE

Art Listings Project Illustrated” by John Henry Mark Aerial Waller, Heman Chong, Cosmin Costinas, Through April 4: “Simulacra and Rosemary Heather, Leif Magne Tangen, Francis Continued from page 41 Essence: The Paintings of Luisa McKee, David Reinfurt, and Steve Rushton), Lisi SPINELLO GALLERY Basnuevo” by Luisa Maria Basnuevo Raskin, Julika Rudelius, and Mungo Thomson 2294 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 786-271-4223 LOWE ART MUSEUM, UNIVERSITY THE MARGULIES COLLECTION www.spinellogallery.com OF MIAMI 591 NW 27th St., Miami December 6 through January 3: 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables 305-576-1051 “Primeval State of Perfection” by Santiago Rubino 305-284-3535 www.margulieswarehouse.com Reception December 6, 7 to 10 p.m. www.lowemuseum.org Through April 25: Reception December 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Through January 18: “Hurma” by Magdalena Abakanowicz, “Western Union: “Charles Biederman: An American Small Boats” by Isaac Julien, “Oil Rich Niger Delta” by STASH GALLERY Idealist” by Charles Biederman George Osodi, and “Photography and Sculpture: A 162 NE 50 Terrace, Miami. Correlated Exhibition” with various artists 305-992-7652 MIAMI ART MUSEUM www.myspace.com/stashgallery Martin Murphy,The Split Mirror Syndrome, HD 101 W. Flagler St., Miami THE RUBELL FAMILY COLLECTION Through December 12: “Bewitched, Bothered and video with sound, 2008, at the Dorsch Gallery. 305-375-3000 95 NW 29th St., Miami Bewildered” by Helene Weiss www.miamiartmuseum.org 305-573-6090 Through January 18: “MBE: A Flying www.rubellfamilycollection.com TWENTY TWENTY PROJECTS “The Prisoner’s Dilemma: Selections from the Ella Machine for Every Man, Woman, and Child” by Yinka Call for operating hours and exhibit information. 2020 NW Miami Ct., Miami Fontanals-Cisneros Collection” with Francis Alÿs, Shonibare December 3 through May 30: 786-217-7683 Barbara Kruger, Alexander Apóstol, Rafael Lozano- Through January 25: “Moving Through Time and “30 AMERICANS” with Nina Chanel Abney, John www.twentytwentyprojects.com Hemmer, Alexandre Arrechea, Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle, Space” by Chantal Akerman Bankston, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mark Bradford, Iona Through January 6: Alessandro Balteo Yazbeck, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Through February 22: “Objects of Value” with various Rozeal Brown, Nick Cave, Robert Colescott, Noah “Cha-Cha” with John Bucklin, Robert Chambers, Alyse Judith Barry, Priscilla Monge, Paolo Canevari, Carlos artists Davis, Leonardo Drew, Renée Green, David Emdur, Jay Hines, Justin Long, Raul J. Mendez, Gean Motta, Stan Douglas, Antoni Muntadas, Jimmie Hammons, Barkley L. Hendricks, Rashid Johnson, Moreno, and Daniel Newman Durham, Shirin Neshat, Cao Fei, Julian Rosefeldt, MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Glenn Ligon, Kalup Linzy, Kerry James Marshall, Reception December 13, 7 to midnight Regina José Galindo, Laurie Simmons, Carlos 770 NE 125th St., North Miami Rodney McMillian, Wangechi Mutu, William Pope.L, Garaicoa, Eve Sussman, Mathilde ter Heijne, Frank 305-893-6211 Gary Simmons, Xaviera Simmons, Lorna Simpson, WALLFLOWER GALLERY Thiel, Thomas Hirschhorn, Susan Turcot, Jenny www.mocanomi.org Shinique Smith, Jeff Sonhouse, Henry Taylor, Hank 10 NE 3rd St., Miami Holzer, and Monika Weiss December 3 through March 1: Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Carrie 305-579-0069 Reception December 3 through 7, 9 to noon “Purchase Not By Moonlight” by Anri Sala Mae Weems, Kehinde Wiley, and Purvis Young www.wallflowergallery.com myspace.com/wallflowergallery FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FROST MOCA AT GOLDMAN WAREHOUSE WORLD CLASS BOXING December 4: Solo show by Thomas Daniel Burnikel ART MUSEUM 404 NW 26th St., Miami Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection 11200 SW 8th St., Miami 305-893-6211 170 NW 23rd St., Miami MUSEUM & COLLECTION EXHIBITS 305-348-0496 www.mocanomi.org 305-438-9908 http://thefrost.fiu.edu/ December 4 through March 21: Appointment only: [email protected] CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation) Through February 28: “Intersections” by Florencio “The Possibility of an Island” with Cory Arcangel, Call for operating hours and exhibit information. 1018 N. Miami Ave., Miami Gelabert Davide Balula, Tobias Bernstrup, Heman Chong, Peter 305-455-3380 Through March 1: “Modern Masters from the Coffin, Matias Faldbakken, Cao Fei, Kim Fisher, Claire Compiled by Victor Barrenechea www.cifo.org Smithsonian American Art Museum” with various artists Fontaine, K48, Chris Kraus, Cristina Lei Rodriguez, Send listings, jpeg images, and events information to December 3 through March 1: Through March 9: “Drawing in Space: The Peninsula Nicolas Lobo, Martin Oppel, Philip (a novel written by [email protected]

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42 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 A RT & CULTURE Culture Briefs Holiday Lights Like collecting books and school supplies for 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and African Americans. It is the third of ten Peruvian students ages 3 to 12. Supplies from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, when works in Wilson’s cycle of plays that You’ve Never Seen dropped off at Soya y Pomodoro from everything remaining is discounted by 50 broadly examine the African-American In the same way airplane pilots need 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays percent. To volunteer or to join the experience. Joe Turner is directed by bright runway lights in order to make through December 22 will be delivered Friends organization call 305-375-4776 Miami’s own John Pryor. Onstage safe landings in the darkness of night, so by Carini, who will document the dona- or e-mail [email protected]. through December 21 at the M too Santa Claus needs dazzling light dis- tion’s impact. A closing reception, featur- Ensemble playhouse (12320 W. Dixie plays in order to make his famed rooftop ing performance art by choreographer Hwy., North Miami). Tickets $20-$30. landings. Which means you needn’t Octavio Campos’s students from the For more information call 305-899-2217 worry about the children along North New World School of the Arts, is slated or visit www.themensemble.com. Miami’s NE 137th Terrace going without for later this month. For more informa- gifts. For more than 15 years this lushly tion call 305-381-9511 or 786-271-3622. tree-canopied neighborhood, just north of Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park, Art Week in MiMo has banded together around holiday time The MiMo Historic District isn’t about to transform their homes into a twinkling to be left out of the Art Basel hoopla. wonderland with an over-the-top array of From December 1-7, the MiMo strip more than 300,000 lights. It’s known as from 50th to 77th streets will host a con- Holiday Lights 2008, and though there is tinuous series of special events. From the no charge to drive through the luminous News Lounge at the southern end (8:00 display, volunteers from Care Resource, p.m., December 6: “Miami Art in a nonprofit HIV/AIDS service organiza- Action”), to the Red Light restaurant at Spinning and Spirituality tion, will be on hand to accept donations the north (ongoing: “Urban Bridge — Sugar Plum Fairies Roughly 800 years ago in Turkey, the and hand out goodies to children. Load River’s Edge”), and many galleries and and More Islamic scholar Rumi searched for up the kids and cruise by December 5- shops in between, it’ll be a weeklong The Christmas season just wouldn’t be answers to life’s eternal questions of the 31 NE 137th Terrace, just east of NE celebration. Look for a preview of the the same without a performance or ten of spirit. Then he met a wandering dervish 16th Avenue. For information call 305- Miami Exposé photo-montage project on The Nutcracker ballet. This year the named Shams al-Din. Shams showed 576-1234 x257. Boulevard light posts between 69th and Miami Youth Ballet is among several Rumi that spirituality was about celebra- 73rd streets. For more information and local groups performing the classic. tion. Rumi then spent his life celebrating full list of events, visit www.mimoboule- Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The the divine writing mystical poetry. On vard.org and click on “Events New and Nutcracker and the Mouse King and Saturday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m., Past.” scored by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (464 NE ballet premiered in 1892 in St. 16th St.) will host Peter Rogen, a master Petersburg, Russia. It tells the story of interpreter of Rumi’s poetry, accompa- young Clara, who is given a nutcracker nied by Sufi musicians and whirling Photo by Jacqueline Carini as a present on Christmas Eve. The nut- dervish dancers, whose ecstatic twirling cracker magically transforms into a transports them from the material to the prince, and the two travel to the Land of spiritual world. Tickets are $15 ($9.75 the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Miami Youth for students). Call 305-374-3372 or visit Ballet brings guest dancers Maribel trinitymiami.ticketleap.com for tickets. Modrono and Christopher Rendall- Jackson to the Gusman Center (174 E. Pencils To Peru Flagler St.) for one night only, Friday, Last year’s coverage of earthquake-rav- Hooked on Books? December 5, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $13- aged Peru compelled Miami photojour- Here’s Your Fix $33 available at the Gusman Center box nalist Jacqueline Carini to reach out to If you’re suffering from bibliographic office (305-372-0925) or Ticketmaster at the struggling region. “After the earth- withdrawal following the Miami Book www.ticketmaster.com. quake, I went to Peru,” she says. “What Fair International, Friends of the Miami- struck me more than the tragedy was the Dade Public Library can ease the pain Playwright August Wilson poverty of these people. I realized the with its annual book-sale extravaganza Onstage with the only way to change a situation like that December 4-7 at the main library in M Ensemble is by promoting education.” Carini’s downtown Miami (101 W. Flagler St.). The M Ensemble, Florida’s oldest photos of rural Peru in the earthquake’s It’s the largest of its kind in South African-American theater company and a aftermath, and later images by Miami Florida. You’ll find thousands of books, Biscayne Corridor stalwart, launches its restaurateur Armando Alfano, are on CDs, videotapes, and other treasures for 2008-09 season with Pulitzer Prize-win- view at Soya y Pomodoro, 120 NE 1st two bucks or less. All proceeds help the ner August Wilson’s drama Joe Turner’s St., Miami. Revenue from photo sales financially challenged library system. Jazz on the Bay Come and Gone. The play, set in a 1911 On Saturday, December 6, perhaps the will go to their Give Thanks For the The sale runs from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 Pittsburgh boardinghouse, examines the busiest night of the year for stepping out Children project, for which they’re also p.m. on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to struggle for identity among post-slavery Continued on page 44

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 43 A RT & CULTURE Culture Briefs Tropical Snowflakes zone from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., one hour more than the first Bike Continued from page 43 in NMB Miami event in November. This free, Once again the City of North Miami on the town, live jazz will take the stage earth-friendly initiative comes courtesy Beach is importing some traditional win- at American Legion Post 29, along of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, who ter spirit to South Florida with a 30-ton Biscayne Bay in Miami’s Upper Eastside. pledges to make it a monthly event. The snow mountain. This seasonally epic The Miami Jazz Project, a sextet led by closed roadways center around E. event, appropriately named Snow Fest, veteran Miami jazzman Arthur Barron, Flagler Street and run along S. Miami includes other fun features like a rock- will work through charts that range from climbing wall, giant slide, bounce house, Avenue by Mary Brickell Village, the standards to originals penned by live music, holiday games, prizes and where live bands will perform. Look for Barron himself. The lineup: Barron on giveaways, arts and crafts, and of course giveaways and free services such as the tenor, alto, and flute; Saul Gross (day pictures with Santa (available for $1). “bicycle valet” stations at SW 10th job: Miami Beach City Commissioner) The snow will fall on December 13 at Street and in Bayfront Park. Discounted on tenor; Ken Kay on alto; Felix Gomez 6:00 p.m. at Allen Park/ DeLeonardis parking available at Bayside on piano, Marcel Salas on bass, and Youth Center Field (1770 NE 162nd St.). Marketplace and Mary Brickell Village, Oscar Salas on drums. The setting is cozy Call 305-948-2957 for more information. and public transportation is free with a and the sound pretty decent. Bar and bike. For more information and a map, restaurant seating from which to choose. visit bike-miami.com. Downbeat at 8:00 p.m. Cost: $15 at the door. The post is located east of Biscayne Gory Goings-on at the Boulevard on NE 64th Street. For more Gusman information call 305-757-5773. Some observers have pointed to the For the Birds — and growing popularity of mixed-martial Flipper Does Santa arts (MMA) as another sign of Floridians usually have to go far north to For You America’s profound decline. As if experience the true splendor of the holi- Frank Schena, the Historical Museum celebrity worship and reality TV shows day season with rosy cheeks, snow-clad of South Florida’s own eco-historian, Photo courtesy www.Bike-Miami.com weren’t enough, along comes MMA to trees, and smoking chimneys. (Or maybe leads a tour of Pelican Harbor, the probe the depths of our social depravity just NMB? See above.) Visiting the island bisected by the 79th Street with its anything-goes ethos and gener- Miami Seaquarium isn’t exactly a walk Causeway. Most people whiz past with- al bloodletting. It’s not every day, how- in the Vermont woods, but it’s worth a out a glance. This is your chance to ever, that we get to see this stuff live, look-see for the “Winter Nights and slow down and look around. First stop so here’s your chance to watch a couple Lights” festival. The park will be all will be a visit to the Pelican Harbor of professional thugs try to put each decked out, with light sculptures of dol- Seabird Station to visit with staffers and other in the hospital. Revolution phins, orcas, and sea lions. There will be see birds of all types recovering in the Fighting Championships, a local MMA special holiday exhibits and a nightly rehabilitation hospital. The next stop is promoter, hosts fight night at down- fireworks show, and park hours will be a Biscayne Bay ferry ride over to town’s normally genteel Gusman extended to 8:00 p.m. The winter festival Pelican Island. Here you’ll be free to Center on December 19 at 8:00 p.m. will run from December 20 to January explore island trails with Schena or pull The card will feature a title bout 4, and will be included with regular park out a blanket, grab some grub, and between undefeated Eric Reynolds and admission of $35.95 for adults and enjoy the serenity. The tour begins at Bike Miami, Take Two Orlando’s own José Figueroa. Tickets $26.95 for children. For more informa- Pelican Harbor (1279 NE 79th Street Cyclists of Miami, reunite! Sunday, range from $38 to $123 and are avail- tion call 305-361-5705 or visit Causeway) at 10:00 a.m. on December December 14, is your second chance to able at the Gusman Center box office miamiseaquarium.com. 7. Tickets are $20 for HMSF members enjoy the streets of downtown Miami (305-372-0925), Ticketmaster and $25 for nonmembers. Call 305-375- — car-free. Skaters, joggers, and walk- (www.ticketmaster.com), and at revolu- 1492 or visit www.hmsf.com. ers can also take advantage of the safe tionfightclub.net. Feedback: [email protected]

44 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 C OLUMNISTS: KIDS A ND T HE C ITY Spoiled Rotten and Loving It They’re your kids, but try telling that to the grandparents By Jenni Person home and parents shines through in BT Contributor our kids. So my gift to myself this holiday sea- t is commonly accepted that the role son is one of the big steps in parenting: of grandparents is to spoil their Letting go and not worrying about the Igrandchildren. And so grandparents long-term affects of misplaced, value- spoil their grandchildren. My mother, divergent messages from grandparents, with all good intentions, never misses an or seemingly inappropriate gifts from opportunity to overindulge my kids in aunts, uncles, or friends. gifts, to the extent that there is literally Happy holidays to all, and to all a no room to store them all. Often our own goodnight — that is, a good night of gifts to our kids pale in comparison, or sleep instead of staying up and worrying go completely untouched. about your kids. And then there is the issue of values. I Speaking of antidotes to Barbie, just as was raised in a home where Barbie dolls American Girl dolls have provided a were not welcome. They arrived only as But on a recent road trip with my mom, I don’t know if I’ve lived up to that more imaginative literary and relevant gifts from doting aunts, and also when we she stocked up on the most extensive lofty role — especially given that I’m alternative, a Miami company has made later figured out we could use our amount of crap I’ve ever seen in her pos- 1200 miles away — but I am the person playing with dolls even more relevant for allowance to buy them. Meanwhile my session at one time. She actually planned responsible for introducing my niece to a great percentage of our community’s mother has bought my daughter about a to give my kids cookies (white flour, thrift-shopping, where I bought her first population. Maru, an 8-year-old immi- dozen — no exaggeration. Not only has she white sugar) and M&Ms all the way to leather motorcycle jacket. Now that I’m grant doll from Latin America, comes purchased the dolls, their accessories, and Tampa. My own feelings about giving knee-deep in the parenting game as well, with an immigrant story spelled out in an their “fashion,” she has also painstakingly kids sugar — the habit it potentially fos- my sister and I are comparing notes accompanying book, just like an made clothing — buying in to their destruc- ters, the health risks (which happen to be about our own mom, and I’m beginning American Girl doll. tive body-image messages with every pull especially high in our family), the behav- to understand the differences between The challenge facing this young immi- of her needle, and those of her designer ior it causes, the implication that a health- the role and influence of parents and that grant is the contemporary story of a child friend and former seamstress housekeeper, ier option is not an equally exciting treat of grandparents, aunts, and uncles. who has come to the States to live with her who she also pulls into the obsessive work. — made me wonder if my mother, being My sister pointed out that her teenage grandparents until her mother and father When I was growing up, there were no the person to teach my kids to crave sug- daughter seems to have survived her are able to join her. She is befriended by sweets in our house, except on special ary treats, would also get them drunk their aunt-and-grandmother-infused Barbie other dolls with similar stories, and grap- occasions. Bread was only whole grain and first time, or teach them to freebase. obsession. Distinctly a feminist and ples with language acquisition, accultura- whole loaves (no store-bought sliced bread, Long before I had kids of my own, I clearly the product of a progressive- tion, and a new definition of home and only fresh); produce was never, ever from a became an aunt. My sister (who had made earthy-crunchy-food-co-op-shopping family. Maru and her friends can wear can; salt and fat were lowered or eliminat- me an aunt) said, “So, are you going to be home, she even proudly wears a T-shirt clothing designed for American Girls dolls, ed, mostly owing to my dad’s heart disease, the cool bad aunt?” And when I, in my that declares, “This is what Barbie ought the founder told me at the Miami Book but good for us all; Celestial Seasonings fuchsia hair, Doc Martens, and some pur- to look like.” Fair International, but American Girl dolls was our tea; granola was always available; ple sheer number by Debbie Ohanian from As I think about my niece and can’t squeeze into the more slender attire and there was even a time when my mom back in the Meet Me in Miami Days, nephew, who were exposed to the of the Maru line. No matter. Maru needs only bought hot dogs from the health-food inquired as to what she meant, she went on same conflicting values between par- all the opportunities she can get. For more store (this was the 1970s, long before the to describe all the crazy things she expect- ents and grandparents, I realize there info check out www.maruandfriends.com. current trend of nitrate-free, hormone-free, ed me to teach her daughter, things she felt is hope, and that ultimately a consis- organic hot dogs). would be inappropriate for her to do. tent message from the inner-circle of Feedback: [email protected]

DAY CARE

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 45 PARK PATROL Small Park with a Big Heart It’s an oasis in Little Haiti, and it’s one man’s passion BT photos by Jim W. Harper BT photos by Jim W.

Which came first: The sign or the fence? Low hoops: It’s basketball for height-challenged kids.

By Jim W. Harper home at 4:30 on a Thursday afternoon. immediately inside the park he supervises. apartment buildings and pastel-colored, BT Contributor The park’s hours are supposed to be He was the papa bear making sure that a modest houses line the streets around from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. wolf was not threatening his children. it. Occupying the park’s southwest cor- he moral of this story is “hare” As I stood outside, two scrawny boys After I introduced myself, he walked with ner but divided by another copper- today, “goon” tomorrow. Wait, did enter the park by squeezing through a me and discussed his philosophy of parks. green gate is the Lemon City Child Tthat’s the punch line to the story I gap in the steel gates that encircle the Having visited nearly two dozen local Care Center, and to the park’s east forgot to tell about the rabbit and the — property. The locks did not keep them out. parks for Biscayne Times, this was a first. stands the Toussaint L’Ouverture well, never mind. The moral still applies My previous visit was much more A human being talking to me! At most Elementary School, named in honor of to Lemon City Park. engaging, because as I walked through parks, managers are nowhere to be found, the liberator of Haiti. Down the street My second visit to the park, in the the gates of Lemon City Park, someone and even when you do find them, they is the colorful architectural gem, the heart of Little Haiti, was disappointing. actually said “Hello” to me. tend to react like a disturbed butterfly. Caribbean Marketplace. The gates were locked and no one was Lewis Mahony connected with me Mahony’s park is not pristine or impres- The easiest landmark to spot adjacent sive by any means, but he describes it as to the park is Villa Paula, the stately, an “oasis” and “sacred.” He insists that supposedly haunted former Cuban LEMON CITY PARK “this park is for the kids and families” in Consulate on N. Miami Avenue near the immediate neighborhood. 58th Street. You can peer into its back- Park Rating Later he told me why the park was yard from Lemon City Park. closed on that Thursday afternoon: So he The park’s nighttime schedule is its NE 59th St could escort a group of children to a UM best feature. Opening at 3:00 p.m.,

NE Miami Pl 27 NE 58th St., Miami football game. He said the same thing when children are pouring out of 305-759-3512 would happen again on Friday, when he Toussaint L’Ouverture Elementary, the Hours: Mon.-Fri. 3:00 to planned to take about 20 kids to an FIU park also caters to parents who get 10:00 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 7:00 basketball game. home from work and need a place to N Miami Ave LEMON CITY The problem here is that the park seems stretch their legs. PARK a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Picnic tables: Yes to depend on one person, who may become No formal walking path exists in the Barbecues: Yes indisposed, thereby locking out the commu- back or southern section, but Mr. Picnic pavilions: Yes nity it intends to serve. Mahony says the Mahony says he wants one there. In this Tennis courts: No park gates remain open on the weekend shady area, there is a Vita course with NE 58th St NE Miami Pl even if he must leave during the 7:00 a.m. several exercise stations placed at a low,

NE Miami Ct Athletic fields: No Night lighting: Yes to 7:00 p.m. hours. But keeping it open and child’s level. Swimming pool: No unsupervised during the week may be too Most of the action in this park takes Special features: risky, as most adults are working and place on the several basketball courts NE 57th St Basketball courts, Vita unable to accompany children in the park. with deliberately low baskets for those course, meeting room The neighborhood defines this park as with growing pains. Mahony says mature a working-class, urban oasis. Two-story Continued on page 47

46 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 PARK PATROL Heart

Continued from page 46 players occasionally show up, too. Dunk! The small community center within the park is shuttered and closed, except when Mahony unlocks the door to the

bathrooms and water fountains. He says Harper BT photos by Jim W. the area lacks tutors to run an after- school program in the park building, but he would like to move in that direction. Mahony concedes he needs help. He even invited me to attend the sporting events with the kids. Park rangers and police officers from the City of Miami are supposed to patrol The park’s clubhouse is a cozy affair. The park is locked when closed, but not really. Lemon City Park, says Mahony, to keep people from trespassing when the park is among the oaks, and a single, invasive school could “adopt” it and staff it as an appeal to outsiders, but to nearby resi- closed. He says the broken metal fence is Australian pine stands in the park’s cen- after-school center. dents, it is vital. Neighborhoods without a recurring problem, and he suggests set- ter. It should be sent to the chipper. Signage for the park is minimal. You green space, especially in a semi-tropical ting up a camera at the elementary Lemon City Park could use a few wouldn’t know the place exists unless you setting, are destined to boil over and school to catch the perpetrators. upgrades, but most of the equipment happen to pass by. Even then, the park’s foment crime and discontent. Near the park’s entrance are several appears to be in good condition. More name on a faded wooden sign appears to This small slice of green has what mango trees and a few small picnic pavil- trees and other landscaping features, stand behind prison bars. My guess is that appears to be a good man trying to keep ions and a couple of barbecue pits. The such as a community garden, would give the sign was there first and then the gate it running. The children scampering playground nearby features a plastic “club- it more visual appeal. was erected in front of it. Another sign at around on the basketball courts and on house” and a bouncy, psychedelic dolphin. The small community center has limit- the entrance erroneously states that the the playground deserve more good, Most of the park’s trees stand in the ed potential, but clearly there are many park’s hours are 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. helping hands. western section near Villa Paula. Some children who would love to go inside Lemon City Park is a classic inner-city very tall and skinny palms shoot up and play games. Perhaps the elementary park, meaning it may not have much Feedback: [email protected] BARNETT TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING • Tree Removal • Ficus Whitefly Prevention 23 Years and Treatment Experience • Stump Grinding Licensed & Insured • Tree Crown Reduction Free Estimates • Shape & Trim • Transplant Member International • Up-Righting & Bracing Arborist Society • Hedge Trimming • Land Clearing PAUL WESLEY BARNETT • 321 W. Rivo Alto Dr., Miami Beach • 305-538-2451 SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED. YOU BOUGHT IT AND NOW YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BUILD IT? WE DON’T THINK SO. WE ASSEMBLE OFFICE DESKS, EXERCISE EQUIPMENT, HOME FURNISHINGS. SPECIALSTS IN THE ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION OF METAL, VINYL, & PLASTIC STORAGE SHEDS. We service all models sold at Home Depot, Costco, and Lowes. Pick-up & Delivery Services. LICENSED & INSURED 6KHGV 7KLQJV‡

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 47 C OLUMNISTS: YOUR G ARDEN The Big Chill Miami is growing warmer, but a cold snap can still do damage By Jeff Shimonski I always try to soak the ground the after- BT Contributor noon before a freeze to retain a bit of warmth. For the more tender plants, I like couple of weeks ago, I began to to place several inches of fresh tree chipper notice a bit of damage on a num- mulch on top of the ground and against the Aber of plant species, including plants. This is the only time I will place the breadfruit tree, at Jungle Island, mulch against the trunks or stems of plants. where I work. It’s pretty odd when you BT photo by Jeff Shimonski Fresh mulch is actively decomposing and think about it, how all of these tropical can generate quite a bit of heat. This plants can be damaged from the cold mulching process definitely protects plants, weather in Miami. We had temperatures especially bananas and Heliconias. You briefly in the high 50s one morning and may loose the foliage and even the trunk to the effects could be seen a week later. cold, but the ground will have been Most people probably don’t notice this warmed and insulated by the mulch so the kind of damage or associate it with cold roots survive and the plant grows back. weather. This first sign is just a bit of Another very important thing to leaf-drop. The ficus trees, hibiscus, The Yellow Geiger tree, Cordia lutea, is a close relative of the Orange Geiger. remember when preparing plants for cold bananas, and our beautiful yellow, flow- weather is that they are very vulnerable ered Cordia lutea may drop about 50 the ground. On days of a freeze, we would quite the science, though I learned a few to cold if they are actively growing. If percent of their green leaves after a place the plants inside a building or a heat- shortcuts along the way. In the 1990s, I the foliage is soft and new, it will get brush with cold air. On the breadfruit ed green house. We would cover hundreds stopped putting sprinklers on grass to burned much faster and at higher temper- tree, the lowest leaves turn yellow and of feet of hedges and our entire cactus gar- protect it from frost or freeze damage. I atures than a plant that has been “hard- then drop. Of course, there’s a point at den with burlap, and then before the end of began using grass paint instead. No more ened-off.” Do not fertilize in the winter which all leaves of almost all species the day, turn on the sprinklers. I used to long nights drinking coffee and defrost- unless you are going to move the plant will burn and drop. monitor the temperature, and when it got ing sprinkler heads with a small torch. indoors every time it gets cold outside. In 1977 there was a freeze during below 40 degrees, I would run the sprin- Yes, there is grass paint. I bought green Finally I learned the hard way that which we recorded a low temperature at klers all night long, until the sun came up paint and started spraying the day after a when you cover a plant to protect it from South Miami’s Parrot Jungle of 19 and melted the frost. freeze. It was very cost effective and no frost, the cover — no matter what it is degrees F. We had 30-foot-tall Areca Starting in the 1990s, winter tempera- one ever noticed. made of — must be raised at least a cou- palms killed to the ground. Our giant tures seemed to moderate. Temperatures I also learned that when the ground ple of inches above the plant. Anywhere Banyan tree not only lost all its foliage, rarely got into the high 30s, and if they was moist, it could store heat to help the cover touches, the cold will be trans- but the top ten feet of branches were did, it was only for a very brief time protect the plants. Many plants were ferred and the plant will be burned. frozen outright and died. By that after- before sunrise. We began to grow plants severely damaged from cold if they were Several layers of burlap or a thick blanket noon, everything at the park looked as if outside all year that never would have dry. Some cold fronts would be windy, will work best as covers even when wet. it had been burned by a blowtorch. survived in previous decades. It was and if rain preceded them, evaporative Heavy freezes were certainly not com- unheard of to grow breadfruit outdoors. cooling would result. This is an advec- Jeff Shimonski is an ISA-certified munic- mon then, but we commonly would record This tree is very sensitive to cold air. But tive freeze, a horizontal movement of an ipal arborist, director of horticulture at a brief low temperature of 28 or 29 degrees now we are growing it outside. Global air mass. Often at the end of an advec- Jungle Island, and principal of Tropical just before dawn at least once a year, usu- warming is here. Having carefully moni- tive freeze, the winds stop and the sky is Designs of Florida. Contact him at ally up to three times a year. We used to tored winter temperatures for the past 30 clear. This is a radiational freeze, and [email protected]. take elaborate precautions with our plants. years, I know it has gotten warmer. very cold conditions result as the warmth Many were in large containers heeled into Cold protection for tropical plants is is wicked from the ground and plants. Feedback: [email protected]

48 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 C OLUMNISTS: PAWSITIVELY P ETS Quiet Dog, Good Dog Yes, dogs bark naturally, but you can control it By Lisa Hartman he looks at you and quiets down, praise BT Contributor him and give him the treat. Make sure you’re using something really good and t is written that a tired dog is a good distracting, such as boiled chicken. dog, and that may be true. A well- Repeat this exercise over and over. Iexercised and stimulated dog will Now, before you hold up the treat, add keep out of trouble far more than the the word “quiet,” “enough,” or whatever average, under-exercised pooch with fuel word you want to use. Then you can to burn. But with many Miami dog own- move on to cold trials. Ask your friend ers living in apartment or condominium or the doorman to call you or knock on buildings, having a quiet dog may be the your door. Be ready with your distracting single most important canine trait. treats. It takes time for dogs to develop Dogs, of course, can and will bark. the self-control needed to change habits, They should be allowed to have a voice especially if they’ve been exhibiting and express themselves to a certain them for a while and they’ve been rein- extent, in certain situations. Having a dog forced by your attention. Besides, bark- bark when playing in the park or alerting ing is natural dog behavior, which we are you to the UPS guy is acceptable. But just just trying to manage. But with enough as important is a dog that can quiet down practice and good timing on your part, when told, and not bark excessively at your dog will master the quiet cue. every person walking the hallway, every Another technique is to teach your dog elevator ding, every other barking dog. an incompatible behavior. I once trained We talk about exercise a lot in the BT, a Maltese that her ringing doorbell meant so I’ll make this point brief: Your dog she should run to the opposite side of the needs real exercise. This means a healthy room, away from the door, and sit quiet- young dog needs a vigorous run to burn ly on her bed. (I’m told she still does this off energy. A short, on-leash walk in the two years later!) Obviously she can’t morning will never get the job done. If bark and scratch at the front door and you are not tired, your dog probably isn’t run to her bed to sit quietly at the same either. Here’s another useful adage: If time. They’re incompatible behaviors. you are overweight, your dog is not get- While you may not need your dog to ting enough exercise. If you are having respond in that particular fashion, you barking issues, add more exercise. can make him understand the stimulus The rest of the ingredients in the Quiet your dog quiet in a multifamily your back on him and walk away. Let that used to make him bark now means Dog Cocktail are mixed in a behavioral dwelling. Start with yourself. You must him learn that his loud behavior makes go sit in the kitchen (or any room away blender. There are many types of bark- make sure you do not encourage your you disappear. from the door) and await a treat. It’s the ing: watchdog barking, boredom barking, dog’s barking with attention. Yelling Practice ringing the doorbell yourself, same practice routine: When you hear anxiety barking, and more. (If you think “No!” and getting frustrated with your over and over. When your dog is quiet, the noise, get up and move to a chosen your dog suffers from separation anxiety, dog usually just fans the flames. He give him a treat. Repeat. When he gets spot, then ask your dog to sit. Reward seek professional help.) barked, and on top of it he got attention, pretty good at it, invite friends to ring him. Practice it over and over, to the Here we’ll deal with general tips and a reward in itself. If anything, when the bell or knock on the door, then hold techniques you can practice to help keep your dog barks, you should abruptly turn up the treat to distract your dog. When Continued on page 50

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 49 C OLUMNISTS: PAWSITIVELY P ETS Quiet Dog challenging, if you have more than one some artwork to you walls will also help behavior. Teach a different response, Continued from page 49 dog and one or both are excessive bark- absorb the sound of elevator movement reinforcing the quiet command. point that the dog hears the knock, ers. With more than one dog, you will and people walking by your door. Exercise and keep your dog busy. assumes his position, and waits for his have to practice everything singly as Leave a few stuffed toys around the room Manage his environment when you’re reward. The goal in apartment living is well as together.) While away from your to entertain your dog while you’re away. not there. Even the barkiest of canines to avoid upsetting your neighbors. You apartment, you should contain your You can even hide treats, like baby carrots, can end up quiet as a mouse. don’t want them complaining. Moving dog(s) in an area as far from the door around the corners of the room to give him your dog to a room away from shared and neighboring apartments as possible. something to do instead of focusing all his Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer for walls is a good first step. You can close the blinds or pull the cur- attention on the next exciting noise. Pawsitively Pets. You can reach her at Successful management of your dog’s tains so your dog is not swayed by out- Controlling out-of-control barking is [email protected] or barking is especially important when side stimuli. You can also leave a radio possible with a multi-pronged www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. you are not at home with him. (This on, playing music that will drown out approach: Check your own behavior so becomes even more important, and more some hallway noises. Adding a rug and you’re not rewarding your dog’s bad Feedback: [email protected]

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50 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 R ESTAURANT L ISTINGS The Biscayne Corridor's most comprehensive restaurant guide. Total this month: 196.

garish brass/tapestry/elephants everywhere replaced by a UPPER EASTSIDE Durosini wanted to open for lunch, but couldn’t lower NEW THIS MONTH cool, contemporary ambiance: muted gray and earth-tone sushi prices to lunchtime levels without compromising walls, tasteful burgundy banquettes. And the menu touts Europa Car Wash and Café quality. So he decided on a midday morph from sushi bar MIAMI “Modern Indian Cuisine” to match the look. Classicists, how- 6075 Biscayne Blvd. to salad bar. Choose a green (mixed, romaine, or ever, needn’t worry. Some dishes’ names are unfamiliar, but 305-754-2357 spinach); load on four choices from an extensive list of BRICKELL / DOWNTOWN America’s favorite familiar north Indian flavors are here, Giving new meaning to the food term “fusion,” Europa veggies, fruits, nuts, olives, and cheeses; pick a dress- though dishes are generally more mildly spiced and present- serves up sandwiches, salads, car washes, coffee with ing, all housemade (tangy ranch, creamy-rich gorgonzola, Il Gabbiano ed with modern flair. Definitely don’t miss starting with salad- croissants, and Chevron with Techron. Those who and exotic sesame-ginger are especially good); and pay 335 S. Biscayne Blvd., 305-373-0063 garnished Deshi Samosas (which come with terrific remember this former no-frills filling station only as one six bucks — or an extra $3 if you want an added protein www.ilgabbianomiami.com cilantro/mint dip) or ending with mango kulfi, Indian ice milk. of the Boulevard’s cheapest sources of brand-name gas like shrimp or marinated white anchovies. If doing it your- Its location at the mouth of the Miami River makes this All meats are certified halal, Islam’s version of kosher — will be astonished at the invitingly expanded interior. self is a brain strain, there are also two daily chef-creat- ultra-upscale Italian spot (especially the chic outdoor ter- which doesn’t mean that observant orthodox Jews can eat Snacks match the casual chicness: sandwiches like the ed salad combos. $ race) the perfect power lunch/business dinner alternative here, but Muslims can. $$$ Renato (prosciutto, hot cappicola, pepper jack cheese, for those wanting something beyond steakhouses. And the red peppers, and Romano cheese dressing); an elabo- culinary experience goes way beyond the typical meat mar- Moriano rate almond-garnished Chinese chicken salad; H&H NORTH MIAMI BEACH ket, thanks in part to the flood of freebies that’s a trade- 3221 NE 2nd Ave., 786-953-8003 bagels, the world’s best, flown in from NYC. And the car Roasters & Toasters mark of Manhattan’s Il Mulino, originally run by Il Ultra-thin, crisp-crusted pizzas as good as Piola’s in cleanings — done by hand, not finish-scratching 18515 NE 18th Ave. Gabbiano’s owners. (Free starters: A generous hunk of South Beach. Made-from-scratch daily specials like green machines — are equally gentrified, especially on 305-830-3354 parmegiano-reggiano with aged balsamico dip, assertively bean and parmesan soup, or prosciutto and mozzarella- Wednesday’s “Ladies Day,” when women are pampered Attention ex-New Yorkers: Is your idea of food pornography garlicky fried zucchini coins, and tomato-topped stuffed gnocchi that you really have not seen on every with $10 detail washes and glasses of sparkling wine one of the Carnegie Deli’s mile-high pastrami sandwiches? bruschette.) The rest of the food? Pricy, but portions are other menu in town. A homemade white chocolate/rasp- while they wait. $ Well, Roasters will dwarf them. Even a mouth like Angelina mammoth. And the champagne-cream-sauced housemade berry cake, chocolate ganache cake, and other pastries Jolie’s couldn’t fit around a “Carnegie-style” monster con- ravioli with black truffles? Worth every penny. $$$$$ to die for. High-quality ingredients, wine and beer, low Simplee Salad taining, according to the menu, a full pound of succulent prices, enthusiastic hands-on owners committed to arts- 7244 Biscayne Blvd. meat (really 1.4 pounds; we weighed it), for a mere 15 MIDTOWN / DESIGN DISTRICT oriented creativity. A comfortable hang-out atmosphere. 305-754-3100 bucks. All the other Jewish deli classics are here too, This tiny café, where “processed food” is a dirty word, simpleesalad.blogspot.com including just-sour-enough pickles, just-sweet-enough slaw, Bengal has it all — except a high-visibility location or media This is actually a restaurant within a restaurant: Sushi silky hand-sliced nova or lox, truly red-rare roast beef, and 2010 Biscayne Blvd., 305-403-1976 hype. So discover it for yourselves. (There’s ample free Square. But don’t be confused. There’s an explanation. the cutest two-bite mini-potato pancakes ever — eight per At this Indian eatery the décor is date-worthy, with the typical street parking, too.) $-$$ The original eatery’s Paris-trained chef/co-owner Julien order, served with sour cream and applesauce. $$

Restaurant listings for the BT Dining heat (spicy snow crab mix)? Miami hasn’t tended to initi- harissa-marinated loin, and bastilla, the famed savory- Blu Pizzeria e Cucina ate too many food “firsts,” but this Japanese/Pan-Latin sweet Middle Eastern pastry, stuffed with braised 900 S. Miami Ave. (Mary Brickell Village) Guide are written by Pamela Robin fusion place is surely one. Intended as the groundbreaker shank), plus feta and smoked eggplant. Finish with a 305-381-8335; www.blurestaurantsgroup.com Brandt. Every effort has been made to of an international chain, this stylish indoor-outdoor vanilla soufflé your way, a choice of toppings: chocolate, More than a mere pizzeria, this spot sports a super-sleek eatery features inventive makis (executed by Hiro Asano, raspberry, or crème anglaise. $$$$$ Upper Eastside (of Manhattan) interior. If that’s too formal, ensure accuracy, but restaurants formerly Bond Street’s sushi maestro), plus LatAmer/ opt for a casual patio table while you study the menu over an frequently change menus, chefs, and Asian small plates and meals like pasilla chile-braised Bali order of warm, just-made gnocchetti (zeppole-like bread short ribs with wasabi-shiitake grits. Prices are higher 109 NE 2nd Ave., 305-358-5751 sticks, with prosciutto and savory fontina fondue dip), or operating hours, so please call ahead to than at neighborhood sushi spots, but in keeping with While Indonesian food isn’t easy to find in Miami, down- creamy-centered suppli alla romana (porcini-studded tomato confirm information. Icons ($$$) represent Abokado’s Mary Brickell Village neighbors. $$$$ town has secret stashes -- small joints catering to Asian- and mozzarella rice croquettes). And don’t worry. The place estimates for a typical meal without wine, Pacific cruise-ship and construction workers. Opened looks upscale, but prices of even the fanciest seafood or veal Acqua circa 2002, this cute, exotically decorated café has sur- entrées don’t exceed $20. The fare fashioned by chef Ricardo tax, or tip. Hyphenated icons ($-$$$) 1435 Brickell Ave., Four Seasons Hotel vived and thrived for good reason. The homey cooking is Tognozzi (formerly from La Bussola and Oggi) is wide-ranging, indicate a significant range in prices 305-381-3190 delicious, and the friendly family feel encourages even but as the name suggests, you can’t go wrong with one of the Originally an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, this the timid of palate to try something new. Novices will thin-crusted brick-oven pizzas, whether a traditional between lunch and dinner menus, or comfortably elegant, upscale spot switched chefs in want Indonesia’s signature rijsttafel, a mix-and-match col- margherita or inventive asparagi e granchi (with lump crab, among individual items on those menus. 2006 (to Patrick Duff, formerly at the Sukhothai in lection of small dishes and condiments to be heaped on lobster cream, mozzarella, and fresh asparagus). $$-$$$ Bangkok), resulting in a complete menu renovation. rice. Once you’re hooked, there’s great gado-gado (veg- $= $10 and under Thailand’s famed sense of culinary balance is now evi- gies in peanut sauce), nasi goring (ultimate fried rice), Café Sambal $$= $20 dent throughout the global (though primarily Asian or and laksa, a complex coconut-curry noodle soup that’s 500 Brickell Key Dr. Latin American-inspired) menu, in dishes like near-impossible to find made properly, as it is here. Note: 305-913-8358; www.mandarinoriental.com/miami $$$= $30 yuzu/white soya-dressed salad of shrimp tempura (with bring cash. No plastic accepted here. $-$$ Though the Mandarin Oriental Hotel describes this space $$$$= $40 watercress, Vidalia onion, avocado, pomegranate), a as its “casual hotel restaurant,” many consider it a more tender pork shank glazed with spicy Szechuan citrus The Bar at Level 25 (Conrad Hotel) spectacular dining setting than the upscale Azul, upstairs, $$$$$= $50 and over sauce (accompanied by a chorizo-flecked plantain 1395 Brickell Ave., 305-503-6500 owing to the option of dining outdoors on a covered ter- mash), or lunchtime’s rare tuna burger with lively On the Conrad’s restaurant/lobby-level 25th floor, the race directly on the waterfront. The food is Asian-inspired, MIAMI wasabi aioli and wakame salad. For dessert few choco- expansive, picture-windowed space around the corner with a few Latin and Mediterranean accents (sushi, plus holics can resist a buttery-crusted tart filled with sinful- from the check-in desks used to be just a lobby exten- creative fusion dishes like tangerine-anise spiced short Brickell / Downtown ly rich warm chocolate custard. $$$$$ sion. Now it’s The Bar, which is not just a watering hole ribs with scallion pancake, or a tempura-battered snapper with panoramic views. At lunch it’s an elegant sandwich sandwich with lemon aioli). For the health-conscious, the Abokado Azul bar; at night it’s a raw bar (with pristine coldwater oys- menu includes low-cal choices. For hedonists there’s a 900 S. Miami Ave., 500 Brickell Key Dr., 305-913-8254 ters) and (best) a tapas bar serving pintxos. That’s just big selection of artisan sakes. $$$-$$$$$ 305-347-3700 Floor-to-ceiling picture windows showcase Biscayne Bay. the Basque word for tapas, but as interpreted by Atrio’s www.abokadosushi.com But diners are more likely to focus on the sparkling raw chef Michael Gilligan, there’s nothing mere about the gen- Caribbean Delight Hamachi chiles rellenos? Shiso leaf “nachos” topped bar and open kitchen, where chef Clay Conley crafts erously portioned small plates. They range from tradition- 236 NE 1st Ave., 305-381-9254 with raw spicy tuna, kaiware sprouts, and other Asian imaginative global creations – many of them combina- al items like cod fish equixada (a zingy bacalao salad) Originally from Jamaica, proprietor Miss Pat has been ingredients? The Viva, a sushi roll that starts with stan- tions, to satisfy those who want it all. One offering, “A and saffron-sautéed Spanish artichokes to inventive serving her traditional homemade island specialties to dard Japanese stuff (spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado), Study in Tuna,” includes tuna sashimi, Maine crab, avo- inspirations like foie gras and goat cheese-stuffed downtown office workers and college students since the adds typical Latin sabor (jalapeño, cilantro), wraps it all in cado tempura, and caviar, with several Asian sauces. empanadas, or Asian-inspired soft-shell crab in airy tem- a flour tortilla, and garnishes it with South of the Border Moroccan lamb is three preparations (grilled chop, pura batter. $$$ Continued on page 52

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 51 D INING G UIDE Red, White, and You Agreeable wine for $12 or less By Bill Citara will cost you $35 a bottle and up, though a more modest In the broadly appealing if not terribly distinctive catego- BT Contributor splurge will get you the eminently drinkable California ry are a pair of off-dry (which is to say, a bit sweet) non- siblings of such famous champagne houses as Roederer vintage Bruts: Tarantas Cava and Zonin Prosecco. The aiter, champagne for 300 million.” (Roederer Estate), Taittinger (Domaine Carneros) and Tarantas is a very aromatic number, redolent of tropical Whether you’re celebrating the Moet et Chandon (Domaine Chandon). Other reliable, fruit, with a creamy texture and just barely enough acidity. “Wbeginning of a new year or the end available, and not-too-pricy domestic sparklers include The Zonin is a big bite of red apple, a good choice for of eight years of darkness, nothing does it quite Gloria Ferrer, Mirabelle (the second label of those who like their bubbly on the sweeter side. so right as a bottle of bubbly. Schramsberg), and Gruet (from New Mexico, no less). I can’t recommend either the Pascual Toso or Call it champagne (France), cava (Spain), But within our price range — $12 and under — you Brickstone Cellars Bruts, although the latter would be prosecco (Italy), sekt (Germany), or have to look a little harder. Or rather, I do. Er, did.... fine for spraying around the room like baseball players sparkling wine (everywhere else), there’s Anyway, there are some things the French just do better do after winning the World Series. something about the delicate effervescence than anyone — produce the most gloriously decadent Hey, at least it’s a celebration. of a wine a Benedictine monk named Dom goose liver, be casually and effortlessly stylish, and make Perignon likened to “drinking stars” that first-rate sparkling wine at a variety of prices. The NV The nonvintage Saint Germain and Korbel makes the difference between celebration Saint Germain Brut is a wicked-good value at $11.99 Rosé are both available at the North Miami and CELEBRATION! and wicked good to boot, with lots of pinprick bubbles Total Wine & More for $11.99 (14750 Biscayne Of course, Dom Perignon’s eponymous bubbly and flavors of green apple and Meyer lemon in a very ele- Blvd., 305-354-3270). The Tarantas can be has a stratospheric price tag to match its starry reputation, gant, well-structured package. found at the Aventura Whole Foods Market for but the lack of large quantities of unmarked bills doesn’t Another fine value comes from an underappreciated $11.99 (21105 Biscayne Blvd., 305-933-1543), mean you have to resign yourself to celebrating rather than California vintner. The nonvintage Korbel Brut Rosé while the Zonin is on the shelves at Laurenzo’s CELEBRATING! It does mean, though, you have to is a lush, full-bodied wine with the ripe fruit (here, Italian Market in North Miami Beach, also for choose your affordable sparklers carefully, as its increasing strawberries and raspberries) California wines are $11.99 (16385 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-6381). popularity has put a lot of carbonated dreck on the market. known for. But a lingering lemony acidity keeps them Even the least-expensive premium French champagnes from becoming cloying. Feedback: [email protected]

Restaurant Listings River, diners can view the retail fish market to see dumplings; and cazuelas, thick layered casseroles of what looks freshest. Best preparations, as always La Loggia Ristorante and Lounge mashed plantains and tomato-enriched seafood. No clue? Continued from page 51 when fish is this fresh, are the simplest. When stone 68 W. Flagler St., 305-373-4800, www.laloggia.org Try a bandera, a mixed plate of Ecuador’s most distinc- crabs are in season, Garcia’s claws are as good as This luxuriantly neo-classical yet warm-feeling Italian tive dishes, including shrimp ceviche. $$ early 1990s. Most popular item here might be the week- Joe’s but considerably cheaper. The local fish sand- restaurant was unquestionably a pioneer in revitalizing day lunch special of jerk chicken with festival (sweet-fried wich is most popular – grouper, yellowtail snapper, or downtown; when it first opened, eating options in the Novecento cornmeal bread patties), but even vegetarians are well mahi mahi, fried, grilled, or blackened. The place is courthouse area were basically a variety of hot dog wag- 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-403-0900 served with dishes like a tofu, carrot, and chayote curry. also famous for its zesty smoked-fish dip and its sides ons. With alternatives like amaretto-tinged pumpkin www.bistronovecento.com All entrées come with rice and peas, fried plantains, and of hushpuppies. $-$$ agnolloti in sage butter sauce, cilantro-spiced white For those who think “Argentine cuisine” is a synonym for salad, so no one leaves hungry – doubly true thanks to bean/vegetable salad dressed with truffle oil, and soufflé “beef and more beef,” this popular eatery’s wide range the home-baked Jamaican desserts. $ Grimpa Steakhouse di granchi (crabmeat soufflé atop arugula dressed with of more cosmopolitan contemporary Argentine fare will 901 S. Miami Ave., 305-455-4757 honey-mustard vinaigrette), proprietors Jennifer Porciello be a revelation. Classic parrilla-grilled steaks are here for Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita www.grimpa.com and Horatio Oliveira continue to draw a lunch crowd that traditionalists, but the menu is dominated by creative 1000 S. Miami Ave., 305-403-3103 This expansive indoor/outdoor Brazilian eatery at Brickell returns for dinner, or perhaps just stays on through the Nuevo Latino items like a new-style ceviche de chernia www.doloreslolita.com Plaza is more sleekly contemporary than most of Miami’s afternoon, fueled by the Lawyer’s Liquid Lunch, a vodka (lightly lime-marinated grouper with jalapeños, basil, and It’s hard to figure why a Mediterranean/Latin restaurant rodizio joints, but no worries. The classic sword-wielding martini spiked with sweetened espresso. $$$ the refreshing sweet counterpoint of watermelon), or (with Asian touches) would be named after a line in a gauchos are here, serving a mind-reeling assortment of crab ravioli with creamy saffron sauce. Especially notable 1950s novel about a New England pedophile. But every- skewered beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausages, and fish -- La Moon are entrée salads like the signature Ensalada thing else about this casually stylish spot is easy to 16 cuts at dinner, 12 at lunch. And included in the price 144 SW 8th St., 305-860-6209 Novecento: skirt steak slices (cooked to order) atop understand — and easy on the wallet. All entrées cost (dinner $47, lunch $34) is the traditional belly-busting At four in the morning, nothing quells the post-clubbing mixed greens coated in rich mustard vinaigrette with a either $18 or $23, a price that includes an appetizer — buffet of hot and cold prepared foods, salad, cold cuts, munchies like a Crazy Burger (a heart-stopping Colombian side of housemade fries. $$-$$$ no low-rent crapola, either, but treats like Serrano ham and cheeses, plus additional accompaniments -- like irre- take on a trucker’s burger: beef patty, bacon, ham, moz- croquetas, a spinach/leek tart with Portobello mushroom sistible cheese bread -- served tableside. A pleasant, zarella, lettuce, tomato, and a fried egg, with an arepa Oceanaire Seafood Room sauce, or shrimp-topped eggplant timbales. And all nontraditional surprise: unusual sauces like sweet/tart corn pancake “bun”) unless it’s a Supermoon perro, a 900 S. Miami Ave., 305-372-8862 desserts, from tiramisu to mango carpaccio with lemon passion fruit or mint, tomato-based BBQ, and mango similarly overloaded hot dog. For less dainty eaters, www.theoceanaire.com crème, are a bargain $2.50. The best seats in this hip chutney, along with the ubiquitous chimichurri. $$$$- there’s a bandeja paisa, a mountainous construction con- With a dozen branches nationwide, Oceanaire may seem hangout, housed in the old Firehouse 4, are on the $$$$$ taining char-grilled steak, pork belly, pork-enriched beans, more All-American seafood empire than Florida fish shack. rooftop patio. $$$ rice, plantains, eggs, and arepas. One hardly knows But while many dishes (including popular sides like bacon- Indochine whether to eat it or burrow in to spend the rest of the enriched hash browns and fried green tomatoes) are iden- Fresco California Bistro 638 S. Miami Ave., 305-379-1525 night. While this tiny place’s late hours (till 3:00 a.m. tical at all Oceanaires, menus vary significantly according 1744 SW 3rd Ave., 305-858-0608 www.indochinebistro.com Thursday, 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday) are surprising, to regional tastes and fish. Here in Miami, chef Sean This festively decorated indoor/outdoor bistro packs a lot Indochine has succeeded by morphing from mere restau- the daytime menu is more so. In addition to all the cho- Bernal (formerly at Merrick Park’s Pescado) supplements of party spirit into a small space, a large variety of food rant into hip hangout. Copious special events (art open- lesterol-packed Colombian classics, there’s a salad signature starters like lump crab cakes with his own lightly onto its menu, and a very large amount of informal retro ings, happy hours with DJs, classic movie or karaoke Nicoise with grilled fresh tuna, seared salmon with mango marinated, Peruvian-style grouper ceviche. The daily-chang- California-style fusion food onto its plates. To the familiar nights, wine or sake tastings) draw everyone from down- salsa, and other yuppie favorites. $-$$ ing, 15-20 specimen seafood selection includes local fish Latin American/Italian equation, the owners add a touch town business types to the counterculture crowd. Not seldom seen on local menus: pompano, parrot fish, of Cal-Mex (like Tex-Mex but more health conscious). that there’s anything “mere” about the range of food Latitude Zero amberjack. But even flown-in fish (and the raw bar’s cold- Menu offerings range from designer pizzas and pastas to served from three Asian nations. Light eaters can snack 36 SW 1st St., 305-372-5205 water oysters) are ultra-fresh. $$$$ custardy tamales, but the bistro’s especially known for on Vietnamese summer rolls or Japanese sushi rolls, Potted plants are the only sign outside this narrow store- imaginative meal-size salads, like one featuring mandarin including an imaginative masago-coated model with front that the room inside is worlds more charming than Pasha’s oranges, avocado, apple, blue cheese, raisins, candied mango, spicy tuna, and cilantro. For bigger appetites, standard downtown Latin eateries. This urban oasis is an 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-416-5116 pecans, and chicken on a mesclun bed. $$ there are Thai curries and Vietnamese specialties like artsy little white-tablecloth place (with alternating red The original branch on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road was pho, richly flavored beef soup with meatballs, steak tablecloths warming up the feel), but with no-tablecloth instantly popular, and the same healthy Middle Eastern Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market slices, rice noodles, and add-in Asian herbs and sprouts. prices. While much of the menu is Miami’s generic Latin fast food – made with no trans fats or other nutritional 398 NW N. River Dr., 305-375-0765 $$-$$$ mix, there ia a separate Ecuadorian section that’s a nasties – is served at the three newer outlets. The prices Run by a fishing family for a couple of generations, playlist of that country’s culinary greatest hits. are low enough that one might suspect Pasha’s was con- this venerable Florida fish shack is the real thing. No Iron Sushi Standouts: encebollado, a centuries-old fishermen’s soup ceived as a tax write-off rather than a Harvard Business worries about the seafood’s freshness; on their way to 120 SE 3rd Ave., 305-373-2000 given national individuality by yuca and zingy hits of lime; the rustic outside dining deck overlooking the Miami (See Miami Shores listing) lighter caldo de bola, veggie-packed broth with plantain Continued on page 54

52 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 53 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings butchered in-house, and smoke-seared by Prime Blue’s this expansive indoor/outdoor space offers a dining expe- Bleu Moon intense wood-burning grills and ovens. For noncarnivores, rience that’s haute in everything but price. Few entrées 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-373-8188 Continued from page 52 the menu gives equal time to fish, all caught wild, and top $20. The décor is both date-worthy and family-friendly Deep inside the Doubletree Grand, this restaurant, which offers dozens of cooked vegetable and salad options, – festive but not kitschy. And nonsophisticates needn’t has panoramic Biscayne Bay views and an outdoor deck, School project, which it was by founders Antonio Ellek including build-your-own. There’s also a raw bar and a fear; though nachos aren’t available, there is nothing is one of the few upscale dinner spots near the Arsht and Nicolas Cortes. Dishes range from common classics small steak/seafood retail counter. The décor is as mod- scary about zarape de pato (roast duck between freshly Center for the Performing Arts. The eclectic menu is like falafel and gyros to more unusual items like muham- ern as the menu. Instead of the stuffy men’s club look, made, soft corn tortillas, topped with yellow-and- more Mediterranean than anything else, from old-fash- mara (tangy walnut spread), silky labneh yogurt cheese, you have a soaring, light-hued, open-plan, indoor/outdoor habanero-pepper cream sauce), or Rosa’s signature gua- ioned favorites like lasagna to contemporary creations and chicken adana kebabs with grilled veggies and aioli space, with panoramic Miami River view. $$$$ camole en molcajete, made tableside. A few pomegran- like gnocchi with sun-dried tomatoes, sweet pea purée, sauce. Everything from pitas to lemonade is made fresh, ate margaritas ensure no worries. $$$ pine nuts, and ricotta salata. But a few seafood sauces from scratch, daily. $-$$ Provence Gril reflect Asian influences, and tropical Latin touches 1001 S. Miami Ave., 305-373-1940 Soya & Pomodoro abound. Some of the most charming dishes are modern- Peoples Bar-B-Que The cozy, terracotta-tiled dining room (and even more 120 NE 1st St., 305-381-9511 ized American, and done well enough to make you nostal- 360 NW 8th St., 305-373-8080 charming outdoor dining terrace) indeed evoke the south Life is complicated. Food should be simple. That’s owner gic for 1985: creamy (but not gunky) lobster bisque, lump www.peoplesbarbque.com of France. But the menu of French bistro classics covers Armando Alfano’s philosophy, which is stated above the entry crab cake with fried capers, and a retro arugula salad Oak-smoked, falling-off-the-bone tender barbecued ribs all regions, a Greatest Hits of French comfort food: coun- to his atmospheric downtown eatery. And since it’s also the with caramelized walnuts, bacon, gorgonzola, fresh (enhanced with a secret sauce whose recipe goes back sever- try-style pâté maison with onion jam, roasted peppers and formula for the truest traditional Italian food (Alfano hails from berries, and raspberry vinaigrette. $$$$ al generations) are the main draw at this Overtown institution. cornichons; steak/frites (grilled rib-eye with peppercorn Pompeii), it’s fitting that the menu is dominated by authenti- But the chicken is also a winner, plus there’s a full menu of cream sauce, fries, and salad); four preparations of mus- cally straightforward yet sophisticated Italian entrées such as Brosia soul food entrées, including what many aficionados consider sels; a tarte tatin (French apple tart with roasted walnuts, spinach- and ricotta-stuffed crêpes with béchamel and tomato 163 NE 39th St., 305-531-8700 our town’s tastiest souse. Sides include collards, yams, and served à la mode). Deal alert: An early-bird prix-fixe menu sauces. There are salads and sandwiches, too, including one www.brosiamiami.com soft mac and cheese. And it would be unthinkable to call it (5:30-7:30 p.m.) offers soup or salad, entrée, dessert, soy burger to justify the other half of the place’s name. The The reputation that Arthur Artile amassed after years as quits without homemade sweet potato pie or banana pud- and a carafe of wine for $44 per couple. $$$-$$$$ most enjoyable place to dine is the secret, open-air courtyard, executive chef at Norman’s and Chispa has made the ding, plus a bracing flop – half iced tea, half lemonade. $-$$ completely hidden from the street. Alfano serves dinner on Design District’s Brosia an instant hit. The menu is The River Oyster Bar Thursdays only to accompany his “Thursday Night Live” Mediterranean-inspired, with a few items — like gazpa- Perricone’s 650 S. Miami Ave., 305-530-1915 events featuring local musicians and artists. $-$$ cho Caprese — fusing cuisines, but most retaining 15 SE 10th St., 305-374-9449, www.perricones.com www.therivermiami.com regional individuality: Moroccan mussels in curry broth; Housed in a Revolutionary-era barn (moved from This casually cool Miami River-area jewel is a full-service Taste of Bombay shrimp and clams (with garlic, chorizo, and sherry) that Vermont), this market/café was one of the Brickell area’s seafood spot, as evidenced by tempting menu selections 111 NE 3rd Ave. scream “Spain!” The stylish space is a draw, too. Inside, first gentrified amenities. At lunch chicken salad (with pig- like soft-shell crabs with grilled vegetables, corn relish, 305-358-0144 all mahogany, leather, and luxuriant intimacy; outside, nolias, raisins, apples, and basil) is a favorite; dinner’s and remoulade. There are even a few dishes to please No surprise that a place called Taste of Bombay would be seating on an extensive patio shaded by a canopy of old strong suit is the pasta list, ranging from Grandma meat-and-potatoes diners, like short ribs with macaroni an Indian restaurant. And depending mostly on the pre- oaks. And the convenient all-day hours (even breakfast) Jennie’s old-fashioned lasagna to chichi fiocchi purses and cheese. But oyster fans will still find it difficult to dominant nationalities of downtown construction workers give it the feel of a real neighborhood restaurant. $$$ filled with fresh pear and gorgonzola. And Sunday’s resist stuffing themselves silly on the unusually large at any given time, Taste of Bombay has also served $15.95 brunch buffet ($9.95 for kids) – featuring an selection of bivalves (often ten varieties per night), espe- sushi, Philippine, and Chinese food. Best bet, though, is Buena Vista Bistro omelet station, waffles, smoked salmon and bagels, sal- cially since oysters are served both raw and cooked – the all-you-can-eat Indian buffet lunch spread, featuring 4582 NE 2nd Ave., 305-456-5909 ads, and more – remains one of our town’s most civilized fire-roasted with sofrito butter, chorizo, and manchego. To six changing entrées (a mix of meat, poultry, fish, and If a neighborhood eatery like this one -- which serves all-you-can-eat deals. $$ accompany these delights, there’s a thoughtful wine list vegetable curries) plus veggie pakoras, rice, salad, chut- supremely satisfying Italian, American, and French bistro and numerous artisan beers on tap. $$$ neys, hot naan bread, and a dessert. The place looks food -- were within walking distance of every Miami resi- Prime Blue Grille plain outside, but it’s pleasantly exotic enough inside for dent, we’d be a helluva hip food town. Located in the inti- 315 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-358-5901 Rosa Mexicano a bargain business lunch. $$ mate space that formerly housed Restaurant A, it’s the www.primebluegrille.com 900 S. Miami Ave., 786-425-1001 love child of Quebequoise chef Claude Postel and his wife This truly 21st-century steakhouse targets today’s health- www.rosamexicano.com Tobacco Road Callie, who runs the front of the house with exuberantly minded gourmets by serving only certified-organic Brandt A branch of the original Rosa Mexicano that introduced 626 S. Miami Ave. friendly charm. Like true Parisian bistros, it’s open contin- beef – antibiotic- and hormone-free, as well as dry-aged, New Yorkers to real Mexican food (not Tex-Mex) in 1984, 305-374-1198 uously, every day (until midnight!), with prices so low www.tobacco-road.com (starters $5-8, entrées $8-15) that one really can drop in Prohibition-era speakeasy (reputedly a fave of Al anytime for authentic rillettes (a scrumptious spiced meat Capone), gay bar, strip club. Previously all these, this spread, like a rustic pâté) with a crusty baguette, steak gritty spot has been best known since 1982 as a venue with from-scratch frites, salmon atop ratatouille, or many for live music, primarily blues. But it also offers food changing blackboard specials. Portions are plentiful. So is from lunchtime to late night (on weekends till 4:00 free parking. And it’s well worth a drive. $$ a.m.). The kitchen is especially known for its chili, budg- et-priced steaks, and burgers, including the mega-mega Charcuterie burger, a trucker-style monster topped with said chili 3612 NE 2nd Ave., 305-576-7877 plus cheddar, mushrooms, bacon, and a fried egg. This Design District old-timer has hung on for close to 20 There’s also surprisingly elegant fare, though, like a years as the District has gone through its mood swings. Norwegian salmon club with lemon aioli. A meat-smoker But it’s no worse for the wear. The upstairs/downstairs in back turns out tasty ribs, perfect accompaniment to space looks good as new, and is still almost impossibly the blues. $$ cute. The menu, chalked daily on a blackboard, still fea- tures well more than a dozen typical French bistro spe- Midtown / Design District cials like chicken Dijonaise or almond-crusted trout in creamy, lemony beurre blanc. And the salads, soups, and Adelita’s Café sandwiches are still, invariably, evocative. Rough-cut pâté 2699 Biscayne Blvd., 305-576-1262 de campagne, topped with cornichons on a crusty but- From the street (which is actually NE 26th, not Biscayne) tered baguette is an instant trip to Paris. Though week- this Honduran restaurant seems unpromising, but inside it’s end nighttime hours were instituted several years ago, bigger, better, and busier than it looks. Unlike many Latin dinner is an on-again, off-again thing, so call first. $$-$$$ American eateries, which serve a multinational mélange, this one sticks close to the source and proves a crowd- The Daily Creative Food Co. pleaser. On weekends especially, the two casual dining 2001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4535 rooms are packed with families enjoying authentic fare like While the food formula of this contemporary café is familiar – baleadas (thick corn tacos), tajadas (Honduras’s take on sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast food, and pastries, tostones), rich meal-in-a-bowl soups packed with seafood or plus coffee and fruit drinks – a creative concept differenti- meat and veggies, and more. To spend ten bucks on a meal ates the place. Signature sandwiches are named after here, one would have to be a sumo wrestler. $ national and local newspapers (like the Biscayne Times: tuna salad with hummus, cucumber, roasted peppers, arugula, Bin No. 18 and sprouts on multigrain bread), giving diners something to 1800 Biscayne Blvd., 786-235-7575 chat about. For those who’d rather Have It Their Own Way, At this wine bar/café, located on the ground floor of one both sandwiches and salads can be do-it-yourself projects, of midtown’s new mixed-use condo buildings, the décor is with an unusually wide choice of main ingredients, garnishes, a stylish mix of contemporary cool (high loft ceilings) and breads, and condiments for the creatively minded. $ Old World warmth (tables made from old wine barrels). Cuisine is similarly geared to the area’s new smart, Delicias Peruanas upscale residents: creative sandwiches and salads at 2590 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4634 lunch, tapas and larger internationally themed Spanish, Seafood is the specialty at this pleasant Peruvian spot, Italian, or French charcuterie platters at night. Though the as it was at the original Delicias, run by members of the place is small and family-run friendly, Venezuelan-born chef same family, eight blocks north on the Boulevard. There Alfredo Patino’s former executive chef gigs at Bizcaya (at are differences here, notably karaoke on weekends - and the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove) and other high-profile ven- a kitchen that doesn’t shut down till the wannabe ues are evident in sophisticated snacks like the figciutto, American Idols shut up, around 2:00 a.m. But the food is a salad of arugula, gorgonzola dolce, caramelized onions, as tasty as ever, especially the reliably fresh traditional pine nuts, fresh figs, and prosciutto. Free parking in a fenced lot behind the building. $$ Continued on page 56

54 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 55 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Grass weekday-only breakfast and lunch joint in 2005, has Orange Café + Art 28 NE 40th St.; 305-573-3355 grown with its neighborhood. It’s now open for dinner 2 NE 40th St., 305-571-4070 Continued from page 54 After a couple of years in hiatus, this Design District six nights a week, serving Southwestern-style fare at The paintings hanging in this tiny, glass-enclosed café are restolounge has reopened in the same outdoor courtyard rock-bottom prices. Dishes like piñon and pepita-crusted for sale. And for those who don’t have thousands of dollars ceviches, and for those who like their fish tangy but space. What’s new: “MediterAsian” chef Michael Jacobs salmon, chipotle-drizzled endive stuffed with lump crab, to shell out for the local art on the walls, less than ten cooked, a mammoth jalea platter (lightly breaded, fried and a menu that travels beyond pan-Asian and or customizable tacos average $5-$8. Also available: big bucks will get you art on a plate, including a Picasso: chori- seafood under a blanket of marinated onions - the fish Mediterranean influences into the Americas. Entrées range breakfasts and salads, hearty soups, housemade pas- zo, prosciutto, manchego cheese, baby spinach, and basil and chips of your dreams). As for nonseafood stuff, no from lowbrow comfort food (cunningly reinvented mini pot tries like lemon-crusted wild berry pie, and a hip beer on a crusty baguette. Other artfully named and crafted edi- one who doesn’t already know that Peru practically invent- pies) to high-status extravagance (stone-seared, authentic and wine list. $ bles include salads, daily soups, several pastas (like the ed fusion cuisine (in the 1800s) will doubt, after sampling Kobe steak). For healthy grazers, raw-bar selections include Matisse, fiocchi pouches filled with pears and cheese), and two traditional noodle dishes: tallerin saltado (Chinese- ceviches and a large seafood platter (lobster, shrimp, and Maino Churrascaria house-baked pastries. $ Peruvian beef or chicken lo mein) or tallerin verde (Ital- lump crab with housemade dipping sauces). There’s also a 2201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-571-9044 Latin noodles with pesto and steak). $$ snack menu (pristine coldwater oysters, a crab salad tim- This very upscale Brazilian steakhouse has all the fea- Out of the Blue Café bale, parmesan-truffle shoestring fries, mini-Kobe burgers) tures one expects at a rodizio-style restaurant, including 2426 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-3800 18th Street Café served till the wee hours, providing a welcome alternative all-you-can-eat meats carved tableside and a lavish buf- www.outofthebluecafe.net 210 NE 18th St. to the Boulevard’s fast food chains. $$-$$$$$ fet of salads, sides, salumi, and hot prepared dishes. Forget impersonal chain coffeehouses. This artist-friendly, 305-381-8006 What sets Maino apart from typical rodizio palaces is its independent neighborhood café serves a full selection of www.18thstreetcafe.com Kafa Café family-run feel, intimate rather than intimidating, plus its coffee drinks made with the award-winning beans of Most of the seating in this cool little breakfast/lunch 3535 NE 2nd Ave., 305-438-0114 attention to every detail (immediately obvious in the Intelligentsia, a roasting company that works directly with room is in a sort of giant bay window, backed with ban- www.kafamidtown.com classy rustic/elegant décor, highlighted by striking onyx artisan growers to encourage sustainable agriculture – and quettes, that makes the space feel expansively light- Opened in late 2007 by a brother/sister team (both originally accents -- bars, tabletops, and more). While it’s rare at one helluva good cup of java. Also served: breakfast and filled, and quite nicely gentrifies its whole evolving from Ethiopia, via San Francisco), this breakfast/lunch spot most rodizio joints to get meat done less than medium, lunch sandwiches, imaginative salads, soups, homemade Midtown block. This pioneering place deserves to sur- is located in the casually stylish indoor/outdoor multi-roomed Maino’s eager-to-please servers here are happy to con- pastries and creamy fresh-fruit smoothies. With tables, vive, even if just considering the roast beef sandwich Midtown space formerly housing Uva and Stop Miami. vey custom-cooking preferences to the kitchen -- and sofas, and lounge chairs inside an old Midtown house, with creamy horseradish – an inspired classic combina- Nothing on the menu tops $8, and portions feed an army (or they’re English-speaking, too. One other welcome differ- plus free wireless Internet access, the space is also just a tion that makes one wonder why more places in this several starving artists). Signature item is the formidable ence: As well as the one-price (hefty) feast, there are à pleasant place to hang out. Owner Carmen Miranda (real town don’t serve it. (We’ll debate later.) Other culinary Kafa Potato Platter -- a mountain of wondrously textured la carte starters and pastas for lighter eaters and non- name) says beer and wine will soon be available. $ highlights of the classic “Six S” repertoire (soups, sand- home fries mixed with bacon, ham, peppers, onion, and carnivores, and some lunch specials. Free parking, too. wiches, salads, sweets, smoothies, specials) might cheese; eggs (any style), fresh fruit, and bread accompany. $$-$$$$$ Pacific Time include a turkey/pear/cheddar melt sandwich, and really Lunch’s burgers, salads, and overstuffed sandwiches (like 35 NE 40th St., 305-722-7369 sinful marshmallow-topped brownies. $ the roast beef supreme, a melt with sautéed mushrooms, Mario the Baker www.pacifictimemiami.com onion, sour cream, and cheddar on sourdough) come with 250 NE 25th St., 305-438-0228 Everyone knows Jonathan Eismann’s original, now- Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries homemade soup or other sides, plus fruit. Not full yet? The (See North Miami listing) defunct Pacific Time, for many years Lincoln Road’s 3401 N. Miami Ave. (Shops at Midtown) pair plans expanded night hours with an authentic Ethiopian only serious contemporary restaurant. The question is: 305-571-8345 menu, pending wine/beer license approval. $ Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink How different is its new incarnation? Very, and it’s all www.fiveguys.com 130 NE 40th St., 305-573-5550 good, starting with far superior acoustics (no more Like the West Coast’s legendary In-N-Out Burger chain, Latin Café 2000 Long-awaited and an instant smash hit, this truly neigh- voice-shredding conversations!), an admirably green this East Coast challenger serves no green-leaf faux 2501 Biscayne Blvd. borhood-oriented restaurant from Michael Schwartz, ecological policy, and a neighborhood-friendly attitude health food. You get what the name says, period, with 305-576-3838; www.latincafe2000.com founding chef of Nemo’s in South Beach, offers down-to- (including kid-oriented dishes, plus continuous service three adds: kosher dogs, veggie burgers, and free peanuts The menu is similar to that at many of our town’s Latin earth fun food in a comfortable, casually stylish of inventive small plates and bar snacks). The food is while you wait. Which you will, just a bit, since burgers are cafés, largely classic Cuban entrées and sandwiches, indoor/outdoor setting. Fresh, organic ingredients are also more intriguing – simultaneously complexly refined made fresh upon order, not steam-tabled. Available in dou- with a smattering of touches from elsewhere in Latin emphasized, but dishes range from cutting-edge (crispy and accessibly clean. While the addition of ble or one-patty sizes, they’re well-done but spurtingly America, such as a Peruvian jalea mixta (marinated mixed beef cheeks with whipped celeriac, celery salad, and Mediterranean influences to PT’s former Pacific Rim juicy, and after loading with your choice of 15 free garnish- seafood), or paella Valenciana from Spain, which many chocolate reduction) to simple comfort food: deviled menu may sound confusing on paper, trust us: A meal es, even a “little” burger makes a major meal. Fries (regu- Miami eateries consider a Latin country. What justifies eggs, homemade potato chips with pan-fried onion dip, or that includes a butter-grilled asparagus with prosciutto, lar or Cajun-spiced) are also superior, hand-cut in-house the new millennium moniker is the more modern, yuppi- a whole wood-roasted chicken. There’s also a broad soft-cooked egg Milanese, and preserved lemon; plus from sourced potatoes; a changing sign reports the fied/yucafied ambiance, encouraged by an expansive, range of prices and portion sizes ($4-$8 for snacks and an Asian-accented creamy corn/leek soup with Peeky spuds’ point of origin. $ rustic wooden deck. Delivery is now available. $$ small plates to $24-$39 for extra-large plates) to encour- Toe crab dumplings, coriander, and mustard oil makes age frequent visits from light-bite as well as pig-out din- perfect sense on the tongue. $$-$$$$ Fratelli Lyon Lemoni Café ers. Michael’s Genuine also features an eclectic and 4141 NE 2nd Ave. 4600 NE 2nd Ave., 305-571-5080 affordable wine list, and a full bar, with cut-rate weekday Pasha’s 305-572-2901 The menu here reads like your standard sandwiches/sal- happy hour cocktails. $$-$$$$ 3801 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-0201 www.fratellilyon.com ads/starters primer. What it doesn’t convey is the (See Brickell/Downtown listing) This Italian café has been packed since the moment sparkling freshness of the ingredients and the care that Mike’s at Venetia it opened. No surprise to any who recall owner Ken goes into constructing these mostly healthy snacks. 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor, 305-374-5731 Pizzafiore Lyon’s pioneering Lyon Freres gourmet store on pre- Entrée-size salads range from an elegant spinach salad www.mikesvenetia.com 2905 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-0900 gentrified Lincoln Road (1992-97), another joint that (with goat cheese, pears, walnuts, and raisins) to chunky There’s no sign out front, but this family-owned Irish Those seeking dainty designer pizzas can fuhgeddaboudit was exactly what its neighborhood needed. The homemade chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens – a pub, on the pool deck of a waterfront condo building here. At this New York-style pizzeria (which has roughly restaurant’s artisan salumi, cheeses, flavorful bou- hefty helping of protein without typical deli-style mayo over- across from the Miami Herald, for more than 15 years the same menu as North Beach’s original Pizzafiore, but tique olive oils, and more on the ingredient-driven load. Sandwiches (cold baguette subs, hot pressed pani- has been a popular lunch and dinner hang-out for independent ownership), it’s all about heftiness. A special menu are so outstanding that one can’t help wishing nis, or wraps, all accompanied by side salads) include a local journalists – and others who appreciate honest slice/soda deal features two pizza triangles bigger than this restaurant also had a retail component. Well, respectable Cuban, but the deceptively rich-tasting light cheap eats and drinks (not to mention a billiard table most Miami mini-skirts. Whole pies come medium (large), maybe later. Meanwhile console yourself with the salad cream that dresses a veggie wrap might tempt even and 17 TV screens). Regulars know daily specials are large (huge), and extra-large (think truck tire). And with fully sort of salamis and formaggi you’ll never find in the hardcore cholesterol fans to stick with the sprouts. $-$$ the way to go. Depending on the day, fish, churrasco, loaded pizzas like the Supreme Meat Lover priced only a supermarket (as well as rare finds like culatello – or roast turkey with all the trimmings are all prepared few bucks more than a basic tomato/ cheese, it pays to prosciutto royalty), including a mixed antipasto Lost & Found Saloon fresh. Big burgers and steak dinners are always good, think big about toppings too. Other Italian-American fare is esplosione that would feed Rhode Island. Entrées 185 NW 36th St., 305-576-1008 and happy hour appetizers (like meaty Buffalo wings) also available, notably pastas and subs. $-$$ include properly al dente pastas, plus some regional www.thelostandfoundsaloon-miami.com are always half-price. Additionally, a limited late-night specialties like Venetian-style calves liver, rarely There’s an artsy/alternative feel to this casual and menu provides pizza, wings, ribs, and salad till 3:00 found outside Italy. $$$ friendly Wynwood eatery, which, since opening as a a.m. $-$$ Continued on page 58

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Restaurant Listings adjust to eating with their hands (using inerja, the sour- they want in W’s selection of roughly 200-labels (which Boteco dough crepes accompanying entrées, as a utensil), the emphasizes boutique and organic growers), Blanchet can 916 NE 79th St., 305-757-7735 Continued from page 56 food is quite accessible. Both wats (meat and poultry probably get it within 24 hours. Food is sophisticated light This strip of 79th Street, formerly known for its live bait stews) and tibs (sautéed dishes incorporating the familiar bites like a shrimp club sandwich with pancetta and sun- and auto repair shops, is rapidly becoming a cool alt-cul- Primo’s multicultural “holy trinity” of onions, tomatoes, and pep- dried tomato aioli; smoked duck salad with goat cheese ture enclave thanks to inviting hangouts like this rustic 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-371-9055 pers) tend, like Cuban cuisine, to be spiced with complex- croutons and a poached egg; and chocolate fondant. At indoor/outdoor Brazilian restaurant and bar. Especially Relatively few people except hotel guests and condo ity, not fire. A Best of the Best platter for two enables din- night there are tapas. $-$$ bustling on nights featuring live music, it’s even more residents are familiar with the Grand’s restaurants ers to sample most of the menu. $$$ fun on Sundays, when the fenced backyard hosts an (except for Tony Chan’s). The imposing, cavernous lobby Zuperpollo Biztro Reztocafe informal fair and the menu includes Brazil’s national just doesn’t have that “do drop in” locals’ hangout vibe. S & S Diner 3050 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-8485 dish, feijoada, a savory stew of beans plus fresh and But this lively Italian spot is actually a great addition to 1757 NE 2nd Ave., 305-373-4291 www.zuperpollo.com cured meats. But the everyday menu, ranging from the neighborhood. The pizzas alone – brick-oven speci- Some things never change, or so it seems at this diner, Occasionally there’s a sign out front of the office building unique, tapas-like pasteis (shrimp and hearts of palm- mens with toppings ranging from classic pepperoni to which is so classic it verges on cliché. Open since 1938, housing this bistro, indicating that a branch of the popu- stuffed turnovers) to hefty Brazilian entrées, is also trendy prosciutto/arugula – would be draw enough. But it’s still popular enough that people line up on Saturday lar Uruguayan eatery Zuperpollo (on Coral Way, since appealing – and budget-priced. $$ pastas are also planned to please: diners’ choice of morning, waiting for a seat at the horseshoe-shaped 1986) is within. Otherwise, since the restaurant opened starch, with mix-and-match sauces and extras. And the counter (there are no tables) and enormous breakfasts: in 2006, locals have basically had to intuit its presence – The Boutique Kitchen price is right, with few entrées (whether traditional veal corned beef hash or crab cakes and eggs with grits; fluffy way in back, past a guard desk and an elevator bank, 6815 Biscayne Blvd., 305-756-0089 piccata or seared ahi tuna) topping $20. The capper: pancakes; homemade biscuits with gravy and Georgia behind an unmarked door. Once there, diners discover an What the sure-handed sensibilities of Haitian-American It’s open past midnight every day but Sunday. $$ sausage – everything from oatmeal to eggs Benedict, all extensive pan-Latin menu of breakfast food, salads, sub- chef/owner Jean Sebastien (whose culinary training in mountainous portions. The lunch menu is a roll call of stantial meat and fish entrées, homemade pastas and came from notable NYC fine-dining restaurants) does to Sake Room the usual suspects, but most regulars ignore the menu soups, desserts, and sandwiches, including Uruguay’s his menu’s basic dishes raises them to new heights, 275 NE 18th St., 305-755-0122 and go for the daily blackboard specials. $-$$ famed chivito, sometimes called “a heart attack on a while keeping them comfortingly homey. Melt-in-your- www.sakeroom.com bun”: beef, bacon, ham, eggs, mozzarella, plus sautéed mouth oxtail comes with gently herbed polenta and Sake takes a back seat to sushi – and sophisticated Tony Chan’s Water Club mushrooms and red peppers. And naturally, from the thyme-spiked honey dressing; an equally slow-cooked décor – at this small but sleek restolounge, which offers 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-374-8888 rotisserie, there’s the zignature zuper chicken. $-$$ roast pork sandwich is elevated by horseradish mayo South Beach sophistication without the prices or attitude, The décor at this upscale place, located in the Grand, a and impeccable housemade slaw. And as for desserts: thanks to charming proprietor Mario Cicilia. Among the huge bayside condo/resort hotel, looks far too glitzy to one bite of the peach cobbler, made by the chef’s seafood offerings, you won’t find exotica or local catches, serve anything but politely Americanized Chinese food. Upper Eastside dynamic co-owner/mom Evelyne, almost makes one feel but all the usual sushi/sashimi favorites are here, but in The presentation is indeed elegant, but the American sorry for the Starbucks at the other end of this little more interesting form, thanks to sauces that go beyond dumbing-down is minimal. Many dishes are far more Andiamo shopping strip. $-$$ standard soy – spicy sriracha, garlic/ponzu oil, and many authentic and skillfully prepared than those found else- 5600 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-5751 more. Especially recommended: the yuzu hamachi roll where in Miami, like delicate but flavorful yu pan quail www.andiamopizza.com Le Café (chopped Pacific yellowtail with scallions, sesame, roe, (minced with mushrooms in lettuce cups). Moist sea Sharing a building with a long-established Morningside car 7295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-6551 citrusy dressing, and refreshing shiso leaf), the lobster bass fillet has a beautifully balanced topping of scallion, wash, Andiamo is also part of Mark Soyka’s 55th Street For anyone who can’t get over thinking of French food as tempura maki (with veggies, chive oil, and an oddly won- ginger, cilantro, and subtly sweet/salty sauce. And Peking Station – which means ditching the car (in the complex’s intimidating or pretentious, this cute café with a warm derful tomato sauce), and panko-coated spicy shrimp with duck is served as three traditional courses: crêpe- free lot across the road on NE 4th Court) is no problem welcome, and family-friendly French home cooking, is the hot-and-sour mayo and a salad. $$-$$$ wrapped crispy skin, meat sautéed with crisp veggies, even if you’re not getting your vehicle cleaned while consum- antidote. No fancy food (or fancy prices) here, just classic savory soup to finish. $$$-$$$$ ing the brick-oven pies (from a flaming open oven) that are comfort food like onion soup, escargot, daily fresh oys- Sheba this popular pizzeria’s specialty. Choices range from the sim- ters, boeuf bourguignon (think Ultimate Pot Roast), 4029 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-1819 W Wine Bistro ple namesake Andiamo (actually a Margherita) to the Nicoise salad, quiche, and homemade crème brûlée. A www.shebamiami.com 3622 NE 2nd Ave., 305-576-7775 Godfather, a major meat monster. Extra toppings like arugu- respectable beer and wine list is a welcome addition, as Combining contemporary Design District chic with tradi- Both bistro and retail wine shop, this Design District spot la and goat cheese enable diners to create their own is the housemade sangria. Top price for entrées is about tional African craft (from its adjacent art gallery), Sheba’s is run by Florent Blanchet, an energetic young Frenchman designer pies. Also available are salads and panini plus rea- $14. $-$$ spacious setting is a soothing place to discover the exot- who was previously a wine distributor. His former gig led to sonably priced wines and beers (including a few unusually ic offerings of Miami’s only Ethiopian eatery. Once diners connections that mean if wine lovers don’t find the bottle sophisticated selections like Belgium’s Hoegaarden). $$ Continued on page 59

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Restaurant Listings dining. Stefani travels regularly to Italy to find exciting, limit- people have been lining up, even in summer’s sweltering Station has outlasted most of the competition. Main rea- ed-production wines and inspiration for truly Tuscan-tasting heat, for this stand’s sauce-garnished, all-beef, soy veg- son: deceptive healthiness. These are meals that are good Continued from page 58 daily special dishes with honest, authentic flavors, such as gie, turkey, and chicken hot dogs. The 22 varieties range for you, yet taste good enough to be bad for you. Favorite grilled wild boar sausages with lentil croquettes. Favorites from simple (the Classic, with ketchup, relish, and items include precision-grilled salmon with lemon-dill yogurt Canela that show up often on the menu include pear and ricotta chopped onion) to the elaborate (the Athens, topped with sauce, and lean turkey meatloaf with homemade BBQ 5132 Biscayne Blvd., 305-756-3930 raviolini with sage butter sauce, grilled eggplant slices rolled a Greek salad, including extra-virgin olive oil dressing) to sauce – sin-free comfort food. For lighter eaters, there are When this atmospheric little neighborhood oasis opened, around herbed goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and a near-unbelievable combinations like the VIP, which wraps and salads with a large, interesting choice of dress- the formula was Cuban cooking at lunch, Catalan tapas light ricotta tart with lemon and rosemary. $$$ includes parmesan cheese and crushed pineapple. $ ings. Food is available à la carte or grouped in multimeal at night. The menu is now more uniform: contemporary plans customized for individual diner’s nutritional needs. $$ Spanish and pan-Latin tapas, sandwiches, salads, sides, Che Sopranos East Side Pizza and entrées at all hours, just a far more elaborate selec- 7251 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8282 731 NE 79th St., 305-758-5351 Hiro’s Sushi Express tion at night. The tapas list is especially impressive, with This branch of a Miami Beach Italian/Argentine pizzeria, Minestrone, sure. But a pizzeria menu with carrot ginger 5140 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-0914 all the usual Hispanic meat and cheese favorites but also housed in a charming bungalow and featuring a breezy soup? Similarly many Italian-American pizzerias offer (See North Miami Beach listing) an unusually large selection of seafood and vegetarian patio, covers multicultural bases. If the Old World Rucola entrées like spaghetti and meatballs, but East Side also items such as espinaca à la catalaña (spinach sautéed pizza (a classic Margherita topped with arugula, prosciut- has pumpkin ravioli in brown butter/sage sauce, wild Jimmy’s East Side Diner with pine nuts and raisins). Must-not-miss items include to, and shredded parmesan) doesn’t do the trick, the mushroom ravioli, and other surprisingly upscale choices. 7201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-3692 ultra-creamy croquetas (ham, cheese, chicken, spinach, New World Especial (a Latin pie with hearts of palm and The East Side Salad includes goat cheese, walnuts, and Open for more than 30 years, Jimmy’s respects the most or bacalao), grilled asparagus with aioli, and habit-forming boiled eggs) just might. Also available are pastas, salads, cranberries; quaffs include imported Peroni beer. As for the important American diner tradition: Breakfast at any hour. Brazilian cheese bread. $-$$$ sandwiches, dinner entrées (eggplant parmigiana with pizza, they are classic pies, available whole or by the slice, Admittedly the place closes at 4:00 p.m., but still. There are spaghetti, lomito steak with Argentinean potato salad), made with fresh plum tomato sauce and Grande mozzarel- blueberry hot cakes and pecan waffles for sweet-tooth Captain Crab’s Take-Away and desserts (tiramisu or flan). $ la (considered the top American pizza cheese). Best seat- eaters; eggs any style, including omelets and open-face frit- 1100 NE 79th St., 305-754-2722 ing for eating is at the sheltered outdoor picnic tables. $ tatas for those preferring savories; and a full range of sides: The drive-through window says “fast food,” and so do Chef Creole biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, hash, hash browns, even this long-lived seafood shack’s low prices. And indeed 200 NW 54th St, 305-754-2223 Garden of Eatin’ hot oatmeal. Also available are traditional diner entrées there are three Captain Crab’s Take-Aways (the others Sparkling fresh Creole-style food is the star at chef/owner 136 NW 62nd St., 305-754-8050 (meat loaf, roast turkey, liver and onions), plus burgers, are in Carol City and Fort Lauderdale), all related to Wilkinson Sejour’s two tiny but wildly popular establish- Low profile would be an understatement for this place. salad platters, and homemade chicken soup. $-$$ the sit-down Crab House restaurants. But there the ments. While some meatier Haitian classics like griot Housed in a yellow building that’s tucked in back of a resemblance to McFauxFood ends. For about the price (fried pork chunks) and oxtail stew are also available – parking lot behind a small grocery store, it’s nearly invisi- Karma of a bucket of the Colonel’s chicken you can get a and a $3.99 roast chicken special is a hard deal to resist ble from the street. Inside, though, it has the comfortable 7010 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-1392 bucket of the Captain’s savory garlic crabs. The King’s – the glistening fish display that greets diners as they walk feel of a beach bar, and generous servings of inexpensive A real car wash with meticulous detailing takes time. But burger meal or the Captain’s similarly priced fried (or in makes it clear that seafood is the specialty here: Afro-Caribbean vegan food. Rastafari owner Immanuel killing an hour is a pleasure at this stylish car wash/tapas garlic boiled or New Orleans-spiced) shrimp meal? No crevette en sauce (steamed shrimp with Creole butter Tafari cooks up meat and dairy-free specials, like bar, where the elegant light fare occasionally even out- contest. Also popular: crab cakes and conch (fried or sauce), lambi fri (a mountain of perfectly tenderized fried Jamaican pumpkin/chayote stew in coconut milk, that shines the hand-washed automobiles. Vegetarians do in fritters and chowder). For fish haters, spicy or garlic conch), poisson gros sel (local snapper in a spicy butter depend on what looks good at that morning’s produce especially well, with crusty baguette sandwich combos like chicken wings are an option; for kids, cut-price “first sauce), garlic or Creole crabs. Note for ambiance-seekers: market. Large or small plates, with salad and fried sweet brie, walnuts, and honey, or another featuring grilled arti- mate” meals. $-$$ The Miami branch has outdoor tiki-hut dining; North plantains (plus free soup for eat-in lunchers), are served chokes and buttery St. Andre cheese. Lower carb items Miami’s outlet, a former Carvel, has the same food but for five or seven bucks. Also available are snacks like range from an imported olive assortment to an antipasto Casa Toscana lacks the tropical charm. $-$$ vegetarian blue corn tacos, desserts like sweet potato platter with Spanish Cantimpalo chorizo, manchego 7001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-3353 pie, and a breakfast menu featuring organic blueberry cheese, and garbanzos. There are breakfast and dessert www.casatoscanamiami.com Dogma Grill waffles with soy sausage patties. $ pastries too. Beverages include organic coffee and soy Tuscan-born chef/owner Sandra Stefani cooked at 7030 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3433 chai lattes, as well as wines and an extensive beer list Norman’s (and briefly ran the Indian Creek Hotel’s restau- www.dogmagrill.com Gourmet Station featuring Belgian brewskis. On Thursday nights the car rant) before opening this Upper Eastside jewel, a wine mar- What could induce downtown businessmen to drive to the 7601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-7229 wash transforms into a chic lounge until 2:00 a.m. $-$$ ket/eatery whose 30 original seats have been supplement- Upper Eastside to eat at a few outdoor-only tables just Home-meal replacement, geared to workaholics with no ed by a wine room/garden for tasting events and private feet from the busy Boulevard? From the day it opened, time to cook, has been trendy for years. But the Gourmet Continued on page 60 JUST OPENED!

Take-out & Delivery! Artist Hugo Urlacher and Daniel Moriano’s work will be featured on display for the month of December. Join them December 7th at 6pm Complimentary wine and cheese will be served. Great Food, perfect ambiance and beautiful artwork... all in the same place. 3221 NE 2 Ave MIDTOWN • 786.953.8003/4 open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner from 11am to 1am WE DO CATERING!

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 59 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Thai and East/West fusion creations like the Vampire Wessel’s intentionally downwardly mobile retro-cool river- more ambitious yet casual outdoor/indoor Euro-café and sushi roll (shrimp tempura, tomato, cilantro, roasted gar- front restaurant, located in a refurbished old motel, you lounge serves the same purpose on the Upper Eastside, Continued from page 59 lic). But the café also carves out its own identity with can enjoy regional wildlife like manatees (Florida’s own helping to transform a commuter strip into a hip place to original creations, including yellow curry-spiced half mammal/half meatloaf) while enjoying eclectic hang out. The menu has grown more sophisticated along Kingdom Moonchine fried rice or Popeye’s Salad (spicy tuna, avo- regional dishes that range from cutting-edge (sour-orange- with the neighborhood. Lunch includes a variety of salads 6708 Biscayne Blvd., 305-757-0074 cado, spinach, masago roe, sesame seeds, and a marinated, sous-vide-cooked Florida lobster with sweet and elegant sandwiches like La Minuta (beer-battered This newly renovated, indoor/outdoor sports bar serves scrumptious sweet/hot kimchee dressing). Nearly every- corn sauce) to comfort (crispy-breaded Old South fried mahi-mahi with cilantro aioli and caramelized onions on low-priced but high-quality steaks, plus more typical bar thing is low in sodium, fat, and calories – except green tomatoes). The menu is limited, which makes housemade foccacia). Dinner features a range of small food that’s actually far from the usual premade, desserts (notably the chocolate bomb). There’s also an sense with a chef-driven place; and it changes daily, plates (poached figs with Gorgonzola cheese and honey processed stuff. Philly cheese steak sandwiches, big impressive sake list, too. Coming soon: a large rear which also makes sense at an ingredient-driven place. balsamic drizzle) and full entrées like sake-marinated enough for two, are made from hand-sliced rib eye; sides patio for dining and entertainment. $$-$$$ But several signature specialties, if they’re available, are salmon with boniato mash, Ponzu butter sauce, and include fries and beer-battered onion rings, but also light- not to be missed: BBQ shrimp in a tangy Worcestershire crispy spinach. Drink specials and live music on week- ly lemony sautéed spinach. And the burgers rule, particu- Moshi Moshi and cayenne-spiked butter/wine sauce, irresistible mini ends. $$-$$$ larly the Doomsday, a cheese/ bacon/mushroom-topped 7232 Biscayne Blvd., 786-220-9404 conch fritters, and homemade ice cream. $$-$$$ two-pound monster that turns dinner into a competitive “Spruced up” is a supreme understatement for the space, Ver-Daddys Taco Shop sport. But even the smallest Queenburger (a half-pounder formerly the Haitian hole-in-the-wall Fidele. Now a boutique Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus 7501 Biscayne Blvd. that’s no sissy) is a perfectly seasoned contender. No Japanese eatery, this younger sibling of South Beach old- 1085 NE 79th St., 305-754-8002 305-303-9755 hard liquor, but the beer list makes up for it. $$ timer Moshi Moshi is a cross between a sushi bar and an With Christmas lights perpetually twinkling and party At this soulful taco shop, the menu descriptions are in izakaya (Japanese tapas bar). Even more striking than the noises emanating from a new outdoor biergarten, common English (“cinnamon puffs” drizzled with honey Luna Café hip décor is the food’s unusually upscale quality. But this this German restaurant is owner Alex Richter’s one- and lime, not “buñuelos”). But taco fillings range from the 4770 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-5862 isn’t surprising given the owners’ previous work: Toshi man gentrification project, transforming a formerly commonplace (ground beef, shredded chicken) to more www.lunacafemidtown.com Furihata and Hiro Terada were executive chefs at uninviting stretch of 79th Street one pils at a time. unusual pork in chili verde, fried potato, or Baja battered The ground floor of the Wachovia Bank building may not SushiSamba and Doraku; Yani Yuhara is an ex-Benihana The fare includes housemade sausages (mild veal fish (authentically garnished with Mexican crema and seem a particularly evocative locale for an Italian eatery, manager. Sushi ranges from pristine plain individual nigiri bratwurst, hearty mixed beef/pork bauernwurst, spicy cilantro-spiked cabbage). And all offerings can be loaded but once inside, the charming décor and the staff’s ebul- (all the usuals plus rarer finds like toro) to over-the-top garlicwurst) with homemade mustard and catsup; with other garnishes from the kitchen (refried beans, lient welcome indeed are reminiscent of a café in Italy. maki rolls like the signature Moshi Moshi (tuna, white savory yet near-greaseless potato pancakes; and, cheese, crema) or less perishable offerings from a salsa The kitchen’s outstanding feature is a brick oven, which tuna, salmon, avocado, masago, tempura flakes, spicy naturally, schnitzels, a choice of delicate pounded bar. For the heath-minded, oils are nonhydrogenated, and turns out designer pizzas (greater in variety, lesser in cost mayo). Tapas also go beyond standards like edamame to pork, chicken, or veal patties served with a half- sauces/seasonings are all housemade and free of on the lunch menu, in effect till 4:30 p.m.) and crisp- intriguing dishes like arabiki sausage, a sweet-savory pork dozen different sauces. $$-$$$ preservatives. $ skinned roast chickens. Otherwise the menu holds few fingerling frank with a superior pop/spurt factor; rarely surprises – except the prices, surprisingly low for such a found in restaurants even in Japan, they’re popular Soyka Wine 69 stylish place. No dish exceeds $22. $$-$$$ Japanese home-cooking items. And rice-based plates like 5556 NE 4th Court 6909 Biscayne Blvd. Japanese curry (richer/sweeter than Indian types) satisfy 305-759-3117; www.soykarestaurant.com 305-759-0122 The Lunch Room even the biggest appetites. $-$$$ This expansive, contemporary hangout was often credit- From the name, one might think this is just a wine 7957 NE 2nd Ave., 305-722-0759 ed with almost single-handedly sparking the revitaliza- shop. It’s actually about wine, food, and art, and how Hidden in Little Haiti, this Thai/Japanese spot, which One Ninety tion of the Biscayne Corridor’s Upper Eastside. Now they work together. Wines, about 200 labels, are avail- opened in 2005, remains one of the Upper Eastside’s 26 NE 54th St., 305-758-7085 that the hype has calmed down, Soyka remains a solid able retail (at 35-50 percent of their marked prices, best-kept secrets. But chef Michelle Bernstein (of www.oneninetyrestaurant.com neighborhood restaurant that, like restaurateur Mark which are for in-house drinkers), with 40 sold by the Michy’s) and other knowledgeable diners wander over When the original One Ninety, a hip Nuevo Hippie hangout Soyka’s previous ventures (notably Ocean Drive’s pio- glass. But the place’s specialty is comparative flights from the Boulevard for simple but perfect pad Thai, chili in residential Buena Vista, closed because of rent neering News Café and the Van Dyke on Lincoln Road) of various wine types from different regions. Food, grouper (lightly battered fillets in a mouthwatering increases in 2004, loyal patrons from all walks of life is a perfect fit for its area. Comfortably priced yuppie designed for pairing, includes a new $25 three-course tangy/sweet/hot sauce), silky Asian eggplant slices in mourned the loss. In its new Little Haiti location, the comfort food like meatloaf with mashed potatoes, crab dinner. But the menu is mostly light bites with intrigu- Thai basil sauce, and other remarkably low-priced special- space is much smaller but the loose vibe is the same, as cakes with spicy-sweet slaw, a wild mushroom/smoked ingly inventive touches: a seared Cajun tuna salad with ties of Matilda Apirukpinyo, who operated a critically are the eclectic live bands and some old food favorites: mozzarella pizza, or a Cobb salad may not be revolu- wasabi sauce; crab cakes with Asian sriracha chili acclaimed South Beach Thai eatery in the 1990s. Though bacalao cake with onion, cuke, and tomato salad with tionary fare, but Soyka continues to thrive while more sauce; a three-cheese soufflé. Especially impressive the casually cute indoor/outdoor place is only open for lemony aioli sauce; ricotta-walnut agnolotti with butter ambitious, nationally publicized restaurants like OLA are some nicely priced cheese/charcuterie platters, weekday lunches, “cantina” dinners can be ordered and and sage; and chef Alan Hughes’s unique black-pepper- have come and gone. $$-$$$ served with fig tapenade, cornichons, fresh fruits, picked up after hours. $ spiked white chocolate mousse (now presented as one of bread, and multiple sauces. And the art part encom- a five-item chocolate medley). $$-$$$ Sushi Siam passes revolving exhibits, plus an art lecture series Michy’s 5582 NE 4th Ct., 305-751-7818 featuring wines picked by owner Ben Neji to compli- 6927 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-2001 Pineapple Blossom Tea Room On the fairly standard menu of sushi-bar specialties plus ment the art. $$ Don’t even ask why Michele Bernstein, with a résumé that 8214 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8328 a small selection of Thai and Japanese cooked dishes, includes top-chef gigs at upscale eateries like Azul, not to www.pineappleblossom.com there are a few surprises, such as a unique lobster maki mention regular Food Network appearances, opened a The interior of this pineapple-yellow building is a soothing that’s admittedly huge in price ($25.95), but also in size: NORTH BAY VILLAGE homey restaurant in an emerging (but far from fully gentrified) oasis offering traditional full English tea service – or a six ounces of crisp-fried lobster chunks, plus asparagus, neighborhood. Just be glad she did, as you dine on white more zingy tropical fruit-flavored Caribbean variation. avocado, lettuce, tobiko (flying fish), masago (smelt) Barchetta on the Bay almond gazpacho or impossibly creamy ham and blue Whether your chosen brew is steaming Earl Grey or pineap- roes, and special sauces. Also popular are red and 1601 79th St. Causeway, 305-861-2228 cheese croquetas. Though most full entrées also come in ple-mint iced tea, the scones (with thick cream and jam), orange dragon rolls, similarly sauced makis of fried Location, location, location. The truth of the old real half-size portions (at almost halved prices), the tab can add tea cakes, cookies, and desserts, are hometown treats. shrimp plus veggies, topped with, respectively, raw tuna estate cliché could not be better illustrated than at this up fast. Table-to-table conversations about the food are com- Owner Frances Brown is a pastry chef. There’s more sub- and salmon. Thai dishes come with a choice of more reasonably priced Italian restaurant. While pastas like mon, something that only happens at exciting, if not flaw- stantial fare, too. Innovative wraps like Caribbean shrimp than a dozen sauces, ranging from traditional red or lobster ravioli in tomato/cream vodka sauce are under less, restaurants. And at this one, the star herself is usually salad with tropical fruit salsa; salads such as warm goat green curries to the inventive, such as an unconventional $20, and no meat or seafood entrée exceeds $30, the in the kitchen. Parking in the rear off 69th Street. $$$-$$$$ cheese with fresh greens, tomatoes, dried cranberries, and honey sauce. $$$ spectacular setting on Biscayne Bay is priceless. Floor to candied cashews. Also offered are tempting take-out bas- ceiling picture windows serve as the expansive indoor Moonchine kets like the Tea for Two (with tea, jam, scones, and cook- UVA 69 dining space’s rear wall, but the primo seats are out- 7100 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3999 ies), great for gifts or for at-home teas. $-$$ 6900 Biscayne Blvd. doors, in sheltered banquettes and patio tables where Like its Brickell-area older sibling Indochine, this friendly 305-754-9022; www.uva-69.com the water view, and carefree tropical party feel, is unim- indoor/outdoor Asian bistro serves stylish fare from Red Light Owned by the Vega brothers (chef Michael and artist peded. $$-$$$$ three nations: Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Menus are 7700 Biscayne Blvd., 305-757-7773 Sinuhé) of Cane á Sucre – now defunct, but one of also similar, split between traditional dishes like pad Only in Miami: From the rustic al fresco deck of chef Kris Midtown Miami’s first cool, contemporary cafés – this Continued on page 61 NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH TOO! "Ariston is derived from the Greek aristos, meaning 'the best,' and it just might be."--Victoria Pesce Elliott, Miami Herald (CLOSED ON TUESDAYS) “A restaurant that pleases its patrons. Ariston has started out doing just that.”-- Lee Klein, Miami New Times “Ariston continues the lucky streak with classical Greek cuisine based on recipes of owner Thanasis Barlos’s mom.”-- Biscayne Times Miami Spice is over, but our "Taste of Greece" set menus Live On! Come & try our $ .95 $ .95 Lunch Set Menus for 9 or 12 Dinner Set Menus offered Sunday - Thursday for $17.50, $23.50 & $27.50 940 71st Street, Miami Beach ● 305-864-9848 ● www.aristonrestaurantmiami.com

60 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Oggi Caffe streak with classical Greek cuisine based on recipes of 1666 79th St. Causeway co-owner Thanasis Barlos’s mom Noni Barlou, and exe- MIAMI SHORES Continued from page 60 305-866-1238 cuted by CIA-trained chef Alexia Apostolidis. Skip the www.oggicaffe.com menu’s puzzling Italianesque and generic Euro-American Iron Sushi Bocados Ricos This cozy, romantic spot started back in 1989 as a selections and concentrate on authentic treats like the 9432 NE 2nd Ave. 1880 79th St. Causeway; 305-864-4889 pasta factory (supplying numerous high-profile restau- lightest, most savory whipped tarama (caviar spread) 305-754-0311; www.ironsushi.com Tucked into a mall best known for housing the Happy rants) as well as a neighborhood eatery. And the wide west of Athens; ultra-rich tzatziki (Greek yogurt with With three Biscayne Corridor outlets (plus several branch- Stork Lounge, this little luncheonette joint services big range of budget-friendly, homemade pastas, made daily, cukes, garlic, and olive oil); bracing avgolemono (egg- es elsewhere in town), this mostly take-out mini chain is appetites. Along with the usual grilled churrascos, there’s remains the main draw for its large and loyal clientele. thickened chicken/lemon soup); char-grilled sardines with fast becoming the Sushi Joint That Ate Miami. And why do an especially belly-busting bandeja paisa (Colombia’s Choices range from homey, meaty lasagna to luxuriant greens and citrus dressing; or an inspired Miamians eat here? Not ambiance. There isn’t any. But sampler platter of grilled steak, sausage, chicharron, fried crab ravioli with creamy lobster sauce, with occasional eggplant/ground beef moussaka, bound here with an when friends from the Pacific Northwest, where foodies egg, avocado, plantains, rice, and beans). But do not forays into creative exotica such as seaweed spaghetti- almost sinfully custardy béchamel. $$-$$$ know their fish, tout the seafood’s freshness, we listen. miss marginally daintier dishes like sopa de costilla, if ni (with sea scallops, shitakes, and fresh tomatoes). For And though the bargain prices, and many menu items, are this rich shortrib bowl is among the daily changing home- those tempted by too much, ultra-accommodating Café Prima Pasta similar to those at other fast-food sushi places, there are made soups. Arepas include our favorite corn cake: the servers have been known to allow half orders of two 414 71st St., 305-867-0106, www.primapasta.com some surprisingly imaginative makis, like the Maharaja, hefty Aura, stuffed with chorizo, chicharron, carne pastas. $$-$$$ Opened in 1993 with 28 seats, this family-run North featuring fried shrimp and drizzles of curry mayo. And desmechada (shredded flank steak), plantains, rice, Beach landmark has now taken over the block, with an where else will you find a stacked sushi (five assorted beans, and cheese. Garnished with even more over-the- Shuckers Bar & Grill outdoor terrace and multi-roomed indoor space whose makis) birthday cake? $-$$ top abandon are Colombian-style hot dogs like the Perro 1819 79th St. Causeway walls are full of photos of their clientele (including nation- Rico, topped with chicharron, chorizo, cheese, a quail 305-866-1570 al and local celebs). Particularly popular are homemade Village Café egg, and pineapple to cancel out the cholesterol. Ha! But “Cheap eats and a million-dollar view” is the sound bite pastas, sauced with Argentine-Italian indulgence rather 9540 NE 2nd Ave. who cares? Strap on the med emergency bracelet and manager Philip Conklin uses to describe this outdoor than Italian simplicity: crabmeat ravioletti in lobster cream 305-757-6453; www.villagecaferestaurant.com bring it on. $-$$ beach bar, hidden in back of a bayfront motel. The joint sauce, black squid ink linguini heaped with seafood. Veal There’s an official Village Hall a few blocks up the road, dates from South Beach’s late 1980s revival, but the dishes, such as piccata with white wine-lemon-caper but a popular vote would probably proclaim Village Café Japanese Market and Sushi Deli kick-off-your-shoes vibe – not to mention the pool tables sauce, are also a specialty. Though romantic enough for the community center of Miami Shores. Few residents 1412 79th St. Causeway and jukebox – couldn’t be farther from SoBe glitz. The dates, the place is quite kid-friendly — and on the ter- can resist starting the workday with unique breakfast 305-861-0143 food ranges from classic bar favorites (char-grilled wings, race, they’ll even feed Fido. $$$ treats like a pressed panini of ham, Brie, and Inside a small market that is, nevertheless, widely consid- conch fritters, raw or steamed shellfish) to full dinners caramelized apples. Later locals gather over a balsamic- ered Miami’s premier source of Japanese foodstuffs, the featuring steak, homemade pasta, or fresh, not frozen, Tamarind Thai dressed cranberry blue chicken salad (a grilled breast on “Sushi Deli” restaurant component is nothing more than a fish. And since about half of the establishment is shel- 946 Normandy Dr., romaine with gorgonzola, walnuts, and dried cranberries), lunch counter to the left of the entrance. But chef Michio tered, the bites and bay view rock even when the weather 305-861-6222 pan-fried blue crab cakes with beurre blanc and crisp Kushi, who worked for years at the Sushin, Miami’s first sucks. $-$$ www.tamarindthai.us cayenne-fried onions, wonton-topped salmon Oriental, or full-service Japanese restaurant, serves up some sushi When an eatery’s executive chef is best-selling Thai cook- homemade pasta. As for dessert, the pastry case found nowhere else in town. Example: traditional Osaka- Sushi Siam book author Vatcharin Bhumichitr, you’d expect major speaks for village residents: Let them eat (fresh-baked) style sushi – layers of rice, seasoned seaweed, more rice, 1524 NE 79th St. Causeway media hype, fancy South Beach prices, and a fancy SoBe cake! $-$$ and marinated fresh mackerel, pressed into a square box, 305-864-7638 address. Instead Bhumichitr joined forces with Day then cut into lovely one-bite sandwich squares. While raw (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) Longsomboon (an old Thai school pal who’d moved to Côte Gourmet fish is always impeccable here, some unusual vegetarian Miami) at this unpretentious, authentic (no sushi) neigh- 9999 NE 2nd Ave., #112 sushi creations also tempt, as do daily entrées, like cur- NORTH BEACH borhood place. Some standout dishes here (like shrimp 305-754-9012 ried beef stew, that typify Japanese home cooking. $ and corn cakes with plum sauce, deep-fried sweet and If every Miami neighborhood had a neighborhood restau- Ariston sour fish, and roast duck with tamarind sauce) are fea- rant like this low-priced little French jewel, it’d be one fan- Mario the Baker 940 71st St., 305-864-9848 tured in the chef’s latest tome, Vatch’s Thai Kitchen, but tastic food town. The menu is mostly simple stuff: break- 1700 79th St. Causeway It took a Greek place (Ouzo’s, which moved to bigger with Tamarind’s very affordable prices (especially at fast croissants, crêpe, soups, sandwiches, salads, 305-867-7882 SoBe quarters in 2007) to break the curse of this former lunch), you might as well let the man’s impeccably (See North Miami listing) restaurant jinx location. And Ariston continues the lucky trained kitchen staff do the work for you. $$-$$$ Continued on page 62

LUNCH BUFFET Monday to Saturday per person 11:30am to 3:00pm SHEBA SUMMER SPECIAL Monday to Thursday per person 4:00pm to 7:00pm AUTHENTIC Real American Monday to Friday ● 4:00pm to 7:00pm First drink FREE for each customer at the bar [Wine, Beer & “Well” Drinks] Barbeque SUNDAY LUNCH BUFFET Full Liquor Bar Sundays ● 12:30pm to 4:00pm per person New Lunch Menu • Improved Parking 12599 Biscayne Blvd. 4029 NORTH MIAMI AVE. DESIGN DISTRICT 305-895-3141 305.573.1819 ● WWW.SHEBAMIAMI.COM

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 61 D INING G UIDE Restaurant Listings Bamboche Canton Café Chipotle Mexican Grill 13408 Biscayne Blvd, 305-947-6339 12749 Biscayne Blvd, 305-892-2882 14776 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2779 Continued from page 61 Buried in a strip mall perpendicular to the Boulevard, Easily overlooked, this strip-mall spot serves mostly www.chipotle.com Bamboche is worth the hunt on one of those head-splitting Cantonese-based dishes, ranging from all the old Proving that national fast-food chains don’t have to be bad sweets, and a few more substantial specials like a Saturdays, for a Haitian specialty not found in many area Chinese-American classics (chop suey, moo goo gai pan, for either diners or the environment, Chipotle serves what Tunisian-style brik (buttery phyllo pastry stuffed with tuna, restaurants: bouillon tet cabrit, a soup packed with greens pu pu platters) through newer Americanized fusion the company calls “food with integrity.” The fare is simple, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes) with a mesclun side (like spinach, cabbage, cress, string beans) and root veg- favorites like honey garlic chicken, teriyaki beef, and crab basically tacos and big burritos: soft flour or crisp corn tor- salad. But everything is homemade, including all breads, gies that is reputed to be a miraculous hangover remedy. Rangoon. But there are also about two dozen spicier, tillas stuffed with chipotle-marinated steak or chicken and prepared with impeccable ingredients, classic French Along with bouillon, weekend specials include more unusu- Szechuan-style standards like kung po shrimp, ma po chunks, bolder shredded beef barbacoa, or herb-scented technique, and meticulous attention to detail, down to the al dishes like fritay, fried street snacks. Haitian standards tofu, and General Tso’s chicken. And there are a few pork carnitas, all with choice of fresh garnishes. But these stylish plaid ribbons that hold together the café’s (griot, tassot) are available daily, as are fresh-squeezed imaginative new items, like the intriguingly christened bites contain no evil ingredients (transfats, artificial baguette sandwiches. $-$$ juices, lattes, and almost two dozen desserts. $ “Shrimp Lost in the Forest,” Singapore curried rice noo- color/flavor, antibiotics, growth hormones). Additionally, all dles, crispy shrimp with honey-glazed walnuts, and pork, plus a large and growing percentage of the grill’s beef Bar-B-Que Beach Sports Bar & Grill Mongolian beef (with raw chilis and fresh Oriental basil). and poultry, is raised via humane and ecologically sustain- NORTH MIAMI 12599 Biscayne Blvd., 305-895-3141 Delivery is available for both lunch and dinner. $$ able methods. And the food, while not the authentic Mex On Friday nights, there’s karaoke at this expansive eatery, street stuff dreams are made of, is darned tasty, too. $ Los Antojos though from the décor -- mixing Wild West rusticity with Key Captain Jim’s Seafood 11099 Biscayne Blvd.; 305-892-1411 West flip-flops dangling from the ceiling -- it’s hard to know 12950 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-892-2812 DiBono’s If it’s Sunday, it must be sancocho de gallina, Colombia’s whether to brush up your Jimmy Buffett medley or This market/restaurant was garnering critical acclaim 15979 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-3330 national dish. If it’s Saturday, it must be ajiaco. Both are “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” There are specials the other six even when eat-in dining was confined to a few Formica www.louiesbrickoven.com thick chicken soups, full meals in a bowl. But veggies and days of the week as well, from early-bird discounts to open- tables in front of the fish counter, owing to the fresh- A pocket flashlight isn’t a bad idea if you want to read the garnishes vary, and this modest Colombian eatery is a mike nights to kids-eat-free Tuesdays. But don’t forget the ness of its seafood (much of it from Capt. Jim menu in this mood-lit room. But who needs to read it? handy spot to comparison-test such typical stews. biggest draw: the barbecue, honest stuff that has been Hanson’s own fishing boats, which supply many of There’s a coal-fired brick oven, so order pizza, which comes Adventuresome eaters may want to try another Saturday low-temperature smoked for 12 to 14 hours till tender yet Miami’s most upscale eateries). Now there’s a casual out of the ultra-hot enclosure with a perfect crust – beauti- special, mondongo (tripe soup, similar to Mexico’s resilient. Ribs are meaty (except for the aptly named, bar- but pleasantly nautical side dining room with booths, fully blistered, crisp outside, chewy inside. Appealing top- menudo). For Colombian-cuisine novices, a Bandeja Paisa gain-priced “bucket of bones,” and while chopped pork may and more recently added, a sushi bar stocked largely pings include the Calabrese (Italian sausage, caramelized (sampler including rice, beans, carne asada, chicharron, not totally satisfy North Carolina pulled pork purists, noth- with flown-in Japanese fish just as pristine as the local onions, kalamata olives, mozzarella, tomato sauce) and a eggs, sautéed sweet plantains, and an arepa corn cake) ing within a 1000-mile drive ever does. Biggest winners: catch. Whether it’s garlicky scampi (made with sweet more modern mix of mozzarella, tomato sauce, onion, thin- is available every day, as are antojitos – “little whims,” succulent sliced brisket and delightfully juicy chicken. $$ Key West shrimp), housemade smoked fish dip, grilled sliced prosciutto, and arugula drizzled with olive oil. For smaller snacks like chorizo con arepa (a corn cake with yellowtail (or some more exotic local snapper, like hog those craving more crunch than the latter pie’s arugula Colombian sausage). And for noncarnivores there are sev- Burritos Grill Café or mutton), perfectly tenderized cracked conch, or salad, there are flavorful veggies from a hardwood-fired eral hefty seafood platters, made to order. $$ 11717 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1041 conch fritters (with just enough batter to bind the big grill. Wings from the brick oven (spiced with roasted garlic www.burritosgrillcafe chunks of Bahamian shellfish), everything is deftly pre- and Italian herbs, topped with grilled onions) are a smokin’ Bagels & Co. Originally a friendly little 125th Street hole-in-the-wall that pared and bargain-priced. $$ starter. $$-$$$ 11064 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2435 garnered raves for its limited menu of terrifically tasty treats, While this place is often referred to as Guns & Bagels, one Mario and Karina Manzanero’s café is now in more sizable Casa Mia Trattoria D.J.’s Diner can’t actually buy a gun here. The nickname refers to its and atmospheric quarters. But the friendly, family-run (and 1950 NE 123rd St., 305-899-2770 12210 Biscayne Blvd., 305-893-5250 location next to a firearms shop. But there’s a lot of other kid-friendly) ambiance remains, as do the authentic Yucatan- Tucked away, off to the side on the approach to the Located in a Best Western motel, this place, run by a stuff aside from bagels here, including a full range of sand- style specialties. Standouts include poc-chuc, a pork loin Broad Causeway and the beaches, this charming Chinese-American family, serves mostly basic American wiches and wraps. Breakfast time is busy time, with marinated in sour orange juice and topped with pickled indoor/outdoor trattoria seems to attract mostly neigh- diner fare – burgers, sandwiches, about a dozen dinner banana-walnut pancakes especially popular. But what’s onions and chiltomate sauce (roasted tomato/chili); tacos borhood regulars. But even newcomers feel like regu- entrées, fresh-baked apple pie, and, oddly, a whole section most important is that this is one of the area’s few al pastor, stuffed with subtly smoky steak, onion, cilantro, lars after about ten minutes here, thanks to the staff’s of Caesar salad variations. But it’s also a secret source for sources of the real, New York-style water bagel: crunchy and pineapple; sinful deep-fried tacos dorados (like fat flau- genuinely Italian ebullience. The delightful Italian Chinese food, mostly chow mien/chop suey-type dishes, outside, challengingly chewy inside. Those puffy half-donuts tas); and signature burritos, including the Maya, filled with accents don’t hurt, either. As for the menu offerings, but also a few dishes such as eggplant with garlic sauce most places pass off as bagels aren’t even contenders. $ juicy cochinita pibil, refried beans, and pickled onions. $$ they’re mostly classic comfort foods with some con- and ma po tofu that are a step up in authenticity. $-$$ temporary items as well. Housemade pastas are good enough that low-carb dieters should definitely temporar- Hanna’s Gourmet Diner ily fuhgeddaboudit, especially for the tender gnocchi 13951 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2255 with pesto or better yet, delicate fagottini -- “beggar’s When Sia and Nicole Hemmati bought the Gourmet Diner purses” stuffed with pears and cheese. $$ from retiring original owner Jean-Pierre Lejeune in the late 1990s, they added “Hanna’s” to the name, but changed Chéen-huyae little else about this retro-looking French/American diner, 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-956-2808 a north Miami-Dade institution since 1983. Customers Diners can get some of the usual Tex-Mex dishes at this can get a cheeseburger or garlicky escargots, meatloaf in cute spot, if they must. But the specialty is Mayan-rooted tomato sauce or boeuf bourguignon in red wine sauce, Yucatan cuisine. So why blow bucks on burritos when one iceberg lettuce and tomatoes, or a mushroom and squid can sample Caribbean Mexico’s most typical dish: cochini- salad with garlic dressing. For oysters Rockefeller/tuna- ta pibil? It’s currently LA’s trendiest taco filling (and morn- melt couples from Venus and Mars, it remains the ideal ing-after hangover remedy). But that city couldn’t have a dinner date destination. $$-$$$ more authentically succulent version of the pickle-onion- topped marinated pork dish than Chéen’s – earthily aro- Here Comes the Sun matic from achiote, tangy from bitter oranges, meltingly ten- 2188 NE 123rd St., 305-893-5711 der from slow cooking in a banana leaf wrap. To accompa- At this friendly natural foods establishment, one of Miami’s ny, try a lime/soy/chili-spiced michelada, also authentically first, there’s a full stock of vitamins and nutritional supple- Mexican, and possibly the best thing that ever happened to ments. But the place’s hearty soups, large variety of dark beer. $$-$$$ entrées (including fresh fish and chicken as well as vegetari- an selections), lighter bites like miso burgers with secret Chef Creole “sun sauce” (which would probably make old sneakers 13105 W. Dixie Hwy.; 305-893-4246 (See Miami listing) Continued on page 63

62 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings spices). But the dish that still packs the place is the griot: Mama Jennie’s North One 10 marinated pork chunks simmered and then fried till they’re 11720 NE 2nd Ave., 305-757-3627 11052 Biscayne Blvd Continued from page 62 moistly tender inside, crisp and intensely flavored outside. $ For more than 35 years this beloved red-sauce joint has 305-893-4211 been drawing students and other starvation-budget diners www.northone10.com taste good), and daily specials are a tastier way to get Lime Fresh Mexican Grill with prodigious portions of lasagna, spaghetti and meat- For most chefs a Miami-to-Manhattan move is generally healthy. An under-ten-buck early-bird dinner is popular with 14831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-8800 balls (the latter savory yet light-textured), veal marsala considered one of those offers you can’t refuse. But after the former long-hair, now blue-hair, crowd. Frozen yogurt, Like its South Beach predecessor, this Lime was an instant topped with a mountain of mushrooms, and other Italian- helming several NYC restaurants for China Grill fresh juices, and smoothies complete the menu. $-$$ hit, as much for being a hip hangout as for its carefully American belly-busters. All pasta or meat entrées come Management, the homegrown married team of chef Dewey crafted Tex-Mex food. Though Lime is now franchising, the with oil-drenched garlic rolls and either soup (hearty mine- and sommelier Dale LoSasso returned to do their own Ichi chain’s concept is “fast casual” rather than fast food – strone) or a salad (mixed greens, tomatoes, cukes, thing in their own neighborhood. The menu is “creative 13488 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-9334 meaning nice enough for a night out. It also means ingredi- brined olives, and pickled peppers) that’s a dinner in comfort food”: a shrimp waffle with basil butter; “steak Half sushi/sashimi, half cooked Japanese dishes, the menu is ents aren’t canned-type crapola. Seafood tacos are about itself. Rustic roadhouse ambiance, notably the red and eggs” (a grilled NY strip with truffled goat cheese fritta- relatively small but covers most of the traditional favorites and as exotic as the standard menu gets, but the mahi mahi leatherette booths, add to Mama’s charm. $-$$ ta, herb demiglace, and hash browns); a stone crab hot a few surprises. Popular makis include the Dream (shrimp tem- for fish tacos comes fresh, never frozen, from a local sup- dog the chef invented for a Super Bowl party. The award- pura, avocado, Japanese mayo, and masago), the vegetarian plier, and salsas are housemade daily. Niceties include low- Mario the Baker winning wine list inspires playfully themed pairing events Popeye spicy spinach roll, and the deep-fried Crispy, a riceless carb tortillas for dieters and many Mexican beers for 250 NE 25th St., 305-891-7641 like an Italian food/wine “Godfather” dinner. But it’s not salmon and veggie roll. Among cooked items, there’s a large partiers. $ www.mariothebakerpizza.com South Beach, so prices are reasonable, and parking is list of teriyakis, and a few dishes prepared with a different At this North Miami institution (opened in 1969) food is free. $$$-$$$$ twist – panko-breaded pork or chicken katsu cutlets, for Little Havana Italian-American, not Italian-Italian: spaghetti and meat- instance, that eschew the standard sweet sauce for curry. $$ 12727 Biscayne Blvd balls, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and hot or cold Nuvo Kafe 305-899-9069 subs. No imported buffala, arugula, or other chichi stuff 13152 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-892-1441 Jerusalem Market and Deli www.littlehavanarestaurant.com on the New York-style medium-thin-crusted pizzas; the Though the neighborhood is decidedly ungentrified, the 16275 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-9080 In addition to white-tablecoth ambiance that’s several top topping here is the savory housemade sausage. And interior of this café is an oasis of cultivated Caribbean Specialties like shawarma, spinach pies, kebabs, hum- steps up in elegance from the majority of neighborhood no one leaves without garlic rolls, awash in warm parsley cool and subtly sophisticated global fare. Haitian-born, mus, and kibbeh (a savory mix of ground lamb and bul- eateries, this place features live Latin entertainment and oil and smashed garlic ($4 a dozen, $3 per half-dozen, Montreal-schooled chef Ivan Dorval formerly cooked at gur, arguably the world’s most interesting meatball) are dancing, making it a good choice when diners want a which won’t even last the ride home). New branches are the Oasis Café in Miami Beach, as well as the Delano, native to many Middle East countries, but when a night out, not just a meal. It’s also a good choice for din- now open in Miami's Midtown neighborhood and in and the varied background is reflected in cuisine that’s Lebanese chef/owner, like this eatery’s Sam Elzoor, is ers who don’t speak Spanish, but don’t worry about North Bay Village. $ chiefly creative Caribbean but with influences from the at the helm, you can expect extraordinary refinement. authenticity. Classic Cuban home-style dishes like mojo- Middle East, Asia, Greece, and Italy. Homemade, health- There are elaborate daily specials here, like lemon marinated lechon asado, topped with onions, and juicy The Melting Pot oriented dishes include velvety ginger pumpkin bisque, chicken or stuffed cabbage with a variety of sides, but ropa vieja are translated on the menu, not the plate, and 15700 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2228 unusually refined conch fritters (light batter, monster even a common falafel sandwich is special when the fancier creations like pork filet in tangy tamarind sauce www.meltingpot.com chunks of conch), West Indies crab cakes with citrus pita is also stuffed with housemade cabbage and onion seem universal crowd-pleasers. $$$ For 1950s and 1960s college students, fondue pots aioli, and a signature lavish, but only slightly sinful, salads, plus unusually rich and tart tahina. For home were standard dorm accessories. These days, however, Citadel Raw Fruit Pie. $$-$$$ cooks, there’s also a limited selection of imported Maleewan Thai & Sushi branches of this chain (originating in Maitland, Florida, in spices and staples. $-$$ 2224 NE 123rd St., 305-895-0393 1975) are generally the only places to go for this blast- Oishi Thai Redecorated (tasteful bamboo-matted walls, silk flowers) since from-the-past eating experience. Fondues are available à 14841 Biscayne Blvd. Le Griot de Madame John the days — many days — this space was occupied by the la carte or as full dip-it-yourself meals. Start with a wine- 305-947-4338 975 NE 125th St., 305-892-9333 kosher sushi spot Tani Guchi’s Place, Maleewan is now a cozy, enriched four-cheese fondue; proceed to an entrée with www.oishithai.com When Madame moved her base of operations from her neighborly nook at which to enjoy all the standard Japanese choice of meat or seafood, plus choice of cooking potion At this stylish, dramatically minimalist Thai/sushi spot, Little Haiti home to a real restaurant (though a very informal and Thai selections. Cooked sushi is the strong suit here, par- – herbed wine, bouillon, or oil; finish with fruits and cakes the regular Thai and Japanese dishes are as good as any- one, and still mostly take-out), she began offering numerous ticularly the signature mammoth-size Maleewan roll, given zing dipped in your favorite melted chocolate. Fondue eti- where in town. But the way to go is the menu of specials, traditional Haitian dishes, including jerked beef or goat tas- by pickled Japanese squash and savor by a crispy yellowtail quette dictates that diners who drop a skewer in the pot many of which clearly reflect the young chef’s fanatic sot and an impressive poisson gros sel (a whole fish tempura topping. If you’re craving more creative fare, check out must kiss all other table companions, so go with those rubbed with salt before poaching with various veggies and the handwritten specials board on your way in. $$ you love. $$$ Continued on page 64 Buena Vista Bistro

Open Lunch & Dinner: 11AM – Midnight Sunday Brunch: 11AM - 3PM

Patio Open Weekends

4582 NE 2nd Ave Ɣ 305.456.5909

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Restaurant Listings Paul Bakery Café few Vietnamese restaurants, it’s hard to bear a grudge at unexpected creative touches -- is the same. So are many 14861 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-4443 a friendly, casual neighborhood place that offers monster much-loved dishes like juicy bacon-wrapped meatloaf, fla- Continued from page 63 www.paulusa.com ten-ounce char-grilled burgers, with potatoes or salad, for vored with a fusion Chinese black bean barbecue sauce, From one rural shop in 1889, the French bakery known sim- $8.50; steaks, plus a side and a sauce or veg topper, for and perfect dessert soufflés (with crème chantilly plus devotion to fresh fish, as well as the time he spent in the ply as Paul has grown to a worldwide chain, which fortunate- nine bucks at lunch, $15 to $18.75 (the menu’s top caramel or chocolate sauce). New and notable: knockout kitchen of Knob: broiled miso-marinated black cod; rock ly chose to open its first U.S. outlet in our town. One bite of price) at night; and three-dollar glasses of decent house artisan cheese platters (with choice of inventive garnish- shrimp tempura with creamy sauce; even Nobu the crusty peasant loaf, the olive-studded fougasse, or wine. Many other grilled meat and seafood items are also es: brioche frites, celery escabeche, Dijon mustard Matsuhisa’s “new style sashimi” (slightly surface-seared another of the signature artisan breads transports you right offered, plus pastas, salads, gooey desserts, and spe- sauce, marinated olives, much more) that, with wine by drizzles of hot olive and sesame oil). Formerly all back to France. As authentic as the boulangerie breads are, cials (events as well as food). $-$$ (from a relatively high-priced but high-quality list) make an Japanese-influenced, the specials menu now includes the patisserie items like flan normande (a buttery-crusted, idyllic light meal in themselves. $$$$ some Thai-inspired creations, too, such as veal mas- almond-topped apple-and-custard tart) are just as evocative. Steve’s Pizza saman curry, Chilean sea bass curry, and sizzling filet For eat-in diners, quite continental soups, salads, and sand- 12101 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0202 Tokyo Bowl mignon with basil sauce. $$$-$$$$ wiches are equally and dependably French. $$ At the end of a debauched night of excess, some paper-thin 12295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-9400 designer pizza with wisps of smoked salmon (or similar fluff) This fast-food drive-thru (unexpectedly serene inside) is La Paloma Plein Sud doesn’t do the trick. Open till 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., Steve’s named for its feature item, big budget-priced bowls of rice 10999 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0505 12409 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-2355 has, since 1974, been serving the kind of comforting, retro or noodles topped with cooked Japanese-style items like Step into La Paloma and you’ll be stepping back in time, The Boulevard may not be the Champs-Elysées, but din- pizzas people crave at that hour. As in Brooklyn, tomato teriyaki fish (fresh fish sautéed with vegetables), curried circa 1957. Adorned with antiques (some even real) and ers could be fooled once inside this evocative French sauce is sweet, with strong oregano flavor. Mozzarella is chicken and veggies, spicy shrimp, or gyoza dumplings in chandeliers, the over-the-top plush décor was the American bistro. The ambiance is Old World, and the menu is solid applied with abandon. Toppings are stuff that give strength: tangy sauce. There’s also an all-you-can-eat deal – sushi fine-dining ideal – half a century ago (though actually the and well executed. Starters range from country comfort pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, onions, and peppers. $ (individual nigiri or maki rolls) plus tempura, teriyaki, and place only dates from the 1970s). Cuisine is similarly retro- (Lyonnaise sausage with warm, vinegary potato salad; a other cooked items for $14; three bucks more for sashi- luxe: old-fashioned upscale steaks, chops, and lobster, charcuterie platter with homemade pâté) to urban sophis- Sun City Café mi instead of sushi. $-$$ plus fancier Continental fare. If you have a yen for tication (Maine lobster tail with celery remoulade). 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-6955 chateaubriand, duck a l’orange, oysters Rockefeller, French Entrées include long-stewed, creamy blanquette de veau, Super-stuffed crêpes, made to order from scratch, are Venezia Pizza and Café onion soup, trout almondine, wiener schnitzel, and peach or a precision-cooked steak-frites (rib eye with crisp shoe- the main specialty here – some sweet (the Banana Split: 13452 Biscayne Blvd. Melba, it’s the only place in town that can deliver them all. string fries). For dessert there is the ubiquitous tarte fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, candied walnuts, ice 305-940-1808 A huge wine list fuels the fantasy. $$$$ tatin, caramelized apples atop puff-pastry crust. $$-$$$ cream, and Nutella or dulce de leche), some savory (the No frozen pizza crusts or watery mozzarella here. No Sun City Steak: beef, mushrooms, onions, red peppers, imported designer ingredients either. The pies are New Paquito’s Sara’s Swiss cheese, and A1 sauce). But there’s also a smaller York-style, but the dough is made fresh daily, and the 16265 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-5027 2214 NE 123rd St., 305-891-3312 selection of custom-crafted wraps, salads, sandwiches, cheese is Grande (from Wisconsin, considered America’s From the outside, this strip-mall Mexican eatery couldn’t www.saraskosherpizza.com and sides, plus smoothies, coffee drinks, even beer or finest pizza topper). Also on the menu are Italian-American be easier to overlook. Inside, however, its festivity is While this mainly vegetarian kosher place is best known for wine. Free Wi-Fi encourages long, lingering lunches. $ pastas, a large selection of hot an cold subs, simple sal- impossible to resist. Every inch of wall space seems to its pizza (New York-style medium crust or thick-crusted ads, and a few new protein adds – grilled chicken breast, be covered with South of the Border knickknacks. And if Sicilian, topped with veggies and/or “meat buster” imitation Sushi House fried fish, or a steak. $-$$ the kitschy décor alone doesn’t cheer you, the quickly meats), it’s also offers a full range of breakfast/lunch/dinner 15911 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-6002 arriving basket of fresh (not packaged) taco chips, or vegetarian cuisine of all nations, with many dairy and seafood In terms of décor drama, this sushi spot seems to have Wong’s Chinese Restaurant the mariachi band, or the knockout margaritas will. Food items too. Admittedly the cutesie names of many items – taken its cue from Philippe Starck: Delano-like sheer 12420 Biscayne Blvd. ranges from Tex-Mex burritos and a party-size fajita plat- baygels, bergerrbite, Cezarrrr salad, hammm, meat-a-ball, floor-to-ceiling drapes, for starters. The sushi list, too, is 305-891-4313 ter to authentic Mexican moles and harder-to-find tradi- schmopperrr – may cause queasiness. But the schmopperrr over the top, featuring monster makis: the Cubbie This old-timer’s menu reads like a textbook on how to tional preparations like albóndigas – spicy, ultra-savory itself is one helluva high-octane veggie burger. $-$$ Comfort (spicy tuna, soft-shell crab, shrimp and eel tem- please everyone, with food ranging from traditional meatballs. $$-$$$ pura, plus avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro, topped with Chinese to Chinese-American to just plain American. Scorch Grillhouse and Wine Bar not one but three sauces: wasabi, teriyaki, and spicy Appetizers include honey garlic chicken wings or Buffalo Pasha’s 13750 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-5588 mayo); the Volcano, topped with a mountain of tempura wings. A crab-claw starter comes with choice of pork fried 14871 Biscayne Blvd., 786-923-2323 www.scorchgrillhouse.com flakes; the spicy/sweet sauce-drenched Hawaiian King rice or French fries. Seafood lovers can get shrimp chop www.pashas.com Though some food folks were initially exasperated when Crab, containing unprecedented ingredients like toma- suey, or salty pepper shrimp (authentically shell-on). And (See Miami: Brickell / Downtown listing) yet another Latin-influenced grill replaced one of our area’s toes, green peppers, and pineapple. To drink there are snowbirds will be pleased to find a number of dishes that boutique wines, artisan sakes, and cocktails as exotic are mainstays of Manhattan Szechuan menus but not as the cuisine. $$$-$$$$ common in Miami: cold sesame noodles, Hunan chicken, twice-cooked pork, Lake Tung Ting shrimp, and peppery Twenty-One Toppings kung po squid. $$ 14480 Biscayne Blvd., #105, North Miami 305-947-3433 Woody’s Famous Steak Sandwich A shoo-in to top many future “Best Burger” polls, this lit- 13105 Biscayne Blvd. tle joint serves sirloin, chicken, turkey, and white bean 305-891-1451 patties, topped with your choice of one cheese from a The griddle has been fired up since 1954 at this indie list of seven, one sauce from a list of twelve, and three fast-food joint, and new owners have done little to change toppings from a list of 21. And since the chef/co-owner the time-tested formula except to stretch operating hours is a culinary school grad who has trained in several cut- into the night and expand its classic griddled-or-fried- ting-edge kitchens (including David Bouley Evolution), the things menu to include a few health-conscious touches garnishes ain’t just ketchup. There’s Asian vinaigrette, like Caesar salad, plus a note proclaiming their oils are gorgonzola, grilled portobellos, much more. If choosing free of trans fats. Otherwise the famous steak sandwich is too confusing, try the chef-designed combos.$-$$ is still a traditional Philly – thin-sliced beef, cheese, and onions on a buttered Italian roll (with tasty housemade Two Chefs Too sour cream/horseradish sauce served on the side so as 2288 NE 123rd St not to offend purists). Extras like mushrooms are possi- 305-895-5155; www.twochefsrestaurant.com ble, not imposed. Drippin’ good burgers, too. And unlike At this much-anticipated spin-off of Jan Jorgensen’s MacChain addicts, patrons here can order a cold beer South Miami Two Chefs, there are some differences in with the good grease. $-$$ the menu. But the concept of New American comfort food -- familiar favorites modernized with the chef’s elegant, Continued on page 65

64 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings historic venue first started producing in 1938 – three make it past Jimbo’s. So luckily, the newer branch of night, many come here for a bite of something differ- varieties (salmon, mahi mahi, and the signature blue this upscale Peruvian eatery offers the same menu. ent. The specialty is Japanese home cooking, served in Continued from page 64 marlin), available in a sampler, salads, Though diners will find ceviches, a hefty fried-seafood grazing portions so diners can enjoy a wide variety of sandwiches/wraps, or a delightfully mild smoked fish jalea, and Peru’s other expected traditional special- the unusual dishes offered. Standard sushi isn’t Zipang dip that may be Miami’s best. But the smokehouse ties, all presented far more elegantly than most in missed when glistening-fresh strips of raw tuna can be 14316 Biscayne Blvd. now also turns out ribs and delectable brisket. Other town (notably a picture-perfect causa con camarones, had in maguro nuta – mixed with scallions and dressed 305-919-8844 new additions include roasted red pepper hummus, mashed potatoes layered with shrimp), the contempo- with habit-forming honey-miso mustard sauce. Dishes It’s appropriate that the name of this small strip-mall crab cakes, a delightfully light homemade Key lime chif- rary Peruvian fusion creations are unique. Especially depend on the market, but other favorites include sushi spot refers to Japan’s first and only sparkling fon pie, daily specials, and on weekends, fish fries recommended are two dishes adapted from recipes goma ae (wilted spinach, chilled and dressed in sake – something most Americans have never heard (with live music). For basic diners there are burgers by Peru’s influential nikkei (Japanese/Creole) chef sesame sauce), garlic stem and beef (mild young of, making the reference pretty much an insider’s joke. and hot dogs. Entry is directly from 163rd Street, not Rosita Yimura: an exquisite, delicately sauced tiradito shoots flash-fried with tender steak bits), or perhaps Since opening several years ago, the restaurant itself through the main park entrance. No admission fee. $ de corvina, and for those with no fear of cholesterol, just-caught grouper with hot/sweet/tangy chili sauce. has been one of our town’s best-kept secrets. But the pulpo de oliva (octopus topped with rich olive sauce). Open till around 3:00 a.m. $$ perfectionist chef/owner’s concentration on quality and China Restaurant $$$-$$$$ freshness of ingredients has made Zipang the pick of 178 NE 167th St., 305-947-6549 Heelsha sushi cognoscenti like Loews’s executive chef Marc When you have a yen for the Americanized Chinese Hiro Japanese Restaurant 1550 NE 164th St., 305-919-8393, Ehrler, who has named the unpretentious place his fusion dishes you grew up with, all the purist regional 3007 NE 163rd St., 305-948-3687 www.heelsha.com favorite Miami eatery, while admitting the obvious: Chinese cuisine in the world won’t scratch the itch. So One of Miami’s first sushi restaurants, Hiro retains an If unusual Bangladeshi dishes like fiery pumpkin patey “Nobody knows it.” $$-$$$ the menu here, containing every authentically inauthen- amusing retro-glam feel, an extensive menu of both (cooked with onion, green pepper, and pickled mango) tic Chinese-American classic you could name, is just sushi and cooked Japanese food, and late hours that or Heelsha curry (succulently spiced hilsa, the ticket when nostalgia strikes – from simple egg make it a perennially popular snack stop after a hard Bangladesh’s sweet-fleshed national fish) seem famil- NORTH MIAMI BEACH rolls to pressed almond duck (majorly breaded bone- night at the area’s movie multiplexes (or strip clubs). iar, it’s because chef/owner Bithi Begum and her hus- less chunks, with comfortingly thick gravy). $-$$ The sushi menu has few surprises, but quality is reli- band Tipu Raman once served such fare at the critical- Bamboo Garden able. Most exceptional are the nicely priced yakitori, ly acclaimed Renaisa. Their new menu’s mix-and-match 1232 NE 163rd St.; 305-945-1722 Christine’s Roti Shop skewers of succulently soy-glazed and grilled meat, option also allows diners to pair their choice of meat, Big enough for a banquet (up to 300 guests), this veter- 16721 NE 6th Ave. fish, and vegetables; the unusually large variety avail- poultry, fish, or vegetable with more than a dozen an is many diners’ favorite on the 163rd/167th Street 305-770-0434 able of the last makes this place a good choice for veg- regional sauces, from familiar Indian styles to exotica “Chinatown” strip because of its superior décor. But the Wraps are for wimps. At this small shop run by etarians. $$ like satkara, flavored with a Bangladeshi citrus reminis- menu also offers well-prepared, authentic dishes like Christine Gouvela, originally from British Guyana, the cent of sour orange. Early-bird dinners (5:00 to 6:30 peppery black bean clams, sautéed mustard greens, wrapper is a far more substantial and tasty roti, a Hiro’s Sushi Express p.m.) are a bargain, as some dishes are almost half- and steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions, plus Caribbean mega-crepe made from chickpea flour. Most 17048 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-0776 price. Lunch is served weekends only except by reser- Chinese-American egg foo young. Default spicing is mild popular filling for the flatbread is probably jerk chicken, Tiny, true, but there’s more than just sushi at this vation, so call ahead. $$-$$$ even in Szechuan dishes marked with red-chili icons, but bone-in pieces in a spiced stew of potatoes, cabbage, mostly take-out spin-off of the pioneering Hiro. Makis don’t worry; realizing some like it hot, the chefs will cus- carrots, onions, and more chickpeas. But there are are the mainstay (standard stuff like California rolls, Iron Sushi tomize spiciness to heroic heat levels upon request. $$ about a dozen other curries to choose from, including more complex creations like multi-veg futomaki, and a 16350 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-2244 beef, goat, conch, shrimp, trout, and duck. Take-out few unexpected treats like a spicy Crunch & Caliente (See Miami Shores listing) Blue Marlin Fish House packages of plain roti are also available; they trans- maki), available à la carte or in value-priced individual 2500 NE 163rd St. form myriad leftovers into tasty, portable lunches. $ and party combo platters. But there are also bento JC Food 305-957-8822 boxes featuring tempura, yakitori skewers, teriyaki, stir- 1242 NE 163rd St., 305-956-5677 Located inside Oleta River State Park, this casual out- El Gran Inka fried veggies, and udon noodles. Another branch is now Jumbo’s regular menu offers a large percentage of door eatery (which is covered, but otherwise open-air) 3155 NE 163rd St. open in Miami’s Upper Eastside. $ hard-to-find traditional Chinese home-cooking special- is a rare surprise for nature lovers, especially since an 305-940-4910 ties (many using fresh and preserved Asian vegeta- eager-to-please young couple took over the daytime-only www.graninka.com Hiro’s Yakko-San bles): pork with bitter melon, beef with sour cabbage, concession, upgrading the menu, at the start of 2008. Somehow, when setting off to try Key Biscayne 17040 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-947-0064 The featured item is still the house-smoked fish this restaurants (like Miami’s original Gran Inka), we never After sushi chefs close up their own restaurants for the Continued on page 66

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 65 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings by myriad families arriving for dinner in matching going- to pita but much thinner, moister, and all-around better. Chinatown barbecue, with appropriate dipping sauces to-church outfits is equaled only by the eye-poppingly Upon order, diners can watch the chef custom-cook included. Weekends bring the biggest selection, Continued from page 65 dyed shrimp chips and desserts displayed inside on their saj (on a scorching-hot, flying-saucer metal dome including barbecued ribs and pa pei duck (roasted, the buffet table. Though there’s an à la carte menu, of the same name), then roll the beautifully surface-blis- then deep-fried till extra crisp and nearly free of sub- chicken with mustard green, cellophane noodle with the draw here is the 100-item (according to advertise- tered bread around one of 27 stuffings, including cutaneous fat). Available every day are juicy, soy-mari- mixed-vegetable casserole. Still, most diners come for ments) all-you-can-eat spread of dishes that are mostly za’atar and EVOO, brined olives and labneh (creamy nated roast chickens, roast pork strips, crispy pork, dim sum, a huge selection served at all hours. These Chinese, with some American input. It’s steam-table yogurt cheese), falafel, steak, even dessert fillings like and whole roast ducks – hanging, as tradition dic- small plates include chewy rice noodle rolls filled with stuff, but the price is right and then some: $5.95 for strawberries and Nutella. Also available: soups, salads, tates, beaks and all. But no worries; a counterperson shrimp or beef, leek dumplings, crisp-fried stuffed taro lunch, $8.95 for dinner. $-$$ and substantial globally topped rice bowls, plus fresh will chop your purchase into bite-size, beakless balls, savory pork-studded turnip cake, pork/peanut fruit juices and smoothies. $ pieces. $ congee, custard croissants, and for the brave, steamed King Palace chicken feet. $$ 330 NE 167th St., 305-949-2339 Little Saigon Sang’s Chinese Restaurant The specialties here are authentic Chinatown-style bar- 16752 N. Miami Ave., 305-653-3377 1925 NE 163rd St. Kyung Ju becue (whole ducks, roast pork strips, and more, dis- This is Miami’s oldest traditional Vietnamese restau- 305-947-7076 400 NE 167th St., 305-947-3838 played in a glass case by the door), and fresh seafood rant, but it’s still packed most weekend nights. So Open late (12:30 a.m. most nights) since 1990, Star of the show at this long-lived Korean restaurant dishes, the best made with the live fish swimming in even the place’s biggest negative – its hole-in-the-wall Sang’s has an owner who previously cooked in NYC’s (one of only a handful in Miami-Dade County) is bulgo- two tanks by the dining room entrance. There’s also a atmosphere, not encouraging of lingering visits – Chinatown, and three menus. The pink menu is gi. The name translates as “fire meat,” but isn’t a ref- better-than-average selection of seasonal Chinese veg- becomes a plus since it ensures fast turnover. Americanized Chinese food, from chop suey to honey erence to Koreans’ love of hot chilis. Rather it refers to gies. The menu is extensive, but the best ordering Chef/owner Lily Tao is typically in the kitchen, crafting garlic chicken. The white menu permits the chef to Korean-style barbecue, which is really not barbecued strategy, since the place is usually packed with Asians, green papaya salad, flavorful beef noodle pho (served show off his authentic Chinese fare: salt and pepper but quickly grilled after long marination in a mix of soy is to see what looks good on nearby tables, and point. with greens, herbs, and condiments that make it not prawns, rich beef/turnip casserole, tender salt-baked sauce, sesame, sugar, garlic, and more. Lovers of fiery Servers will also steer you to the good stuff, once you just a soup but a whole ceremony), and many other chicken, even esoterica like abalone with sea cucum- food can customize with dipping sauces, or the convince them you’re not a chop suey kinda person. $$ Vietnamese classics. The menu is humongous. $-$$ ber. The extensive third menu offers dim sum, served eatery’s many little banchan (included side dishes, until 4:00 p.m. A limited live tank allows seasonal some mild, others mouth-searing). Pa jun, a crispy Laurenzo’s Market Café Mary Ann Bakery seafood dishes like lobster with ginger and scallion. egg/scallion-based pancake, is a crowd-pleasing 16385 W. Dixie Hwy. 1284 NE 163rd St., 305-945-0333 More recently installed: a Chinese barbecue case, dis- starter. And if the unfamiliarity seems too scary alto- 305-945-6381 Don’t be unduly alarmed by the American birthday playing savory items like crispy pork with crackling gether, there’s a selection of Chinese food. $$-$$$ www.laurenzosmarket.com cakes in the window. At this small Chinese bakery the attached. $$$ It’s just a small area blocked off by grocery shelves, real finds are the Chinatown-style baked buns and Kebab Indian Restaurant buried between the wines and the fridge counters – no other savory pastries, filled with roast pork, bean Shing Wang Vegetarian, Icee & Tea House 514 NE 167th St., 305-940-6309 potted palms, and next-to-no service in this cafeteria- sauce, and curried ground beef. Prices are under a 237 NE 167th St Since the 1980s this restaurant, located in an style snack space. But when negotiating this interna- buck, making them an exotic alternative to fast-food 305-654-4008 unatmospheric mini strip mall but surprisingly romantic tional gourmet market’s packed shelves and crowds dollar meals. There’s one table for eat-in snackers. $ www.shingwangrestaurant.com inside (especially if you grab one of the exotically has depleted your energies, it’s a handy place to refuel At this unique Taiwanese eatery, run by a trio of Taipei- draped booths) has been a popular destination for rea- with eggplant parmesan and similar Italian-American Matador Argentinean Steakhouse trained female chefs, all seafood, poultry, and meats in sonably priced north Indian fare. Kormas are properly classics, steam-tabled but housemade from old family 3207 NE 163rd St. the budget-priced entrées ($6.95) are mock – imita- soothing and vindaloos are satisfactorily searing, but recipes. Just a few spoonfuls of Wednesday’s hearty 305-944-6001 tions made from wheat gluten, tofu, and vegetables. the kitchen will adjust seasonings upon request. They pasta fagiole, one of the daily soup specials, could With Latin parilla places spreading here as fast as But don’t mock it till you try the quite beefy pepper aim to please. Food arrives unusually fast for an Indian keep a person shopping for hours. $-$$ kudzu, it’s hard to get excited about yet another all-you- steak, or smokin’ duck, with slices that mimic the char- eatery, too. $$ can-eat meat spread. But Matador offers far more for cuterie item down to convincing faux fat. Other main Lemon Fizz the money than most. One dinner price ($24.95, dishes feature recognizable veggies or noodles, includ- King Buffet 16310 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-6599 $27.95 weekends) includes a salad bar of more than ing appealingly chewy curried chow fun. As for the rest 316 NE 167th St., 305-940-8668 www.lemon-fizz.com 30 items, unlimited grilled proteins (many cuts of beef, of the name: icee is shaved ice, an over-the-top In this restaurant’s parking lot, midday on Sundays, the Like wraps? Then you’ll love this Middle Eastern café’s sausages, chicken, pork, assorted veggies, and even dessert that’s a sort of a slurpee sundae, with top- colorful display of vivid pinks, greens, and blues worn version made with saj, a circular Syrian flatbread similar fish upon request), crunchy steak fries, a dessert (typi- pings that vary from the familiar (fresh fruits) to the cally charged extra elsewhere), and even more fun, a weird (grass jelly, sweet corn, kidney beans, rice balls, bottle of quite quaffable wine per person. $$$ chocolate pudding). And the bubble tea is a must-not- ORIGINAL BAVARIAN miss. Using housemade syrup (as opposed to most Panya Thai establishments’ store-bought stuff), the cold, refresh- BIER GARTEN 520 NE 167th St., 305-945-8566 ing boba comes in numerous flavors (mango, taro, OPEN DAILY FROM 5:00PM TO 11:00PM Join Us for Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, there’s no shortage even actual tea), all supplemented with signature black FRIDAY &SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT Christmas Eve of genuine Thai food in and around Miami. But Panya’s tapioca balls that, slurped through large-diameter chef/owner, a Bangkok native, offers numerous region- straws, are a guaranteed giggle. $ Goose! al and/or rare dishes not found elsewhere. Plus he Reserve your doesn’t automatically curtail the heat or sweetness lev- Siam Square seat today. els to please Americans. Among the most intriguing: 54 NE 167th St moo khem phad wan (chewy deep-fried seasoned pork 305-944-9697 strips with fiery tamarind dip, accompanied by crisp Open until 1:00 a.m. every day except Sunday (when is green papaya salad, a study in sour/sweet/savory bal- closes at midnight), this relatively new addition to ance); broad rice noodles stir-fried with eye-opening North Miami Beach’s “Chinatown” strip has become a chili/garlic sauce and fresh Thai basil; and chili-topped popular late-night gathering spot for chefs from other Diamond Duck in tangy tamarind sauce. $$-$$$ Asian restaurants. And why not? The food is fresh, nicely presented, and reasonably priced. The kitchen PK Oriental Mart staff is willing to customize dishes upon request, and 255 NE 167th St. the serving staff is reliably fast. Perhaps most impor- 305-654-9646 tant, karaoke equipment is in place when the mood TEL: 305-754-8002 www.schnitzelhausmiami.com While there are three other sizable Asian markets on strikes. $-$$ this strip between I-95 and Biscayne Boulevard, PK 1085 N.E. 79th Street/Causeway, Miami, FL 33138 has the only prepared-food counter, serving authentic Continued on page 67

66 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008 D INING G UIDE

Restaurant Listings Bella Luna the menu the Bahamian lobster and crab cakes (with and the Old South (lightly buttermilk-battered fried 19575 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura Mall , tropical fruit chutney and vanilla beurre blanc). But chicken). The chicken is perhaps Miami’s best, made 305-792-9330 lobster-lovers will find that the 20th anniversary even better with the Grille’s waffles. $$-$$$ Continued from page 66 www.bellalunaaventura.com menus also offer new excitements like tandoori- If the menu here looks familiar, it should. It’s identical spiced rock lobster, along with what might be the ulti- Pilar Tuna’s Garden Grille to that at the Upper Eastside’s Luna Café and, with mate mac’n’cheese: lobster crab macaroni in a Fris 20475 Biscayne Blvd. 17850 W. Dixie Hwy minor variations, at all the rest of Tom Billante’s eater- vodka sauce with mushrooms, scallions, and parme- 305-937-2777 305-945-2567 ies (Rosalia, Villaggio, Carpaccio), right down to the san. The famous dessert soufflé’s flavor changes www.pilarrestaurant.com When Tuna’s moved in 2006 from the marina space it typeface. But no argument from here. In a mall – a set- daily, but it always did. $$$$$ Chef/owner Scott Fredel previously worked for Norman had occupied for almost two decades, it lost its water- ting more accustomed to food court, steam-tabled stuff Van Aken and Mark Militello. He has been executive front location, its old-fashioned fish-house ambiance, – dishes like carpaccio al salmone (crudo, with porto- Il Migliore chef at Rumi, and cooked at NYC’s James Beard and its outdoor deck. But it has gained a garden set- bellos, capers, parmesan slices, and lemon/tomato 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr. House. Armed with those impressive credentials, ting, and retained its menu of fresh (and sometimes dressing) and linguine carbonara (in creamy sauce with 305-792-2902 Fredel and his partners launched Pilar (named for locally caught) seafood – some fancified, some simple pancetta and shallots) are a breath of fresh, albeit Reminiscent of an intimate Tuscan villa, chef Neal Hemingway’s boat) aiming to prove that top restaurants (the wiser choice). Also continuing are Tuna’s signature familiar, air. $$-$$$ Cooper’s attractive trattoria gets the food right, as well can be affordable. Consider it now proven. Floribbean- seasonal specials, like a Maine lobster dinner for a as the ambiance. As in Italy, dishes rely on impeccable style seafood is the specialty, dishes like fried bargain $15. Open daily till 2:00 a.m., the place can Bourbon Steak ingredients and straightforward recipes that don’t over- Bahamian cracked conch with fresh hearts of palm sometimes feel like a singles bar during the two post- 19999 W. Country Club Dr. complicate, cover up, or otherwise muck about with slaw and Caribbean curry sauce, rock shrimp spring midnight happy hours, but since the kitchen is open till (Fairmont Hotel, Turnberry Resort) that perfection. Fresh fettuccine with white truffle oil rolls with sweet soy glaze, and yellowtail snapper with closing, it draws a serious late-night dining crowd, too. 786-279-0658 and mixed wild mushrooms needs nothing else. Neither tomato-herb vinaigrette and a potato/leek croqueta. $$ www.michaelmina.net does the signature Pollo Al Mattone, marinated in Don’t let the strip-mall location fool you. The restaurant At Bourbon Steak, a venture in the exploding restaurant herbs and cooked under a brick, require pretentious itself is elegant. $$-$$$ empire of chef Michael Mina, a multiple James Beard fancification. And even low-carb dieters happily go to AVENTURA / MIAMI GARDENS award winner, steakhouse fare is just where the fare hell in a hand basket when faced with a mound of pota- The Soup Man starts. There are also Mina’s ingenious signature dish- toes alla Toscana, fried herb-sprinkled French fries. 20475 Biscayne Blvd. #G-8 Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza es, like an elegant deconstructed lobster/baby veg- Located west of Biscayne Boulevard in the Davis Plaza 305-466-9033 17901 Biscayne Blvd. etable pot pie, a raw bar, and enough delectable veg- shopping mall, across from Ojus Elementary School. The real soup man behind this franchise is Al 305-830-2625 etable/seafood starters and sides (duck fat fries!) for $$-$$$ Yeganeh, an antisocial Manhattan restaurant propri- www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com noncarnivores to assemble a happy meal. But don’t etor made notorious, on a Seinfeld episode, as “the The last four digits of the phone number actually spell neglect the steak — flavorful dry-aged Angus, 100-per- Mahogany Grille soup Nazi.” On the menu: ten different premium “COAL.” And that’s what it’s all about here -- a coal- cent Wagyu American “Kobe,” swoonworthy grade A5 2190 NW 183rd St. soups each day (from a rotating list of about 50). The fired oven (like that at Lombardi’s, Patsy’s, John’s, or Japanese Kobe, and butter-poached prime rib, all 305-626-8100 selection is carefully balanced among meat/poultry- Grimaldi’s in New York) producing the intense 800- cooked to perfection under the supervision of on-site Formerly Ruby and Jean’s Soul Food Cuisine, a popu- based and vegetarian; clear and creamy (like the degree heat to turn out, in a mere three or four min- executive chef Andrew Rothschild, formerly of the lar but strictly neighborhood cafeteria, Mahogany Grille eatery’s signature shellfish-packed lobster bisque); utes, a pie with the classic thin, crisp-bottomed, beauti- Forge, meaning he knows his beef. (Mina himself is has drawn critical raves — and an international as chilled and hot; familiar (chicken noodle) and exotic fully char-bubbled crust that fans of the above leg- absentee.) $$$$$ well as local clientele — since retired major league (mulligatawny). All soups come with gourmet bread, endary pizzerias crave -- at any cost. Expect neither bar- outfielder Andre Dawson and his brother Vincent fruit, and imported chocolate. Also available are salads, gain-chain prices, a huge selection of toppings (these Chef Allen’s Brown acquired the place in early 2007. The diner sandwiches, and wraps, à la carte or in soup-plus com- aren’t the kind of clunky crusts you overload), nor 19088 NE 29th Ave; 305-935-2900 décor is gone, replaced by white tablecloths and, natu- bos. $-$$ much else on the menu except a hefty salad and some www.chefallens.com rally, mahogany. The food is a sort of trendy yet tradi- onion-topped chicken wings that are also coal-oven After 20 years of success in the same location, many tional soul fusion, heaping platters from several Sushi Siam tasty. Anthony’s does just a few things, and does them chefs would coast on their backlog of tried-and-true African diaspora regions: Carolina Low Country (but- 19575 Biscayne Blvd. right. $$ dishes. And it’s doubtful that kindly Allen Susser tery cheese grits with shrimp, sausage, and cream 305-932-8955 would freak out his many regulars by eliminating from gravy), the Caribbean (conch-packed fritters or salad), (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing)

AuthenticAuthentic Creole Creole CuisineCuisine

CateringCatering Available Available 305.899.2729305.899.2729

13105 West Dixie Hwy. 200 NW 54th Street North Miami, FL 33161 Miami, FL 33127 305.893.4246 305.754.2223

December 2008 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 67 Panettone Pandoro Torrone Panforte Perugina Chocolate Since The Finest 1951 Visit us instore or Online at Specialty Market in America www.laurenzosmarket.com Capo Buon Natale! Buon De Anno! MEATS Wines Café PLEASE ORDER EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Fresh Turkeys, Ham, Ducks, Geese, WINES OF THE MONTH Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-7pm Capons, Rabbits, Pheasants, 6XQGD\1RRQSP‡'DLO\(VSUHVVRDPSP Prime Rib Roasts, Crown Roasts, Visit our Website for this Year’s LUNCH Filet Minon, Rib Veal Chops, Most Exciting Holiday Champagnes, Lamb Chops & more! Sparkling Wines & Fine Wine Values! 8oz Soup of the day 6oz Italian Salad Kaiser Roll w/creamy Italian Dressing DELI Louis Roederer Meatball Sandwich 8oz Soup of the day Reg. $39.99 Sliced paper thin, 1/2 lb minimum $9.99 Brut Premier $ .99 $ .99 $ .99 PROSCUITTO DI PARMA Reg. $25lb 1/2 LB Champagne 34 + tax. 4 + tax. 4 + tax. $6.99 750 ml N.V. ITALIAN CHESTNUTS ...... LB HOLIDAY CATERING Whole Milk $ .49 YES! We have Louis Roederer Half Tray or Full tray order/deposit FRESH MOZZARELLA...... 7 LB Cristal Champagne IN STOCK! MOZZARELLA CAPRESE $ .75 SEAFOOD Wine Spectator’s Large 4oz portion...... 2 pc + tax. Reg. $39.99 FRESH FLORIDA KEYS STONE CRAB CLAWS #77 Wine of the Year is ITALIAN SALAD MED. LARGE. JUMBO. COLOSSAL! Duval-Leroy $ .99 w/famous Creamy Italian Dressing $ .00 per “Lowest Prices in South Florida” Brut Champagne 36 + tax. Serves 12-14 people...... 3 + tax. person )UHVK&DYLDU‡0DLQH/REVWHUV 750 ml N.V. )OD/REVWHUV6FXQJLOL‡&ODPV MEAT & CHEESE $ .99 per $ .99 12 Pint Highly Allocated LASAGNA ...... 4 + tax. person STONE CRAB BISQUE...... Mondavi Rothschild MARINARA SAUCE $ .99 BAKERY 1 Quart...... 8 + tax. Napa Valley Red Wine EGGPLANT AVAILABLE BEGINNING DECEMBER 15! $ .50 per =XSSD,QJOHVH‡&DVVDWD OPUS ONE 2005 PARMIGANA ...... 5 + tax. person 3L]]D5XVWLFD‡3L]]D*UDQR $ .99 750 ml CHICKEN Strufoli (honey balls) 199 + tax. )5$1&(6(‡/(021 *$5/,& $ .99 per Gift Wrapped 2lb Italian Cookie Trays! 0$56$/$‡3$50,*$1$...... 8 + tax. person For Wine orders: For Store orders: [email protected] Call Walter or Toni @ 305.945.6381 [email protected] 16385 W. Dixie Hwy, NMB ‡ 305‡945‡6381 OPEN 7 DAYS: look for our Mon-Sat 9am - 7pm, weekly ad online at www. laurenzosmarket.com Sunday 9am - 5pm 16445 W. Dixie Hwy 305‡944‡5052 OPEN 7 DAYS: 7am - 6pm, Sunday: 8am - 5pm ( yes, we have fresh herbs & fresh juice!) Available for your Holiday Needs! Call for Availability while Supplies Last! 6TXDVK%ORVVRPV-XPER$UWLFKRNHV6WXIÀQJ0XVKURRPV,WDOLDQ&KHVWQXWV Italian Eggplant, White Eggplant, Escarole, Broccoli Rabe, Romaine Hearts, A Selection of Organic Produce, including Fuji Apples, D’Anjou Pears, Apples & Citrus $GYDOLGXQWLO'HF:KLOHVXSSOLHVODVW3ULFHVVXEMHFWWRFKDQJHZLWKRXWQRWLFH Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

68 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com December 2008