Miami's Election Rejection

Home , 500 Brickell, Gnocchi, Tequesta Point

October 2019 www.BiscayneTimes.com Volume 17 Issue 8 ©

Miami’s Election Rejection The city’s District 2 is waterfront, rich, powerful, and cursed

CALL 305-756-6200 FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ADVERTISING SPACE 2 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 3 Where Buyers FAST BAY ACCESS 2019 New 5,300 SF Waterfront Home and Sellers FOR SALE OR LEASE ` intersect every day

Direct Bay Access - 2250 Bayview Ln 4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom pool home, 2,805 SF. Quiet 2019 New Waterfront Pool Home - $2.49M cul-de-sac, best location on the island. 75’ft on New 5,300 SF Contemporary Home with Ocean Access, no water with Bay access in seconds. On 9,375 SF lot. bridges to Bay. 4BR, 5BA + den/office or 5th BR, 665sf covered patio downstairs. 2 car gar. Dock up to 75' ft boat.

For Sale or Lease

Brand New 2019 Waterfront Home !

2045 Keystone Blvd - $2.39M New modern style home rests on 75 ft of waterfront, no bridges to Bay & quick ocean access. New Modern Home - $699,000 Appx 5,000 sf, 5br 5ba, pool, 2 car garage. New 2130 Alamanda Dr. This new home is move in ready seawall and new dock. and never lived in. Features an open floor plan, 3 large 2015 New Construction - $699,000 bedrooms, 3 full baths, impact windows & doors plus 3 bedroom 3 bathroom. 1,865 SF home on 9,040 SF Three Tequesta Point on huge yard with room for pool. 2,134 SF, 1 car garage corner lot. Open kitchen concept, high ceilings, Brickell Key!! hurricane impacts windows & doors and metal on 9,375 SF lot. 24hr Guard Gated Keystone Islands! roof. 24hr Guard Gated Keystone Islands. For Lease $4,250.00 mo.

Lowest Price East of Bayshore Dr.

848 Brickell Key Dr. - $949,000 2 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom on 27th floor Keystone Islands - $1.150M with forever water views. Immaculate Our all inclusive 55 or better lifestyle is designed for you to be able Miramar-Santorini Estates In Vizcaya $ 375,000 1,795sf apartment with open kitchen 4 bedroom 3 bathroom, 3,063 sf home with 2 car One story updated home with 2,160 SF. 3 large bedrooms, garage. 75’ft on the water with newer seawall & concept, plus large balcony. 2 bathrooms, huge great room with vaulted ceilings and dock. 100ft wide canal. No bridges to Bay. on to live in care-free comfort. Our residents enjoy a variety of activities, 2 car garage. 24hr private gated community. 9,375 ft lot. 12805 N Bayshore Dr. amenities, dining options, and more while living in the best location.

Rents start at $2350 and we will pay $1000 towards moving costs. Limited time only on select units, call for details.

Montgomery & Koebel, Inc. 305-606-2252 12700 Biscayne Blvd. 2751 NE 183rd Street Aventura, FL 33160

Suite 303, North Miami, FL [email protected]

305.521.7219 • www.imperial-living.com Se habla Español 4 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Our all inclusive 55 or better lifestyle is designed for you to be able to live in care-free comfort. Our residents enjoy a variety of activities, amenities, dining options, and more while living in the best location.

Rents start at $2350 and we will pay $1000 towards moving costs. Limited time only on select units, call for details.

2751 NE 183rd Street Aventura, FL 33160

305.521.7219 • www.imperial-living.com Se habla Español October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 5 fly away

6 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 A NEW BREED OF WATERPARK Fun, elevated.

The Nation's First-Ever FlowRider® Triple | Two Poolside Restaurants fly away Kids Cove | Water Slides | Lazy River | 25 Luxury Cabanas

Located at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa | TidalCoveMiami.com

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 7 CONTENTS COVER STORY 22 Miami’s Election Rejection COMMENTARY PO Box 370566, Miami, FL 33137 www.biscaynetimes.com© 12 Feedback: Letters to the Editor Serving communities along the Biscayne Corridor: Arch Creek East, Aventura, Bay Point, Bayside, Biscayne 16 Eye on Miami: Hiking with Daniella Levine Cava Park, Belle Meade, Buena Vista, Coventry, Design District, Downtown, Eastern Shores, Edgewater, El Portal, OUR SPONSORS Enchanted Lake, Hibiscus Island, Highland Lakes, Keystone Point, Miami Shores, Morningside, North 16 Greynolds, North Bay Island, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Oak Forest, Oakland Grove, Palm Grove, 18 BizBuzz: October 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS Palm Island, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Sky Lake, Sparling Lake, Star Island, Wynwood, and Venetian Islands 36 Dreaming of Isola di Lolando in Biscayne Bay PUBLISHER & EDITOR 36 More Mural Conflict in MiMo Historic District ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jim Mullin Nancy Newhart 37 Expensive Private School Meets Poor Neighbors [email protected] [email protected] NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS 954-980-7639 48 Magical Thinking in North Miami CONTRIBUTORS 50 Aventura vs. Miami: Guess Who Wins Erik Bojnansky, Senior Writer Marc Ruehle 52 In the Shores and Elsewhere: Time to Assert Order [email protected] [email protected] ART & CULTURE Anne Tschida, Arts Editor 786-514-7080 54 Elisa Turner on Carl Juste’s Iris PhotoCollective [email protected] 56 David Bennett’s Galleries + Museums ART DIRECTOR Francisco Alvarado, Geoffrey Anderson, 58 Events Calendar: NWS Wallcasts Return Marcy Mock David Bennett, Jay Beskin, [email protected] POLICE REPORTS Jacqueline Coleman, John Dorschner, 60 Derek McCann’s Biscayne Crime Beat 37 Paul George, Janet Goodman, Margaret Griffis, ADVERTISING DESIGN PARK PATROL Helen Hill, John Ise, Nancy Lee, Derek Michael DP Designs 62 Janet Goodman: Pinetree Park McCann, Dinah McNichols, Kim Ogren, Jenni [email protected] COLUMNISTS Person, Silvia Ros, Dianne Rubin, Mark Sell, 59 Picture Story: The Town of Silver Bluff CIRCULATION 54 Stuart Sheldon, Jeff Shimonski, Elisa Turner 64 Pet Talk: Laws for Paws South Florida Distributors 65 Family Matters: Kidical Mass Rides! BUSINESS MANAGER 66 Your Garden: No Fertilizer, Part 2 PRINTING Kenneth Cooper 67 Going Green: Mike of Mike’s Weather Page Stuart Web, Inc. [email protected] www.stuartweb.com 68 Vino: Pinot Noir Around the World 69 Dish: Dog-Friendly Restaurants DINING GUIDE FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 305-756-6200 68 Restaurant Listings: 250 Biscayne Corridor Restaurants All articles, photos, and artwork in the Biscayne Times are copyrighted by Biscayne Media, LLC. Any duplication or reprinting without authorized written consent from the publisher is prohibited.

MEET OUR TEAM OF BOARD CERTIFIED ALLERGISTS

Jaime Landman, M.D. Philip C. Mirmelli, M.D. Kfir Shamir, M.D. Barry J. Mark, M.D. OFFICES NEAR YOU Leading allergy & asthma practice Aventura Hollywood in South Florida established in 1974 21150 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 408 2699 Stirling Rd., Suite B-305 Aventura, FL 33180 Hollywood, FL 33312 PH. 305-932-3252 PH. 954-981-9180 Board certified physicians with extensive F. 305-932-2798 F. 954-961-4752 experience treating children & adults Miami Beach North Miami Beach 400 Arthur Godfrey Rd., Suite 504 16401 NW Second Ave., Suite 204 18 conveniently located offices in Miami Beach, FL 33140 North Miami Beach, FL 33169 Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Countieses PH. 305-538-8339 PH. 305-945-4131 F. 305-538-4907 F. 305-945-0052 florida-allergy.com

8 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 GREAT DOCTORS CONTINUE TO YIELD GREAT RESULTS Mount Sinai Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by IBM Watson Health™ for two consecutive years.

The only hospital in South Florida to be named to the 2019 list Outperforming over 2,700 hospitals across the nation, delivering on key metrics, including better survival rates and higher patient satisfaction

100 Top Hospitals® is a registered trademark of IBM Watson Health™.

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 9 305-895-JEFF(5333)

REAL ESTATE BROKER / CEO

SANS SOUCI WIDE BAYVIEWS TO DOWNTOWN SANS SOUCI ESTATES BAY VIEWS – 75’ DOCK & 25,000 LB. BOAT LIFT ESTATES BOATER'S DREAM HOUSE OWNER WILL FINANCE NEW SEAWALL & DOCK WITH 20% DOWN 6BD/5.5BA, pool, 2 car 4BD/3BA, pool, 2 car garage, garage. 6,000 Sf. remod- new addition, high vaulted ceilings over 3,200 sf. 24" SUBJECT PROPERTY eled 30’ high ceilings wide marble, 2016 granite kitchen open “great room” many SOLD BY JEFF! and baths. hurricane impact custom built-ins. 3.5M windows in place. $1.49M CALL 305-895-JEFF TO PLACE YOUR HOME HERE Also FOR RENT $7,900/MTH

CONTEMPORARY “NEW 2019 ‘BOATERS PARADISE’ KEYSTONE POINT NEWLY BUILT KEYSTONE POINT LOWEST PRICED WATERFRONT IN SUBDIVISION CONSTRUCTION” 75’ ON THE WATER POOL & SPA WATERFRONT 5BD/6BA, 5,476 Sf, 2 or 4 Car Gar. 3BD/2BA, Direct Ocean “30’ High Ceilings” All Concrete Access. 75’ on the Water Plus Floors! Pool W/Jacuzzi Waterfall, Boatlift. All New Contempo- 2’x4’ Porcelain Plank Floors & rary Quartz top Center Island Glass Tile Baths, Subzero & Wolf Italian Kitchen. Remodeled Appl’S, Quartz Top, Kit. Impact Porcelain Baths Only $859K Glass. 75’ Of Dockage! $2.69M

KEYSTONE POINT SANS SOUCI ESTATES SPANISH MEDITERANEAN MASTERPIECE 75’ DOCKAGE-NEWER BUILT WATERFRONT CORNER LOT “SANS SOUCI ESTATES” REMODELED WATERFRONT 5BD/3.5BA, pool, 3,817 Sf. 75’ DIRECT OCEAN ACCESS Saturnia marble flooring, huge 24 HR GUARD GATED COMMUNITY center island kitchen, huge “great room” with hi-vaulted 6BD/6.5BA, pool, 2 car skylighting, huge master bath garage, 7,214 Sft. $2.6M w/steamroom & jacuzzi. “New seawall and dock”, hurricane SOLD BY JEFF! impact & more!! A steal! $1.39M CALL 305-895-JEFF TO PLACE YOUR HOME HERE

"BISCAYNE GARDENS" NORTH- WATERFRONT TO LAKE OVERSIZED 1/3 ACRE “SANS SOUCI ESTATES” “NEW REMODELED CONTEMPORARY” EAST MIAMI AREA, WATERSKI, CORNER LOT ESTATE, FOR RENT $9,000 A MONTH JET SKI, FISHING, CANOING, OWNER FINANCING ACROSS THE STREET PADDLE BOARD ETC. ALSO FOR RENT $4000 FROM MULTIMILLION DOLLAR BAYFRONT 3BD/3BA, 1.5 Garage 2,910 Sf, Oversized 1/3 Acre Lot Completely HOMES! Remodeled New 2019 All Marble 5BD/4.5BA, 4, 732 Sf., pool & jacuzzi, Flooring Marble Baths, Large Center garage. 36" white quartz glass floors & Island Italian Kitchen w/qaurtz top glass tile baths, Italian quartztop, kit. counters and White Lacquer Cabinets, Hurricane Impact Windows. Impact glass. Huge master suite & Owner will Finance. Only $599K sprawling bath, nice bay breezes 1.39M

KEYSTONE POINT SANS SOUCI “FOR RENT” WATERFRONT UPDATED TOWNHOUSE CORNER LOT 2BD/2.5BA ready for immediate occupancy. Great location 3BD/2BA, 2,200 Sf., Direct E. of Biscayne Blvd. (US-1) walk ocean access, no fixed to shopping, Whole Foods, LA bridges to bay!! 76' on water!! Fitness, restaurants etc. All new remodeled. 5 Minutes to beaches or 10 Priced right to sell!! 875K minute bike ride. $1,950/MO

10 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 FOR RENT $1,950 305-895-JEFF(5333)

REAL ESTATE BROKER / CEO

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com FOR RENT $1,950 11 Commentary: LETTERS

We’d Like More on Less CALL NOW I want to thank the BT for Jeff Shimons- Art Highlights Tragedy of Refugees ki’s column “You Can Be Fertilizer-Free” In response to Elisa Turner’s story “Paper (September 2019). As a guy who loves Cuts / Social Fabric” (September 2019): to spend time in his modest backyard, Knowing about Donna Ruff’s work calls 305-742-5225 growing plants most of time in an intui- on us all to pay attention to the plight of tive manner, I found Jeff’s column fasci- refugees and the countries they’re fleeing. EAGLE nating, instructive, and motivating. Seeing her images emblazons this ubiqui- Please follow us on:: I hope to see more about how to cul- tous situation in our imaginations. tivate and grow plants in Miami applying Thank you, Donna. fertilizer-free practices. Gay Block PROPERTIES EXCLUSIVELY FOR SALE BY THE JACK CODEN GROUP Luis F. Herrera Santa Fe, New Mexico Highland Lakes Arch Creek Friends Needs Eye on Miami: Nice New Urgent Help Addition I want to thank Biscayne Times and Mark I was very happy to see Nancy Lee writing Sell for keeping the fight to save the Arch for Biscayne Times (“Eye on Miami,” Sep- Creek Nature Preserve battle in the news tember 2019). Count me as a new follower. (“Town and Gown, Revisited,” August 2019). NEW LISTING NEW LISTING Juan Cuba FIU deserves all the publicity we can give 8827 Hawthorne Ave $779,000 1514 NE 105th St #C-5 $649,000 1822 Dixianna St. $1,849,000 780 NE 69 St #T-1A $1,550,000 Miami it for its disdain of local residents and for its MAGNIFICENT POOL & GORGEOUS GORGEOUS MIAMI SHORES WATERFRONT Seller offer SELLER FINANCING! Zoned C2 (mixed- Rare 4,000 + sq ft Penthouse in the sky with 14 ft plans to destroy the preserve by putting a BACKYARD! This charming 4 bedroom TOWNHOME! This huge 3 story 2 Bed 2.5 bath use commercial), the property can be turned into a ceilings! This exquisitely remodeled 4BR/2.5BA, TH is bright & spacious all the way through! Eye on Miami: She Knows Her major roadway right through the middle of it. and 3 bathroom is a MUST SEE! hotel, medical center, or develop a 10 story building. SE corner condo is a MASTERPIECE. Stuff You set a fine example for FIU If you want some great perspective, students, President Rosenberg, teaching please keep Nancy Lee on staff. She is them that might makes right and that if a treasure for Miami-Dade and knows you have the means and power, you can what she’s writing about. go to Tallahassee and get a special law D. Steele written just for your benefit. Redland They need mediation before FIU poi- NEW LISTING NEW PRICE! UNDER CONTRACT JUST SOLD! sons its relationship with the surrounding 474 E 24th St. $650,000 4755 Alton Rd. $899,000 6601 NE 5th Ave. $550,000 6155 SW 123rd Ave. $1,425,000 Parks Make Great Fodder communities. It should not be allowed to Very rare to market after 20 years, this ENJOY MIAMI BEACH LIVING in this beautifully Large multi-family in highly sought after I loved reading Janet Goodman’s “A proceed without so much as a traffic or Immaculate horse ranch in pristine condition - Fourplex has well below market rent with maintained MIMO style home surrounded by lush tropical Palm Grove in the Upper Eastside! Entire boarding and training horses and riders for over 35 Secluded Slice of Old Coconut Grove” engineering study. projected Cap Rate of 8%. landscaping! Gorgeous 3BR/3BA PLUS bonus room. property gated and fenced. years. Located on 4.55 prime acres. about the Barnacle Historic State Park This looks just like the shenanigans (October 2019). I am a native of Miami of another administration, one that Beach and I enjoy reading these articles. rhymes with dump. She could do an educational/family Donna Pleasant field trip on the public parks all built in North Miami the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and President Roosevelt. Bayfront Park Shows Great Neglect Sometimes I call it “no money fun” Thanks for Janet Goodman’s cover story JUST SOLD! NEW LISTING UNDER CONTRACT to visit all the secrets places, like Cran- “Miami Gets a Grade” (August 2019). 6011 N. Bayshore Dr. #8D $340,000 2104 NE 123rd St. $138,000 415 NE 95th St. $399,000 170 SE 14 St. #1508 $364,000 don Gardens, formerly the county zoo. Six years removed from New York City, Morningside’s best kept secret and extremely GREAT TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY! Well- Here is your chance to build your dream home This charming 2 beds/2 baths is the perfect place She should check out Greynolds Park it’s been frustrating to experience the rare to market, this is one of only 12 townhomes known full service nail Salon & Spa with right in the heart of Miami Shores. Stated property to call home! Features 2 COVERED PARKING and the “mound,” a very good story. mediocre parks in Miami. We live down- located in Morningside’s beautiful historic section. repeat customers and great reputation. address is not the actual legal address. 63$&(6DQGVSDFLRXVVSOLWÀRRUSODQ Jody Rosenberg town by Bayfront Park. Unfortunately, Miami Beach the city’s parks department continues to allow it to run down. The children’s CALL Miami Shores, College Town? playground hasn’t been maintained, I agree with John Ise’s insightful ar- with pieces still broken one year later FOR INFO ticle about how Miami Shores and Barry (seesaw). Also how can you not have University need each other (“College shade over a kids’ playground in Miami? UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT Town Tryouts,” September 2019). I now There haven’t been any noticeable NEW PRICE! ON OUR realize that even though the two commu- improvements made to the park since 10618 NE 10th Pl. $575,000 1800 NE 114 St. #509 $299,000 1800 NE 114th St #1107 $169,000 nities touch each other, they act like two we moved here in 2013, and it’s actually Incredible Value for this large 3BR/2BA open concept Welcome to a huge 2,350 sq. ft. South Rotunda Amazing wide bay views from this 1,460 separate countries. gotten worse (the ugly fountain hasn’t home that’s perfect for entertaining w/ a brand new with water views and lots of sunlight! This charming sq ft 1BR/2BA Cricket Club condo. Huge RENTALS! white kitchen, beautiful quartz countertops. and spacious Rotunda has two balconies. Equally interesting is John’s sugges- worked since 2017). 30 ft balcony (like a second living room)! tion that the Shores could be considered Where’s the money from Ultra a “college town.” Music Festival going? Tip of the Month Carol Hoffman-Guzman Mike Gass The #3 killer of a successful showing is cat odor. You may not realize when it’s time to change the litter box, so before any showing, Miami Shores Miami PDNHVXUHWKHOLWWHUER[LVHPSWLHGDQG¿OOHGZLWKIUHVKFOHDQOLWWHU/LWWHUEUDQGVWKDWDUHVFHQWHGDUHDOZD\VDSOXV

12 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 house smelling fresh and clean, so it makes the best impression! CALL NOW 305-742-5225 EAGLE Please follow us on:: PROPERTIES EXCLUSIVELY FOR SALE BY THE JACK CODEN GROUP

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING 8827 Hawthorne Ave $779,000 1514 NE 105th St #C-5 $649,000 1822 Dixianna St. $1,849,000 780 NE 69 St #T-1A $1,550,000 MAGNIFICENT POOL & GORGEOUS GORGEOUS MIAMI SHORES WATERFRONT Seller offer SELLER FINANCING! Zoned C2 (mixed- Rare 4,000 + sq ft Penthouse in the sky with 14 ft BACKYARD! This charming 4 bedroom TOWNHOME! This huge 3 story 2 Bed 2.5 bath use commercial), the property can be turned into a ceilings! This exquisitely remodeled 4BR/2.5BA, and 3 bathroom is a MUST SEE! TH is bright & spacious all the way through! hotel, medical center, or develop a 10 story building. SE corner condo is a MASTERPIECE.

NEW LISTING NEW PRICE! UNDER CONTRACT JUST SOLD! 474 E 24th St. $650,000 4755 Alton Rd. $899,000 6601 NE 5th Ave. $550,000 6155 SW 123rd Ave. $1,425,000 Very rare to market after 20 years, this ENJOY MIAMI BEACH LIVING in this beautifully Large multi-family in highly sought after Immaculate horse ranch in pristine condition - Fourplex has well below market rent with maintained MIMO style home surrounded by lush tropical Palm Grove in the Upper Eastside! Entire boarding and training horses and riders for over 35 projected Cap Rate of 8%. landscaping! Gorgeous 3BR/3BA PLUS bonus room. property gated and fenced. years. Located on 4.55 prime acres.

JUST SOLD! NEW LISTING UNDER CONTRACT 6011 N. Bayshore Dr. #8D $340,000 2104 NE 123rd St. $138,000 415 NE 95th St. $399,000 170 SE 14 St. #1508 $364,000 Morningside’s best kept secret and extremely GREAT TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY! Well- Here is your chance to build your dream home This charming 2 beds/2 baths is the perfect place rare to market, this is one of only 12 townhomes known full service nail Salon & Spa with right in the heart of Miami Shores. Stated property to call home! Features 2 COVERED PARKING located in Morningside’s beautiful historic section. repeat customers and great reputation. address is not the actual legal address. 63$&(6DQGVSDFLRXVVSOLWÀRRUSODQ CALL FOR INFO UNDER CONTRACT NEW PRICE! UNDER CONTRACT ON OUR 10618 NE 10th Pl. $575,000 1800 NE 114 St. #509 $299,000 1800 NE 114th St #1107 $169,000 Incredible Value for this large 3BR/2BA open concept Welcome to a huge 2,350 sq. ft. South Rotunda Amazing wide bay views from this 1,460 home that’s perfect for entertaining w/ a brand new with water views and lots of sunlight! This charming sq ft 1BR/2BA Cricket Club condo. Huge RENTALS! white kitchen, beautiful quartz countertops. and spacious Rotunda has two balconies. 30 ft balcony (like a second living room)! Tip of the Month The #3 killer of a successful showing is cat odor. You may not realize when it’s time to change the litter box, so before any showing, PDNHVXUHWKHOLWWHUER[LVHPSWLHGDQG¿OOHGZLWKIUHVKFOHDQOLWWHU/LWWHUEUDQGVWKDWDUHVFHQWHGDUHDOZD\VDSOXV

houseOctober 2019smelling fresh and clean, so it makes the bestBiscayne impression! Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 13 Letters Trick or Treat onContinued Our from page 12 Street! Halloween At

Thursday October 31st

Trick or Treat Your Sweet Tooth Is Calling!

FREE candy giveaways for the children 4pm - 7pm Live music at stage 12pm - 11pm Costumes & Trick-or-Treaters welcome Trick-or-Treat in participating shops & restaurants Costumes & accessories available in our shops FREE Fall photo booth for pictures

PHONE: 305-577-3344 401 BISCAYNE BLVD. MIAMI, FL 33132 FIND US ON:

14 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 15 Commentary: EYE ON MIAMI A Force of Nature, Compass Bound The daughter makes the commissioner

By Nancy Lee the trails. Her little feet would trip when BT Contributor they went bushwhacking, and she was allergic to poison ivy. She reminded me f it was a Sunday, six-year-old Dani- here that she was very good at identify- ella Levine had to scurry to get her ing plants. She hardly had time to look, Icanteen filled with water and lace but she loved the stunning views. up her hiking boots. It was time for her I asked what she and her dad talked weekly hike with dad. about. “I could hardly talk,” she replied, Miami-Dade County Commissioner “we were walking so fast, and my focus Mayoral candidate Daniella Levine Cava (right) with unidentified Daniella Levine Cava is running for was on not tripping.” But they did sing supporter. county mayor. I wanted to interview together. Daniella sang a bit of one her, but I really didn’t care about all that of their favorite songs, “The Happy At that point in our interview, Dani- and now takes shorter walks. policy crap. I wanted to see what made Wanderer.” ella was so engrossed in reliving her past An hour had passed. I looked at her her so resilient. And most of all, why she I love to go a’wandering that she called the waitress over to ask if across the table and she was smiling, and walked so damn fast. Along the mountain track she had ice cream. The whole time we there was this serenity I wouldn’t expect I needed to know what kind of cloth And as I go I love to sing talked about these long hikes, she was to find on the face of a Miami-Dade this woman was cut from, and I was My knapsack on my back. smiling, and I was in awe. I walked nine County Commissioner. I thought about surprised at what I learned. Daniella “There’s a rhythm to hiking,” she said. miles once in my life, in flat Florida. It her current run for office, something was waiting for the usual questions and When she was very young, before was grueling. To think that anyone could I wouldn’t want to do if you paid me a laughed when I began. “No one has gone she had the rhythm, her dad would do this kind of walking every week on million dollars. But then, I also wouldn’t this far back in my biography,” she said. say, “Hurry up, you’re dragging.” Then steep and rugged trails was unimagi- want to hike 10 or 12 miles every Sunday I asked about her childhood. Her father she’d run ahead. Sometimes, she said, nable. This was one tough cookie I was during my formative years. was a wilderness hiker. He belonged to she would drag on purpose. On one of looking at. Her father instilled in her a We’re such different people. I feel wilderness clubs and had a collection of their hikes, they happened upon a lake. sense of adventure and perseverance I like she’s made of steel and I’m more books. He didn’t just walk a mile or two. Her dad was curious about the source was never taught. Jell-O-ish. I’m lazy, happy to binge- His Sunday hikes were 10 to 12 miles. The of the lake, so he started bushwhacking When Daniella was 13, the family watch a show I’ll forget the next week. rest of the family was not interested in ac- off the trail. Daniella hated that, but on started moving around South America That’s not what Commissioner Daniella companying him. It was only Daniella who they went. for her dad’s job. “He was building Levine Cava is about. She is about action. joined these Sunday treks. To get back to their car, her dad sawmills in Brazil and Chile,” she Twenty years ago, she saw a need and They’d prepare for their hikes with would plan circular hikes. When they says, “leading a public-private project to started Catalyst Miami on 27th Street maps and books. Daniella assured me couldn’t accomplish that, they’d hitch- produce paper. He was always mindful and Biscayne Boulevard, and worked to she was able to fold a map correctly, a hike back to the car. and an advocate for reforestation and help the underserved community in the challenge in itself. Her dad would plan Her mom would always prepare the preservation.” area. She is a force. Don’t underestimate trips at least an hour’s drive from home. same lunch — a sandwich of meat and The walking continued. She learned her. She still carries a compass to keep Many of them were in the Adirondack cheese, and a piece of fruit. Sometimes Spanish and was exposed to other cul- her on the right path. Mountains. Sometimes they did part of her dad would treat her to an ice-cream tures. The bonding hikes became less the Appalachian Trail. Daniella preferred soda after they hiked. frequent as she got older. Her dad is 89 Feedback: [email protected] SoltanikSoltanik DentalDental $60 NEW PATIENT The Art of Dentistry SPECIAL Cosmetic and Family Dentistry & Orthodontics Includes: Complete Oral Exam (D0150), Diagnostic Digital X-Rays (D0274), Panoramic X-Rays (D0330), Adult or Smile Makeovers •bVeneers •bImplants •bBraces Child cleaning (D1110/D1120) In the absence of Same Day Crowns and Bridges Periodontal Disease. Consultation and Treatment Planning. WWalk-ins Welcome • Payment Plans and Financing Most Insurances Accepted TEETH WHITENING 305-466-2334 STARTING AT 2999 NE 191st St, Suite 350, Aventura, FL 33180 $ www.soltanikdental.com 185 Dr. Valeria Soltanik DN16609. We speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Russian

16 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 17 Our Sponsors: OCTOBER 2019

BizBuzz Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible

By Margaret Griffis of Miami-sponsored Fall Festival, featur- BT Contributor ing great bands, authors, and poets. An edible pumpkin patch, face painting, and month ago we were chewing our a bag monster are just some of the added nails to the quick, hoping those attractions in time for Halloween. A Hurricane Dorian spaghetti Costumed kids of all ages are invited tracks would move farther and farther to join Trick or Treat on Our Street at offshore. Unfortunately, the tracks didn’t Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne move far enough, and our neighbors in Blvd., 305-577-3344) on October 31, the Bahamas took a direct and cata- starting at noon. Live music will en- strophic hit. hance the spooky atmosphere, and mall Locally, relief efforts blossomed staff will be treated to a costume contest. even before the storm moved away from Remember to zombie walk over to GG’s conversation at Art & Home Gallery Have you ever considered moving to Grand Bahama and the Abacos, and the Waterfront Bar & Grill to pick up a trick- (8363 NE 2nd Ave., 305-967-8511) to Asheville, North Carolina? Tucked up Bahamas thanks us for our help. The Ba- or-treat bag filled with candy. load up on fresh artworks, accessories, in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains, hamas Ministry of Tourism reminds us October is Breast Cancer Awareness rugs, mirrors, and custom furniture. but not far from sophisticated culture that most of the tourist destinations were Month. Hopefully, you’ll never have You’ll also want to keep prying eyes and state-of-the art health care? That undamaged and are operating normally. to endure the metaphorical hurricane out with new custom-made window Asheville? New advertiser The Preserve A quick trip anywhere in the chain will following that diagnosis, but the North coverings from UrbanoShades next at Avery’s Creek (131 Avery Creek help with the long economic recovery Shore Medical Center (1100 NW 95th door (8361 NE 2nd Ave., 786-262-7675). Rd., Arden, North Carolina, 828-258- ahead. Visit Bahamas.com for ideas, tips, St., 833-773-6341) has advice on lower- Maybe you want to modify your kitchen 1762) invites you to take a gander at the and help with booking a visit. ing your risk and raising your chances or change up that Florida room. Call luxury housing still available at afford- Among the local benefactors is the of survival. Join radiologist Terri Noe, Urbano Home (305-479-6389) to inquire able prices — half of what you’d expect. Legion Park Farmers Market (6601 M.D., on Saturday, October 5, 11:00 a.m. about estimates. Aldo Puschendorf and Click thepreserveataveryscreek.com to Biscayne Blvd.), which collected $260 to 1:00 p.m. for an instructive lecture. Leonardo Roitman also offer turn-key view the gallery. Goodbye, city life! to help Chef José Andrés’ nonprofit orga- Reservations are required and refresh- interior design services from Puschen- To pay for that new home, you may nization, World Central Kitchen, deliver ments will be served. dorf Interiors. They have put together need to sell your old. Allow 25-year-plus meals to needy Bahamians. With the Some of our readers have just a family of endeavors that makes their Shores resident Vanessa Maggi at Van- hurricane season almost over and drier returned from their northern haunts business a one-stop design shop. They’re essa Maggi Team (305-582-7917, www. weather upon us, now’s a great time to with a hankering to refresh, renovate, across the street from the Citadel. vanessamaggi.com) to help you take ad- resume visiting the market if the recent or remodel their local abodes. Consider Perhaps you’re thinking about vantage of the current seller’s market in thunderstorms kept you away. On Octo- guidance from a constellation of new moving out of your Miami home instead. Miami Shores. Her team typically sells ber 26, the market kicks off the second advertisers in the newly christened You’re tired of the rat race, the traffic, the season of Pallets in the Park with a City Little River Design District. Begin the high costs, or just your crabby neighbors. Continued on page 20

18 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 19 Our Sponsors: MARCH 2019

WILLIS WILSON BizBuzz Institute (305-919-5900). Meet Mata Continued from page 18 Hari, the Rosenbergs, CIA agents, and & ASSOCIATES Alfred Dreyfus, among others you Your Source For Miami Florida Real Estate! properties in fewer than 90 days and at shouldn’t get too involved with profes- an average of 96 percent of asking price. sionally. The Friday presentations will Don’t frown if you’re sticking be given on November 1, 8, 15, 22, and around — there’s plenty to do all over December 6 and 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the town. However, the Yayoi Kusama Miami Shores Brockway Library (10021 installation presented by the Institute of NE 2nd Ave.). Cost is $100. Check out Contemporary Art is a must-see of the all the interesting lectures and classes arts calendar this season — but it won’t OLLI offers (olli.fiu.edu). be easy. Although “All The Eternal Love The fall holidays are now upon I Have for the Pumpkins” (2016) runs us. You can get away with unattractive from October 12 through January 31, the choppers for many Halloween costumes, long queues expected at the off-site loca- but you’ll want pretty teeth for the tion (112 NE 41st St #106) are forcing the other festivities. Call José J. Alvarez NEW MODERN HOUSE IN MORNINGSIDE ICA to institute a timed ticketing system & Associates (3483 NE 163rd St., North 5966 NE 6 AV - 3/2.5, Soaring Ceilings, Open Great Room, Ofﬁ ce/Den Facing that makes fashionably late impossible — Miami Beach, 305-224-6714) to discuss Pool, Built in 2017 with Incredible Style, Located at the End of Dead End Street in and at a rare cost of $15 per adult (with your dentition issues. This month the Historic District. $1,299,000 one child free). Thursdays remain free doctor is offering $3490 Dental Veneers: on a first-come, first-served basis for the eight-in-one-visit composite veneers for thrifty with a lot a patience. Kusama’s an instant smile makeover. Too many whimsical paintings, sculptures, and ex- cortaditos? Take advantage of the $199 periential installations have drawn huge one hour, in-house Zoom Teeth Whiten- lines elsewhere, demonstrating that this ing service to brighten and improve your Japanese artist’s vision is accessible to smile. If your problem is more extensive, all types of art lovers. Visit icamiami.org cosmetic and implant consults are free. for timed tickets and instructions. Dr. José J. Alvarez is an award-winning The arts and entertainment season graduate of the University of Pennsylva- is ramping up quickly as the Aventura nia, a cosmetic expert, and board-certi- Arts and Cultural Center (3385 NE fied implantologist. 188th St., 877-311-7469) returns to the Our South Florida trees are very un- NEW CONSTRUCTION pages of Biscayne Times. The October cooperative when it comes to displaying line-up includes Jimmy J.J. Walker, The autumnal colors, leaving it to the humans 459 NE 63 ST - Spectacular New Construction in Palm Grove,3/2 Ultra Modern L-Shaped Vagina Monologues, and The Little to change our colors instead. Make an ap- Home, All Rooms Face the Pool, Wide Open Spaces, Once Block from Magic City and Engine That Could Earn Her Whistle, pointment with Hannah Lasky at Hannah MIMO, Delivery in Spring 2020, Call for Details. Built by Andi Greenwald. $1.2 Million but you’ll want to check out the rest of & Her Scissors (6900 Biscayne Blvd., season and pick up those great seats 305-772-8426) to brighten up your hair early. See their calendar ad in this issue. for all these upcoming fall art exhibits, Martha/Mary Concerts (305-458- concerts, parties, and holidays. Whether 0111, www.marthamaryconcerts.org) you keep your hair naturally colored or launches its 2019-2020 Yamaha Concerts not, mention the BT, and you’ll get 10% Series on Saturday, October 12, at 7:30 off on a flattering haircut. p.m., and Sunday, October 13, at 3:00 Another great way to enjoy the p.m. with the Portland String Quartet colors of the autumn leaves is through performing “Beethoven, Brahms, and sampling craft beers. Hialeah will soon Shortnin’ Bread” accompanied by be home to South Florida’s largest brew Miami’s own Paul Posnak. Besides house when new advertiser Unbranded RENOVATED LITTLE HAITI Beethoven and Brahms, the concerts will Brewing Company (1395 E. 11th Ave., showcase “Five Folksongs in Coun- Hialeah, 305-773-1045, unbrandedbrew- 5530 NW 5 CT - 3/2, New Kitchen, Hardwood Floors, New Baths, Separate Storage terpoint” by Florence Price, the first ing.com) opens its taproom to the public. Building plus detached Laundry, New Roof, Impact Windows, Central AC, Large Garden. $315,000 African-American woman recognized The use of nontraditional water profiles, as a symphonic composer. Tickets range choice barley, experimental hops, and “Let our 20+ years of experience help you ﬁ nd from $15 to $50. All concerts take place novel woods for aging provide a basis or sell your perfect home” on the campus of the Corpus Christi for the golden ale, guava wheat ale, IPAs, Church/La Merced Chapel (3220 NW a rotating wood-aged beer, and other 305-335-5722 7th Ave.). Free onsite parking is available. lovely colored suds that promise to be Donald Wilson Here’s a great lecture series for fans a large draw in the burgeoning LEAH 305-790-5249 of real-life espionage stories. Retired Arts District. Stay tuned for a grand Bill Willis criminal defense attorney Stephen opening date. WillisWilson.com Singer hosts the intriguing “Spy Series” An unexpectedly early start to the for FIU’s Osher Lifelong Learning flu season in Australia this year has

20 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 compelled Health and Human Services 305-672-7772, Ext. 206). He’s a veteran Secretary Alex Azar to ask Americans of the South Beach renaissance, and has move up their own inoculation schedules. the scars to prove it. Medi-Station Urgent Care (9600 NE Homecoming Week at Monsignor 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, 305-603-7650) Edward Pace High School (15600 offers flu shots seven days a week on a NW 32nd Ave., 305-623-PACE) begins walk-in basis. Most insurance plans are September 30. Alumni are invited to the accepted, but rates are also kept low for homecoming game Friday, October 4, patients paying cash. The clinic can also where there will be a special tent set up, accommodate mobile vaccinations for and the classes of 1969 and 1970 will be larger groups. Call for more info. honored. Call for more information. Most people plan their reducing Between the new school year and diets around their New Year’s resolu- the sharing of Halloween costumes, you tions, but you can get a head start by may have discovered that your kids have attending a free weight-loss lecture picked up a case of lice. Don’t nitpick the at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10, at children over this lapse in hygiene, when Jackson North Medical Center (160 you can have Kids Go Kuts (2130 NE NW 170th St., North Miami Beach, 123rd St., North Miami, 786-618-5992) 305-585-TRIM). Doctors will discuss do an in-home treatment instead. No gastric sleeve surgery and other thera- embarrassing trip to the salon or doctor’s pies they can use to help you reach your office. A technician will visit your kids weight-loss goals effectively. in your home, assess the situation, pro- Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Those vide treatment, and then clean up. Call are the new Three R’s. Some clothes for more details. horses are reluctant to give up their Another common problem with kids reliable regalia, but you absolutely can and adults is wayward teeth. Visit with revitalize, revivify, and reinvent your Dr. Valeria Soltanik at Soltanik Dental wardrobe regularly, while staying friend- (2999 NE 191st St., 305-466-2334), who ly to the environment and your pocket- is promoting clear aligners produced book. Give a welcome to your clothing affordably at the office. No wires! No solution: Swish Boutique (771 NE 125th brackets! Call for a free consultation to St., North Miami, 786-482-8780). This learn if this treatment is right for you or fashion exchange and resale boutique your kids, and remember to mention the offers an eclectic mix of vintage and ad in the BT. contemporary clothing, accessories, and Help yourself by helping others this costume jewelry just a quick walk away holiday season. RentConnect (305-349- from MOCA. Trade in your old threads 7368, Paul.RentConnect@miamidade. and get 50% of the resale value in store gov), a service of the Miami-Dade credit. Students, remember that you get County Homeless Trust, engages a team a 15% discount on Saturdays with your of housing professionals to give you current school ID. support in finding vetted tenants for your If your car has been in the garage rental properties. That includes easy since you left for colder climes last registration, 24-hour online access to spring, bring it in to Ruben’s Auto listings, advertising help, no time limits Care (63 NW 71st St., 305-756-7426) on listings, and a pool of eager appli- for an oil change and other restorative cants who want a place to call home for care. Master mechanic Gregorio Reyes the holidays. The program has a 95% spent 22 years repairing BT readers’ success rate, so make the call. and staffers’ automobiles at Plaza Tire Other readers may have more of & Auto, but bought his own place when a generalized interest in the housing Plaza closed down earlier this year. The crisis. Join “Closing In on 10,000: A garage is proud to offer teachers and Housing Summit” presented by Miami- military personnel (both active and Dade Public Housing and Community veterans) a 10% discount on labor costs Development on Monday, October 7, in appreciation for their service to our from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Miami country and community. Dade College’s Wolfson Campus (300 Opening your own business isn’t NE 2nd Ave.) Visit miamidade.gov/ easy, especially if it involves obtain- housingsummit2019 for a list of speaking a liquor license. Find out how to ers and panelists, and to purchase the get through the process the easy way, $40 tickets. by calling attorney Steve Polisar (407 Lincoln Rd., Suite 2A, Miami Beach; Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 21 Miami’s Election Rejection Why would anyone want to be Miami City Commissioner for District 2? The voters who put you in o ce one day are out to get you the next. By Erik Bojnansky Photos by Silvia Ros

BT photo by Silvia Ros

In his next term, Russell says he’ll promote legislation to encourage developers to provide more affordable rental housing; Miami is one of the most expensive cities in the nation for renters.

iami, with 471,000 residents, is one is black, and one is white. constitute 41.2 percent of District 2’s resi- victorious in November 2015. often assumed to be the most Those five commissioners are elected dents, according to a recent analysis by the Today Russell is chairman of the Mpopulous city in Florida. It is by districts whose geographic boundaries Miami-Dade County Elections Department. Miami City Commission, and counts not. That distinction goes to Jacksonville, generally mirror the city’s racial demo- The district’s current commissioner is Mayor Suarez as an ally. “I think he with its 892,000 people. graphics. One of those districts, however, Ken Russell, who is 46 years old. He was cares about the people he represents,” Of course, Jacksonville is the largest stands out for its concentration of wealth a political neophyte who wasn’t involved Suarez says. “He puts the people first.” city, by area, in the contiguous United and power. That is District 2, which hugs in city politics (he didn’t even vote in Nearing the end of his four-year States. Miami may rank No. 2 in popula- Biscayne Bay from the city’s southern local elections) until he led a fight to clean term, Russell is running for re-election tion, but its residents are packed together border with Coral Gables northward up an arsenic-contaminated city park in on the slogan “Let’s Finish What We much more densely. through Coconut Grove, Brickell, down- his south Coconut Grove neighborhood. Started.” If he wants to stay in office, he Miami is also far more diverse than town, the Venetian islands, and on up to At the time, Russell’s representative will need all the help he can get from Jacksonville or any other big city in NE 61st Street in the Upper Eastside. on the city commission was Marc Sarnoff, those people he puts first. Florida. According to census data from District 2, with about 116,000 who had reached his two-term limit in Russell says he has wide support 2016, Hispanics account for 73.6 percent residents, is by far the richest and most office. Russell was feeling frustrated by throughout District 2, though it isn’t of city residents. Blacks come in at 13.3 influential in the city. One example: The the fact that Sarnoff’s wife, Teresa, was hard to find discontent among residents percent, with Anglos (non-Hispanic district is estimated to contribute more running to succeed her husband. By most and stakeholders in the district. whites) trailing at 11.7 percent. tax revenue to the city than all the other accounts, she was the leading candidate, “Ken is a smart, energetic guy, but Those demographics are reflected districts combined. drawing on her husband’s name recogni- he has not made everyone happy, and in the city’s elected officials. The mayor, It is also the whitest — by far. tion and deep pool of wealthy donors. that’s part of the game,” says Marcelo Francis Suarez, is Hispanic. Of the five While Anglos represent less than 12 So Russell jumped into the race city commissioners, three are Hispanic, percent of the city’s overall population, they and, to the surprise of many, emerged Continued on page 26

24 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Shane Graber, Broker THE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE MADE PERSONAL There really is a difference. Share in the thrill of our laser-focused, next-generation, boutique brokerage. We are obsessed with helping you buy and sell faster, at the best prices, with less stress. Contact us for your real estate experience. Made personal.

FEATURED LISTINGS

FOR SALE SOLD SOLD

VILLA SUN SPLASH THE COCOANUT HOUSE THE ELMIRA FARMHOUSE

704 NE 72nd St., MiMo - Historic Bayside 538 NE 74 St., MiMo - Palm Groove 650 NE 68th St., MiMo - Historic Bayside Call Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200 Call Tobias Barrios @ 786.230.4841 Call Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200 $899,000 $739,000 $850,000

SOLD FOR SALE FOR SALE

THE KEY LIME COTTAGE PALM BAY TOWER PARADISE EAST SHORES MIDCENTURY OASIS

10298 N Miami Ave., Miami Shores 720 NE 69 Street #24W., MiMo - Historic Bayside 1169 NE 92 Street., Miami Shores Call Wes Pearce @ 305.790.3331 Call Jonathan Rodriguez @ 305.401.2747 Call Wes Pearce @ 305.790.3331 $379,000 $725,000 $719,000

SOLD FOR SALE SOLD

LAKE BELMAR PARADISE PRIVATE POINCIANA ISLAND LUXE RENOVATED 100’ WATERFRONT NO BRIDGES

1135 NE 89th St., Lake Belmar 444 Poinciana Island Dr., Sunny Isles Beach 12995 Keystone Terrace., North Miami Juan Zuluaga @ 850.803.1383 | Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200 Patricia Neal @ 305.773.1794 | Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200 Call Shane Graber @ 305.606.2200 SOLD @ $1,030,000 $895,000 SOLD @ $1,565,000

305.606 .2200 6701 Biscayne Boulevard | Miami, FL 33138 GRABERREALTY.COM

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 25 Miami’s Election Rejection District 7 Miami-Dade County Com- NE 61ST ST missioner, Xavier Suarez. That means Featured pet-friendly Continued from page 24 Russell has to contend with critics of Fernandes, chairman of the Coconut both Suarezes, as well — specifically Grove Village Council, an elected body District 3 Miami Commissioner Joe Map by Marcy Mock Upper Eastside condos that advocates for issues affecting the Carollo, also a former Miami mayor and Grove. “But I just think that you have to an ex-city manager of Doral, who has look at the results,” Fernandes continues. been a potent and divisive force in South “He’s the incumbent. What has he done Florida politics since he was first elected in four years?” as a Miami commissioner in 1979. And then there was Russell’s deci- ussell argues that he’s been an sion, just eight months into his term, to effective commissioner who has run for the congressional seat being Rrepresented District 2 on issues vacated by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Al-

ranging from zoning to the expansion though Russell later backed out of the BISCAYNE BLVD BISCAYNE of gambling. He’s particularly proud of AVE MIAMI N race, his decision to seek a congressio- campaigning for the passage of the $400 nal seat flustered even his allies. “It was million Miami Forever bond, which, a bad move,” says Linda Williams, a among other things, will fund projects Russell supporter who has lived in West

to help the city mitigate the effects of AVE 2ND NE Grove almost all her 66 years. “He had sea level rise. not finished his term. When you start In his next term, Russell says, he’ll something, you finish it.” promote legislation to encourage W FLAGLER ST developers to provide more affordable n spite of his incumbency, Russell rental housing; Miami is one of the most has drawn three challengers in the expensive cities in the nation for rent- Iupcoming November 5 election. ers. As part of that effort, he wants an The first to open a campaign account expanded Omni Community Redevelop- was Javier Gonzalez, a real estate agent OpWUbOooObdyBsOMpdtsVTBKWbUVWUVddotbWsWbdbOdT WBaWĆp ment Agency that will provide incen- and former chairman of the Coconut Iconic Upper Eastside MCM adpsBoKVWsOKstoB__|pWUbWKBbsJtW_MWbUpà/zOOlWbUJB|Û Ws|ÛBbM tives for developers to build workforce Grove Village Council who has lived Palm Bay Towers, 720 NE 69 Street, #18W breathtaking sunset views. Full service luxury building on huge and affordable housing units within the in the Grove area since 1965. Gonzalez, 2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Asking: $829,000 landscaped resort like property. Omni area just north of downtown and BRICKELL AVE age 57, previously ran for the District 2 in the West Grove, about seven miles seat in November 2015 against Russell from Omni. SW 25TH ST and eight other candidates, and finished “The first four years of a potential S DIXIE HWY in fourth place. eight-year term is really where you Gonzalez is running because he throw a lot of irons in the fire to get big, feels he still has far more insight into massive projects done,” Russell explains. city operations than Russell. “I know “The Miami Forever bond took the first AVE 27TH SW how the City of Miami works,” he says, three years of my first term just to pass, “both from a business standpoint and to get it on the ballot.... Now it’s only from a general historic standpoint, and just being implemented.” I’m not a politician. I’m not going to run

But Grant Stern, a city activist, AVE 37TH SW for Congress in a year.” mortgage broker, and occasional radio Rosa Maria “Rosy” Palomino, a talk show host, says Russell has been a 49-year-old business owner and former complete disappointment. “Ken is basi- AVE 42ND SW educator, is an outspoken Republican ac- cally not an effective city commissioner,” tivist and president of the Douglas Park Stern asserts. “He’s unable to do the job.” Neighborhood Association. She filed to Live Work Love. The Bank, 8101 Biscayne Blvd, #417 Perfect Pied a Terre Palm Bay Condo, 770 NE 69 Street #8E Much of the animosity aimed at run just one day before the qualifying Studio | 1 Bath | Asking: $314,000 Studio | 1 Bath | Asking: $214,000 Russell stems from his pivotal vote period closed. Palomino was previously supporting a referendum authorizing the Miami Commission District 2: Richest, whitest, most powerful. a candidate for the Florida House of city to negotiate a deal with soccer star Representatives (three times), and ran David Beckham and his partners to build golf course) and Commissioner Manolo Playhouse; a court-ordered $20 million for District 2 in November 2015, finish- Rockin” the Upper Eastside for over 18 years a sprawling soccer stadium complex on Reyes (who lives near Melreese). Gort settlement related to Watson Island; and ing sixth. She complains that Russell has International Links Melreese County and Reyes were both against a no-bid the indefinitely deferred legislation that accomplished very little in his first term, Call us for a complimentary consultation. We Club, a city-owned, 135-acre golf course stadium deal for the golf course, and, would have controlled the size of future and characterizes Russell, a registered look forward to hearing from you! adjacent to Grapeland Water Park. coincidentally, both commissioners later homes in parts of Coconut Grove. Democrat, as “hyper-partisan.” Russell’s vote didn’t just irritate voted against Russell on some issues that Russell’s alliance with Suarez is “Does he support the socialism that green-space advocates and critics of sub- affected District 2. both a blessing and a curse. The mayor’s many in his political party promote?” Marcy Kaplan, PA Lori Brandt, PA [email protected] sidized sports stadiums, but also two of Russell has been at the center of endorsement brings additional allies of Palomino asks. “What has he done Realtor Associate Broker Associate his colleagues at city hall: Commissioner several other contentious issues, includ- not just Suarez, but of Francis’s father, 786.543.5755 786.553.1962 Willy Gort (whose District 1 includes the ing the future of the Coconut Grove the two-time Miami mayor and current Continued on page 28

26 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Compass Florida, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Featured pet-friendly Upper Eastside condos

OpWUbOooObdyBsOMpdtsVTBKWbUVWUVddotbWsWbdbOdT WBaWĆp Iconic Upper Eastside MCM adpsBoKVWsOKstoB__|pWUbWKBbsJtW_MWbUpà/zOOlWbUJB|Û Ws|ÛBbM Palm Bay Towers, 720 NE 69 Street, #18W breathtaking sunset views. Full service luxury building on huge 2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Asking: $829,000 landscaped resort like property.

Live Work Love. The Bank, 8101 Biscayne Blvd, #417 Perfect Pied a Terre Palm Bay Condo, 770 NE 69 Street #8E Studio | 1 Bath | Asking: $314,000 Studio | 1 Bath | Asking: $214,000

Rockin” the Upper Eastside for over 18 years

Call us for a complimentary consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Marcy Kaplan, PA Lori Brandt, PA [email protected] Realtor Associate Broker Associate 786.543.5755 786.553.1962

CompassOctober Florida, 2019 LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented hereinBiscayne is intended for Times informational • www purposes.BiscayneTimes.com only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without27 notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Miami’s Election Rejection think it’s changing,” he notes. “If you Continued from page 26 look at it today, 44 percent of the voters are in Coconut Grove. It no longer oc- to make city government lean and cupies the position it once held.” reduce our tax burdens?” (According to the latest figures from the Miami- n the beginning, Coconut Grove was Dade County Elections Department, an independent municipality — with 41 percent of District 2’s voters are Iits own mayor, city council, and city registered Democrats while 20 percent manager — for six years, until it was are Republicans.) forcibly annexed by the City of Miami Most of Russell’s vocal critics are in 1925. This was accomplished through coalescing around the candidacy of Jim a 1905 state law that allowed annexa- Fried, a 58-year-old real estate broker, tions to be determined by voters in the mortgage broker, part-time AM radio per- area being annexed as well as in the city sonality (“Jim Fried Does Business”), and seeking to annex. Vastly outnumbered the uncle of Nikki Fried, who, as Florida’s by Miami voters eager for their city to Commissioner of Agriculture and Con- become the largest in Florida — thanks sumer Services, is the only Democrat in large part to a propaganda campaign currently holding statewide office. waged by Burdines department store In his first run for office, Fried founder Roddy Burdine — Groveites (pronounced “freed”) says he’ll be cam- didn’t have a chance. Miami put a point paigning to improve the city’s customer on its conquest in 1954, when it moved services for residents and businesses, city hall to Coconut Grove, within a and cleaning up corruption. “Here is the Javier Gonzalez: “I know how the City of Miami works, and I’m not a building Pan American Airlines had number one problem with the City of politician. I’m not going to run for Congress in a year.” used as a terminal for its seaplane fleet. Miami — it’s undue influence on City of Later Grove residents wouldn’t forget Miami officials by connected insiders,” the humiliation. In September 1997, the Fried tells the BT. “Problem number majority of voters in precincts located two? See number one.” in Coconut Grove cast ballots in favor of Should Fried win, he’d be the first abolishing the City of Miami, disincor- person living outside Coconut Grove to porating it, and merging the 52-square- occupy the District 2 seat since single- mile territory with the county’s unincor- member districts were created in 1997. porated municipal service area, at least Fried lives in Edgewater, a neighbor- until the various neighborhoods could hood along Biscayne Boulevard running form their own mini-municipalities. between the MacArthur Causeway and The referendum was promoted by the Julia Tuttle Causeway. several prominent citizens, who were That’s a plus for Gary Ressler, a annoyed with the city’s poor service, board member of the quasi-governmen- rampant corruption, high crime, and de- tal Miami Downtown Development clining property values. This was during Authority (DDA), who wants the city to a time when Miami’s hemorrhaging pay more attention to issues confront- finances were being watched by a state- ing the Central Business District, like appointed oversight board and when a homelessness and the protracted Flagler city manager and a city commissioner Street renovation project. “I can tell you were busted by FBI agents for soliciting that, for me, having a downtowner per- and taking bribes. spective and voice on the City of Miami Groveites didn’t succeed in liberat- dais takes precedence,” says Ressler, ing Coconut Grove, but at the same time, co-owner of the historic DuPont Build- voters ushered in a new form of govern- ing and co-developer of Centro Miami, a Rosy Palomino: “Does Russell support the socialism that many in his ment, with five commissioners elected downtown residential tower. political party promote?” by districts, instead of at-large, and an If history is any indicator, most executive mayor who could veto legisla- people in the downtown area won’t that thousands of registered voters are Downtown Miami area by 38 percent tion and nominate a city manager. bother to vote. As of September 2019, now living downtown in high-rises that since 2010, to 92,235. Around 84,000 The single-member districts came only 54,405 people, less than half of didn’t exist four years ago. Stern says people in that area live in neighborhoods about as a result of a voters’ rights lawsuit District 2’s population, are registered that during the November 2018 midterm within District 2. filed in 1996 by Miami-based People voters, according to the county elections elections, long lines formed at down- And while many in that population United to Lead the Struggle for Equal- department. Most of the ballots cast in town polling places, causing waits of up haven’t yet registered to vote, or aren’t ity, which sought at least two seats on the past city elections have come from Coco- to two hours. U.S. citizens, former District 2 com- commission that represented predomi- nut Grove precincts. In fact, according to a recent Miami missioner Marc Sarnoff says there are nately black communities. After months of Other observers, Edgewater resi- DDA report, the development boom has enough downtown voters to shift the dent Grant Stern among them, point out increased the population of the Greater center of power away from the Grove. “I Continued on page 30

28 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 29 Miami’s Election Rejection Continued from page 28 negotiations, city officials agreed to a plan that would guarantee just one “black seat,” later known as District 5, which covered BT photo by Silvia Ros Overtown, Little Haiti, and Liberty City. In the course of negotiations, J. L. Plummer, a funeral director and the lone Anglo on the commission, de- manded there be an “Anglo-access” seat, too. Thus District 2 was born, which stretched from Coconut Grove (where Plummer lived) through Brickell and the entire Upper Eastside up to the city limits at 87th Street. (During redistrict- ing after the 2010 U.S. Census, Upper Eastside neighborhoods north of 61st Street were allocated to District 5.) District 2’s first election was held in November 1999. Three of the four candidates lived in Coconut Grove. By the runoff, Plummer, who had served on the commission since 1970, faced off against Johnny Winton, a real estate broker and commercial property owner who had supported dissolving the city. In the end, Winton, who ran as a re- former, defeated the 29-year incumbent. Winton soon became a reliable ally of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, also elected in 1999, and his efforts to fundamentally redevelop the city. In 2003 Winton was re-elected to another four-year term. Jim Fried: “Number-one problem: undue influence on city officials by connected insiders. Problem number But the good feelings toward Winton two? See number one.” deteriorated rapidly in 2005, after he supported the construction of a large In short, he came to be seen by many Russell to start his own company, the Jack of the yo-yo business and start my own Home Depot in the Grove. Leading the as part of the problem, instead of the Russell Company (later renamed Russell business, and I got into watersports.” As charge against the store was Marc Sar- solution. Sarnoff, though, says anyone Promotions), and travel the world selling part of the endeavor, Russell taught kite noff, an attorney who soon became head representing District 2, including Ken Genuine Russell Yo-Yos while cross- surfing and paddle boarding. of an activist group called Grove First. Russell, can expect some backlash for promoting Coca-Cola. In the decade that followed, he Winton, meanwhile, was arrested and their decisions. “It’s a tough seat,” he During one of his overseas trips, Jack remarried and had two daughters. But suspended from office after engaging in a says. “You have an educated district. met a woman who was a top table tennis aside from charity functions, he wasn’t drunken brawl with two Miami-Dade police Sometimes they don’t have all the facts, player and the yo-yo champion of Japan. civically involved. Russell says he voted, officers at Miami International Airport in and they jump to conclusions.” They married, and Jack and Kazuyo Rus- though only in national races, not in May 2006. Sarnoff emerged victorious in a Grant Stern says he was very critical sell had a couple of sons, who were born local races or for ballot measures. crowded race to finish Winton’s term. of Sarnoff’s tenure as a commissioner, at Doctor’s Hospital in Coral Gables. Ken “I was really a disenchanted voter, Sarnoff went on to be re-elected two but “even with Sarnoff, he may have is the younger of the two. a really jaded voter,” he recalls. “I more times, and generated his own share made some really bad mistakes, but he After years living on Key Biscayne, wouldn’t have even known how to make of controversies, from promoting a con- wasn’t devoid of all content and charac- the family moved to Stuart, Florida, in a difference in City of Miami politics.” troversial hotel development project on ter. I hate to admit it, but Sarnoff was a 1979, where Ken went to high school. He That attitude changed when Merrie Watson Island to supporting a non-bid better commissioner than Ken Russell.” obtained a bachelor’s degree in business Christmas Park in the South Grove was contract for the Miami Marlins stadium (with a minor in Japanese) at the Univer- shut down in September 2013, after to using Omni CRA funds — meant for en Russell owes his existence to sity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and county inspectors found high levels of alleviating poverty and removing slum the yo-yo. traveled to 50 countries selling and dem- copper, arsenic, lead, and other toxins — and blight — to build a film production K His father, Jack Russell, onstrating his father’s yo-yo design. “My materials that were likely dumped at the studio, renovate a firehouse, and create a helped develop the exclusive residential brother and I both grew up in the family 5.5-acre site before it became a city park dog park at Margaret Pace Park, which is enclave of Mashta Island in Key Biscayne. business and took it over,” Russell says. in 1958. Russell and other neighbors surrounded by luxury high-rises. But prior to working on that tony island, In 2003, Ken Russell moved to weren’t satisfied with the city’s initial In addition, constituents and col- Jack was a yo-yo expert, sold yo-yos for a Coconut Grove with his son after sepa- plans for decontaminating the park. leagues at city hall accused Sarnoff of living, and patented his own yo-yo design. rating from his first wife. “I started a being arrogant. That specialized invention led the elder new life,” he says. “I decided to get out Continued on page 32

30 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 31 Miami’s Election Rejection office, it was kind of — I likened it to Continued from page 30 Pearl Harbor. Everyone just said, ‘What can I do, what can I do more of, to make “They weren’t going to remove one some sort of difference, to keep some- cup of contaminated soil,” Russell says. thing like this from happening again?’” “They were going to dig it up, spread The move confirmed Crespo’s it around the park, even in areas that worst suspicions. And for Grant Stern, weren’t contaminated at the time, cover Russell’s congressional run marked it over with more dirt — no liner or the beginning of the commissioner’s impermeable cap or anything like that — turn toward “the dark side.” Thereaf- and call it day.” ter, according to Stern, Russell had no So Russell started talking to county qualms about accepting large campaign and city officials while mobilizing some donations. “He turned into a hardened, 150 South Grove residents. “We cre- cynical, self-serving politician almost ated fliers, created a webpage, Friends overnight — seriously,” Stern says. of Merrie Christmas Park, and started Russell acknowledges that many educating the neighbors,” he says. The people were put off by his decision to park reopened in April 2015, after the run for Congress, an effort he aborted city spent $1.2 million remediating the soon after passage of the state’s “resign- public space to the neighbors’ approval. to-run” law, which would have required By the time the park was cleaned him to relinquish his Miami commission up, Russell was already in the race for seat before the congressional election. commissioner. He says he was inspired to run after reading a blog post by civic or his part, Jim Fried says his run watchdog Al Crespo on his CrespoGram for office is about bringing real Report site. Crespo’s piece concerned Fchange for all of District 2. “I am Sarnoff’s wife, Teresa Sarnoff, running giving up a lot to do this,” Fried tells the for the District 2 commission seat. BT. “My business is successful.” “To sum it up, the gist of the article Grant Stern: “I hate to admit it, but Sarnoff was a better commissioner Raised in northeast Miami-Dade, was someone needs to challenge the than Ken Russell.” Fried has lived at the Hamilton con- Sarnoffs,” Russell says. “That was his dominium in Edgewater since 2003, take on it.” although he has worked in offices in the So Russell, who met Crespo during downtown area and Coconut Grove since the fight to decontaminate Merrie Christ- 1991. “I practically lived there,” Fried mas Park, called the blogger to discuss the says, referring to his time in the Grove. election: “This was the first time I ever According to his biography, Fried said it out loud. I said, ‘What about me?’” has closed on $3 billion in real estate Crespo remembers it differently. At transactions across the nation over the the time, Crespo was cooperating with course of 30 years. His insights into a group of Miami residents who were commercial real estate have been cited looking for a strong candidate to run in the Miami Herald and The Real Deal. against both Teresa Sarnoff and Grace “I worked in urban redevelopment, Solares of Miami Neighborhoods United, and I know about tax-increment financ- whom they considered to be too-close ing,” he says. “I have a real empirical and an ally of then mayor Tomás Regalado. educational background to help the City Crespo says he called Russell and sug- of Miami move forward.” (Fried has an gested that he run for commissioner. MBA from the University of Florida.) “Here was a guy, with a couple of little Moreover, Fried vows, he’ll stop kids, clean-cut, seemed like a rational Manny Prieguez: “Never, ever, ever have I done what I am doing today doing real estate deals of any sort within person, kind of like a Mr. Smith Goes vis-à-vis Ken Russell.” the City of Miami if elected. “And to Washington kind of deal,” Crespo re- believe me,” he says, “I’ve done some counts. “I called him up asked him if he although with 41 percent, it was still shy National Convention as a delegate. “He significant transactions in the City of was interested, he said he’d think about of an outright win. Teresa Sarnoff came gets sucked into that bullshit and posted Miami.” it, I told him, ‘If you do, let me know.’” in second with 23.4 percent, which led all his selfie pictures,” Crespo grumbles. So why is he doing this at all? Fried Russell called him back and Crespo to a Russell vs. Sarnoff runoff. Also un- “That was when I started calling him believes that Ken Russell isn’t responsive connected him with some local activists. expectedly, Teresa Sarnoff then declared Commissioner Selfie Boy.” to the needs of residents living outside “They had lunch,” Crespo continues. “I that a runoff would needlessly divide Then came Russell’s decision to Coconut Grove, especially in Edgewater, didn’t go. I wasn’t interested. And the District 2, so she opted to concede the enter the race for Congress after the which is undergoing dramatic change rest is history.” race to Russell. surprise retirement of Republican Ileana as towering new condo buildings are That history includes Russell un- Crespo says his opinion of Russell Ros-Lehtinen. Russell says he was squeezed into a low-rise neighborhood expectedly capturing the largest share soon soured, especially after the com- strongly influenced by the election of of votes in the November 2015 election, missioner attended the 2016 Democratic Donald Trump: “When Trump got into Continued on page 34

32 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 2019 - 2020 | SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Stand Up Comedy Series

November 23 January 10 January 17 January 26 A Star is Born: Carole’s Kings The Bronx Wanderers Judy Gold The Concert Stand Up Comedy Series

February 13 February 15 February 22-23 February 28-29 Forever Tina AMutts Temptations Gone Nuts Revue Steve Solomon Andrew Dice Clay Broadway Concert Series

Gavin Creel Lillias White Betty Buckley Tommy Tune Lucie Arnaz January 5 February 9 February 19 March 11 April 1

TICKETS at aventuracenter.org @aventuracenter Box Ofﬁce 877.311.7469 All programs, artists, dates and Groups 954.660.6307 times are subject to change.

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 33 Miami’s Election Rejection but insists that it’s part of a long list of Continued from page 32 grievances. “Never, ever, ever have I done what I am doing today vis-à-vis of narrow streets leading from Biscayne Ken Russell,” he says. “This is about Boulevard to the bay. him, and the fact that he has been a very

Fried says he routinely complains BT photo by Silvia Ros bad commissioner for four years.” to Russell and other city officials about Another Fried supporter is the land- ripped-up streets and illogical traffic pat- use law firm of Bercow Radell Fernandez terns. According to Fried, in spite of as- & Larkin, which represents clients seek- surances from Russell, nothing changes. ing zoning changes. So far the firm has Plus, Fried adds, the District 2 seat hosted two fundraisers on Fried’s behalf. should be held by someone who lives The impact of those fundraisers closer to downtown. “The neighborhood is still unclear. Fried, who opened a is changing. The needs have changed,” campaign account in August, has so far he declares. “The entire district from reported raising $11,940 and another Coconut Grove to Morningside — this $2500 via the “electioneering com- district has always had only somebody mittee” organization Common Sense. from the Grove.” Candidate Javier Gonzalez, who has Fried also admits that Grant Stern been campaigning since December, has had been urging him to run. A former raised $10,550. Rosy Palomino has not supporter of Russell, Stern says that for reported any contributions. months he’d been looking for someone As for the incumbent, Russell has to run against the commissioner, and lots of money: $372,595 in his campaign knew Fried as a neighbor and through account and another $498,500 raised their separate radio programs. Over by his political action committee, Turn breakfast, Stern was talking to Fried the Page. A substantial number of those about city politics and realized they had contributions come from real estate shared frustrations. “I thought, ‘Man, developers, real estate investors, and this guy has the bug,’” Stern recalls. land-use attorneys. Soon after persuading Fried to The next round of campaign finance run, Stern contacted other stakehold- reports will be due October 11. ers who were displeased with Russell’s Russell does have support from performance on the commission. That people who aren’t developers. The included Manny Prieguez, a lobbyist Brickell Homeowners Association has and South Grove resident whose family already endorsed him. Ernesto Cuesta, for years controlled substantial property the association’s president, says Russell and fishing fleets along the Miami River. has always been responsive to Brickell- Prieguez says he was so angered by area needs. Russell’s performance that he invested Andres Althabe, president of the $10,000 in mailers attacking the com- Biscayne Neighborhoods Association, missioner for sponsoring a resolution which represents condos in Omni and that declared the developer of a resort Edgewater, is also backing Russell’s project on Watson Island to be in default re-election. That’s in part the result of of his lease with the city. The developer Russell’s promise to support construc- sued and won a judgment against the tion of a new school in Edgewater, as city of $20 million, plus $5 million in well as a traffic circle at the congested legal fees. Russell has the support of former nemesis Marc Sarnoff: “I think of the intersection of Biscayne Boulevard and “He’s not a good representative of choices you have, he’s the best choice.” 18th Street. District 2,” says Prieguez, who is now sup- Many of Althabe’s Edgewater con- porting Fried. “He is an abysmal failure.” interests who haven’t gotten their way to approve new gambling venues. Unlike stituents are also appreciative of Rus- over the last four years with me and other Russell legislative efforts, that pro- sell’s ordinance on new gambling venues. ussell counters that most of the they’re hoping to back another horse.” posal passed 4-0 in July, though District “There are a lot of people who are anger over his performance is Russell says that includes Prieguez, a 5 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, an adamant that they don’t want a casino Rlimited to a handful of people, lobbyist for the Havenick family, owners attorney, expressed concerns that applying here,” he says. some of whom, like Grant Stern, he of the Magic City Casino (the former the new rules to a jai alai and card room Russell can count on support from characterizes as passionate one-issue Flagler Dog Track). The Havenicks had enterprise that already had a state-issued another involved citizen, as well, a one- voters. Others, he claims, are acting on legally obtained a gaming license for a gaming permit was legally questionable. time nemesis: Marc Sarnoff. “I support behalf of special interests. future poker room and jai alai facility near (Hardemon left the dais before the vote Ken Russell,” Sarnoff says. “I think of the “If you go down Jim Fried’s donor list, 3000 Biscayne Blvd. in Edgewater. Those was taken.) The Havenicks are suing to choices you have, he’s the best choice.” it’s everyone who has had a beef with plans were brought to a halt after Russell overturn the ordinance. me about policy or zoning,” says Russell. sponsored an ordinance requiring public Prieguez admits Russell’s vote “These are development and lobbyist hearings and a four-fifths commission vote against the Havenicks was the final straw, Feedback: [email protected]

34 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Call 305-940-0475 TO REGISTER NOW!

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 35 Community News: BISCAYNE CORRIDOR BT photo by Armando Colls BT photo by

Remnants of a developer’s dream: hundreds of pilings outlining an island of some 4,451,800 square feet. Biscayne, Bay of Sunken Dreams Imagine if the bay had been dredged and filled to the brim with new islands

By Margaret Griffis Biscayne Bay, just south of the Julia dotting the magnificent view near the — all 4,451,832 square feet of it — is cur- BT Contributor Tuttle Causeway, can hardly be called city limits between Miami and Miami rently owned by the State of Florida. The an island. But it had earned its local Beach. But imagine, while you’re slowed north edge, facing the Julia Tuttle Cause- ack in the 1960s, when Miami nickname from the large numbers of during rush hour, that ring of pilings as way is about 1000 feet across, as is the resident Eric Moss was growing pelicans that would roost atop the pilings dry land, created by fill dredged from southern edge. The east and west borders Bup on the Venetian Islands, “Peli- each winter. And from vague memories the bay’s bottom, and topped with rows are both about 4200 feet long. The lot is can Island” was a short trip north by skiff. that the posts were what remained of a of Mediterranean Revival homes so not exactly a rectangle, as it is missing Not to be confused with the official developer’s shattered dream. common to Miami. a tiny “chip” on the southeast corner Pelican Island just west of North Bay Traveling across the Julia Tuttle Could that have really happened? to complete it. Most of the property is Village, this assemblage of hundreds today, you can easily see post after According to the Miami-Dade of old wooden pilings jutting out of barnacle-encrusted post, a curiosity County tax records, the underwater lot Continued on page 38 Painting Over History Miami’s city commission ignores MiMo Historic District guidelines

By Francisco Alvarado In the outdoor car wash area, which

BT Contributor shares the same lot as Organic Bites, BT photo by Marsha Halper there’s another mural featuring the same or nearly two years, the vibrant woman and her bicycle. And a third wall creations of Miami artist Claudia is decorated with two ladies festooned FLabianca have adorned the exterior with tattoos and sporting bandanas over of Organic Bites restaurant and Karma their faces. Carwash in the city’s Upper Eastside. Despite the murals’ ornate beauty, A painting of a blue-haired woman on the artwork represents the latest sign of a bicycle, along with an image of the friction between commercial develop- Organic Bites logo, extends across the ment and preservation efforts in the top of the restaurant’s façade on NE 70th One of Claudia Labianca’s murals at two businesses in the MiMo Street and Biscayne Boulevard. Continued on page 38 Biscayne Historic District.

36 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Community News: BISCAYNE CORRIDOR

Preschool Pressures in Buena Vista BT photo by Marsha Halper A new and expensive private school meets with resistance from neighbors

By Erik Bojnansky contributions to Commissioner Keon BT Senior Writer Hardemon, whose district includes the Buena Vista area. eila Centner says she and her David Winker, attorney for the husband just want to bring happi- Buena Vista appellants, says his clients Lness to young children’s lives, and just want the building to be used for teach them Mandarin, too. what the city’s zoning code allows — an “The idea is to take traditional edu- office building. “The residents are being cation, turn it upside down, where our painted as the bad guys here because focus is calm, peaceful, happy minds,” they’re holding up the development,” she says. “Because when you’re calm Winker says. “This is a situation where and peaceful, the sky is the limit.” [the Centners] bought a building that But some residents of Miami’s they were fully aware of the zoning re- Buena Vista neighborhood aren’t so strictions, and the zoning does not allow happy with the prospect of parents lining Leila and David Centner: “We’re not big bad developers here. What we’re up their vehicles to drop off children Continued on page 46 doing is for the kids.” along the area’s congested streets. They’ve appealed the issuance of a “special exception” that would allow the operation of a school for children between the ages of two and a half and six in what was originally meant as an office building. After being deferred twice, the appeal by four Buena Vista homeowners is tentatively scheduled for the Miami City Commission’s October 26 meeting. Those residents — including current Buena Vista Heights Homeown- ers Association president Ulysee Kemp — want to overturn a June 6 decision by the Planning Zoning & Appeals Board (PZAB) that allowed for the transforma- tion of a three-story office building at 4136 N. Miami Ave. into the Centner Academy, a facility owned and operated by David and Leila Centner, philanthro- pists who have been donating funds to various causes in Miami-Dade, including Lotus House and various schools. Their appeal has the support of around 100 Buena Vista residents who signed a petition opposing the school. Their attorney charges that the Centners, in response, have threatened litigation against some of the opponents, and have sought to game the system by hiring an attorney who was until recently affiliated with the law firm where City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez serves as of coun- sel, and by giving $10,000 in campaign The Centners paid $10 million for this building at 4136 N. Miami Ave. in Miami’s Buena Vista neighborhood.

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 37 Painting Over History for the past year has been a consultant Continued from page 36 for the Miami Design Preservation League, a non-profit organization that MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic fights to save architecturally significant District. They also attest to the harsh buildings and historic neighborhoods, difficulties community activists face in primarily in the island city.

establishing and maintaining historically BT photo by Marsha Halper “The city commission is not the significant centers of commerce. mural police,” Defreze adds. “City Amid the controversy surrounding leaders have undermined the dedicated the unauthorized painting of an enor- work that professionals, historians, and mous Puerto Rican flag on the building preservationists have put into creating a that houses La Placita, a restaurant three MiMo destination in the Upper Eastside blocks away, the city’s Environmen- for over ten years.” tal and Historic Preservation Board, Restaurant owner Renes did not responding to complaints, ruled that respond to phone and e-mail messages the murals at Organic Bites and Karma seeking comment. Leoni argues that the Carwash were painted without board mural ban doesn’t make sense because approval and violated MiMo Historic art installations help attract people to the District guidelines. The HEP Board MiMo District. staff recommended and board members “I think murals add character to agreed that Labianca’s murals should be the neighborhood,” Leoni says. “It’s the painted over. preservation board and the MiMo Bis- Cecilia Renes, owner of Organic Bites, cayne Association that don’t like them. and her landlord, Todd Leoni, appealed They are hard to work with.” the HEP Board’s decision to the Miami The MiMo Biscayne Association City Commission, which voted to overturn is a group of property owners, busi- the ruling and allow the art installations to Landlord Todd Leoni: “I think murals add character to the neighborhood. ness operators, and local residents who remain on the buildings — despite a ban It’s the preservation board and the MiMo Biscayne Association that don’t aim to enhance the historic district, on murals in the MiMo District. like them.” which stretches along both sides of “The murals, both at the Organic Biscayne Boulevard from 50th Street Bites restaurant and at La Placita, were homeowner who lives across from the both have been rewarded for doing so.” to 77th Street. Association president painted without permission,” seethes Puerto Rican restaurant. “Both entities A former community liaison official Caroline Defreze, an Upper Eastside have found ways to cheat the system, and with the City of Miami Beach, Defreze Continued on page 45

Sunken Dreams Isola di Lolando was to be a new Continued from page 36 addition to the Italian-themed residential islands comprising the Venetian chain. within Miami Beach city limits, with Connected to Di Lido Island via a new a triangular section on the northwest north-south causeway that was to be corner lying on the Miami side. called Drive of the Campanili, or Cam- The property is zoned as “commu- panile Drive. Isola di Lolando would nity facilities,” and the tax roll describes follow the same pattern of Mediter- it as “coastal water (bay only) within the ranean Revival homes, but on a larger Biscayne Bay Urban Aquatic Preserve.” scale. And that was just for starters; The preserve includes 64,607 submerged four more islands would rise out of the acres between the Oleta River and Card bay pushing north along Drive of the Sound, near Key Largo. Campanili. Perhaps taking their cues from the Of course, the Venetian Islands are resident seabirds, Moss and the other a well-known Miami landmark today. neighborhood boys knew the location From west to east, they are Biscayne, as an excellent place to fish, particularly Today the Venetian Islands are a well-known Miami landmark, from west to San Marco, San Marino, Di Lido, Rivo for a prized snook dinner. Moss tells east: Biscayne, San Marco, San Marino, Di Lido, Rivo Alto, and Belle Isle. Alto, and Belle Isle. Five of the islands the BT he also heard about its disap- were completely man-made, with only pointment as a developer’s island dream 1940s through the 1960s. Their company about which way they would provide Belle Isle (formerly Bull or Bull’s Isle) “only every damned time we crossed the built the Westchester Shopping Center and access to Pelican — via the Tuttle or existing prior to the development of the Tuttle, both ways.” a third of the homes surrounding it. through Alton through Sunset Islands.” manmade islands. Biscayne Island didn’t Moss’s father was Harold Moss, who Like other developers, Harold Moss But Moss & Son focused on investing in receive an Italian name because it was along with Eric’s grandfather, Erving also nurtured an outsized dream. “He western Miami instead. only dredged to maintain the causeway. Moss, developed residential and commer- always wanted a piece of [Pelican Island] As it turns out, Harold Moss had It was also used as an airfield before it cial properties as Moss & Son. They oper- as an investment, and to subdivide and picked up the dream from developers ated mostly in the Miami suburbs from the develop,” says Eric. “He would speculate who came before him. Continued on page 42

38 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 CHANGE IS TAKING SHAPE It takes courage to change. Making the choice to have gastric sleeve surgery isn’t easy, but once you do, you begin to see the possibilities. Don’t let old habits or routines hold you back any longer. Make the change for you, your health, and your future. Start now by registering for a FREE seminar at Jackson North. CHANGE IS LIFE.

FREE GASTRIC SLEEVE Thursday, October 10 WEIGHT-LOSS SEMINAR at 6:30 p.m.

Call 305-585-TRIM or visit JacksonCanHelp.org.

Individuals featured are paid actors and not Jackson Health System patients. Individual results may vary.

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 39 JF_Biscayne_Times_09272019_v1.indd 1 9/27/19 3:53 PM JF_Biscayne_Times_09272019_v1.indd 1 9/27/19 3:53 PM Community News: BISCAYNE CORRIDOR

Sunken Dreams

Continued from page 38 was finally platted in 1936 for residences. The Venetian Causeway is now on the National Register of Historic Places, as the oldest causeway in the county. Its importance as “the final phase of the Courtesy of Miami Waterkeeper development of the island communities and...a vital link to the surrounding Miami-Miami Beach areas” is noted in the 1989 application that nominated the causeway for historic designation. According to the same application, credit for the first residential dredging project in Miami belongs to Locke T. Highleyman, a wealthy real estate developer from St. Louis. In 1914, Highleyman filled in the marshland that became the Point View neighborhood in the Brickell area, creating value not only for himself, but adding it to adjacent properties as well. Besides providing inspiration to other developers, Highleyman later played a small role in the creation of Isola di Lolando and the Venetian Is- lands chain. Highleyman loaned money to help his friend and fellow land developer John S. Collins, who built the first bridge to Miami Beach. Although he eventually The new causeway from Miami to Miami Beach opened on February 28, 1926, shortly after the filling in of the bowed out of the Collins Bridge project, Venetian Islands. Highleyman introduced Collins to entre- preneur and auto racing enthusiast Carl concrete and steel that still exists (thanks and Bay Harbor Islands). Fisher, whose financial assistance was to frequent repairs and an extensive The labels on the 1926 map also necessary to complete the bridge, which renovation in 1999). Most of the cause- reveal two more names, Isola di Torcello opened on June 12, 1913, and greatly way rests on the Venetian Islands with and Isola di Capri. The remaining two enhanced tourism to Miami Beach. ten fixed bridges and two draw bridges residential islands were simply marked The meteoric rise in population connecting the islands to the mainland Island No. 8 and Island No. 9 at the time. during the 1910s and early 1920s brought and Miami Beach. The plans didn’t end there. A June in even more developers with dreams. With brisk sales, the Venetian 2, 1925, article in the Miami Daily News Among them were Hugh M. Anderson Islands project was considered a success, and Metropolis mentions the new resi- and Josiah F. Chaille, who formed the and plans were made to expand it with dential islands and the promise of “four Bay Biscayne Improvement Company several new islands to the north. wing islands...to provide the county with in 1921 in order to replace the Collins In her 1995 book The Life and Times locations for two more causeways.” On Bridge with a more substantial cause- of Miami Beach, Ann Armbruster writes the 1926 map, it appears that two of the way and create the Venetian Islands for that each of the new islands would come “wing” islands would have been dredged residential purposes. (Among company with its own “Venetian-style bell tower about where the John F. Kennedy Cause- executives was Colonel Frank Shutts, that would be constructed at the center way and North Bay Village now exist. who founded the Miami Herald in 1910.) of each island, and bronze bells would Despite the Venetian Islands’ huge By 1924, Anderson would partner with ring at set intervals all down the way.” success as a residential development, the Roy C. Wright to form the Shoreland Hence the name Campanili, which is new expansion project met with con- Company, which would take charge of derived from the Italian word campanile, troversy, according to the Miami Daily the Venetian project and begin the devel- or bell tower. News and Metropolis. Many Miami opment of Miami Shores. A 1926 map of Biscayne Bay shows residents were concerned about the The new causeway from Miami a chain of islands — each isle signifi- “mutilation of the waterway” and warned to Miami Beach opened on February cantly larger than the existing Vene- of the destruction of the bay’s beauty 28, 1926, shortly after the filling in of tians — that resemble five railroad cars by overdevelopment. The new islands the Venetian Islands. During construc- zigzagging up the middle of Biscayne would have blocked most of the views tion, the Raymond Concrete Pile Co. of Map from 1925 showing the Bay. The Drive of the Campanili would between Miami and Miami Beach. Over New York replaced the wooden Collins proposed string of new Venetian have ended in the north at Miami Shores Bridge with a new roadway made of Islands Island (now divided into Indian Creek Continued on page 44

42 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 43 Community News: BISCAYNE CORRIDOR BT photo by Armando Colls BT photo by

Developers and dreamers crossing the Tuttle likely still imagine raising a new island between the pilings.

Sunken Dreams Beach: A Centennial History, Howard were drowned. artificial archipelago within Biscayne Continued from page 42 Kleinberg and Carolyn Klepser note that Well, not quite. Despite the bust and Bay. And the Julia Tuttle Causeway the unbuilt lots (still submerged) went on storm, one of Miami Beach’s found- eventually opened in 1961. numerous objections, the Miami Cham- the market October 20, 1925, but sales ing fathers, Henri Levy, continued his Although Isola di Lolando is part of ber of Commerce endorsed the project were sluggish even before the 1926 real dredging operations and filled in the Isle a nature preserve, it’s likely that numer- anyway. Hundreds of pilings were soon estate bust. The Shoreland Company of Normandy, a development influenced ous developers and dreamers crossing pounded into the bay bottom, circum- was already on shaky ground, having by his French background. By 1929, the the Tuttle still imagine raising a new scribing what would have been Isola di overextended itself, so by the time the 79th Street Causeway (now the John F. island between the pilings. That dream Lolando. Those are the posts seen today. Great Miami Hurricane rolled through Kennedy Causeway) opened to traffic never really dies. Obviously, these plans were not on September 18, 1926, the boom and between Normandy Isle and Miami. In meant to be. In their 2016 book, Miami all the dreams of filling in Biscayne Bay the 1940s, North Bay Village joined the Feedback: [email protected]

44 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 BT photo by Marsha Halper

Ɨǉŏŀ/ƗǉƗǉ MARTHA/MARY • YAMAHA CONCERT SERIES

Preservationist Nancy Liebman: “After all these years, they don’t get it. If you are going to have a historic district with guidelines, you don’t just cut them out the first chance you get.”

Painting Over History notes that Homestead and Coral Gables Continued from page 38 have designated portions of their respec- tive downtown areas as historic. Alisa Cepeda says things are running Miami-Dade’s largest commercial smoothly in the MiMo District. “Almost historic area is Miami Beach’s Art Deco all of the area property/business owners, Historic District, which includes Ocean except for a select few, comply with the Drive, Collins Avenue, Washington district’s guidelines without issue,” she Avenue, and Lincoln Road. In recent writes in an e-mail, declining further years, Ocean Terrace, in the city’s North comment. The association also recently Beach area, was designated a commercial petitioned Miami-Dade Circuit Court to historic district to preserve Art Deco reverse the city commission’s approval buildings that are now part of a major of the Organic Bites murals. mixed-use redevelopment project by Nancy Liebman, who formerly builders Alex Blavatnik and Sandor Scher. served as president of the MiMo Bis- The Art Deco preservation move- cayne Association and as a Miami Beach ment started because residents and Portland String city commissioner, played a central role activists in Miami Beach understood the Beethoven, Brahms in developing and protecting the Beach’s value in having historic neighborhoods, historic Art Deco District. She says Liebman explains. Quartet & Shortnin’ Bread Miami city elected officials are ignor- “We elected a few people to the These “Maine treasures” are joined by Miami’s Paul Posnak to ing the intent of the strict development Miami Beach City Commission who got guidelines approved more than a decade it,” she says. “Owners knew that their explore Beethoven‘s innovative “Quartet in A Major,” Brahms’ ago to maintain the retro, mid-20th-cen- properties would be designated historic romantic “Piano Quartet in F Minor,” and “Five Folksongs in tury character of the MiMo District. and were afraid they wouldn’t be able to Counterpoint” ÆƼ 8ĬŅųåĹÏå {ųĜÏåØ ƋĘå ĀųŸƋeüųĜÏ±ĹěeĵåųĜÏ±Ĺ “After all these years, they don’t get use their buildings in a viable way.” üåĵ±Ĭå ÏŅĵŞŅŸåų ƋŅ Ę±ƴå Ęåų ƶŅųĩ ŞåųüŅųĵåÚ ÆƼ ± ĵ±ģŅų it,” Liebman says. “If you are going to Daniel Ciraldo, executive director of American orchestra (Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in ŏŀƑƑ). have a historic district with guidelines, the Miami Design Preservation League, you don’t just cut them out or plow says the Art Deco preservation move- Saturday, October ŏƗ Sunday, October ŏƑ through them the first chance you get.” ment of the late 1980s and early 1990s Ɓ:Ƒǉpm Ƒ:ǉǉpm There are not many commercial dis- transformed South Beach into one of the SALON SERIES SEATING • TIX $ăǉ CONCERT SEATING • TIX $ŏă & $Ɨă tricts in Miami-Dade that have historic world’s premier tourist destinations. designation. According to Sarah Cody, “Developers and the community the county’s historic preservation chief, worked together on how to make these PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE marthamaryconcerts.org the Cauley Square Historic District near historic buildings viable and create an im- CORPUS CHRISTI Ş±ųĜŸĘŅþÏå• AT THE DOOR as available the Redland is the only such designated petus for economic development,” Ciraldo district in the unincorporated area. “It’s says. “One of those ideas was to allow for La Merced Chapel at Colonial Florida Cultural Heritage Center an old railroad area, and they have an his- cafés and restaurants on the ground floor On the grounds of Corpus Christi Church toric train car there and a bunch of wood- that brought an energy that wasn’t there framed cottages that are used as artists’ ƑƗƗǉ N Ɓ Avenue • Miami, Florida ƑƑŏƗƁ • Ƒǉă.Ċăî.ǉŏŏŏ shops and a restaurant,” Cody says. She Continued on page 46

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 45 Community News: BISCAYNE CORRIDOR

Preschool Pressures Related Group’s Paraiso project in Edge- Continued from page 37 water for $13.64 million; and six parcels of land at 34th Street and Biscayne Bou- them to do a preschool.” levard for $11.5 million. The two-year-old, But Leila Centner says some of the 20,000-square-foot Buena Vista office neighbors have the mistaken impression building was purchased by the Centners

that she and her husband are the bad guys. BT photo by Marsha Halper for $10 million this past June. “We’re not big bad developers here,” Leila Centner says most of the she says. “What we’re doing is for the kids.” properties will be used for educational And there won’t be that many kids, purposes, either schools or workforce she points out. During negotiations with housing for teachers. “We want to trans- city planning staff, the Centners agreed form education by bringing mindfulness, to reduce their student body from 195 to happiness, and emotional intelligence, 120. And in the school’s beginning, there starting from when they’re little,” she will be fewer than 15 students attending. says, adding that they hope to build a Neighbors will also only experience traf- K-12 school in the future. fic twice a day, which will be handled Mara Gonzalez, an administrator for by a complicated valet system run by a Centner Academy, says the early educa- company owned by the former president tion school will be the first Mandarin lan- of the Buena Vista Heights Neighbor- guage immersion school in South Florida hood Association. and will include three bilingual teachers In comparison, she argues, a regular from China who will speak to children office building holds at least 205 people, At the meeting hosted by the Centners, Rosa Ramos Gonzalez, vice in English and Mandarin. Another first with traffic entering and exiting from president of Buena Vista Heights Neighborhood Association, expressed for the region, according to Gonzalez, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “If you look at concerns about increased traffic and safety issues. is that the Centner Academy will also the substance of it, there really isn’t any focus on emotional intelligence, using a [problem],” she says. talk about education. What good is New York-based tech company to a curriculum designed by Tal Ben-Shar, a But Rosa Ramos, vice president of that if a car comes and hits your child? multibillion-dollar private equity firm. Harvard-educated lecturer and founder of the Buena Vista Heights Neighborhood the Happiness Studies Academy. Association and a plaintiff in the appeal, Attending the school won’t be cheap. says there’s no way the valet system will The neighbors’ attorney charges that the Centners have threatened litigation against some Tuition will cost $24,000 per student. be able to efficiently handle the drop-off However, Leila Centner says she intends of little children on a busy street during of the opponents, and have sought to game the system by giving $10,000 in campaign to offer some scholarships to local fami- morning rush hour. contributions to Commissioner Keon Hardemon. lies with financial needs. Besides the inconvenience for resi- The community meeting at the Fun- dents, there’s a safety issue for the kids. Zone was mainly attended by supporters “My concern has always been the Child safety or education? Both are very Thereafter, he and his wife started buying of the school, including Dorothy Evans- children,” she told the Centners during important.” properties in the Biscayne Corridor. Flowers, a mother of ten who hopes a community meeting, hosted by the Last year David Centner, who was Those buys include the shuttered Aspira to obtain a scholarship for her toddler. couple at the FunDimension amusement raised in the southwest Miami-Dade Arts charter school in Wynwood for $12.8 center in Wynwood last month. “You neighborhood of Westchester, sold his million; a vacant plot of land by The Continued on page 47

Painting Over History Places but doesn’t have local historic pro- other than restaurants,” Leoni says. “We He complains that attracting new Continued from page 45 tections, says the city’s chief preservation need something dynamic but are heavily tenants is difficult because of the limita- officer, Warren Adams). restricted with what we can do.” tions the city enacted. “The old buildings at the time, and that have encouraged In the past decade, developers such Leoni, who bought his first property are beautiful,” he says. “The frustration owners to invest in their buildings.” as Avra Jain and Michael Comras have in the MiMo District in 1990, grouses is that we can’t add to them.” In 2006 Liebman was recruited by bought and remodeled buildings in the that a 35-foot height limit in the MiMo Yet when the city commission over- neighborhood activists in the Upper East- MiMo District that are attracting hip District essentially wiped out owners’ turns the preservation board’s enforcement side to help craft development guidelines restaurants and small retail shops, such property rights. The city does have a actions in the MiMo District, that defeats and historic preservation protections for as cell phone providers and fashion bou- program that allows MiMo District the purpose of the historic guidelines, says the mid-20th-century motels and com- tiques. “Some of the renovated buildings landlords to sell their properties’ “air Defreze, the Upper Eastside activist. mercial buildings on Biscayne Boulevard. are really making MiMo look like a his- rights” to other owners of land and build- “City officials are elected to make Two years later, then-City Commissioner toric district,” Liebman says. “There is ings in neighborhoods with less stringent sure the will of the people is heard,” she Marc Sarnoff persuaded his colleagues nothing else like it in the City of Miami.” zoning regulations. To qualify, landlords says. “If the commissioners want to to approve the regulations and create Yet some MiMo landlords like must improve and renovate their MiMo bypass the community and associations the MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic Leoni believe the historic designation of buildings or construct new structures that they serve, it marks a dangerous prec- District, she adds. Today it is the only Biscayne Boulevard has made it difficult that incorporate the distinctive Miami edent and, I would imagine, paves the way commercial district in Miami designated for owners and investors to maximize Modern style. to many more lawsuits against the city.” historic by the city. (Downtown Miami the use of their properties. “We don’t “The city makes it very difficult to is on the National Register of Historic have anything that draws people here get [air rights] and sell them,” Leoni says. Feedback: [email protected]

46 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Closing In On 10,000...

BT photo by Marsha Halper A HOUSING SUMMIT

Academy supporter Nicholas Osborne, who lives in North Miami, said he supports educational reform and wants to get involved with the new school. Preschool Pressures Greenspoon Marder. As mayor, Suarez Monday, Continued from page 46 has the power to veto legislation, including zoning decisions. Soon after Winker There were Buena Vista homeowners filed a “motion to disqualify” with the Don’t miss your chance to OCTOBER 7, who expressed their support. Arlene city, Riley left the firm. He told the Daily help build Miami-Dade’s McPhee, an employee of the Department Business Review that he had planned to future. There are 10,000 new 2019 of Veteran Affairs’ Human Resources leave long before and open his own firm. affordable and workforce Division, says her family owns a house Winker also included an e-mail from units in progress for our next door to the proposed Centner Acad- a city administrator on August 15 to his County. 8 am - 5 pm emy. She told attendees that the Centners clients advising them that a hearing on improved a derelict property. Another the matter had been moved up to the Join in on the action by Reception supporter was Frantz Eloi, the former September 12 commission meeting at attending the Closing In On 5 pm - 6:30 pm president of the Buena Vista Heights the request of Commissioner Hardemon. 10,000... A Housing Summit. Neighborhood Association, who owns During that commission meeting, Harde- Learn about specific housing the valet company that will help the mon denied that he’d made that request. projects directly from the academy with traffic. In the end, however, the commission decision-makers who can Miami Dade College Eloi says he understands why — in an abundance of caution — deferred provide a “path to yes.” neighbors are aghast with the Cent- the matter to September 26, after Winker Wolfson Campus ner Academy. For years, Buena Vista cited a regulation in the city’s Miami 21 Reserve your spot today. Chapman Conference Heights homeowners have been resisting zoning code forbidding planning and Tickets are $40. Admission Center - Building 3 efforts from commercial developers to zoning items on the first meeting of the includes a light breakfast 300 Northeast 2nd Ave. expand the nearby Design District into month. When the September 26 meeting and lunch, as well as a Miami, FL 33132 their neighborhood. However, Eloi says, went past midnight due to budget items, post-event reception. a school teaching Mandarin will be an and Commissioner Joe Carollo refused to asset for the area. extend it, the Centner item was automati- But Winker says the Centners aren’t cally deferred to October 26. Register at: all that warm and fuzzy. The Buena The Centner Academy was origi- miamidade.gov/ Vista homeowners’ appeal includes a nally planned for September. Leila housingsummit2019 text to neighbors from attorney John Centner has admitted that the delay has Doroghazi, of the firm Wiggin and Dana, cost the school three students. However, Gold Sponsor threatening litigation for opposing the in a recent text to the BT from India, she project. Winker also points out that indicated that she’s patient. another Centner-hired attorney, Wil- “Another month delay won’t kill us,” liam Riley, who represented the school she wrote. “It is what it is.” at City of Miami public hearings, used Reception Sponsor to be a member of Suarez’s law firm, Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 47 Neighborhood Correspondents: NORTH MIAMI / NORTH MIAMI BEACH

Magical Thinking It fails before the joint crises of North Miami and Biscayne Bay Courtesy Van Alen Institute Courtesy Van By Mark Sell On September 20, Florida Interna- BT Contributor tional University’s Biscayne Bay campus hosted its second Biscayne Bay Marine he word “crisis” derives from the Health Summit. Biscayne Bay is in ancient Greek krisis, for trial, or dismal condition, with stormwater runoff, Tthe anxiety of decision making, septic tank seepage, cracked pipes, and and, in medical parlance, the point at plenty of scientific and visual evidence. which an illness turns to either recovery The conference sounded alarms for a state or death. of emergency for Biscayne Bay. It’s hard to imagine a better word, Two events provided hammer blows. Winning design for 901 NE 144th St. by Department Design Office of whether discussing the health of Bis- In August, a two-square-inch crack in a Cambridge, Massachusetts. cayne Bay or the state of North Miami’s 55-year-old underground county sewer body politic, let alone that of the state, pipe 12 feet under the Oleta River in yards and homes. These rafts, sometimes an unprepossessing but apt new nation, and world. Urgency intrudes. North Miami spewed more than 1.6 100 miles or more across, have devastated portmanteau. In Minnesota, where I wrote this million gallons of waste into Biscayne the Caribbean, suffocating seas, beaches, Moving from the cosmic to the ri- column, and in Greater Miami, this Bay, forcing a no-contact advisory from and economies, all thanks to agricultural diculous, the September 17 North Miami summer ranked among the steamiest Haulover Beach to Aventura. runoff from the flooded Mississippi Basin, City Council mud-wrestled with a 2019- and wettest ever. In the Minnesota State Earlier, during Memorial Day from Brazil’s Amazon or Venezuela’s 20 budget that is a masterpiece of wish- Capitol, at Miami Beach City Hall, and weekend, an immense raft of sargassum Oronoco, congealing in the Caribbean, ful thinking as it envisions a balanced around the world, marchers, many of strangled sea life throughout Biscayne the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic. budget of $75 million the next fiscal them students, protested the climate crisis Bay, with fishkills darkening the canals So the problem is at once local year. That evening’s heroes were various with signs reading “There Is No Planet B.” and stench wafting into Keystone Point and global, or “glocal,” to use residents from eight neighborhood or

48 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 homeowners associations who one by is issued each year. This is their kitty for expenses — hence the $8.5 million hole. and want to offer something of value; one rose to give the city some informed pet projects of all kinds. So if you take How then will the $75 million magi- encourage those who want to learn and and well-deserved hell. three years at $21,000 each, the breakout cally appear? do better; and fire the lazy and those who As of this date, near the close of a goes something like this: District 1 Scott “It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul,” coddle them, all the way to the top. That fiscal year, the city reports a deficit of Galvin: $61,000; District 2 Carol Keys: said Judy Brown of the westside Sunk- should be true in any department. $8.5 million and anticipates a magical $23,900; District 3 Philippe Bien-Aime: ist Grove Homeowners Association on As for the climate crisis, some news. increase in fees and taxes to get out of $178,000; District 4 Alix Desulme: September 17. “We need to get fiscally In August, the firm Department Design it. At the same time, the city council is $204,000. The mayor, mostly former ex- responsible. Where are our values?” Office of Cambridge, Massachusetts, won giving itself a 20 percent raise — the Mayor Dr. Smith Joseph: $134,000. Where to begin? We might join the a competion sponsored by the Van Alen second in two years — which would Add it up, and you’re talking better residents who suggest two priorities: more Institue and the City of North Miami to es- translate into roughly $60,000 a year than $600,000 on a “budget” of $105,000 library funding and modest best practices tablish a slough with an imaginative design base for council members and $72,000 (or $21,000 x 5). for the climate crisis, one lot at a time. at a repetitive-loss flood-zone property at for the mayor. This follows the coun- What are the consequences for going Walk into the North Miami library 901 NE 144th St., to relieve runoff in a cil members rewarding themselves overbudget? None that we can find — around 2:30 any school day, and it’s mobbed neighborhood prone to flooding. with $12,000 raises in 2017. other than rewarding themselves with 20 with kids of all ages hitting the comput- The city owns two such properties, North Miami’s “part-time” elected of- percent raises. ers, jamming the Internet to near-paralysis, but more than 70 have been identified ficials are already among the most extrava- That’s not all. The cost of the mayor with the shelves hungry for books. It has and more will spread. gently paid in Miami-Dade County. Plus, and council budget is up 50 percent year a dedicated, competent staff and admin- The odds may seem steep, but the city manager and city attorney both get over year. About $95,000 allocated to the istration. To its credit, the council heeded optimism of will is the only antidote for $240,000 a year. It’s also worth noting that Ms. North Miami Scholarship Pageant ac- residents and put a bit more in the library’s pessimism of intellect. It is past time to with just six years’ service, council mem- tually appears to be a sham item funneled budget, but why not move some of that self- allay or reduce the disease in our body bers get an additional deposit — equivalent directly to the North Miami and Haitian- serving overhead fat to the library and give politic and the land and waters in which to 48 percent of their salaries — into the American chambers of commerce. it more needed muscle? we dwell. The young must be part of this, state’s pension funds. Then add health One can argue that this is but a drop Or how about shifting money from as they will inherit crises that are now as insurance, expenses, and car allowances. in a big budget bucket. Yet one can also the council and manager to improve after- sure as the tides. This isn’t a reassuring move among a city argue that how you do anything is how school recreation programs? The Parks Magical thiking alone cannot pro- ridden with cronyism, bloat, and worse. you do everything. As the current fiscal and Recreation Department was once the vide. The clock ticks. We’ve written, too, about the $7000 in year ends, North Miami reports $56.2 pride of the county; there’s a lot to build discretionary funds each council member million in revenues and $64.7 million in on there. Reward those who work hard Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 49 Neighborhood Correspondents: AVENTURA

We’re in the Promised Land Let’s face it: Miami is a global brand

By Jay Beskin So here we all thought we were BT Contributor being hip or cool or woke to dissociate ourselves from the “so last century” pa- hen asked where they live, nache of Miami, and it turns out we are residents of Aventura, Hal- the ones missing the boat. Wlandale Beach, or Sunny Isles In trying to be ahead of the game, Beach give different answers, depending we may be putting ourselves behind the on where the questioner lives. If that eight-ball. person lives in Florida, they will answer But let us begin somewhere around Aventura, Hallandale, or Sunny Isles, the beginning. I was minding my own but if the asker is based in any of the business, which is helping people as an other 49 states, our neighbor will likely attorney with matters pertaining to wills, respond that he or she lives in Miami. trusts, and estates. A new client came It just seems easier to give outsiders into my office, not over the transom, but the more recognizable landmark. But over the telephone. It was a family from old Uncle So-and-So passing away, up this treasure, share and share alike. when we speak to the initiated, we are a small country thousands of miles and they informed me they were in posses- How long would it take for the asset not only eager to give the more specific an ocean away from South Florida. sion of a will bequeathing the title to to be converted into cash and for the suburban name, but we also — let’s admit After the preliminary pieties about Uncle’s condo in Miami. There were distributions to be made to the eager it! — see Miami as the less classy area. how sorry they were about their dear seven or nine relatives poised to divide gaggle of legatees?

50 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 The first move was to glean a tenta- his work to the rich cultural milieu of poisoning the very well we are drinking wants to be sure to make their way here… tive appraisal of the predicted sales price Paris. What struck him most while apart- from? These are questions for the con- eventually. But you and I are the lucky of the property. We researched it care- ment hunting in the French metropolis science, and we can each answer them ones who didn’t wait until we were so fully and came up with a fair approxima- was how shocked everyone there was for ourselves. old that we could barely enjoy it. We tion: $90,000. The call back to the seven when they heard he was intending to Here is the part we can certainly all caught the early train to the coast, and or nine foreign citizens awaiting a report abandon Miami. How could that possibly play. We can be proud of what we have we never used our return tickets. on the full extent of their windfall did be? They are all dreaming of coming to done here, of those who came before, And if you start a business, one that not go well. Miami — and this soul, blessed by fate and those hard at work now. It is not easy hopes to reach across the world through “Impossible!” declared the woman to reside in the Promised Land, was con- to build an urban area that combines the Internet, I want to offer a small mar- who had evolved into the spokesperson templating a move to Paris? Blasphemy! open — and sanitary — access to the keting suggestion. Use the name Miami for the clan. “It cannot be!” All of this finally began to penetrate magnificence of nature while offering in your company name, and in your In my naiveté, I laid out the details my thick skull. I began to appreciate that every kind of good and service in pleas- online address. of our research, offered all sorts of evi- while we were all sitting here contem- ant shopping and office environments. Wait! I have an idea! What if I sell dence to back up what I was saying. plating the greener grass on the other Nor is it easy to keep this place clean sand from Miami beaches at $50 a “Impossible! It cannot be!” side of the fence, we were overlooking and fun and energized and safe. A lot of bottle? We could ship it in a clear plastic What did they expect? This was just that which is obvious to most of the rest good work has been done here — and as bottle that would not break in transit. a condo, not a beachfront mansion. of the world: We are really blessed to a former Aventura commissioner, I defi- How come I never thought of this Then she uttered the magic word, live in this special place. Beauty sur- nitely include the suburbs of Miami — to before? Okay, let me take my own advice in a breathless hush that bespoke equal rounds us, and we must never allow our make this an attractive destination for and buy the domain for miamisand.com. parts awe and reverence: “Miami!” senses to be dulled by overexposure. It tourists. And even if we are not quite the I need to move quickly before someone The condo was in Miami, that won- turns out that one of the most valuable Shangri-La they envision in Paris, we else snatches this up. Let me go there derland, that paradise, that shimmering brand names on the planet, one that should certainly fan their fantasies and pronto to check if it is available. chimera. It must be worth millions! evokes poetry, majesty, and mystery, is encourage our own mystique! What? It’s on sale for $4495? Da Not long thereafter, I found myself none other than Miami. On a personal level, the Jewish noiv of dat guy! Doesn’t he know the listening to an interview on National If indeed this brand is so valuable, New Year is upon us, and it behooves name Miami is out of style? And how Public Radio with a gentleman who and we are its custodians, are we doing us to be thankful for the years we have about aventurasand.com? Oh…no one is had done well financially in the artistic enough to appreciate it? Enough to enjoyed already as we pray to be granted bothering with that one. community in the United States and protect it? Enough to perpetuate it? Is one more. Everyone in the country, and thought it might be time for him to take our sourness corroding it slowly? Are we to some extent everyone in the world, Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 51 Neighborhood Correspondents: GREATER MIAMI SHORES Time to Reassert Order We need reform or removal of undesirables

By John Ise behind the Advance Auto Parts store) in BT Contributor unincorporated Miami-Dade, brought this point home for me. During vari- BT photo by Janet Goodman hat is it that makes a commu- ous jaunts through the park, I’ve seen nity great? Besides the caliber a number of homeless people sleeping Wof your immediate neighbors, on the park benches and a suspicious you probably count safety and security, crowd of heavily tattooed, glassy-eyed, and the quality of public amenities and mean-looking adults who glared at me as spaces. Can you walk the neighborhood, though I was interrupting what I assume experience great parks, libraries, and to be some kind of illegality. public spaces? What I didn’t see were families or The health of our public sphere — children or anyone else enjoying the Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park, May 2019. which includes parks, libraries, and public park. The suspicious crowd wasn’t so spaces — is directly dependent on the much enjoying the park as occupying it. downtown Miami is a natural magnet for The real issue here is that if these maintenance of public order. That’s be- And the unfortunate reality is that a significant homeless population. The public amenities, be they parks or librar- cause no matter how beautiful a park is or many of our public spheres have been homeless understandably seek shelter ies, become undesirable, then the broader how much public money is poured into it, “discovered” by…may I say it without in the library, but they undeniably also public will abandon them. The public say, in the form of a beautiful playground being labeled a Miami Shores snob?… bring oddball behaviors and…err...odors will not only stop patronizing them but or new community center (take that, threatening and unpleasant people, be that turn off the broader public. As a fre- also stop using their tax dollars to sup- Miami Shores!), if the place has a danger- they the criminal element or homeless. A quent visitor to the main library (I hold port them. ous reputation, people will actively avoid it. stroll through a park should be a pleasant library cards to both the Miami-Dade Without public order, public spaces are A recent bicycle ride through Bis- endeavor, not an act of courage. and Miami Shores library systems), I try devalued, and a downward cycle of neglect cayne Shores and Gardens Park, at NE Our public libraries are another to keep my trips brief and avoid a visit to and deterioration sets in. Aggressive 116th Street and Biscayne Blvd (tucked problem. Miami-Dade’s main library in the men’s room. panhandling, public drinking, excessive

A shadowy group, Citizens for Ethical and Effective Leadership, bombarded the village with attacks on Christian Ulvert.

52 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 noise, profanity, and casual drug selling Now, every call for law and order behaviors endanger every single South or local politicos. To reclaim our public — all these give residents the impression comes with a real need to avoid the Floridian — and that is on our public spaces requires effort by every con- that nobody cares. These are by no means stereotyping Kool-Aid. Public parks and roadways. That’s right, the driving habits cerned citizen. As the saying goes: “See “victimless crimes.” The result is that we libraries are open to every stripe of resi- of 99.99 percent of South Florida motor- something, say something.” If residents become anxious, pessimistic, civically dent. And one man’s loafing is another ists merit a crackdown with the ferocity of see criminal or antisocial behaviors, they alienated, and prone to flee cities. man’s vagrancy. But the criminal justice Genghis Khan. Too many of us are afraid have an obligation to report them. A contrast can be witnessed in the system must deal with, either though that we or our children will get run down Maintenance and support matter. BT photo by Janet Goodman parks of Miami Shores and Biscayne Park. reform or removal, those who are identi- crossing the street. We’re under constant For residents in Biscayne Shores, the Their fields are brimming with sports fied as habitual criminals. assault from motorists who casually run opening of a new community center in activities, families, and playful kids. The homeless issue is particularly red lights, cut cars off, or incessantly Biscayne Shores and Garden Park — Criminal behaviors and vagrancy are not complex. Miami’s chronic homeless honk at pedestrians using crosswalks. with full-time staff, greater youth and tolerated and, if presented, prompt swift often suffer with mental health issues Between 2008 and 2017, 1549 pedes- senior programming, and enhanced land- calls to the recreation departments or that demand treatment alongside housing trians in South Florida were killed by ag- scaping with lighting — may be just the police. Order prevails, and as a result, the support. But let’s not allow our chari- gressive motorists. The victims are typi- recipe for the park’s renewal. public freely enjoys and utilizes the spaces. table impulse to slide into enablement. cally poorer, older, and minority. The car I know there’s an impulse to see a Years back, Biscayne Park resur- As Heather Mac Donald wrote over a culture, aggressive driving, spotty traffic relatively affluent Miami Shores resident faced its basketball court and became a decade ago, in August 1997, for the Man- enforcement, and poor engineering all who’s critiquing the conditions in poorer popular attraction for area teens. But as hattan Institute’s City Journal: “...For contribute to the carnage. At every level, communities as an elite. But reasserting is the case with street ball, foul-mouthed the homeless, the best medicine is the police need to be strict about enforcing public order and civility in our public taunts and cursing became a common expectation of responsible behavior — existing traffic laws. spaces will build their value and have complaint by neighbors. The village the expectation of work and of civil and I once witnessed some knucklehead people of all socioeconomic stripes cher- removed the rims from the backboards, lawful conduct in public spaces…. Ef- in a jacked-up truck blare his fitted train ish those amenities. Free, secure, high- completely shutting down basketball. fective charity asks for reciprocity from horn at a blind pedestrian crossing the quality parks, libraries, and streets are After a few weeks, rules of expected eti- the recipient, building patterns of work street in front of Miami Lighthouse for vital to everyone, and particularly the quette were posted, sending the unmis- and discipline; to exempt the homeless the Blind. The walker became so fright- most vulnerable. Demanding that safety takable message to the young people that from the rules that everyone else lives by ened, he collapsed on the pavement. Life and order prevail isn’t entrapment for our basketball came with the expectation infantilizes them permanently.” incarceration for that driver, say I! communities, but rather their liberation. of appropriate behavior. The rims were Finally, there is another public sphere But this responsibility doesn’t shortly thereafter reaffixed. in which lawlessness and antisocial entirely rest on the shoulders of police Feedback: [email protected] WE TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY! Whether you have pain, ﬂ u symptoms, or minor injuries, getting the medical care you need is now easy, fast and a ordable for the entire family.

Extended hours 9am–8:30pm weekdays Saturday 10am–7:30pm Sunday 10am–5:30pm No appointments. Just walk in. A ordable Uninsured Rates. Most Insurances and Worker’s Comp Accepted. Immigration / Work / School Physicals. Wellness Services. Medi-Station provides comprehensive care including laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy in a comfortable, convenient setting. 305-603-7650 9600 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores Established 2009. First Urgent Care to Serve the Community.

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 53 Culture: THE ARTS

Like Father, Like Son Little Haiti’s new art space extends a legacy

By Elisa Turner On land, tiny figures with outstretched BT Contributor arms wave to the ship. The dramatic photograph sums up clean well-lit place glows in vast disparities between cruise ship Little Haiti. It’s the new Iris passengers and Cubans on the island. Or A PhotoCollective ArtSpace. The does it? Those on the island are waving inaugural show, curated by award- because, says Juste, “I just think they are winning Miami Herald photojournalist happy they came. These tourists bring Carl-Phillipe Juste, is “Paradise Lost money, news, interaction, and fellow- Carl-Philippe Juste / HavanaHaiti / Iris PhotoCollective / © 2019.

in Nostalgia.” It shimmers with memo- ship.” Such tangible and intangible cargo, of Americana being celebrated, but the have this sense that our future is being rable scenes of daily life in Cuba, shot he continues, with tender respect soften- whole reason for the revolution was to deferred.” Juste laments a decline in “our in March 2019 by photojournalists on ing his voice, “are all important aspects extract that,” he says. Still, the selling sense of liberal democracy and openness. assignment for Iris PhotoCollective’s of humanity, the way we interact.” When of nostalgia to tourists leads to kids It’s almost like we are fearing discovery. forthcoming book, Havana, Haiti: Two he saw the ship leaving and framed his in Cuba having cell phones, to people It’s almost like the planet is becoming Cultures, One Community. Supporting shot, he thought about how the paradise working as translators and entrepreneurs. flat again.” the book are grants from the Green of Cuba has been lost for years, even During a tour of the two-story art He’s a charismatic advocate not Foundation and Knight Foundation. though, he adds, “the use of nostalgia space, Juste wears a green T-shirt bear- only for the art of photojournalism, but In “Paradise Lost in Nostalgia,” con- as a vehicle to bring the tourists over is ing the logo of Florida reggae promoter for making connections among diverse trasts abound between Cuba’s past and counter to the revolution itself.” Kulcha Shok Muzik. He’s intrigued by cultures in Miami. “I have felt for years present. Those contrasts are captured by As Juste talks about his passion for layers of contradictions present in the ex- Miami was very segregated in terms Marice Cohn Band, C. W. Griffin, Carol photojournalism while walking around hibit’s photographs, finding ramifications of its art expression,” he says. “You Guzy, Juste, Pablo Martínez-Monsiváis, this exhibit, he teases out layers of irony in this gathering that ripple outward to had places you would go and never see Jeffrey A. Salter, and Charles Trainor Jr. and history entwined with the photos’ his wide-ranging experiences at home people like me [he was born in Haiti to The show’s title comes from Juste’s precisely observed facts. He points out and abroad. a Haitian father and Cuban mother]. But photograph of the Carnival cruise ship another photo he shot, showing a tourist Inevitably, he recalls Miami Herald now that’s changing. Paradise leaving Havana. The sleek in a restaurant dancing with a singer as a assignments in Cuba, Haiti, Iraq, Paki- “And Edouard Duval-Carrié is white vessel, efficiently equipped with musician strums a guitar. On the wall in stan, and Afghanistan. The exhibit, he a huge testament to that change,” he lifeboats, dwarfs Havana landmarks as it the restaurant is a photo of Hemingway says, is “a strange juxtaposition of past, adds, noting how the Haitian-born artist glides out to sea. Seen side by side with with Castro. present, and maybe future. Cuban future has regularly combined artists from this deluxe paradise, El Morro fortress “Look at all the American branding, is in the now, that’s in Iraq, that’s in Latin America and the Caribbean for resembles a frumpy, old-fashioned toy. all this commercialism. This whole idea Haiti. Even in a country like ours, you the exhibit series “Global Caribbean

54 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Crossroads” at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Duval-Carrié owns the property housing IPCArtSpace, just steps from the cultural complex. With all the talk about Little Haiti gentrification, recalls Juste, “Edouard came to me and said, ‘Hey, let’s draw a line in the sand. Let’s create a space that speaks to Haitian culture and history.’” So they worked together to make this new space happen. “Nice little cultural tango,” Juste smiles. “The whole idea is for this to become an in- cubator space,” he says. “Not only for visual artists, but for authors, performing artists, and for filmmakers partner- ing with different people, different organizations.” On the first floor is Carl-Philippe Juste: “You have this sense that the gallery with room our future is being deferred.” for screenings, as well as a small shop with pieces from Extra writers speak about their work, maybe Virgin Press, books, and other items. 36 different events in a year,” he says. Prices range from around $23 for some Annual memberships, costing around objects to $8000 for art by Duval-Carrié. $150 to $175, are available. On the second floor is a loft studio for an The IPCArtSpace is based on the artist’s residency. talents of the Iris PhotoCollective, Juste continues: “My main interest founded in 1998 by Juste and three is having a space where we can have other photographers. The collective now really honest conversations about art, involves André Chung, Griffin, Juste, culture, and politics.” He envisions Martínez-Monsiváis, and Clarence Wil- IPCArtSpace as an integrated desti- liams III. According to the ICP website, nation with different people coming they “explore and document the rela- together: Haitians with Cubans, Re- tionship of people of color to the world,” publicans with Democrats — a place while hewing to the highest standards of where “we could all agree that the photojournalism. love of art is moving us to create an With this art space, Juste, who is 56 identity that is more collective. Art years old, expands upon the legacy his can transcend time, space, race — all father, Viter Juste (1924-2012). The elder these things that hold us down.” Juste was a revered community leader, Programming for children is free. activist, and businessman in Miami’s Before taking down the inaugural Haitian-American community. After exhibit, he plans to invite some 40 Girl fleeing Haiti following the election of Scouts for a visit to talk about photog- murderous François “Papa Doc” Duva- raphy and take a tour of Little Haiti. lier in 1957, Juste eventually settled in Other programs aren’t free. “I have to Miami with his family. He coined the support this space,” Juste says; admis- name Little Haiti. sion will be charged for Third Friday Says his son: “It’s imperative that I evening conversations, generally linked keep that spirit going to my last breath.” to exhibits. For various events, “I may have a screening for a movie, I may have Feedback: [email protected] Jeffrey A. Salter / HavanaHaiti / Iris PhotoCollective / © 2019.

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 55 Culture: GALLERIES + MUSEUMS

WYNWOOD GALLERY WALK & Visions of Identity” with various artists DESIGN DISTRICT ART + DESIGN LOCUST PROJECTS NIGHT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 3852 N. Miami Ave., Miami 305-576-8570 www.locustprojects.org GALLERIES Through October 12: “FeCuOp: Antenna” with Jason Ferguson, Christian &GALLERY Curiel, Brandon Opalka, and Victor Villafañe 6308 NW 2nd Ave., Miami “Borders of Freedom” with Alexia Miranda, Abigail www.andgallery.net Reyes, Crack Rodríguez, Fredy Solan, Sayre [email protected] Quevedo, Guadalupe Maravilla Through October 27: “All Grown Up” by Richard Vergez MINDY SOLOMON GALLERY Reception October 26, 3 to 5 p.m. 8397 NE 2nd Ave., Miami 786-953-6917 BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX www.mindysolomon.com 561 NW 32nd St., Miami Through October 19: “Mimesis” by Jay Kvapil 305-576-2828 “A Taste for Plums” by David Hicks and Ali Smith www.bacfl.org October 11 through March 31, 2020: NINA JOHNSON GALLERY “Between the legible and the opaque: Approaches to 6315 NW 2nd Ave., Miami an ideal in place” with various artists 305-571-2288 Reception October 11, 6 to 9:30 p.m. www.ninajohnson.com October 3 through November 23: BILL BRADY GALLERY “Accidental Pictures” by Anna Betbeze 90 NW 72nd St., Miami “Closer as Love” by Genesis Breyer P-Orridge 305-418-0733 www.billbradygallery.com PAN AMERICAN ART PROJECTS October 11 through November 23: 6300 NW 2nd Ave., Miami “The Four Seasons” by Christopher Page 305-751-2550 Reception October 11, 7 to 9 p.m. www.panamericanart.com Through November 9: THE BONNIER GALLERY “The Diamond’s Shadow” by Carlos Quintana 3408 NW 7th Ave., Miami 305-960-7850 PIERO ATCHUGARRY GALLERY www.thebonniergallery.com 5520 NE 4th Ave., Miami October 3 through November 16: 305-639-8247 “SWIPE” by Lizzie Gill www.pieroatchugarry.com Reception November 7 Contact gallery for exhibition information

BRIDGE RED STUDIOS / PROJECT SPACE ROBERT FONTAINE GALLERY 12425 NE 13th Ave. #5, North Miami 415 Española Way, Miami Beach 305-978-4856 J. Richard Vergez, , detail, acrylic, paper, and 305-397-8530 www.bridgeredstudios.com Divers (Red, Grey, Black) www.robertfontainegallery.com Through November 10: adhesive on wood panel, 2019, at &gallery. Contact gallery for exhibition information “Concrete Jungle: Narrative of Presence” with various artists SPACE MOUNTAIN MIAMI Reception November 10, noon to 3 p.m. DIMENSIONS VARIABLE FABIEN CASTANIER GALLERY 774 NE 71st St., Miami 101 NW 79th St., Miami 45 NE 26th St., Suite A, Miami www.spacemountainmia.org CENTRAL FINE www.dimensionsvariable.net 305-602-0207 Contact gallery for exhibition information 1226 Normandy Dr., Miami Beach Through December 30: www.castaniergallery.com 917-306-1218 “10 — A Decade” with October 13 through November 16: SPINELLO PROJECTS: THE ANNEX www.centralfine.com various artists “From Here to Nowhere” by Mark Jenkins Gesamtkunstwerk Building Through October 19: Reception October 19, 6 p.m. 2930 NW 7th Ave., Miami “Diaphragm” by Georgia Sagri DOT FIFTYONE GALLERY www.spinelloprojects.com 7275 NE 4th Ave., Unit 101, Miami FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY Through October 31: DAVID CASTILLO GALLERY 305-573-9994 1540 NE Miami Ct., Miami “Alone, Together” by Jared McGriff 420 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach www.dotfiftyone.com 305-448-8976 305-573-8110 Through November 24: www.snitzer.com SUPPLEMENT PROJECTS www.davidcastillogallery.com “Fiesta” by Juan José Cambre October 11 through November 16: 230 NE 44th St., Miami Through November 9: “Paradoxically Tied: A Landscape of Permissions” by www.supplementprojects.com “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” by Vaughn Spann EMERSON DORSCH Rafael Domenech Contact gallery for exhibition information 5900 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Reception October 11, 7 to 9 p.m. DIANA LOWENSTEIN GALLERY 305-576-1278 TILE BLUSH 98 NW 29th St., Miami www.emersondorsch.com GARY NADER ART CENTER 8375 NE 2nd Ave., Miami 305-576-1804 October 12 through November 16: 62 NE 27th St., Miami 305-812-6231 www.dianalowensteingallery.com “Effulgence” by Elisabeth Condon 305-576-0256 [email protected] Contact gallery for exhibition information Reception October 12, www.garynader.com www.tileblush.com 6 to 9 p.m. October 3 through October 31:“Latin American Art — Through November 9:

56 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 various artists Ongoing: David’s Pick “From Pencil to Paint” by William J. Glackens A push-pull tension lingers in the mind OOLITE when viewing Jessica Simpson’s Red Sea, a 924 Lincoln Rd., 2nd Floor, Miami Beach 305-674-8278 deftly composed photograph that also man- www.oolitearts.org ages to feel spontaneous. A man reclines in October 16 through December 15: “On the Road II” with various artists the tub, flower petals adorning his nude body, Through February 28, 2020: the water a shade of visceral red, a floral “6:20am-8:41pm / Miami” by Nick Mahshie scarf masking his face. In this series, the Reception October 16, 7 to 9 p.m. artist utilizes the male figure as a stand-in or OOLITE: WINDOWS @ WALGREENS 7340 Collins Ave., Miami Beach shadow of herself, reflected in the obfusca- Through January 12, 2020: tion of the model’s identity. Simpson seeks Harumi Abe solo exhibition October 16 through February 2, 2020: to explore her relationship to shame and Julie Davidow solo exhibition pleasure, and in presenting a male body in an PEREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI atypically vulnerable position, she displaces 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami the feelings of objectification that commonly 305-375-3000 accompany images of the female form. www.pamm.org Jessica Simpson, Red Sea, digital photograph, 2019, at the Through October 20: “El Hombre con el Hacha y Otras Situaciones Breves” National Young Arts Foundation. — David Bennett by Liliana Porter Through January 26, 2020: “American Echo Chamber” by José Carlos Martinat Brian Rideout “More/Less” with various artists Through October 3: WALTMAN ORTEGA FINE ART CORAL GABLES MUSEUM “Look at You, Key West” by Maggie Evans Silverstein THE MARGULIES COLLECTION 305-576-5335 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables Ongoing: 591 NW 27th St., Miami 2300 N. Miami Ave., B, Miami 305-603-8067 “MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida” 305-576-1051 www.waltmanortega.com/ www.coralgablesmuseum.org www.margulieswarehouse.com Through October 15: Through October 4: LOWE ART MUSEUM, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI Contact gallery for exhibition information “Overexposure” by Julien Graizely “The Art of Compassion” with various artists 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables Through November 22: 305-284-3535 THE RUBELL FAMILY COLLECTION WYNWOOD WALLS “Body Landscapes; Designs by Andrea Spiridonakos” www.lowemuseum.org 95 NW 29th St., Miami NW 2nd Avenue between 25th and 26th streets Through March 29, 2020: 305-573-6090 305-573-0658 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY: “Russia Unframed” with various artists www.rfc.museum www.thewynwoodwalls.com PATRICIA AND PHILLIP FROST ART MUSEUM Contact gallery for exhibition information Ongoing: 10975 SW 17th St., Miami MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE MUSEUM OF ART + “Beyond Words” with various artists 305-348-2890 DESIGN THE NATIONAL YOUNGARTS FOUNDATION thefrost.fiu.edu Freedom Tower 2100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami MUSEUM & COLLECTION EXHIBITS Through January 5: 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 305-377-1140 “Art After Stonewall” with various artists 305-237-7700 www.youngarts.org THE BASS MUSEUM OF ART Ongoing: www.mdcmoad.org October 2 through December 13: 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach “Connectivity” with various artists October 24 through January 12, 2020: “Within Interdependence” with various artists 305-673-7530 “Black Power Naps / Siestas Negras” by Navild and Reception October 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.thebass.org INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART, MIAMI Sosa Through October 6: 61 NE 41st St., Miami Through January 12, 2020: THE WOLFSONIAN-FIU “Call & Response: Recent Acquisitions from the 305-901-5272 “Where the Oceans Meet” with various artists 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach Collection” with various artists www.icamiami.org 305-535-2622 Through October 20: “Figuring Self: Portraits from the Through October 6: MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART NORTH www.wolfsonian.org Collection” with various artists “Ettore Sottsass and the Social Factory” by Ettore MIAMI Through January 26, 2020: Through October 24: Sottsass 770 NE 125th St., North Miami “Caricaturas” by Conrado Walter Massaguer “The Coronation of the Virgin” by Sandro Botticelli & “Melee” by Paulo Nazareth 305-893-6211 Through February 2, 2020: Domenico Ghirlandaio Through November 3: www.mocanomi.org “Deco: Luxury to Mass Market” with various artists “Hól?? — it xistz” by Eric-Paul Riege Through October 20: Ongoing: THE BASS: WINDOWS @ WALGREENS “Portals” by Guadalupe Maravilla “South Florida Cultural Consortium (SFCC) 2019” with “Art and Design in the Modern Age: Selections from 7340 Collins Ave., Miami Beach Through November 24: various artists the Wolfsonian Collection” with various artists Contact gallery for exhibition information “Unbranded” by Hank Willis Thomas NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE DE LA CRUZ COLLECTION JEWISH MUSEUM OF SOUTH FLORIDA, FLORIDA 1 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 23 NE 41st St., Miami INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 954-525-5500 305-576-6112 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach www.nsuartmuseum.org Compiled by David Bennett www.delacruzcollection.org 305-672-5044 Through October 30: Send listings, jpeg images, and events information to Through November 15: www.jmof.fiu.edu “Remember to React: 60 Years of Collecting” with [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 57 Culture: EVENTS CALENDAR

Help Our Endangered Bees Master beekeeper Daniel Calzadilla holds a degree in environmental science and sustainability, and a certificate in agroecology (local sustainable farming). And from the looks of his Facebook page, he has been rescuing lots of local hives. Calzadilla returns to Miami Beach Botanical Garden, which has its own apiary, for a Second Saturday Seminar on Beekeeping 101 on Saturday, October 12, 10:00 a.m. to noon. You’ll come away with beekeeping basics and the satisfaction, should you take up the cause, of helping these pollinators maintain the food chain for the rest of us. Free with registration. www.mbgarden.org/calendar. Diavolo’s Spatial Virtuosi Artisan Fair in the Shores At the Arsht (1300 Biscayne Blvd.) on horror (the more horrific the better), and Jacques Heim calls himself an architect The Miami Shores Brockway Memorial Friday, October 18, 8:00 p.m. Tickets comedy (is it cathartic, or just too weird?) of motion. His L.A.-based company Library (10021 NE 2nd Ave.) hosts its $40-$100. www.arshtcenter.org. as they examine urban legends, aliens, Diavolo incorporates acrobatic verve Fourth Annual Artisan Fair on Satur- ghosts, conspiracy theories, and gore from and grace into stunning visual nar- day, October 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 Megustalations, If You Dare! what they call the dark side of humanity. ratives. Among his credits: choreog- p.m., rain or shine, featuring woven, knitted, On Saturday, October 19, at 8:00 p.m., Inappropriate? Too explicit? Not their rapher of Cirque du Soleil’s show Ka stitched, beaded, strung, painted, printed, Last Podcast on the Left hosts Ben Kissel, problem. And loved they are, as their long and a creative director for the opening and sculpted works by numerous local Marcus Parks, and Henry Zebrowski bring run and fans attest. Tickets range from ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in artists and artisans, live folk music, and all their show (i.e., “their deeply informed yet $29.50 to ultra VIP packages of $150. Guangzhou (formerly Canton). Heim kinds of homemade foods. Admission, of juvenile banter,” according to one writer) www.olympiatheater.org. brings two acclaimed works to the course, is free. brockwaylibrary.org. to the Olympia (174 E. Flagler St.). Since Arsht Center (1300 Biscayne Blvd.) for 2011, these guys have spun low-down, Reclaim Your Rest at MOAD one night only: Voyage, a phantasma- Another Year, Another lurid, and Webby Award-winning shows Politics stressing you out? Over at goric journey across the universe, and Monologue that mix true crime (the grislier the better), MOAD MDC (600 Biscayne Blvd.), Trajectoire, an existential study of the It’s the return of Tony winner Eve Ensler’s where the exhibit “Where the Oceans human soul. Date: Saturday, October Obie-winning 1996 Vagina Monologues, Meet” — with works by the late 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30-$85. www. which is performed annually to bring Cuban painter Lydia Cabrera and the arshtcenter.org. attention to V-Day, the global movement late Martinican poet Édouard Glis- to end violence against women and girls. sant — explores the multitudinous ways A performance takes place Saturday, Oc- that borders divide us, you can breathe Members $50, non-members $60, chil- tober 12, 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts deeply and take the edge off with Black dren 12 and under $25. historymiami.org. and Cultural Center (3385 NE 188th St.), Power Naps/Siestas Negras. Artists where you’ll meet a number of characters, Navild Ocasta and Fannie Sosa create Haitian Roots Music at the including a six-year-old child, a septua- an interactive installation that “reclaims Bandshell genarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop laziness and idleness as power.” They’re The Rhythm Foundation returns to the participant, a grandmother who watches quite serious, noting that the creation North Beach Bandshell with Haitian her granddaughter’s birth, a wartime rape Wallcast Opens With a of constant fatigue is a component of voudou rock ’n’ roots legend RAM, survivor, and more. Tickets $35.50-$42.50. Keyboard Wonder historical oppression. The installation featuring vocalist Lunise; bandleader www.aventuracenter.org. It’s the season opener for New World in the skylight gallery offers guided Richard Morse (his mother was the Symphony’s free outdoor Wallcast con- meditations, vibrational sound therapy, dancer/folklorist Emerante de Pradines A Night of Legends and certs, set for Saturday, October 12, at and other restorative measures from Morse); and a band that includes their son. Remembrance 7:30 p.m. in Soundscape Park (400 17th Thursday, October 24, through January Their mizik rasin has been a staple at the Composer and respected jazz trumpeter St., Miami Beach). The featured soloist 12, 2020. www.mdcmoad.org. famed Hotel Oloffson, and both band and Terence Blanchard and his band E- is 29-year-old Russian-born pianist/ hotel have survived an onslaught of politi- Collective — with keyboardist Fabian composer Daniil Trifonov, winner at Miami’s Ghosts & Crime Tours cal crises and natural disasters in Port-au- Almazan, guitarist Charles Altur, bassist age 20 of the International Tchaikovsky It’s the annual Ghosts of Miami City Prince for the past quarter century. Since Donald Ramsey, and drummer Oscar Competition and whom The Times Cemetery Tour with HistoryMiami’s 2015, RAM has also been a mainstay at Seaton — perform an Arsht-commis- of London declared to be “the most Paul George offering a pair of Halloween Krewe du Kanaval, a New Orleans-based sioned multidisciplinary work, Caravan: astounding pianist of our age.” Tri- treks for the intrepid: Friday, October project with the Preservation Hall Jazz A Revolution on the Road. Choreogra- fonov has performed with every major 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and 8:00-10:00 p.m. Band that celebrates the 200-year-old pher Rennie Harris and his Philadelphia- orchestra, and even for a Tiny Desk Members $20, non-members $30, chil- cultural connections between the island based Puremovement hip-hop dance/ Performance. The program features dren 12 and under $10. Meet at Miami and the Crescent City. RAM performs theater company, and sculptor/digital Beethoven’s Egmont Overture; Scri- City Cemetery (1800 NE 2nd Ave.). Saturday, October 26. Doors open at fabric mapping artist Andrew Scott abin’s Piano Concerto; and selections If you still need more of the ghostly 7:00; the show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets (who designed the cover of Blanchard’s from Berlioz’s Romeo and Juliet. A pre- ghastly, sign on for George’s Vice & $25. www.rhythmfoundation.com. elegiac Breathless album, a tribute to concert chat begins an hour before the Crime Coach Tour, whose highlights Eric Garner) add their vision. The work performance. Bring a picnic and comfy include mob and smuggling tales, and Compiled by BT contributor Dinah explores the band’s first tour and the art- folding chairs. www.nws.edu. local scenes of kidnappings and murder McNichols. Please send information and ists’ reflections on Black Lives in our era. Sunday October 27, 1:00-4:00 p.m. images to [email protected].

58 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Columnists: PICTURE STORY Silver Bluff’s Golden Past A view of our past from the archives of HistoryMiami

By Paul S. George as well as the House of Refuge on BT Contributor today’s Miami Beach. With the entry of Henry M. Flagler’s Florida East Coast reater Miami’s many distinctive Railway and the incorporation of the neighborhoods offer a wide array City of Miami in 1896, the area grew Gof architectural styles; retail, in- quickly. Soon several subdivisions began stitutional, and restaurant districts; foli- appearing in Silver Bluff. Some homes ated or non-foliated streets and avenues; from that era of the early 1900s remain. and of course, dizzying demographics. These and other homes made up the Often overlooked in surveys of the area’s newly incorporated Town of Silver Bluff neighborhoods is Silver Bluff, a quiet, in 1921. The municipality’s broad north- attractive enclave whose informal bor- south borders stretched from S. Bayshore ders include Coral Way and U.S. 1 on the Drive to Coral Way and all the way in a north and south, and SW 17th Avenue to northeasterly direction to and including Vizcaya, circa 1955: It once was included within the borders of the Town Photo courtesy of HistoryMiami, Miami News Collection, 1989-011-17790 SW 27th Avenue in an east-west align- Villa Vizcaya on Biscayne Bay. The area of Silver Bluff. ment. But in an earlier era, Silver Bluff between SW 12th Avenue and SW 34th possessed more expansive borders. Avenue represented its east-west axis. was spectacular, as it filled in many of the Paul George is historian at HistoryMi- Named for a silver bluff running The real estate boom of the mid-1920s empty lots left by the collapse of the boom ami Museum. To order a copy of this for miles along or near the crystalline brought many prominent residents and in 1926 with another round of prominent photo, contact HistoryMiami archives waters of Biscayne Bay, the neighbor- picturesque Mediterranean-style homes Miamians. Today’s Silver Bluff is reflec- manager Ashley Trujillo at 305-375-1623, hood hosted early homesteads, like that to the neighborhood, but it also led to its tive of the area’s large Hispanic population [email protected]. of John “Jolly Jack” Peacock, a color- annexation, in 1925, by the expanding but remains a quiet neighborhood with ful 19th-century Englishman who was City of Miami. The community’s growth commercial activity limited to its northern keeper of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, in the affluent era following World War II and western borders. Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 59 Columnists: POLICE REPORTS

Biscayne Crime Beat Compiled by Derek McCann

Trade War Hits Home? so it is with the story of the bicycle lock, 29 NE 11th St. < NE 11th Street purchased at Target because it was cheap. This woman was wanting to check out This employee, who’d secured his bike the burlesque show at the E11EVEN on the rack, later found his lock hanging club, where they also have trapeze acts. sans bike. A witness saw the whole thing During the fun, she received a text and and even knows who did it. Police are checked her cell phone. She put it back now searching. If bike locks are so vul- in her purse, which she zipped shut, she nerable, maybe it’s time to use the bus. says. But it didn’t take her long to find I’ll say the odds are good that another the zipper open and her phone gone. She bike will be stolen at the same location still had her wallet, at least. Attempts to in time for next month’s column. Crime call the phone rendered no results. Three can be so predictable, and we are sorry. days later she was notified her phone smart, with her purse on her the whole Living in the Dark was being activated in China. Dancer’s Gotta Learn More Moves time, cumbersome though it was. But 2300 block of NW 2nd Avenue 600 Block of Biscayne Boulevard then for reasons unknown, she just set it You may conclude, from the above Bike Locks Keep Letting Us Down Sure enough, someone does something down, just for a few minutes. She later police reports, that most people calling 3400 block of N. Miami Avenue dumb and then calls herself a victim. left with the purse but discovered hours in crimes are just plain dumb. Not so! Once again, we have an example of the This woman was dancing along to the later that her driver’s license and cash This woman took extra precautions in system breaking down. What is sup- funky rhymes of “Bad Bunny” and were missing. So stealthy theft once holding on to her purse at the Wynwood posed to make us secure doesn’t. And the riff “I like it.” Now, she started out again slays the dimwitted. taco/bar Coyo Taco, by wrapping the

60 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 straps around her wrist, yet her wallet Eat, Drink, and Be Merry? likely now is being enjoyed by someone mouse, the culprit went right back to the was stolen anyway. The victim said it 6000 Block of Biscayne Boulevard with no knowledge of this silly caper. display and pulled a sharp object out of was very loud and dark, and she has no Two men were obviously looking to hook his pocket. He used his tool to cut open recollection of it being stolen. Her report up. They met two other guys at a local Another Late-Night Bummer one of the display boxes, pulled out was made well after the place was closed. dive bar and the four went back to the 6200 Block of N. Miami Avenue the phone, and walked out of the store. This happened around way late and the motel where they were staying. They The store clerk at a gas station saw a There’s video of the incident. This guy ecstasy had probably already worn off. walked past the prostitutes, as they had man strolling around at the back of the really wanted that phone; maybe he’s That’s a double blunder; go find some their own party ready to go. The two store. He looked sketchy, she later said, found some sort of marketing opportu- light because your night is over and your visitors acted as bartenders, serving end- and all of a sudden, he ran toward the nity for Target and hot phones. identity is no doubt stolen. Why are you less drinks to their hosts. The booze got front, grabbed a bag of M&Ms, and out so late anyway? the better of our amateur drinkers, who sprinted out the door. He got out before Is There No More Goodwill in passed out. And with that, so went their she could activate the automatic front Miami? Practice Your Stance at Your Rolex watches! Each of these dolts had locks — which raises other concerns, 400 Block NE 81st Street Uber Wait money for the better things in life, but like being taken hostage by a Gen Z One would hope there are some kinds of 1000 Block of Biscayne Boulevard fools and their watches are soon parted. store clerk. She told police she knows businesses still off-limits to crooks. No This man was out with his son, enjoy- who that man is, and that he lives in her so, Miami. This particular thrift store ing some bonding time, when he called Smells Fishy neighborhood. That’s a lot of drama for had been hit several times by the same for an Uber. As they waited outside for 1200 Block of W. Flagler St. blue M&Ms, but guess he thought they man over the past month. He’d come in the driver to arrive, a group of young- Man entered a seafood store and headed were worth it. several times a day and randomly take stas walked by. One bumped into him, to the salmon section. He began grab- items, right in the open. Security staff grabbing the cell phone out of his back bing large packs of smoked salmon, and Thug Goes Pro at the Phone didn’t seem to worry this hoodlum. This pocket. Dad didn’t realize it was stolen he did not look like he was intending to Counter time, though, when the man came in, the until after he sat down and didn’t feel pay. Correct. The thief took off, running N. Miami Avenue at 35th Street supervisor grabbed a bullhorn, causing that hard bulge under his butt. He made down Flagler. A store employee tried to A man walked straight to the prepaid cell the man to leave. But when he saw it was calls to the number, but his former phone play hero and chased after him for several phone display area at Target. He began the supervisor, he laughed and grabbed was turned off. So, Miamians, adopt the blocks. The runner dropped a few of the fiddling with one of his packages, which two more items. There’s clear video of k?d? defensive position at all times, es- packages and the employee was able to drew the interest of a store associate, the thug, and investigation is ongoing. pecially when waiting and standing still. retrieve two of them. The well-travelled who sort of chased him away from the You are all huge targets. salmon was returned to the store, and counter. But like a kitten seeing his first Feedback:[email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 61 Columnists: PARK PATROL

Room to Roam — and BT photos by Janet Goodman Much More Miami Beach’s Pinetree Park gets better and better

By Janet Goodman A new, eye-catching and decorative BT Contributor red concrete walkway meanders along the length of coastline, and the shore is t had been nine years since I visited fortifi ed with levee-style, fl ood-resilient Pinetree Park in Miami Beach. I re- construction and a mangrove preserve, Imembered it as a dark place with a thick which are protected from foot traffi c canopy of trees and a fenced-in dog run. by recently improved post-and-double- Since then, a lot of positive changes have chain fencing. occurred at the 7.2-acre pride of Mid-Beach. The city is planning to replace the The City of Miami Beach has 43 fi xed kayak launch with a fl oating one, parks; according to the Trust for Public as it is underwater and unusable during Land, 95 percent of its residents live high tides, and often needs repairs. within a ten-minute walk of at least Design plans for the Mid-Beach The tree canopy has been thinned by storms, allowing in some sunshine one of them. Pinetree Park serves 2545 Community Garden were announced while still providing plenty of shade. of those residents who live within that in late 2010, to be located next to the ten-minute-walk radius. Located at 4411 future kayak launch site in the north- Pinetree Dr., the rectangular-shaped park eastern section of the park, which had has approximately 750 feet of frontage been utilized as the Miami Beach Police along Indian Creek waterway to the east, K-9 training area that since moved to across the water from two historic hotels: the Normandy Park area. The creation the Fontainebleau and the Eden Roc. of this organic garden was originally In 2012, the City of Miami Beach funded with $40,000 as a capital project. installed a kayak launch and gravel- In 2015, a $20,000 grant by Lowe’s covered ramp at the park’s water’s edge, Keep Miami-Dade Beautiful, and ad- which was partially funded by a Florida ditional city funds were used to make Inland Navigation District (FIND) grant. the garden ADA-accessible by install- It’s built for walk-in vessels only; there’s ing a navigable walkway, and 10 of no drive-up boat launch. the 85 new eight-by-eight-foot planter

PINETREE PARK

Park Rating

4411 Pinetree Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33140

Pine Tree Drive Collins Ave 305-861-3616 A new walkway meanders along the length of coastline, fortifi ed with Hours: Sunrise to sunset levee-style construction and a mangrove preserve. Picnic tables: No Pinetree Park Dog park: Yes boxes were raised for those gardeners certifi ed Monarch Butterfl y Garden. Picnic pavilions: No in wheelchairs. On a BT visit to the park in August, Community garden: Yes Plant-bed boxes can only be rented monarchs were seen in the numerous Athletic fi elds: No by garden members. Signs indicate that nectar plants in and around the garden, Night lighting: No Mid-Beach Community Garden is a and a huge fi rebush tree was lit up with Kayak launch: Yes

Pine Tree Drive certifi ed butterfl y garden with the North zebra butterfl ies. There are multiple but-

Collins Ave Playground No American Butterﬂ y Association, and a terﬂ y hatcheries on site. Miami Beach has

62 W 41st St Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 The city is planning to replace the fixed kayak launch with a floating one, as it is underwater during high tides.

The community garden is a certified butterfly garden with the North marketing and communications for the greenspace with huge banyans, native American Butterfly Association. City of Miami Beach, notes that the gumbo limbo and mahogany trees, dog park fencing was installed not so century-old Australian pines, sea grape, long ago and that the sod has been re- and palms. placed multiple times in the past three The once-thick canopy was partly years. The gate connecting the two due to a $10,850 donation in 1999 by the sections is difficult to latch and needs Tropical Audubon Society, accepted by to be serviced. the City of Miami Beach and used to The small-dog area is shaded by a create a coastal maritime hammock of large banyan tree and has a center of native trees at Pinetree Park. Since then, mostly pea gravel mixed with crushed the canopy has been thinned by storms, organic material, followed by a narrow allowing in some sunshine and helping outer ring of natural grass surface. The the grass to grow while still providing area for large dogs is less shaded, with plenty of shade for welcome heat relief. smaller trees but is entirely covered with Berthier says the city has been adding natural grass. more natives to the tree canopy since Recently, several new pieces of Hurricane Irma. agility equipment were installed in the Walkers and cyclists take advantage large-dog section, including hoop jumps, of the park’s asphalt walkways that loop a doggy crawl tunnel, and a series of through all this lovely greenery. stepping paws platforms. The entrance to Pinetree Park is Miami Beach has five additional nicely landscaped with fountain grass dog parks: South Pointe Park, Belle and attractive fencing made of embossed Isle Park, North Beach Oceanside Park, limestone and concrete blocks connected Flamingo Bark Park, and Washington by chains. A bike rack, human/canine Giant banyans like this one provide plenty of shade — and beauty as well. Avenue Bark Park. Bark Beach isn’t water fountain, a pet waste station with fenced but allows dogs. bags, and side-by-side garbage and recy- two other community gardens: Joseph J. and each enclosure has a human/canine Four pet waste stations and numer- clable bins sit nearby. Parking is plenti- Vallari Victory Garden aka South Beach water fountain (one is a recent addition) ous garbage receptacles (I lost count, ful here. The lot at the Pinetree Drive Victory Garden, and North Beach Com- and three new green metal park bench- there were so many) are placed in entrance has 15 spaces plus a handicap munity Garden at Parkview Annex. es. For pet safety, there’s a double- high-volume areas of Pinetree Park. New spot. Signage indicates free three-hour On the opposite end of the park, to gated entrance and a recent addition of hybrid metal/recycled plastic benches parking, but three hours may not be the south, is the sizable fenced-in dog another “pet foyer” between the small are everywhere, too, and are essential for enough. This is a park you’ll likely want park built in 2001 with funds from and large dog areas. visitor relaxation. But above and beyond to hang out in all day. a general obligation bond. There are In an e-mail exchange with the BT, all these nice amenities is the beauti- separate runs for small and large dogs, Melissa Berthier, assistant director of fully landscaped and well-maintained Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 63 Columnists: PET TALK Laws for Paws The Animal Legal Defense Fund releases state rankings

By Janet Goodman one-year imprisonment and/or a $1000 fine. BT Contributor • The state has “Good Samaritan” laws protecting rescuers of pets left unat- he 13th annual report published by tended in vehicles in extreme conditions. the Animal Legal Defense Fund • Florida’s aggravated cruelty offense Tevaluates and ranks animal pro- is a third-degree felony, punishable by tection laws by state and territory after five years in prison and/or a $5000 fine. reviewing thousands of statutes. • Various animal fighting activities, The Animal Law Section of the Flor- and injuries. Since 2006, its U.S. Animal Protec- including being a spectator at a fight, are ida Bar (www.flabaranimals.org) works Dietz views recent state legislation to tion Laws Ranking Report has assessed third-degree felonies, punishable by five to “inform Florida Bar members and the phase out greyhound racing by 2020 a big different categories of animal protection years in prison and/or a $5000 fine. public of developments in animal law,” success for the Animal Law Section. Their law; the Defense Fund considered 19 • Confinement/abandonment of animals according to its website. The group ac- public discussions led to the November categories in its latest report is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by complishes this through social media sites, 2018 Ballot Amendment 13 approval by Illinois has had the strongest animal one year in prison and/or a $5000 fine. seminars, and speaking engagements. voters. She’s also keeping her eye on the protection laws 11 years running. For • Anyone convicted of felony animal Jennifer Dietz is a Tampa attorney, ad- reintroduction of the federal Preventing 2018, the top 15 states are: Illinois, cruelty must undergo psychological junct professor at Stetson University College Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT) in Oregon, Maine, Colorado, Massachu- counseling or complete an anger man- of Law, and one of a handful of attorneys a future session of congress. setts, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Califor- agement treatment program. who co-founded the Animal Law Commit- The law section’s website notes: “In nia, Washington, Indiana, Texas, Michi- The Animal Legal Defense Fund tee in 2004. Over the succeeding 12 years, 2018, the Board of Governors granted gan, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania. (ALDF, www.aldf.org), founded in 1979, Dietz was instrumental in meeting the crite- our request for permission to support The ten states with the weakest animal is considered the nation’s leading legal ria to petition the Florida Bar in 2016 for the legislation that would increase the dam- protection laws: Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, advocacy organization for animals. The committee to become a “section” of the bar. ages permitted in cases involving the North Dakota, Utah, New Mexico, Wyo- group’s mission statement: “To protect “Getting section status now gives us greater death and injury of companion animals; ming, Iowa, Mississippi, Kentucky. the lives and advance the interests of standing in the legal community,” she tells legislation that would add threats against Among Florida’s animal law animals through the legal system.” the BT, but explains while the Law Section companion animals to the statutes related weaknesses: The ALDF sponsors more than 200 can inform the public and discuss issues, it to seeking domestic violence injunctions; • Florida doesn’t mandate post- student chapters (SALDF) on college can’t lobby elected officials. and legislation and regulations that would conviction animal possession bans of campuses, mostly in the United States Dietz speaks on behalf of the Animal prevent the hunting of bears in Florida.” persons convicted of animal cruelty. and Canada. These groups are important Law Section at seminars and the annual High on Dietz’s wish list for Florida is • Doesn’t mandate court-ordered psy- for the education and advancement of Florida Bar Convention held each June. mandatory spay and neuter legislation for chiatric evaluations and treatment for those animal protection laws. Her seminar at Stetson has a waiting dogs and cats over six months old. Rhode convicted of misdemeanor animal abuse. The organization, in collaboration list and she supports the student ALDF Island has adopted similar legislation for • Doesn’t mandate veterinarians to with Lewis & Clark Law School in chapter on campus. cats only, and Los Angeles has some of report suspected animal cruelty. Portland, inaugurated the school’s Center “There’s a great need for more the toughest pet sterilization laws. • Doesn’t mandate that multiple acts of for Animal Law Studies in 2008. Every attorneys practicing animal law,” she animal cruelty against an animal be charged October since 1993, ADLF and the law says. In 2010 she established her own Janet Goodman is principal of Good with a separate offense for each act. school host an Animal Law Conference, firm, Animal Law Attorneys, the first Dog Bad Dog Inc. Contact her at info@ Florida strengths: a gathering of students, legal profession- in Florida to specialize exclusively in gooddogbaddogmiami.com. • Florida outlaws the sexual assault of als, scholars, and activists involved in animal law, handling such areas as pet animals, with a misdemeanor penalty of animal advocacy. custody, wills and trusts, pet lemon law, Feedback: [email protected]

Your Best Maid Ever!

• Eco-Friendly Cleaning • Luxury Condo Specialist • Home Maintenance Packages • Balcony and Windows • Light to Extensive Cleaning

Follow�� Us on Instagram @maidservices4u Carmen561-577-9363 Flores Se Habla Español

64 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Columnists: FAMILY MATTERS Morningside Takes Back the Street It’s Kidical Mass, so get on your bikes and ride! BT photo by Stuart Sheldon

By Stuart Sheldon and new skyscrapers, in wonder at the BT Contributor fabulous crazy of it all. It’s hard to be blue on a bike; each magine the street in front of your pedal turn tickles the kid in us — and home abuzz with joyful clusters of reminds us to get outside and celebrate Igiggling kids of all ages on bicycles, community. That celebration gets turbo- easing down the road, dinging their charged when you’re a massive squad thumb bells and popping wheelies. with total control of the streets. It’s hard to be blue on a bike as each pedal turn tickles the kid in us. Afternoon sunlight dapples lawns while As its name makes clear, Furst’s delighted parents ride along beside their creation is about the children. Filmmaker There were three rides in 2018 and two dampen the fun and parents can truly kids or hang back, chatting with the John Lasseter produced Finding Nemo, already in 2019. The goal is to make it relax. After the ride, Morningside chil- neighbor across the street about what’s Frozen, and Monsters Inc., among others, monthly. The May event this year drew dren, parents, and friends gathered for a good in the hood. and knows a bit about child psychology. over 130 neighbors. “I wanted to cel- block party. Kids hopped off their bikes Everyone’s invited to this rolling He’s reported to have said, “I worry about ebrate the joy of childhood bike rides on and, without missing a beat, ran around party: friends, neighbors, relatives, you. kids today not having time to build a tree- a summer night with friends. Morning- with their pals, continuing the good, old- Welcome to Kidical Mass. house or ride a bike or go fishing. I worry side’s beautiful, wide streets are perfect fashioned fun. Neighbors kicked in food The brainchild of Rachel Furst, a that life is getting faster and faster.” for biking,” says Furst, “and by joining and drink, and welcomed the weekend Morningside resident and mother of two, With two children ages 9 and 11, I together as a neighborhood and with the as a big happy tribe. When an ice-cream Kidical Mass is modeled after Critical Mass, can relate, and I revel in every chance police, we’re able to explore them safely.” truck rolled up, the kids went bananas. the iconic monthly bike rides enjoyed in my kids have to get out of the house, play The basic program has everyone Instant community. major urban centers around the country and with old friends, and make new ones. No gather at 6:00 p.m. in a central place. Eli Stiers, president of the Morning- described in Wikipedia: “A form of direct screens. No cost. No stress. At 6:15, wheels roll. The ride lasts 40 side Civic Association, says, “Kidical action in which people meet at a set location Kidical Mass is totally analog and minutes or so. The pace is relaxed, so the Mass has been a revelation for kids and and time and travel as a group through their totally free. Adults benefit just as much little ones can go at a comfortable speed families in the neighborhood. When you neighborhoods on bikes.... Based on the old as kids with Furst’s brilliant community- while grownups chat. A route is e-mailed take the streets away from cars, if only for mantra ‘There’s safety in numbers,’ a Criti- building tool. While enjoying nature, before the ride, and anyone who arrives a little while, and you give that space back cal Mass is a traffic jam on bikes — though parents and neighbors get to know one late can join the group; a massive cluster to the people through safe group activities often cheerier.” another and the local landscape, shar- of bicycles shouldn’t be hard to find. like this, something amazing happens. It In other words, bikes rule, and stop ing a languid cruise through their own Says Furst: “Bikes, trikes, babies in baby strengthens neighborhoods, and it makes signs and traffic lights don’t exist during streets. Morningside neighbor Jacqueline seats, big kids, little kids — all welcome! everyone feel better about where they live.” Critical Mass. Ledon summed it up perfectly: “It’s The larger the group, the more fun the I spent the 1999 millennium New such a nice way to get in a little exercise, kids will have.” Stuart Sheldon is an award-winning Year’s Eve in a Critical Mass, riding enjoy the fresh air, and get to know our Before the first event, Furst ap- artist, author, and Miami native. Follow down the center of Market Street in San neighbors.” Every Miami neighborhood proached the police officers assigned to him on Facebook, Instagram @stuart_ Francisco with 5000 people in costumes. should do this. the neighborhood, and they happily vol- sheldon and his blog, FancyNasty.us. I recall riding no-hands and throwing Started in 2018, the ride has quickly unteered to escort the ride on their own my head back and staring up at the old become a beloved Morningside ritual. bicycles; this way, no traffic mishaps Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 65 Columnists: YOUR GARDEN

No Fuss, No Fertilizer

The bird’s nest anthurium is a near-perfect ornamental BT photo by Jeff Shimonski

By Jeff Shimonski likes lots of organic matter and does best BT Contributor on a pile of decomposing wood or palm trunks. here are many great ornamental These plants never need to be fertil- plant species we can grow in our ized. Because of the way the leaves are TSouth Florida gardens that don’t arranged, they act as compost collectors, require massive amounts of horticul- collecting fallen organic matter. The tural chemicals and commercial fertil- more light the plant is growing in, the izers. And with temperatures becoming tighter the rosette of leaves. warmer, our plant palette is increasing. When growing in trees as an epi- Once I had to be careful to protect plants phyte, its own roots will begin to grow A nice epiphytic bird’s nest anthurium. from winter’s low nighttime tempera- straight up into the decomposing matter tures or treat the damaged foliage and in the center of the rosette. This is a very the fruit of the bird’s nest anthurium. It plant. The red fruit are obvious to birds trunks of cold-stressed plants, but that is efficient way for the plant to get nutrients was called the inflorescence when it held and small animals that will eat them and now hardly the case. in an area where it would otherwise be rows of tiny flowers; it is now called the eventually disperse the seeds. The aroid family of plants is one very difficult with no roots growing down infructescence since it is holding fruit. When the bird’s nest anthuriums are that is typically vulnerable to low tem- to the base of the tree and into the ground. The fruit are small and arranged growing on the ground, the infructes- peratures and doesn’t tolerate frost. We’d Bird’s nest anthuriums don’t grow kind of like corn on a cob. You can pick cence will end up on the ground, being see damage and leaf loss when tempera- very long roots. Their roots absorb water off an individual fruit, and when you pushed away from the plant and obvious tures dropped into the low 40s for just a and nutrients, and help the plant stay at- squeeze it, one or two seeds should pop to fruit dispersers. few hours. Lower than 40 degrees, and tached to the tree branch, but this is not out. These seeds are usually viable, i.e., I have quite a few bird’s nest an- the plants would die outright. a hemi-epiphyte that grows on a tree and you can plant them. thuriums, of different species, growing The photograph that accompanies has roots in the ground. Don’t eat the fruit; and try to in my landscape, mostly on the ground. this article is of a bird’s nest anthurium, The strength of the attached roots is keep the juice off your skin. The sap Since they can grow in darker areas, or Anthurium salviniae, an aroid that’s quite formidable. A healthy bird’s nest in aroids, and this holds for the entire they’re good to “plug up” holes in the growing as an epiphyte on one of my live anthurium will stay attached to the tree, family, can be quite caustic. The sap landscape or areas where you just want oak trees. I planted a small, hand-sized even in hurricanes. The leaves will shred from some aroid species will cause the some green foliage. seedling on that large branch about 20 but will eventually grow back, forming skin on my arms to itch for a while, and Every landscape needs a few, and years ago and forgot about it. It’s now another rosette. This particular plant has I know people can be much more sensi- they don’t need to be fertilized. in its typical habitat, growing in the gone through four hurricanes. tive than I am. branches of a tree. It is not a parasite, To take this photo, I climbed a This plant in the photo has several Jeff Shimonski is an ISA-certified arbor- meaning it doesn’t take nutrients from ladder to remove some of lower-hanging inflorescences. They begin by growing ist municipal specialist, retired director the tree or grow roots into the branch. leaves that had been damaged in Hurri- straight up, then eventually poke out of of horticulture at Parrot Jungle and This bird’s nest anthurium will also cane Irma. Those leaves were more than the leaves at a right angle, where they’re Jungle Island, and principal of Tropical grow on the ground. If given enough two years old, still green, and manufac- likely to be pollinated by small flies and Designs of Florida. Contact him at jeff@ space, the leaves will form a perfectly turing food for the plant. beetles at night. Once the fruit begins to tropicaldesigns.com. round rosette of foliage, with individual Notice the long red thing in the set and the whole structure get heavier, it leaves growing six to seven feet long. It photo. This is the structure that holds hangs straight down. Pretty smart for the Feedback: [email protected]

Residential and Commercial WWindowind Cleaning and Carpet Cleaning TTop Rated on Yelp and Google Licensed and Insured 305-757-0575305-757-0575 941 NE 79th St., Miami, FL 33138 • [email protected] www.maidgreen.com

66 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Columnists: GOING GREEN A Man for All Seasons Meet the everyman of Florida weathermen

By Kim Ogren intimately but don’t always admit it to: the BT Contributor excitement and anticipation of storms, the sense of community they evoke, the des- lorida’s No. 1 hurricane hobbyist, perate need to prepare efficiently, and our known to his nearly 900,000 Face- brewing terror from recent experiences. He Fbook followers, friends, and family guides you to a pragmatic, light-humored, as Mike, is a breath of fresh air. and objective understanding and apprecia- Mike’s Weather Page (spaghettimodels. tion of what you might be in for. And while com) is where you can find some of the best, he stops short of telling you what to do, he most useful, up-to-the-minute assessments enables you to make decisions for yourself. of current tropical conditions. His Facebook Fans tell him all day long how much Screenshot of Mike’s Weather Page. feed of the same name utilizes information he’s appreciated. “I have been a huge fan compiled on his website, which he created of yours for years,” a Boca Raton support- column. NOAA layoffs and privatization of the Gulf Stream. His thinking out for his personal use following the 2004 er posts. “You are informative, detailed, have occurred as predicted, and FEMA’s loud even teaches you how to think for hurricane season that brought us Charley, straight-no-hype delivery, empathetic, budget has been slashed and rerouted. yourself, which is far more valuable than Frances, Ivan, and Matthew in a span of a dedicated, and a huge calming force with We are all realizing we’re on our telling you what to think. few months. prevention and caution at the forefront... own. Just ask the victims of Hurricanes The song “Back in the Cone Again” “I was surfing the Internet looking and...don’t forget HUMOR, your sweetly Michael and Dorian. Oh, and by the way, plays during the moments before his for spaghetti models and graphics, and funny. I sent you a painting that I made...a Mike’s warnings about Michael’s poten- reliably scheduled live broadcasts. No got so frustrated trying to find any,” small token of our appreciation.” tial proved more accurate, earlier, than wonder his popularity is growing. He’s Mike Boylan tells the BT. “So I started His timing is perfect. As storms have local news. Agency professionals ap- the perfect antidote in a perfect storm. the page to place them on one easy spot.” slowed down and behave less predictably, preciate and coordinate with him. After Mike transcends two sensibilities — The website and his multiple daily impulsive ticks seem to shoot like fire- all, it’s their data Mike utilizes. There’s self-determination and universalism — Facebook posts and live videos are works from the mouths of professional plenty of evidence of this throughout that in any other context would create a fueled by early childhood experiences of broadcasters. They’re wired to provide his posts in photos and testimonials. breeding ground for conflict. watching weather reports for approach- new information even when there isn’t Emergency operations centers rely on “We all need to hear something to ing hurricanes. His lifelong obsession any. The resulting speculation can kill a him. Another post: “The Emergency feel like we’re not alone,” he says. He’s has turned into a full-blown suite of person’s adrenal system, as was the case Management Manager of Hilton Head at once special and regular. He’s as services that take government agencies, with Irma’s painfully slow slog that had Island recommended your site to us at a surprised and is delighted as anyone broadcast media, and scientists to fill. a potential cone of impact reaching from pre-season seminar years ago!” that he’s building this community while The 45-year-old refined his personal in- Havana to Savannah. But Mike doesn’t You learn about the world around avoiding any real criticism — a feat unto terests, a degree in marketing, and train- have to fill air time. If there isn’t news, you when you watch a live broadcast. It’s itself. He takes what comes at him in ing as an IT professional as the ultimate he’ll tell you so, and suggest a cold beer. like there’s a climate literacy effort under stride with a little excitement and plea- side hustle that can deprive him of sleep He has that hyperlocal relevancy the way being led by a citizen scientist from sure for being helpful. for days on end if conditions warrant. Weather Channel wishes it had. a spare bedroom in a house in Oldsmar, We should be thankful for Mike as “Things can change fast in the trop- Along with the changes in the cli- at the northern tip of Old Tampa Bay. we weather today’s storms. He’s earned ics,” he reminds us. mate, storms, and the media landscape, Half a million people better understand our trust and become a Florida Man we Mike is authentic. His lived experi- the government’s role and capacity to the relationships between African dust, can actually be proud of. ence helps followers navigate the conflict- help are devolving before our eyes. I deep-sea upwellings, and steering cur- ing emotions we Floridians understand wrote about this in an October 2018 rents. They can tell you about the state Feedback: [email protected]

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 67 Columnists: VINO

Around the World in Seven Pinot Noirs Red, white, and you: Agreeable wine for $15 or less

By Jacqueline Coleman Did someone say Italy? The land of of anything that really BT Contributor ancient Roman ruins, gelato, pizza and enhances it. Faint cherry pasta galore — but Pinot Noir? Perhaps and raspberry flavors are ow do you challenge yourself as you typically visit France for a European discernable, but the finish a wine drinker? Often we get Pinot; but venture down to the country is quick, leaving more Hstuck in ruts of wine monotony of amore and taste the 2018 Le Col- time for our next stop. where we find ourselves pulling the same line Limited Edition Pinot Noir for a We are transported bottles off the shelves to settle in for a sturdier version. Medium-bodied and not to Chile’s Central Valley night of drinking what is comfortable. too flabby, this Italian take on a classic wine region by the 2018 Maybe we feel that branching out for a has ripe fruit in all the right places and Autoritas Pinot Noir. The Recas Castle Pinot Noir is $5.99, the new bottle is a financial risk because doesn’t leave you wanting more than From a very stripped- Corvallis Pinot Noir is $14.99, and Le Colline we aren’t sure if we’ll enjoy it. Yet one its worth. At just under $10, the price is down Pinot to one that Limited Edition Pinot Noir is $9.99 at the North of the greatest things about drinking right for Le Colline to whisk you away has a complex bouquet Miami Total Wine & More (14750 Biscayne Blvd., wine is that when you pour yourself a for a bottle’s worth of Italian holiday. of aromas ranging from 305-354-3270). Whole Foods Market in downtown glass, you’re transported to another place If you’re feeling adventurous, try a an herbal earthiness to (305-995-0600) carries Line 39 Pinot Noir for and time, so the idea is to stretch your jaunt to Romania through a bottle of 2017 plums and black fruits, $11.99 and the Autoritas Pinot Noir for $7.99. comfort zone. Recas Castle Pinot Noir. Though I can’t our Chilean tour guide Valckenberg Undone and Vampire Pinot Noirs are Where is the wine from? What year guarantee a Dracula sighting, this wine demonstrates the use of both $9.99 at the North Miami ABC Fine Wine and were those grapes still hanging on the does come from the land of Transylvania, oak aging with this wine. Spirits (14025 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-6525). vines? The contents of the bottle make it where the oldest records for the vineyards In the mouth, the fruit possible for you to travel to Italy, Cali- associated with this winery date back to flavors melt away, as does the complexity, glide into robust raspberry and cherry fla- fornia, Oregon, or even Romania without 1447. Just as the count himself, this Pinot leaving us with a mix of spice and herbs vors supported by noticeable tannins and leaving your dinner table. That specific is dark, but not quite as foreboding. In that feels as distant as South American held together in a firm body in the mouth. bottle of wine is a capture of a place fact, the aromas of blackberries, black wine country. Arguably the land of Pinot in the U.S. and time, and tells you exactly what the cherry, and vanilla are luring, and the fla- Back in the United States, we visit is Willamette Valley in Oregon, where the climate was like where those vines were vors on the tongue won’t scare you away. California via two Pinots that represent the 2017 Corvallis Cellars Pinot Noir will growing, and the style of the specific Soft and pleasant, and at $5.99 a bottle, “big California” wine style. The 2017 Vam- take you with one taste. Fragrant floral winemaker, and it allows you to taste the you won’t have to give up your life for a pire Pinot Noir may be just ripe for your aromas alongside spice and cherry coke land as it is expressed by what’s inside. drop of this red liquid. Halloween dinner table. Pungent jammy complement that Oregon “terroir” from Journey with me around the world Drinking Pinot Noir from Germany fruit like pomegranate dominate, without the nose to the palate. Elegant but rustic through these seven bottles of Pinot Noir, sounds glamorous, but the 2017 Valcken- much else holding together the structure. can describe the sense of place here, as all of which can be found just minutes berg Undone Pinot Noir keeps it simple. The 2017 Line 39, named after the Oregon Pinots like Corvallis Cellars from your door but can transport you A self-proclaimed “naked” flavored wine, 39th parallel that runs through California always bring you back to their home. miles away to a different place and time Undone is packing light as the most basic wine country, is a more pleasing California while you imbibe. of Pinots, with no oak influence or much Pinot, with typical red fruit and cola that Feedback: [email protected]

68 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Columnists: DISH Where to Eat With Your Dog Food news we know you can use

By Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne area is expansive, with room for your Rubin-Anderson pooch to play, but only during the day- BT Contributors time; at night, the venue gets slammed with only enough room for humans. BT photo by Dianne Rubin-Anderson ining out is more fun in a Another place with ample space for group. So why not bring your both owner and dog: Ms. Cheezious (7418 Ddog along? Unfortunately, due Biscayne Blvd., 305-989-4019) in MiMo. to health codes and other laws, taking While known for its gooey and delicious your pup to restaurants can be a hassle. grilled cheese sandwiches, the business It’s not impossible, though. If outdoor has recently started expanding its menu of- seating is available, you and your dog ferings with fun pop-ups. One of the more can usually be accommodated. And popular ones is Good Time BBQ, where some restaurants feature treats or menus you can enjoy mountains of smoked ribs, The 33 1/3 Roll from B-Side. specifically for dogs. It’s just a matter of brisket, and wings. Order some grub, and finding these places. chill out together in the spacious backyard. on this side of town that sells bubble tea, who want something sweet to balance all One spot that’s dog-friendly is Kush You can track the pop-ups on Ms. Cheezi- the Taiwanese treat known for its signa- the savory stuff should order the apple (2003 N. Miami Ave., 305-576-4500), ous’s social media pages. ture tapioca pearls. cinnamon cereal, a vanilla soft-serve the popular burger joint on the border of Feeling healthy? The Alchemist Up in North Miami Beach, plant- dessert mixed with Cinnamon Toast Wynwood. The interior is tiny, but the Aventura (17830 W. Dixie Highway, based eaters are raving about the new Crunch and Apple Jacks. outside seating area is perfect for you and 786-916-3560) offers a variety of lighter, Holi Vegan Kitchen (3099 NE 163rd St., your dog to set up shop. You can enjoy European-influenced fare. Their claim to 786-520-3120), where soups, salads, sand- CLOSINGS one of the eatery’s signature burgers like fame is the slicer, an open-faced sandwiches, and pizzettas abound. Highlights Restaurants closings have — thankfully the Johnny Utah with pastrami, diced wich on Tuscan bread with toppings like like the jerk tempeh panini and Impossible — been few and far between as of late. onions, and cheddar cheese, or Kush’s mozzarella, avocado, shrimp, and melted meat-ball sandwich make for a hearty But some local eateries couldn’t escape famous Florida alligator bites. Rotating brie. Should you need a pick-me-up, lunch, as do the warm Tex-Mex bowl and the slow season’s wrath this year. One of draft selections include rare finds that will the cafe’s signature golden coffee with mushroom flatbread pizzetta. The restau- the more notable restaurant closings is C help wash everything down. Meanwhile, espresso, turmeric, cinnamon, coconut rant also serves breakfast with vegan takes Si Bon in Edgewater. The business bid water bowls and plain burger patties oil, and grass-fed ghee is a must. While on scrambles, waffles, and pancakes. diners adieu, leaving the area with one should keep your pooch happy and fed. you chow down, your dog will be pam- Further north, Food Network celeb- less option for French cuisine. If your dog needs more space to pered with doggy bowls. rity chef Guy Fieri opened his first South roam — or you want something lighter Florida outpost of Chicken Guy (Aven- Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Ru- to nosh on — walk over to 1-800-Lucky OPENINGS tura Mall, 19565 Biscayne Blvd., Suite bin-Anderson are co-founders of Miami (143 NW 23rd St., 305-768-9826), a few In non-dog news, downtown Miami re- 2946, 305-428-2444). This fast-casual Food Pug, an award-winning South blocks north. The Asian food hall fea- cently welcomed Sovereign (22 NE 3rd ode to poultry keeps things simple with a Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s tures all types of staples like dumplings, Ave., 786-534-8712) to the neighborhood. menu comprised of chicken tenders and love of dogs and food. poke, ramen, and more. Our recom- This new location for the Plantation- chicken sandwiches. Fieri prides himself mendations: the inventive sushi rolls at based Asian fusion shop features crowd on the sauce selection; guests have 22 to Send us your tips and alerts: B-Side and the perfect-for-Miami-weath- favorites, such as spicy tuna poke bowls, choose from. Flavors include Nashville [email protected] er ice cream from Taiyaki (you can’t pork bao buns, shrimp dumplings, and hot honey, sweet sriracha BBQ, cumin miss the fish waffle cone). The outdoor miso soup. It’s also one of the few places lime mojo, and lemon pepper. Customers Feedback: [email protected]

)DVW 5HOLDEOH6HUYLFHDW&RPSHWLWLYH5DWHV

%LQGLQJ /DPLQDWLRQ :HVKLSYLD &RPSXWHU5HQWDO &RS\)D[3ULQW6FDQ 0DLOER[5HQWDO 1RWDU\VHUYLFHV 3DFNLQJ6HUYLFHV 6XSSOLHV :H UHULJKWLQ\RXUQHLJKERUKRRG '$'( %52:$5' 1(QG $YH 0LUDPDU3DUNZD\ 0LDPL6KRUHV)/ 0LUDPDU)/ ZZZUSVSDFNQVKLSFRP ZZZUSVFRXULHUFRP

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 69 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

Restaurant Listings The Biscayne Corridor’s most comprehensive restaurant guide. Total this month: 250 Big Poppas Empanadas is sure to delight fans of the NEW THIS MONTH namesake snack. These beloved “meat pies” are entirely Restaurant listings for the BT Dining Guide are American Social customizable at this Wynwood storefront. Pick your pro- written by Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin 690 SW 1st Ct., 305-223-7004 tein — chicken, steak, or fish to name a few — and then top of Miami Food Pug (MFP), Andrew McLees (AM), The gastropub grows up, offering a huge modern playground your empanada off with sweet plantains, cheese, bacon, Mandy Baca (MB), and the late Pamela Robin for the social butterfly to enjoy all aspects of life. From indul- MIAMI pepperoni, and more. Voracious eaters can choose a bowl gent chicken and waffles at brunch to open-faced short rib with the same options or munchies like hand-cut fries and Brandt (PRB) ([email protected]). flatbreads at dinner, dozens of craft beers and a long list of cheese sticks. The menu may be concise, but most palates Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, cocktails for happy hour, flat-screen TVs to watch all the impor- BRICKELL / DOWNTOWN will find something delicious here. $ (MFP) but restaurants frequently change menus, chefs, tant games, and even an area to dock your boat. Your most dif- and operating hours, so please call ahead to ficult task will be choosing between plush indoor seating and Sovereign Le Jardinier confirm information. Icons ($$$) represent esti- outdoor riverside seating. $$-$$$$ (MB) 22 NE 3rd Ave., 786-534-8712 151 NE 41 St., Suite 135, 305-402-9060 mates for a typical meal without wine, tax, or tip. Arson Bubble tea in Miami is a rare sight. And in downtown Miami, Le Jardinier by Joël Robuchon makes it easy to eat your Hyphenated icons ($-$$$) indicate a significant 104 NE 2nd Ave., 786-717-6711 it’s practically nonexistent — at least it was until Sovereign vegetables. Here, proteins take a backseat to the veggies. range in prices between lunch and dinner. James Beard-nominated chef Deme Lomas is known for his opened. The Asian fusion fast-casual spot offers the This should come as no surprise to diners, considering the Spanish tapas restaurant NIU Kitchen in downtown Miami, Taiwanese treat with its trademark tapioca pearls, plus hearty concept’s name and lively green aesthetic. Just as impres- $ = $10 and under but his latest venture is poised to steal the spotlight. Located poke bowls full of tuna, salmon, and other fresh fish. Non- sive as the décor is the food. Dishes aren’t cheap — prices just a stone’s throw from NIU Kitchen, Arson remedies some bowl house specialties round out the offerings and include the mostly range from high teens to 40s — but you’re getting $$ = $20 of that restaurant’s shortcomings — a tight space and limited likes of Korean glass noodles, bao buns, and chili beef. Come what you pay for. As for highlights, consider the Maine scal- $$$ = $30 menu — to craft a distinct yet familiar experience that will hungry to make the most of your visit. $ (MFP) lops, roasted lobster, and fingerling gnocchi — they make $$$$ = $40 appeal to NIU fans and first-timers alike. The Josper charcoal quite the first impression. $$-$$$$$ (MFP) oven makes meats like the Patagonian lamb chops and Angus World Famous House of Mac $$$$$ = $50 and over grass-fed skirt steak come out perfect; one bite of either will 600 NW 1st Ave., 786-636-6967 entice you to order a second round. $$$ (MFP) The first rule of visiting World Famous House of Mac: Don’t AVENTURA / HALLANDALE tell your doctor. Located inside Virgin Miami Central Station, Balans House of Mac is known for its mesmerizing mountains of Levy’s Shawarma MIAMI 901 S. Miami Ave., (Mary Brickell Village), 305-534-9191 pasta. You can keep things classic with a five-cheese truffle 3575 NE 207th St., 305-974-4899 Brickell / Downtown Open until 4:00 a.m. on weekends, this London import iteration or go bigger with pizza mac, surf and turf mac, or If you see a place named Levy’s Shawarma, it’s safe to say (Miami’s second Balans) offers a sleeker setting than its peren- beef and broccoli mac. Don’t ignore the non-mac offerings, they serve shawarma. But at this Aventura fast-casual spot, nially popular Lincoln Road progenitor, but the same simple yet though. The buttermilk fried chicken and waffles is a sleep- the name doesn’t tell the entire story. Other Israeli delights ADDiKT sophisticated global menu. The indoor space can get mighty er hit. And yes, there are salads as well. $$ (MFP) abound here as well, such as matzah ball soup, schnitzel, 485 Brickell Ave., 305-503-0373 loud, but lounging on the dog-friendly outdoor terrace, over a chicken shishkabab, and lamb chops. For something more So long, 15th and Vine. The now-shuttered W Miami restaurant rich croque monsieur (which comes with an alluringly sweet/ familiar, dig into the monstrous pastrami burger or some has been replaced by a more playful, approachable spot: sour citrus-dressed side salad), a lobster club on onion toast, MIDTOWN / WYNWOOD / DESIGN DISTRICT BBQ ribs. No matter what, save room for the heavenly ADDiKT. While the dishes have cheeky names like “Banh-Who? some surprisingly solid Asian fusion item s, and a cocktail is chocolate babka. It’s perfect for sharing, but you won’t Banh-Me” (a Vietnamese pork belly sandwich) and “Juan in one of Miami’s more relaxing experiences. $$-$$$ (PRB) Big Poppas Empanadas want to. $-$$$ (MFP) a Million” (shrimp tacos), this is some serious international 2324 N. Miami Ave., 305-456-2337 cuisine. The view alone is worth the visit — any seat offers a Bali Café breathtaking look at Brickell. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and 109 NE 2nd Ave., 305-358-5751 dinner. No matter the meal, the creative menu will keep you While Indonesian food isn’t easy to find in Miami, downtown on your toes. $$-$$$ (MFP) has secret stashes — small joints catering to cruise-ship and Miami now have reason to smile. Renowned chef Daniel jalapeño sauce, are irresistible. Bonus: A specialty market/ construction workers. This cute, exotically decorated café Boulud hasn’t given up on South Florida. He’s brought down deli with imported packaged goods, cheeses, pastries, Alloy Bistro has survived and thrived for good reason. The homey cook- his popular Mediterranean concept Boulud Sud to fill the more. $$$ (PRB) 154 SE 1st Ave., 786-773-2742 ing is delicious, and the friendly family feel encourages even space. Items like lamb flatbread, grilled octopus, and Baharat Deep within the bowels of an otherwise unspectacular swath the timid of palate to try something new. Novices will want chicken have replaced the French-focused fare of Sud’s pre- Casa Tua Cucina of urban sprawl lies a small but wondrous urban oasis where Indonesia’s signature rijsttafel, a mix-and-match collection of decessor. Although much of the restaurant has changed, one 70 SW 7th St., 305-755-0320 the food is fresh, creative, and presented with playful finesse. small dishes and condiments to be heaped on rice. Note: bring thing hasn’t: It’s still home to one of the best happy hours in Casa Tua, the Miami Beach institution, has made its way to Chef Federico Genovese’s imaginative Mediterranean fusion cash. No plastic accepted here. $-$$ (PRB) the city. $$-$$$ (MFP) the mainland. Unlike the South Beach location, this outpost of menu rotates daily, and features fresh, seasonally driven reci- Casa Tua isn’t an Italian restaurant — it’s an Italian food hall. pes whose ingredients are sourced both locally and overseas. Bengal Indian Cuisine Café Bastille Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue at Brickell City Centre, the On a recent visit, nothing fell short of divine: the 24-hour 109 NE 1st St., 305-403-1976 248 SE 1st St., 786-425-3575 first-floor concept is made up of various dedicated stations. short rib served over aged white cheddar and topped with To say that there’s a lack of Indian restaurants in South Florida Anyone looking for brunch, a quick lunch or dinner would be Those craving pasta can choose from several delicious white- mashed potatoes was expertly prepared. A show-stopping would be an understatement. Thankfully, Bengal Indian Cuisine remiss to snub Café Bastille, a quaint bistro that practically and red-sauce dishes, while guests in the mood for pizza have take on a classic blueberry tart dessert served with coconut in downtown Miami helps bolster the county’s slim offerings vanishes against downtown Miami’s dreary cityscape. Once no shortage of selections. Portions are big, so come hungry. foam garnished with powdered green tea was an inspired with tasty classics like chicken tikka masala, pakora (lentil- inside, however, this modern French eatery oozes charm and $$-$$$ (MFP) way to end the night. Even the bread was baked to perfection based vegetable fritters), and naan bread. Although they warrant boasts seriously hearty portions, especially during brunch. The and served with the most fragrant olive oil I’ve ever had the their prices, the à la carte offerings for dinner can quickly put a ham and salmon benedicts as well as the crêpes are phe- Cipriani pleasure of tasting. If there is an oyster’s pearl to be found in dent in your dining budget. Instead, take advantage of the gen- nomenal, and no French meal is complete without sampling 465 Brickell Ave., 786-329-4090 the heart of downtown Miami, this is it. $$$ (AM) erous lunch buffet that won’t break the bank. $-$$ (MFP) dessert. For dinner, try the filet mignon de boeuf served over a Derived, like all Cipriani family restaurants worldwide, from creamy peppercorn sauce. Remember to ask about daily spe- legendary Harry’s Bar in Venice (a favorite of Truman Capote, All Day Big Easy cials; it’s easy to overlook the tiny board located in the back of Hemingway, and other famous folks since 1931), this glamor- 1035 N. Miami Ave., 305-699-3447 701 S. Miami Ave., 786-866-9854 the restaurant. $$ (AM) ous indoor/outdoor riverfront location in Icon has two abso- Here is a stroke of inspired insanity: an artisanal coffee If you visit Big Easy with expectations of po’boys, muffulettas, lutely must-not-miss menu items, both invented at Harry’s and shop and all-day breakfast bistro at the edge of downtown and beignets, you’re going to be very disappointed. The res- Café at Books & Books reproduced here to perfection: beef carpaccio (drizzled artfully Miami’s clubland corridor. Fans of breakfast have plenty to taurant has nothing to do with New Orleans — it’s actually the 1300 Biscayne Blvd., 305-695-8898 with streaks of creamy-rich mustard vinaigrette, not mere olive fawn over, including a delicious baked egg and leek skillet nickname for South African golf pro Ernie Els, one of the restau- Adding unique literary/culinary arts components to the Arsht oil) and the Bellini (a cocktail of prosecco, not champagne, served with a side of toasted baguette, and a curiously rant’s partners. Here’s what you can expect: delectable South Center, this casual indoor/outdoor café, directed by Chef Allen and fresh white peach juice). Venetian-style liver and onions exotic poached egg and congee bowl. Sandwiches and African cuisine incorporating a wealth of flavors and spices. Susser (arguably Miami’s earliest and most dedicated local- could convert even liver-loathers. Finish with elegant vanilla salads are also available. The space is bright and accented Start with the Boerie Bites — they look like mini-hot dogs but ele- ingredients booster), serves fresh and fun farm-to-table fare all meringue cake. $$$$$ (PRB) with beautiful natural woods, and sports some seriously hip vated — then work your way to the bison ribeye and the toasted day, everyday — unlike the Arsht’s upscale Brava!, open only flourishes including a neon drink menu illuminating the cof- couscous risotto, which can double as a meal. $$-$$$$ (MFP) for pre-performance dinners. Especially delightful vegetarian/ Clove Mediterranean Kitchen fee station. Single-origin coffee is a specialty here and the vegan dishes range from snacks like cornmeal-battered “urban 195 SE 3rd Ave., 786-717-6788 baristas prepare it with effortless finesse. For the weekend Bonding pickles” with dill tsatziki to a hefty curried cauliflower steak. Clove Mediterranean Kitchen whips up affordable and healthy warriors, after the all-night EDM bender, thankfully there is 638 S. Miami Ave., 786-409-4794 Major breakfast pluses include heritage pork hash, eggs with fare for the businessperson on the go. Streamlined counter All Day. $$ (AM) From trend-spotting restaurateur Bond Trisansi (originator of Miami Smokers bacon, and free parking till 10:00 a.m. (in Lot service offers a selection of basic building blocks: a base (pita, Mr. Yum and 2B Asian Bistro), this small spot draws a hip C). $-$$$ (PRB) bowl, or salad), a dip or spread, proteins and veggies, and top- Area 31 crowd with its affordable menu of redesigned traditional Thai pings and dressings, including smoked paprika mustard, honey 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, 305-424-5234 dishes, wildly imaginative sushi makis, and unique signature Cantina La Veinte and orange tahini, and creamy feta. Although the cuisine tends Not that the sleek interior of this seafood restaurant (named Asian fusion small plates. Highlights include tastebud-tickling 495 Brickell Ave., 786-623-6135 toward the light side of Mediterranean cooking, portion sizes for fishing area 31, stretching from the Carolinas to South snapper carpaccio; an elegant nest of mee krob (sweet, crisp In a spectacularly stylized indoor/outdoor waterfront set- are undeniably hearty, making Clove a serious value. With its America) isn’t a glamorous dining setting. But we’d eat outside. rice noodles); blessedly non-citrus-drenched tuna tataki, ting, this first U.S. venture from Mexico’s Cinbersol Group hip, clean, fast-casual appeal and above average cuisine, this From the expansive terrace of the Epic condo and hotel on drizzled with spicy-sweet Juneo and wasabi cream sauce; serves upscale modern Mexican fare with international is a welcome addition to the bustling downtown neighborhood, the Miami River, the views of Brickell’s high-rises actually greed-inducing “bags of gold,” deep-fried wonton beggar’s influences transcending Tex-Mex. No ground-beef tacos where people are hungry for exciting alternatives to the brown make Miami look like a real city. It’s hard to decide whether purses with a shrimp/pork/mushroom/water chestnut filling here. Rather, fillings range from cochinita pibil (pork in bag lunch and leftovers. $-$$ (AM) the eats or drinks are the most impressive. The food is impec- and tamarind sauce. $$ (PRB) achiote/orange sauce) to grilled bone marrow — even cably fresh regional fish, prepared in a clean Mediterranean- escamoles: butter-sautéed ant eggs. For the less adven- Crazy About You influenced style. The cocktails are genuinely creative. Luckily Boulud Sud turous, fried calamari with a Jamaican-inspired hibiscus 1155 Brickell Bay Dr. #101, 305-377-4442 you don’t have to choose one or the other. $$$-$$$$ (PRB) 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, 305-421-8800 reduction or dobladitas de jaibas suave, delectibly crunchy The owners, and budget-friendly formula, are the same here Those mourning the loss of db Bistro Moderne in downtown softshell crabs wrapped in flour tortillas with creamy/kicky as at older Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita: Buy an

70 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 entrée (all under $20) from a sizable list of Mediterranean, Latin, American, or Asian-influenced choices (like Thai- Il Gabbiano marinated churrasco with crispy shoestring fries) and get 335 S. Biscayne Blvd., 305-373-0063 an appetizer for free, including substantial stuff like a Its location at the mouth of the Miami River makes this ultra- Chihuahua cheese casserole with chorizo and pesto. The upscale Italian spot (especially the outdoor terrace) the perfect difference: This place, housed in the former location of short- power lunch/business dinner alternative to steakhouses. And lived La Broche, has an even more upscale ambiance than the culinary experience goes way beyond the typical meat mar- Dolores — including a million-dollar water view. $$$ (PRB) ket, thanks in part to the flood of freebies that’s a trademark of Manhattan’s Il Mulino, originally run by Il Gabbiano’s owners. Crust The rest of the food? Pricy, but portions are mammoth. And 668 NW 5th St., 305-371-7065 the champagne-cream-sauced housemade ravioli with black Chef-restaurateur Klime Kovaceski is back, and we are oh truffles? Worth every penny. $$$$$ (PRB) so glad. Not only does his pizza-focused restaurant fill a hole in the neighborhood, it offers a cozy space that feels Jaguar Sun more like someone’s rustic home. A lot of thought went into 230 NE 4th St., 786-860-2422 their crusts, and it shows — sturdy enough to hold less tra - Jaguar Sun might seem like a standard lobby bar. It’s not. This ditional ingredients like perfectly cooked octopus and steak, is a menu that both welcomes and challenges guests. Pastas and still doughy on the inside. The medium at 14 inches like bucatini and rigatoni make up most of the large plates and 6 slices is large enough for two, and there will still be here, with smaller plates like ’nduja toast and Parker house leftovers. Delivery available. $$ (MB) rolls rounding out the satisfying food offerings. On the cocktail side, Jaguar Sun juxtaposes familiar spirits with out-of-the-box CVI.CHE 105 selections that will keep you coming back to not only imbibe 105 NE 3rd Ave., 305-577-3454 but also learn. $-$$ (MFP) Fusion food — a modern invention? Not in Peru, where native and Euro-Asian influences have mixed for more than a century. Katsuya But chef Juan Chipoco gives the ceviches and tiraditos served 8 SE 8th St., 305-859-0200 at this hot spot his own unique spin. Specialties include flash- Fans of Miami Beach’s Katsuya no longer have to cross the marinated raw seafood creations, such as tiradito a la crema bridge to get their sushi fix. Located at the SLS Lux in Brickell, de rocoto (sliced fish in citrus-spiked chili/cream sauce). But this latest branch of the popular Asian restaurant features traditional fusion dishes like Chinese-Peruvian Chaufa fried many of its sister location’s favorites, along with new soon-to- rice (packed with jumbo shrimp, mussels, and calamari) are be favorites like A5 fried rice with wagyu beef and tea-smoked also fun, as well as surprisingly affordable. $$ (PRB) duck confit leeks. Although the design of this Brickell beauty may be minimalist, the food is not — it speaks volumes, and DIRT you’ll want definitely want to listen. $$$-$$$$ (MFP) 900 S. Miami Ave. #125, 786-235-8033 DIRT, South Beach’s popular clean-eating concept, has Komodo brought its talents to Mary Brickell Village. The restaurant’s 801 Brickell Ave., 305-534-2211 third location features an extensive menu that has Brickell Accommodating a whopping 300 seats, this contemporary three- diners covered from morning to evening. Breakfast is served floor behemoth blurs the line between restaurant and lounge. all day here, so if you want a frittata tostada or matcha pan- An indoor/outdoor layout festooned with floating bird-nest pods cakes at 3:00 p.m., DIRT can make it happen. Tasty toasts creates a treehouse ambiance enhanced only by Southeast — including the ever-present avocado variety — and sandwiches Asian fusion of tuna porterhouse, lobster onion rings, skewers of abound, but it’s the seasonal platters that will keep you com- miso black cod, and wasabi shrimp. $$$$$ (MB) ing back. $$ (MFP) La Estación American Brasserie Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita 600 NW 1st Ave., 786-490-2949 1000 S. Miami Ave., 305-403-3103 The flagship restaurant of the Virgin Trains/Brightline station From the stylish setting in Miami’s historic Firehouse No. 4, is a beast, both in size and in quality. The spacious downtown one would expect a mighty pricy meal. But entrées, which restaurant is located in a transportation hub, so the cuisine range from Nuevo Latino-style ginger/orange-glazed pork ten- has to cater to a variety of tastes, and it does so successfully. derloin to a platter of Kobe mini-burgers, all cost either $18 or Seafood is a large part of the menu, which features highlights $23. And the price includes an appetizer — no low-rent crapola, like Maine lobster sliders and seafood pasta. Another standout either, but treats like Serrano ham croquetas, a spinach/leek is the steak frites. These items may sound tame on paper, but tart with Portobello mushroom sauce, or shrimp-topped egg- you’ll quickly see that they aren’t. $-$$ (MFP) plant timbales. The best seats are on the glam rooftop patio. $$$ (PRB) La Loggia Ristorante and Lounge 68 W. Flagler St., 305-373-4800 Edge, Steak & Bar This luxuriantly neo-classical yet warm Italian restaurant was 1435 Brickell Ave., 305-358-3535 unquestionably a pioneer in revitalizing downtown. With alter- Replacing the Four Seasons’ formal fine dining spot Acqua, natives like amaretto-tinged pumpkin agnolloti in sage butter Edge offers a more kick-back casual welcoming vibe. And in sauce and cilantro-spiced white bean/vegetable salad dressed its fare there’s a particularly warm welcome for non-carnivores. with truffle oil, proprietors Jennifer Porciello and Horatio Chef-driven seafood items (several inventive and unusually Oliveira continue to draw a lunch crowd that returns for dinner, subtle ceviches and tartares; a layered construction of corvina or perhaps just stays on through the afternoon, fueled by the encrusted in a jewel-bright green pesto crust, atop red piquillo Lawyer’s Liquid Lunch, a vodka martini spiked with sweetened sauce stripes and salad; lobster corn soup packed with sweet espresso. $$$ (PRB) lobster meat; more) and a farm-to-table produce emphasis make this one steakhouse where those who don’t eat beef have La Mar by Gastón Acurio no beef. $$$$-$$$$$ (PRB) 500 Brickell Key Dr., 305-913-8358 It’s said that Peruvian cuisine is Latin America’s most varied The Egg Spot and sophisticated. Reserve a patio table at this indoor/outdoor 228 SE 1st St., 786-803-8329 Mandarin Oriental eatery to experience Miami’s best for your- The team behind Butcher Shop in Wynwood is now trying their self — along with some of the city’s best bayfront vistas. The hand at breakfast. Located in downtown Miami, the Egg Spot’s specialty is seafood, and the beautifully balanced recipes of claim to fame is its eggy morning fare. Guests will find hearty Acurio (called Peru’s food ambassador to the world), executed bites like the Son of a Butcher, a filling smoked brisket and flawlessly by onsite executive chef Diego Oka, especially elevate egg sandwich, and the Bridge & Tunnel, a tasty Taylor ham and ceviches, similar but more delicate tiraditos, uniquely lively croissant creation. Dieters have nothing to fear, as there are “Nikkei” (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) sushi creations, and elegant many lighter — and more lunch-appropriate — selections like whipped potato/fresh seafood causas, to world-class fine-dining salads and “power bowls” available. $ (MFP) level. $$$$-$$$$$ (PRB) Fratelli Milano La Sandwicherie 213 SE 1st St., 305-373-2300 34 SW 8th St., 305-374-9852 Downtown isn’t yet a 24/7 urban center, but it’s experiencing This second location of the open-air diner that is South a mini explosion of eateries open at night. That includes this Beach’s favorite après-club eatery (since 1988) closes earlier family-owned ristorante, where even newcomers feel at home. (midnight Sunday-Thursday, 5:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday), At lunch it’s almost impossible to resist panini, served on foc- but the smoothies, salads, and superb Parisian sandwiches cacia or crunchy ciabatta; even the vegetarian version bursts are the same: ultra-crusty baguette stuffed with evocative char- with complex and complementary flavors. During weekday cuterie and cheeses (saucisson sec, country pâté, camembert, dinners, try generous plates of risotto with shrimp and grilled etc.) and choice of salad veggies plus salty/tart cornichons asparagus; homemade pastas like seafood-packed fettuccine and Sandwicherie’s incomparable Dijon mustard vinaigrette. al scoglio; or delicate Vitello alla Milanese on arugula. $$-$$$ Additionally the larger branch has an interior, with a kitchen (PRB) enabling hot foods (quiches and croques), plus A/C. $-$$ (PRB) Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market La Petite Maison 398 NW N. River Dr., 305-375-0765 1300 Brickell Bay Dr., 305-403-9133 Run by a fishing family for a couple of generations, this vener- On any given night, you’re sure to find a lively crowd at La Petite able Florida fish shack is the real thing. No worries about the Maison. The internationally acclaimed French and Mediterranean seafood’s freshness; on their way to the dining deck overlook- restaurant has unsurprisingly garnered a loyal following since ing the Miami River, diners can view the retail fish market. its opening. Don’t expect out-of-the-box creations here: La Petite Best preparations are the simplest. When stone crabs are in Maison focuses on getting the classics right. Items like the tuna season, Garcia’s claws are as good as Joe’s but considerably carpaccio, grilled veal chop, roasted baby chicken, and rack of cheaper. The local fish sandwich is most popular – grouper, lamb may sound simple on paper, but once they hit your palate, yellowtail snapper, or mahi mahi. $-$$ (PRB) you’ll realize what all the fuss is about. $$$-$$$$ (MFP) Hokasan Latin Café 2000 21 SW 11th St. 1053 Brickell Plaza, 305-646-1400 Chinese restaurants are few and far between in Brickell. Enter In a sea of upscale restaurants, Latin Café 2000 is a breath of Hokasan, a low-key dim sum spot where dumpling lovers have fresh air in Brickell. The Cuban café stands out for all the right plenty of reasons to rejoice. This Brickell locale specializes in reasons: low prices, big plates, and familiar fare. Steak sand- the doughy bundles of joy, which comprise most of the menu. You know the drill: Fill out the form with your picks — make wiches, fried pork chunks, and other Cuban classics are all avail- sure to throw in some classic pork and cabbage dumplings — able here along with a full bar. Unlike its other locations with and prepare for some flavorful fare. Chilled tapas like yuzu old-timey decor, this Brickell outpost is full of modern flourishes miso mushrooms and okra will help round out your appetite. that make the place pop. One thing hasn’t changed, though: the $-$$ (MFP) sight-for-sore-eyes ventanita serving Cuban coffee. $-$$ (MFP)

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 71 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

Lost Boy Dry Goods prix fixe lunches are $80 vs. $200 for dinner. Admittedly, Just make sure to order the Tijuanero taco; the mix of grilled Soya & Pomodoro 157 E. Flagler St., 305-372-7303 lunch is abbreviated: soup and multi-course bento box plus octopus, carne asada, and shrimp is divine. $-$$$ (MFP) 120 NE 1st St., 305-381-9511 After 6:00 p.m., downtown Miami tends to be a ghost town. one dessert, without the dozen or so sushi dishes. But bentos Life is complicated. Food should be simple. That’s owner That’s not the case at Lost Boy Dry Goods, a former-clothing- are much bigger (seven compartments vs. four), and equally Pieducks Armando Alfano’s philosophy, which is stated above the entry store-turned-bar that offers a generous happy hour. Throughout unique. Think of N as a relatively bargain-priced introduction to 1451 S. Miami Ave., 305-808-7888 to his atmospheric downtown eatery. And since it’s also the the evening (and well into the night), Lost Boy’s welcoming staff Naoe, or as a revelatory dining experience on its own. $$$$$ If you can overlook a name as unenlightening as most in-jokes formula for the truest traditional Italian food (Alfano hails from pours gin and tonics, junglebirds, and other classic libations at (PRB) (it evidently refers to a favorite character of owner Claudio Pompeii), it’s fitting that the menu is dominated by authenti- affordable neighborhood prices. Complementing these drinks is Nunes’s kids — we assume the Pokemon Psyduck), you’ll cally straightforward yet sophisticated Italian entrées. There an extensive bar bites menu featuring cheese boards, German Naoe experience pretty perfect pizza. Sadly, not all brick ovens turn are salads and sandwiches, too. The most enjoyable place pretzels, and hefty sandwiches paired with delicious Zapp’s 661 Brickell Key Dr., 305-947-6263 out perfectly char-blistered crusts, crisp outside and airy/ to dine is the secret, open-air courtyard. Alfano serves dinner potato chips. For a quieter time, come for lunch. $-$$ (MFP) Chances are you’ve never had anything like the $200 prix- chewy inside, but that’s what you’ll consistently find here and on Thursdays only to accompany local musicians and artists. fixe Japanese dinner at Kevin Cory’s tiny but internationally a newer take-out/delivery-only Midtown branch. And unlike $-$$ (PRB) Luke’s Lobster acclaimed oasis, but trust us: It’s one of those rare, exhilarat- many artisan pizzerias, Pieducks doesn’t get cheesy with Brickell City Centre, 701 S. Miami Ave., #353, ing, instantly revelatory Eureka! dining adventures that’ll keep cheese quantity (though we like that extra cheese is an option). Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue 786-837-7683 you thinking about it for years. The reservations-only, omakase- Elaborate salads complete the menu. $$ (PRB) 204 NE 1st St., 305-377-2877 Lobster rolls are tiny, sometimes overpriced slices of luxury, only (chef’s choice) meals begin with a subtly inventive sea- This cowboy-cute eatery’s chefs/owners (one CIA-trained, both especially when portions run about as small as your aver- sonal soup true to both Japanese tastes and local terroir (like Pilo’s Street Tacos BBQ fanatics nicknamed Sparky) eschew regional purism, age New York City apartment. This is not the case at Luke’s miso/fresh Homestead corn) and a four-course bento box of 28 SW 11th St., 305-800-8226 instead utilizing a hickory/apple-wood-stoked rotisserie smoker Lobster, the venerable New England fast-casual chain cham- the chef’s creations, proceed to about a dozen sushi dishes Three words describe Pilo’s Street Tacos in Brickell: good, fast, to turn out their personalized style of slow-cooked, complexly pioning traceable, sustainable seafood. Luke’s understands eons above others in Miami, and end with three desserts. and filling. The area already has its fair share of taco shops, dry-rub fusion: ribs, chopped pork, brisket, and chicken. Diners the key to its destination status involves copious amounts Always changing, always astonishing. $$$$$ (PRB) and Pilo’s is among the pricier offerings, but that’s because of can customize their orders with mix-and-match housemade of fresh lobster (1/4 pound, to be exact) as well as a healthy the quality — and quantity. These tacos are filled to the brim sauces: sweet/tangy tomato-based, Carolinas-inspired vinegar/ dose of disarming simplicity. True to its simple charm, Luke’s NIU Kitchen with proteins like “drunken shrimp,” brisket strips, and crispy mustard, pan-Asian hoisin with lemongrass and ginger, tropical Lobster is about as cheap and cheerful as seafood gets. All 134 NE 2nd Ave., 786-542-5070 chorizo. Don’t miss out on the salsas: There are ten different guava/habanero. Authenticity aside, the quality of the food is of the rolls — lobster, crab, and shrimp — are delicious, but This contemporary Catalan eatery is located, according to ones from which to choose, and they range from sweet to as good as much higher-priced barbecue outfits. $-$$ (PRB) it’s the signature buttery lobster roll with its split top bun and its three playful proprietors, “somewhere between Dali’s spicy to “Somebody call a fire truck.” $-$$ (MFP) mysterious seasoning that is an absolute must-try for the moustache and Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.” Actually, it’s in Stanzione 87 uninitiated. Considering its limited seating, it’s safe to say the heart of downtown, but the description does reflect the Quinto La Huella 87 SW 8th St., 305-606-7370 this playfully rustic yet diminutive eatery gets hit hard during Barcelona-born chef’s weirdly wonderful yet seriously skilled 788 Brickell Plaza, 786-805-4646 Though Neopolitan-style pizza isn’t the rarity it was here a peak lunch rush at Brickell City Centre. $$ (AM) twists on tapas. Instead of Catalonia’s rustic, bread-thickened Uruguayan beef is in a class of its own, but it requires serious decade ago, this is Miami’s only pizzeria certified authentic tomato soup, there’s a refined cold tomato broth poured over skill and the right tools to prepare it the way Uruguayan parril- by Italy’s Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. This means Lutong Pinoy Filipino Cuisine a mustard ice cream-topped crouton. Mato, a simple cheese leros do. Located within the hulking steeled Brickell City Centre, following stringent rules regarding oven (wood-fired), baking 195 SE 3rd Ave., 786-717-6788 and honey dessert, translates as custardy fresh cheese atop Quinto La Huella brings a dark, moody ambiance and the time (90 seconds maximum, here closer to 50), tomatoes For the adventurous epicurean of Asian persuasion, Lutong eggplant “jam,” with candied hazelnuts. $$$ (PRB) prestige of one of South America’s best restaurants, Parador (imported San Marzano), olive oil (extra-virgin), even flour (tipo Pinoy offers a deep dive into authentic Filipino cuisine, an La Huella, to the complex. The centerpiece of this rustic eatery 00, for bubbly-light crusts). Toppings do exceed the three origi- otherwise unmapped territory to a great majority of South North Italia is an authentic wood fire parrilla, an essential component to nal choices served in 19th-century Naples, but pies like the Florida’s bon vivants. Influenced by Malay-Indonesian, Indian, 900 S. Miami Ave, #111, 786-475-9100 grilling meat like a true gaucho. It should come as no surprise Limone (fresh mozzarella, pecorino, lemons, arugula, EVOO) Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and American cuisines, Lutong The former Oceanaire location at Mary Brickell Village has then that the beef — ordered medium rare, of course — is the prove some rules should be broken. $$ (PRB) Pinoy crafts plates showcasing ingredients indigenous to the been taken over by North Italia, replacing seafood with mod- main attraction here. Other options represent typical steak- Philippines, and offers an extensive menu touching upon a ern Italian cuisine. You’ll find all the usual suspects here, such house fare, with some standout wood-fired seafood entrées Station 28 full spectrum of exotic flavors. Some of the highlights at this as pizzas and pastas alongside classics like chicken parmesan. and pastas that deserve a try. Snag a seat outdoors during 91 SE 2nd St., 305-905-0328 diminutive hole-in-the-wall include the boneless lechón belly The first thing you’ll notice, though, is the size of the venue; the more temperate Miami months; otherwise, opt to sit near A little paradise in the heart of downtown Miami, complete (roasted pig), kare-kare kawali (Asian vegetables cooked in the restaurant can seat over 300 people. The space makes the heart of the controls: the parrilla. Bring a liberal side of with hidden patio, lush greenery, long communal tables, tropi- peanut sauce), and the Sinigang na Hipon (shrimp in sour quite the first impression — and so do the strozzapreti and bur- patience with you while dining room service sorts itself out. cal juices like papaya and lucuma, and extra large Peruvian broth). For many, however, the main event is the halo-halo, rata tortelloni. Don’t forget to order the tiramisu. $-$$$ (MFP) $$$$ (AM) sandwiches and burgers. This oasis offers a more casual a popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice and evapo- taste of the cuisine, the comfort foods that will remind you of rated milk, topped with a mélange of ingredients, including Novecento Raja’s Indian Cuisine home, no matter where you come from. Their $10 daily special sweet red and white beans, bananas, coconut, sweet potato, 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-403-0900 33 NE 2nd Ave., 305-539-9551 includes your choice of a sandwich or burger with fries, salad coco jellies, leche flan, and milk. The boodle fight platter is For those who think “Argentine cuisine” is a synonym for “beef Despite its small size and décor best described as “none,” this or soup, and dessert. Delivery available. $ (MB) piled high with an assortment of meat, rice, and vegetables and more beef,” this popular eatery’s wide range of more place is an institution thanks to south Indian specialties rarely on a bed of banana leaves. First conceived in the mess halls cosmopolitan contemporary Argentine fare will be a revelation. found in Miami’s basically north Indian restaurants. The steam- Swagat Indian Kitchen of the Filipino military, the boodle fight platter encourages Classic parrilla-grilled steaks are here for traditionalists, but tabled curries are fine (and nicely priced), but be sure to try the 900 Biscayne Blvd., Unit 101B., 786-375-9259 eating with your hands. When checking in, remember to keep the menu is dominated by creative Nuevo Latino items like a custom-made dosai (lacy rice crepes with a variety of savory Where do you take an a picky eater? Swagat Indian Kitchen. your mind and stomach wide open. $-$$ (AM) new-style ceviche de chernia (lightly lime-marinated grouper fillings) and uttapam, thicker pancakes, layered with onions Calling its menu long is an understatement. Dozens of options with jalapeños, basil, and the refreshing sweet counterpoint and chilis, both served with sambar and chutney. $$ (PRB) are available, including Indo-Chinese fare like chili paneer Meraki Greek Bistro of watermelon), or crab ravioli with creamy saffron sauce. (Indian cottage cheese) and Bombay street food specialties 142 SE 1st Ave., 786-773-1535 Especially notable are the entrée salads. $$-$$$ (PRB) Raw Juce such as vada pav (deep-fried potato dumplings). The naan Tucked away in an unassuming and quaint nook of downtown 901 S. Miami Ave., 305-677-3160 alone is worth the visit; don’t sleep on these breads that come Miami, Meraki Greek Bistro is a pleasant surprise for anyone Novikov Brickell’s Raw Juce is making healthy living easy with a color- topped with everything from rosemary and garlic to cheese hunting for an urban hideaway. With a pride that is palpable, 300 S. Biscayne Blvd., 305-489-1000 ful array of cold-pressed “juce.” Fruit-forward and vegetable- and nuts. Traditionalists need not worry as Indian staples like this bright little bistro boasts friendly service and delicious When we first heard of Novikov, we thought the upscale down- forward creations not only refresh but also give customers a chicken tikka are here, too. $-$$ (MFP) Mediterranean medium to large plates. Sample Mediterranean town Miami restaurant was all about Russian food. We were quick vitamin boost. Despite the name, Raw Juce isn’t just fare à la carte from Meraki’s souvlaki (skewer) bar, or share a wrong. Although the restaurant gets its name from Russian about juices: acai bowls, oatmeal parfaits, and salads are Tacology poikilies (family meal). Specials are also served daily, further restaurateur Arkadiy Novikov, the menu is composed of available to get patrons ready for their workout or help them 701 S. Miami Ave., 786-347-5368 expounding upon all of the wonderfully slow-cooked options on Chinese and Japanese favorites. Everything is shareable, and recover from a grueling one. For those of you in need of a Tacology, the latest concept from Cantina La Veinte’s execu- the menu. Meraki Greek Bistro offers everything you’d hope for most patrons should find satiety with two to three dishes each. serious detox, Raw Juce’s cleanse packages have you covered. tive chef Santiago Gomez, is a more approachable and afford- in casual dining at a reasonable price. When it comes to Greek, If you only order two dishes, the rainbow naruto roll and duck $-$$ (MFP) able ode to Mexican food. Unlike its dimly lit upscale sibling, the proof is in baklava — and these guys nail it. $-$$ (AM) salad are must-tries — especially the latter, with its deliciously Tacology embraces a bright color palette and vibrant décor crispy skin. $$-$$$ (MFP) The River Oyster Bar that is undeniably enticing — a description that also applies Mirabelle 650 S. Miami Ave., 305-530-1915 to the cuisine. As the name suggests, delicious tacos abound 114 SE 1st St., 786-440-6561 Obra Kitchen Table This casually cool jewel is a full-service seafood spot, as on the menu, but they shouldn’t be the only items you order: Plane tickets to France can get expensive. If you’re on a bud- 1331 Brickell Bay Dr., 305-846-9363 evidenced by tempting menu selections like soft-shell crabs The Mexican nachos and crispy pork skin are other standout get, get whisked away to Europe at Mirabelle. The downtown Latin restaurants are a dime a dozen, but few challenge your with grilled vegetables, corn relish, and remoulade. There are dishes that should be on every diner’s mind at this Brickell City Miami French eatery features sweet and savory staples like palate like Obra Kitchen Table. At this Brickell hotspot inside even a few dishes to please meat-and-potatoes diners, like Centre restaurant. $$-$$$ (MFP) chocolate mousse, almond croissants, croque monsieur, and the Jade, chef Carlos Garcia and his team craft an assortment short ribs with macaroni and cheese. But oyster fans will find more. It’s a place that works for a quick workday lunch or a of Venezuelan delights that also incorporate global influences. it difficult to resist stuffing themselves silly on the unusually Toro Toro nice, romantic dinner. Feeling extra fancy? Splurge on a wine The result: unique bites like grouper confit with fried arepa, large selection, especially since oysters are served both raw 100 Chopin Plaza, 305-372-4710 and chocolate tasting at the bar, where you’ll find a wide range yuca and bacon millefeuille, and octopus bucatini carbonara and cooked – fire-roasted with sofrito butter, chorizo, and Back before Miami’s business district had any “there” there, of ports, dessert wines, and other grapes. $-$$ (MFP) unlike anything you’ve tasted. Sit at the 25-seat bar for a more manchego. There’s also a thoughtful wine list and numerous the InterContinental’s original restaurant was an executive intimate dining experience, where you’ll see these creations artisan beers on tap. $$$ (PRB) lunch/dinner destination mainly by default. This replacement, Momi Ramen come to life. $$-$$$ (MFP) from restaurant empire-builder Richard Sandoval, brings down- 5 SW 11th St., 786-391-2392 Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge town power dining into this decade. As the name suggests, you Banish all thoughts of packaged instant “ramen.” Perfectionist Pairings by Tomás Cuadrado 422 NW N. River Dr., 305-440-4200 can go bullish with steakhouse fare, including an abbreviated chef/owner Jeffrey Chen (who cooked for more than a decade 900 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 105, 786-475-1811 Unlike older Miami River market/restaurants like Garcia’s, run (in variety, not quantity) “rodizio experience.” But the place’s in Japan), changes his mostly ramen-only menu often, but con- We’re usually hesitant to recommend a restaurant with a by fishing families, this stylishly retro/modern-industrial con- strongest suit is its pan-Latin small plates — upscaled refine- stants are irresistibly chewy handmade noodles; soups based chef’s name in it — we think the food should do the talking. verted warehouse (once Howard Hughes’s plane hangar) has ments of classic favorites: crisp corn arepas with short rib, on creamy, intensely porky tonkotsu broth (made from marrow But Pairings by Tomás Cuadrado is the real deal. Given the an owner who ran South Beach’s hottest 1990s nightspots, guacamole, and crema fresca; fluffier cachapas pancakes with bones simmered all day); meats like pork belly and oxtail; and chef’s Spanish background, the menu unsurprisingly features so expect celebrity sightings with your seafood. What’s unex- tomato jam; more. $$$-$$$$$ (PRB) authentic toppings including marinated soft-cooked eggs, pick- an array of tapas like shrimp croquettes, baby octopus, and pected: a blessedly untrendy menu, with simply but skillfully led greens, more. Other pluses: It’s open 24/7, and the ramen fried quail eggs. These flavorful selections are accompanied prepared wood-oven-cooked fish and clay-pot, shellfish casse- Toscana Divino ranks with the USA’s best. Minuses: It’s cash only, and the by an extensive list of satisfying mains like roasted Spanish roles. Standouts include luxuriant lobster thermador, as rich as 900 S. Miami Ave., 305-571-2767 ramen might be the USA’s most expensive. $$$ (PRB) rabbit and baked red snapper that are sure to turn you into a it is pricey. $$$-$$$$$ (PRB) When an upscale restaurant remains perennially packed regular. $$$ (MFP) during a recession, you figure they’re offering something way My Ceviche Sokai Sushi Bar beyond the usual generic Italian fare. While familiar favorites 1250 S. Miami Ave., 305-960-7825 Pega Grill 350 S. Miami Ave., Unit #CU-B, 786-667-3061 (Caprese salad, etc.) are available, the changing menu is When three-time James Beard “Rising Star Chef” nominee 15 E. Flagler St., 305-808-6666 When it comes to Peruvian-Japanese fusion, Sokai Sushi Bar highlighted by harder-to-find Tuscan specialties, albeit luxe Sam Gorenstein opened the original My Ceviche in SoBe, in From Thanasios Barlos, a Greek native who formerly owned pulls out all the stops. This Brickell outpost is the brand’s versions: pappa al pomodoro, tomato/bread peasant soup ele- 2012, it garnered national media attention despite being a tiny North Beach’s Ariston, this small spot is more casually contem- fourth location, and it features many of the same delicious vated by an organic poached egg and finocchiona (a regional take-away joint. Arguably, our newer indoor/outdoor Brickell porary and less ethnic-kitschy in ambiance, but serves equally bites that fans have come to know and love. That includes fennel salami); an authentic-tasting “fiorentina” porterhouse, location is better. Same menu, featuring local fish prepared authentic, full-flavored Greek food. Mixed lamb/beef gyros delightful pork belly buns, tuna pizza (it tastes better than it with smoked potato purée plus more traditional veggies. A onsite, and superb sauces including a kicky roasted jalapeño/ (chicken is also an option), topped with tangy yogurt sauce and sounds), and a bevy of signature sushi. Don’t sleep on the budget-conscious boon: changing three-course lunches and lime Juneo), but this time with seats! What to eat? Ceviches, wrapped, with greens and tomatoes, in fat warm pita bread, Asia roll: The salmon, cream cheese, and truffle oil creation is early-bird dinners. $$$-$$$$$ (PRB) natch. But grilled or raw fish/seafood tacos and burritos, in are specialties. But even more irresistible is the taramasalata packed to the brim with flavor. $-$$ (MFP) fresh tortillas, might be even more tempting. Pristine stone- (particularly velvety and light carp roe dip), available alone or Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, and Crabhouse crab claws from co-owner Roger Duarte’s George Stone Crab on an olive/pita-garnished mixed meze platter. $$ (PRB) Shake Shack 777 Brickell Ave., 305-579-0035 add to the choices. $$ (PRB) 901 S. Miami Ave., Suite 109, 786-292-5777 Compared to other restaurants with such an upscale power- Pez Shake Shack, the ever-popular fast-casual burger joint, con- lunch/dinner setting, most prices are quite affordable here, N by Naoe 20 W. Flagler St., 305-570-3440 tinues its South Florida expansion with a Brickell location. All especially if you stick to the Miami Spice-priced date-dinner 661 Brickell Key Dr., 305-947-6263 “Baja-Med” cuisine has found a home in downtown Miami. At the New York brand’s signature favorites make an appearance, menu, or happy hour, when seafood items like crab-cake “slid- Like local secret-star chef Kevin Cory’s dinner-only Naoe, Pez, customers will find a delightful fusion of Mexican and including its crown jewel: the Shackburger, a cheeseburger ers” are half price. Most impressive, though, are seasonal newer lunch-only N by Naoe shares a reservations-only, Mediterranean flavors. The menu skews toward seafood: with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce. It sounds basic on stone crabs (from Truluck’s own fisheries, and way less expen- omakase-only (chef’s choice) policy— and actually shares the wahoo, sea urchin, octopus, and corvina are among the many paper, but it easily stands above the rest of the fast-casual sive than Joe’s) and other seafood that, during several visits, same door. Turn left for Naoe, right for N. Main differences: proteins found throughout the restaurant’s extensive offerings. pack. Other selections like hot dogs, fried chicken sandwiches, never tasted less than impeccably fresh, plus that greatest of N has one elegant communal table, perfect for impressive Don’t let intimidating names like tlayuda and tuetano scare and frozen custards also deserve a fair share of the spotlight Miami restaurant rarities: informed and gracious service. $$$- power lunches (vs. Naoe’s intimate individual seating), and you, as curious diners will be rewarded with satisfying bites. and ensure your doctor stays in business. $ (MFP) $$$$ (PRB)

72 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

Vinaigrette Sub Shop the chef’s counter, the best seat in the house. Reservations a 159 E Flagler St., 786-558-5989 must. $$$$$ (MB) Bring an appetite to Vinaigrette Sub Shop, a fast-casual spot from the operators of Mignonette. Unlike its upscale seafood Astra sibling, downtown Miami’s Vinaigrette is no frills (unless you 2121 NW 2nd Ave., 305-573-5778 ask). Affordable subs are stuffed to the brim with turkey, roast Rooftop bars are a rare sight, so when one opens, we pay beef, and more; a hefty 8-inch sub is under $10. If you don’t attention. Case in point: Astra, the latest rooftop venue in feel like creating your own, opt for the eatery’s massive Italian Wynwood. A post-workday must, Astra is an inviting space that specialties. The namesake Vinaigrette is packed with prosciut- can hold more than 300 people and serves a wide range of to, mortadella, sopressata — and the kitchen sink. $-$$ (MFP) tasty Greek fare. It can get crowded, so stick to quick bites like the grilled calamari, crudos, and kebabs; Astra is more of a Whole Foods Market spot to hang out and drink ouzo than to enjoy an intimate sit- 299 SE 3rd Ave., 305-995-0600 down dinner. $$-$$$$ (MFP) From the minute you walk through its doors or pull into a spot in the underground garage, you’ll notice this Whole Foods is Beaker & Gray a bit different. Not only have local artists outfitted its walls in 2637 N. Miami Ave., 305-699-2637 graffiti art, but also half of the store is dedicated to grab-and- Named after essential tools in the kitchen, you can’t miss the go food and an ample and comfortable seating area, including restaurant, with its rooftop orange neon sign. Inside industrial casual counters and tables. Grab a coffee for energy at MET meets rustic chic, as is the standard in Wynwood. All menus café, because you June be there awhile. Options include items are expertly labeled and separated into fun, yet useful catego- from Jugofresh, Zak the Baker, and pre-made desserts by ries like Bites, Colds, Strange, and Shaken. The sandwichito Versailles restaurant. There’s also La Churrasqueira, Sushi with pork belly and watermelon rind on plantain brioche, and Maki, Pizza Bar, and a soup bar featuring 20 soups like stone adult-friendly chicken nuggets with avocado and sweet ’n’ sour crab and chicken corn chowder. Parking is free for one hour have become quite iconic. The wine list includes lesser-known with the purchase of an item. $-$$ (MB) vineyards. $$-$$$ (MB) Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Blackbrick 315 S. Biscayne Blvd., 305-487-7130 3451 NE 1st Ave. #103, 305-573-8886 Proprietor Wolfgang Zweiner worked for decades at Brooklyn’s Inspiration for the Chinese food at this hotspot came from legendary Peter Luger’s before opening the first of his own much- authentic flavors Richard Hales (from Sakaya Kitchen) encoun- praised, old-school steakhouses in 2003, which explains the qual- tered during travels in China, but the chef’s considerable imagi- ity of the USDA prime-grade steaks here — dry-aged on premises nation figures in mightily. Example: Don’t expect General Tso’s for bold, beefy flavor and tender but toothsome texture. Prices chicken on the changing menu. The General’s Florida Gator, are prodigious but so are portions. The 32-ounce porterhouse though, is a distinct possibility. Dishes less wild but still thrill- for two easily feeds three or four folks curious to taste the differ- ing, due to strong spicing: bing (chewy Chinese flatbread) with ence. Plentiful sides include a bacon starter favored by those who char sui, garlic, and scallions; two fried tofu/veggie dishes (one love Canadian bacon over pork belly. Personally, just the simple, hot, one not) savory enough to bring bean curd maligners (and superb steaks leave us happy as clams. $$$$$ (PRB) confirmed carnivores) to their knees. $$-$$$ (PRB) Zest Boia De 200 Biscayne Blvd., 305-374-9378 5205 NE 2nd Ave., 305-967-8866 Cindy Hutson finally has a home in the neighborhood with The owners of the now-defunct La Pollita food truck have traded her “cuisine of the sun.” If you can manage to order the entire tacos for more upscale fare with Boia De, their intimate Buena menu, from cast-iron charred calamari to 50/50 meatballs and Vista concept. New American cuisine with Italian influences conch scampi, do it. You won’t be disappointed in food that graces the menu here, where guests will find flavorful, shareable is so perfectly matches the city’s weather and overall culture. plates like baked clams, ricotta gnocchi, rabbit pappardelle, and The décor also screams Miami, in lively lime green, orange, potato skins with caviar and stracciatella. The place is a bit on the and neutrals with pops of blue in between. Don’t forget the pricier side — particularly for the neighborhood — but the food and tropical drink. $$-$$$$ (MB) hard-to-find wine selections justify the premium. $$-$$$$ (MFP) Zuma Buena Vista Deli 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way, 305-577-0277 3252 NE 1st Ave., Suite 107, 305-576-3945 This Miami River restolounge has a London parent on San Buena Vista Deli may have left its namesake neighbor- Pellegrino’s list of the world’s best restaurants, and a similar hood, but it hasn’t lost any of its charm. The eatery menu of world-class, Izakaya-style smallish plates (robata- has moved to nicer digs in Midtown Miami, allowing it grilled items, sushi, much more) meant for sharing over drinks. to expand its offerings through a partnership with Eat Suffice to say that it would take Junebe a dozen visits to work Greek Miami. As a result, customers can now choose your way through the voluminous menu, which offers ample from the traditional deli menu — full of classics like temptations for vegetarians as well as carnivores. Our favorite the French onion soup and croque monsieur — or opt is the melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with yuzu/mustard miso for a Mediterranean menu featuring gyros and grilled dip, but even the exquisitely-garnished tofu rocks. $$$$ (PRB) specialties. It’s the best of both worlds. $-$$ (MFP) Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen The Butcher Shop Beer Garden & Grill 1250 S. Miami Ave. #105, 305-200-3145 165 NW 23rd St., 305-846-9120 Middle Eastern cuisine receives the fast-casual treatment at Unbelievable but true: At the heart of this festive, budget- this build-your-own-meal concept focused on serving quality friendly beer-garden restaurant is an old-school gourmet butch- salads, pita wraps, and customizable rice and grain bowls. It’s er shop, where sausages from classic (brats, chorizo) to cre- refreshing that executive chefs Sam Gorenstein and Danny ative (lamb and feta) are house-made, and all beef is certified Ganem deliberately chose to eschew fried foods; all of Zuuk’s USDA prime — rarely found at even fancy steakhouses. Take offerings sit pretty on the “fresh, fast, and light” side of din- your selections home to cook, or better yet, eat them here, ing. Star-making dishes include a delicious spiced lamb kefte, accompanied by intriguing Old/New World sauces, garnishes slow roasted beef, and baked falafel, replete with regional (like bleu cheese fritters), sides, and starters. Desserts include Mediterranean sauces, spreads, and other flavorful toppings a bacon sundae. Beer? Try an organic brew, custom-crafted for that add character to your meal. Table service is practically the eatery. $$-$$$ (PRB) nonexistent, but the financier with 15 minutes to spare will appreciate the fact that counter service is about as brisk and Carrot Express Midtown pleasant as a cool Mediterranean sea breeze. $-$$ (AM) 3252 Buena Vista Blvd. #108, 786-312-1424 In the past few years, healthy fast-casual concepts have become a dime a dozen in Miami. Predating many of them is Midtown / Wynwood / Design District Carrot Express, a Miami Beach staple that’s been serving up lean and green offerings for roughly half a decade. The lat- 3 Chefs Chinese Restaurant est Carrot Express outpost in Midtown finally brings favorites 1800 Biscayne Blvd. #105, 305-373-2688 like poke bowls and stuffed sweet potatoes to the mainland. Until this eatery opened in late 2010, the solid Chinese restau- Herbivores, in particular, have reason to rejoice: Vegan burgers rants in this neighborhood could be counted on the fingers of and sausages are just a few of the plentiful meatless options no hands. So it’s not surprising that most people concentrate available. $$ (MFP) on Chinese and Chinese/American fare. The real surprise is the remarkably tasty, budget-priced, Vietnamese fare. Try pho, Cerveceria 100 Montaditos 12 varieties of full-flavored beef/rice noodle soup (including 3252 NE 1st Ave. #104, 305-921-4373 our favorite, with well-done flank steak and flash-cooked eye Student budget prices, indeed. A first-grader’s allowance would round). All can be customized with sprouts and fresh herbs. cover a meal at this first U.S. branch of a popular Spanish chain. Also impressive: Noodle combination plates with sautéed The 100 mini sandwiches (on crusty, olive oil-drizzled baguettes) meats, salad, and spring rolls. $$ (PRB) vary from $1 to $2.50, depending not on ingredient quality but complexity. A buck scores genuine Serrano ham, while top-ticket Amara at Paraiso fillings add imported Iberico cheese, pulled pork, and tomato 3101 NE 7th Ave., 305-702-5528 to the cured-ham slivers. Other options revolve around pâtés, Edgewater isn’t usually a neighborhood that comes up in smoked salmon, shrimp, and similar elegant stuff. There’s discussions of Miami’s food scene. Amara at Paraiso could cheap draft beer, too, plus nonsandwich snacks. $$ (PRB) change that soon, however. This Latin America-inspired concept from chef Michael Schwartz overlooks Biscayne Bay, Charly’s Vegan Tacos providing guests with a beautiful backdrop for an equally 172 NW 24th St., 305-456-8202 alluring menu. The stars of the show are the restaurant’s For plant-based eaters, Charly’s Vegan Tacos is an easy sell. wood grill and Josper oven that turn out an array of items like For carnivores, the name might be an instant turn-off. Give grilled lamb ribs, beef short rib, and hefty meat and seafood it a chance: Charly’s makes some tasty tacos, many of which platters. The view alone is worth a visit. $$-$$$ (MFP) resemble their meat counterparts to the T. For example, there’s the “carne asada” taco that uses grilled seitan steak; Alter and the “chicharron prensado,” which uses “porkles” crack- 223 NW 23rd St., 305-573-5996 lings for that recognizable crunch. Get a few of either plus a Award-winning chef Brad Kilgore offers some of the most bowl of pozole (Mexican stew), and you’ve got yourself quite exciting food in town, with menu items like soft egg with sea the meal. $-$$ (MFP) scallop espuma, chive, truffle pearls, and Gruyere; and grouper cheeks with black rice, shoyu hollandaise, and sea lettuce. Coyo Taco Novices don’t fret — the staff will guide you through your eat- 2300 NW 2nd Ave., 305-573-8228 ing journey. The warehouse vibe speaks to the neighborhood’s If you go to this affordable Mexican street-food-themed joint appeal while letting the food speak for itself. Grab a spot at expecting one of today’s many fast-casual, healthy-type

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 73 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

Mexican taco/burrito chains, where the attraction is mainly GoBistro protein, it’s not the only standout. A delicious Royale With Morgans Restaurant just that fillings are fresh, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 315 NW 25th St., 786-332-3597 Cheese is sure to please burger fanatics (and Pulp Fiction) 28 NE 29th St., 305-573-9678 Here tortillas are handmade and fillings are either genuinely Reasonably priced Asian cuisine is rare in Wynwood — or rath- fans with two hefty patties, cheddar, pickles, and secret sauce. Housed in a beautifully refurbished 1930s private home, traditional (like cochinita pibil) or delightfully original — and er, it was. Broward’s GoBistro has brought its sushi and ramen The best value, though, is the Why Not platter that comes with Morgans serves eclectic, sometimes internationally influenced sometimes satisfyingly sinful, like duck confit with enough skin to the 305, and we’re oh-so-grateful. The second you look at all the hits: rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, pork ribs, and contemporary American cuisine compelling enough to attract and fat to scandalize all the health-obsessed places. There are the menu, you can’t help but notice the variety. Feeling just a onion rings. $-$$ (MFP) hordes. Dishes are basically comfort food, but ultimate com- first-rate vegetarian fillings, too, like mushroom/huitlachchle little peckish? Opt for appetizers like avocado fries and chick- fort food: the most custardy, fluffy French toast imaginable; with cotija cheese; tasty churros for dessert; and beer and en wings. Hungrier patrons can scarf down miso pork ramen, Lemoni Café shoestring frites that rival Belgium’s best; mouthwatering margaritas. $-$$ (PRB) dragon rolls, and soft shell crab buns. Picky eaters, take note: 4600 NE 2nd Ave., maple-basted bacon; miraculously terrific tofu (crisply panko- There truly is something here for everyone. $-$$ (MFP) 305-571-5080 crusted and apricot/soy-glazed); even a “voluptuous grilled Crazy Poke The menu here reads like your standard sandwiches/salads/ cheese sandwich” — definitely a “don’t ask, don’t tell your 312 NW 24th St., 786-401-7542 Harry’s Pizzeria starters primer. What it doesn’t convey is the freshness of the cardiologist” item. $$-$$$ (PRB) Crazy Poke, Wynwood’s latest poke spot, is joining a crowded 3918 N. Miami Ave., 786-275-4963 ingredients and the care that goes into their use. Entrée-size landscape; the neighborhood is already full of places that In this humble space (formerly Pizza Volante) are many key salads range from an elegant spinach (goat cheese, pears, NOA Café serve the Hawaiian specialty. Fortunately, the restaurant has components from Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink two blocks walnuts, raisins) to chunky homemade chicken salad on a bed 2711 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-2557 one big advantage: flexibility. Guests who make their own bowl east — local/sustainable produce and artisan products; wood- of mixed greens. Sandwiches (cold baguette subs, hot pressed Originally just a catering company, tiny NOA (initials of have a laundry list of ingredients available, including over one oven cooking; homemade everything (including the ketchup paninis, or wraps, all accompanied by side salads) include a Israeli-born chef/owner Adi Kafri’s three daughters) gradually dozen mix-ins and an array of sauces like creamy miso and accompanying crisp-outside, custardy-inside polenta fries, a respectable Cuban and a veggie wrap with a deceptively rich- became a “best-kept secret” lunch spot for its budget-friendly wasabi aioli. Signature selections like the Citrus Shrimp take circa 1995 Michael Schwartz signature snack from Nemo). tasting light salad cream. $-$$ (PRB) fresh focaccia sandwiches, plus perfectly dressed full-meal the guesswork out of ordering, but we suggest you let your Beautifully blistered, ultra-thin-crusted pizzas range from clas- MediterAsian salads. The cute Edgewater oasis now serves creativity run wild. $$ (MFP) sic Margheritas to pies with house-smoked bacon, trugole (a Love N’ Gyros dinner, too. Highly recommended: the big, beautiful Middle subtly flavorful — fruity, not funky — Alpine cheese), and other 2814 N. Miami Ave. Eastern mezze platter (with falafel balls, silky hummus, tahini, Dr. Smood unique toppings. Rounding things out: simple but ingenious Wynwood is full of elevated dining spots like Alter, KYU, and grape leaves, heaps of grilled veggies, more), or lavishly 2230 NW 2nd Ave. 786-334-4420 salads, ultimate zeppoles, and Florida craft beers. $$ (PRB) Hiden. But what if you just want something casual? Enter veg-studded pad Thai (with an unusual lemongrass/orange Its large windows and corner location will draw you in, but the Love N’ Gyros, a cool Greek joint that’s easy on the wallet. peel-spiked sauce), either enough for two to share over wine. comfortable and expansive minimalist interior with Carrera Joey’s Italian Café The concise street-food menu should look familiar to fans $$-$$$ (PRB) marble, walnut wood, and hotel-like seating will keep you. While 2506 NW 2nd Ave., 305-438-0488 of Mediterranean cuisine: Pitas are plentiful and first-timers their motto is “smart food for a good mood” in the form of mylks, The first new restaurant in the Wynwood Café District, this styl- should start with the OG, a delectable mix of pork and tzatziki. OTL smoody’s, and organic live juices, the menu also includes cof- ish indoor/outdoor Italian hangout is as casually cool as one Other filling proteins are available, too — just make sure to 160 NE 40th St., 786-953-7620 fee, soups, salads, sandwiches, spreads like cacao mushroom would hope — and as affordable. There’s a five-buck half-serv- save room for the Fortomenes loaded fries — aka cheese Coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and yoga, anyone? Yes, there’s tahini and seasonal berry jam, and non-traditional desserts with ing of spaghetti al pomodoro and respectable vino for under heaven. $ (MFP) now such a place, and it’s naturally in the Design District. OTL flax, almond meal, and coconut butter. Most of the items can be $30. And few can resist delicately thin, crunchy-crusted pizzas is an ambitious concept pushing light bites and strong coffee, grabbed to-go, but expect to wait in line. $-$$ (MB) like the creative Dolce e Piccante or orgasmic Carbonara. Mad Lab Creamery courtesy of an auspiciously motley troika of influencers, includ- Pastas are fresh; produce is largely local; the mosaic-centered 140 NE 39th St. ing the team behind The Smile NYC, LIV impresario David The Daily Creative Food Co. décor is minimalist but inviting. And no need to be wary of the Pastry chef Soraya Kilgore, known for her desserts at Grutman, and Miami Design District braintrust Craig Robins. 2001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4535 warehouse district at night: Valet parking is free. $$-$$$ (PRB) Alter, now has her own place dedicated to sweets: MadLab Coffee shops are oftentimes the beating hearts of creative While the food formula of this contemporary café is familiar – Creamery. Located in the Design District’s Palm Court, the hubs, and OTL is no different; expect to see plenty of over- sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast food, and pastries, plus Kaido ice cream store features a wealth of Instagram-worthy cre - caffeinated designers, artists, developers, and retail employ- coffee and fruit drinks – a creative concept differentiates the 151 NE 41 St., Unit 217, 786-409-5591 ations, many of which can be adorned with your choice of ees on their lunch breaks. The place is bright and clean, and place. Signature sandwiches are named after national and local James Beard-nominated chef Brad Kilgore has another hit on his over two dozen toppings. Among those toppings: sprinkles, could double as a white cube gallery with its pastel chairs, light newspapers, including Biscayne Times, giving diners something to hands with Kaido, his beautiful Design District cocktail lounge. chocolate honeycomb, and cotton candy (a must). Here, no wood accents, blue chip artwork, and upstairs multipurpose chat about. Sandwiches and salads can also be do-it-yourself proj- While Kaido is touted as a drinking den, its cocktails and food get order is complete without a Japanese cheesecake or choco- space reserved for performance and pop-ups. The food, while ects, with an unusually wide choice of main ingredients, garnishes, an equal share of the limelight. The Alter chef’s offerings include late slab. Prepare to kiss your diet goodbye. $ (MFP) flavorful, is mildly overpriced, but it’s an afterthought when you breads, and condiments for the creatively minded. $ (PRB) small plates such as blue crab rangoon, a curry cobia summer roll, realize that good coffee has finally arrived in the Miami Design and lemongrass duck sausage. Feel like splurging? An A5 wagyu Mandolin Aegean Bistro District. $-$$ (AM) Eat Greek katsu sandwich can be yours for $125. Pair it with a sakura- 4312 NE 2nd Ave., 305-576-6066 3530 Biscayne Blvd., 305-456-2799 infused negroni, and you’re golden. $$-$$$$$ (MFP) Inside this converted 1940s home’s blue-and-white dining Ono Poké Shop Sometimes, you’re in a hurry and can’t enjoy a sit-down meal. room — or even more atmospherically, its tree-sheltered gar- 2320 N. Miami Ave., 786-955-6894 Other times, all you want is to sit down, relax, and enjoy some Kush den — diners feast on authentic rustic fare from both Greece A casual, clean, and vibrant little eatery, Ono Poké Shop is good grub. Eat Greek is perfect for either situation. Here, those 2003 N. Miami Ave., 305-576-4500 and Turkey. Make a meal of multinational mezes: a Greek sam- the latest eatery to catch the trending “poké fever” that’s hit in a rush can pick up a lamb gyro pita wrap or falafel platter From the folks behind the popular Coral Gables artisanal beer pler of creamy tzatziki yogurt dip, smoky eggplant purée, and some of Miami’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods. Greatly for the road. Or if you have the time, grab a seat and indulge pub LoKal — voted a “Most Green Restaurant in Florida” by airy tarama caviar spread; and a Turkish sampler of hummus, influenced by traditional Japanese cuisine, the menu consists in pork chops, grilled salmon, and other large plates. There’s the Nature Conservancy — Kush pushes the concept farther: fava purée, and rich tomato-walnut dip. The meze of mussels of tried and true combinations, such as spicy ahi tuna tossed no wrong decision here. $-$$ (MFP) that farm-to-table dishes (some from LoKal, others created in lemony wine broth is, with Mandolin’s fresh-baked flatbread, in a spicy soy dressing, as well as flexible options to customize new) and craft beers aren’t mere craft; they’re art. Which you’ll almost a full meal in itself. $$-$$$ (PRB) your own poké bowl to taste. Quality ingredients and fresh fish Ella find on the walls. On tables you’ll find, among other things, make for a satisfying, healthy meal when lunch o’clock rolls 140 NE 39th St., 786-534-8177 the Kush & Hash burger: Florida-raised beef, ground in-house, Maska around. $$ (AM) Located off of the Design District’s upscale Palm Court, this served with hash (the edible, not smokable, kind), bacon, fried 3252 NE 1st Ave., Suite 109, 786-971-9100 sun-filled, airy café with pops of sea foam and blonde maple, egg, and housemade ketchup on a waffle bun, with a side of Thanks to Maska, your search for great Indian food in Miami Palatino is Michael Schwartz’s newest eatery, inspired by his daughter, maple syrup. Edgy enough for ya? $$-$$$ (PRB) is now a lot easier. The Midtown Miami establishment is big 3004 NW 2nd Ave., 786-360-5200 Ella. A breakfast and lunch spot, it focuses on simplicity with on sharing; prepare to split dinner highlights like the tandoori When longtime favorite Jamaican joint Clive’s fell victim to perfectly honed sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Offering KYU prawns, butter chicken, and dosas (Indian crêpes). Maska gentrification, few expected to find similarly skilled old-school only eight seats indoors, the majority of the seating is outdoors 251 NW 25th St., 786-577-0150 pulls influences from different regions of India, so the menu Caribbean-American soul food in Wynwood again, especially under large café umbrellas providing an excellent view of the The Asian-inspired restaurant wholly encompasses the creative is expansive — this is a place where all palates are welcome. not at old-school prices. But that’s what this small, super- courtyard. $$-$$$ (MB) vibe of the neighborhood with a raw space outfitted in murals by Whether you like spice or prefer your food more subdued, friendly mom-and-pop spot serves up: breakfasts like ackee 2Alas, micro green centerpieces, and lots of concrete features Maska will fill the Indian food-size hole in your life. $-$$ (MFP) and salt fish, fried dumpling and callaloo, or an egg/maple Ember as well as a balanced menu of wood-fired items and refresh- sausage/cheese grits combo; plates (with sides) of oxtails, 151 NE 41st St., Unit 117, 786-334-6494 ing ingredients. Roasted cauliflower comes with goat cheese Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink curry goat, jerk chicken; richly crusted piquant chicken or meat Celebrated chef Brad Kilgore continues his hot streak salad and shishito-herb vinaigrette; tuna tataki takes a spicy 130 NE 40th St., 305-573-5550 patties that contend with Miami’s best. Surprises include with his latest concept, Ember. The most affordable of turn with fire-roasted peppers, fermented chili, and citrus; and An instant smash hit, this truly neighborhood-oriented restau- homemade pastries, and $1 ice cream cones in tropical fla- his restaurants, Ember focuses on classic American bis- white ponzu, green chili, and herbs accompany sliced Hamachi. rant from chef Michael Schwartz offers down-to-earth fun food vors like soursop. $-$$ (PRB) tro fare with a twist. You’ll find comfort food like poutine, There’s also sweet soy and garlic short ribs, Korean fried in a comfortable, casually stylish indoor/outdoor setting. Fresh, pimento cheese beignets, and smoked fried chicken on chicken, and Thai fried rice in a stone pot. Open for brunch on organic ingredients are emphasized, but dishes range from Palat Miami the menu — very different items than those at the more Sundays. $$-$$$ (MB) cutting-edge (crispy beef cheeks with whipped celeriac, celery 4702 NE 2nd Ave., 786-953-7577 upscale Alter. Get the full experience by ordering off the salad, and chocolate reduction) to simple comfort food: deviled When you’re craving Italian food, where do you go? Palat Over the Embers section, which features lasagna, roast- Laid Fresh eggs, homemade potato chips with pan-fried onion dip, or a Miami should be on your shortlist. The neighborhood Italian- ed cornbread custard, and other items “not traditionally 250 NW 24th St., 305-699-0601 whole wood-roasted chicken. There’s also a broad range of fusion restaurant is serving flavorful food that hits the spot no grilled or cooked over fire.” $$-$$$ (MFP) Wynwood has a laundry list of restaurants, but very few of prices and portion sizes to encourage frequent visits. Michael’s matter the occasion. Small bites like piquillo peppers are per- them cater to the morning crowd. Thanks to Laid Fresh, early Genuine also features an eclectic, affordable wine list and a fect for splitting with friends over a bottle of wine, whose bud- Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop risers (and all-day breakfast lovers) have a wide selection of full bar. $$-$$$$ (PRB) get-friendly pricing may tempt you to order a second. Larger 186 NE 29th St., 305-573-4681 eggy sandwiches and other treats to start the day. The soft appetites are welcome, too, and they can indulge in braised This Cuban breakfast/lunch old-timer actually serves more scrambled sandwich with brie and avocado is heaven on a Mignonette rabbit tagliatelle and other hearty items. $$-$$$ (MFP) than sandwiches (including mammoth daily specials )— and plate, while the egg whites and avocado is less rich and more 210 NE 18th St., 305-374-4635 since reopening after a fire, does so in a cleanly renovated cardiologist-friendly. Ready for the weekend? Enjoy a mimosa From Day One this Old Florida/New Orleans fusion oyster bar, Palermo Restaurant & Wine Bar interior. But many hardcore fans never get past the parking (or two) in the restaurant’s signature mug. $ (MFP) from Blue Collar’s chef/owner Danny Serfer and food blog- 4582 NE 2nd Ave., 786-502-4460 lot’s ordering window, and outdoors really is the best place to ger Ryan Roman, received myriad raves for its cuisine and When it comes to cooking up delicious Argentine cuisine, manage Enriqueta’s mojo-marinated messy masterpiece: pan Lagniappe informed service. All manner of oysters (roughly six superb Palermo Restaurant & Wine Bar succeeds on all fronts. At con bistec, dripping with sautéed onions, melted cheese, and 3425 NE 2nd. Ave., 305-576-0108 selections available raw daily, and cooked choices including Palermo, you can expect quality and value; prepare for potato sticks; tomatoes make the fats and calories negligible. In New Orleans, “lagniappe” means “a little extra,” like the subtly brandy-sauced oysters Bienville), plus other superb big portions and flavors across the board. Since this is an Accompany with fresh orange juice or café con leche, and 13th doughnut in a baker’s dozen. And that’s what you get at seafood and Blue Collar’s famous veggie creations — even Argentinean restaurant, your order should include one of their you’ll never want anything else, except Junebe a bib. $ (PRB) this combination wine and cheese bar/backyard BBQ/enter- a dynamite prime rib — is of a caliber that catalyzes its own many cuts of meat. We suggest the oh-so-tender skirt steak tainment venue. Choose artisan cheeses and charcuterie from neighborhood gentrification, rapidly. $$-$$$ (PRB) plus a few empanadas for good measure. If you’re not big on Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop & Café the fridges, hand them over when you pay (very little), and steak, the restaurant also serves up a variety of Italian dishes. 2818 N. Miami Ave., 786-449-2517 they’ll be plated with extras: olives, bread, changing luscious Mike’s at Venetia $-$$ (MFP) As a genuine City of Miami firefighter, Derek Kaplan puts fires condiments. Or grab fish, chicken, veggies, or steak (with salad 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor, 305-374-5731 out, but since age 15 he’s also been lighting fires — in his or cornbread) from the hidden yard’s grill. Relax in the comfie This family-owned Irish pub, on the pool deck of the Venetia Prohibition oven. The decades of baking experience shows in both his mismatched furniture, over extensive wine/beer choices and condo, for more than 15 years has been a popular lunch and 3404 N. Miami Ave., 305-438-9191 locally award-winning signature pies, especially Key lime and laidback live music. No cover, no attitude. $$ (PRB) dinner hang-out for local journalists and others who appreciate Frankly, we don’t get why this expansive, high-ceilinged space salted caramel “crack,” and in changing produce-based sea- honest cheap eats and drinks. Regulars know daily specials with enormous front windows and open kitchen is so often sonal selections. For full, balanced (i.e., all-pie) breakfasts and Leal Bistro + Art are the way to go. Depending on the day, fish, churrasco, or described as evocative of a Prohibition-era speakeasy; ambi- lunches, there are also savory options like mac ’n’ cheese pie, 2700 N. Miami Ave., 786-542-5246 roast turkey with all the trimmings are all prepared fresh. Big ance here is artfully and amusingly sinful, not secretive. Fare or satisfyingly rich, totally non-sissy quiches. $-$$ (PRB) When you’re craving a quick, budget-friendly bite, Leal Bistro + Art burgers and steak dinners are always good. A limited late-night is a fun, familiar mix of modern comfort foods (truffled lobster delivers in spades. The charming family-owned café fits right into menu provides pizza, wings, ribs, and salad till 3:00 a.m. $-$$ mac ’n’ cheese, NY strip steak with truffled parmesan fries, Ghee Indian Kitchen the artsy Wynwood neighborhood with its cute aesthetic. Begin (PRB) many other items featuring truffle oil) and retro favorites like 3620 NE 2nd Ave., 786-636-6122 your meal with the hearty beef ribs soup and then move onto meatballs. It’s simple, solid stuff served in generous portions Chef Niven Patel, the talent behind the wildly success- Leal’s slow roasted pork sandwich. If you’re just in the mood for Mister-O1 to match the menu items that best truly evoke Prohibition ful Ghee Indian Kitchen in Dadeland, is giving Design a snack, you can’t go wrong with a fresh cheese arepa. For some- 2315 N. Miami Ave., 786-991-9343 times: hefty, old-fashioned, two-fisted cocktails. $$$ (PRB) District foodies a reason to salivate. Cypress Tavern’s thing even more substantial, nosh on the smoked duck breast With pizza this good, it’s hard to remain hidden. Mister-O1, former space is now home to his restaurant’s second with black tea and red wine sauce during dinner. $-$$ (MFP) the once-secret pizzeria in a Miami Beach office building, is Pummarola Pizzeria Napoletana outpost, where patrons can enjoy mouthwatering bites embracing its mainstream success with a third location — this 3328 N. Miami Ave., 786-535-4988 like smoked chicken samosa, turmeric marinated grou- Le Chick time in Wynwood. The restaurant knows not to mess with a Proof in Midtown Miami may be long gone, but good per, and turkey kofta. Although you can order à la carte, 310 NW 24th St., 305-771-2767 good thing, so expect to see all its beloved classics on the pizza is not. Pummarola — a Coral Gables favorite — the three-course, family-style tasting menu for $55 is a Out of the ashes of Dizengoff and Federal Donuts rises Le menu. The burrata and Barbara salad are still must-eats, as has taken over Proof’s former location, pumping out steal and deserves your consideration; it’s one of the Chick, a rotisserie-chicken spot that should hopefully avoid its is the literal star of the show: the Star Luca, a star-shaped pie pies and pastas that are far more affordable than its most affordable tastings in the area. $$ (MFP) neighbors’ fate. While chicken is the restaurant’s signature with spicy salami, ricotta and mozzarella. $$ (MFP) predecessor. Don’t let the low prices fool you: This is

74 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

high-quality cuisine. Just a taste of their margherita the real draw. Travel from Japan and Thailand through and mushrooms. Tostadas, ceviches, and tortas round sweet or savory, are mainly local vegetable and dairy combos, pizza, gnocchi pasta, or meatballs is evidence enough. Korea, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and beyond via light out the diverse menu that easily fits any budget — a so non-carnivores, as well as diners keeping Kosher, luck out. Best of all, you won’t be waiting long; most items take housemade momo, curried potato-stuffed Tibetan/Nepalese full meal can be had for under $10. $ (MFP) $$ (PRB) just a few minutes to come out. $-$$ (MFP) steamed dumplings; savory pulled pork buns with kimchi and crisped onions. Noodle dishes, hot or chilled, are especially Tap 42 R House appealing. $$-$$$ (PRB) 3252 NE 1st Ave. #101, 786-864-0194 Upper Eastside 2727 NW 2nd Ave., 305-576-0240 With all the growth that Midtown Miami has seen, there’s been A strikingly stylish restaurant that’s part art gallery could be Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill one type of restaurant sorely missing in the neighborhood: a Andiamo pretentious, in a still largely ungentrified area of cutting-edge 3250 NE 1st Ave., 786-369-0353 decent sports bar. Tap 42, which recently took over the short- 5600 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-5751 artsy yet still working-class Wynwood. But modular movable This chic indoor/outdoor space is an offspring of Lincoln lived Apeiro location, runs with this idea and complements it With brick-oven pizzerias popping up all over town the past few walls to accommodate changing installations, and its own Road’s SushiSamba Dromo and a sibling of Sugarcane with a flavor-forward mentality. The eatery started as a Fort years, it’s difficult to remember the dark days when this part name make it clear the art component is a serious working lounges in NYC and Las Vegas, but more informal than the Lauderdale watering hole and has since expanded to Coral of Mark Soyka’s 55th Street Station complex was mainland gallery. Hardworking chef/owner Rocco Carulli demonstrates a former and more food-oriented than the latter, as three kitch- Gables — and now Midtown Miami. Staples like the Prohibition Miami’s sole source of open-flame-cooked pies. But the pizzas locals orientation with a menu highlighted by skillfully crafted, ens — normal, raw bar, and robata charcoal grill — make clear. burger and Drunken Goat burger make an appearance, but so still hold up against the newbie pack, especially since exec hearty entrées (Brazilian seafood moqueta stew, coffee/ Chef Timon Balloo’s LatAsian small plates range from subtle do location-specific items like the grilled salmon Zen bowl that chef Frank Crupi has upped the ante with unique-to-Miami chili-rubbed short ribs, sweet pea falafel) available in afford- orange/fennel-marinated salmon crudo to intensely smoky-rich serves as a lighter alternative for guests. $$ (MFP) offerings like a white (tomato-free) New Haven clam pie. Also able half-portions: small plates of big food for starving artists. short ribs. At the daily happy hour, select dishes (like steamed available: salads, panini, and a tasty meatball appetizer with $$-$$$ (PRB) pork buns with apple kimchi) are discounted. $$-$$$ (PRB) The Taco Stand ricotta. There’s a respectable wine and beer list, too. $$ (PRB) 313 NW 25th St., 786-580-4948 Rice Mediterranean Kitchen SuViche We know what you’re thinking: “Oh great, another taco shop BarMeli 2500 Biscayne Blvd., 305-705-6090 2751 N. Miami Ave., 305-960-7097 in Wynwood.” The neighborhood is certainly not lacking 6927 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-5558 Feeling creative? Channel that energy at Rice Mediterranean As its fusion name suggests, this artsy indoor/outdoor eatery in options, but this San Diego transplant is sure to give its Just east of Liza Meli’s defunct Ouzo’s Taverna, her similarly Kitchen, where you have an assortment of tasty options to doesn’t merely serve a mix of Japanese sushi and Latin neighbors some healthy competition. Those familiar with the rustic-festive tapas and wine bar/market has an extensive, build the ultimate meal. Pick your base from delicious greens ceviches but a true fusion of both, largely owing to signature brand know that the seafood offerings like the Baja taco (bat- mostly small-plates menu including all of Ouzo’s Greatest or grains and then select your dips, proteins, and toppings to sauces (many based on Peru’s citusy/creamy acevichado tered fish) and spicy shrimp taco are winners; just one bite Greek Hits (refreshingly light and lemony taramosalata carp bring everything full circle. Basmati rice, hummus, spicy baba emulsion with Japanese spicing) that are applied to sushi rolls is all the proof you need. Another must: a mountain of carne roe spread, amazingly succulent grilled fresh sardines, her ganoush, honey nut feta, braised beef, and falafel are just a and ceviche bowls alike. Additionally there are some popular asada and fries, which can feed a group of four. $ (MFP) mom’s lemon cake, more), plus more broadly Mediterranean few of the items you can pick from. With so many options avail- Peruvian-fusion cooked dishes like Chifa (Peruvian-Chinese) creations like an Italian-inspired grana padano flan, uniquely able, repeat visits are in order. $-$$ (MFP) topped crostini and flatbreads, cheese/charcuterie boards. The boutique wine selection focuses on unusual (sometimes Riviera Focacceria Italiana virtually unknown, and unavailable elsewhere in town) 3252 NE 1st Ave., 786-220-6251 Mediterranean varietals from family-owned vineyards. $$ (PRB) This kitchen actually serves a full menu of specialties firmly rooted in Liguria, the northern Italian coastal region around Battubelin Genoa, pesto capital of the universe. Pastas like panisotti 749 NE 79th St., 786-391-0300 (plump vegetarian triangles containing ricotta plus chard, Shorecrest gem Mina’s Mediterraneo is long gone, having spinach, and typical herbs/spices) are definitely not generically been replaced by another soon-to-be neighborhood favorite: Italian. Still, the reason to come here: the variously stuffed or Battubelin. The Italian eatery checks all the boxes when it topped focaccias, particularly signature focaccia di Recco (a comes to a memorable dining experience: appetizing cuisine, Ligurian hill town). Two ultra-thin layers (almost transparent) of friendly service, and lots of wine. The menu isn’t reinventing light char-bubbled bread filled with imported stracchino, a mild the wheel — just refining it. Plates like the gnocchi pesto pasta fresh cheese like mozzarella, but swoon-inducingly oozy-soft. and the burrata and prosciutto pizza are items we’ve seen $-$$ (PRB) before, but rarely at a caliber like this. Word of advice: Save room for tiramisu. $-$$ (MFP) Sabor a Peru 2923 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-6736 Blue Collar Opened many years before ceviches became a staple on every 6730 Biscayne Blvd., 305-756-0366 Miami hipster-bar menu, this formerly tiny family-run Peruvian Like its predecessor in this space (Michael Bloise’s American place serves food that’s traditional, not trendy. That includes Noodle Bar), this working-class-themed eatery is helmed by a ceviches, simple and servicable. But Sabor’s strong suit — and former fine-dining chef, Daniel Serfer, a Chef Allen’s vet who why it has not only survived but thrived (as a recent expan- now crafts casual, creative fare at prices all can afford. Dishes sion attests) — is its cooked dishes, always fresh, flavorful, are eclectic. The roughly dozen veggie dishes alone range from and served in prodigious portions. Our personal fave: jalea (a curried cauliflower purée to maduros to bleu cheese roasted delicately breaded, crisp-fried mix of tender marinated fish and asparagus. Shrimp and grits compete with any in Charleston; shellfish, with yucca and criolla onion sauce); one order feeds pork and beans, topped with a perfectly runny fried egg, beats at least three diners. Note: Open for big breakfasts, as well as Boston’s best. $-$$ (PRB) lunch/dinner. $-$$ (PRB) Bon Gout BBQ Sakaya Kitchen 99 NW 54th St., 305-381-5464 Shops at Midtown Miami, Buena Vista Avenue Bon Gout BBQ will have you smacking your lips in no time. All 305-576-8096 your favorite proteins make an appearance at this Little Haiti This chef-driven, fast-casual Asian eatery is more an izakaya shop: chicken, pork, beef, and fish. The griot — Haitian fried (in Japan, a pub with food) than a sakaya (sake shop). But why pork — is a must for first-timers and a steal at $10. Heftier quibble about words with so many more intriguing things to plates like the fried fish dinner are still surprisingly affordable wrap your mouth around? The concept takes on street-food and double as lunch and dinner; you’ll be rolling out of here. favorites from all over Asia, housemade daily from quality fresh There are some big Haitian flavors hidden inside this small ingredients. French Culinary Institute-trained Richard Hales storefront. $ (MFP) does change his menu, so we’d advise immediately grabbing some crispy Korean chicken wings and Chinese-inspired, open- Boteco faced roast pork buns with sweet chili sauce and homemade 916 NE 79th St., 305-757-7735 pickles. $$ (PRB) This strip of 79th Street is rapidly becoming a cool alt-culture enclave thanks to inviting hangouts like this rustic indoor/out- Salumeria 104 door Brazilian restaurant and bar. Especially bustling on nights 3451 NE 1st Ave. #104, 305-424-9588 featuring live music, it’s even more fun on Sundays, when the In Italy, salumerias started, like American delicatessens, as fenced backyard hosts an informal fair and the menu includes shops selling salumi (cured meats), but evolved into the Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, a savory stew of beans plus equivalent of eat-in deli/restaurants that also serve cold and fresh and cured meats. But the everyday menu, ranging from hot prepared foods. At this modern Midtown salumeria, the unique, tapas-like pasteis to hefty Brazilian entrées, is also soups-to-salads-to-sweets range of fare is the same. Custom- appealing – and budget-priced. $$ (PRB) sliced imported cold cuts are a main focus, especially for those who enjoy taste-testing a plate pairing Italy’s two most famous Café Roval prosciuttos: Parma and San Daniele. But homemade pastas 5808 NE 4th Ct., 786-279-6800 are also impressive, as are hard-to-find regional entrées like Café Roval’s Old World flourishes set the perfect mise-en- fegato alla Veneziana, which will turn liver-haters into lovers. scène for magic. Restaurateur Mark Soyka of News Café, the $$-$$$ (PRB) Van Dyke, Andiamo, and Soyka Restaurant made a bold move opening his latest restaurant in the storied pumphouse build- Sergio’s Cuban Café + Grill ing just north of his 55th Street Station property. The subtly 40 SW 12th St., 786-500-0201 anachronistic décor casts an ambiance suspended in time. Cuban cuisine expands its footprint in Brickell with the addition Coral-rock walls extend toward a beautifully vaulted ceiling in of Sergio’s Cuban Café + Grill. This branch of the popular chain the dining room adorned with antique chandeliers. Elsewhere, leans on the ubiquitous “healthy bowl” concept. Guests have full quirky touches abound throughout the dining room and into freedom to create their perfect meal from an assortment of pro- lomo saltado, served traditionally, as an entrée, or creatively in the outdoor seating area. During the cooler months, dining teins, including turkey and beef. Sizeable sides like black beans springs rolls). To add to the fun, accompany your meal with a Vista is best experienced by candlelight on the backyard patio, and mojo yuca ensure you get your money’s worth. Craving more cocktail from Miami’s only pisco bar. $$-$$$ (PRB) 5020 NE 2nd Ave., 305-405-7547 comfortably nestled between lush gardens and a reflecting traditional Cuban food? Their pan con lechon and croqueta pre- The husband-and-wife team behind Italian restaurant Fratelli pool. The restaurant’s menu is influenced by a savory fusion of parada sandwiches have you covered. $ (MFP) St. Roch Market Milano has struck gold again. Vista, the latest venture from Mediterranean, Asian, French, and American cuisine. Lots to 140 NE 39th St., 786-542-8977 Roberto Bearzi and Fiorella Blanco, builds on the best parts try here, including caviar, tuna crudo, grass-fed lamb burgers, Sette Osteria Food halls are all the rage, and the Design District isn’t miss- of the downtown Miami favorite and infuses them with a Latin oxtail buns, and some vegetarian options such as sprouted 2103 NW 2nd Ave., 305-576-8282 ing out on the fun. St. Roch Market, the popular New Orleans flair. There’s a bigger emphasis on seafood at Vista, so expect chickpea cakes and the vegan dish du jour. Selections from Eagle-eyed visitors will find an unassuming Italian restaurant at multi-vendor establishment, has opened a Palm Court outpost to find a variety of crudos, fresh fish, and other selections that the bar include playful cocktails eschewing liquor in favor of the southern end of Wynwood: Sette Osteria. The Washington, that features something for everyone. Sushi (Itamae), fried will perk up your palate. Pastas haven’t gone anywhere: gnoc- wine, beer, and sake. $$$-$$$$ (AM) D.C., transplant is located away from the hustle and bustle of chicken (Coop), and banh mis (Tran An) are just a few of the chi, rigatoni, risotto, and more are available to scratch that itch. the neighborhood, but it’s only a matter of time before word market’s standouts, all of which pair nicely with a sazerac or $-$$$ (MFP) Cake Thai Kitchen gets out about this culinary gem. Earthy tones and an open another signature cocktail from St. Roch’s Mayhaw bar. With 7919 Biscayne Blvd., 305-534-7906 kitchen welcome diners, who will fall in love with signature so many options available, you’ll quickly become a regular. Zak the Baker Helmed by a perfectionist young chef (formerly from Makoto) dishes like seafood linguine and veal scallopini. A bevy of $-$$ (MFP) 405 NW 26th St., 786-280-0327 and his host/dessert-maker mom, this hip hole-in-the-wall Italian wines await to quench your thirst as well. $$-$$$ (MFP) This part-rustic/part industrial-chic breakfast and lunch spot, serves typical Thai street food. Many dishes are astonishingly Taco Chido located in Zak Stern’s bakery, is one certified-Kosher café ambitious, like peanut/garlic chip/cilantro-sprinkled roast duck Shokudo World Resource Café 2901 NE 2nd Ave., 786-313-3093 where neither religious dietary laws nor culinary standards noodle with Chinese broccoli, and intense pork fat-enriched 4740 NE 2nd Ave., 305-758-7782 Tacos should be inexpensive, filling, and delicious. are compromised. Reason: The menu of open-face sandwich broth. Other unique specialties include spicy house-cured At its former Lincoln Road location, World Resource’s café The ones at Taco Chido check all those boxes. At this “toasts,” soups, salads, and small plates doesn’t overreach, pork/crispy rice sausages, soy and whisky-marinated steak was better known for people-watching than for its standard Edgewater Mexican eatery, guests will encounter an but stays centered on Zak’s substantial and superbly crusty jerky, swoonfully sinful pork belly with basil sauce, and citrus/ sushi/Thai menu. But as the new name signals, this reloca- extensive list of tacos, both familiar and unfamiliar. Al organic sourdough loaves, arguably the best bread in Miami. curry-tinged fried chicken wings. Arrive early to score the wings. tion is a reinvention. The indoor/outdoor space is charming, pastor, steak, and carnitas are all crowd favorites, and Varieties range from classic Jewish deli rye to exotic olive Surprisingly scrumptious tofu and veggie preparations, too. but creative takes on popular pan-Asian street foods are they’re joined by the likes of rarer proteins like tempeh & za’atar or All American cranberry/walnut. Toast toppings, $-$$ (PRB)

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 75 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

Cream Parlor Jimmy’s East Side Diner O Munaciello Via Verdi Cucina Rustica 8224 Biscayne Blvd., 786-534-4180 7201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-3692 6425 Biscayne Blvd., 786-907-4001 6900 Biscayne Blvd., 786-615-2870 Don’t let the name fool you: This eclectic eatery is a lot more Open for more than 30 years and still regularly packed with locals, Neapolitan pizza is the star of the show at ’O Munaciello After years of critical acclaim cooking the cuisine of their than just ice cream. At this cozy neighborhood spot, you can Jimmy’s respects the most important American diner tradition: Miami, whose roots originate in Florence, Italy. The full-service native Piedmontat ultra-upscale Quattro, on Lincoln Road, twin enjoy breakfast items all day or nosh on house specialties like breakfast at any hour the place is open — though that’s only restaurant and pizzeria is bright and inviting, and its menu is brother chefs Nicola and Fabrizio Carro decided to work for the grilled smashed potato — the name says it all — for lunch or through mid-afternoon. Menu highlights include pecan waffles, home to an array of pizza selections sure to please the picki- themselves, hands-on renovating the former space of MiMo brunch. Dessert is a must at Cream Parlor, and first-timers need biscuits with sausage gravy, and eggs any style, from old-school est of palates. A standout: the San Daniele, which masterfully District pioneer Uva 69. Cuisine here is similarly authentic, to experience Unicorn Poop ice cream (much more appetizing than western omelets to trendy frittatas. Among sides, truly crispy hash mixes mozzarella, fresh arugula, shaved Parmesan, and cured with creative twists. But there are important differences: it sounds). Even if you’re not hungry, stop in to admire the vintage browns are neighborhood legend, with creamy grits a satisfying ham. Diners not in the mood for pizza can opt for pastas like emphasis on local, rather than mostly imported, ingredients; décor and crack a smile. Check out the patio in back. $-$$ (MFP) second. For those who like lunchier fare, hot open-faced turkey a linguine with clams or a spaghetti cacio e pepe with prawn; inspiration from all Italian regions; and best, astonishing sandwiches feature the real deal, not gelatinous deli-type turkey a small selection of meat and seafood entrées is available as affordability. Housemade spinach/ricotta gnudi baked in an Doggi’s Arepa Bar roll. $ (PRB) well. $$-$$$ (MFP) ocean of burrata is a delight, but it’s hard to go wrong here. 7281 Biscayne Blvd., 786-558-9538 $$-$$$ (PRB) MiMo residents, rejoice: Doggi’s Arepa Bar has brought its La Placita Organic Bites Venezuelan street food offerings up north. The restaurant’s 6789 Biscayne Blvd., 305-400-8173 7010 Biscayne Blvd., 786-542-9654 Wabi Sabi by Shuji second location features everything that regulars have come La Placita, the new Puerto Rican restaurant from local chef Too often healthy eating is associated with deprivation, but not 851 NE 79th St., 305-890-7228 to know and love about the place: giant portions, reasonable José Mendin, made massive headlines at its opening, all due at this breakfast/lunch/dinner bistro. Co-owners Andres and Before its sudden closure in late 2018, Wabi Sabi’s healthy prices and an extensive menu. If it’s your first foray into this to a controversial flag mural on its exterior. Don’t let this Ana Reid’s concept focuses mainly on people-pleasing dishes bowls were all the rage on NE 79th Street. After a months-long type of cuisine, start with the shredded beef arepa — essential- squabble with the city distract you from the food, which con- that are 100% chemical/GMO-free, not on calorie-counting. hiatus due to a family emergency, chef Shuji Hiyakawa has ly a corn flour pocket of flavor. The cachapa — a corn pancake tinues the Pubbelly chef’s hot streak. Key West conch salad, The ingenious international comfort food menu of ex-José reopened his beloved bowl spot. The menu remains short and with cheese and cream — is another beloved specialty that’s seafood stew, and tamales are among the many highlights Andres Bazaar chef Goncalo Costa does include vegetarian/ sweet, with five tasty options loaded with tuna, salmon, and not to be missed. $-$$ (MFP) here, but the crowd favorite is the mofongo. Get the mashed vegan dishes but ranges far beyond: deceptively decadent- other delectable seafood — all underlined with sushi rice, cha- plantain dish with ropa vieja, and watch your taste buds perk tasting eggs Florentine (with tomato and avocado hollandaise); soba noodles, or another sumptuous base. The real highlights, Dogma Grill up. $-$$$ (MFP) Portuguese bacalhau cakes with black-eyed pea salad; big however, are the daily specials. Call to see what Shuji is cook- 7030 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3433 juicy certified-organic burgers with smoked truffle mozzarella ing up. $-$$ (MFP) Since opening, this hot dog-PLUS (capital letters intended) joint The Plantisserie on onion brioche buns, with sweet potato fries. To accompany: has had several owners and menu changes. Currently it’s in 7316 NE 2nd Ave., 786-502-3363 fresh juices or organic wines. Ambiance is kid-friendly; prices, Winewood a “Best of” phase. Main draw remains 100% beef dogs with Plant-based dieters have a new reason to celebrate: Little atypical of many organic eateries, are parent-friendly. $$ (PRB) 7251 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8282 numerous regionally inspired topping combos (our favorite: River has its first plant-based organic deli. Inside the Along the Upper Eastside’s Biscayne Corridor best known for the elaborate, authentic Chicago), but vegetarians can again Plantisserie, customers have vegan options galore to choose Phuc Yea! its historic MiMo architecture, this darkly wooden and quirky enjoy the original menu’s veggie franks, absent for several from — available à la carte or in bulk. Hosting a party? Stock 7100 Biscayne Blvd., 305-494-0609 neighborhood wine bar stands out. Although a lucky few will years, topped identically. More recent adds worth sampling up on meatless lasagna and shepherd’s pie by the pound. Or When renowned pop-up Phuc Yea quietly folded back in appreciate the tiny rustic dining area, the majority of guests are regional specialty sandwiches, like New Orleans shrimp if you plan on eating in, try a quiche Lorraine with eggplant 2011, restaurateurs Ani Meinhold and Cesar Zapata refused will sit outdoors at the mercy of Miami’s grueling summer po’boys. And though there’s no indoor seating, current owner bacon or a jackfruit empanada. Rotating specials ensure that to let their innovative “Viet-Cajun” cuisine become another heat. The menu leans heavily upon Argentinean staples Diego Villamedi has expanded the outdoor area and spruced there’s something new every time you visit. $ (MFP) Miami memory. Fast forward several years and patience has and Italian cuisine, echoes of Devita’s Restaurant and Che up its landscaping for better insulation from Boulevard traffic, undoubtedly paid off: Phuc Yea is back, sporting a swanky Soprano, which previously occupied this space. Entrées such making picnicking more pleasant. $ (PRB) Loba new permanent home and a menu that not only expands as lomito, seafood tablas, and fresh pastas and stuffed ravi- 7420 Biscayne Blvd., 786-536-6692 upon but improves what the restaurant did right the first time. olis are generously portioned and delicious. Exploring the East Side Pizza As suggested by this comfie gastropub’s interactive literary The new multi-story restaurant is effortlessly hip, featuring wine menu will take patience as the list promotes a thought- 731 NE 79th St., 305-758-5351 ambiance (décor features shelves of paperbacks), the concept neon signs and weathered rustic wood furniture throughout. fully diverse terroir from regions all over the world. Those Minestrone, sure. But a pizzeria menu with carrot ginger soup? of young financial-analyst-turned-restaurateur Jessica Sanchez is The menu leans toward smaller tapas-style plates, which are reeling from weekend withdrawal can opt for a glass of wine Similarly many Italian-American pizzerias offer entrées like spa- to encourage creativity, including exploring Miami’s unique cul- sure to infuriate Miami’s gourmands, but make up for diminu- with a side of live entertainment beginning Tuesday through ghetti and meatballs, but East Side also has pumpkin ravioli ture-agriculture through food created by a staff including experi- tive portion sizes with flavor for days. The signature Cajun Saturday. $$-$$$ (AM) in brown butter/sage sauce, wild mushroom ravioli, and other enced chefs, FIU culinary students, and her mom Libia, former woks are superb, while the smaller dishes such as the fra- surprisingly upscale choices, including imported Peroni beer. owner of the traditional Colombian Patacón chain. Needless grant yet mild-tasting eggplant curry and the stellar “Broken As for the pizza, they are classic pies, available whole or by the to say, the menu is eclectic, ranging from South American (the Rice” — saucy caramelized pork belly served over short grain NORTH BAY VILLAGE slice, made with fresh plum tomato sauce and Grande mozza- Patacón, a bandeja paisa-inspired sampler plate) to modernized rice — are great for sampling when friends or family join in rella (considered the top American pizza cheese). Best seating Old South (MiMo Fried Chicken with crispy kale and local honey). on the fun. If you order dessert, opt for the extremely popular 222 Taco for eating is at the sheltered outdoor picnic tables. $ (PRB) Boredom? Impossible. $$-$$$ (PRB) bread pudding, or the mung bean pudding if you’re feeling 1624 79th St. Cswy., 833-222-8226 adventurous. $$$ (AM) At first glance, the menu at North Bay Village’s 222 Taco may Ferraro’s Kitchen Lo De Lea look like that of your standard taco joint. But a deeper dive 1099 NE 79th St., 786-534-2136 7001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-456-3218 Sandwich Where? into the selections reveals more than just tacos, quesadillas, Seasoned restaurateur Igor Ferraro, who’s honed his chef chops In Casa Toscana’s former space, this cute, contemporary parilla- 36 NE 54th St., 786-419-2772 and other traditional fare. “Coco-Ceviche” and Mexican pizza here and abroad in Italy, has opened a new eatery for those da is proof that you can have an Argentinean meal and a choles- Don’t let the cute name fool you. Sandwich Where? takes its are just a few tasty ways that 222 Taco is making a name for seeking two of life’s tastiest pleasures: pasta and wine. The terol test in the same month. While traditional parillada dishes namesake item seriously. The homey shop offers tasty sand- itself. Larger parties can opt for a one-pound al pastor taco inviting dining room is also spacious, and you’ll find ample room are tasty, they’re meat/fat-heavy, basically heaps of grilled beef. wiches at affordable prices — a lunch special with half a hoa- platter and other affordable family-style options. Fun fact: They at the bar as well; saddle up to the latter for a better view of the Here the grill is also used for vegetables (an unusually imagina- gie, chips, and a drink will set you back roughly $6. That’s a also serve breakfast. $-$$ (MFP) kitchen, where Chef Ferraro is busy creating homemade pap- tive assortment, including bok choi, endive, and fennel), two of bargain, as are their regular sandwich offerings like prosciutto pardelle, lasagna, and other Italian classics. Complement your which are paired with your protein of choice. You can indulge in mozzarella, turkey and brie, and soppressata. Pair one with Oggi’s Caffe meal with a bottle from the expansive wine selection, then order a mouthwateringly succulent vacio (flank steak), and walk out a delectable smoothie like the Tevez (pineapple, orange, and 1666 79th St. Cswy., 305-866-1238 the signature tiramisu for a sweet ending. $$$ (MFP) without feeling like you’re the cow. $$-$$$ (PRB) raspberry), and you have yourself a great lunch. $ (MFP) This cozy, romantic spot started back in 1989 as a pasta factory (supplying numerous high-profile restaurants) as Fiorito Manjay Siam Rice well as a neighborhood eatery. And the wide range of bud- 5555 NE 2nd Ave., 305-754-2899 8300 NE 2nd Ave., 305-542-2971 7941 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-0516 get-friendly, homemade pastas, made daily, remains the While owners Max and Cristian Alvarez’s description of their When you’re craving Caribben cuisine, keep Manjay You’ll find all the familiar favorite Thai and Japanese items main draw for its large and loyal clientele. Choices range eatery as “a little Argentinean shack” is as charming as the top of mind. This establishment inside The Citadel food here, and prices for curries and noodle dishes (all customiz- from homey, meaty lasagna to luxuriant crab ravioli with brothers themselves, it conveys neither the place’s cool hall may have a small menu, but its flavors are any- able regarding choice of protein, preparation, and heat level) creamy lobster sauce, with occasional forays into creative warmth nor the food’s exciting elegance. Dishes are authenti- thing but. The jerk chicken bites with plantain fries are are especially good at lunch. But don’t overlook somewhat exotica such as seaweed spaghettini, with sea scallops, cally Argentine, but far from standard steakhouse stuff. Chef a substantial starter that should be succeeded by the pricier specialties like a deep-fried yet near-greaseless bone- shitakes, and fresh tomatoes. $$-$$$ (PRB) Cristian’s background at popular pop-up The Dining Room Kreyol Bib, a Creole-style slow braised pork sandwich. less half duck with veggies in red curry sauce. There’s also an becomes instantly understandable in dishes like orange and Sides like red beans and rice and mofongo (crushed unusually extensive list of salads, some with inventive fusion Rico Sandwich Café herb-scented lechon confit (with pumpkin mash, pickled cab- sweet plantains) guarantee that you leave with a full touches, like a grilled shrimp/soba salad featuring traditional 1440 79th St. Cswy., Suite 1402, 305-867-4977 bage salad, and Dijon mojo) or sopa de calabaza, derived from belly. Get some Haitian-style beignets to go if you have Thai flavors (sriracha chiles, fish sauce, lime) and Japanese Two adjectives describe Rico Sandwich Café perfectly: Argentina’s peasant stew locro, but here a refined, creamy room. $-$$ (MFP) green tea noodles. $-$$$ (PRB) good and fast. This low-key North Bay Village shop cooks soup. Many more surpris es — even steaks. $$-$$$ (PRB) up satisfying Latin food in a jiffy. The menu is much more Ms. Cheezious Sherwood’s Bistro & Bar than sandwiches — in fact, sandwiches make up just a Flavorish Market 7418 Biscayne Blvd., 305-989-4019 8281 NE 2nd Ave., 786-359-4030 small portion of the selections here. Mains include grilled 7283 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8787 This brick-and-mortar location of Miami’s most awarded food Little Haiti isn’t exactly known for its culinary options, but palomilla steak, chicken parm, short ribs, pastas, pizzas, As Zabar’s reflects Manhattan’s Upper Westside neighborhood, truck has an expanded menu, featuring favorites like mac the new food hall at The Citadel will change that perception omelettes — basically everything except the kitchen sink. this smaller specialty foods shop is geared toward Miami’s ’n’ cheese, but what you’ll mostly want is just grilled cheese. by year’s end. Until then, Sherwood’s Bistro & Bar is doing Despite the eclectic mix of food, there is one constant: Upper Eastside lifestyle. The carefully curated stock ranges Which is a misnomer. “Just grilled cheese” sandwiches are its part in filling the neighborhood’s void. Expect larger-than- quality. $-$$$$ (MFP) widely: upscale packaged foods; boutique wines/beers; arti- what your mom made. Here you’ll find cunning creations like life plates like rabbit pot pie, gnocchi with oxtail ragu, and sanal cheeses and cured meats; cookbooks, kitchen utensils, Frito Pie Melts (the Southwestern classic corn chip/cheese/ bouillabaisse at this comfort-food-centric restaurant. The Shuckers Waterfront Grill more. But highlights are locally produced fare: Mimi’s famed jalepeño/onion/chili combo, served on sourdough instead word “homey” immediately comes to mind: Sherwood’s could 1819 NE 79th St. Cswy., 305-866-1570 raviolis; Roc Kat’s tropical ice creams; chef/restaurateur Ken of in a Frito bag), or the Croqueta Monsieur (ham croquettes, literally be someone’s house (we’re fairly certain it was), and Sometimes accidents can lead to better things. Case in point, Lyon’s prepared foods, including daily-changing dinners for tavern ham, Swiss cheese, béchamel). A welcome expansion: the fascinating design just adds to the eatery’s allure. With this North Bay Village waterfront institution is back with their two; Zak the Baker’s crusty sourdough breads, plus sand- the spacious backyard, featuring lawn chairs and sizable convenient parking all around, there’s no reason not to visit. casual, no-fuss service, cheap beer, special grilled wings (that wiches on same. Best-kept secret: While there’s no official café shade trees, is definitely a more relaxed dining area than a hot $$-$$$ (MFP) require no sauce), and raw oysters. The revamped space component, comfie counter seats enable on-premises break- sidewalk. $$ (PRB) makes the entire experience just a little fresher and a little fasting, lunching, and coffee/pastry breaks. $-$$ (PRB) Sushi Siam happier. Speaking of happy, their happy hour deals are still as Moshi Moshi 5582 NE 4th Ct., 305-751-7818 good as ever. $$ (MB) Firito Taco 7232 Biscayne Blvd., 786-220-9404 On the menu of sushi-bar specialties plus a small selection of 1071 NE 79th St., 305-793-6676 This offspring of South Beach old-timer Moshi Moshi is a Thai and Japanese cooked dishes, there are a few surprises, Sushi Siam Nestled between Tap 79 and Royal Bavarian Schnitzel House, this cross between a sushi bar and an izakaya (Japanese tapas such as a unique lobster maki that’s admittedly huge in price 1524 NE 79th St. Cswy., 305-864-7638 low-key taco shack features two sections — one for eating and one bar). Even more striking than the hip décor is the food’s ($25.95), but also in size: six ounces of crisp-fried lobster (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) (PRB) for playing bocce. The menu is limited to ten overstuffed tacos unusually upscale quality. Sushi ranges from pristine indi- chunks, plus asparagus, avocado, lettuce, tobiko (flying fish), (two per order), quesadillas, desserts like churros and paletas, and vidual nigiri to over-the-top maki rolls. Tapas are intriguing, masago (smelt) roes, and special sauces. Thai dishes come Tacos vs Burritos Cantina floor-to-ceiling fridges of ice-cold beer. The most popular tacos are like arabiki sausage, a sweet-savory pork fingerling frank; with a choice of more than a dozen sauces, ranging from 1888 79th St. Cswy., 305-868-2096 the carne asada with tomato, onion, cheese, garlic chili aioli, and rarely found in restaurants even in Japan, they’re popular traditional red or green curries to the inventive, such as an When you pit tacos against burritos, everyone wins. Despite its cilantro and the Tinga Club with chicken, avocado cream, bacon, Japanese home-cooking items. And rice-based plates like unconventional honey sauce. $$$ (PRB) competitive name, Tacos vs Burritos Cantina shows equal love tomato, queso, garlic chili aioli, and scallions. $$ (MB) Japanese curry (richer/sweeter than Indian types) satisfy to both culinary vessels. In fact, diners will find a lot more than even the biggest appetites. $-$$$ (PRB) Tap 79 just tacos and burritos: tostadas, quesadillas, and tortas can Ironside Pi zza 1071 NE 79th St., 305-381-0946 also be filled with your protein of choice. While you could load 7580 NE 4th Ct., 305-531-5055 Ni.Do. Caffe & Mozzarella Bar One-time fine-dining chef Alfredo Patino, whose still thriving up on the usual suspects like carne asada and chorizo, you’re From the team behind Brickell’s upscale Toscana Divino, this 7295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-960-7022 wine/tapas bar Bin No. 18 was one of the first chef-owned better off being adventurous and going for less traditional (and casual indoor/outdoor pizzeria (hidden inside Little River’s Don’t let this little café’s easily overlooked strip-mall location, restaurants to bring casual culinary sophistication to the harder-to-find) fillings like tongue and tripe. $ (MFP) artistic Ironside complex) retains the strengths of it predecessor, or its informal interior, fool you. The warm welcome is authen- downtown/midtown Biscayne Corridor, does the same for Ironside Pittzza — an award-winning Neopolitan pizzoalo; mouth- tically Italian, as are cleverly crafted antipasti, simple but still-transitional 79th Street with this convivial gastropub, watering wood-oven crusts; vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free full-flavored pastas, and homemade pastries (from rosemary which has a similar sharable-plates menu, but built more NORTH BEACH toppings. But the expanded menu, including impeccable cured breadsticks to fruit-topped dessert tortas) that will transport around beer than wine pairings. Highlights range from care- meat options, is a vast improvement. Especially recommended: your taste buds to Tuscany. And the housemade mozzarella or fully curated, imported charcuterie/cheese plates to fun Café Prima Pasta housemade porchetta; nduja Calabrese (salami spread); the burrata cheeses — truly milk elevated to royalty — will transport chef-driven items: house-cured beef jerky, brown sugar/gin- 414 71st St., 305-867-0106 Regina pizza with prosciutto crudo, buffala mozzarella, perfectly you to heaven. A small market area provides Italian staples, ger-marinated salmon “Scooby Snacks,” hearty Coke-braised Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks? Opened in 1993 ripe tomatoes, and arugula; involtini (stuffed pizza rolls); an plus superb salumi and the magnificent mozz, to go. $$-$$$ short ribs with sweet corn polenta and pungent Junetag (with 28 seats), the Cea family’s now-sprawling trattoria unusual carciofi salad with pine nuts and mint slivers. $$ (PRB) (PRB) blue cheese. $$-$$$ (PRB) has added inventive chef Carlos Belon and modern menu

76 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

items, including fiocchi rapera (pear/cheese-filled pasta Barok Café succulent version of the pickle-onion-topped marinated (Benmoussa is part French). But it would be unthinkable purses with truffled prosciutto cream sauce), an unlikely 12953 Biscayne Blvd., 305-456-0002 pork dish is earthily aromatic from achiote, tangy from bitter to miss the pies, especially our favorite Italia: subtly sweet (soy sauce and parmesan cheese?) but luscious Italian/ Barok Café forgoes the usual pomp of upscale eateries and oranges, and meltingly tender from slow cooking in a banana tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, onions, plus mixed Japanese fusion tuna carpaccio, and fresh-fruit sorbets. But focuses on simple, delicious, and effective French cuisine. leaf wrap. To accompany, try a lime/soy/chili-spiced michelada, greens and uncooked prosciutto on top — both pizza and traditionalists needn’t worry. All the old favorites, from the The middling décor and surrounding sunbleached strip malls also authentically Mexican, and possibly the best thing that salad. There are also nicely priced catering trays of finger subs, café’s famed beef carpaccio to eggplant parm and pastas leave something to be desired, but all is easily excused when ever happened to dark beer. $$-$$$ (PRB) quiche squares, pizza bites, more. $-$$ (PRB) sauced with Argentine-Italian indulgence, are still here and the food is this good. The morel dishes — large, spongy mush- still satisfying. $$$-$$$$ (PRB) rooms in a fragrant sauce served with meat or pasta — steal KC Healthy Cooking Pinecrest Bakery the show, and are worth the considerable uptick in price. 11900 Biscayne Blvd. #103, 786-502-4193 13488 Biscayne Blvd., 305-912-4200 Silverlake Bistro Meanwhile, everything from the pasta to the seafood is fresh, Hidden inside an office building across from Home Depot, Pinecrest Bakery has opened up shop in North Miami and 1211 71st St., 786-803-8113 and the service makes up for its slight inattentiveness with this family-friendly spot has no fancy features — such as a brought an extensive selection of Cuban specialties to the At Silverlake Bistro, American influences abound. The cozy affability and charm. The wine menu, while diminutive, is sign outside. But walk through the corporate lobby and you’ll other side of town. As you’d expect, pastelitos, empanadas, eatery features an array of rich items like the Napa grilled diverse enough to pair well with the meats, pastas, and sauces find truly heartfelt, health-conscious, homemade dishes, and other traditional delights are on the menu, but the bakery cheese sandwich and gnocchi mac and cheese that will have with aplomb. Considering the quality of the food, Barok Café is some surprisingly sophisticated. There’s no red meat on also doubles as a café. This means you’ll also find sandwiches you hating yourself — but they’re oh so worth it. Balance these a bona fide sleeper hit. $$$-$$$$ (AM) the globally influenced menu, but there are poultry and fish, galore, including staples like the Cuban sandwich (ham, pork, out with some vegetables like the baby carrots with honey along with many vegetarian or vegan choices: organic pump- swiss cheese, pickle) as well as Philly cheesesteaks and turkey and ricotta, one of the restaurant’s many highlights. Our sug- Café Crème kin soup, zingy Thai curried veggie soup, an elegantly layered, melts. And of course, there’s no shortage of cafecito. $ (MFP) gestion: Throw caution — and your diet — to the wind and get 750 NE 125th St., 786.409.3961 molded tuna/avocado/quinoa “cupcake,” a real Bundt cake the burger, a double-patty monster with porcini mayo and the You don’t have to circle the world in search of sweet and savory — vegan (no dairy) but remarkably tasty. $$ (PRB) Ricky Thai Bistro kitchen sink. $-$$$ (MFP) 1617 NE 123rd St., 305-891-9292 Named after the Thai/Italian owners’ son, this “best kept secret” neighborhood eatery is regularly packed by food-savvy locals for good reason: Southeast Asian herbs grown right MIAMI SHORES outside the bistro, plus locally made rice noodles and precision cooking make the Thai fare among the most sparkling Côte Gourmet fresh, and authentically spiced/spicy in town. Must-haves 9999 NE 2nd Ave., #112, 305-754-9012 include Pad Kee Mow (called “drunken noodles,” but a more When it comes to Miami’s dining scene, neighborhoods like accurate translation is “drunkard’s noodles,” for their asser- Wynwood and Brickell tend to get all of the attention. Côte tive and alcohol-free chili/ basil flavoring); duck or whole hog Gourmet, however, is putting Miami Shores on the map. This snapper, both crisp outside, juicy inside; succulently sour locals spot specializes in appetizing French cuisine, such as ground beef larp salad. Portions are unusually generous. $$ staples like escargots and foie gras. Brunch is a highlight, (PRB) featuring more casual cuisine like crêpes and a decadent croque madame to fill you up. Regardless of whether you visit Sergio’s Cuban Café + Grill for brunch, lunch, or dinner, expect reasonable prices, service 1821 NE 123rd St., 305-702-7211 with a smile, and oh-so-satisfying food. $-$$$ (MFP) Abuela’s Cuban cooking can make us feel all warm and fuzzy. Unfortunately, it can also make us fat. Enter Sergio’s PizzaFiore Cuban Café + Grill, a somewhat healthier approach to the 9540 NE 2nd Ave., 305-754-1924 beloved cuisine. Guests can create their own bowls and Owned by Arcoub Abderrahim, who opened South Beach’s add healthy mix-ins like lean ground turkey and cauliflower original PizzaFiore way back in 1996, this café serves the rice for a satisfyingly “skinny” meal. Of course, the usual kind of nostalgic, medium-thin crusted, oozing-with-gooey- suspects like the Cuban sandwich and even a Cuban chees- cheese pizzas reminiscent of our childhood pies in north- esteak make an appearance for those not watching their ern NJ Sopranos’ territory, except now there are options for waistline. $ (MFP) today’s toppings — sundried tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, etc. But there’s also a full menu of Italian-American clas- Steve’s Pizza sics, including antipasto salads, subs, and particularly 12101 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0202 popular, pastas. Garlic rolls are a must, but we didn’t have At the end of a debauched night of excess, some paper-thin to tell you that. $-$$ (PRB) designer pizza with wisps of smoked salmon (or similar fluff) doesn’t do the trick. Open till 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., Steve’s has, Smoothie Express since 1974, been serving the kind of comforting, retro pizzas 9440 NE 2nd Ave., 786-534-8696 people crave at that hour. As in Brooklyn, tomato sauce is When you need a quick bite, pop into Smoothie Express. sweet, with strong oregano flavor. Mozzarella is applied with Despite the name, smoothies are just one part of the diverse abandon. Toppings are stuff that give strength: pepperoni, sau- menu at this Miami Shores establishment. Its healthy wraps, sage, meatballs, onions, and peppers. $ (PRB) salads and burgers are perfect for a fast meal or a post-workout pick-me-up; pair them with the eatery’s namesake item, Sushi Lucy and you’ll be good until dinner. For your little ones, there’s a 1680 NE 123rd St., 786-391-2668 kids menu with quesadillas, sliders, and grilled cheese, plus One of the worst parts about dining out is the wait. At North child-friendly smoothies like oreos and cream. Here, everyone Miami’s Sushi Lucy, waiting for your food is a foreign concept. leaves happy. $ (MFP) The Asian eatery sends out items by the boatload — literally — so guests pick out their dishes as they pass by on a conveyor belt. If you’re not in the mood for sushi, rest assured you won’t NORTH MIAMI leave hungry. Hot kitchen entrées like the shrimp dumplings, salmon rice bowls, and chicken skewers round out the estab- Alaska Coffee Roasting Co. lishment’s extensive menu. $-$$ (MFP) 13130 Biscayne Blvd., 786-332-4254 When people speak of the West Coast as the USA’s Tatore quality coffeehouse pioneer territory, they’re thinking 15180 Biscayne Blvd., 305-749-6840 Seattle — and then south through coastal California. North Meet the fugazzeta, a regional Argentinian specialty that is to Alaska? Not so much. But owner Michael Gesser did essentially a white pizza with mozzarella, onions, and oregano. indeed open this hip place’s parent in Fairbanks back And although simple, it’s hard to come by in town. FYI: You can in 1993, after years of traveling through every coffee- find it here. An ample outdoor space is popular on the cooler growing country in the world. Brews like signature smooth days, and inside, the great red oven takes center stage. You yet exotic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe don’t even need cream can go traditional with your pizza or try the Nicanora, which or sugar, much less frappe frou-frou. All beans are house- has caramelized onions and bacon. The restaurant opens early roasted. There’s solid food, too: brick-oven pizzas, salads, enough to serve the breakfast of champions — empanadas. sandwiches, and pastries. $-$$ (PRB) $-$$ (MB) Amarone Tomato & Basil 15400 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 107, 305-440-0766 653 NE 125th St., 305-456-1193 Amarone touts four things in their logo: wine, pasta, pizza, and This rustic Italian eatery with reds, whites, and lots of light spirits. Where to start? Try the brick-oven pizzas. While they treats from the City of Lights. Situated adjacent to the Museum Pastry Is Art wood, will instantly transport you to the carefree streets of don’t break new ground in the creativity department, this North of Contemporary Art, Café Crème is a French bistro helmed 12591 Biscayne Blvd., 305-640-5045 Italy, Vespa included — so will the thin pizza, creamy polenta, Miami Italian restaurant gets the classics right — even your by Buena Vista Café proprietors Claude Postel and Cory Finot. Given owner Jenny Rissone’s background as the Eden Roc’s and carefully curated wine list. Their complimentary rolls basic margherita is impressive. Decadent pastas with truffle Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, their selection of tartines, executive pastry chef, it’s not surprising that her cakes and with homemade tomato sauce are extra heavenly. Delivery oil and other rich ingredients make this place a carb lover’s croissants, soups, salads, and daily quiches won’t disappoint other sweet treats (like creamy one-bite truffle “lollipops”) look available, but if you decide to dine in, there is plenty of free dream. Wine connoisseurs will also have their hands full with diners seeking simple dishes in this spacious and welcoming as flawlessly sophisticated as they taste — perfect adult party parking. $$ (MB) selections from all over Italy. $-$$ (MFP) dining room. Service is attentive and friendly, allowing you plenty fare. What the bakery’s name doesn’t reveal is that it’s also a of space to linger over your velvety latte. A word of caution: breakfast and lunch café, with unusual baking-oriented fare: a Urbano Steak House Basilic Vietnamese Grill Those with an indomitable sweet tooth, beware! Pastry chef signature sandwich of chicken, brie, and caramelized peaches 2114 NE 123rd St., 786-637-7711 14734 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-0577 Romain Soreauto has made it near impossible to resist the and pecans on housemade bread; quiches; pot pies; even a If you’re vegetarian, Urbano Steak House is not for you; the Those who say great pho is few and far between are in for a pastries, all baked on-site daily. They will leave visions of coffee baked-to-order Grand Marnier soufflé. The pecan sticky buns “Let’s Eat Meat” sign inside this Argentinian establishment is treat: Basilic Vietnamese Grill offers a stunning take on the éclairs, tarts, macarons, and Napoleon cakes dancing through are irresistible. $$ (PRB) a dead giveaway. Once you sit down, you’ll see a variety of subtle majesty of this humble noodle soup. It June be enough your mind for days to come. Très bon! $-$$ (AM) different cuts on the menu along with native staples like empa- for some restaurants to rest on the laurels of one spectacular Petit Rouge nadas and sweetbreads. There are non-carnivore options, but dish, but brothers and co-owners John, Chuck, and Vince Vu Cane á Sucre 12409 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-7676 you’re not here for a salad. Instead, get the “parillada” — the aim for the bleachers, offering a broad selection of delicious 899 NE 125th St.,305-891-0123 From the mid-1990s (with Neal’s Restaurant and later with gigantic meat platter comes with steak, short rib, blood sau- contemporary and traditional Vietnamese foods that aim to From the Vega brothers (who pioneered the Design and MiMo Il Migliore), local chef Neal Cooper’s neighborhood-oriented sage, and an assortment of other proteins. Good luck finishing please. The bahn mi sandwich is only served during lunch, but districts with, respectively, the original Cane A Sucre and Italian eateries have been crowd-pleasers. While this cute it by yourself. $$-$$$ (MFP) is alone well worth the trip to this wonderful addition to North UVA 69), this charming artisanal sandwich bar is the perfect 32-seat charmer is French, it’s no exception, avoiding pretense Miami. $$-$$$ (AM) breakfast/lunch stop before or after ingesting visual arts at and winning fans with both classic and nouvelle bistro fare: Whole Foods Market nearby MOMA. Actually, creations like El Fig (fig confit, gorgon- frisée salad with lardons, poached egg, and bacon vinaigrette; 12150 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-5500 Bagel Bar East zola cheese, walnuts, and honey on an authentically French truite Grenobloise (trout with lemon/caper sauce); consommé (See Brickell / Downtown listing.) 1990 NE 123rd St., 305-895-7022 crisp-crusted fresh-baked baguette) are art in their own right. with black truffles and foie gras, covered by a buttery puff pas- Crusty outside (even without toasting) and substantially chewy Inventive, substantial salads, sides, daily soups, and home- try dome; perfect pommes frites, and equally perfect apple or Zaika Indian Cuisine inside, the bagels here are the sort homesick ex-New Yorkers made sweets (including mouthwateringly buttery croissants) lemon tarts for dessert. $$$ (PRB) 2176 NE 123rd St., 786-409-5187 always moan are impossible to find in Miami. For those who complete the menu. $-$$ (PRB) This friendly and dateworthy-cute spot features “Modern prefer puffed-up, pillowy bagels? Forget it. Have a nice onion Piccolo Pizza Indian” cuisine — both North Indian-type traditional favorites pocket. There’s also a full menu of authentic Jewis h deli Chéen-huyae 2104 NE 123rd St., 305-893-9550 interpreted without the oiliness and heavy sauces typical of specialties, including especially delicious, custom-cut — not 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-956-2808 Pizzas at this spin-off from family-owned Il Piccolo impress westernized curry houses, plus refined reinventions using pre-sliced — nova or lox. Super size sandwiches easily serve Diners can get some Tex-Mex dishes here, if they must. But even NYC visitors, thanks to recipes proprietor Hubert authentic (though heat-adjustible) spicing in original creations two, and they’ll even improvise a real NJ Sloppy Joe (two the specialty is Junean-rooted Yucatan cuisine. So why blow Benmoussa learned from an authentic Neapolitan pizzaolo. and/or less familiar South Indian coastal dishes: coconut-rich meats, Swiss, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye) if you bucks on burritos when one can sample Caribbean Mexico’s Other favorites here include subs on homemade baguettes Konkan fish curry, irresistible lasooni jhinga (yogurt/garlic- ask nice. $$ (PRB) most typical dish: cochinita pibil? Chéen’s authentically and, surprising for a pizzeria, delightfully custardy quiche marinated char-grilled shrimp). Vegetarian dishes featuring

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 77 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

paneer cheese are outstanding, but even samosas sparkle, eatery, combining a casual vibe with some surprisingly sophis- Ginza Japanese Buffet octopus. Drink selections include a Tokyo Bloody Mary, mimo- with peas still popping-fresh. Multi-course lunch specials ($9- ticated food, now has a name recognizing the culinary refine- 16153 Biscayne Blvd.,305-944-2192 sas, and a delightfully satisfying Asian take on a classic mojito, $13) — custom-cooked, not old steam-table buffet stuff — are a ments introduced by Rolf Fellhauer, for 28 years executive Highlighting the lunch and dinners spreads at this all-you- made with sake instead of traditional rum. Lettuce & Tomato terrific deal. $$ (PRB) chef at Continental fine-dining spot La Paloma. Additions to the can-eat Japanese buffet are a hibachi station (where chefs deserves credit for crafting an unpretentious menu that predominantly seafood menu include chateaubriand or rack of custom-cook diners’ choice of seafood or meat), plus many doesn’t skimp on quality or inventiveness. A most welcome lamb for two, both carved, with old-school spectacle, tableside. types of maki rolls and individual nigiri sushi, both featuring surprise. $$ (AM) BAY HARBOR ISLANDS Owner Michael Choido has also renovated the interior dining a larger variety of seafood than at many sushi bars -- not just room, and added the Yellowfin Lounge, which features an salmon and tuna but snapper, escolar, surf clam, snow crab, Little Saigon Asia Bay Bistro extensive selection of artisan beers. $$-$$$ (PRB) and more. But there are also steam-tabled hot Japanese and 16752 N. Miami Ave., 305-653-3377 1007 Kane Concourse, 305-861-2222 Chinese dishes; an array of cold shellfish and salads with mix- This is Miami’s oldest traditional Vietnamese restaurant, but As in Japan’s most refined restaurants, artful presentation is CY Chinese and-match sauces; and desserts. Selections vary, but value-for- it’s still packed most weekend nights. So even the place’s stunning at this Japanese/Thai gem. And though the volumi- 1242 NE 163rd St., 305-947-3838 money is a given. $$ (PRB) biggest negative – its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, not encour- nous menu sports all the familiar favorites from both nations, Szechuan cuisine is a fascinating and sometimes polarizing aging of lingering visits – becomes a plus since it ensures fast the Japanese-inspired small plates will please diners seeking art — not everyone is a fan of the pain wrought from the dis- Hiro Japanese Restaurant turnover. Chef/owner Lily Tao is typically in the kitchen, craft- something different. Try jalapeño-sauced hamachi sashimi; tinctive mouth-numbing heat. But if spicy pain is the name of 3007 NE 163rd St., 305-948-3687 ing green papaya salad, flavorful beef noodle pho (served with toro with enoki mushrooms, bracing ooba (shiso), tobiko caviar, your game, there’s plenty of joy to be found at CY Chinese, a One of Miami’s first sushi restaurants, Hiro retains an amusing greens, herbs, and condiments that make it not just a soup and a sauce almost like beurre blanc; rock shrimp/shitake worthy Chinese restaurant specializing in regional southwest- retro-glam feel, an extensive menu of both sushi and cooked but a whole ceremony), and many other Vietnamese classics. tempura with a delicate salad; elegant salmon tartare with a ern cuisine with a kick. Dishes range from typical Chinese fare Japanese food, and late hours that make it a perennially popu- The menu is humongous. $-$$ (PRB) mix-in quail egg. And spicy, Juneo-dressed tuna rock makis are (dumplings, egg rolls, pork, and duck served a million-and-one lar after-hours snack stop. The sushi menu has few surprises, universal crowd-pleasers. $$$ (PRB) different ways) to exotic (signature dry pots, Szechuan dishes) but quality is reliable. Most exceptional are the nicely priced Merkado 31 by Cholo’s to adventurous cuisine (tip: don’t order the mung bean jelly if yakitori, skewers of succulently soy-glazed and grilled meat, 1127 NE 163rd St., 305-947-3338 Bay Harbor Bistro you’re on a date, and if you don’t already know and love tripe, fish, and vegetables; the unusually large variety available of Merkado 31 is a welcome update to the Peruvian spot former- 1023 Kane Concourse, 305-866-0404 you might want to pass). All of the dishes sampled were deli- the last makes this place a good choice for vegetarians. $$ ly known as Cholo’s Ceviche & Grill. Apart from its spiffy new Though small, this ambitious European/American fusion bistro cious and unequivocally authentic, although perhaps a little bit (PRB) digs, there’s a new menu, including an entire section called covers all the bases, from smoked salmon eggs Florentine too oily. All meals can be made to taste, so specify how much Merkado Green, aimed at healthy eaters, vegetarians, and veg- at breakfast and elaborate lunch salads to steak frites at salt, oil, and spice you’d prefer with your server while ordering. Hiro’s Sushi Express ans — the citrusy quinoa is a must-try. But if you’re looking for dinner, plus tapas. As well as familiar fare, you’ll find atypical If you can excuse the shabby interior and idiosyncratic yet 17048 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-0776 something a little more traditional, the piled-high causas and creations: caramelized onion and goat cheese-garnish ed leg strangely charming table service, the real deal is waiting for Tiny, true, but there’s more than just sushi at this mostly take- Ceviche Clasico are mainstays. $-$$ (MB) of lamb sandwiches; a layered crab/avocado tortino; pistachio- you at CY Chinese. $$-$$$ (AM) out spin-off of the pioneering Hiro. Makis are the mainstay crusted salmon. A welcome surprise: The bistro is also a bak- (standard stuff like California rolls, more complex creations Moon Thai ery, so don’t overlook the mouthwateringly buttery croissants, like multi-veg futomaki, and a few unexpected treats like a Intracoastal Mall 3455 NE 163rd St., 305-974-5129 plumply stuffed empanadas, or elegant berry tarts and other spicy Crunch & Caliente maki), available à la carte or in value- The original Moon Thai opened in Coral Gables in 2000, and homemade French pastries. $$-$$$ (PRB) priced individual and party combo platters. But there are also the restaurant has since expanded with Kendall, Coral Springs, bento boxes featuring tempura, yakitori skewers, teriyaki, stir- and Weston locations (to name a few). One of its newest Open Kitchen fried veggies, and udon noodles. Another branch is now open outposts is in North Miami Beach, where guests can dig into a 1071 95th St., 305-865-0090 in Miami’s Upper Eastside. $ (PRB) variety of Thai and Japanese specialties. Whether you choose If we were on Death Row, choosing a last meal, this very chef- the organic Japanese menu or the organic Thai menu, there’s centered lunchroom/market’s PBLT (a BLT sandwich with melt- Holi Vegan Kitchen no shortage of options for any palate. If you’re only a little bit in-your-mouth pork belly substituting for regular bacon) would 3099 NE 163rd St., 786-520-3120 hungry, then the à la carte seafood selections are the way be a strong contender. Co-owners Sandra Stefani (ex-Casa Science confirms that eating an exclusively plant-based vegan to go. Otherwise, the noodles and curries are your best bets. Toscana chef/owner) and Ines Chattas (ex-Icebox Café GM) diet is unequivocally the healthiest and most eco-friendly $$-$$$ (MFP) have combined their backgrounds to create a global gourmet lifestyle around. Unsurprisingly, Miami turned a blind eye to oasis with a menu ranging from light quiches and imaginative science for years, forcing the wandering vegan to settle on Nothing Bundt Cakes salads to hefty balsamic/tomato-glazed shortribs or daily pasta steakhouse salads of ill repute and other questionable dishes. 15400 Biscayne Blvd., Suite #112, 305-974-4536 specials (like wild boar-stuffed ravioli). Also featured: artisan Today, after years of compromise, we have another vegan Nothing Bundt Cakes is saying something with their satisfy- grocery products, and Stefani’s famous interactive cooking restaurant in town: Holi Vegan Kitchen, a fast-casual oasis of ing sweets. The bakery behemoth’s new location in Aventura class/wine dinners. $$-$$$ (PRB) plant-based treats intended to satisfy the minds, bodies, and offers Nothing’s signature item in a wide range of sizes and fla- souls of earth’s most conscious foodies. Expect vegan and vors. Want to indulge without hating yourself later? A bite-size The Palm gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, as red velvet or pecan praline bundtini is the way to go. Otherwise, 9650 E. Bay Harbor Dr., 305-868-7256 well as a selection of wine, beer, cold-pressed juices, and dig into a mini confetti bundtlet or go all out with a bundtlet It was 1930s journalists, legend has it, who transformed NYC’s delectable plant-based desserts. $$$ (AM) tower or a tiered cake. If you have a particular bundt cake in original Palm from Italian restaurant to bastion of beef. Owners mind, they likely have it. $-$$$$ (MFP) would run out to the butcher for huge steaks to satisfy the Ivan’s Gastro hardboiled scribes. So our perennial pick here is nostalgic: 14815 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944-4826 Oishi Thai steak à la stone — juicy, butter-doused slices on toast, topped Diners who remember Haitian-born, Le Cordon Bleu-trained 14841 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-4338 with sautéed onions and pimentos. This classic (whose carb Miami chef Ivan Dorvil’s lightened/brightened Caribbean At this stylish Thai/sushi spot, try the menu of specials, many components make it satisfying without à la carte sides, and dishes at pioneering Nuvo Kafe already know how French of which clearly reflect the young chef’s fanatical devotion to hence a relative bargain) isn’t on the menu anymore, but technique and gentle global (mainly Asian) touches can fresh fish, as well as the time he spent in the kitchen of Knob: cooks will prepare it on request. $$$$$ (PRB) elevate homey island fare. A decade later, at the Chopped broiled miso-marinated black cod; rock shrimp tempura with champion’s hip yet blessedly affordable new gastropub, the creamy sauce; even Nobu Matsuhisa’s “new style sashimi” remarkably refined Haitian/Carib/Asian fusion dishes remain (slightly surface-seared by drizzles of hot olive and sesame oil). revelatory: rich yet clean-tasting shrimp mofongo; dainty akra The specials menu includes some Thai-inspired creations, too, NORTH MIAMI BEACH Eat Green (grated malanga fritters, crisp outside, creamy inside), served such as veal massaman curry, Chilean sea bass curry, and siz- 14881 Biscayne Blvd., 305-948-6006 with puréed watercress sauce; oxtail, slow-braised in a red zling filet mignon with basil sauce. $$$-$$$$ (PRB) Area Code 55 Brazilian Steakhouse What does it take to be the most eco-friendly, health con- wine-enriched sauce — as sophisticated as the best boeuf 16375 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-6202 scious, and accessible restaurant in the city? Eat Green, Bourguignon, but more decadent. $$-$$$ (PRB) Panya Thai Area Code 55 Brazilian Steakhouse’s name is a mouthful — a minuscule blip relegated to the sidelines of Biscayne 520 NE 167th St., 305-945-8566 and so are its meats. The all-you-can-eat establishment puts Commons shopping plaza, June have the answers. Tiny but King Palace Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, there’s no shortage of genu- you in total control of the experience. A flip of a card signals to beautiful in a sleek minimalist way, Eat Green deserves 330 NE 167th St., 305-949-2339 ine Thai food in and around Miami. But Panya’s chef/owner, a the restaurant’s gauchos that you’re ready to chow down on credit for its thoughtful design: sustainable bamboo decor, Specialties here are authentic Chinatown-style BBQ (whole Bangkok native, offers numerous regional and/or rare dishes everything from filet mignon and lamb chops to bacon-wrapped pleasant lighting, and chemical-free diningware make eating ducks, roast pork strips, etc., displayed in a glass case by not found elsewhere. Plus he doesn’t automatically curtail chicken and pork sausage. Eat until you’re full or hate yourself; clean seem like an infinitely more attractive proposal. Expect the door), and fresh seafood dishes, the best made with the the heat or sweetness levels to please Americans. Among nobody’s stopping you. A word of advice: Don’t fill up on the standard organic and farm-raised fare, including salads, live fish swimming in two tanks by the dining room entrance. the most intriguing: moo khem phad wan (chewy deep-fried restaurant’s super-addictive cheese bread, no matter how wraps, quesadillas, soups, cold-pressed juices, and coffee. There’s also a better than average selection of seasonal seasoned pork strips with fiery tamarind dip, accompanied by tempting. $$-$$$ (MFP) While this June seem like more of the same, it’s in no way Chinese veggies, like delicate sautéed pea shoots. The menu crisp green papaya salad); broad rice noodles stir-fried with disappointing, and should be noted that everything not only is extensive, but the best ordering strategy, since the place eye-opening chili/garlic sauce and fresh Thai basil; and chili- Ají Carbón tastes good, but is affordable, too. Eat Green succeeds at is usually packed with Asians, is to see what looks good on topped Diamond Duck in tangy tamarind sauce. $$-$$$ (PRB) 16978 NE 19th Ave., 786- 955-6894 paying respect to the earth while soothing the body, soul, and nearby tables, and point. Servers will also steer you to the Embracing a decidedly contemporary take on traditional wallet with equal aplomb. $-$$ (AM) good stuff, once you convince them you’re not a chop suey Paquito’s Peruvian dishes, Ají Carbón serves up tacu tacus, rice lomos, kinda person. $$ (PRB) 16265 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-5027 and chaufas, risottos, soups, and salads with an artful twist. El Gran Inka From the outside, this strip-mall Mexican eatery couldn’t be Among the many standout entrées is the arborio, made with 3155 NE 163rd St., 305-940-4910 Korean Kitchen easier to overlook. Inside, however, its festivity is impossible rocoto sauce and panko shrimp, embellished with a surpris- Though diners at this upscale Peruvian eatery will find cevich- 1661 NE 163rd St., Ste. A, 954-766-5558 to resist. Every inch of wall space seems to be covered with ingly welcome drizzle of sweet passion fruit reduction. Fans of es, a hefty fried-seafood jalea, and Peru’s other expected tradi- It may not look like much on the outside, but delicious Korean South of the Border knickknacks. And if the kitschy décor Peru’s most treasured seafood treat, ceviche, will appreciate tional specialties, all presented far more elegantly than most in food awaits inside this North Miami Beach gem. Korean alone doesn’t cheer you, the quickly arriving basket of fresh the variety: in addition to the traditional leche de tigre, guests town, the contemporary Peruvian fusion creations are unique. Kitchen cooks up a wealth of familiar dishes like beef bulgogi (not packaged) taco chips, or the mariachi band, or the can sample ceviches made with various sauces, including Especially recommended are two dishes adapted from recipes and sweet and spicy wings — things you may encounter at simi- knockout margaritas will. Food ranges from Tex-Mex burritos rocoto, yellow pepper, and cilantro. $$-$$$ (AM) by Peru’s influential nikkei (Japanese/Creole) chef Rosita lar spots. The real winners are the “less accessible” items like and a party-size fajita platter to authentic Mexican moles and fish cake soup, squid stir fry, and steamed eggs; you’ll be hard Yimura: an exquisite, delicately sauced tiradito de corvina, and pressed to find those selections elsewhere. Go in with an open harder-to-find traditional preparations like albóndigas – spicy, The Alchemist for those with no fear of cholesterol, pulpo de oliva (octopus mind and you’ll have a great time. $ (MFP) ultra-savory meatballs. $$-$$$ (PRB) 17830 W. Dixie Hwy., 786-916-3560 topped with rich olive sauce). $$$-$$$$ (PRB) It’s impossible to walk into The Alchemist without smiling. The PhoMi2Go café is gorgeous, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for Empire Szechuan Gourmet of NY Kuten Inclusive Kitchen 17010 W. Dixie Hwy., 786-916-2790 all, including pets. Inside, the coffee shop lives up to its name 3427 NE 163rd St., 305-949-3318 3507 NE 163rd St., 305-944-3189 Run — don’t walk — to this hidden North Miami Beach gem with cool containers and quirky art that befit a mad scientist’s In the 1980s, Empire became the Chinese chain that swal- Kuten Inclusive Kitchen takes its name seriously: All that boasts a bevy of Vietnamese staples like pho and bahn office. Open-face sandwiches and pizzettas make up most of lowed Manhattan — and transformed public perceptions of diets are welcome. This charming breakfast and lunch mis. Given the name, such selections should come as no the menu, which also includes risotto, escargot, and other fun Chinese food in the NY metropolitan area. Before: bland spot’s offerings lean on the healthier side, so expect surprise. What is surprising, though, is the pricing. The major- items not typically found at your usual java joint. Plus, there’s faux-Cantonese dishes. After: lighter, more fiery fare from tartines, salads, soups, and other lighter fare (including ity of items cost less than $10, but their quality warrants a beer and wine for unwinding. $-$$ (MFP) Szechuan and other provinces. This Miami outpost does vegetarian options). Most items can be made gluten- higher valuation. No meal here is complete without an order of serve chop suey and other Americanized items, but don’t free, such as its hearty bacon and egg roll as well as 5-spice chicken wings or egg rolls, either of which can be had Cacio e Pepe worry. Stick with Szechuan crispy prawns, Empire’s Special the pasta auvergne with roasted eggplant (one word: for less than a Lincoln. $ (MFP) 15903 Biscayne Blvd., 305-627-3436 Duck, cold sesame noodles, or similar pleasantly spicy spe- yum). Customers in a hurry should opt for fun bakery When you name your restaurant Cacio e Pepe, you’d better cialties, and you’ll be a happy camper, especially if you’re an selections like almond keto cookies, popcorn cake, and Siam Square be serving good pasta. Fortunately, chef Stefano Mazzi’s food ex-New Yorker. $$ (PRB) cheese bites. $ (MFP) 54 NE 167th St., 305-944-9697 backs it up. At this North Miami Beach gem, guests will find a This addition to North Miami Beach’s “Chinatown” strip has wide range of Italian classics such as butternut ravioli, black Fat Boy’s Wings & Tings Lettuce & Tomato become a popular late-night gathering spot for chefs from truffle risotto, and seafood linguine. They’re items you can 1562 NE 165th St., 305-209-2533 17070 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-760-2260 other Asian restaurants. And why not? The food is fresh, nicely find elsewhere, but they’re done especially well here. A meal At Fat Boy’s Wings & Tings, you know what you’re getting your- Despite its inauspicious location, this unassuming gastropub presented, and reasonably priced. The kitchen staff is willing can get pricey — some mains are upwards of $30 — but you’ll self into: wings — and a lot of them. These are some meaty is a certified gem, priding itself on using fresh, seasonal ingre- to customize dishes upon request, and the serving staff is quickly understand why dining here commands a premium. wings, so six pieces should be enough for most folks at this dients to create inspired takes on salads, sandwiches, burg- reliably fast. Perhaps most important, karaoke equipment is in $$-$$$ (MFP) North Miami business (but you can order up to 100). They’re ers, and gourmet bites. An earnest labor of love for husband place when the mood strikes. $-$$ (PRB) tasty on their own, but they really shine with flavor options and wife team Roy and Agostina Starobinsky, this cozy spot Chef Rolf’s Tuna’s Seafood Restaurant like lemon pepper and pineapple jerk. As for other “tings,” Fat presents a thoughtful selection of flavorful offerings, including Tania’s Table 17850 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-932-0630 Boy’s offers entrées like jerk shrimp pasta, oxtail, and curry a quinoa cremosa adorned with truffle oil and microgreens, a 18685 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-932-9425 Known for decades as simply Tuna’s, this indoor/outdoor goat. Be prepared for leftovers. $-$$ (MFP) house-cured salmon tosta, braised pork belly buns, and grilled A location at the tail end of a tiny, tired-looking strip mall

78 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS

makes this weekday lunch-only kosher eatery easy to miss. Mozart Café those at Anthony’s, which began with one Fort Lauderdale latter’s locations are being rebranded into GP. While the res- But the cute bistro, an extension of chef Tania Sigal’s catering 18110 Collins Ave., 305-974-0103 pizzeria in 2002 and now has roughly 30 locations. Quality taurant’s design has changed, the food hasn’t. Guests can still company, is well worth seeking for its unusually varied daily- This eatery (which serves breakfast as well as lunch and toppings, though limited, hit all the major food groups, from enjoy favorites like the rock shrimp pizza, polenta fries, and changing menus — not just familiar Eastern European-derived dinner) is a kosher dairy restaurant, but not the familiar Old prosciutto to kalamata olives. There are salads, too, but the warm chocolate chunk cookies. $$ (MFP) dishes (chicken matzoh ball soup, blintzes, etc.) but numerous World type that used to proliferate all over New York’s Lower sausage and garlic- sautéed broccoli rabe pie is a tastier green Latin American specialties (zesty ropa vieja), Asian-influenced Eastside Jewish community. Décor isn’t deli but modern-artsy, vegetable. $$ (PRB) International Smoke items (Thai chicken/noodle salad), lightened universal Ladies- and the food is not blintzes, noodle kugel, etc., but a wide 19565 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 946, 786-254-0422 Who-Lunch classics (custardy quiches, grilled trout with mus- range of non-meat items from pizzas to sushi. Our favorite Araxi Burger International Smoke — a collaboration between television per- tard sauce), and homemade baked goods. $$ (PRB) dishes, though, are Middle Eastern-influenced, specifically 17861 Biscayne Blvd., 305-952-3143 sonality Ayesha Curry and chef Michael Mina — takes barbecue Yemenite malawach (paratha-type flatbread sandwiches, If you’re in Aventura and find yourself craving a burger, head seriously. The Aventura Mall establishment fuses American That’s Mine Craft Burgers and Beer savory or sweet), and shaksuka (nicknamed “eggs in purga- to Araxi Burger. The low-key restaurant is a burger fanatic’s and international influences for a unique take on BBQ, a cui- 14831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-705-2143 tory”; the spicy eggplant version will explain all). $$-$$$ (PRB) paradise: There are 20 bun-and-patty combos to choose from, sine that Aventura sorely lacks. Get messy with the signature “That’s Mine!” is exactly what you’ll say once you try something including a Greek burger with lamb and tzatziki sauce as smoked St. Louis cut pork ribs and then dive into smoked at this creative burger joint. At That’s Mine, the food is too Saffron Indian Cuisine well as a Venezuelan burger with garlic mayo and fried egg. Korean bone-in short rib, grilled Moroccan spiced lamb chops, good to share (although you probably should). Burgers like the 18090 Collins Ave. #T-22, 786-899-5554 Although it’s easy to stuff your face with a burger and Araxi’s and other mouthwatering bites from around the world — all for Pork and Blue — a blue cheese, bacon creation with agave Saffron Indian Cuisine makes us happy. Miami is lacking in signature BBQ chicken wings, you’ll want to save some room much less than a plane ticket. $$-$$$$ (MFP) BBQ sauce — are more than enough for one person; get the Indian food, and this Sunny Isles Beach addition helps fill that for their decadent hazelnut and red velvet milkshakes. $-$$ slider version to feel satisfied vs. guilt ridden. Or double down void. The restaurant replaces another Indian eatery — Copper (MFP) Le Pain Quotidien and order a Unicorn Fart, too: The strawberry shake with can- Chimney — and fans of that place will find plenty to love here. 19565 Biscayne Blvd., 786-629-5056 died sprinkles and Nerds is more than just a nice Instagram Garlic naan and veggie samosas are musts as snacks, but Bagel Cove Restaurant & Deli At Le Pain Quotidien, diners get the best of both worlds. Those photo. $-$$ (MFP) don’t overdo it. The lamb tikka masala and kebabs deserve a 19003 Biscayne Blvd., 305-935-4029 on the run can grab LPQ’s ready-to-go croissants, scones, and spot on your order as well. $-$$ (MFP) One word: flagels. And no, that’s not a typo. Rather these soups, while guests who’d rather sit back can enjoy hot dishes Vegetarian Restaurant by Hakin crusty, flattened specimens (poppy seed or sesame seed) are l ike croque monsieurs and crispy quinoa cakes at their leisure. 73 NE 167th St., 305-405-6346 Sumo Sushi Bar & Grill the ultimate bagel/soft pretzel hybrid — and a specialty at Regardless, both types of diners should make it a point to Too often purist vegetarian food is unskillfully crafted bland 17630 Collins Ave., 305-682-1243 this bustling Jewish bakery/deli, which, since 1988, opens at order the bakery’s signature drinks, which range from healthy stuff, spiced with little but sanctimonious intent. Not at this Sushi June well have been served in Sunny Isles before this 6:30 a.m. — typically selling out of flagels in a couple of hours. to downright decadent. The Belgian mocha — available hot or modest-looking vegan (dairy-free vegetarian) restaurant and longtime neighborhood favorite opened, but Sumo was the Since you’re up early anyway, sample elaborately garnished iced — is the perfect post-dinner treat. $-$$ (MFP) smoothie bar. Dishes from breakfast’s blueberry-packed pan- neighborhood’s first sushi bar to double as a popular lounge/ breakfast specials, including unusually flavorful homemade cakes to Caribbean vegetable stews sparkle with vivid flavors. hangout as well as restaurant. Ladies’ nights are legend. While corned beef hash and eggs. For the rest of the day, multitudes The Little Beet Especially impressive: mock meat (and fake fish) wheat-gluten Thai and Chinese dishes are available, as well as purist nigiri, of mavens devour every other delectable deli specialty known 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Floor 3, 305-359-5808 items that beat many carnivorous competitors. Skeptical? few can resist the truly sumo-wrestler-size maki rolls, the more to humankind. $$ (PRB) Guilt-free food does not mean flavor-free food at the Little Beet. Rightly. But we taste-tested a “Philly cheese steak” sandwich over-the-top, the better. Our bet for biggest crowd pleaser: the The Aventura Mall establishment prides itself on its local, sus- on the toughest of critics — an inflexibly burger-crazy six year- spicy Pink Lady (shrimp tempura, avocado, masago, cilantro, Bourbon Steak tainable food sources, and it shows. The menu is composed of old. She cleaned her plate. $$ (PRB) and spicy Juneo, topped with rich scallop-studded “dynamite” 19999 W. Country Club Dr. (Turnberry Isle Miami), bowls, and there’s no shortage of options: nut-free, gluten-free, sauce. $$-$$$ (PRB) 786-279-0658 dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan — the list goes on. For starters, try Yakko-San At Bourbon Steak, a venture in the exploding restaurant some brown rice, throw in some beets and lentils, and finish 3881 NE 163rd. St. (Intracoastal Mall), 305-947-0064 Sushi Zen & Izakaya empire of chef Michael Mina, a multiple James Beard award off with braised pork and sweet chili garlic. The sheer number After sushi chefs close up their own restaurants for the night, 18090 Collins Ave. 305-466-4663 winner, steakhouse fare is just where the fare starts. There of choices means you’ll be coming back again (and again). $ many come here for a rare taste of Japanese home cooking, In an area with no lack of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, are also Mina’s ingenious signature dishes, like an elegant (MFP) served in grazing portions. Try glistening-fresh strips of raw tuna it’s hard for yet another Asian restaurant to stand out. But deconstructed lobster/baby vegetable pot pie, a raw bar, and can be had in maguro nuta – mixed with scallions and dressed Sushi Zen & Izakaya succeeds by offering variety — and lots of enough delectable vegetable/seafood starters and sides with habit-forming honey-miso mustard sauce. Other favorites it. Name any traditional dish, and they probably have it here: for noncarnivores to assemble a happy meal. But don’t Mo’s Bagels & Deli include goma ae (wilted spinach, chilled and dressed in sesame neglect the steak — flavorful dry-aged Angus, 100-percent 2780 NE 187th St., 305-936-8555 sauce), garlic stem and beef (mild young shoots flash-fried with Wagyu American “Kobe,” swoonworthy grade A5 Japanese While the term “old school” is used a lot to describe this spa- tender steak bits), or perhaps just-caught grouper with hot/ Kobe, and butter-poached prime rib, all cooked to perfection. cious (160-seat) establishment, it actually opened in 1995. It sweet/tangy chili sauce. Open till around 3:00 a.m. $$ (PRB) $$$$$ (PRB) just so evokes the classic NY delis we left behind that it seems to have been here forever. Example: Lox and nova aren’t pallid, Corsair prepackaged fish, but custom-sliced from whole slabs. And 19999 W. Country Club Dr. (Turnberry Isle Resort) bagels are hand-rolled, chewy champions, not those machine- SUNNY ISLES BEACH 786-279-6800 made puffy poseurs. As complimentary pastry bites suggest, Celeb chef Scott Conant has moved on, but Corsair remains and the massive size of the succulent, sufficiently fatty pas- AQ Chophouse a lively place. Lately they’ve been promoting their Saturday trami sandwiches confirm, generous Jewish Mo(m) spirit shines 17875 Collins Ave., 305-918-6888 and Sunday brunches, every week of the year, along with here. $$ (PRB) AQ Chophouse may have a small menu, but the plates are special events tied to holidays. But any day of the week, the anything but. All appetites are welcome here. In the mood restaurant’s patio is the place to be, with its sweeping views of Mr. Chef’s Fine Chinese Cuisine & Bar to nibble? Tuna tartare and seafood ceviche have your back. Turnberry Isle’s lushly landscaped golf course. Full review com- 18800 NE 29th Ave. #10, 7, 86-787-9030 Craving carbs? A short rib ravioli with sage and butter will hit ing soon. $$$-$$$$ Considering our county’s dearth of authentic Chinese food, the spot. Just plain hungry? AQ’s signature 18-ounce NY strip this stylish eatery is heaven-sent for Aventura residents. is calling your name. A concise selection of sushi rounds out CVI.CHE 105 Owners Jin Xiang Chen and Shu Ming (a.k.a. Mr. Chef) come the dinner offerings, any of which goes well with a black cherry 19565 Biscayne Blvd., 786-516-2818 from China’s southern seacoast province of Guangdong Old Fashioned or another delicious libation. $$-$$$$$ (MFP) CVI.CHE 105 has made its way up north, opening a location (Canton). But you’ll find no gloppily sauced, Americanized- inside Aventura Mall’s latest expansion. This is the Peruvian Cantonese chop sueys here. Cooking is properly light-handed, Biella Ristorante brand’s third restaurant, and it follows a tried-and-true for- and seafood specialties shine (try the spicy/crispy salt and 17082 Collins Ave, 305-974-0174 mula: “Don’t mess with a good thing.” The ceviches, tiraditos, pepper shrimp). For adventurers, there’s a cold jellyfish Romantic dates and family outings are just a few of the situ- and other Peruvian fare that diners have fallen in love with are starter. Even timid taste buds can’t resist tender fried shrimp ations where a visit to Biella Ristorante is a good idea. This available here, including the ever-popular lomo saltado. The balls described this way: “With crispy adorable fringy outfit.” Sunny Isles Beach restaurant welcomes patrons with a vast one major difference: Diners up north no longer have to make $$-$$$ (PRB) menu of high-quality Italian favorites. Harissa tuna tartare and the trek to Brickell or Miami Beach. $$ (MFP) beef carpaccio are notable starters that prepare the palate for Poke + Go an onslaught of fun flavors. Entrées like Biella’s pear ravioli Dr. Smood 2451 NE 186th St., 305-705-3784 and black truffle risotto are full of said flavors, and a dessert 19501 Biscayne Blvd., 786-334-4420 It seemed like only yesterday that South Florida suffered from menu featuring tiramisu, gelato, and more ensures a memo- It’s no secret that dining out adds up — both in terms of calo- a lack of decent poke restaurants. In just one year, though, the rable evening. $$-$$$ (MFP) ries and costs. Dr. Smood is focused on controlling the former diced raw-fish specialty has popped up everywhere — including by providing customers with “Smart Food for a Good Mood.” here. Poke + Go’s fast-casual vibe is perfect for scarfing down Chayhana Oasis That healthy motto has gotten the company far. This beauti- the flavorful Hawaiian seafood bowl, which can feed at least 250 Sunny Isles Blvd., 305-917-1133 ramen, fish balls, udon, pad thai, tuna poke … the list goes on ful Aventura branch follows successful openings in Wynwood two people here. Mix and match to your tastes or opt for a Sampling traditional Uzbeki cuisine brings to mind a conflu- (and on). Don’t miss their Japanese lunch specials. At $12-$14 and South Miami. While Dr. Smood is mostly known for its combo like the Slammin’ Salmon, which features the name- ence of several Eastern styles, including the best flavors from for a sizable Bento Box, you’ll leave with your stomach and juices and detox programs, this branch at Aventura Mall also sake fish and adds Asian slaw and white garlic sauce for good Turkish, Russian, and Chinese cooking, cherry-picked and wallet full. $$ (MFP) provides visitors with grab-and-go grub befitting its setting. The measure. Either way, you’ll leave full. $-$$ (MFP) mixed to surprising effect. Chayhana Oasis, a bold mid-size free wireless internet here is the icing on the cake. $-$$ (MFP) restaurant that manages to look opulent without seeming Timo Serafina gaudy, showcases Uzbekistan’s diverse cultural heritage in 17624 Collins Ave., 305-936-1008 Etzel Itzik 19565 Biscayne Blvd., #1944, its food, which has a comforting, understated simplicity to it. Since opening in 2003, the inventive yet clean and unfussy 18757 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-937-1546 786-920-0989 Vegetarians might have trouble navigating the menu, which Italian/Mediterranean-inspired seasonal food at this hot Though this homey kosher oldtimer, self-described as a deli New York’s Serafina is now open at Aventura Mall, and this skews heavily in favor of carnivorous appetites. If you’re game spot, created by chef/owner Tim Andriola (at the time but really more of an Israeli/Middleterranean restaurant (think location is a pizza lover’s dream. Pies are a big part of the for a meaty dish, try the deliciously authentic pilaf, the Eastern best known for his stints at Chef Allen’s and Mark’s South kebab on pita, not pastrami on rye), opened in 1997, it’s still menu, which also includes a bevy of Italian classics and more salad made with cucumbers and fried beef, the lamb filled Beach), has been garnering local and national raves. Don’t something of a locals’ secret due to its location in a nonde- creative fare. Skip the basic margherita and get the tartufo Manty dumplings, and any one of the many kebabs. Service is bother reading them. Andriola’s dishes speak for them - script strip mall. But it’s worth seeking out even by diners not nero with black truffles — your sense of adventure will pay off also friendly and above average. $$-$$$ (AM) selves: a salad of crisp oysters atop frisée, cannelloni bean, restricted by religious laws; food is both highly flavorful and with this pizza that’s the very definition of richness. Also, save and pancetta; foie gras crostini with a subtle caramelized hugely fun — starting with the array of free veg appetizers room for the panna cotta, whose simple description hides Il Mulino New York orange sauce; a blue crab raviolo with toasted pignolias and that appear before you even order: herbed chickpeas, pickled some mind-blowing flavor. $$-$$$ (MFP) 17875 Collins Ave., 305-466-9191 brown butter; or a wood-oven three-cheese “white” pizza. salads, more. Especially recommended: shakshuka (eggs If too much is not enough for you, this majorly upscale Italian- $$$-$$$$ (PRB) poached in complexly spiced and spicy chunky tomato sauce), Sr. Ceviche American place, an offshoot of the famed NYC original, is your a breakfast dish but available later, too. $-$$ (PRB) 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr., restaurant. For starters, diners receive enough freebie food 786-440-7851 — fried zucchini coins, salami, bruschetta with varying toppings, AVENTURA / HALLANDALE Fuji Hana While northern Miami-Dade County has other Peruvian places, a wedge of quality parmigiano, garlic bread — that ordering off 2775 NE 187th St., Suite #1, 305-932-8080 none serve award-winning ceviches like those of chef/co-owner the menu seems superfluous. But mushroom raviolis in truffle Amaize A people-pleasing menu of typical Thai and Japanese dishes, Alonso Jordan, who took top honors at the first International cream sauce are irresistible, and perfectly tenderized veal 19129 Biscayne Blvd., 786-279-2260 plus some appealing contemporary creations (like the Spicy Day of Ceviche festival. Varieties range from traditionally parmesan, the size of a large pizza, makes a great take-out You come to Amaize for one thing only: an arepa. At this fast- Crunchy Tuna Roll, an inside-out tuna/avocado/tempura maki, based (albeit with distinctive personal tweaks) flash-marinated dinner…for the next week. $$$$-$$$$$ (PRB) casual establishment, the popular Venezuelan/Colombian topped with more tuna and served with a luscious creamy raw fish preparations to contemporary creations like Lima-style corn-meal pockets can be customized with different proteins cilantro sauce) has made this eatery a longtime favorite. But fried ceviche, crisp-coated like jalea but sauced/garnished in Kitchen 305 and other fillings. Those new to arepas should try a classic vegetarians — for whom seafood-based condiments can make ceviche’s more complex style; sampler platters feature several 16701 Collins Ave., 305-749-2110 Mechado Mix (shredded beef, black beans, baked plantains, Asian foods a minefield — might want to add the place to their choices, and serve a small army. Also a standout on the full Offering eclectic American fare, this resort restaurant room, and shredded white cheese), which serves as a satisfying “worth a special drive” list, thanks to chefs’ winning ways with Peruvian menu: pescado a lo macho, precision-fried whole fish despite its contemporary open kitchen, has the retro-glam introduction. Other more out-of-the-box selections include the tofu and all-around accommodation to veg-only diets. $$-$$$ showered in an unusually luxurious assortment of seafood. look of a renovated discotheque — which is what it was. In fact, Shaggy (pulled beef and gouda) and the Beauty Queen (avo- (PRB) $$-$$$ (PRB) it’s still as much lounge as eatery, so it’s best to arrive early cado chicken salad). Order them all if you want; they’re only if you want a relatively DJ-free eating experience. A seductive $6-$9 each. $ (MFP) Genuine Pizza Sushi Siam mango-papaya BBQ sauce makes ribs a tasty choice any night, 19565 Biscayne Blvd. #956, 786-472-9170 19575 Biscayne Blvd., 305-932-8955 but most local diners in the know come on nights when the Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza Local celebrity chef Michael Schwartz continues to grow his (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) restaurant features irresistibly priced seasonal seafood spe- 17901 Biscayne Blvd., 305-830-2625 culinary empire with an Aventura location of his new Genuine cials (all-you-can-eat stone crabs one night, lobster on another). When people rave about New York pizzas’ superiority, they Pizza concept, inside Aventura Mall. At first glance, the piz- Whole Foods Market A spacious dining counter overlooking the cooks makes the don’t just mean thin crusts. They mean the kind of airy, abun- zeria’s menu may look familiar — especially to fans of Harry’s 21105 Biscayne Blvd., 305-682-4400 Kitchen a comfortable spot for singles. $$$ (PRB) dantly burn-bubbled, traditional coal (not wood) oven — like Pizzeria down south. Genuine Pizza is Harry’s 2.0; all of the (See Brickell / Downtown listing.)

October 2019 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 79 Dining Guide: RESTAURANTS DON’TDO BE SPOOKED THIS HALLOWEEN. MEET THE DENTISTS WHO ARE BREAKING THE MOLD! A NON-SCARY APPROACH TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY, NON-INVASIVE IMPLANTOLOGY, AND VENEERS. As a board-certiﬁbo ed dental implant diplomate and cosmetic dental expert, Dr. José Alvarez and his team take a personal approach with all their patients.

OurOur teamt will perform a thorough examination, take all necessary X-rays, 3D-CT scans, answerans all your questions, and design a personalized treatment to meet your dental needs. Our goal is your smile!

• Pioneer of non-invasive implantology. • Over 24 years of dental implant experience. • Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. • Utilizes the latest dental technologies. • The same trusted doctor from start of treatment to ﬁ nish. • Uses 3D computer-guided surgery for implant placement (non-invasive). • Personalized dental veneers. • Hand-crafted and engineeredgp in-house and at top-ranked USA laboratories.

Board Certiﬁ ed Dental Implant Diplomate U. PENN GRADUATE / 24 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

DENTAL IMPLANT PACKAGES INSTANT SMILE MAKEOVER 8-IN-ONE-VISIT All-on-4, All-on-6 & All-on-8 packages COMPOSITE VENEERS Request your complimentary Implant and Cosmetic consultation today! $3,490 D2961 Off er expires 10/31/19

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Dental Exam, X-rays & Cleaning* $55 D1110, D1050, D0210 *In absence of gum disease - Off er expires 10/31/19 Dental implants with ﬁ xed zirconia or porcelain crowns, hybrid bridges and removable implant retained dentures Seminar for patients: An easy guide to dental FROM $7,890 - PER ARCH implants and veneers. Off er expires 10/31/19 Call to RSVP!

3483 NE 163rd Street, N. Miami Beach FL 33160 (East of Biscayne Blvd.) • 305-224-6714

@MiamiDentist • www.DrSmileMiami.com • EMERGENCIES WELCOME 80 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com October 2019