Bt Feb10 ( PDF )

February 2010

Serving communities along the Biscayne Corridor: Arch Creek East, Aventura, Bay Point, Bayside, Biscayne Park, Belle Meade, Buena Vista, Design District, Downtown, Eastern Shores, Edgewater, El Portal, Hibiscus Island, Keystone Point, Miami Shores, Morningside, North Bay Island, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Oakland Grove, Palm Grove, Palm Island, Sans Souci, Shorecrest, Star Island, Wynwood, and Venetian Islands www.BiscayneTimes.com Volume 7, Issue 12

If you haven’t walked around downtown Miami for a while, you’re in for a surprise — a big surprise By Pamela Robin Brandt Photos by Silvia Ros

eadline from a January 2006 embarrassed to say, was me. That real estate boom, slated for a part of the still glowed with confi dence that the article in the New York headline, which I did not write, was, to paper’s travel section aimed at buyers of 3041 new downtown condominium units HTimes: “Downtown Miami: put it kindly, premature. second homes. While the piece itself did just completed, plus 13,890 units then What’s Hot and Trendy and Not South The article was written during the make clear this was a downtown Miami under construction in the area — not to Beach?” The writer of the story, I’m height of South Florida’s most recent soon-to-come, not one already here, it Continued on page 14

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2 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 02_FEB_BiscayneTimes:print 1/23/10 12:11 AM Page 1

FEBRUARYK KNIGHT CONCERT HALL C CARNIVAL STUDIO THEATER Z ZIFF BALLET OPERA HOUSE P PLAZA FOR THE ARTS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Ne-Yo Live in concert Miami City Ballet: Miami City Ballet: 1 2 3 4 8PM K 5 Program III 6 Program III “Ne-Yo is brilliant–gifted 8PM Z 8PM Z with a silky voice and Edward Villela’s ability to pull everything Nas with Goodie Mob “The Neighborhood Ballroom”, from The Beatles to 8PM K The Waltz, The Quick-Step, Stevie Wonder!” An all-star “one-time The Fox-Trot, and The Mambo -Rolling Stone only” hip-hop performance! Cavalia Cavalia 3 & 8PM at Bicentennial 8PM; Bicentennial Park Cavalia Park 8PM; Bicentennial Park Miami City Ballet: SOLD OUT 2 YEARS IN A ROW! FLAMENCO FESTIVAL 7 Program III 8 BUY YOUR TICKETS9 NOW! 10 11 12 13 Gala Flamenca: 2PM Z Todo Cambia It’s Ballroom meets NE-YO Featuring Rocío Molina, with JAGGED EDGE ballet in Edward Villela’s February 13: Gala Flamenca: Todo Cambia Pastora Galván, and VERSE SIMMONDS full-length Manuel Liñán, and February 17: Compañía Rocío Molina Belén López “The Neighborhood LIVE IN CONCERT 8PM K Ballroom.” February 18 & 19: Compañía María Pagés Cavalia Cavalia FEBRUARY 4 3 & 8PM at Bicentennial 2PM; Bicentennial Park Park Detroit Symphony Rock The Bells presents Plátanos and Plátanos and Plátanos and Plátanos and 14 Orchestra 15 16 17 Collard Greens 18 Collard Greens 19 Collard Greens 20 Collard Greens 2 & 7:30PM C 4PM K 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C A Musical Valentine! FGO:The Barber of Seville Treat your sweetheart FLAMENCO FESTIVAL FLAMENCO FESTIVAL FLAMENCO FESTIVAL 7PM Z to musical romance and Compañía Compañía Compañía an intimate lunch or Rocío Molina María Pagés María Pagés New World Symphony: dinner at Prelude by Romantic Encounters 8PM K 8PM K 8PM K 8PM Barton G. WITH K GOODIE MOB and ¡MAYDAY! Cavalia Cavalia Cavalia Cavalia Cavalia 8PM; Bicentennial Park 8PM; Bicentennial Park 8PM; Bicentennial Park 3&8PMat 2PM; Bicentennial Park FEBRUARY 5 Bicentennial Park Plátanos and Plátanos and Plátanos and FGO: Bob Heuer Plátanos and Plátanos and 21 Collard Greens 23 Collard Greens 24 Collard Greens 25th Anniversary Collard Greens Collard Greens 22 25 26 27 2 & 7:30PM C 2 & 7:30PM C 7:30PM C 7:30PM C Concert & Dinner 7:30PM C A star-crossed love affair, 7PM Z They Might Be Giants FREE Gospel Sundays FGO: The Barber NWSA Symphony guaranteed to make Indigo Girls Family Show 4PM K you laugh while it inspires of Seville 2PM K The Canton Spirituals February 27 Orchestra and Chior with special guest you to think! 8PM Z joined by the Mt. Tabor 7:30PM K A Fragile Tomorrow Jackie Mason Missionary Baptist Church FGO: The Barber 7:30PM K Jazz Roots: Jazz & Soul 8PM K FGO: The Barber Choir. of Seville 8PM K of Seville Plátanos and FGO: The Barber Cavalia 8PM Z Collard Greens Al Jarreau and Ramsey of Seville 8PM 2PM; Bicentennial Park Z Figaro, Figaro, Figaro! 7:30PM C Lewis! 8PM Z Plátanos and 28 Collard Greens 29 30 2 & 7:30PM C “A modern day West Side Story! ” “Bring your appetite for -The New York Times laughter when you go to see this novela set on stage!” -La Diva Latina Magazine February 17-28 FGO: The Barber of Seville

2PM Z Photo by: Jayme Thornton

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 3 Contents COVER STORY 1 DWNTWN UPTRN COMMENTARY 6 Feedback: Letters 10 Miami’s King: Jack King 12 Word on the Street OUR SPONSORS 20 8 BizBuzz NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS PO Box 370566, Miami, FL 33137 www.biscaynetimes.com 20 Jen Karetnick: Frozen Objects Falling from the Skies 22 Frank Rollason: Crooks Are Born Not Made PUBLISHER & EDITOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 24 Wendy Doscher-Smith: Back Home in the Craziness Jim Mullin Marc Ruehle COMMUNITY NEWS [email protected] [email protected] 26 Rebirthing Pains INTERNS BUSINESS MANAGER 26 End of an Urban Oasis Mandy Baca Ileana Cohen 27 Battle for the Royals [email protected] [email protected] 27 Shores to Shopaholics: Hop Aboard! Sara Marzougui ART DIRECTOR 29 Boulevard Theater: The New Incarnation [email protected] Marcy Mock POLICE REPORTS Matthew Ruckman [email protected] 32 Biscayne Crime Beat [email protected] ADVERTISING DESIGN ART & CULTURE 29 CONTRIBUTORS DP Designs 34 Anne Tschida: Views from the Islands Victor Barrenchea, Erik Bojnansky, [email protected] 36 Art Listings Pamela Robin Brandt, Terence Cantarella, 39 Events Calendar Bill Citara, Wendy Doscher-Smith, Kathy CIRCULATION PARK PATROL Glasgow, Margaret Griffis, Jim W. Harper, South Florida Distributors 40 Jim W. Harper: What a Racket! Lisa Hartman, Jen Karetnick, Jack King, PRINTING COLUMNISTS Cathi Marro, Derek McCann, Jenni Person, Stuart Web, Inc. 42 Kids and the City: A Band for the Ages -- All of Them Frank Rollason, Silvia Ros, Jeff Shimonski, www.stuartweb.com Anne Tschida 43 Harper’s Environment: Don’t Just Scream -- Do Something! 44 Pawsitively Pets: Life With Baby -- and Rover Too 46 Your Garden: Strength in Diversity FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL 305-756-6200 DINING GUIDE All articles, photos, and artwork in the Biscayne Times 48 Restaurant Listings: 205 Biscayne Corridor are copyrighted by Biscayne Media, LLC. Any duplication or Member of the restaurants! reprinting without authorized written consent from the publisher Florida Press Association 50 Wine: Red, White, and You: Buy Magnums, Save Money 44 is prohibited.

4 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 5 Commentary: FeedbaCk Letters to the Editor Shores to BT: More Positive up or back off! If she finds this village so PR, Less Snooty Spin intolerable, I am sure I am not the only resident who would be eagerly willing to Jen Karetnick is factually correct that help her pack her bags. Miami Shores is not as rich, white, and You would think that the BT has snooty as many people think (“Take a some vested interest in portraying a Good Look in the Mirror, Village Beau- positive image of Miami Shores since tiful,” January 2010). Therefore, why not their offices are located here! make it a positive article? Chris Fernandez Where does the story of the house sell- Miami Shores ing at 1999 prices fit into the article? Why start off with the “lecturing” she received about the Shores being wealthy? Why the Miami’s Spray Can Creativity sarcasm about coupon-counting at Publix? Kudos to Biscayne Times and Anne Tschida Is it not a tabloid mentality to set the for reporting on Miami’s exciting develop- article’s tone toward the few Miami Shores ments in mural art (“Street Art Has Ar- residents who are indeed “snooty”? rived.” January 2010). The current discord is Miami Shores needs a bit of PR unfortunate, but the BT’s overall coverage assistance that is positive and based on seems fair-minded and thoughtful. facts. The BT has a prime spot for that Though the issue of proper recog- kind of coverage, but you may need to nition of outdoor mural artists can get stop looking for that “spin.” murky, I am sure many Miamians cel- Cesar Borja ebrate this profusion of visual creativity. Miami Shores The abundance of energy and talent on display does merit national and interna- Shores to BT: We’ll Help tional attention. It is a big deal. By the way, one of my favorite local Jen Pack Her Bags murals, on NE 37th Street and Biscayne I am a resident of Miami Shores. Jen Blvd (just west of the Boulevard), re- Karetnick, the woman who has been cently had a baby! The artist is Fila. assigned as our neighborhood correspon- John Chellino dent, is doing a horrible disservice to Miami the village. Her articles are repetitively negative and come dripping with disdain for the community. They are incredibly self-centered, horribly misinformed, and downright repugnant. She has unfairly called our residents racist, anti-Semitic, and pretentious. Those who open the Biscayne Times hoping to read important local news or a neighborly human-interest story instead are subjected to self-interested drivel If Philly Can Do It, about her cat, her flute-playing, or some Shorecrest Can Do It other absurdity. No one cares that she has I feel compelled to respond to Peter to tent her house — we all do! I’m sorry Otto’s letter cautioning Shorecrest Pelé doesn’t officiate local soccer games, to not seek historic designation and but the kids are only eight years old! warning of its horrors (“Shorecrest, We Ms. Karetnick’s latest article, in Implore You: Don’t Get Historic on Us,” which she implores us to stop being January 2010). snooty and face our own poverty, is no I’m not sure where Mr. Otto grew different. It’s ignorant. up, but coming from Philadelphia, a The storefronts on NE 2nd Avenue city that celebrates its history, I would are not vacant because no one has the like to see Miami preserve its character. income to shop there. The storefronts are Few neighborhoods in Miami possess vacant because we live within minutes of the charm that the homes in the Upper the largest shopping mall in Florida. Eastside have. Historic preservation If Ms. Karetnick really wants to ensures the integrity of communities for bring about positive change, she should future generations. The pros of historic stop complaining and actually contribute designation far outweigh the cons. something. Whining doesn’t count. Step Jack Spirk Shorecrest

6 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 7 our SponSorS BizBuzz: February 2010 Sales, special events, and more from the people who make Biscayne Times possible By Margaret Griffis Gold and Dancewear Gallery Day dinner cruise on BT Contributor Diamond Buyers Biscayne Bay. For only $49.95 plus tax, City Light ake it easy by purchasing Cruises (1717 N. Bayshore your Valentine presents Dr.; 305-372-5040) offers Tat the Shops at Midtown a romantic evening that Miami (3401 N. Miami Ave.; includes a hot buffet, two 305-573-3371), where you can Sakaya Kitchen complimentary drinks, get a complimentary gift wrap at Imagine BT readers can invite themselves to offers the best prices, but BT readers who dancing, and entertainment as you float when you show your Midtown receipts. the Friday Night Tastings and sample mention this “BizBuzz” column will receive across the beautiful bay. Boarding is at Feel free to pick up something fun for the juicy and flavorful grass-fed beef an additional 10% on their diamonds, gold, 6:00 p.m.; the cruise ends at 9:30 p.m. yourself while you wait. Gaucho sells. It’ll be cooked over an silver, jewelry, coins, and of course, watches. Early birds should be happy to see While you’re at Midtown, why not open wood fire in a festive atmosphere. Experience the difference of a professional the return of the breakfast special at grab a meal at new BT advertiser Sakaya But you must call or e-mail ahead and and fair evaluation from these diamond and Bagels and Company (11064 Biscayne Kitchen (305-576-8096)? Their pan- mention Biscayne Times to take advan- precious metal specialists. Blvd.; 305-892-2435). For a ridiculously Asian “comfort” food allows diners to tage of these parties. Mention the BT at Remember the O. Henry story low $2.99 you can enjoy two eggs, home- enjoy sustainable, organic meals in a fast, their retail store as well, so when you “Gift of the Magi”? With Valentine’s fries, and a bagel or toast until 11:00 a.m. inexpensive, and casual setting. Choose buy that grass-fed skirt steak, you’ll get Day coming, you won’t need to hock Late-risers don’t fret: David Cohen’s from sushi, rolls, kimchee, and other a second one 50% off, or a third one free. your watch to afford stylist-to-the-stars popular “Bail-Out Special” is still Asian favorites. An extensive sake and Decided to sell off that old watch? Hannah Lasky at Hannah & Her Scis- available through February 28. Every beer list will compliment your entire day. With commodity prices up, you’d be foolish sors (611 NE 86th St.; 305-772-8426). Wednesday or Thursday (excluding holi- Grill Master Don Julio at Gaucho not to, but where can you get a good price? Mention the BT and get your loved ones days) between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Ranch (7251 NE 2nd Ave., Loft 113; Try Gold and Diamond Buyers (13722 Valentine’s certificates at 20% off. diners get a half-priced entrée from the 305-751-0775) wants to let you in on a Biscayne Blvd.; 954-678-1097), a brand-new Show off that new hairdo later as Bail-Out menu with beverage purchase. tempting secret: Throughout February, Biscayne Times advertiser. They not only you and your honey enjoy a Valentine’s Continued on page 47

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8 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 9 Commentary: miami’S king Bloviator Nation As the Internet soars and newspapers wither, cheats and liars rejoice By Jack King loony. In time he lost all still surviving, thanks in no BT Contributor credibility and disappeared small part to the largesse of its altogether from the political late owner, Nelson Poynter. He o say that the way you receive scene. He was once described was a true newspaperman and your news has changed dramati- by historian Saul K. Padover never sold out to or created Tcally over the past 20 years might as a “corsetmaker by trade, a a newspaper chain. When he be considered a striking understate- journalist by profession, and died in 1978, he left the paper ment. Or is it? Yes, broadcast network a propagandist by inclination.” to a nonprofit group, the Poyn- news shows have less than one-third the That would also define many ter Institute, which still owns viewers they did in 1990, and newspaper of today’s bloggers. it. He also left the paper pretty readership is down by 50 percent, but The early days of radio much debt-free. that doesn’t mean the news delivery and television had their own In addition to operating systems have changed all that much. versions of bloggers. How a high-quality newspaper, the Newspapers have been damaged by about Walter Winchell, the Poynter Institute serves as a kind corporate consolidation, selling and re- columnist and radio icon who of journalism think tank. Its selling properties until their owners were made up most of the stuff he website hosts numerous bloggers reeling in debt. This phenomenon has talked about and guessed at for journalism professionals. A been repeated among American business- the rest. That was the format Not everything online is worthless, notably PolitiFact.com. separate project, staffed by the es of all types. It’s one of the reasons so for many early broadcasters. Times, is a wonderful website many jobs have disappeared. If the Miami And how about Fox News, called PoltiFact (www.politi- Herald were a stand-alone business and whose commentators don’t really make anything more about it. How can we fact.com), which rates the comments of not part of a heavily indebted chain, it up the news, but color it to their liking. (I hope to have an informed society with politicians and pundits for truthfulness. could easily be successful as a local daily don’t believe Fox owner Rupert Murdoch numbers like that? It is a must-read, which is why it won with a complementary website. After distorts the news for political reasons but Now we have a situation in which a Pulitzer Prize last year. Too bad we all, news-gathering is news-gathering, rather for ratings to make more money.) newspapers are failing because of poor don’t have something like that for Miami regardless of how you distribute it. Fox is just doing the same stuff that Wil- business choices, broadcast entities politicos. It’s true that many people now get liam Randolph Hearst did a century ago, are growing weak because they don’t The bottom line here is that if you, their news online, but they also get quite though Hearst did it for money and power. provide much news in the few seconds the public, don’t force accountability a bit of garbage, unsubstantiated rumors, Given today’s information machine, you tune in, and countless bloggers on from our elected leaders through quality and flat-out lies promulgated by people how do we get quality news that is both the Internet give you their take on issues investigative reporting with widespread with off-the-wall agendas. This has been straightforward and informative? Good that generally have little or no news distribution, the work will be left to state going for many years; only the medium question, but a better question might be content. Where do we turn? and federal prosecutors. However, the has changed. For example, consider how much information do you want? I have a friend in Atlanta (another sad reality is that prosecutors are always America’s first blogger, Thomas Paine. During the Watergate scandal of the unemployed journalist) who tried to set behind the corruption curve. Savvy po- Best known for his pro-revolutionary 1970s, a third of the nation was mortified up a not-for-profit operation that would litical crooks know just how much they rants in pre-revolutionary times, he that the President of the United States rely on contributions to do investigative can steal before they catch the eye of law became well known and well read, blog- could have done those things he was reporting and distribute it to local news enforcers. We need to stop them much ging on the Internet of the day — printed accused of, a third felt it was all lies, and outlets. The goal was noble but it was a fi- earlier than that by ensuring they’ll be in pamphlets distributed on street corners. a third were suffering from information nancial bust. While journalists may know the public eye. That is the deterrent, but Paine suffered from a malady that overload and simply didn’t want to hear how to live poor, they still need to eat. only if you want it to be. afflicts many bloggers today: His rants any more bad news. So that means two- The St. Petersburg Times is one went from completely logical to completely thirds of the nation didn’t want to hear of the few bastions of good journalism Feedback: [email protected]

10 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 11 C ommentary: Word on the Street What would be your dream vacation? Compiled by Cathi Marro – BT Contributor

Jeri Brooks David Dodge Patricia Lorie Robert Ruiz Joan Lafortune Andrew Malcolm Social Worker Loafer Sales/Design Business Manager Receptionist Webmaster Keystone Point North Miami BiBo Miami Shores El Portal Miami I have got to go to Greece! I wouldn’t mind doing It’s a big one: Two months Right now, with the way Right now I would like If money were no object, I want to visit the ruins some hiking up in the (or one) around the world! the weather is, I want to to be on a beach in I would take a 240-day and the beaches and see all White Mountains. I’ve I would stop everywhere go skiing and snowboard- Jamaica! It could be a cruise around the world. the cool Greek cats and eat climbed Mt. Washington and visit at least one city ing. I’ll stay in a cabin secluded beach — or not. I’d eat good food and stop yummy food. (Anything many times, but not in a in each continent. I would with a fireplace and drink It depends. I’ve been to and see ancient ruins, but grape leaves!) I’m very while. I don’t know when love to do this trip some- plenty of wine. I like the the Caribbean before but Mt. Fuji, the Nile, and interested in the architec- I might do it again. It’s too time before I die. It would cold weather. It reminds not specifically Jamaica. I other beautiful scenery. I ture there. Greece looks early to tell. I’ve been on a be nice to get a taste of me of Chicago. I am actu- hope to God I will make it recently went on my first beautiful and relaxing. If cruise before, but I’d rather everything and experience ally planning to go to the to Jamaica one day. It is a cruise and saw a variety of not Greece, I would go be in a whole different life in every possible place Smoky Mountains soon for dream of mine. cultures at all the different to Costa Rica. I’d like to environment. If I want to on earth. this dream vacation. ports of call. I would like experience their rain forest be lazy, I’ll go on a cruise. to see the whole world but and great fishing. still be comfortable.

12 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 13 Cover Story

DWNTWN Continued from page 1

mention plans filed for buildings con- taining 10,534 more — would transform Miami’s central city from a strictly 9-to-5 office area into a vibrant, 24/7 high-density urban center where people lived, worked, and played. And soon! The conclusion didn’t seem to be mere hype or pure delusion. After all, buyers were lining up around the block on the days when some luxury high-rise residences opened for pre-construction sales, snapping up $600,000 one-bed- rooms like they were Hannah Montana concert tickets. What actually happened, of course, was the recession. The real estate boom turned into a bust, and many buyers turned out to be speculators looking not for homes but for quick and profitable resales, which weren’t about to happen in hard times. Some condo construction stopped cold; some stalled indefinitely. And newspaper stories about newly completed high-rises no longer talked glowingly of bay views but instead about unlit windows in unoccupied condos. But recently I noticed something strange. In my role as the Biscayne Times “Dining Guide” dominatrix, I watched as the Downtown/Brickell list- ings section practically exploded, nearly doubling in the past 18 months. Odder yet was the fact that most of Tre Italian Bistro owner José Goyanes with partner Jennifer Porciello. the new restaurants were not located south of the Miami River, in already restaurant- such places open in July alone? With were they foreign jet-setters with Euros June over the first three months of 2009, rich Brickell but rather in the rougher- residential skyscrapers showing very few to burn — the people who, in 2005, were we expect to find that occupancy is now edged area north of the river. When the lit windows at night, no way could down- expected to occupy downtown’s new significantly higher than 62 percent.” trickle of intriguing downtown eateries at town have become so hot again, so fast. luxury condos. They were young renters. That figure, she adds, is an average: the start of 2009 became a deluge by fall, I You couldn’t help but wonder: “The perception has been that all of “Basically, condos that came on the market knew it was time to investigate. Was the owner of Mia at Biscayne downtown’s condos are empty because after 2008 are still empty. Condos before Restaurants are renowned as out of his freakin’ mind? What was of the real estate bust — that a picture of then have largely been filled.” reliable urban-gentrification barom- a 14,000-square-foot, ultra-high tech downtown would look like one big empty Why have luxury condos filled up at eters. Commonly they’re the first retail restolounge serving cutting-edge global condo. But that’s not true,” Robertson the same time the economy has tanked? businesses to open in emerging neigh- cuisine till the wee hours doing on the insists firmly. “We did a residency study, One reason, says Metro 1 Properties broker Tony Cho, who has been active in downtown since 2003, is that condo prices, “I’m in a luxury condo for half the price I’d be paying in which developers doggedly kept at boom South Beach for a second-floor walk-up in a building with levels for way too long, finally dropped to no security and no amenities.” an “appropriately affordable” level. “If you look at the prices of so many of the luxury buildings — condos borhoods. Boutiques, snazzy salons, corner of Flagler Street and Biscayne completed last July, that showed a 62-per- that were originally going for $600 or theaters, and galleries rapidly follow. Boulevard, an area that had, for decades, cent occupancy rate for downtown condos.” more per square foot — you can now Granted, the downtown cuisine scene been dead after sunset? The DDA is currently compiling new get them for the low 200s, even the high had improved since the 1990s, when Feeding a lot of hungry new resi- figures, she adds, which are not yet avail- 100s,” he says. “Rents have gone from lawyer friends constantly whined that dents, according to Downtown Develop- able. “But based on last summer’s study, $2 per square foot a month to between there wasn’t even one business-district ment Authority executive director Alyce which indicated that sales and leasing $1.10 and $1.30. Prices have come down restaurant suitable for a power lunch Robertson. These were not the affluent, activity of new units increased over the elsewhere too, but in downtown there’s except the City Club. But to have four older empty-nesters and snowbirds, nor three-month period from April through Continued on page 15

14 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Cover Story

atmosphere is more clubby. They like to sit at certain regular tables and be seen. At Tre, which is near the new condos, days go by when you don’t see a judge. We draw a residential crowd.” Locals-orientation is typical of new enterprises in the emerging central busi- ness district, even at Mia at Biscayne. Though the mega-restolounge outdoes any South Beach nightspot in ultra-high- tech décor (like an “iBar” with a touch- screen top patrons can manipulate), Mia aims for convivial accessibility in its entertainment, says homeboy chef ex- traordinaire Gerdy Rodriguez. To reflect downtown’s multicultural population, events have ranged from neighborhood offerings like Monday Night Football to an upscale Latin party running from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. How’s that for a 24-hour downtown? Goyanes feels that concentrating on locals rather than tourists is vital to building a solid 24/7 area. “In the 1990s, downtown businesses were centered on tourists,” Goyanes says. “What was typical to see was, during the day- time, groups of 150 tourists going into discount electronics and luggage stores. That makes you susceptible to the tides of foreign currency. You can’t do that.” Tre actually was a luggage store before Goyanes transformed it into a place locals frequent even on nights normally slow for restaurants. “Monday Gusman director Margaret Lake: “Truly, I can now walk to get almost everything I need!” is often our busiest night,” he notes. But Goyanes did more than focus DWNTWN live: the central business district. “In a well as some older restaurants, formerly on locals. He became one, moving from Continued from page 14 way,” she says, “the condo sales bust has lunch-only, that started serving dinner in Coral Gables 18 months ago. “I began been a cloud with a silver lining, because the past year or so). to be so excited about the new quality been a more dramatic reduction than in many speculators who bought condos A restaurateur who has experienced, of life downtown, I wanted to be more a South Beach.” when prices were at the high end want and currently caters to, both the 9-to-5 part of it. I don’t ever leave downtown!” In agreement is Realtor and recent to hold onto them until the market goes business crowd and new residents is José Nor is there practically any need SoBe transplant Abraham Ash, who now up again. Therefore there has been a lot Goyanes, who has owned businesses in to, according to Loft 1 resident Margaret lives downtown. His own condo, 50 Bis- of renting for very favorable prices, and the district for 15 years. Among them Lake, director of the Gusman Center for cayne, is a new central-business-district that has brought more young people into are Tre, a new, casual-chic Italian bistro/ the Performing Arts. “It’s got some great high-rise whose features include a full- downtown than would otherwise have lounge at the eastern end of Flagler stores, and downtown’s easily walkable. service concierge, a tropically landscaped “urban oasis” pool deck, a two-level spa/ fitness center, a two-level club room, a “I watched the lights in Loft 2 go on one by one as two-level party room, an outdoor bay- people finally moved in. It was like watching a garden view party deck. You get the idea. Says Ash: “I’m in a luxury condo for half the grow — and participating in it!” price I’d be paying in South Beach for a second-floor walk-up in a building with no security and no amenities. I’m stuck in been here. So there’s a lot of youth-ori- Street, and the more Old World Italian Truly, I can now walk to get almost ev- downtown and I love it!” ented energy going on.” La Loggia, one of the few upscale res- erything I need!” she enthuses. “I didn’t The DDA’s Robertson points out Hence the recent explosion of new taurants in the area suitable for a power even buy a car for the first six months. I that downtown’s rental market barely restaurants concentrated in the central lunch when it opened in 2000. wouldn’t have bought one ever if down- existed before the bust, but now it’s prov- business district. The district’s younger “La Loggia is in front of the town had a decent supermarket.” ing a boon in developing a vibrant new energy is especially apparent at night, in courthouse,” Goyanes says, “so diners identity in the area where most renters its brand-new, open-late restaurants (as are a lot of judges and lawyers. The Continued on page 16

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 15 Cover Story

DWNTWN Continued from page 15

When downtown resident Alex Gonzalez started his social-networking website Miami Urban Life in 2007, “it was mostly just some happy hours listings,” he recalls. “Now I can go way beyond drinking.” Last month’s listings ranged from a DDA-sponsored free concert series in Bayfront Park and “Meet Your Neighbor” events to a benefit for Haiti and, during the cold spell, a blanket/clothes drop for the neighborhood’s homeless. “Plus I try to organize my own creative ways to get people together,” Gonzalez continues. “We’re now doing Friday night happy hour dodgeball events.” Games are at the Downtown Athletic Club, which, says club marketer Rob Aylward, is doing extensive out- reach to new residents. “I don’t live downtown. I live on Brian Basti at Ecco Pizzateca: “Everyone who has a business here lives here, and really cares passionately the Beach,” confesses Jessica Wu, a ho- about the neighborhood.” listic practitioner and dodgeballer. “But I play downtown. It’s less pretentious in lines. I love eating out and there DWNTWN Concert Series in Bayfront “In 2006 I did live in downtown here. When I go to a club downtown, I are some great little bistros. I attend Park, or the free events they have at the for a year,” she adds, “but there wasn’t don’t get harassed by doormen or wait a lot of free downtown events like the Gusman frequently. Continued on page 17

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16 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Cover Story

DWNTWN the first month it was 20 percent full. Now revive the historic Gusman, she settled Continued from page 16 it’s 70 to 80 percent full, and the neigh- in one of downtown’s few nonbayfront

borhood has suddenly bloomed. After photo DDA condos, Loft 1, located in the then still- enough for me to do. Also I found it a work there are lots of happy hours in the under-construction city center. “I figured, little dangerous and seedy at night. Now it nabe. The nightlife’s excellent. And there to restore the Gusman to its role as the reminds me of Philly, where I was raised. are suddenly a lot of restaurants. I go city’s heart, I had to live there to under- There was a community feel and always jogging after dark, too, through Bayfront stand it. And I saw it blossoming. It was something to do as soon as you stepped or along the river on Riverwalk, and stroll phenomenal!” she exclaims. “From my window, I watched the lights in Loft 2 go on one by one as people finally moved “One idea behind a high-density, in. It was like watching a garden grow — high-rise downtown is that it’s a and participating in it!” It’s natural for people to get excited walkable area. So we’re landscaped. about revitalizing a blighted urban area We installed new sidewalks and when they all live and work in the same compact, densely populated area, says crosswalks.” Brian Basti, owner of Ecco Pizzateca, a welcoming alt-culture hangout he outside your house. It’s where a lot of the street with a nice watch on and feel co-owns with Aramis Lorie. They were young professionals lived, and artists, mu- absolutely no fear. This is a new down- formerly the team behind PS 14, located sicians, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. town! Those who haven’t been here in the in the isolated, still-tough neighborhood And now downtown Miami is the same.” past year haven’t really been here.” DDA executive director Alyce west of the Arsht Center. “Four years ago I wouldn’t have All that might sound like cock-eyed Robertson says the condo bust “We’ve always been in desolate neigh- dreamed of living in downtown,” says optimism, and no one’s suggesting that brought young renters, and their borhoods,” Basti says. “I want to be the first Realtor Andres del Corral, who was the downtown Miami is suddenly New York energy, to downtown. guy in!” But now he prefers doing it in the first tenant to move into the Met 1 condo, or San Francisco. It’s just that down- central business district, where he also lives in May 2008. “I spent two weeks in an town’s new residents are feeling the pull- sprouting something decent. in one of the new high-rises. “Everyone empty building, and downtown still had together spirit early pioneers had when Two years ago, for instance, when who has a business here lives here, and some ghost-town feel I could sense. After their gritty clumps of sod finally started Margaret Lake moved to Miami to Continued on page 18

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 17 Cover Story

DWNTWN residents wanted most — that have already Continued from page 17 been implemented is mind-boggling. “The revitalization of downtown is like the really cares passionately about the neigh- chess game on Star Trek,” Robertson borhood. It’s not like parts of Miami where explains. “Three dimensional. It’s about owners are douche-bag investors who live working on many levels at once. But what in some foreign country and only care about residents most wanted was a downtown making money from their business. Here that looks and feels clean and safe. So everyone knows everyone, so you can get since I came on as director in April 2008, credit everywhere. It’s like a small town.” we’ve spent a lot of time on beautifica- Adds Lake: “We work together to tion — which is important. The idea is, if it increase the market for all our businesses. looks broken, it is broken. My orientation Like, I want to encourage downtown is: ‘Clean it up, green it up.’” people to participate in building an audi- For example, if you’ve been on ence for this theater, which should be their Flagler Street recently, have you found home. So I’ve partnered with Tre and Ecco. yourself thinking: “Hmmm, were those José told me: ‘Tre does so well when you palm trees always there? What about do shows.’ So I call him and say, ‘We’re those mammoth decorative planters on having a show next Saturday, you should the sidewalks? Actually the sidewalks stay open late.’ And then he’ll distribute look awfully new themselves. Hey, why my flyers to his customers beforehand. aren’t there any cigarette butts in the Brian does the same. We’ve been discuss- street? Oh, sorry officer! I swear there ing we should do ‘Dinner and a Movie’ co- Fratelli Milano is one of many new downtown restaurants. wasn’t a crosswalk here before.” operatively. It’s all about using community.” Robertson continues: “One idea That’s the grassroots DIY approach that have already migrated to downtown, Department, the Downtown Miami behind a high-density, high-rise down- to developing downtown. and sustain the growth. Often the DDA Partnership, American Airlines Arena, town is that it’s a walkable area, not just Meanwhile, the DDA has devel- partners with established entities such Gusman Center, and many more. a place people drive in and out of, so we oped an official approach to attract new as the City of Miami and Miami-Dade The list of initiatives — based on focused on amenities a pedestrian would

residents and businesses, support those County, FDOT, the City of Miami Police surveys to determine what downtown Continued on page 19

18 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Cover Story

DWNTWN 18th or 20th Street on the north. And property improvements, but only for busi- names, Fresh Market slipped out after Continued from page 18 because 67 percent of surveyed down- nesses that residents have said they want. relentless pestering. “I do think the occu- town residents favored extending the Yes: Bookshops, music/video stores, pancy study convinced them that the area want. So we’re landscaped. We installed route farther north, to Midtown and home accessory stores of the Williams is close to having sufficient population new sidewalks and crosswalks. We’re the Design District, Robinson promises Sonoma or Restoration Hardware type. density,” she says. pressure-washing Flagler Street at least that’ll happen too — eventually. “The No: Dollar stores, electronics and Should Robertson and the DDA a couple of times a week, and there’s a trolley will help reduce road congestion, luggage shops, cafeteria-style breakfast/ need any recruitment incentives, they Downtown Enhancement Team of home- air pollution, and parking problems. lunch joints. need look no further than their own less people picking up litter. Mainly, it will enhance connectivity Oh, and about that supermarket? A survey. Second on residents’ wish list, “Better lighting is coming in the throughout all downtown’s areas.” first-rate supermarket topped the wish by an overwhelming margin, was — no next six months; FPL is installing poles Walking the streets of downtown, list of every resident questioned about joke — “two or three dive bars.” now. And the new chief of police com- you’ll also notice numerous big, shiny, downtown’s current deficiencies. Whole Here’s the incentive: Natural foods mitted, in a meeting last week, to putting high-impact glass picture windows Foods, which signed a lease in 2004 markets like Whole Foods and Fresh are very self-conscious about their “green” profile. If they’d like to burnish their Robertson says several markets are now being “actively image by helping to reduce air pollu- tion in a dramatic way, just open a store recruited.” Though she refuses to name names, Fresh in downtown Miami — and sponsor a Market slipped out after relentless pestering. couple of dive bars. With the market and the dive bars in place, scores of new high-rise dwell- significantly more police on the streets.” instead of old metal shutters. That’s but pulled out in 2008 when it seemed ers would immediately get rid of their Among the DDA’s projects is because there are “Façade Improvement unlikely that downtown would have cars. Hell, they’d never leave downtown. a public-transportation treat: a cute, and Shutter Removal” grants for store- the residential base it needed by its smart-looking, rubber-tired Brickell/ front businesses to encourage window- projected 2011 opening, hasn’t yet come This is the first part of a two-part story. Biscayne trolley, modeled after those shopping and decrease the war-zone feel. creeping back. Next issue: Take a walk on the mild side. in Coral Gables. The initial route, only To support top-quality retail and But there’s hope. Robertson says five months from launch, will run entertainment venues, there are “Tenant several markets are now being “actively from the Rickenbacker Causeway to Improvement Grants” that reimburse for recruited.” Though she refuses to name Feedback: [email protected]

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 19 Neighborhood CorrespoNdeNts: MiaMi shores Frozen Objects Falling from the Skies Snowflakes? Maybe. Reptiles? Definitely By Jen Karetnick some conjoined, some separate little star BT Contributor shapes, wafting up and down on the cur- rents of air. My students and I watched obody believes that I saw snow as they melted on contact with the in Miami. It wasn’t during classroom windows. It lasted for about Nour recent weeks of freezing ten minutes. weather, and not during the record- I can’t prove it, but that may have breaking winter of 1977. Nobody, that been the first time it snowed in Miami is, except the students who witnessed it since 1977. with me, and the motorists below me, During last month’s cold spell, there who slammed on their brakes at precisely wasn’t snow anywhere near Miami the same time and gazed skyward. Shores. The only frozen objects my I was in my classroom at Miami neighbors and I saw falling from the Arts Charter School, which occupies the sky near my home were significantly former Channel 10 building. My particu- larger than snowflakes, and were various lar room has two large floor-to-ceiling shades of green. They were iguanas. windows that look out onto Biscayne The terrible fate of these supposedly Boulevard. This can be a distraction in in Miami. It was also gray as weathered They weren’t big, puffy snowflakes nonnative lizards made national head- my middle-school classes. I constantly coral rock, with the kind of rain that like you might get on a still night in New lines during our weeks of unseasonably have to prevent a rush to the windows comes at you like electrical interference England. They didn’t float to the ground cold weather. After days of less-than-tol- when anything vaguely exciting happens. — no matter what you do, you can’t tune like downy bird feathers. Nor were erable chill, clouds, and rain, the iguanas A cold front had just moved through, it out. they the wind-driven mass that makes essentially hibernated in midstep, curl- the first of the season. Not as cold as This is why I noticed the snow, or up the blizzards of the plains. Instead ing up and falling off their tree limbs in the weather we just experienced, but what Miami meteorologists might call they were something in between: the chilly and uncomfortable for a fall day “frozen precipitate matter.” flakes were tiny, yet perfectly formed, Continued on page 21

20 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Neighborhood CorrespoNdeNts: MiaMi shores

Frozen especially given that these reptiles are So if it’s incorrect to assume that and sea turtles as they could, and turning Continued from page 20 invasive creatures, the entire population green iguanas are an invasive species in their backs on a species they have no real of green iguanas thought to be the work South Florida, it would also be incor- historic knowledge of, the kids in my various poses. Some of those that landed of pets released into the wild that then rect to assume that they have no place neighborhood were wrapping their little on grass and remained hidden, may have procreated and became feral. Interest- in our subtropical food chain. Birds of catatonic carcasses in blankets. eventually revived when the air warmed, ingly, however, the Green Iguana Society prey feast on the young, and so do other My husband and I warmed up two of although most died after three days of reports that “in the November 2009 issue reptiles. In the suburbs, however, it’s them in heated water. One iguana died; being in this state. Others fell on con- of Reptiles magazine (Vol. 17, Number true that the largest iggies have no real the other survived. The next day my crete from great distances and mortally 11), noted reptile vet Douglas Mader predators except cars, and can indeed kids took it to their science teacher, who wounded themselves, or were victims of stated the following: ‘I have done a lot hurt people. In fact one actually jumped declared it well enough to release. cars, or were marked as easy prey. of research on the origins of the igua- on my brother-in-law while he was riding Meanwhile the iguanas that officials Wildlife officials, in various media nas in the Keys. There are accounts of his bike, gouging his chest and back. were so happy to let expire are litter- outlets, advised against reviving the iguanas. wild green iguanas living here from the Indeed I’ve seen these creatures at ing the roadways of Miami Shores and They’d been waiting for this day to come, 1950s. That’s long before these animals work on more than just people, and it’s Biscayne Park. Not only didn’t they want they said. It was saving the region unheralded were ever popular as pets and long before not a pretty sight. They chew through to invest the funds to remove them live, millions of dollars in removal and disposal people could have released them back mesh patio coverings and claw through it seems they also don’t want to remove of these pesky iguanas, because while it is into the wild.... My investigations so far fences. They destroy gardens — iguanas them dead. As one of my students put it: legal for residents to kill the lizards, it must point to the fact that green iguanas may love tomatoes — and defoliate yards. “Every time I walk my dog, there’s more be done humanely. The Sun Sentinel even have a native origin [in the Keys].” They defecate in pools. According to the of them. It’s like some weird version of ran an article quoting homeowners who I’ve read other accounts that put University of Florida Institute of Food The Birds.” have had problems with the foliage-eating, populations of green iguanas in the and Agricultural Sciences, green iguanas Perhaps we did the wrong thing, foul-pooping reptiles and have wanted them Keys in the 1920s. Some suggest they also compete with us for our mangoes. (I saving a life here and there. But I can’t gone, but couldn’t quite get up the nerve to migrated from South America during for one am happy to share.) stand by and be inhumane, at least in my do it themselves. “I don’t have the heart to hurricanes or as the result of shipwrecks. But they are also beautiful, pre- opinion. And wouldn’t it be ironic if the beat one to death,” one woman said. Another But really there isn’t a whole lot to go on. historic creatures that fascinate, and it green iguana turns out to be a native spe- “humane” way of “disposing of” the green (Black spiny-tailed iguanas, which were appears that very few studies have been cies after all — and is now, thanks to our iguana? Beheading. imported as pets from Central America done on their origins in South Florida. freak weather, an endangered one. I can understand the widespread and are also found feral in South Florida, So while wildlife personnel were busy embrace of natural selection at work, are an entirely different matter.) saving as many hypothermic manatees Feedback: [email protected]

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 21 Neighborhood CorrespoNdeNts: belle Meade Crooks Are Born Not Made It shows up early, which is why a politician’s childhood matters By Frank Rollason no one pays much attention to such traits BT Contributor until a killer is caught, then people come forward with the weird stories. he City of Miami is in the spot- “Yes, I went to school with him and light — again. It’s under investi- he kept to himself and was always talk- Tgation by the Securities and Ex- ing to his locker.” change Commission (SEC) for allegedly “He would sit down by the lake and using unscrupulous methodologies in pull the wings off flies.” accounting and financial reporting — in Psychologists point to such observa- other words, cooking the books. Nothing tions and say, “See? His background is new, you say. The city has a history of indicative of the behavior we see demon- these kinds of shenanigans and they’ve strated in these monstrous acts.” come to be expected (or at least accept- So why not similarly examine ed) by our leadership and the electorate. the backgrounds of those who seek to An SEC spokesman affirmed this by become our leaders? Maybe we could commenting that these new allegations positions of public trust, we need to go very young age. There must be signals discern traits that would give us a good were too egregious to ignore “even for back in time far enough to see how their that indicate a person is inclined toward idea whether this guy or gal may be a the City of Miami.” early lives evolved. dishonesty. Consider how much we’ve bad bet for a leadership position. As the saying goes, we get the lead- Psychologists tell us that a person’s learned about serial killers. Take shoplifting, for example. A ers we deserve. Citizens who only know value system is set by the age of four Thanks to rigorous research, we now crime like that at an early age is usu- their leaders in a superficial way (on the — yes, four years old. Barring some know that serial killers are likely to be ally handled by the conscientious parent campaign trail, for example), can unwit- scientific discovery that deceitful behav- loners, introverted, and often with a child- taking the child back to the store and tingly end up voting for a scoundrel. I ior is hereditary (a corruption gene?), hood history of abusing small animals, making him apologize and return the roll think that when we look at individuals we can assume that an adult’s actions which progresses to cruelty inflicted on who would be elected or appointed to are the result of values internalized at a larger animals like cats and dogs. Typically Continued on page 23

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22 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Neighborhood CorrespoNdeNts: belle Meade

Crooks office or appointed to a position of public a bull in impregnating one of the farm’s years. And now the phenomenon has Continued from page 22 trust. Yet they retain a set of values in cows. Said Rogers: “Later I asked my dad: spread to Broward County. How many of which deception is an acceptable or even What was that bull doing to that cow? To you have recently heard comments along of Lifesavers. The embarrassment and desirable behavior. It can part of what it which my dad responded: Son, that bull these lines: “Well, it’s their turn this threat of “going to jail” may be enough means to be a “team player” whose ends was servicing that cow!” time.” Or: “They’re sure making us look to scare straight the good kids. But what justify their means and who comes to We in the City of Miami and Miami- good!” Pretty sad, isn’t it? about the child who gets away with it? believe he or she is acting for the greater Dade County have received about all the As I write this column, a recall effort No adverse consequences, and those good. At present the chances of weed- service we can handle! is under way to remove the county mayor. Lifesavers tasted really good! Somehow ing out such people before they begin to Exactly how we stop it, I am not We have two ousted Miami commission- that young boy or girl learns it’s okay to “serve” the public are slim to none. sure, but it must start at the polls. Term ers, one of whom accepted his fate while take what is not theirs, to be sneaky, to Cowboy limits would the other is fighting the charges against reap rewards to which they are not en- philosopher help at the her. We have Miami city finances under titled. As time goes by, the bad behavior Will Rogers In my days with the City of Miami, you county level, investigation and top officials choosing advances to the point that some are caught once was where the 13 their words carefully: “Nothing we did was could always tell who was a serious as juveniles for more serious shoplifting, the keynote elected com- illegal or criminal.” We are not hearing: or perhaps stealing a car for joy riding. speaker at a player by the way they responded to missioners “Nothing we did was immoral or unethi- While such crimes may not be in the same government questions. serve with no cal.” For some people, right or wrong is league as burglaries or robberies or the function. Prior limitations never black or white. It’s all shades of gray. violence associated with gang member- to taking the whatsoever. In my days with the City of Miami, ship, they nonetheless reveal a character podium, he and What about you could always tell who was a seri- flaw, a corrupted value system. the audience were subjected to a string requiring that all meetings between ous player by the way they responded to There are also those who are able to of politicians boasting to the crowd how elected officials and lobbyists take place questions. If the first response to a ques- think through their actions and the con- much service they had provided their in the sunshine? We also should reform tion was Who wants to know? you knew sequences if they are caught. If they are constituents over the past year. Then the absentee-ballot process — big time! you were in the presence of a player. wily and conniving, they can avoid de- Rogers rose to speak. He said that all this At some point, we citizens have to It shouldn’t matter who is asking, but tection. These are the people who cheat talk of service to the public reminded him say: Enough is enough! We’re not going in reality it’s always about who is asking. on exams and get away with it, who of when he was a little boy on the family to take it anymore! Who wants to know? cheat on their income tax and get away farm. He sneaked into the barn, where his Sound familiar? Of course. We seem with it, who can end up being elected to father and some farmhands were assisting to go through public purges every few Feedback: [email protected]

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 23 Neighborhood CorrespoNdeNts: bisCayNe park Back Home in the Craziness Miami is insane, which is why we love it By Wendy Doscher-Smith in a truly bipolar city. Nothing matters. BT Contributor Not really. Because two minutes from now, probably just as you are reading am trying to stay awake as I write this, everything will have changed. That this. It’s not particularly late, is what I have come to realize about I but the pace of the city I love Miami. And I am thankful for my time has worn me out. Color me pooped. — more accurately, doing time — in the Obviously I am not referring to the MFT. Because without that stint of pure, MFT (Merciless Frozen Tundra) that unadulterated misery, I might never have is Binghamton, New York, where it is Doscher-Smith BT photo by Wendy learned to peek past the curtain hemmed no doubt below zero and darkly over- with daily Miami annoyances to embrace cast — a landscape that only Edvard the craziness. Munch might appreciate. Instead I The trick to enjoying the “Magic am referring to the wonderful, insane City” is to go with it. The moment you beauty that is Miami. fight the eccentricities and start taking Honey, I’m home! ¡Bienvenidos anything seriously, you are not going to a Miami! enjoy yourself. And I do mean anything I have returned to pursue another ac- — ranging from the guy who cut you ademic degree, and quite frankly, I have off from three lanes over to make a left also run (not walked, not even trotted) The MIA acclimation period is one here, it was the pole’s fault, not mine. turn on red to the surly woman holding home to Miami because I wasn’t sure I fraught with possibility. I mean, I’ve And honestly, that bright yellow up the line of five people because the would survive another MFT winter. So already smashed up my car. In truth, doesn’t look so bad on silver. change she received from the cashier was in the interest of, oh, I don’t know, not more like scraped it up quite badly. But that is not the point. Or is it? allegedly short by 25 cents to the utterly dying, I chose life! And by that I mean See? I told you I was tired. However, Does it matter? No. As a matter of fact, heading south. if I’m going to continue with the truth it doesn’t! That is the benefit of living Continued on page 25

24 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENTS: BISCAYNE PARK

Craziness when I spent three weeks in Miami only hotel) where I am staying lacks a decent fair, it does not seem like it). So it’s not Continued from page 24 to return to the MFT. Unlike returning to blanket. My friend innocently picked out a jet-lag issue. Not exactly. It’s more of a prison, coming back here is like drawing a snuggly bit o’ warmth, and I surprised fl ow issue. inept valet who thought your stick-shift a Get Out of Jail Free card. Monopoly, even myself when I literally backed Back in the MFT, time stopped. I often car was an automatic transmission to the anyone? I mean, it’s raining as I write this. away, horrifi ed. I mean, if my friend had referred to it as the Twilight Zone, but it waiter who couldn’t be bothered to bring But that’s okay, because the puny little thrust a cobra in my face I would have could just as easily have been one loop you a menu in less than ten minutes. weather front will pass, the clouds will been less startled. from the movie Groundhog Day, in which And if you’re not enjoying yourself, bundle up into cottony goodness once Well-Meaning Friend [confused]: Bill Murray must endure the same day you will turn into one of those people more, and the sun will emerge. “What’s wrong? Feel it! It’s so nice!” repeatedly. In the MFT, it just seemed like who complain about the “swamp” that is The Return to Miami adjustment Me [stricken]: “No…more…fl eece. nothing ever changed. This was probably, the South Florida summer, and kvetch period consists of getting one’s bearings No…more…micro-fl eece. Down with the in part, due to the weather, which was about your bagel schmear being too in order. First on my “To do” list is the Snuggie! Fleece is the devil! You hear me? always, let’s call it for what it is, shit. onion-y. And you are going to become process of de-MFTization. More pre- Put it back! [Shrinking from the sea-foam In Miami there is a low hum that just like me before I realized how bad cisely, de-MFTization is actually a series green softness.] Dammit, now!” keeps everything moving. Besides, life really could be. of exercises in detraumatization (put You see? This is not the behavior given that Miami is a truly bipolar city, In short: You are going to miss the your dictionaries down, I know it’s not a exhibited by a normal person who is rea- the mood swings are demanding and point. Miami is stupid. Miami makes no word). Because, make no mistake about sonably well-adjusted — adjusted being exhausting in and of themselves. But sense whatsoever. So enjoy it. it, I am traumatized. the operative word here. they also can be fun. The Merciless Now that I am back, I must, like the Think that sounds a little dramatic? Fortunately I am well versed in Frozen Tundra is simply exhausting in humble caterpillar that morphs into the Well, I assure you it is not. I’m not sure trauma. That’s right. If anyone can deal its monotony. butterfl y, adjust to a new life, one that how else to explain the rash of (new!) with PTSD, it’s me. It’s really more than Well, I must go. The rain has allows me to fl y, fl uttering about from irrational behaviors. Like repeatedly a state of mind for me. It’s an address. stopped and sun has returned in all branch to fl ower, rather than remaining swiveling my head halfway around (well, Perhaps the circumstances and the its glory. And seeing as I am work- in the larval stage, munching and molt- it won’t go the whole way around) in a streets are new, but the responses and ing on my reacclimation to paradise, I ing on only one leaf. panicked attempt to check to see if the handling of such pathologies are similar. feel I must run outside and embrace it. Thankfully, the adjustment period sun is still out. (It is. Check.) One somewhat unexpected Miami Before it goes away. Because it will go coming from the MFT back to Miami is a And how about my newfound aver- adjustment I am trying to gel with is the away in ten minutes. Right? helluva lot more pleasant than the adjust- sion to micro-fl eece? I was with a friend time change. I realize I am in the same ment period I had to undergo last year, shopping for a blanket. The cotel (condo time zone as the MFT (although, to be Feedback: [email protected]

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 25 Community news Rebirthing Pains Delray Beach shows MiMo District boosters how you can go from bust to bounty By Karen-Janine Cohen approved, the district’s core mission Special to BT would be to address issues specifically seen as hindering business. he future of Biscayne Boulevard’s Backers of the committee, formed most promising stretch may have last year with $100,000 in city-supplied jelled on a bus trip to Delray seed money obtained with the help of

T BT photo by Mandy Baca Beach. In mid-January about 16 people city Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, believe headed up I-95 to learn how that small it is the best way to build on the Boule- city mustered the resolve to salvage vard’s nascent renaissance, which took historic, early-20th century homes, a big leap forward in 2006, when the original cottages, and unique community city created the MiMo Biscayne Historic buildings while attracting complimentary District, which runs along the Boulevard downtown development. from 50th Street to 77th Street. Could a 21-block section of the Bou- “In general, when a city creates an levard accomplish something similar? historic district, that is the first step,” And might the trip aid members of the says Scott Timm, executive director new MiMo Business Improvement Com- Scott Timm, a veteran of Miami Beach’s Art Deco success, hopes to do of the MiMo Business Improvement mittee, the tour’s sponsors, in persuading the same for Biscayne Boulevard. Committee. “Now the question is: How Boulevard commercial property owners are we going to develop? What kind of to tax themselves as part of the effort? Bachay, after a tour of Delray Beach historic restrained condo development that had At- neighborhood do we want this to be?” The tour group included preservation- areas and downtown. Bachay, a Miami lantic Avenue, the east-west artery leading Timm has the kind of credentials ists, Boulevard business owners, Upper Shores resident, is a member of the MiMo to the ocean, filled at midday with pedes- that may give confidence to some Eastside residents, Miami City Hall rep- Biscayne Association, a group that came trians, shoppers, and cell-phone-chatting long-suffering Boulevard commercial resentatives, and a sprinkling of academ- together in 2007 to protect and promote the business people. Nary an empty storefront property owners. He was previously ics and reporters. Over pasta and chicken unique Miami Modern style architecture in or chain store to be found. director of programs and outreach at wraps, current and former Delray Beach the MiMo Biscayne Historic District. The trip comes just weeks before the the Miami Design Preservation League, officials explained how the city turned its His enthusiasm is understandable. Biscayne Improvement Committee will the group that spearheaded successful blighted center into one of the most vital Delray Beach’s decades-long efforts ask Boulevard property owners between efforts to preserve Miami Beach’s Art areas in Palm Beach County. succeeded in transforming a crumbling 61st Street and 82nd Street to form a Deco architecture. “They’ve just done a great job, we downtown into a vibrant area of colorful Business Improvement District and to can really learn from them,” remarks John refurbished homes, unique shops, and fund significant upgrades to the area. If Continued on page 28 End of an Urban Oasis The Upper Eastside Garden will close at the end of February By Victor Barrenechea and parties, including a series of out- BT Contributor door movie nights. They arranged for a rotating cast of prominent local artists fter a three-year run of special to create murals on the site. Rozek also events, movies, and leisurely constructed a miniature golf course and Agames of miniature golf, the Upper invited some of Miami’s leading artists to Eastside Garden will be closing at the end customize the holes and obstacles. of this month. The lush garden, hidden BT photo by Sara Marzougui The cost for attending these events away at 7244 Biscayne Blvd., hosted its was usually no more than a $5; often they farewell party this past January 30, with were presented free of charge. complimentary beer and coffee and a video “It was a temporary project to begin installation by Miami artist Natalia Bene- with,” says Rozek, adding that the garden detti, who now resides in Chicago. was originally intended to stay open for Her looped video coincidentally re- just two years. This changed in 2008, flected a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere An unlikely location amid the hustle and bustle. when the Knight Foundation awarded that echoed the garden as oasis — a cool UEG a $25,000 Arts Challenge grant that and quiet haven from the traffic and bustle director Peter Rozek decided to open it. nonprofit organization with the goal allowed Rozek to keep going for another of surrounding city streets. “We just wanted to change people’s percep- of attracting growth, business, and year by subsidizing the $2000 rent he Such a serene spot along the Boulevard tion of the neighborhood,” he says. general development to the area. In an was having difficulty paying. “We stayed would have been difficult to imagine even For the past three years the Upper effort to accomplish that, Rozek and his five years ago. Which is one reason garden Eastside Garden did just that as a friends staged many successful events Continued on page 29

26 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Community news Battle for the Royals A relentless defender of Boulevard palms wins the big one By Margaret Griffis was to intersperse them with live oaks BT Contributor and nondescript shrubbery. Live oaks are beautiful trees and, like the royals, they t first glance Sean-Paul Melito are native to South Florida. However, doesn’t look like a tree-hugger. many believed these symbols of the Old AThere’s something about a man South would detract from the tropical feel who wears a fedora that screams “street- and uniqueness of Biscayne Boulevard, smart” long before it does “activist.” So BT photo by Margaret Griffis and that they’d also undermine the his- when you spot the friendly and loqua- toric meaning behind the palm trees. cious 43-year-old hoofing it down Bis- Just a couple months after the Great cayne Boulevard, don’t assume he’s just Miami Hurricane of 1926 nearly wiped another smooth-talking hustler. Melito out the young city, Biscayne Boulevard is simply a guy enjoying a stroll among opened to great fanfare. Armistice Day the gorgeous royal palms he helped save that year was filled with the usual solemn from the chainsaw. observances and festive parades that had Like many who have adopted Miami marked the end of World War I over the as their home, Melito would spend child- previous eight years, but disaster-weary hood vacations in South Florida. Even residents also ventured downtown to then, royal palms caught the eye of the Sean-Paul Melito’s perseverance paid off, and the Boulevard’s royal inaugurate what would become Miami’s young New York City native and would palms are now protected. grand thoroughfare. continue to amaze him after he relocated Warren Manning, a nationally here, by way of San Francisco, in 2003. of Biscayne Boulevard. The switch was trees, the one street where the new vision renowned landscape architect, designed A couple years after making the move, part of former Mayor Manny Diaz’s seemed way off the mark was Biscayne both what was then known as “Bay though, he discovered that many of the “canopy campaign,” which sought to Boulevard. This was the gateway that Front Park” and the new boulevard with beautiful palms he loved were slated for bring more shade trees to the city. had welcomed millions of palm-seeking the expectation that generations would removal during the Florida Department of While no one denies that Miami tourists for nearly a century. While not all Transportation’s massive reconstruction could use more — a lot more — shade royal palms would be eradicated, the plan Continued on page 30 Miami Shores to Shopaholics: Hop Aboard! A new shuttle service kicks into gear — and it’s free to all By David L. Snelling The answer, in short, was: Sure, why Special to BT not? Says Jerry Estep, director of the village’s recreation department: “It serves t a time when most cash-strapped the need to help citizens, especially those municipalities are being forced to who don’t want to drive or don’t have Acut services, Miami Shores has cars, to go to Barry University and to added a new one. And it is absolutely free Aventura Mall for the state-of-the-art BT photos by Cathi Marro to anyone who wants to take advantage movie theater.” of it, residents and nonresidents alike. Operating Friday, Saturday, This past January 15, the village and Sunday, the new shuttle launched a weekend shuttle bus route that makes stops at Barry University, picks up passengers from three loca- NE 2nd Avenue at 96th Street, tions in Miami Shores and takes them to and at the Miami Shores Commu- the Aventura Mall. Conveniently, it also nity Center on Park Drive. From brings them home. According to vil- there it’s off to shop-till-you-drop lage officials, the service was initiated in heaven. response to residents asking for more of On Friday and Saturday, the a good thing: free travel around town by shuttling begins at 5:30 p.m. from shuttle bus. Barry. The last bus home departs Three years ago Miami Shores began the mall at 11:35 p.m. sharp. a free shuttle service that circulates within Waiting for to go: Zero passengers at Barry University. Bleary-eyed Barry students are the village on weekdays between 1:00 and At times it can be lonely dropped off at their campus 6:00 p.m. For those who can’t drive, or and taxis are practically nonexistent. Its include weekends, for driver Lunick Louis. around midnight. On Sunday would rather not, it’s a great way to get popularity seemed to have whet the appe- and whether it might the routes are the same but the from here to there (and back) in a place tites of a number of people who wondered even ferry them up Biscayne Boulevard to where county Metrobus service is limited whether the service could be expanded to the bustling Aventura Mall. Continued on page 30

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 27 Community news

Rebirthing Moreover, Patel and others along Continued from page 26 the Boulevard say they are still smart- ing from two years of disruptive road The proposal is still being revised, construction. An economic downturn is but essentially it would ask property not the time to ask people for money, he owners to pay on a sliding scale, with says. As a 25-year veteran of Biscayne smaller properties initially paying about Boulevard, Patel says he’d like to see $100 annually and up to $1000 for the grants and government incentives to help largest. The aim is to raise a relatively businesses improve their properties, as modest $135,000 the first year, mainly to well as some marketing money from the pay for a streetscape study. Greater Miami Convention and Visitors If property owners agree in late Feb- Bureau, which is funded by the bed tax. ruary or early March to create their own Despite some hair-pulling frustrations, Business Improvement District (BID), however, many other property owners be- they will be in the vanguard of such self- lieve now is the time to act. They point to taxing districts in Miami. Coconut Grove exciting changes, including installation of was the first to create a BID; other Miami the Coppertone Girl sign at 7300 Biscayne neighborhoods are exploring the concept. Blvd., and to notable restaurants settling If property owners do pony up, one in, such as the recently opened Balans, a of the first steps will be to develop a map Delray Beach’s Old School Square cultural center was once Delray High longtime Lincoln Road favorite. and business directory to promote the School, c. 1925. Sinuhe Vega owns Uva 69, another area as a destination. Also at the top of highly regarded restaurant. Another culinary the list is the streetscape study, which Decisions made at the start of the pro- to $30-$50 today. That’s impressive even pioneer, he’s been on the Boulevard for would propose methods — tailored spe- cess, Delray Beach officials say, can carry after accounting for inflation. Taxable value several years. Today he is president of the cifically for the Boulevard — to attract progress along. “What you want to focus for the Delray district went from $250 mil- Business Improvement Committee’s board. pedestrian shoppers while slowing traffic. on is creating a demand,” notes Jeff Perl- lion in 1985 to $1.6 billion in 2009. Vega sees the area as a piece of a vibrant Though the MiMo District and the man, Delray Beach mayor between 2000 Despite the striking numbers, some Miami mosaic, perhaps developing into blocks to its north are no longer a play- and 2007. “For us it was creating a sense of Boulevard property owners remain skepti- a nesting spot for those who want to visit ground for drug dealers and sex workers, place to bring businesses and tourists here.” cal. Henry Patel, owner of the King Motel Wynwood’s art galleries, the Design District, it is still not the friendly thoroughfare In addition to taxing themselves, prop- at 7150 Biscayne Blvd., is less than ex- and the Adrienne Arsht Center, as well as the many envision it could become. “We erty owners, with the help of city officials, cited about the BID idea. “Let’s put it this beaches. “I see a viable area for cafés and can’t even walk our pets down the were able to leverage grants motels turning into boutique hotels,” says Boulevard without fearing we’ll be hit and other funding sources. Vega, who also took the Delray Beach trip. by a motorist,” says Roberto Hernandez, Then came the nuts and bolts: If property owners agree to create their C.J. Iannuzzi journeyed to Delray as a resident of Palm Grove, just west of working toward consensus and own Business Improvement District, well. As the owner of several apartment the Boulevard. Hernandez, a structural a vision for the future. Com- they will be in the vanguard of such buildings on the Boulevard, he imagines engineer and ardent preservationist, was munity involvement was critical, self-taxing districts in Miami. a time when jazz clubs and other night- also on the Delray Beach trip. and a succession of mayors and life amenities draw people to Biscayne Meanwhile Delray Beach has some commissioners, who may have Boulevard, creating an ambiance once advantages Biscayne Boulevard can only clashed on other topics, re- common in places like Coconut Grove dream about. To build on its “Village by mained remarkably steadfast on the plan. way,” he says. “We have paid so much in but now difficult to find in any part of the Sea” identity, the city developed a The results have been just as remark- taxes and now we are going to be added Miami. Says Iannuzzi: “I’d like to see funding bedrock by creating a Communi- able, and may motivate Boulevard property onto?” A particular gripe is the six-percent the public come back a little more, take a ty Redevelopment Agency — a far more owners to reach into their pockets. In the bed tax his guests must pay. “We haven’t chance and see what is out there.” robust mechanism than a BID. improvement area, square-foot rent rates gotten a dollar’s benefit back in any way went from $6-$8 in the mid- to late 1980s shape or form,” he complains. Feedback: [email protected]

28 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Community news Boulevard Theater: The New Incarnation For owner Leroy Griffith, it’s back to old reliable: naked ladies

By Erik Bojnansky that’s available for them,” Martinez says. BT Contributor “They don’t have that many people and it takes like 20 to 50 state employees to do fter toying with the idea of one boxing event.” having a weekly fight night at his Griffith remains undeterred. “I’d still Ax-rated Upper Eastside venue, like to have one night for fights,” he says. the venerable Boulevard Theater, adult A proprietor of burlesque clubs since entertainment entrepreneur Leroy Griffith the 1960s, he’d also like to toss comedic has decided to stick with strippers, at acts and maybe even (yes, he said this) least for now. some dinner theater into the mix. “I used Club Madonna II, which opened on to bring Henny Youngman and Frank January 14, will operate like his Club Sinatra Jr. to the Carib Theater in Lincoln Madonna on South Beach, Griffith says. Road,” Griffith says with some pride. This means women spinning on polls Upper Eastside resident Bob Flanders while in various stages of undress, and thinks Griffith should accept the fact that offering lap dances. But unlike the Miami the neighborhood has been gentrified, and Beach operation, Club Madonna II will give up on strippers altogether. He sug- be open in the afternoon, have a full bar, gests turning the theater into an art gallery and offer free parking. or independent movie house. “It’s a very Ever since 1971, when Griffith Sports bar out, boxing arena out, lap dances in. difficult venue to make anything work, par- bought the Boulevard Theater, a former ticularly if you do something people might one-screen cinema at 7770 Biscayne professional boxing and kick boxing Commission, a division of the Department eschew as being alternative or slightly Blvd., the theme has been sexual, events to the venue on weekends. But of Business and Professional Regulation, unsavory,” Flanders observes. “Who would whether it showcased porn movies, the boxing bouts were not to be. Griffith oversees such professional matches. even be seen parking their cars there?” female exotic dancers, or male strippers, claims the club was too small, that he Aside from a ton of financial and regu- “Tell him to finance it, and I’ll be whether it was called Pussycat Theater, would need to accommodate more than latory requirements, fight promoters must glad to,” Griffith replies, insisting that Black Gold, or At the Boulevard. 350 people. use referees, judges, and doctors assigned Club Madonna II is making him plenty of After his concept for a topless sports There may have been other obstacles, by the state commission. Because of this, money. “We’ve been here a long time and bar flopped last November, Griffith hung especially if Griffith really intended to he explains, it’s impossible for a venue to the only reason we’re still here is because a banner on the place that read: “Look host professional fights. Julio Martinez, have even one event a week, much less the there is still a demand for it.” What’s Coming!” He told the BT this a veteran of the local boxing industry, two per week Griffith wanted. “You call past December that he planned to bring points out that the Florida State Boxing the commission and they give you [a date] Feedback: [email protected]

Oasis (OMNIBOT), which will be undertaking noon to 6:00 p.m. as the golf course is for its future were not known. Continued from page 26 similar initiatives in the Omni neighbor- slowly dismantled. Anyone can come hood further south along the Boulevard. by and play on whatever’s left of the Upper Eastside Garden, 7244 Bis- open another year,” he says. “We as- “The Upper Eastside Garden,” Rozek course, or purchase potted plants from cayne Blvd. For more information call sumed the community really liked it.” says, “was only our first neighborhood- an extensive selection. As for the 305-984-3231 or visit web.mac.com/ Having0 brought much attention to the awareness project.” fate of the garden, Rozek reports that uppereastsidegarden/ neighborhood, Rozek is moving on to an- This month the UEG will be open ownership of the property recently other project, the Omni Board of Tourism every Saturday and Sunday from changed hands. At press time, plans Feedback: [email protected]

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 29 Community news

Royals article from his hometown paper, the New they have been repeatedly replaced so It was made clear at the meet- Continued from page 27 York Times, that set Melito into motion. the same look has been maintained on ing that the live oaks and unidenti- The piece reported on FDOT’s replace- the Boulevard for more than 80 years. fied shrubs were inconsistent with the enjoy the distinctive landscaping. The ment plan, but what really riled Melito BT contributor Jeff Shimonski believes historic vision for the Boulevard. A “Big Blow” had ravaged the park, which was Upper Eastside Miami Council “it is a shame to remove historical week later, on December 17, Gus Pego, only a year earlier had been created out member Robert Flanders’s description landscapes,” adding that the oaks “are FDOT’s district secretary, informed of dredged bay bottom; the storm even of the trees: They “look like telephone great trees but we are planting too state Sen. Dan Gelber that the official stranded a number of ships on the boule- poles.” He could not let such an insult to many of them.” FDOT plan would be revised “to retain vard itself. Downtown was cleaned up as Miami’s top symbol go unchallenged. Melito’s efforts paid off when, on as many Royal Palms as possible and best they could in time for the November Melito noticed that Morningside com- December 10, 2010, the Miami City remove the shade trees and shrubs that 11 ceremonies. munity activist Elvis Cruz was were proposed.” A November 12 article in the Miami featured in the same article. He The victory was bittersweet, though, Herald that year describes how Biscayne felt an instant kinship with the Melito’s efforts paid off when, in because the commission’s special desig- Boulevard and its palms were dedicated perennial crusader and asked December, the Miami City Commission nation and FDOT’s plan changes came to veterans of all wars. (It would later Cruz for advice on how to work designated Biscayne Boulevard as a much too late for the Boulevard construc- become an official part of the Blue Star the system to save the trees. After “Scenic Transportation Corridor.” tion work north of 36th Street. Today that Memorial Highway system.) Mayor some research, Melito discovered stretch of roadway is lined with many Edward C. Romfh also declared a special their historic significance and fewer royal palms and many more oak Arbor Day would coincide with Armi- knew where to focus his efforts trees. But the second phase of the project, stice Day to help restore the beleaguered for effectiveness. As he explains, “After all, Commission voted to designate Biscayne south of 36th Street, is closer to down- town. One newspaper photo shows a large Miami is so young. We have so little his- Boulevard as a “Scenic Transportation town and thus more significant. There the United States map being filled with plants. tory. We must preserve what we have.” Corridor.” A number of private citizens royals will be preserved. The caption boasts that the depicted 48 With that sales pitch, he then collected and veterans spoke at the meeting in Now that Melito is part of the history states will “be kept green perpetually.” signatures in favor of keeping the royal support of the palms. Their pleas were he worked so hard to preserve, he says he Sadly, that promise was not kept. palms and presented them to Miami Com- reinforced by more prominent Miam- hopes to continue his community activ- However, Melito set out to force the missioner Marc Sarnoff, whose district en- ians: Becky Matkov, executive director ism, and perhaps add another feather to city to honor another arboreal obligation: compasses the Boulevard. He also launched of Dade Heritage Trust; Ellen Uguccione, his cap. Or should that be another frond? keeping Biscayne Boulevard’s stately www.SavePalms.com in the meantime. Miami’s historic preservation officer; palms as a unique veterans’ memorial. While it’s unlikely that any of the State Rep. James Bush III; and historian Oddly enough, it was a January 2006 original trees planted are still alive, Arva Moore Parks. Feedback: [email protected]

Shuttle by the half-penny sales-tax increase said, and we’ll kick back 20 percent of But that was the county at fault, not Continued from page 27 county voters approved in 2002. All those the proceeds, which you can divide up the 31 incorporated municipalities. Their pennies have added up to quite a lot of and spend on your own transportation 20-percent share of the tax money, which hours are curtailed, starting at noon and money, all of it dedicated to transporta- projects. That did the trick. continues to flow into CITT’s coffers, has ending at 8:40 p.m. Three round trips be- tion improvements and overseen by an Unfortunately, as the Miami Herald been spent on far less grandiose projects tween the Shores and the mall are made appointed body called the Citizens’ Inde- revealed in a 2008 series called “Taken than those promised by the county. And on Friday and Saturday, five on Sunday. pendent Transportation Trust (CITT). For a Ride,” it now appears that it was in they’ve had to abide by a set of rules That’s a lot of gas and driving and An earlier attempt at persuading fact a trick. that require 80 percent of their funds be general wear and tear. So how can Miami voters to tax themselves for better public Investigative reporter Larry Lebowitz dedicated to roadway projects, such as Shores afford it, especially in this time of transportation failed miserably. So when found that county officials had squandered maintenance, resurfacing, new pavement, economic adversity? county leaders tried a second time, they their 80 percent of the tax money — some striping, and so on. The remaining 20 No, it’s not being underwritten by sweetened the deal by promising a cut $800 million over five years. The list of percent must be spent on public-transpor- the Soffer family, owners of Aventura of the cash to individual cities within abuses was long and infuriating to many, tation enhancements like new bus benches Mall, though that would have been nice. Miami-Dade County. Help us to pass this and it has crippled Miami-Dade County’s The new shuttle service is being funded half-penny increase in the sales tax, they public-transportation infrastructure. Continued on page 31

30 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Community news

Shuttle continued to the Community Center and Continued from page 30 the mall. Undaunted, Marro trudged over to the Community Center and waited for and shelters — and shuttle services. the shuttle to make its return stop at 1:05. According to Nestor Toledo, the She climbed aboard, introduced herself to CITT’s municipal administrator, driver Lunick Louis, and took a seat. She Miami Shores has received about $2.2 was the only passenger. million in sales-tax money since 2003. Downtown passenger count: Zero. A big hunk of that — roughly $1.3 Barry University passenger count: Zero. million — was spent on the makeover Marro got off the bus as it returned to of NE 2nd Avenue between 91st and the Community Center, having enjoyed a 103rd streets. The avenue is Miami pleasant chat with Louis but without any Shores’s main drag, and after the photos of delighted passengers. Louis sprucing-up, the business area was wondered aloud if anyone even knew rechristened Village Place. Hopes are about his Aventura Flyer. high for a commercial renaissance. Shores recreation director Jerry Far less money has been going to Estep isn’t worried. He reports that the Shores’s intravillage shuttle service, ridership over the fi rst two weekends which has been contracted to a private averaged 13 on Friday, 15 on Saturday, operator, Limousines of South Florida. and 21 on Sunday. In early January, the The company has also been hired to run village did send out an announcement the new Aventura Mall route (known to and route sheet tucked in with a cham- some as the “Aventura Flyer”). The cost ber of commerce newsletter, and more to Miami Shores: $48 per hour, which This fl yer was distributed in early January, but hasn’t yet caused a promotional efforts are in the works. pays for a driver, fuel, insurance, and stampede. Estep is confi dent ridership will grow. In use of a 24-passenger, handicap-accessi- fact, he says, “It started out better than ble, comfortable, and — as of Aventura On Sunday, January 24, BT contribu- shuttle at NE 2nd Avenue and 96th Street. we expected.” Flyer weekend number two — virtually tor Cathi Marro, camera in hand, waited The bus driver, who had one passenger empty bus. for the 12:05 p.m. Aventura-bound onboard, apparently didn’t see her and Feedback: [email protected]

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 31 Police RePoRts Biscayne Crime Beat Compiled by Derek McCann One Reason Car Insurance so (party-pooping fuzz), one member of Is So Expensive the energetic party crew broke into an 700 Block of NE 77th Street equipment closet and tampered with the A woman went to her garage to get some condo’s video-surveillance equipment. The supplies for a party she was hosting. She cameras went dark. After police left, the was horrified to see a stranger exiting party animals vandalized and ransacked the garage with a bunch of her husband’s the entire pool area. Turns out they were tools. A brave women, she jumped into her not residents of the condo. No arrests have husband’s van in order to follow the culprit been made, nor have the suspects been and perhaps get his license plate (his car identified — a result of the cameras being was parked in front of the house). She compromised. Miamians take note: If you made it about halfway down the street and can’t beat them, by all means join them, or her rear bumper fell off. The suspect had perhaps simply shut your windows to keep damaged the vehicle, and as a result he was out the noise. a partially built condominium building possession. Police did not take his plea able to slip away without the victim getting that has suffered multiple burglaries and charged him with burglary. his plate number. We have to admit, this Who Do You Trust? over the past few months. Police climbed is kind of smart. Some of our Boulevard 1700 Block of N. Bayshore Drive through a hole cut in a fence and made Neanderthals seem to be evolving. Partying in Miami Some unpleasant things can simply be their way to the third floor, where they 100 Block of NE 2nd Avenue avoided. A woman had lost the key to found a man digging an aluminum At a downtown condo, a group of pool- Criminals Do Not Have the her apartment and had to rely on security window from its foundation. Caught side revelers, stirred by their blaring to let her in. The woman did not have a Line-Item Veto in the act, the thief said he was “just music, danced through the night, well past spare key, but for some reason, security 1600 NE Miami Ct. checking it out” and would prefer to be the 10:00 p.m. curfew. Condo residents personnel didn’t give her a copy. Then one While on routine patrol, police officers charged only with “trespassing.” He started to complain. Police were called to heard a loud banging sound coming from had a hammer and hacksaw blade in his stop the racket, and as they were doing Continued on page 33

32 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Police RePoRts

Crime Beat purchase some items and when she returned, Mr. Cheapanova grabbed both camera and in the morning, he heard rummaging in the bastards had smashed her window cash and bolted from the bar. The humiliated the bathroom and discovered his “lady Continued from page 32 and stolen her purse. To their credit, police woman was left with her unfinished drink friend” was stuffing items, including a evening she found her 40th-floor apartment canvassed the area, but the thug got away. Is and new scorn for emasculated men who rob jar of coins, into her purse. Caught in the burglarized with no sign of forced entry. pumping gas now a robbery fait accompli? good-hearted damsels. act, she fled. The man called police and She had not changed her locks. The thief claimed, rather self-righteously, that the apparently still has a key. Sloth is one of Was It Booked Through Preemptive Arrest Saves woman is a “known prostitute.” So does the seven deadly sins. We can only hope Expedia? Junk-Mail Deliveries that make him a known john? that someone gains the ambition to change 5200 Block of Biscayne Boulevard NE 2nd Avenue and 42nd Street the locks and then keep duplicate keys. Two men were visiting Miami and decided Ever wish you were someone else or had Tough Parking Creates to stay at one of the Boulevard motels to someone else’s job? Seems that this man did. Rogue Attendants It’s a War Out There understand the vibe of this great city. They Police stopped him as he was toting a gar- NE 3rd Street and Biscayne Boulevard bage bag slung over his shoulder. The cops 300 Block of NE 58th Street invited two “ladies” to their room and Man had parked his car in a lot and went asked permission to search him. He gave A woman was walking home and noticed engaged in sexual intercourse. The tourists to pay when he was approached by an permission, and the officers found a crowbar her shoelaces were untied. She knelt then fell asleep and of course, when they officious man he assumed was the lot’s in his pants. In the garbage bag? A pile of down to tie them and in doing so, placed awoke, most of their possessions were attendant. The faux employee told him gone, as were the two Miami girls. One of U.S. mail bearing many different names, it would be $5. The victim gave him a her purse on the ground. At this instant a the victims said he knew one of the sus- none of them the defendant’s. Police detained $20. The perp said he would get change manic man on a bike swooped down like pects. Sure.... Next time, try Price Line. him and went to the nearby post office, where and disappeared. Fortunately a patrol car a vulture and grabbed her purse, disap- they found two blue mail boxes damaged by was in the area and officers approached pearing westbound on NE 58th Street. Buy Him a Beer? Maybe Not something that could have been a crowbar. the phony employee. He promptly gave 401 Biscayne Blvd. The defendant was immediately arrested the money back and asked police to give Just a Moment in Miami Time A man was trailing a woman in a bar for sev- and the mail was returned. him a break since he did the right thing, NE 54th Street and N. Miami Avenue eral minutes, begging her to buy him a beer. apologizing profusely for his “mistake.” It is distressingly common for someone to Usually it works the other way around, but Sometimes a Police Report He was arrested and transported to the pump gas while leaving a car door open, women’s rights have advanced the idea of the Is a Confession county jail. causing an easy robbery. This woman male moocher. Finally the woman relented, 400 Block of NE 62nd Street stopped to pump gas and left her purse on and opened her purse to grab her wallet. She The female suspect had spent the night the passenger seat — but she did lock her placed a camera and cash on the bar, but with her victim. When the victim awoke Feedback: [email protected] doors. She went into the convenience store to

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 33 A rt & Culture Views from the Islands Little Haiti’s new cultural center hosts a compelling exhibit of Caribbean art By Anne Tschida goes on, they seem to say, especially BT Contributor through art. Jamaican-born Arthur Simms aitian artist André Eugéne’s crafted another one of the outstanding sculptures in the exhibition sculptures in the exhibition, again made H“Global Caribbean” are made from the detritus of the commercial from old rubber tires. They are small, world: bottles, rope, scrap metal, skate- mythical creatures or “fetish effigies” — boards, a birdcage, and a bike. While familiar representations in Haitian art playful, the title aims to dampen the — otherworldly and also demonic. The spirit a bit: Caged Bottle. material, too, is representative. Much of No country has been more trauma- that country’s and the Caribbean’s art is tized in the Western Hemisphere than fashioned from the commercial world’s Haiti, and viewing this show in the wake discards, an allusion to what the nations of the earthquake can’t help but color the themselves have been made from since picture even more darkly. their colonial days. Sitting on a baroque chair in his The carefully chosen works in this expansive studio, Duval-Carrié says that superb show reflect the Caribbean reality art, music, and dance have always sus- and mythology, the dark and the light, tained life in Haiti, and that it will once the troubled past, present, and future, again as the country struggles to recover. and the incredible vibrancy of the artis- But it won’t be easy, says the Port-au- tic output from a region that starts at the Prince native, looking tired but still tip of Florida and ends on the shores of filled with humor. His family there has South America. survived, as it appears did artist André After January 12, that reality took Eugéne, a founder of the Grand Rue art on new meaning. The earthquake that movement. But it also appears that much ravaged Haiti gives a new poignancy of Haiti’s cultural history, and visual arts, and power to this art, from 23 of the And She Swings So Sweetly: The work of Haitian-American Miami have disappeared — maybe forever — in Caribbean’s top artists, being shown in a resident Vickie Pierre is delicate and decorative, but with an underlying the rubble of the capital city and the gleaming new space in the magnificent suggestion of graffiti and female body parts seaside town of Jacmel. new Little Haiti Cultural Center. Duval-Carrié believes that the Little The image of sunny isles and the WOMAN of Egypt Haiti Cultural Center, adjacent to his ultimate tropical tourist escape has ESTATE in Ja- studio, and the Haitian Cultural Arts Al- always clashed with the darker one, of maica, lithographs liance that he heads, will have to play a brutal dictatorships, occupations, and from Barbados major role in documenting and preserv-

stark social inequalities. While recent native Joscelyn Photo by Thierry Bal ing that culture. photos and stories of unimaginable Gardner, under- In an office connected to his studio, destruction overwhelm our senses, scores some of the some of that documentation has taken this beautiful show seeks to address traumatic origins of place already — the alliance has a these contradictions. Caribbean nations. catalogue of books, original documents, Organized and curated by prominent A centerpiece of and maps. The new cultural center is Haitian artist and Miami resident Ed- black-braided hair now home to four Afro-Caribbean dance ouard Duval-Carrié, “Global Caribbean” is surrounded by troupes, as well as an impressive black deals with the lives and histories of Af- images of instru- box theater that will host musical groups rican descendants of the region, as well ments used to and film screenings from the region. as with the capriciousness of the very torture slaves. But without Duval-Carrié himself, ground itself. In the show’s catalogue The everyday Hew Locke’s Kingdom of the Blind # 5,6,7 weaves much of this would not exist. Although — published well before the earthquake violence of to- plastic toys, flowers, chains, and guns into a the City of Miami initially funded the — Duval-Carrié wrote: “A definite day’s Caribbean sculptural tapestry of modern Caribbean life. center and now staffs it, Duval-Carrié, constant in the region is the wrath of world is inescap- long active among the Caribbean dias- mother nature…. Along with the damage able in the work of Dominican artist But Kingdom also highlights what pora in Miami and abroad, brought in the wrought by the weather, colonialization, Jorge Piñeda with Afro-Fight — Issue this show succeeds in relating — that in French government to sponsor “Global slavery and plantation economies could III, its faceless fighter in army the face of almost insurmountable odds, Caribbean,” along with promises of also be seen as agents of destruction in fatigues butting against the wall; artistic expression can heal and even future exhibits and exchanges. Because the region.” as well as in Hew Locke’s Kingdom bring joy into relentlessly joyless lives. of its historic (and difficult) ties to the So Creole Portrait II: A Collection of the Blind, three huge sculptures While these “blind” sculptures can look Caribbean, France has created a cultural and Singular & Scarce Creole Portrait pieced together with plastic chains, devilish, they also include a profusion of Heads to Perpetuate the Memory of the dinosaurs, and guns. colorful plastic flowers and beads. Life Continued on page 35

34 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 A rt & Culture

Islands mouth to the floor are 754 hours’ worth Continued from page 34 of used cassette tapes. It can look alter- outreach arm, “Caraïbes en créations,” nately like a glamorous evening gown to fund such projects, and Duval-Carrié or a hideous concoction of dead animals lobbied for Miami to be a focal point of and plastic garbage.

this initiative. BT photo Mandy Baca Duval-Carrié acknowledges that

While he is currently active in vari- Photo courtesy of the artist duality: “Whether they [the artists] are ous relief efforts, Duval-Carrié says he part of well-intentioned cultural direc- wants to put most of his time and energy tives or they are solo acts whose produc- into raising money and awareness of tions are in defiance of all odds, I want what must be done over the long haul to to honor their efforts by presenting them resuscitate Haiti. To that end, he plans and their works in a pristine new facility, an art auction, featuring very significant which provides the proper environment work, that could help fund a symposium to enhance their visual acts.” of thinkers, scientists, and social and You can be involved in both relief environmental planners. efforts and broader planning at the “We have to start from ground zero,” Edouard Duval-Carrié believes art, cultural center. On February 14, the he says. “We can not rebuild it the way it music, and dance will sustain Haiti resident dance troupe Dance Now and was before, a complete and total disaster, as it struggles to recover. a drum collective will hold a benefit for built by tyrants and crooks to benefit the Haiti relief, with a suggested donation very few and starve the rest. Believe me, auction. “Drastic measures must be of $35; 305-960-2967. March 4-6, in as someone who knew Port-au-Prince taken,” he adds. “We need to formulate a the black box theater, the University when the sea was crystal clear, that city Blue Curry’s Untitled drapes serious vision for the future.” of Miami will hold a seminar about the should never be rebuilt the way it was, yards of used cassette tape from Back in the bright exhibition space, future of Caribbean culture; 305-757- including its meaningless palaces and a shark’s jaw — elegant and a current vision of the world is beauti- 5307. “Global Caribbean” runs through political structures.” disturbing at the same time. fully and disturbingly expressed. Baha- March at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, Anger flairs as he talks about the mian artist Blue Curry has suspended 260 NE 59th Terr., Miami; 305-960-2969. past and the present, but then he smiles from Gee’s Bend, Alabama, have already from the ceiling the skeletal jaw of a as he says that the famous quilt makers offered to donate a quilt for such an bull shark. Spilling out of the shark’s Feedback: [email protected]

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 35 Art & Culture Art Listings WYNWOOD GALLERY WALK & DESIGN DISTRICT BORINQUEN ART GALLERY CS GALLERY Abigail Lelis, Marcela Marcuzzi, Emmy Mathis, Jason ART + DESIGN NIGHT 100 NE 38th St. #3, Miami 787 NE 125th St., North Miami Meyer, Isabel Moros-Rigau, Alex Trimino-K, Casey Ann SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 305-491-1526 305-308-6561 Wasniewski, and Plamen Yordanov February 13: www.chirinossanchez.com Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. 101/EXHIBIT “Borinquen Health Care Expo” Call gallery for exhibition 101 NE 40th St., Miami with Elizabeth Baez, H-Allen information. ETRA FINE ART 305-573-2101 Benowitz, François Gracia, 10 NE 40th St., Miami www.101exhibit.com Fernando Llauaro, Andre de DAVID CASTILLO GALLERY 305-438-4383 Call gallery for exhibition information. Plessel, Clarice de Souza, 2234 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.etrafineart.com Igal Fedida, Sophia Lacroix, 305-573-8110 Call gallery for exhibition information. ABBA FINE ART Gabriela Liascovitz, Mirabel www.castilloart.com 233 NW 36th St., Miami Menendez, Puchi Noriega, and Through February 6: FACHE ARTS 305-576-4278 Laura Rosen “Dark Castle” by Shelter 750 NE 124th St., North Miami #2 www.abbafineart.com Reception February 13, 7 to Serra and “...yet nightly pitch 305-975-6933 February 13 through March 11: 10 p.m. my moving tent” by Gustavo www.fachearts.com “Recent Works” by David McConnell Roman Through February 26: Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. BREVARDS GALLERY February 13 through March 6: “MADE IN CHILE” with Victor Mahana and Carla Fache 2320 N. Miami Ave., Miami “Oh the tangled webs we ALEJANDRA VON HARTZ FINE ARTS 305-576-5747 weave” by Karelle Levy FREDRIC SNITZER GALLERY 2630 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.brevards.com Reception February 13, 7 to 2247 NW 1st Pl., Miami 305-438-0220 Through March 30: 10 p.m. 305-448-8976 www.alejandravonhartz.net “NonDuality” by John Brevard www.snitzer.com Through February 6: DIANA LOWENSTEIN FINE February 12 through March 9: “Beloved Structure: The Argentine Legacy” curated by BUTTER GALLERY ARTS “At A Certain Date In The Future” by Bert Rodriguez Eva Grinstein with Fabián Burgos, Martín Di Paola, 2301-2303 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 2043 N. Miami Ave., Miami Reception February 13, 7 to 9 p.m. Marcolina Dipierro, Verónica Di Toro, Lucio Dorr, Silvia 305-303-6254 305-576-1804 Gurfein, Silvana Lacarra, Adriana Minoliti, Karina www.buttergallery.com www.dlfinearts.com FIGHT CLUB Peisajovich, Pablo Siquier, and Andrés Sobrino Call gallery for exhibition Charles Koegel, Exposed Through February 6: 120 NE 20th St., Miami February 13 through April 3: information. “Lapidus Infinitus” by Carlos Through March 31: “Monstrous Moonshine” by Magdalena Atria Frame Structure with Dome, Betancourt and “Geo-Graphic” “The Art of Boxing” by Silvia Ros Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. CALDWELL / LINFIELD with Luis Alonzo-Barkigia, John GALLERY & STUDIO pencil and watercolor on paper, Bailly, Irene Clouthier, Felice GALERIE HELENE LAMARQUE ART FUSION 8351 NE 8th Ct., Miami 2009, at Dimensions Variable. Grodin, Jill Hotchkiss, Laura 125 NW 23 St., Miami 1 NE 40th St., Miami 305-754-2093 Kina, Alberto Latorre, Michael 305-576-6095 305-573-5730 www.susannacaldwell.com Loveland, Michael Scoggins, www.galeriehelenelamarque.com www.artfusiongallery.com Ongoing: Carlos de Villasante, and Annie Wharton Call gallery for exhibition information. Through March 24: “Seductive Assemblages and Wood Sculpture” by February 13 through March 6: “INCANTATIONS IN MULTI-COLOR” with various Susanna Caldwell “Pássaros geométricos e pelo menos um pássaro GALERIE SCHUSTER MIAMI artists Reception February 20, 5 to 10 p.m. rectangular!” by José Bechara, “The Triumph of 2085 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Patience” with Uisuk Byeon, Young Cho, Jessica 786-266-2445 CALIX GUSTAV GALLERY Labatte, and Briana Schweizer, and “si no existe el mas www.galleryschuster.com ART GALLERY AT GOVERNMENT CENTER 98 NW 29 St., Miami allá, la injusticia del pobre se prolonga eternamente” Call gallery for exhibition information. 111 NW 1st St., Suite 625, Miami 305-576-8116 with Colectivo MR 305-375-4634 calix-gustav.blogspot.com Reception February 13, 7:30 to 10 p.m. GALLERY DIET Call gallery for exhibition information. February 13 through April 1: 174 NW 23rd St., Miami “Basics” with Yvonne Cordoba, Eric Torriente, Max A. DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY 305-571-2288 ART ROUGE Kraushaar, and Agustín de Llanos 3938 NE 39th St., Miami www.gallerydiet.com 46 NW 36th St., Miami Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. 305-573-4046 Through February 6: 305-448-3060 www.diasporavibe.net “Magical Powers” by Charley Friedman www.lurie-kavachnina.com CAROL JAZZAR CONTEMPORARY ART Through February 24: February 12 through March 6: February 11 through March 12: 158 NW 91st St., Miami Shores “ The Man, The Images and His World” by Terry Brodie “Rachel Is...” by Rachel Perry Welty “Metamorphosis” by Laurie Recanati 305-490-6906 Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception February 12, 6 to 9 p.m. Reception February 11, 6 to 9 p.m. www.cjazzart.com Reception February 13, 7 to 9 p.m. By appointment: [email protected] DIMENSIONS VARIABLE ARTFORMZ Through February 12: 171 NE 38th St., Miami GALLERY I/D 171 NW 23rd St., Miami “Cinematheque” by Jorge Pantoja dv 2531 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 305-572-0040 February 19 through March 14: dimensionsvariable.net 305-778-4568 www.artformz.net Lynne Golob Gelfman Through March 2: Through February 27: Through February 12: Reception February 19, 7 to 11 p.m. “Summer’s Gonna Hurt You” by Charles Koegel “Of Trees and Terra” with Mary Larsen and Elaine R. Works by Rosario Rivera-Bond and Donna Haynes Reception February 13, 7 to 11 p.m. Defibaugh February 13 through March 8: CENTER FOR VISUAL COMMUNICATION “Past-Present” with Anja Marais and Guillermo Portieles 541 NW 27th St., Miami DINA MITRANI GALLERY GIOVANNI ROSSI FINE ART Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. 305-571-1415 2620 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 2628 NW 2nd Ave., Miami www.visual.org 786-486-7248 561-251-1375 BAKEHOUSE ART COMPLEX Through February 24: www.dinamitranigallery.com www.giovannirossifineart.com 561 NW 32nd St., Miami “Darby Bannard: The Miami Years” by Darby Bannard Through February 27: Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-576-2828 Through February 27: “The Contract” by Marina Font www.bacfl.org “Beyond the Daily Life” with Guerra de la Paz and Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. HARDCORE ARTS CONTEMPORARY SPACE February 12 through March 1: Teresa Diehl 3326 N. Miami Ave., Miami “Found Object/Found Love: 30 years of art with Pablo DORSCH GALLERY 305-576-1645 Cano” by Pablo Cano CHAREST-WEINBERG GALLERY 151 NW 24th St., Miami www.hardcoreartcontemporary.com February 13: 250 NW 23rd St., Miami 305-576-1278 Through February 6:“Gravy” by Julie L. Friel, Gladys Triana, “Closer to me than myself” by Gabriela “DOG” a performance by Pablo Cano and Jim 305-292-0411 www.dorschgallery.com www.charest-weinberg.com February 13 through March 6: Morawetz, and “Todos Los Cuerpos Extraños” curated Hammond Through February 28: “Pleasure Seekers” by Kyle Trowbridge, “Knock-Off” by by Roc Laseca with various artists Reception February 12, 7 to 10 p.m. “Herd Thinner” with Slater Bradley, Suntek Chung, Alex Golden, and “de-lux” by Keith Sklar February 13 through April 3: Performance February 13, noon Richard Dupont, Martha Friedman, Sheree Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. “Love, Infatuation or Lust” with Natasha Duwin, Juan Hovsepian, Rashid Johnson, Simone Leigh, Fernando Griego, Kate Kretz, Catalina Jaramillo, Angelica BAS FISHER INVITATIONAL Mastrangelo, Raha Raissnia, Seher Shah, Erin Shirreff, DOT FIFTYONE ART SPACE Clyman, Magda Ortiz, Maria Lino, Julie L Friel, 180 NE 39th St., #210, Miami Jeff Sonhouse, and Outtara Watts 51 NW 36th St., Miami Luisa Mesa, Aleli Egues, Gretchen Scharnagl, Hugo By appointment: [email protected] 305-573-9994 Moro, Monica Travis, Rochi Llaneza, Jules Lusson, www.basfisherinvitational.com CHELSEA GALLERIA www.dotfiftyone.com Aleli Egues, Monica Travis, Tamara Hervera, Orion Call gallery for exhibition information. 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami February 10 through March 7: Mansfield, Ingrid Eliasson and Jennifer Basile, Donna 305-576-2950 “Fusion” by Leonel Matheu Torres, and more BASHA GALLERY www.chelseagalleria.com Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. 795 NE 125th St., North Miami February 13 through March 6: 305-891-4624 “Carnaval” by Daniel Kedar DPM GALLERY HAROLD GOLEN GALLERY www.bashagallery.net Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 2294 NW 2nd Ave., Miami February 10 through March 31: 305-576-1777 305-989-3359 “LADIES NIGHT” with Michael Ajerman, Beatrice CITY LOFT ART www.dpmgallery.com www.haroldgolengallery.com Findlay, Allyson Krowitz, Arnaldo Rosello, and Kari 61 NE 40th St., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. Through February 6: Snyder 305-438-9006 “New World Order” with Mark Ryden, Ron English, Skot Reception February 26, 7 to 10 p.m. www.cityloftart.com EDGE ZONES CONTEMPORARY ART Olsen, Mitch O’Connell, Scott Schiedly, Chris Dean, Through February 6: 47 NE 25th St., Miami Pooch, Christie Strong, and N! Satterfield BERNICE STEINBAUM GALLERY Group show with Elmar Hund, Ekaterina Moré, Virginia 305-303-8852 3550 N. Miami Ave., Miami Erdie, and Monique Wegmueller www.edgezones.org ICON ART IMAGES GALLERY / STUDIO 305-573-2700 February 10 through March 10: February 13 through February 27: 147 NW 36th St., Miami www.bernicesteinbaumgallery.com “Light Meets Color” with Elmar Hund, Ekaterina Moré, “Word Play” by Gianna DiBartolomeo 305-576-4266, www.cashappeal.com February 13 through March 5: and Ingrid Kaufman February 13 through March 6: Call gallery for exhibition information. “In Search of a Sacred Place” by Willie Birch Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. “Bound and Gathered” with Mora Barber, Pip Brant, Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Natasha Duwin, Annie Heckman, Laurie LeBreton, Continued on page 37

36 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Art & Culture

MIAM-DADE COLLEGE, CENTER GALLERY “Operation Beefeater” with Magnus Sigurdarson and Art Listings 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Paul Stoppi Continued from page 36 Bldg. 1, Room 1365 Reception February 13, 6 to 9 p.m. 305-237-3696 www.mdc.edu PRAXIS INTERNATIONAL ART Call gallery for exhibition information. 2219 NW 2nd Ave., Miami IDEABOX ARTSPACE 305-573-2900 2417 N. Miami Ave., Miami MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART AND www.praxis-art.com 305-576-9878 DESIGN Call gallery for exhibition information. Through February 26: 1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami “Archipelago” with Gean Moreno and Ernesto Oroza 305-428-5700 PRESSITON ART GALLERY www.mymiu.com 4100 N. Miami Ave., Miami INTERFLIGHT STUDIO Call gallery for exhibition information. 786-925-2930 250 NW 23rd St., Miami www.pressitonart.com 305-573-1673 MUSEO VAULT Through February 6: www.interflightstudio.com 346 NW 29th St., Miami “From Across The Pond” with Mike Bernard, Jean Through February 5: 305-571-1175 Robinson, and Henrick Simonsen “Above the Clouds” with PilotO, Desiree Bordes, Mike www.museovault.com Tesch, Jo-Ann Lizio, Herve Alexandre, and Bernardo Call gallery for exhibition information. SAMMER GALLERY Medina 82 NE 29th St., Miami February 13 through March 12: MYPAC 305-441-2005 “Love is in the Air” with various artists Pablo Cano, The Last Judgment, 3324 N. Miami Ave., Miami artnet.com/sammergallery.html Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. ink on paper, 1984, at Bakehouse 305-981-6199 Call gallery for exhibition information. February 11 through March 6: KABE CONTEMPORARY Art Complex. “Willow” with various artists SETH JASON BEITLEE FINE ARTS 123 NW 23rd St., Miami February 11 through March 28: 250 NW 23rd St, #202, Miami 305-573-8142 LILIENTHAL ART STUDIOS “A Light Above the Rest” with various artists 305-438-0218 www.kabecontemporary.com 96 NW 29th St., Miami Reception February 13, 6 to 10 p.m. www.sethjason.com Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-573-2002 Call gallery for exhibition information. www.ilanalilienthal.com NEKTAR DE STAGNI SHOP KELLEY ROY GALLERY Call gallery for exhibition information. 155 NE 38th St., Miami SPINELLO GALLERY 50 NE 29th St., Miami 786-556-3033 155 NE 38th St., Miami 305-447-3888 LOCUST PROJECTS www.nektardestagni.com 786-271-4223 www.kelleyroygallery.com 155 NE 38th St., Miami Through March 1: www.spinellogallery.com Call gallery for exhibition information. 305-576-8570 “Jewelry Salon” with Hernan Bas, Scott Hug, Cristina Through February 27: www.locustprojects.org Lei Rodrigez, Martin Oppel, Paola Pivi, Tom Sachs, “Resurrection” by Christina Pettersson KEVIN BRUK GALLERY Through February 27: Bless, Brokenfab, Emma Carroll, Confetti System, 2249 NW 1st Pl., Miami “An Uneven Floor, 2010” by Leyden Rodriguez- Femke De Vries, Lauren Manoogian, and Nektar De STASH GALLERY 305-576-2000 Casanova Stagni 162 NE 50th Terr., Miami www.kevinbrukgallery.com 305-992-7652 Through February 20: OUR HOUSE WEST OF WYNWOOD LYLE O. REITZEL GALLERY www.myspace.com/stashgallery Works by Matthew Weinstein 2441 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 3100 NW 7th Ave., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. Reception February 13, 7 to 9 p.m. 305-573-1333 305-490-2976 www.artnet.com/reitzel.html www.oh-wow.com KUNSTHAUS MIAMI Call gallery for exhibition information. Call gallery for exhibition information. SWAMPSPACE GALLERY 3312 N. Miami Ave., Miami 3821 NE 1st Ct., Miami 305-438-1333 MIAMI ART SPACE PANAMERICAN ART PROJECTS [email protected] www.kunsthaus.org.mx 244 NW 35th St., Miami 2450 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Call gallery for exhibition information. February 13 through April 30: 305-438-9002 305-573-2400 “Parallantos” by Iván Puig www.panamericanart.com www.miamiartspace.com Continued on page 38 Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Call gallery for exhibition information. February 13 through March 11:

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 37 Art & Culture

Art Listings MUSEUM & COLLECTION Through April 30: EXHIBITS “Masters of Surrealist Sculpture” with Joan Miró and Continued from page 37 Isamu Noguchi, “100 Years of Photography 1909-2009” CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art with Lewis Hine, Dorothea Lange, Helen Levitt, Danny UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PROJECTS SPACE Foundation) Lyon, Cindy Sherman, Justine Kurland, Alec Soth, Jeff 2200 NW 2nd Ave., Miami 1018 N. Miami Ave., Miami Brouws, Olafur Eliasson, and Anastasia Khoroshilova, 305-455-3380 and “Depression Bread Line” by George Segal 305-284-2542 www.cifo.org Call gallery for exhibition information. Through March 7: THE RUBELL FAMILY COLLECTION “Being in the World: Selections 95 NW 29th St., Miami WALLFLOWER GALLERY from the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros 305-573-6090 10 NE 3rd St., Miami Collection “ curated by Berta www.rubellfamilycollection.com 305-579-0069 Sichel with Chantal Akerman, Through May 29: www.wallflowergallery.com Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, “Beg Borrow and Steal” with Ai Weiwei, John myspace.com/wallflowergallery Muntean/Rosenblum, Shirin Baldessari, Frank Benson, Amy Bessone, Matthew Call gallery for exhibition information. Neshat, Robin Rhode, Bill Viola, Brannon, Maurizio Cattelan, Peter Coffin, George Francesca Woodman, and more Condo, Aaron Curry, John Dogg, Marcel Duchamp, Gardar Eide Einarsson, Elmgreen and Dragset, Hans- WHITE VINYL SPACE DE LA CRUZ COLLECTION Peter Feldmann, Urs Fischer, Dan Flavin, Robert 3322 NW 2nd Ave., Miami CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE Gober, Aneta Grzeszykowska, Wade Guyton, Guyton 305-776-1515 23 NE 41st St., Miami \ Walker, Karl Haendel, Peter Halley, David Hammons, www.whitevinylspace.com 305-576-6112 Mark Handforth, Keith Haring, Rachel Harrison, Richard February 9 through 16: www.delacruzcollection.org Hawkins, Damien Hirst, Jenny Holzer, Jonathan “Loose Exchange” with Frankie America, Harry Crofton, Call for operating hours and Magnus Sigurdarson and Paul Stoppi, From Horowitz, Thomas Houseago, Rashid Johnson, William Win McCarthy, Mickey Ratt, and The Noi Nerds, and exhibit information. E. Jones, Deborah Kass, Mike Kelley, Jeff Koons, with performances by Joseph Gurls, Eric Svedas, Beefeater Series, c-print, 2009, at Pan American Barbara Kruger, Jim Lambie, Elad Lassry, Louise Work, Lowla Lawless, and more FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL Lawler, Mark Leckey, Sherrie Levine, Li Zhanyang, “Space as Medium” with various artists and Glenn Ligon, Robert Longo, Nate Lowman, Nathan Performance February 14, 2 p.m. UNIVERSITY FROST ART MUSEUM “Metamorphosis” by Carlos Bunga Mabry, Kris Martin, Paul McCarthy, Allan McCollum, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami February 28 and ongoing: Adam McEwen, Takashi Murakami, Cady Noland, WOLFGANG ROTH & PARTNERS FINE ART 305-348-0496 “Selections from the Permanent Collection” with various David Noonan, Richard Prince, Charles Ray, Jason 201 NE 39th St., Miami http://thefrost.fiu.edu/ artists Rhoades, Stephen G. Rhodes, Bert Rodriguez, Sterling 305-576-6960 Through April 11: Ruby, Thomas Ruff, David Salle, Steven Shearer, www.wrpfineart.com “The Fantastic World of José Gurvich” by José Gurvich MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART Cindy Sherman, Haim Steinbach, John Stezaker, Philip Through February 13: Through April 25: 770 NE 125th St., North Miami Taaffe, Hank Willis Thomas, Piotr Uklanski, Meyer “Cars and Money” by David LaChapelle “Women’s Work / Men’s Work: Labor and Gender in 305-893-6211 Vaisman, Kelley Walker, Wang Ziwei, Andy Warhol, America” with various artists www.mocanomi.org Christopher Wool, and Zhang Huan Through February 14: WYNWOOD CENTRAL GALLERY “The Reach of Realism” with Uta Barth, Olaf Breuning, 2242 NW 1st Pl., Miami LOWE ART MUSEUM, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI WORLD CLASS BOXING 1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables Tom Burr, Talia Chetrit, Anetta Mona Chisa & Lucia Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection 305-433-3441 305-284-3535 Tkacova, Phil Collins, Thomas Demand, Alex Hubbard, 170 NW 23rd St., Miami www.wynwoodcentral.com www.lowemuseum.org Matt Keegan, Ragnar Kjartansson, Elad Lassry, Lars 305-438-9908 Ongoing: February 6 through April 4: Laumann, Adam McEwen, Wilhelm Sasnal, Xaviera www.worldclassboxing.org/ Kito Mbiango “Cuba Avant-Garde: Contemporary Cuban Art from the Simmons, Martin Soto Climent, Wolfgang Tillmans, Through February 26: Farber Collection” with various artists Sara VanDerBeek, Emily Wardill, Gillian Wearing, Judi Sylvie Fleury and Raymond Pettibon YEELEN ART GALLERY Werthein, and Artur Zmijewski Reception February 13, 7 to 10 p.m. 250 NW 23rd St., Unit 306, Miami MIAMI ART MUSEUM 954-235-4758 101 W. Flagler St., Miami THE MARGULIES COLLECTION Compiled by Victor Barrenechea 591 NW 27th St., Miami www.yeelenart.com 305-375-3000 Send listings, jpeg images, and events information to 305-576-1051 [email protected] Call gallery for exhibition information. www.miamiartmuseum.org Through February 28: www.margulieswarehouse.com

38 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Art & Culture Events Calendar Jazz on the Boulevard Flagler Fest $50. Go to www.tigertail.org — Free! Delta Blues or call 305-545-8546. Miami’s most resilient musical entrepreneur, Mo Kites in Flight — Morgen, has good news: His What a Sight! Friday jazz nights at Miami Who can resist the allure of a Shores Country Club (Mo on beautiful kite floating high in sax, keyboard, and vocals; the sky? How about hundreds of Madafo on percussion) will Nouvelle Vague kites? That will be the spectacular feature some stellar guests Jazz on the sight at Haulover Park (10800 Boulevard Band hold forth. this month. Trumpeter and Collins Ave.) on Sunday, February 21, This month the band leader Melton Mustafa when the 17th annual Kite Day Festival program begins sits in on February 5; multi- takes off from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admis- at 6:00 p.m. instrumentalist Patrick Lopez on sion is free. Bring your own kite, buy one on Sunday, February 12; saxophonist Jesse at the festival, or learn how to make them February 14. Jones, Jr. on February 19 (his at one of many workshops. Let’s hope it’s Scripted in the new CD, The So Then Collec- a sunny, breezy day. For more information style of a live tion, is outstanding); and guitarist call Skyward Kites at 305-893-0906. radio broad- Jorge Garcia on February 26. Orchid Show cast, the show More good news: Mo & Madafo & Friends includes three A Floating Tour with a has expanded to Thursday as well, both hours of dancing, comedy, and music by nights from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. No admis- Lively Soundtrack Fernicola and his brassy 18-piece band. Show Embark on a leisurely cruise of Bis- sion or cover, full bar, full dinner menu. tickets are $20. Prix fixe dinners are available cayne Bay with illuminating narrative Dress is casual elegant. Miami Shores starting at $25. Call 954-557-7993 or go to provided by the sagacious Paul George CC is at 10000 Biscayne Blvd. Call 305- Bike Hike www.markfernicola.com for details. of the Historical Museum of Southern 751-0501 for more information. Florida. This particular tour will be of includes bike rental, guided tour, and wine We’ll Always Have Paris — interest to BT readers because it heads Take Back the Street at tasting. This is a leisurely ride, not a cardio north to Indian Creek Village, then Flagler Fest workout. Call 305-365-3018 for time and and Cover Bands south tracing the bay’s Biscayne Cor- Cover bands normally aren’t cool. But During rush hour, you may think of down- reservation information. ridor shoreline before sailing east toward Nouvelle Vague is an exception. The town’s Flagler Street as a parking lot, but Miami Beach. Among other topics, eclectic, co-ed group from Paris covers on Saturday, February 6, it will actually Puppets As Art Paul will expound on the history of the Depeche Mode, the Sex Pistols, Talk- transform into one and display some of the Miami artist Pablo Cano is acclaimed for Lemon City and Buena Vista neighbor- ing Heads, Echo and the Bunnymen, finest classic cars and motorcycles Miami his puppets, elaborate and ornate mari- hoods. The three-hour tour takes place the Psychedelic Furs, and other odd-ball has to offer. The 9th Annual Flagler Fest onettes brought to “life” in ways that can Sunday, February 21, departing at favorites, but with a style all their own. kicks off at 9:00 a.m., when the street is be dreamily surreal. At 2:00 p.m. on 10:00 a.m. from Bayside Marketplace. Try punk recast as bossa nova. Now that given over to pedestrians and al fresco Saturday, February 13, Cano teams with Tickets are $39 for HMSF members, $44 is cool. The February 16 8:00 p.m. show diners between Biscayne Boulevard master puppeteer Jim Hammond for a for nonmembers. Reservations required. is being presented by the Rhythm Foun- and Miami Avenue — at least until 3:00 special performance of DOG: A Shadow Call 305-375-1492. dation at Miami’s Artime Theater, 900 p.m. Little kids will find plenty of activi- Puppet Play, the metaphorical journey of a SW 1st St. Tickets are $22 through www. ties, from a petting zoo to a screening of puppy chasing a red ball through a gallery groovetickets.com or 305-672-5202. For Everyone Who Has Herbie: The Love Bug at the Gusman, of famous artworks. It promises to be a while big kids admire the four-wheeled captivating show for kids and adults alike, Loved an Orchid to Death The 64th Miami International Orchid gems presented by members of the hosted by the Bakehouse Art Complex, 561 Delta Blues from the Real Deal Show, the nation’s biggest and one of Antique Auto Club of America. Call 305- NW 32nd St. in Wynwood. Tickets are $15 At age 95, David “Honeyboy” Edwards the world’s most prestigious, blossoms 379-7070 for more information. for adults, $10 for Bakehouse members, is among the last of the original Delta and free for kids 13 and younger. Call 305- bluesmen. He and his guitar have February 26-28 and features more than 576-2828 or visit www.bacfl.org. mixed it up with a host of blues greats, 500,000 orchids and orchid-related items A Bike Hike You’ll Like from Robert Johnson and “Sonny Boy” for viewing and sale, along with daily Chocolates? Red roses? Here’s a better Live from the Deauville: Williamson to Lightnin’ Hopkins and demonstrations by leading experts. This idea: You and your Valentine hit the bike Howlin’ Wolf. Field recordings of his year’s exhibit, which also includes an art trails in Everglades National Park. Join Big Band Music, Dancing, music from the early 1940s are in the and photography contest, takes place at Roger Hammer, renowned flora specialist, Comedy, and More! Library of Congress. The word legend the Doubletree Miami Mart Exhibition on Saturday, February 13, as he guides Here’s an original way to enjoy Valentine’s applies. Tigertail Productions is bring- Center (711 NE 72nd Ave.). Doors open bicyclists on a seven-mile wildlife tour Day: Big Band Sundays at the Deauville. ing him to Miami Beach’s Colony The- at 10:00 a.m. Daily show admission is along Long Pine Key Nature Trail, ending One Sunday each month, the Le Jardin ater (1040 Lincoln Rd.) for one night, $15 for adults (includes a $5 merchan- at Long Pine Glade Lake for sunset. The ballroom at the storied Deauville Hotel (6701 February 20, a unique opportunity to dise discount) and free for kids 12 and day concludes with a special treat provided Collins Ave.) returns to its retro glory when see and hear the real deal. Showtime is younger. Visit www.sforchid.com or by Schnebly’s Winery. Price is $60 and Mark Fernicola and his Last Flight Out Big 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35; VIP seats are call 305-255-3656.

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 39 PARK PATROL What a Racket! In Sans Souci, you can get cheap tennis and green grass By Jim W. Harper comes to mind. While the kids are BT Contributor having fun whacking yellow balls, what are the nonplayers supposed to do? Fear ree tennis, anyone? With the Sony not, for mere steps from the tennis center Ericsson Open returning to Miami sits a cozy little park where you don’t Fin March, tennis madness and its need a racket. requisite jet set will be taking over the Alfred Besade Park is a playground town. They can afford it. But if you’re a Harper BT photos by Jim W. and patch of green directly behind the young local person with nothing but the Home Depot. Just don’t plan on play- dream to play, where can you go? ing any sports here. A sign at the south Say hello to the anti-Open. There is entrance reads: “No Soccer-Baseball- no charge for the young people compet- Football Allowed.” ing in the Clayton Feig Memorial Tennis Perhaps 12-year-old boys can’t read, Tournament in North Miami. Each because they were playing banned sport August Steve Feig, father of Clayton Feig, number three when I visited one after- sponsors Florida’s only free tournament noon. There’s enough grass for playing sanctioned by the United States Tennis catch, but not room for full-on games, so Association. The tournament, targeting no enforcement is necessary. underprivileged youth ages 11 to 18, me- The park does most things right morializes his son, who died at the age of Affordable hourly fees and free tournaments make the tennis center within its limited space by offering a 18 from a mysterious syndrome known perfect for kids. as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Until his death in 1993, Clayton Feig large, offering 12 hard courts, the one Shores tennis center, was a regular at the tennis complex, op- clay court, and two enclosed practice is open to everyone. erated by the City of North Miami Parks walls. City of North Miami residents pay Most likely it primar- and Recreation Department. In the fall $3.00 per hour while nonresidents are ily attracts locals and of 2009, the city named the center’s clay charged $5.50 for clay. The hard courts moms in-the-know. court after him, and the Feig family do- are $2.50 or $4.00 per hour. Private Afternoons are nated $25,000 to keep the center running. lessons are available along with vari- busy with families By now you might be scratching ous group lessons that keep costs down. scurrying around your head and asking: Where is this There is even a tiny-tot group for the while their budding Mecca of tennis? The full title gives you four-year-old set. superstars learn how some idea: the Penny Sugarman Tennis The entrance to the courts has attrac- to ace. In off-peak Center at Sans Souci. The most obvious tive landscaping around a smallish pro hours, plenty of landmark nearby is the Home Depot on shop. And it has bathrooms. You can also courts remain open, Biscayne Boulevard, which can be seen buy your tennis supplies and some snacks. and access does With 12 hard courts and 1 clay court, you can almost from the courts. The center is defi nitely one of those not seem to be a always swing a racket. Dedicated in 1976, the center is quite best-kept secrets that, unlike the Miami major problem. While Fort mix of open grass, a winding path, and PENNY SUGARMAN ALFRED BESADE Lauderdale was plenty of playground equipment. But the TENNIS CENTER PARK the staging ground park really excels in the arena of trash NE 121st St Park Rating Park Rating for tennis legend cans. There are cans at every turn, and Alfred Chris Evert, NoMi most of the litter seems to make it inside. Besade Park has yet to produce Alas, as in most parks around Miami, a major star. But recycling is not offered. NE 19th Dr 1795 Sans Souci Blvd. 11825 NE 19th Dr. Biscayne Blvd there is hope. The The playground glistens with the NE 18th Ave North Miami North Miami tennis center’s fl ashy colors of a lavender dinosaur and 305-893-7130 305-895-9840 claim to fame is a teal tube slide. Underfoot, a rubber Penny Sugarman Hours: M-F 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Hours: Sunrise to sunset that pro player entrance ramp onto the playground puts Tennis Center Sat-Sun 8 a.m. to sundown Picnic tables: Yes Andy Roddick a spring in your step. San Soucci Blvd Tennis courts: Yes Barbecues: No San Soucci Blvd competed in the Near the park’s north entrance lies a NE 117th Rd Night lighting: Yes Picnic pavilions: Yes fi rst Clayton Feig large concrete square without anything Tennis courts: No tournament at the on it or around it — just a slab for no Athletic fi elds: Yes age of 12. Every- reason. At the opposite end, a similar Night lighting: No one is wondering slab is covered by a metal roof, and two Canal Dr Swimming pool: No who will be next. picnic tables sit underneath. Although Playground: Yes But a more im- mediate question Continued on page 41

40 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Park Patrol

The sign at Besade Park says no sports games allowed, but tell that to You’d think designers of the concrete tripod bench (about $600 each) the kids. would have solved the puddle problem.

Racket Heavy benches, common in sev- No one really knows about this small corner, which lacks trees and greenery Continued from page 40 eral North Miami parks, deserve a park, it seems, except for the neighbors in favor of courts, and the combination mention for poor design, because they and the film commission of Miami. In of the two makes the area worthwhile for lacking charm, the pavilion still func- tend to pool water. These brown tri- 2003 the park became the setting for an the entire family. tions as a sun and rain shelter. pods have a slit in the back, but even obscure, spooky movie called Baker’s So there you have it. In this densely Some old-growth trees inhabit the the slightest tilt will prevent water Men. I think the director got lost on the populated area, there are some open park, and the native greenery is especial- from draining completely, as evi- way to Home Depot and settled on the spaces with a little green and a whole lot ly thick along the western fence. On the denced by the benches’ water stains. path of least resistance. of courts painted blue. other side of the fence is a thin sidewalk These three-legged monsters may be A plaque reveals that the park was In NoMi, it’s tennis, everyone! where litter gathers. However, the park’s much sturdier than wood, but no one dedicated in 1986. It seems like a natural interior is mostly clean. wants to sit in a puddle. extension of the tennis center around the Feedback: [email protected]

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 41 Columnists: Kids and the City A Band for the Ages — All of Them Coming to town for adults and kids alike: They Might Be Giants By Jenni Person For the uninitiated, No! (2002) is a But the album wasn’t just a hit with BT Contributor perfectly wacky collection of whim- our family. It reached number one on sical songs like “Fibber Island,” in Billboard’s Children’s Music charts, won emember bouncing up and down which everything is backwards and Parenting magazine’s Children’s DVD in a club in the 1980s or 1990s upside down; and “Robot Parade,” of the Year award, and garnered two Ras John Flansburgh and John featuring every kid’s double fantasy National Parenting Publications awards. Linnell of They Might Be Gants jammed of robots and parades. Amazon called it “the best children’s before an adoring crowd? Remember The album also fully engages par- music album of 2005” and the 13th best falling in love and totally getting the ents with songs like “John Lee Super- overall album of the year. Rock the kids’ concept of “Birdhouse in Your Soul” as taster,” giving voice to the phenomenon music world, John and John! the most romantic song ever written all new parents quickly discover: The And rock it they do. They fol- (from the perspective of a night light)? exceptional sensitivity of a baby’s taste lowed Here Come the ABCs with Remember feeling so validated and Here Come the 123s (2008), which so proud of their commercial success won the 2009 Grammy award for with the hit TV theme “Boss of Me” for Best Children’s Album. Their latest, Malcolm in the Middle? And thinking, Here Comes Science, was released in “Wow, I wonder if mainstream America September of last year. gets this on all its levels.” And then The albums and videos, along with weren’t you psyched when, once a parent, the band’s steady gigs on the Disney you discovered that TMBG was making Channel and the Cartoon Network, have kids’ albums? them. This windfall of TMBG for solidified their preeminence among the When Goldi was born in 2003, a children is also a dream come true for car-seat set — so much so that it seems dear friend from those bygone club days adults: intelligent, funky music for our they’ve become a kind of benchmark by sent a baby gift: TMBG’s children’s CD kids — and we still get to bop to They which to measure other artists creating No! — the perfect present for a new baby Might Be Giants as our hair turns work for kids. When friends and I talk of mine. My friend had been to a concert gray and memories of dancing on the about the music our kids listen to that we by the band in a park in Atlanta, where bar seem more like the fairytales we also like, it’s always on a They Might Be she was surprised to see an abundance buds; and “I Am a Grocery Bag,” which now read to our children at bedtime. Giants sliding scale. of strollers, tots, goateed dads, and inked features a supermarket shopping list of So Here Come the ABCs, released as Conversations I have about the band moms, along with the usual concert fare. things familiar to new parents, along a DVD/CD in 2005, kept both me and my among fellow Miami parents often turn Turned out it was a family concert. with adults’ raised consciousness about kids glued to the computer screen in our to the prospect of seeing them live again Now I find myself joining TMBG’s groceries — now that they’re responsible cozy little Amtrak cabin during a 2007 — with our families. Wouldn’t that be fan page on Facebook. My 17-year-old for feeding little ones. return trip to Florida. For Goldi, who was great? Well, now we have the chance. niece commented, “OMG, I saw them in The CD also includes lesson-learning four years old and just then being intro- The Adrienne Arsht Center is presenting concert — hahahaha!” songs like “Four of Two” and “Where duced to the alphabet in preschool, it was this award-winning alternative/geek/kid When I asked about the “hahahaha,” Do They Make Balloons?” that foreshad- like a celebration of recently acquired rock group on Saturday, February 27, at she replied, “Aren’t they a kids’ band?” owed TMBG’s subsequent efforts. information, validating and reinforcing 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $19.50 to $29.50 To which a flurry of loyal fans countered The band followed up No! with her learning. For her brother Izzi, two and can be purchased on the center’s passionately. But the fact is, They Might actual educational albums that — in years old at the time, it was a bunch of jolly website or by calling 305-949-6722. See Be Giants has spent much of the past classic TMBG style — make inanimate songs that were fun to move and squirm to you there! decade establishing themselves in the things like letters and numbers em- while watching their bright videos dance world of smart music for children. braceable and lovable by personifying across the screen. Feedback: [email protected]

42 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2009 Columnists: Harper’s environment Don’t Just Scream – Do Something! One certain result of doing nothing: Miami will be under water By Jim W. Harper The real problem is our success. BT Contributor Before humans, other species dominated the planet and went extinct. Now we oesn’t global warming make are so successful that the earth cannot you want to scream? Then say contain us. It’s human nature vs. Mother D it with me: Aaarrrggghhh! Nature. Guess who’s going to win? I also hope it makes you want to do Here is what I think will happen something good. Climate change, by the end of this century. The trend of after all, is the civil rights issue of our increasing energy usage and pollution time. Future generations will judge us will continue here and worldwide (as by how well we respond to it, just as population and wealth increase), global we can point to slavery as the cross- warming will accelerate, and the ocean roads of American history. will creep several feet higher to reclaim You are either on the right side or the Within your young child’s lifetime, coastal Miami will be under water and land it once owned. The majority of wrong side. abandoned. South Florida’s residents will be forced Climate change also means that the to migrate to higher, drier ground. world will be watching Miami. Consid- do it. Unfortunately building things is high fuel efficiency. Then again, I could be wrong. Some ered one of the globe’s most vulnerable part of the problem. We need to unbuild, Miami’s data make it clear that two event could trigger a fundamental shift locales because of its lack of coastal ungrow, untransport, and unenergize. areas of energy consumption account for in human behavior — most likely a elevation, metropolitan Miami may well Miami’s record so far on reducing more than 90 percent of consumer usage: natural disaster — that would unite the be where the world plants its measuring the growth of greenhouse gas emissions transportation and electricity. Therefore allies of good against the forces of evil. stick to see how high and how quickly is not very promising. On the plus side, changing these sectors would produce Pollution is evil. There will probably be the sea is rising. however, Miami-Dade County has been the biggest payoffs. much death and destruction, as with any So how does it feel to be the guinea addressing the issue since the late 1980s, In March 2009, the county resolved great struggle in history. pig that everyone expects to drown? Say with major leadership from county clerk to reduce electricity consumption by 20 I wish we didn’t have to wait for it with me again: Aaarrrggghhh! and former commissioner Harvey Ruvin. percent by the year 2014. A longer-term death, disease, and disaster to inspire us With relatively little progress made Also on the plus side, Miami ranks mod- goal is reducing its carbon footprint by to action, but I can’t foresee it happening at the global-warming summit in Copen- erately within the U.S. when it comes to 80 percent by the year 2050, or approxi- any other way. hagen, the average person can go back emissions per capita. mately 2 percent per year from current Nevertheless we can’t wait for some- to pretending that rapid climate change However, when it comes to meet- levels. As much as I support such en- one else to change the world. There are has little relevance to daily life. This ing its goals to reduce carbon emis- deavors and as much as I want humanity things you can do today. Notice when apathy equals what the natives did while sions, Miami falters. In 1993 the county to stop choking the planet with pollution, and how much energy you consume and Noah was building his ark. When the adopted a plan “to reduce CO2 emis- I fear nothing positive will happen. think about how to reduce it. Check out flood came, those people drowned while sions by 20 percent below 1988 levels My problem is that I keep looking Miami-Dade’s “greenprint” at www. Noah’s family and the guinea pigs stayed by 2005.” Instead, by 2005, emissions at the big picture. The big picture tells miamidade.gov/GreenPrint. Read the safe and dry. in Metropolitan Miami had increased by me that Miami is a very small fish in booklet Clean Energy Common Sense by Now science has given us the warn- 36.5 percent, according to the county’s the global pond. Even if Miami became Frances Beinecke. Talk to your neigh- ing, and either we can cooperate glob- carbon-reduction report of 2006. Grant- perfectly green, a healthy fish can’t sur- bors to see if they care about this issue. ally to build a protective ark, or we can ed the county’s population grew by 27 vive in a sick ocean. And even the U.S., Decide now which side you are on, continue our wasteful ways and drown. percent over this period, but the report despite contributing a quarter of the before it’s too late. If only the solution were as easy as actually places most of the blame on a world’s greenhouse gases, cannot reverse building something really big, we could national failure to require cars to have its course and fix the globe alone. Feedback: [email protected]

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 43 Columnists: Pawsitively Pets Life With Baby — and Rover Too How to prepare your pet for the arrival of that little bundle of joy Lisa Hartman to be in a room by himself. You can do BT Contributor area training and practice giving your pet special bones or food-stuffed toys any young couples are proud only in his special place, which can also dog owners and think of serve as a safe haven when he needs to Mtheir pets as their babies. The escape the baby screaming or any other dog, as a surrogate child, is extremely unnerving noise. Don’t always let your important to the couple and considered dog touch you when sitting together. He a member of the family — to be doted needs to be able to stand on his own. on and cared for. But as everyone knows, • Keep your dog at a distance from having a real baby changes everything. baby for the first few weeks. Always be Life as you know it ceases to exist — for calm but happy when the dog and the humans and canines alike. baby are near each other. You want them When new parents bring home baby, to have positive interactions. most are relieved to find that the family • Always supervise dog and baby at dog takes it all in stride, after a little all times and maintain control. Period. adjusting. The dog doesn’t need much • Do not force the baby on the dog. time to become accustomed to the baby’s Keep the baby under your close watch. smells and crying, and all the new fur- Do not let your baby crawl or toddle niture and baby stuff. But in most cases, over to the dog, which may scare the the problems haven’t yet arrived. dog. Make sure your dog feels safe. The When your little bundle of joy begins baby should never be allowed to pull to crawl — that’s when the dog starts the change in their pet. But it is important • If your dog isn’t neutered, doing so ears or tails. to react to the baby. For several months to realize that the dog is not misbehaving can take the edge off. • The crawling phase leads to tod- the baby was no threat, it slept a lot and on purpose. He is experiencing discom- • Keep up your dog’s exercise and dling, also known as running for a few was always swaddled in someone’s arms fort with this new creature, not sure what social interaction with you. Brush up on steps and then falling down. This also or confined to its “cage” (from the dog’s to make of it, and is confused. Take the some obedience commands before the makes the baby very unpredictable to the point of view). Life had not changed dog’s behavior as information. Don’t take baby arrives. dog. This phase in your child’s develop- much for Rover. it personally, but do take it seriously. • Audio tapes of baby noises are ment is also when toys and baby games But now the baby has transformed Yes, hindsight is 20-20, but in truth the now available to prepare your dog for will be all over the floor. Your dog into some kind of alien creature: part best course of action for Rover’s owners new sounds. Start playing the tapes at a cannot be expected to understand that a prey, part squeaky toy, and (possibly) would have been to socialize the dog to very low volume while feeding your dog toy does not belong to him. He may also part human, moving across the floor in babies when he was a puppy, and continue treats or his meals. Gradually turn up the get upset or protective if the baby picks choppy movements, squealing loudly, that socialization as he matured. Being volume if you do not see signs of stress. up an object he deems his. Again, pre- and knocking things over in its wake. proactive is always better than being reac- • Well before the baby arrives, you vention of problems is the best medicine. Around this time, the parents may tive. If you buy a dog from a breeder, be should condition the dog to being alone You cannot be too careful. hear a growl from Rover. sure to find out if the puppy has undergone in the house while you’re there too. • Some dogs simply have serious Obviously, when an animal is un- such socialization to babies. When our dogs are our “babies,” we trouble adjusting to a baby. They growl comfortable with a sweet little baby, it’s Here are some other things you can don’t think twice about having them near or bark, some may try to play with the not a good situation for anyone involved. do to ensure a safe and happy home life us at all times. But this is not realistic baby like a toy or chase it like a squirrel. Many people are downright shocked by for your baby and your pet: with a baby, so your pet needs to learn Continued on page 45

44 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com January 2010 Columnists: Pawsitively Pets

Baby Equally important: The owners must Many new parents may not have foundation for a happy and harmoni- Continued from page 44 be willing to work with the dog and any problems at all with their pets. ous household. manage the But being Other canines just seem to flip out and problems. prepared and Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer for try to get as far away from the baby as This can be Many new parents may not have any realistic is Pawsitively Pets. You can reach her possible. If a dog displays these behaviors, very difficult problems with their pets. But being always better at [email protected] you need professional help. There are when the new prepared and realistic is always better than hoping or www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. many behavior-modification and counter- parents are ex- than hoping things will turn out right. things will You can also keep up with her and her conditioning techniques available to help hausted from turn out right. dogs on Facebook at www.profile.to/ change the dog’s experience of the baby. caring for the If you are dogtrainer. However, there are no guarantees. Each baby. If the planning to dog is an individual with his own genetic owners are not prepared for this, the dog have a baby, start preparing your dog makeup and life experiences. may need to be placed in a new home. now. It’s never too early to lay the Feedback: [email protected]

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January 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 45 Columnists: Your Garden Strength in Diversity When it comes to landscapes, too much of one thing spells trouble By Jeff Shimonski At present there time we will likely end up with fewer and BT Contributor is no cure for this fewer plants in the landscape. disease either. This is where the slogan “right plant Recently I attended an arborists Speaking of in the right place” takes on real meaning. conference in California and had the palms, the red For example, planting to reduce hurricane opportunity to hear some very informa- palm mite was damage requires you to think about the tive presentations. Several presenters first documented origin of the plant. Did it evolve in a region BT photo by Jeff Shimonski discussed disease issues for trees in in Palm Beach in that has hurricanes and typhoons? Is it a general, but one in particular caught my 2007, after infest- long-lived plant or tree? If yes, then it will attention. The subject was a very aggres- ing coconut palms likely do well in our landscape, provided sive and recently introduced disease in in the Caribbean we properly plant and care for it. California called Sudden Oak Death. It is the previous five Proper plant care is critical. Many plant as dramatic as the name sounds. years. This can be pathogens — exotic and native — succeed Since its discovery in 1995, the a serious pest in all in damaging or killing because the plants death toll from this disease has climbed species of palms, are under stress, which can be caused by to more than a million native coast bananas, Helico- many different things — drought, too live oaks, tanoaks, and other species nias, gingers, much water, nutrient deficiencies from of oak trees in 14 California counties. and Pandanus. being planted in the wrong soil, mechani- More than 100 other species of plants Since I’m cal stress from wind or vehicle impact. are susceptible to the fungal pathogen discussing newly As you can see from these examples, that causes this disease, but only minor introduced diseases native plants and exotics alike are very damage is normally found on them. or pathogens, I vulnerable to infection. The best way The fungus in question (Phytoph- should mention The shaving brush tree is an exotic that does very well for us to maintain a healthy and lush thora ramorum) prefers moist environ- that ficus whitefly in our landscapes. urban landscape is to stop planting huge ments and mild temperatures. It is spread is still wreaking monocultures of single species. We must very easily. Outbreaks have already been havoc on our landscapes, although it does documented various species of trees embrace diversity. Our live oak may be a found in the eastern states as far south seem to be stabilizing in some areas. Of destroyed by recent hurricanes in the Ca- beautiful, long-living, stately tree. But as as Georgia. There is no cure for this dis- the 16 species of ficus grown at Jungle ribbean and Florida. The conclusion was we’re learning from Sudden Oak Death ease, which could possibly decimate our Island, we find it on four, including our this: “Native trees fared much better than in California, a very large population of native oak species in South Florida. native strangler fig. exotics in hurricanes.” I didn’t ask about a single species (or even plant family as Another aggressive and rapidly So what is the point here, besides de- trees in the Pacific region that fare well in with Laurel wilt) risks being wiped out spreading disease is Laurel wilt, which pressing you with all the bad things that typhoons. Nor did I mention my visit to by just one new pathogen. was first detected in the United States in can kill our trees? This very short list of Guam a couple of years after a super ty- To cultivate our urban landscape for 2002, and in Florida in 2005. It strikes recently introduced diseases and pests phoon. Of all the larger trees still growing the long term, we need variety. trees in the plant family Lauraceae that provides a warning: Given the ease with well, not one was a Florida native. include the native redbay and the avo- which people and goods travel the globe I’m all for the preservation of native Jeff Shimonski is an ISA-certified munic- cado. Laurel wilt kills them dead when a today, it’s inevitable that many more for- species, but we need to approach our urban ipal arborist, director of horticulture at fungus, carried by a tiny ambrosia beetle eign diseases and pests are going to enter landscape with eyes wide open. Native Jungle Island, and principal of Tropical that bores holes into trees, grows, and our ecosystem and damage our urban plants are not more resistant to pathogens; Designs of Florida. Contact him at jeff@ plugs up the tree’s vascular system. This and native landscapes. nor are they necessarily more impervious tropicaldesigns.com. is similar to lethal yellowing in palm At the same arborists conference, to hurricanes. Which leads me to caution trees. The trees literally starve to death. one presenter mentioned a study that that if we plant only native species, over Feedback: [email protected]

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46 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 our SponSorS

Bizz Buzz extra help? M Power Gaucho Ranch dancing is good for your Valentine Continued from page 8 Project Fitness (9301 too! Even more logical: getting $5 NE 6th Ave.; 305- off any dance class at the North Just two blocks from the Arsht Center, 758-8600) is holding Miami Arts Collective (845 NE Urbanite Bistro (62 NE 14th St.; 305-374- an open house for 125th St.; 786-238-1264). Even 0662) has been thrilling diners with its one and all on the smarter: If you sign up for any natural, organic, and hormone-free offer- weekend of February class, you’ll get 10% off your pur- Klezmer at St. Martha Church ings since last fall. For Valentine’s week- 26, 27 and 28. Check chases at the adjacent Dancewear end, though, Chef Imbarlina presents “All out their personal trainers, new equipment, the street from Costco and offer 30-foot ceil- Gallery. Check their website for a Aphrodisiac” evenings on Friday, February and other services, then make use of their ings, fenced yards, and great security. full listing of adult and kid classes. 12, and Saturday, February 13, featuring coupon to get either three months free on Of course you could just try buying a Now that you’ve danced your rear off, special tastings, entrées, and desserts. an annual membership or training package. bigger house. Call new BT advertiser Bobby it’s time to put it back on with a delicious pie Don’t forget to take advantage of their free Drop in Sunday, February 21, 3:00 p.m. Consolo at Turnberry International from Luna Corner Pizza (6815 Biscayne valet service or pre-performance dinner at St. Martha Church (9301 Biscayne Blvd.; Realty (305-799-5053; Consolo.Bobby@ Blvd.; 305-507-9209). The MiMo District and parking voucher on any evening. 305-751-0005), when New York’s Metropolitan gmail.com) for all your real estate needs. He location is the first one in the U.S. for this When the Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Klezmer brings its eclectic exuberance to South has some beautiful finds waiting for you. Italian eatery that serves specialty pies such Haus (1085 NE 79th St.; 305-754-8002) Florida music fans. Considered one of the The law firm ofSteven K. Baird, as the Parmigianino, the Salame Piccante, offers you a little of their schnitzel for best Klezmer outfits in the nation, the group’s P.A. (166 NE 96th St.; 305-754-8170) has a the Salciccia, and other Italian favorites. Valentine’s Day, of course they mean a veal repertoire includes wedding dances, folk lot to celebrate this month. Not only is the Finally, new BT advertiser G-Coffee cutlet, not anything too naughty. Owner Alex tunes, Hannukah fare, prayer melodies Ladino business and real-estate law office marking (3507 NE 163rd St., Intracoastal Mall; Richter’s Exotic Valentine’s Dinner (motto: jazz, tangos, and ballads. Tickets are $10 for 12 years of service, Steve was also honored 305-956-5556) invites you to drop in for a For Lovers and other Strangers!) offers up general admission or $20 for Blue Circle. by Florida CEO magazine as one of the visit and a taste of their white mocha sunset, a five-course meal for $99 per couple. Alex Did your honey go overboard on the top lawyers in the area — for the third rocking java, chocolate macadamia nut, café recommends making your reservations early gift-giving? We mean really overboard? New time in a row. Also Martindale-Hubbell re- Milano, café Borgia, or delicious smoothies, for this 6:00 p.m. feast on Sunday, February BT advertiser Biscayne Industrial Park cently awarded him the highest honor the pastries, baked goods, and panini. 14! The outside beer garden will be available (1850 NE 144th St.; 586-1656) can help you peer-review service can bestow. So drop for smoking patrons. store that stuff with their warehouse-lease on in if you need tip-top legal services. Something special coming up at your business? Speaking of munchies: How’s that blowout that starts at only $5.95 per square Studies show that dancing is good for Send info to [email protected]. post-holiday diet working out? Need foot. They are conveniently located across the heart. Extending that logic means that For BT advertisers only.

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 47 Dining guiDe

R estauR ant Listings The Biscayne Corridor’s most comprehensive restaurant guide. Total this month: 206.

Restaurant listings for the BT Dining Guide expansive terrace of the Epic condo and hotel on the Miami Café Sambal bursts with complex and complementary flavors. During are written by Pamela Robin Brandt. Every River, the views of Brickell’s high-rises actually make Miami look 500 Brickell Key Dr. weekday dinners, try generous plates of risotto with shrimp effort has been made to ensure accuracy, but like a real city. It’s hard to decide whether the eats or drinks are 305-913-8358, www.mandarinoriental.com/miami and grilled asparagus; homemade pastas like seafood- restaurants frequently change menus, chefs, and the most impressive. The food is impeccably fresh regional fish, Though the Mandarin Oriental Hotel describes this space as packed fettuccine al scoglio; or delicate Vitello alla Milanese prepared in a clean Mediterranean-influenced style. The cock- its “casual hotel restaurant,” many consider it a more spec- on arugula. $$-$$$ operating hours, so please call ahead to confirm tails are genuinely creative. Luckily you don’t have to choose tacular dining setting than the upscale Azul, upstairs, owing information. Icons ($$$) represent estimates for a one or the other. $$$-$$$$ to the option of dining outdoors on a covered terrace directly Fresco California Bistro typical meal without wine, tax, or tip. Hyphenated on the waterfront. The food is Asian-inspired, with a few 1744 SW 3rd Ave., Azul Latin and Mediterranean accents. For the health-conscious, 305-858-0608 icons ($-$$$) indicate a significant range in prices 500 Brickell Key Dr. the menu includes low-cal choices. For hedonists there’s a This festively decorated indoor/outdoor bistro packs a lot of between lunch and dinner menus, or among 305-913-8254 big selection of artisan sakes. $$$-$$$$$ party spirit into a small space, a large variety of food onto individual items on those menus. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows showcase Biscayne Bay. its menu. To the familiar Latin American/Italian equation, But diners are more likely to focus on the sparkling raw bar The Democratic Republic of Beer the owners add a touch of Cal-Mex (like Tex-Mex but more $= $10 and under and open kitchen, where chef Clay Conley crafts imaginative 255 NE 14th St., 305-372-4161 health conscious). Menu offerings range from designer $$= $20 global creations – many of them combinations, to satisfy www.drbmiami.com pizzas and pastas to custardy tamales, but the bistro’s espe- $$$= $30 those who want it all. One offering, “A Study in Tuna,” The food here? Beer is food! The DRB serves 400 beers cially known for imaginative meal-size salads, like one featur- includes tuna sashimi, Maine crab, avocado tempura, and from 55 countries, ranging from $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon ing mandarin oranges, avocado, apple, blue cheese, raisins, $$$$= $40 caviar, with several Asian sauces. Moroccan lamb is three to $40 DeuS (an 11.5% alcohol Belgian méthode candied pecans, and chicken on a mesclun bed. $$ $$$$$= $50 and over preparations (grilled chop, harissa-marinated loin, and bas- Champenoise brew). But for those favoring solid snacks, tilla, the famed savory-sweet Middle Eastern pastry, stuffed tasty global smallish plates include fried fresh zucchini Garcia’s Seafood Grille and Fish Market with braised shank. $$$$$ with dip (cheese recommended); chorizo with homemade 398 NW N. River Dr. cilantro mayo; or steak tacos, served Mexican-style with 305-375-0765 MIAMI Balans onions, cilantro, and spicy salsa. Sadly for breakfast-brew Run by a fishing family for a couple of generations, this Brickell / Downtown 901 S. Miami Ave. enthusiasts, the DRB isn’t open that early. But it is open late venerable Florida fish shack is the real thing. No worries (Mary Brickell Village) -- till 5:00 a.m. $$ about the seafood’s freshness; on their way to the dining Abokado 305-534-9191, www.balans.co.uk deck overlooking the Miami River, diners can view the retail 900 S. Miami Ave., Open until 4:00 a.m. on weekends, this London import Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita fish market. Best preparations are the simplest. When stone 305-347-3700, www.abokadosushi.com (Miami’s second Balans) offers a sleeker setting than its 1000 S. Miami Ave. crabs are in season, Garcia’s claws are as good as Joe’s but Hamachi chiles rellenos? Shiso leaf “nachos” topped with perennially popular Lincoln Road progenitor, but the same 305-403-3103, www.doloreslolita.com considerably cheaper. The local fish sandwich is most popu- raw spicy tuna, kaiware sprouts, and other Asian ingre- simple yet sophisticated global menu. The indoor space can From the stylish setting in Miami’s historic Firehouse No. 4, lar – grouper, yellowtail snapper, or mahi mahi. $-$$ dients? The Viva, a sushi roll that starts with standard get mighty loud, but lounging on the dog-friendly outdoor one would expect a mighty pricy meal. But entrées, which Japanese (spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado), adds Latin sabor terrace, over a rich croque monsieur (which comes with an range from Nuevo Latino-style ginger/orange-glazed pork Grimpa Steakhouse (jalapeño, cilantro), wraps it in a flour tortilla, and garnishes alluringly sweet/sour citrus-dressed side salad), a lobster tenderloin to a platter of Kobe mini-burgers, all cost either 901 Brickell Plaza it with heat (spicy snow crab mix)? Miami hasn’t tended to club on onion toast, some surprisingly solid Asian fusion $18 or $23. And the price includes an appetizer -- no low- 305-455-4757, www.grimpa.com initiate too many food “firsts,” but this Japanese/Pan-Latin items, and a cocktail is one of Miami’s more relaxing experi- rent crapola, either, but treats like Serrano ham croquetas, This expansive indoor/outdoor Brazilian eatery is sleekly fusion place is surely one. Prices are higher than at neigh- ences. $$-$$$ a spinach/leek tart with Portobello mushroom sauce, or contemporary, but no worries. The classic sword-wielding borhood sushi spots, but in keeping with Abokado’s Mary shrimp-topped eggplant timbales. The best seats are on the gauchos are here, serving a mind-reeling assortment of Brickell Village neighbors. $$$$ Bali Café glam rooftop patio. $$$ skewered beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausages, and fish. And 109 NE 2nd Ave., 305-358-5751 included in the price (dinner $47, lunch $34) is the tradition- Acqua While Indonesian food isn’t easy to find in Miami, downtown Ecco Pizzateca & Lounge al belly-busting buffet of hot and cold prepared foods, salad, 1435 Brickell Ave. has secret stashes — small joints catering to cruise-ship and 168 SE 1st St. cold cuts, and cheeses. A pleasant, nontraditional surprise: Four Seasons Hotel construction workers. This cute, exotically decorated café 305-960-1900, www.eccomiami.com unusual sauces like sweet/tart passion fruit or mint, tomato- 305-381-3190 has survived and thrived for good reason. The homey cook- Masterminded by Aramis Lorie (of PS14) and partner Brian based BBQ, and mango chutney, along with the ubiquitous Originally an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant, this comfort- ing is delicious, and the friendly family feel encourages even Basti, this hip hangout was designed to entice downtown chimichurri. $$$$-$$$$$ ably elegant, upscale spot switched chefs in 2006, resulting in the timid of palate to try something new. Novices will want workers to linger after office hours. And even without the a complete menu renovation. Thailand’s famed sense of culi- Indonesia’s signature rijsttafel, a mix-and-match collection expansive, casual-chic space as bait, internationally award- Il Gabbiano nary balance is now evident throughout the global (though pri- of small dishes and condiments to be heaped on rice. Note: winning Italian pizza chef Massimo Fabio Bruni’s exquisitely 335 S. Biscayne Blvd. marily Asian or Latin American-inspired) menu, in dishes like bring cash. No plastic accepted here. $-$$ airy, burn-blistered pies, made from homemade dough, 305-373-0063 yuzu/white soya-dressed salad of shrimp tempura, a tender could do the trick. The rest of the organically oriented menu www.ilgabbianomiami.com pork shank glazed with spicy Szechuan citrus sauce, or lunch- The Bar at Level 25 (Conrad Hotel) may also great, but with pizzas like the cream/mushroom- Its location at the mouth of the Miami River makes this ultra- time’s rare tuna burger with lively wasabi aioli and wakame 1395 Brickell Ave., 305-503-6500 topped Bianca beckoning, we’ll never know. $-$$$ upscale Italian spot (especially the outdoor terrace) the per- salad. For dessert few chocoholics can resist a buttery-crusted On the Conrad’s 25th floor, The Bar’s picture-windowed space fect power lunch/business dinner alternative to steakhouses. tart filled with sinfully rich warm chocolate custard. $$$$$ is not just a watering hole with panoramic views. At lunch it’s Eos And the culinary experience goes way beyond the typical an elegant sandwich bar; at night it’s a raw bar (with pristine 485 Brickell Ave. (Viceroy Hotel) meat market, thanks in part to the flood of freebies that’s Andú coldwater oysters) and (best) a tapas bar serving pintxos. 305-503-0373 a trademark of Manhattan’s Il Mulino, originally run by Il 141 SW 7th St. That’s just the Basque word for tapas, but here there’s Unlike their Michelin-starred New Adriatic restaurant Anthos, Gabbiano’s owners. The rest of the food? Pricy, but portions 786-871-7005, www.andurestaurant.com nothing mere about the generously portioned small plates. in Manhattan, this venture of chef Michael Psilakis and are mammoth. And the champagne-cream-sauced house- This space’s futuristic fairyland décor, highlighted by hanging They range from traditional items like cod fish equixada and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia has influences ranging way made ravioli with black truffles? Worth every penny. $$$$$ glass pendants, makes it popular as a stylish hangout as saffron-sautéed Spanish artichokes to inventive inspirations beyond Greece to the whole Mediterranean region, and much as a restaurant -- and loungers are rewarded with a like foie gras and goat cheese-stuffed empanadas. $$$ even Latin America. Unchanged is Psilakis’ solid creativity, Indochine bar menu ranging from the traditional (zataar-spiked hum- and a beautiful sense of balance that makes even very unfa- 638 S. Miami Ave. mus) to the trendy (artichoke purée with feta); calamari with Botequim Carioca miliar combinations taste accessible. So skip the safe stuff 305-379-1525 Meyer lemon brown butter is especially recommended. Tip: 900 Biscayne Blvd., 305-675-1876 and go for the luxuriantly custardy, egg yolk-enriched lobster www.indochinebistro.com While entrées and sides on the changing main menu are www.botequim-carioca.de and sea urchin risotto, or any raw seafood item, especially Indochine has succeeded by morphing from mere restaurant also mostly Mediterranean, some of the kitchen’s best shots If Brazil’s cuisine were defined by the USA’s Brazilian the unique marlin with pistachio, apricot, and house-cured into hip hangout. Copious special events draw everyone stretch the concept considerably. So don’t miss the fries restaurants, the conclusion would be that Brazilian people speck. $$$-$$$$ from downtown business types to the counterculture crowd. with chipotle/Key lime aioli. $$$ eat nothing but rodizio (all-you-can-eat meat), and weigh, Not that there’s anything “mere” about the range of food on average, 400 pounds. This Brazilian pub broadens the Fratelli Milano served from three Asian nations. Light eaters can snack on Area 31 picture, with a menu that offers entrées, especially at lunch, 213 S. Miami Ave., 305-373-2300 Vietnamese summer rolls or Japanese sushi rolls. For bigger 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way but highlights Brazilian tapas -- mega-mini plates meant for Downtown isn’t yet a 24/7 urban center, but it’s experienc- appetites, there are Thai curries and Vietnamese specialties 305-524-5234, www.area31restaurant.com sharing. Must-not-misses include pasteles filled with shrimp ing a mini explosion of eateries open at night. That includes like pho, richly flavored beef soup with meatballs, steak slices, Not that the sleek interior of this seafood restaurant (named for and creamy catupiry cheese, beautifully seasoned bolinho this family-owned ristorante, where even newcomers feel at rice noodles, and add-in Asian herbs and sprouts. $$-$$$ fishing area 31, stretching from the Carolinas to South America) de bacalau (fried salt cod dumplings), and aipim frito (house- home. At lunch it’s almost impossible to resist panini, served isn’t a glamorous dining setting. But we’d eat outside. From the special yuca fries, the best in town). $$$ on foccacia or crunchy ciabatta; even the vegetarian version Continued on page 49

48 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Dining guiDe

Restaurant Listings Le Boudoir Brickell Miami’s Finest Caribbean Restaurant Antonio Ellek and Nicolas Cortes. Dishes range from falafel 188 SE 12th Terr. 236 NE 1st Ave., 305-381-9254 and gyros to more unusual items like muhammara (tangy wal- Continued from page 48 305-372-233 Originally from Jamaica, proprietor Miss Pat has been serving nut spread) and silky labneh yogurt cheese. Everything from www.leboudoirmiami.com her traditional homemade island specialties to downtown pitas to lemonade is made fresh, from scratch, daily. $-$$ At this French bakery/café, mornings start seriously, with office workers and college students since the early 1990s. Iron Sushi choices ranging from quality cheese, charcuterie/pâté, or Most popular item here might be the weekday lunch special of Peoples Bar-B-Que 120 SE 3rd Ave. smoked salmon platters to chic Continental and complete jerk chicken with festival (sweet-fried cornmeal bread patties), 360 NW 8th St. 305-373-2000 American breakfasts. At lunch, generously salad-garnished, but even vegetarians are well served with dishes like a tofu, 305-373-8080 (See Miami Shores listing) open-faced tartines are irresistible. But sophisticated salads carrot, and chayote curry. All entrées come with rice and peas, www.peoplesbarbque.com and homemade soups make the choice tough. And do not fried plantains, and salad, so no one leaves hungry. $ Oak-smoked, falling-off-the-bone tender barbecued ribs La Loggia Ristorante and Lounge skip dessert. Superb sweets include rich almond/fresh rasp- (enhanced with a secret sauce whose recipe goes back sever- 68 W. Flagler St. berry or properly tangy lemon tarts, traditional Madeleines, Novecento al generations) are the main draw at this Overtown institution. 305-373-4800, www.laloggia.org airy layered mousses, and addictive mini-macaroon sand- 1414 Brickell Ave., 305-403-0900 But the chicken is also a winner, plus there’s a full menu of This luxuriantly neo-classical yet warm Italian restaurant wich cookies with daily-changing fillings. $-$$ www.bistronovecento.com soul food entrées, including what many aficionados consider was unquestionably a pioneer in revitalizing downtown. With For those who think “Argentine cuisine” is a synonym for “beef our town’s tastiest souse. And it would be unthinkable to call it alternatives like amaretto-tinged pumpkin agnolloti in sage and more beef,” this popular eatery’s wide range of more quits without homemade sweet potato pie or banana pudding, butter sauce and cilantro-spiced white bean/vegetable salad MIA at Biscayne cosmopolitan contemporary Argentine fare will be a revelation. plus a bracing flop – half iced tea, half lemonade. $-$$ dressed with truffle oil, proprietors Jennifer Porciello and 20 Biscayne Blvd. Classic parrilla-grilled steaks are here for traditionalists, but Horatio Oliveira continue to draw a lunch crowd that returns 305-642-0032 the menu is dominated by creative Nuevo Latino items like a Perricone’s for dinner, or perhaps just stays on through the afternoon, www.miaatbiscayne.com new-style ceviche de chernia (lightly lime-marinated grouper 15 SE 10th St., 305-374-9449 fueled by the Lawyer’s Liquid Lunch, a vodka martini spiked At this expansive, ultra-glam restolounge, the eclectic, with jalapeños, basil, and the refreshing sweet counterpoint www.perricones.com with sweetened espresso. $$$ mostly small-plate menu ranges from the expected (grilled of watermelon), or crab ravioli with creamy saffron sauce. Housed in a Revolutionary-era barn (moved from Vermont), skirt steak with chimichurri; new-style ceviches, and luxe Especially notable are the entrée salads. $$-$$$ this market/café was one of the Brickell area’s first gentri- La Moon sushi rolls) to a small but tantalizing selection of chef fied amenities. At lunch chicken salad is a favorite; dinner’s 144 SW 8th St., 305-860-6209 Gerdy Rodriguez’s signature creations. Lunch fare includes Oceanaire Seafood Room strong suit is the pasta list, ranging from Grandma Jennie’s At four in the morning, nothing quells the munchies like a modernized “Minuta” fish sandwiches (avocado/habanero 900 S. Miami Ave. old-fashioned lasagna to chichi fiocchi purses filled with Crazy Burger, a Colombian take on a trucker’s burger: beef vinaigrette-dressed hamachi on nori Kaiser rolls), while 305-372-8862 fresh pear and gorgonzola. And Sunday’s $15.95 brunch patty, bacon, ham, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, and a fried dinner offers edgier inventions like confit pork belly with a www.theoceanaire.com buffet ($9.95 for kids) – featuring an omelet station, waffles, egg, with an arepa corn pancake “bun.” While this tiny place’s panko-crusted egg yolk capsula, the yolk nitrogen-frozen With a dozen branches nationwide, Oceanaire may seem smoked salmon and bagels, salads, and more – remains late hours (till 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday) are surprising, before frying to achieve a crisp crust and delightfully improb- more All-American seafood empire than Florida fish shack, one of our town’s most civilized all-you-can-eat deals. $$ the daytime menu is more so. In addition to Colombian clas- able oozing interior. $$$ but menus vary significantly according to regional tastes and sics, there’s a salad Nicoise with grilled fresh tuna, seared fish. Here in Miami, chef Sean Bernal supplements signature Prelude salmon with mango salsa, and other yuppie favorites. $-$$ Miami’s Chophouse starters like lump crab cakes with his own lightly marinated, Adrienne Arsht Center 300 S. Biscayne Blvd. Peruvian-style grouper ceviche. The daily-changing, 15-20 1300 Biscayne Blvd. La Provence 305-938-9000 specimen seafood selection includes local fish seldom seen 305-949-6722 1064 Brickell Ave., 786-425-9003 www.mannyssteakhouse.com on local menus: pompano, parrot fish, amberjack. But even Though the opening of Barton G.’s elegant performing arts www.laprovencemiami.com Formerly Manny’s Steakhouse, Miami’s Chophouse flown-in fish (and the raw bar’s cold-water oysters) are ultra- center eatery did feature a live giraffe, the food’s actually Great baguettes in the bread basket, many believe, indicate retains basically everything but the famed name (from fresh. $$$$ more grown-up than at his original SoBe spot. The concept a great meal to come. But when Miamians encounter such the original Manny’s in Minneapolis), and remains is prix fixe: Any three courses on the menu (meaning bread -- crackling crust outside; moist, aromatic, aerated Miami’s most intentionally masculine steakhouse. Pasha’s three entrées if you want) for $39. Highlights include silky, interior -- it’s likely not from a restaurant’s own kitchen, but Here, ensconced in your black leather booth, everything 1414 Brickell Ave. tarragon-inflected corn/bacon chowder, beautifully plated from La Provence. Buttery croissants and party-perfect pas- is humongous: dry-aged choice-grade steaks like the 305-416-5116 beef carpaccio with horseradish/mustard and shallot olive tries are legend too. Not so familiar is the bakery’s café com- Bludgeon of Beef (a boldly flavorful 40-ounce bone-in The original branch on Lincoln Road was instantly popular, oil dipping sauces; and over-the-top playhouse desserts, one ponent, whose sandwich/salad menu reflects local eclectic ribeye, described as “part meat, part weapon”); king crab and the same healthy Middle Eastern fast food is served with a luscious crème fraiche ice cream pop. $$$$ tastes. But French items like pan bagnats (essentially legs that dwarf the plate; cocktail shrimp that could swal- at several newer outlets. The prices are low enough that salade Niçoise on artisan bread) will truly transport diners to low the Loch Ness monster whole; two-fisted cocktails you might suspect Pasha’s was a tax write-off rather than a co-owner David Thau’s Provençal homeland. $$ that would fell a T-Rex. Not for the frail. $$$$$ Harvard Business School project, which it was by founders Continued on page 50 WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GAME? Urbanite Bistro’s Got the Best Game in Town!

All Natural, Organic, Valentine's Weekend Hormone Free & Healthy Dinner Feb 12 & 13 • Broad Selection of Wild Game Chef Imbarlina's "All Aprhodisiac" • Wild Caught Fish and Seafood Tastings, Entrees, Desserts • Bison Burgers & Angus Burgers Adrienne Arsht Center Events • Vegan & Vegetarian Dishes Pre-theater Dinner with Free Parking Voucher $15.00 Value Nightly Tasting Menu 5-7pm Post-theater Diners Receive 3 Course Prixe-Fixe $37++ Complimentary Desserts Two Full Bars Recession Lunch Specials • Enjoy over 35 wines by the glass M - 15% off Large Plates • Huge selection 25+ Craft Beers T - 15% off Sandwiches & Wraps • Eclectic Cocktails W - 50% off all Tastings Th - 15% off all Salads Lunch M-F Dinner M-Sat F - 15% off all Burgers Happy Hour 5-8pm & 11 till close Monthly Wine & Beer Events (see website for schedule) COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING Rsvn / Delv / Take Away 62 NE 14 Street, Miami, FL 33132 ZAGAT "Ambitious but neither pretentious nor pricey" Biscayne Times 2009 RATED 305-374-0662 (3 blks West of Biscayne Blvd) "New Urbanite Masters The Art of Dining" Herald 2009 full menu at www.urbanitebistro.com

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 49 Dining guiDe Red, White, and You Agreeable wine for $12 or less By Bill Citara a bunch of these voluminous vessels to glistening fresh roasted chicken, veal scaloppini, or pork BT Contributor find the ones that make their size count and oysters or stone chops seared on the grill. will leave you with a smile on your face. crab claws and And if you like that rooty-tooty- ize matters. Oh, yes it does. Let’s Now I think I need a cigarette. you’ll immedi- fresh-and-fruity thing, the 2008 Gum- say you’re twice as big as average. But first maybe I’ll have a glass of ately appreciate dale Shiraz has all the summer ripe SYou can deliver twice the satisfac- the 2009 Mendoza Station Torrontes. its clean, brisk, black-and-blueberry fruit you could tion to twice as many people, keep going I’m becoming more and more enamored green apple-min- want. Only the 2007 Pirovano Mon- when those smaller than you are spent, of Torrontes, the iconic white-wine grape eral flavors. tepulciano d’Abruzzi was a letdown, and make it last twice as long. of Argentina. I love its lush, seductive, I tasted a with underripe fruit and oddly sour Of course, size doesn’t always equal floral-honeysuckle-tropical fruit aromas pair of standout aromas that only go to show that while good. In fact, often it’s tough to find that that in this case segues into a surprisingly reds too. The size does matter, it’s technique that perfect combination of size and — dry wine that tastes of fresh-squeezed 2008 Anakena really satisfies. What? You thought I was talking lemons and limes with a beguiling hint Carmenere is as about that? of orange-flower water. This is a terrific natural a comple- Finding magnums that go Perverts. wine that I’d happily serve to my vino- ment to burgers beyond the standard jug wine Actually I was talking about big phile friends; it’s also a terrific value, (and red meat of plonk usually requires a trip to a wine bottles — magnums. At 1.5 liters, especially the 1.5, which costs three bucks any kind) as mus- serious wine shop. The Mendoza they’re twice the size of your normal less than buying two 750 ml. bottles. tard and ketchup. Station ($8.99), St. Martin ($11.99), bottle. They can be excellent values, de- Two more white wines I’d be glad Big and brawny, Summerfield ($8.99), Anakena livering twice as much vinous satisfaction to pour at my own table were the 2008 it’s redolent of ($14.99), and Gumdale ($11.99) to twice as many people for less money St. Martin Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Carmenere’s char- can all be found at the North — sometimes a little, sometimes a lot — and 2008 Summerfield California acteristic earthi- Miami Beach Total Wine & More than it would cost to buy two normal, 750 Chardonnay. Cheap California Char- ness and tangy (14750 Biscayne Blvd., 305- ml. bottles. These one-point-fives are donnay is usually a wretched thing to cherry-berry fruit. 354-3270). Get the Gabbiano great for parties, potlucks, any occasion drink, combining the worst aspects of Gabbiano Chi- at the North Miami Beach ABC where you need to satisfy a lot of thirsty that varietal (blowsy, overdone, insipid) anti is one of the Fine Wine & Spirits for $12.99 folks without breaking the bank. with the least appealing qualities of Sau- old reliables of the (16355 Biscayne Blvd., 305-944- Unfortunately, just like the guy with vignon Blanc (thin, weedy, tasteless). wine world, and 6525), and don’t bother with the the enormous…um, you know…who’s got The Summerfield, though, actu- the 2006 vintage Pirovano at the Aventura Whole all the finesse of a hungry Great White at ally tastes like Chardonnay — some red is no exception. Foods for $14.99 (21105 Biscayne a surfer buffet, a lot of these big boys are apple and apricot balanced by just enough You’ll save a buck on the 1.5 and you’ll get Blvd., 305-933-1543). John Holmes on size and John Bobbit on lemon-lime acidity. The St. Martin shows a well-made, medium-bodied wine whose quality. So offering up my taste buds to why French wine was made to go with crispy raspberry-strawberry-lightly spiced you, dear readers, I tasted my way through food. Imagine snarfing down a plate of fruit practically begs to be poured with Feedback: [email protected]

Restaurant Listings with grilled vegetables, corn relish, and remoulade. There are Soya & Pomodoro Brazilian catupiry cheese; gnocchi served either as finger even a few dishes to please meat-and-potatoes diners, like 120 NE 1st St., 305-381-9511 food (fried, with calamata olive/truffle aioli), or plated with Continued from page 49 short ribs with macaroni and cheese. But oyster fans will find Life is complicated. Food should be simple. That’s owner orange-ginger sauce. But there are tomato-sauced meatballs it difficult to resist stuffing themselves silly on the unusually Armando Alfano’s philosophy, which is stated above the with ri’gawt for Grandpa Vinnie, too. $$-$$$ large selection, especially since oysters are served both raw entry to his atmospheric downtown eatery. And since it’s Provence Grill and cooked – fire-roasted with sofrito butter, chorizo, and also the formula for the truest traditional Italian food (Alfano Urbanite Bistro 1001 S. Miami Ave., 305-373-1940 manchego. There’s also a thoughtful wine list and numerous hails from Pompeii), it’s fitting that the menu is dominated 62 NE 14th St. The cozy dining room (and even more charming outdoor artisan beers on tap. $$$ by authentically straightforward yet sophisticated Italian 305-374-0662 terrace) evoke the south of France. But the menu of French entrées. There are salads and sandwiches, too. The most www.urbanitebistro.com bistro classics covers all regions: country-style pâté maison Rosa Mexicano enjoyable place to dine is the secret, open-air courtyard. Ambitious but neither pretentious nor pricey, this multi-room, with onion jam, roasted peppers, and cornichons; steak/frites 900 S. Miami Ave. Alfano serves dinner on Thursdays only to accompany local indoor/outdoor bistro is just the sort of friendly hangout the (grilled rib-eye with peppercorn cream sauce, fries, and salad); 786-425-1001 musicians and artists. $-$$ neighborhood needs. Chef Frank Imbarlina’s menu features hip and four preparations of mussels. Deal alert: An early-bird prix- www.rosamexicano.com contemporary fare like natural boar chops with a savory-sweet fixe menu (5:30-7:30 p.m.) offers soup or salad, entrée, des- This expansive indoor/outdoor space offers a dining experi- Tobacco Road soy/chopped pecan crust. Fish fans and vegetarians will find sert, and a carafe of wine for $44 per couple. $$$-$$$$ ence that’s haute in everything but price. Few entrées top 626 S. Miami Ave. equally enjoyable large and small plates: potato-wrapped local $20. The décor is both date-worthy and family-friendly – fes- 305-374-1198, www.tobacco-road.com pompano; beautifully seasoned veg siu mai; shrimp corndogs Puntino Downtown tive but not kitschy. And nonsophisticates needn’t fear; though Prohibition-era speakeasy (reputedly a fave of Al Capone), with mustard and mango dips. Other pluses include an imagi- 353 SE 2nd Ave., 305-371-9661 nachos aren’t available, there is nothing scary about zarape gay bar, strip club. Previously all these, this gritty spot has native late-night menu and free valet parking. $$-$$$ www.puntinodowntown.com de pato (roast duck between freshly made, soft corn tortillas, been best known since 1982 as a venue for live music, The first U.S. venture of a hotelier from Naples, this stylish lit- topped with yellow-and-habanero-pepper cream sauce), or primarily blues. But it also offers food from lunchtime Waxy O’Connor’s tle place is open Monday through Saturday for dinner as well Rosa’s signature guacamole en molcajete, made tableside. A to late night (on weekends till 4:00 a.m.). The kitchen is 690 SW 1st Ct. as lunch. Ambiance is fashionably cool Milanese rather than few pomegranate margaritas ensure no worries. $$$ especially known for its chili, budget-priced steaks, and 786-871-7660 effusively warm Neapolitan. The food too is mostly contempo- burgers. There’s also surprisingly elegant fare, though, like a www.waxys.com rary rather than traditional. But in true Italian style, the best Solymar Norwegian salmon club with lemon aioli. A meat-smoker in While the menu of this casually craic (Gaelic for “fun”) stuff stays simple: an antipasto platter of imported cold cuts 315 S. Biscayne Blvd. back turns out tasty ribs. $$ Irish pub will be familiar to fans of the South Beach Waxy’s, with crostini and housemade marinated veggies; crisp-fried 305-371-3421 the location is far superior -- on the Miami River, with calamari and shrimp; airy gnocchi with sprightly tomato sauce, Housed in the stunning space with great water views Tre Italian Bistro waterfront deck. And none of Miami’s Irish eateries offers pools of melted bufala mozzarella, and fresh basil. $$-$$$ originally occupied by Prime Blue Grille, Solymar similarly 270 E. Flagler St. as much authentic traditional fare. Especially evocative: pursues the power lunch crowd with steaks and seafood, 305-373-3303 imported oak-smoked Irish salmon with housemade brown The River Oyster Bar but with a stronger Latin accent. There’s more emphasis www.tremiami.com bread; puff-pastry-wrapped Irish sausage rolls; lunchtime’s 650 S. Miami Ave. on snacks, too, making happy hour a great time to sample “Bistro” actually sounds too Old World for this cool hangout, imported Irish bacon or banger “butty” sandwiches on crusty 305-530-1915 $2.50 tapas like conch fritters with spicy Argentine pink from the owners of downtown old-timer La Loggia, but baguettes, served with hand-cut fries, the latter particularly www.therivermiami.com sauce and palmito salad, sparkling-fresh Amarillo chili- “restolounge” sounds too glitzy. Think of it as a neighbor- terrific dipped in Waxy’s curry sauce. $$ This casually cool jewel is a full-service seafood spot, as spiked Peruvian shrimp ceviche, or festive fish/lump crab hood “bistrolounge.” The food is mostly modernized Italian, evidenced by tempting menu selections like soft-shell crabs sliders, along with half-off drinks. $$$-$$$$ with Latin and Asian accents: a prosciutto-and-fig pizza with Continued on page 51

50 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Dining guiDe

plus coffee and fruit drinks – a creative concept differenti- Restaurant Listings ates the place. Signature sandwiches are named after Continued from page 50 national and local newspapers, including Biscayne Times, giving diners something to chat about. Sandwiches and salads can also be do-it-yourself projects, with an unusually wide choice of main ingredients, garnishes, breads, and con- Wok Town diments for the creatively minded. $ 119 SE 1st Ave. 305-371-9993, www.woktown.com Delicias Peruanas Judging from the takeout window, the minimalist décor 2590 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4634 (with communal seating), and predominance of American Seafood is the specialty at this pleasant Peruvian spot, as veggies on the menu, this Asian fast-food eatery, owned by it was at the nearby original Delicias, run by members of Shai Ben-Ami (a Miss Yip and Domo Japones veteran) may the same family. The food is as tasty as ever, especially the initially seem akin to those airport Oriental steam tables. reliably fresh traditional ceviches, and for those who like Wrong. Custom-cooked by Chinese chefs, starters (like soy/ their fish tangy but cooked, a mammoth jalea platter. As for garlic-coated edamame), salads, and have-it-your-way stir- nonseafood stuff, Peru practically invented fusion cuisine (in fries, fried rice, or noodle bowls burst with bold, fresh flavor. the 1800s), such as two traditional noodle dishes: tallerin The proof: a startlingly savory miso beef salad, with sesame/ saltado and tallerin verde. $$ ginger/scallion dressing. Bubble tea, too! $$ 18th Street Café 210 NE 18th St. Midtown / Wynwood / Design District 305-381-8006, www.18thstreetcafe.com Most of the seating in this cool little breakfast/lunch room Adelita’s Café is in a sort of giant bay window, backed with banquettes, 2699 Biscayne Blvd., 305-576-1262 that makes the space feel expansive. This pioneering place From the street (which is actually NE 26th, not Biscayne) this deserves to survive, even if just considering the roast beef Honduran restaurant seems unpromising, but inside it’s bigger, sandwich with creamy horseradish – an inspired classic better, and busier than it looks. Unlike many Latin American combination that makes one wonder why more places in eateries, this one sticks close to the source and proves a crowd- this town don’t serve it. Other culinary highlights include pleaser. On weekends especially, the dining rooms are packed a turkey/pear/cheddar melt sandwich, and really sinful with families enjoying authentic fare like baleadas (thick corn marshmallow-topped brownies. $ tacos), tajadas (Honduras’s take on tostones), rich meal-in-a-bowl soups packed with seafood or meat and veggies, and more. $ Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries 3401 N. Miami Ave. (Shops at Midtown) Bay View Grille 305-571-8345, www.fiveguys.com 1633 N. Bayshore Dr. (Marriott Hotel) No green-leaf faux health food here. You get what the name 305-536-6414 says, period, with three adds: kosher dogs, veggie burg- This expansive restaurant has no outdoor component, but ers, and free peanuts while you wait. Which you will, just a floor-to-ceiling windows and a multi-level layout means every bit, since burgers are made fresh upon order. Available in table has a Biscayne Bay view, which we find particularly double or one-patty sizes, they’re well-done but spurtingly enjoyable in the morning, over a fresh asparagus and Boursin juicy, and after loading with your choice of free garnishes, cheese omelet or huevos à la cubana (fried eggs and cheese even a “little” burger makes a major meal. Fries (regular on black beans). Lunch and dinner menus are a “greatest hits” or Cajun-spiced) are also superior, hand-cut in-house from mix (steaks, pasta, Caesar salad), featuring appealing local sourced potatoes. $ accents like a hefty fried or blackened grouper sandwich on ciabatta roll, with remoulade sauce. $$-$$$ Fratelli Lyon 4141 NE 2nd Ave. Bengal 305-572-2901, www.fratellilyon.com 2010 Biscayne Blvd., 305-403-1976 This Italian café has been packed since the moment it At this Indian eatery the décor is cool and contemporary: opened. No surprise to any who recall owner Ken Lyon’s muted gray and earth-tone walls, tasteful burgundy ban- pioneering Lyon Frères gourmet store on Lincoln Road (1992- quettes. And the menu touts “Modern Indian Cuisine” 97), another joint that was exactly what its neighborhood to match the look. Classicists, however, needn’t worry. needed. The restaurant’s artisan salumi, cheeses, flavorful America’s favorite familiar north Indian flavors are here, boutique olive oils, and more are so outstanding that you can’t though dishes are generally more mildly spiced and present- help wishing it also had a retail component. Entrées include ed with modern flair. All meats are certified halal, Islam’s properly al dente pastas, plus some regional specialties like version of kosher — which doesn’t mean that observant Venetian-style calves liver, rarely found outside Italy. $$$ orthodox Jews can eat here, but Muslims can. $$$ Grass Bin No. 18 28 NE 40th St., 305-573-3355 1800 Biscayne Blvd., 786-235-7575 Chef Michael Jacobs’s menu travels beyond pan-Asian and At this wine bar/café, the décor is a stylish mix of contempo- Mediterranean influences into the Americas. Entrées range rary (high loft ceilings) and Old World (tables made from wine from comfort food (cunningly reinvented mini pot pies) to barrels). Cuisine is similarly geared to the area’s smart new high-status extravagance (stone-seared, authentic Kobe residents: creative sandwiches and salads at lunch, tapas steak). For healthy grazers, raw-bar selections include cevi- and larger internationally themed Spanish, Italian, or French ches and a large seafood platter. There’s also a snack menu charcuterie platters at night. Though the place is small and (pristine coldwater oysters, a crab salad timbale, parmesan- family-run friendly, chef Alfredo Patino offers sophisticated truffle shoestring fries, mini-Kobe burgers) served till the wee snacks like the figciutto: arugula, gorgonzola dolce, caramel- hours, providing a welcome alternative to the Boulevard’s ized onions, pine nuts, fresh figs, and prosciutto. Free parking fast food chains. $$-$$$$$ behind the building. $$ The Girrrlz of Sandwich Buena Vista Bistro 555 NE 15th St., 2nd floor (Venetia condo) 4582 NE 2nd Ave., 305-456-5909 305-374-4305 If a neighborhood eatery like this one — which serves supremely Riot Grrrl DIY spirit shines in the homemade soups, sweets, satisfying bistro food — were within walking distance of every salads, and exceptionally tasty warm baguette sandwiches Miami resident, we’d be a helluva hip food town. Like true (like prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, dressed with a unique Parisian bistros, it’s open continuously, every day, with prices so sumac vinaigrette) at this concealed café, hidden on the low that you can drop in anytime for authentic rillettes (a rustic Venetia condo’s mezzanine. Owners Ana Oliva and Fadia pâté) with a crusty baguette, steak with from-scratch frites, Sarkis scour local markets daily for the freshest of ingredi- salmon atop ratatouille, or many changing blackboard specials. ents, and their breads (plus light-crusted empanadas and Portions are plentiful. So is free parking. $$ sinful Ghirardelli chocolate cake) are all baked in-house. On Saturdays the grrrls’ll even deliver you an elegant (yet inex- Clive’s Café pensive) breakfast in bed. $ 2818 N. Miami Ave., 305-576-0277 Some still come for the inexpensive, hearty American break- Joey’s Italian Café fasts and lunches that this homey hole-in-the-wall has served 2506 NW 2nd Ave., 305-438-0488 for more than 30 years. Since about 1990, though, when The first new restaurant in the Wynwood Café District, this owner Pearline Murray (“Ms. Pearl” to regulars) and cook stylish indoor/outdoor Italian hangout is as casually cool as Gloria Chin began emphasizing their native Jamaican special- one would hope — and as affordable. There’s a five-buck ties, the intensely spiced grilled jerk chicken has been the half-serving of spaghetti al pomodoro and respectable vino main item here. Other favorites: savory rice and pigeon peas; for under $30. And few can resist delicately thin, crunchy- eye-opening onion/vinegar-flavored escovitch fish; sweet plan- crusted pizzas like the creative Dolce e Piccante or orgasmic tains; and cabbage that redefines the vegetable. $ Carbonara. Pastas are fresh; produce is largely local; the mosaic-centered décor is minimalist but inviting. And no The Daily Creative Food Co. need to be wary of the warehouse district at night: Valet 2001 Biscayne Blvd., 305-573-4535 parking is free. $$-$$$ While the food formula of this contemporary café is familiar – sandwiches, salads, soups, breakfast food, and pastries, Continued on page 52

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 51 Dining guiDe

Restaurant Listings Maino Churrascaria independent neighborhood café serves a full selection you won’t find exotica or local catches, but all the usual sushi/ 2201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-571-9044 of coffee drinks made with the award-winning beans of sashimi favorites, though in more interesting form, thanks to Continued from page 51 This very upscale Brazilian steakhouse has all the fea- Intelligentsia, a roasting company that works directly with sauces that go beyond standard soy – spicy sriracha, garlic/ tures you expect, including all-you-can-eat meats carved artisan growers to encourage sustainable agriculture. Also ponzu oil, and many more. Especially recommended: the yuzu Kafa Café tableside and a lavish buffet. What sets Maino apart from served: breakfast and lunch sandwiches, imaginative salads, hamachi roll, the lobster tempura maki, and panko-coated spicy 3535 NE 2nd Ave. typical rodizio palaces is its family-run feel, intimate rather soups, homemade pastries, and creamy fresh-fruit smooth- shrimp with hot-and-sour mayo and a salad. $$-$$$ 305-438-0114, www.kafamidtown.com than intimidating, plus its attention to every detail. While ies. With tables, sofas, and lounge chairs inside an old Operated by a brother/sister team (both originally from it’s rare at most rodizio joints to get meat done less than Midtown house, plus free wireless Internet access, the space S & S Diner Ethiopia), nothing on the breakfast and lunch menus tops medium, Maino will cook to order. One other welcome dif- is also just a pleasant place to hang out. $ 1757 NE 2nd Ave., 305-373-4291 $8, and portions feed an army (or several starving artists). ference: There are à la carte starters and pastas for lighter Some things never change, or so it seems at this classic diner. Signature item is the formidable Kafa Potato Platter — home eaters and noncarnivores, and some lunch specials. Free Pacific Time Open since 1938, people still line up on Saturday mornings, fries mixed with bacon, ham, peppers, onion, and cheese; parking, too. $$-$$$$$ 35 NE 40th St., 305-722-7369 waiting for a seat at the counter and enormous breakfasts: accompanied by eggs, fresh fruit, and bread. Lunch’s burgers, www.pacifictimemiami.com corned beef hash or crab cakes and eggs with grits; fluffy pan- salads, and overstuffed sandwiches come with homemade Maitardi Everyone knew Jonathan Eismann’s original Pacific Time, for cakes; homemade biscuits with gravy and Georgia sausage – soup or other sides, plus fruit. Dinner features an authentic 163 NE 39th St. many years Lincoln Road’s only serious restaurant. How dif- everything from oatmeal to eggs Benedict. The lunch menu is Ethiopian menu, plus beer and wine selections. $-$$ 305-572-1400, maitardimiami.com ferent is its new incarnation? Very, and it’s all good, starting a roll call of the usual suspects, but most regulars ignore the Though we admired the ambitious approach of Oak Plaza’s with far superior acoustics, an admirably green ecological menu and go for the daily blackboard specials. $-$$ La Provence original tenant, Brosia, this more informal, inexpensive, and policy, and a neighborhood-friendly attitude. While the addi- 2200 Biscayne Blvd., 305-576-8002 straightforwardly Italian concept of veteran Lincoln Road tion of Mediterranean influences to the Pacific Rim menu Sra. Martinez www.laprovencemiami.com restaurateur Graziano Sbroggio seems a more universal lure may sound confusing, trust us: A meal that includes a butter- 4000 NE 2nd Ave., 305-573-5474 (See Brickell / Downtown listing.) for the Design District’s central “town square.” The mostly grilled asparagus with prosciutto, soft-cooked egg Milanese, No Biscayne Corridor resident needs to be told that this outdoor space remains unaltered save a wood-burning oven and preserved lemon; plus an Asian-accented creamy corn/ lively tapas bar is the second restaurant that Upper Eastside Latin Café 2000 producing flavorfully char-bubbled pizza creations, plus a leek soup with Peeky Toe crab dumplings, coriander, and homegrrrl Michelle Bernstein has opened in the area. But it’s 2501 Biscayne Blvd. vintage meat slicer dispensing wild boar salamino, bresaola mustard oil makes perfect sense on the tongue. $$-$$$$ no absentee celebrity-chef gig. Bernstein is hands-on at both 305-576-3838, www.latincafe2000.com (cured beef), and other artisan salumi. Other irresistibles: places. Her exuberant yet firmly controlled personal touch The menu is similar to that at many of our town’s Latin fried artichokes with lemony aioli; seafood lasagna with Pasha’s is obvious in nearly four dozen hot and cold tapas on the cafés, largely classic Cuban entrées and sandwiches, with heavenly dill-lobster sauce. $$-$$$ 3801 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-0201 menu. Items are frequently reinvented. Keepers include a smattering of touches from elsewhere in Latin America, (See Brickell/Downtown listing) wild mushroom/manchego croquetas with fig jam; white such as a Peruvian jalea mixta (marinated mixed seafood), Mario the Baker bean stew; crisp-coated artichokes with lemon/coriander or paella Valenciana from Spain, which many Miami eateries 250 NE 25th St. Pizzavolante dip; and buttery bone marrow piqued with Middle Eastern consider a Latin country. What justifies the new millennium 305-438-0228 3918 N. Miami Ave., 305-573-5325 spices and balanced by tiny pickled salads. $$$ moniker is the more modern, yuppified/yucafied ambiance, (See North Miami listing) At this tiny pizza/mozzarella bar, Jonathan Eismann’s encouraged by an expansive, rustic wooden deck. $$ inspired topping combos and astonishingly high-quality Tony Chan’s Water Club Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink ingredients prove that star-chef skills are not wasted on 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-374-8888 Lemoni Café 130 NE 40th St., 305-573-5550 humble fare. Carnivores must try the Cacciatorini, an The décor at this upscale place, located in the Grand, looks 4600 NE 2nd Ave., 305-571-5080 An instant smash hit, this truly neighborhood-oriented res- ultra-thin and crispy crust with indescribably rich guanciale too glitzy to serve anything but politely Americanized Chinese The menu here reads like your standard sandwiches/ taurant from chef Michael Schwartz offers down-to-earth (cured, unsmoked pork cheek bacon), pungent artisan pep- food. But the American dumbing-down is minimal. Many salads/starters primer. What it doesn’t convey is the fresh- fun food in a comfortable, casually stylish indoor/outdoor peroni, grana padano, locally made mozzarella, and Italian dishes are far more authentic and skillfully prepared than ness of the ingredients and the care that goes into their setting. Fresh, organic ingredients are emphasized, but tomatoes. For meatless pies, we recommend the Bianca, a those found elsewhere in Miami, like delicate but flavor- use. Entrée-size salads range from an elegant spinach dishes range from cutting-edge (crispy beef cheeks with thyme-seasoned pizza whose plentiful cheeses are beauti- ful yu pan quail. Moist sea bass fillet has a beautifully (goat cheese, pears, walnuts, raisins) to chunky homemade whipped celeriac, celery salad, and chocolate reduction) to fully balanced by bitter arugula. Bring a crowd and taste half- balanced topping of scallion, ginger, cilantro, and subtly chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens. Sandwiches (cold simple comfort food: deviled eggs, homemade potato chips a-dozen different mozzarellas. $$ sweet/salty sauce. And Peking duck is served as three tra- baguette subs, hot pressed paninis, or wraps, all accom- with pan-fried onion dip, or a whole wood-roasted chicken. ditional courses: crêpe-wrapped crispy skin, meat sautéed panied by side salads) include a respectable Cuban and There’s also a broad range of prices and portion sizes to Primo’s with crisp veggies, savory soup to finish. $$-$$$ a veggie wrap with a deceptively rich-tasting light salad encourage frequent visits. Michael’s Genuine also features 1717 N. Bayshore Dr., 305-371-9055 cream. $-$$ an eclectic, affordable wine list and a full bar. $$-$$$$ The imposing, cavernous lobby of the Grand doesn’t have W Wine Bistro that “do drop in” locals’ hangout vibe. But this lively Italian 3622 NE 2nd Ave., 305-576-7775 Lime Fresh Mexican Grill Mike’s at Venetia spot is actually a great addition to the neighborhood. The Both bistro and retail wine shop, this Design District spot is run by 3201 N. Miami Ave. (Shops at Midtown) 555 NE 15th St., 9th floor pizzas alone – brick-oven specimens with toppings rang- Florent Blanchet, an energetic young Frenchman who was previ- 305-576-5463 305-374-5731, www.mikesvenetia.com ing from classic pepperoni to prosciutto/arugula – would ously a wine distributor. His former gig led to connections that Like its South Beach predecessor, this Lime was an This family-owned Irish pub, on the pool deck of the Venetia be draw enough. But pastas also please: diners’ choice mean if wine lovers don’t find the bottle they want, Blanchet instant hit, as much for being a hip new Midtown hangout condo, for more than 15 years has been a popular lunch and of starch, with mix-and-match sauces and extras. And the can probably get it within 24 hours. Food is sophisticated light as for its carefully crafted Tex-Mex food. The concept dinner hang-out for local journalists and others who appreciate price is right, with few entrées topping $20. The capper: It’s bites like a shrimp club sandwich with pancetta and sun-dried is “fast casual” rather than fast food – meaning nice honest cheap eats and drinks. Regulars know daily specials are open past midnight every day but Sunday. $$ tomato aioli, and smoked duck salad with goat cheese croutons enough for a night out. It also means ingredients are the way to go. Depending on the day, fish, churrasco, or roast and a poached egg. At night there are tapas. $-$$ always fresh. Seafood tacos are about as exotic as the turkey with all the trimmings are all prepared fresh. Big burgers Primo Pizza Miami menu gets, but the mahi mahi for fish tacos comes from and steak dinners are always good. A limited late-night menu 3451 NE 1st Ave., 305-535-2555 Upper Eastside a local supplier, and salsas are housemade daily. Niceties provides pizza, wings, ribs, and salad till 3:00 a.m. $-$$ www.primopizzamiami.com include low-carb tortillas and many Mexican beers. $ Just a few years ago, chain pizza joints were dominant Andiamo Orange Café + Art most everywhere. Today many places now offer authentic 5600 Biscayne Blvd. Lost & Found Saloon 2 NE 40th St., 305-571-4070 Italian or delicate designer pizzas. But a satisfying Brookyn- 305-762-5751, www.andiamopizza.com 185 NW 36th St. The paintings hanging in this tiny, glass-enclosed café are for style street slice? Fuhgedit. Thankfully that’s the speciality Sharing a building with a long-established Morningside car 305-576-1008 sale. And for those who don’t have thousands of dollars to shell of this indoor/outdoor pizzeria: big slices with chewy crusts wash, Andiamo is also part of Mark Soyka’s 55th Street www.thelostandfoundsaloon-miami.com out for the local art on the walls, less than ten bucks will get (made from imported NY tap water) that aren’t ultra-thin Station – which means ditching the car (in the complex’s There’s an artsy/alternative feel to this casual and friend- you art on a plate, including a Picasso: chorizo, prosciutto, man- and crisp, but flexible enough to fold lengthwise, and medi- free lot across the road on NE 4th Court) is no problem ly Wynwood eatery, which, since opening as a weekday- chego cheese, baby spinach, and basil on a crusty baguette. um-thick -- sturdy enough to support toppings applied with even if you’re not getting your vehicle cleaned while con- only breakfast and lunch joint in 2005, has grown with its Other artfully named and crafted edibles include salads, daily generous all-American abandon. Take-out warning: Picking suming the brick-oven pies (from a flaming open oven) that neighborhood. It’s now open for dinner six nights a week, soups, several pastas (like the Matisse, fiocchi pouches filled up a whole pie? Better bring the SUV, not the Morris Mini. are this popular pizzeria’s specialty, along with executive serving Southwestern-style fare at rock-bottom prices. with pears and cheese), and house-baked pastries. $ chef Frank Crupi’s famed Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Dishes like piñon and pepita-crusted salmon, chipotle- Sake Room Also available are salads and panini plus reasonably priced drizzled endive stuffed with lump crab, or customizable Out of the Blue Café 275 NE 18th St. wines and beers, including a few unusually sophisticated tacos average $5-$8. Also available: big breakfasts and 2426 NE 2nd Ave. 305-755-0122, www.sakeroom.com selections like Belgium’s Hoegaarden. $$ salads, hearty soups, housemade pastries like lemon- 305-573-3800, www.outofthebluecafe.net Sake takes a back seat to sushi – and sophisticated décor – at crusted wild berry pie, and a hip beer and wine list. $ Forget impersonal chain coffeehouses. This artist-friendly, this small but sleek restolounge. Among the seafood offerings, Continued on page 53

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52 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Dining guiDe

Restaurant Listings welcome, and family-friendly French home cooking, is the DeVita’s Europa Car Wash and Café antidote. No fancy food (or fancy prices) here, just classic 7251 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-8282 6075 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-2357 Continued from page 52 comfort food like onion soup, escargot, daily fresh oysters, This Italian/Argentine pizzeria, housed in a charming bun- Giving new meaning to the food term “fusion,” Europa boeuf bourguignon (think Ultimate Pot Roast), Nicoise salad, galow and featuring a breezy patio, covers multicultural serves up sandwiches, salads, car washes, coffee with crois- Anise Taverna quiche, and homemade crème brûlée. A respectable beer bases. If the Old World Rucola pizza (a classic Margherita sants, and Chevron with Techron. Snacks match the casual 620 NE 78th St. and wine list is a welcome addition, as is the housemade topped with arugula, prosciutto, and shredded parmesan) chicness: sandwiches like the Renato (prosciutto, hot cappic- 305-758-2929 sangria. Top price for entrées is about $14. $-$$ doesn’t do the trick, the New World Especial (a Latin pie with ola, pepper jack cheese, red peppers, and Romano cheese www.anisetaverna.com hearts of palm and boiled eggs) just might. Also available are dressing); an elaborate almond-garnished Chinese chicken The new owners of this river shack are banking on Greek Captain Crab’s Take-Away pastas, salads, sandwiches, dinner entrées (eggplant parmi- salad; H&H bagels, the world’s best, flown in from NYC. food and festivity for success — a good bet, judging from 1100 NE 79th St. giana with spaghetti, lomito steak with Argentinean potato And the car cleanings are equally gentrified, especially on their wildly popular previous eatery, Ouzo. The mainly mezze 305-754-2722 salad), and desserts (tiramisu or flan). $ Wednesdays, when ladies are pampered with $10 washes menu ranges from traditional Greek small plates to creative The drive-through window says “fast food,” and so do this and glasses of sparkling wine while they wait. $ Mediterranean-inspired dishes like anise-scented fish cro- long-lived seafood shack’s low prices. But there the resem- Dogma Grill quettes with spicy aioli. But don’t neglect large plates like blance ends. For about the price of a bucket of the Colonel’s 7030 Biscayne Blvd. Garden of Eatin’ whole grilled Mediterranean fish (dorade or branzino), filleted chicken you can get a bucket of the Captain’s savory garlic 305-759-3433, www.dogmagrill.com 136 NW 62nd St., 305-754-8050 tableside. The interior is charming, and the outdoor deck on crabs. The King’s burger meal or the Captain’s similarly What could induce downtown businessmen to drive to the Housed in a yellow building that’s nearly invisible from the the Little River is positively romantic. $$-$$$ priced fried (or garlic boiled or New Orleans-spiced) shrimp Upper Eastside to eat at a few outdoor-only tables just feet from street, the Garden has the comfortable feel of a beach bar, meal? No contest. Also popular: crab cakes and conch. For the busy Boulevard? From the day it opened, people have been and generous servings of inexpensive Afro-Caribbean vegan Bistro 82 fish haters, spicy or garlic chicken wings are an option. $-$$ lining up for this stand’s sauce-garnished, all-beef, soy veggie, food. Large or small plates, with salad and fried sweet plantains 8201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-403-2995 turkey, and chicken hot dogs. The 22 varieties range from (plus free soup for eat-in lunchers), are served for five or seven As with Latin American food, much Middle Eastern restau- Casa Toscana simple to the elaborate (the Athens, topped with a Greek salad, bucks. Also available are snacks like vegetarian blue corn tacos, rant fare blurs borders, making it hard to pinpoint individual 7001 Biscayne Blvd., including extra-virgin olive oil dressing) to near-unbelievable desserts like sweet potato pie, and a breakfast menu featuring countries’ culinary characteristics. Here, though, national 305-758-3353, combinations like the VIP, which includes parmesan cheese organic blueberry waffles with soy sausage patties. $ identity is strong. Virtually all dishes, from savory falafel www.casatoscanamiami.com and crushed pineapple. New addition: thick, juicy burgers. $ to sweet k’nafeh (a traditional cheese breakfast pastry Tuscan-born chef/owner Sandra Stefani cooked at Norman’s Gourmet Station that doubles as dessert), are crafted from the authentic before opening this Upper Eastside jewel, whose 30 original East Side Pizza 7601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-762-7229 Lebanese recipes of owner Mona Issa’s mom. Casually seats have been supplemented by a wine room/garden for 731 NE 79th St., 305-758-5351 Home-meal replacement, geared to workaholics with no time exotic décor makes the spot dateworthy too, especially on tasting events and private dining. Stefani travels regularly to Minestrone, sure. But a pizzeria menu with carrot ginger to cook, has been popular for years. But the Gourmet Station Saturday nights when belly dancing is featured. $$ Italy to find exciting, limited-production wines and inspiration soup? Similarly many Italian-American pizzerias offer entrées has outlasted most of the competition. Main reason: decep- for truly Tuscan specials with honest, authentic flavors, such like spaghetti and meatballs, but East Side also has pumpkin tive healthiness. These are meals that are good for you, yet Boteco as grilled wild boar sausages with lentil croquettes. Menu ravioli in brown butter/sage sauce, wild mushroom ravioli, and taste good enough to be bad for you. Favorite items include 916 NE 79th St. favorites include pear and ricotta raviolini, grilled eggplant other surprisingly upscale choices, including imported Peroni precision-grilled salmon with lemon-dill yogurt sauce, and lean 305-757-7735 slices rolled around herbed goat cheese and sun-dried toma- beer. As for the pizza, they are classic pies, available whole or turkey meatloaf with homemade BBQ sauce – sin-free com- This strip of 79th Street is rapidly becoming a cool alt-culture toes, and a light ricotta tart with lemon and rosemary. $$$ by the slice, made with fresh plum tomato sauce and Grande fort food. Food is available à la carte or grouped in multimeal enclave thanks to inviting hangouts like this rustic indoor/ mozzarella (considered the top American pizza cheese). Best plans customized for individual diner’s nutritional needs. $$ outdoor Brazilian restaurant and bar. Especially bustling on Chef Creole seating for eating is at the sheltered outdoor picnic tables. $ nights featuring live music, it’s even more fun on Sundays, 200 NW 54th St. Go To Sushi when the fenced backyard hosts an informal fair and the 305-754-2223 El Q-Bano Palacio de los Jugos 5140 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-0914 menu includes Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, a savory Sparkling fresh Creole-style food is the star at chef/owner 8650 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-2550 www.gotosushimiami.com stew of beans plus fresh and cured meats. But the every- Wilkinson Sejour’s two tiny but popular establishments. In case you were wondering if it’s too good to be true -- it isn’t. Though similar in menu and budget prices to the Hiro’s day menu, ranging from unique, tapas-like pasteis to hefty While some meatier Haitian classics like griot (fried pork El Q-Bano’s owners are indeed related to the family that oper- Sushi Express it replaced, this friendly, family-run Japanese Brazilian entrées, is also appealing – and budget-priced. $$ chunks) and oxtail stew are also available – and a $3.99 ates the original three Palacios de los Jugos -- which means fast-food eatery offers original surprises like the Caribbean roast chicken special – seafood is the specialty here: cre- no more schlepping way out west. Recommended are moist roll (a festively green parsley-coated maki stuffed with crispy Le Café vette en sauce (steamed shrimp with Creole butter sauce), tamales, tasty sandwiches (especially the drippingly wonderful fried shrimp, avocado, sweet plantain, and spicy mayo), or a 7295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-6551 lambi fri (perfectly tenderized fried conch), poisson gros sel pan con lechon), rich flan, and the fresh tropical juices that wonderfully healthful sesame-seasoned chicken soup with For anyone who can’t get over thinking of French food as (local snapper in a spicy butter sauce), garlic or Creole crabs. justify the aforementioned excesses. For even heartier eaters, intimidating or pretentious, this cute café with a warm The Miami branch has outdoor tiki-hut dining. $-$$ there’s a changing buffet of daily specials and sides. $-$$ Continued on page 54

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 53 Dining guiDe

Restaurant Listings Magnum Lounge Moshi Moshi green tomatoes). Not surprisingly, the chef-driven menu is 709 NE 79th St., 305-757-3368 7232 Biscayne Blvd., 786-220-9404 limited, but several signature specialties, if available, are Continued from page 53 It’s a restaurant. It’s a lounge. But it’s decidedly not a typical This offspring of South Beach old-timer Moshi Moshi is a not to be missed: BBQ shrimp in a tangy Worcestershire and Miami restolounge, or like anything else in Miami. Forbidding cross between a sushi bar and an izakaya (Japanese tapas cayenne-spiked butter/wine sauce, irresistible mini conch spinach, rice noodles, and sizable slices of poultry. Health from the outside, on the inside it’s like a time-trip to a cabaret bar). Even more striking than the hip décor is the food’s fritters, and homemade ice cream. $$-$$$ ensured, you can the enjoy a guiltless pig-out on Fireballs: in pre-WWII Berlin: bordello-red décor, romantically dim light- unusually upscale quality. Sushi ranges from pristine indi- fried dumplings of chicken, cabbage, and egg, crusted with ing, show-tune live piano bar entertainment, and to match the vidual nigiri to over-the-top maki rolls. Tapas are intriguing, Revales Italian Ristorante quills -- really a delectable crunchy noodle mix. $ ambiance, elegantly updated retro food served with style and like arabiki sausage, a sweet-savory pork fingerling frank; 8601 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-1010 a smile. For those feeling flush, home-style fried chicken is just rarely found in restaurants even in Japan, they’re popular Owned by two couples (including former Village Café chef Jimmy’s East Side Diner like mom used to make — in her wildest dreams. $$$ Japanese home-cooking items. And rice-based plates like Marlon Reyes), this eclectic eatery occupies the former space 7201 Biscayne Blvd., 305-754-3692 Japanese curry (richer/sweeter than Indian types) satisfy of Frankie’s Big City Grill, and fulfills much the same purpose in Open for more than 30 years, Jimmy’s respects the most Metro Organic Bistro even the biggest appetites. $-$$$ the neighborhood as an all-day, family-friendly place with afford- important American diner tradition: Breakfast at any hour. 7010 Biscayne Blvd., 305-751-8756 able prices. The menu includes wraps and elaborate salads Admittedly the place closes at 4:00 p.m., but still. There Big changes have come to Karma the car wash, the first News Lounge of all nations. But simple yet sophisticated Italian specialties are blueberry hot cakes and pecan waffles; eggs any style, being a separate new name for the revamped restaurant: 5582 NE 4th Ct. like spaghetti ai fiume (with pancetta, tomato, garlic, basil, and including omelets and open-face frittatas; and a full range of Metro Organic Bistro, an all-organic fine-dining restaurant 305-758-9932, www.the55thststation.com a touch of cream) or yellowtail française (egg-battered, with sides: biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, hash, hash browns, where simple preparations reveal and enhance natural Mark Soyka’s new News is, as its name suggests, more a lemon-caper-wine sauce) are the must-haves here. $$-$$$ even hot oatmeal. Also available are traditional diner entrées flavors. An entirely new menu places emphasis on grilled friendly neighborhood hangout and watering hole than a (meat loaf, roast turkey, liver and onions), plus burgers, organic meat and fish dishes. Try the steak frites — organic, full-fledged eatery. Nevertheless the menu of light bites is — Royal Bavarian Schnitzel Haus salad platters, and homemade chicken soup. $-$$ grass-fed skirt steak with organic chimichurri and fresh-cut along with other lures like an inviting outdoor patio and rest 1085 NE 79th St., 305-754-8002 fries. Vegetarians will love the organic portabella foccacia. rooms that resemble eclectic art galleries — part of the reason With Christmas lights perpetually twinkling and party noises Kingdom Dine either inside the architect-designed restaurant or out- visitors stay for hours. Especially recommended are fat mini- emanating from a new outdoor biergarten, this German res- 6708 Biscayne Blvd. doors on the patio. Beer and wine. $-$$$ burgers with chipotle ketchup; a brie, turkey, and mango chut- taurant is owner Alex Richter’s one-man gentrification project, 305-757-0074 ney sandwich on crusty baguette; and what many feel is the transforming a formerly uninviting stretch of 79th Street one This indoor/outdoor sports bar serves low-priced but high- Michy’s original café’s Greatest Hit: creamy hummus with warm pita. $ pils at a time. The fare includes housemade sausages (mild quality steaks, plus more typical bar food that’s actually far 6927 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-2001 veal bratwurst, hearty mixed beef/pork bauernwurst, spicy from the usual processed stuff. Philly cheese steak sand- Don’t even ask why Michele Bernstein, with a top-chef One Sumo garlicwurst) with homemade mustard and catsup; savory yet wiches, big enough for two, are made from hand-sliced rib résumé, not to mention regular Food Network appearances, 7281 Biscayne Blvd., 305-758-7866 near-greaseless potato pancakes; and, naturally, schnitzels, eye; sides include fries and beer-battered onion rings, but opened a homey restaurant in an emerging but far from fully The conceptCLOSED here is fast-food Fitness -- capital “F” intended. a choice of delicate pounded pork, chicken, or veal patties also lightly lemony sautéed spinach. And the burgers rule, gentrified neighborhood. Just be glad she did, as you dine on In fact, though some call this minimalist space a smoothie served with a half-dozen different sauces. $$-$$$ particularly the Doomsday, a cheese/bacon/mushroom- white almond gazpacho or impossibly creamy ham and blue joint, its numerous drink blends (categorized by function topped two-pound monster that turns dinner into a competi- cheese croquetas. Though most full entrées also come in -- preworkout, low-glycemic, kid-pleasers, and more, all fruit- Soyka tive sport. No hard liquor, but the beer list makes up for it. half-size portions (at almost halved prices), the tab can add sweetened without added sugars) are deliberately termed 5556 NE 4th Court $$ up fast. The star herself is usually in the kitchen. Parking in shakes to differentiate them from not-necessarily healthy 305-759-3117, www.soykarestaurant.com the rear off 69th Street. $$$-$$$$ smoothies. Additionally there’s solid sustenance that goes This expansive, contemporary hangout was often credited Luna Café beyond standard gym snacks: Asian-inspired rice or low-carb with almost single-handedly sparking the revitalization of the 4770 Biscayne Blvd. Moonchine salad plates, topped with freshly flash-griddled beef, chicken, Biscayne Corridor’s Upper Eastside. Soyka remains a solid 305-573-5862 7100 Biscayne Blvd., 305-759-3999 seafood, or veggie teriyakis. $-$$ neighborhood restaurant that is a perfect fit for its area. www.lunacafemidtown.com Like its Brickell-area sibling Indochine, this friendly Asian Comfortably priced yuppie comfort food like meatloaf with The ground floor of the Wachovia Bank building may not bistro serves fare from three nations: Japan, Thailand, and Red Light mashed potatoes, crab cakes with spicy-sweet slaw, a wild seem a particularly evocative locale for an Italian eatery, but Vietnam. Menus are also similar, split between traditional 7700 Biscayne Blvd., 305-757-7773 mushroom/smoked mozzarella pizza, or a Cobb salad may not once inside, the charming décor and the staff’s ebullient wel- dishes like pad Thai and East/West fusion creations like the From the rustic al fresco deck of chef Kris Wessel’s inten- be revolutionary fare, but Soyka continues to thrive while more come indeed are reminiscent of a café in Italy. The kitchen’s Vampire sushi roll (shrimp tempura, tomato, cilantro, roasted tionally downwardly mobile retro-cool riverfront restaurant, ambitious, nationally publicized restaurants have come and outstanding feature is a brick oven, which turns out designer garlic). But it also carves out its own identity with original cre- you can enjoy regional wildlife like manatees while enjoying gone. Take-out orders and breakfast are now available. $$-$$$ pizzas and crisp-skinned roast chickens. Otherwise the menu ations, including yellow curry-spiced fried rice. Nearly every- eclectic regional dishes that range from cutting-edge (sour- holds few surprises – except the prices, unusually low for thing is low in sodium, fat, and calories. A large rear patio is orange-marinated, sous-vide-cooked Florida lobster with such a stylish place. No dish exceeds $22. $$-$$$ inviting for dining and entertainment. $$-$$$ sweet corn sauce) to comfort (crispy-breaded Old South fried Continued on page 55

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Restaurant Listings (who co-owns the place with attorney Abbie Cuellar) that are some unusual vegetarian sushi creations also tempt, as do in lobster cream sauce, black squid ink linguini heaped with homemade right down to the herbs grown on the bakery’s daily entrées. $ seafood. Though romantic enough for dates, the place is quite Continued from page 54 window sills. Bernardo’s pan con lechon sandwiches and kid-friendly — and on the terrace, they’ll even feed Fido. $$$ flaky-crusted Cuban pastries are legend. But she also crafts Mario the Baker Sushi Siam treats not found at average Cuban bakeries, like pizzas using 1700 79th St. Causeway, 305-867-7882 Tamarind Thai 5582 NE 4th Ct., 305-751-7818 housemade Indian naan bread. Additionally Bernardo carries (See North Miami listing) 946 Normandy Dr. On the menu of sushi-bar specialties plus a small selection unique treats produced by a few friends: candies, cupcakes, 305-861-6222, www.tamarindthai.us of Thai and Japanese cooked dishes, there are a few sur- and exotically flavored flans. $ Oggi Caffe When an eatery’s executive chef is best-selling Thai cookbook prises, such as a unique lobster maki that’s admittedly huge 1666 79th St. Causeway author Vatcharin Bhumichitr, you’d expect major media hype, in price ($25.95), but also in size: six ounces of crisp-fried 305-866-1238, www.oggicaffe.com fancy South Beach prices, and a fancy SoBe address. Instead lobster chunks, plus asparagus, avocado, lettuce, tobiko NORTH BAY VILLAGE This cozy, romantic spot started back in 1989 as a pasta Bhumichitr joined forces with Day Longsomboon (an old Thai (flying fish), masago (smelt) roes, and special sauces. Thai factory (supplying numerous high-profile restaurants) as well school pal who’d moved to Miami) at this unpretentious, dishes come with a choice of more than a dozen sauces, Bocados Ricos as a neighborhood eatery. And the wide range of budget- authentic (no sushi) neighborhood place. Some standout dishes ranging from traditional red or green curries to the inventive, 1880 79th St. Causeway; 305-864-4889 friendly, homemade pastas, made daily, remains the main here are featured in the chef’s latest tome, but with Tamarind’s such as an unconventional honey sauce. $$$ Tucked into a mall best known for its Happy Stork Lounge, draw for its large and loyal clientele. Choices range from very affordable prices, you might as well let the man’s impecca- this little luncheonette services big appetites. Along with the homey, meaty lasagna to luxuriant crab ravioli with creamy bly trained kitchen staff do the work for you. $$-$$$ UVA 69 usual grilled churrascos, there’s bandeja paisa, Colombia’s lobster sauce, with occasional forays into creative exotica 6900 Biscayne Blvd. sampler platter of grilled steak, sausage, chicharron, fried such as seaweed spaghettini, with sea scallops, shitakes, MIAMI SHORES 305-754-9022; www.uva-69.com egg, avocado, plantains, rice, and beans. Don’t miss margin- and fresh tomatoes. $$-$$$ Owned and operated by brothers Michael and Sinuhé ally daintier dishes like sopa de costilla, if this rich shortrib Iron Sushi Vega, this casual outdoor/indoor Euro-café and lounge bowl is among the daily homemade soups. Arepas include Shuckers Bar & Grill 9432 NE 2nd Ave., 305-754-0311 has helped to transform the Boulevard into a hip place to our favorite corn cake: the hefty Aura, stuffed with chorizo, 1819 79th St. Causeway, 305-866-1570 www.ironsushi.com hang out. Lunch includes a variety of salads and elegant chicharron, carne desmechada (shredded flank steak), plan- “Cheap eats and a million-dollar view” is the sound bite With three Biscayne Corridor outlets (plus several branches sandwiches like La Minuta (beer-battered mahi-mahi with tains, rice, beans, and cheese. $-$$ manager Philip Conklin uses to describe this outdoor beach elsewhere in town), this mostly take-out mini chain is fast cilantro aioli and caramelized onions on housemade foc- bar, hidden in back of a bayfront motel. The joint dates from becoming the Sushi Joint That Ate Miami. And why do Miamians cacia). Dinner features a range of small plates (poached figs The Crab House South Beach’s late 1980s revival, but the kick-off-your-shoes eat here? Not ambiance. There isn’t any. But when friends from with Gorgonzola cheese and honey balsamic drizzle) and full 1551 79th St. Causeway vibe couldn’t be farther from SoBe glitz. The food ranges the Pacific Northwest, where foodies know their fish, tout the entrées like sake-marinated salmon with boniato mash and 305-868-7085, www.crabhouseseafood.com from classic bar favorites (char-grilled wings, conch fritters, seafood’s freshness, we listen. There are some surprisingly Ponzu butter sauce, and crispy spinach. $$-$$$ Established in 1975, this Miami fish house was acquired by raw or steamed shellfish) to full dinners featuring steak, imaginative makis, like the Maharaja, featuring fried shrimp and Landry’s in 1996 and is now part of a chain. But the classic homemade pasta, or fresh, not frozen, fish. $-$$ drizzles of curry mayo. And where else will you find a stacked Ver-Daddys Taco Shop décor (knotty pine walls, tile floors, booths, outdoor waterfront sushi (five assorted makis) birthday cake? $-$$ 7501 Biscayne Blvd, 305-303-9755 deck) still evokes the good old days. Though the all-you-can-eat Sushi Siam At this soulful taco shop, the menu descriptions are in com- seafood/salad buffet ($20 lunch, $30 dinner) is a signature, 1524 NE 79th St. Causeway Côte Gourmet mon English (“cinnamon puffs” drizzled with honey and lime, freshness fanatics will be happiest sticking to à la carte favor- 305-864-7638 9999 NE 2nd Ave., #112, 305-754-9012 not “buñuelos”). But taco fillings range from ground beef and ites like the All-American fisherman’s platters, or global specials (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) If only every Miami neighborhood could have a neighborhood shredded chicken to more unusual pork in chili verde or Baja like Szechuan shrimp, that change seasonally. $$$-$$$$ restaurant like this low-priced little French jewel. The menu is battered fish (authentically garnished with Mexican crema mostly simple stuff: breakfast croissants, crêpe, soups, sand- and cilantro-spiked cabbage). And all offerings can be loaded Japanese Market and Sushi Deli NORTH BEACH wiches, salads, sweets, and a few more substantial specials with other garnishes from the kitchen (refried beans, cheese, 1412 79th St. Causeway, 305-861-0143 like a Tunisian-style brik (buttery phyllo pastry stuffed with tuna, crema) or less perishable offerings from a salsa bar. For the Inside a small market that is widely considered Miami’s Café Prima Pasta onions, potatoes, and tomatoes) with a mesclun side salad. But heath-minded, oils are nonhydrogenated, and sauces/season- premier source of Japanese foodstuffs, the “Sushi Deli” 414 71st St., 305-867-0106, www.primapasta.com everything is homemade, including all breads, and prepared ings are all housemade and free of preservatives. $ restaurant component is nothing more than a lunch counter. Opened in 1993 with 28 seats, this family-run landmark with impeccable ingredients, classic French technique, and But chef Michio Kushi serves up some sushi found nowhere has now taken over the block, with an outdoor terrace and meticulous attention to detail, down to the stylish plaid ribbons Yiya’s Gourmet Cuban Bakery else in town. Example: traditional Osaka-style sushi – layers multi-roomed indoor space whose walls are full of photos of that hold together the café’s baguette sandwiches. $-$$ 646 NE 79th St., 305-754-3337 of rice, seasoned seaweed, and marinated fresh mackerel, their clientele, including national and local celebs. Particularly A true community jewel, this bakery is also a most welcom- pressed into a square box, then cut into lovely one-bite popular are homemade pastas, sauced with Argentine-Italian ing café, serving lunch specials from chef Delsa Bernardo sandwich squares. While raw fish is always impeccable here, indulgence rather than Italian simplicity: crabmeat ravioletti Continued on page 56

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February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 55 Dining guiDe

smoker turns out mild-tasting ’cue that ranges from the Casa Mia Trattoria supplements. But the place’s hearty soups, large variety of Restaurant Listings expected pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and chicken to hot- 1950 NE 123rd St. entrées (including fresh fish and chicken as well as vegetar- Continued from page 55 smoked salmon and veggie plates. There are also creative 305-899-2770 ian selections), lighter bites like miso burgers with secret comfort food starters like BBQ chicken flatbread, salads, and Tucked away, off to the side on the approach to the Broad “sun sauce” (which would probably make old sneakers taste sweets. Sides include refreshing slaw; beans studded with Causeway and the beaches, this charming indoor/outdoor good), and daily specials are a tastier way to get healthy. An Village Café “burnt ends” (the most intensely flavored outer barbecue trattoria seems to attract mostly neighborhood regulars. under-ten-buck early-bird dinner is popular with the former 9540 NE 2nd Ave., 305-759-2211 chunks); and sweet potato or chipotle-spiced fries. The cost But even newcomers feel like regulars after a few minutes, long-hair, now blue-hair, crowd. Frozen yogurt, fresh juices, After closing for several months in early 2009, this café, is comparatively high, but such is the price of fame. $$-$$$ thanks to the staff’s Italian ebullience. Menu offerings are and smoothies complete the menu. $-$$ spruced up to look like a bistro rather than a luncheonette mostly classic comfort foods with some contemporary items (but with the same bargain prices), has been reopened. The Burritos Grill Café as well. Housemade pastas are good enough that low-carb Le Griot de Madame John kitchen has also been rejuvenated, with head honcho Adam 11717 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1041 dieters should take a break, especially for the tender gnoc- 975 NE 125th St., 305-892-9333 Holm (Whitticar’s original sous chef) serving up new, globally www.burritosgrillcafe chi with pesto or better yet, delicate fagottini — “beggar’s When Madame moved her base of operations from her Little influenced dishes like mint/pistachio-crusted lamb or tuna Originally a friendly little 125th Street hole-in-the-wall that purses” stuffed with pears and cheese. $$ Haiti home to a real restaurant (though a very informal one, tartare with sriracha aioli, plus reviving old favorites like pork garnered raves for its limited menu of terrifically tasty treats, and still mostly take-out), she began offering numerous tra- tenderloin with ginger-caramel sauce. $$-$$$ Mario and Karina Manzanero’s café is now in more sizable Chéen-huyae ditional Haitian dishes, including jerked beef or goat tassot and atmospheric quarters. But the friendly, family-run (and 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-956-2808 and an impressive poisson gros sel (a whole fish rubbed with kid-friendly) ambiance remains, as do the authentic Yucatan- Diners can get some Tex-Mex dishes here, if they must. But salt before poaching with various veggies and spices). But NORTH MIAMI style specialties. Standouts include poc-chuc, a marinated the specialty is Mayan-rooted Yucatan cuisine. So why blow the dish that still packs the place is the griot: marinated pork pork loin; tacos al pastor, stuffed with subtly smoky steak, bucks on burritos when one can sample Caribbean Mexico’s chunks simmered and then fried till they’re moistly tender Los Antojos onion, cilantro, and pineapple; sinful deep-fried tacos dora- most typical dish: cochinita pibil? Chéen’s authentically inside, crisp and intensely flavored outside. $ 11099 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-1411 dos; and signature burritos, including the Maya, filled with succulent version of the pickle-onion-topped marinated If it’s Sunday, it must be sancocho de gallina, Colombia’s juicy cochinita pibil, refried beans, and pickled onions. $$ pork dish is earthily aromatic from achiote, tangy from bit- Little Havana national dish. If it’s Saturday, it must be ajiaco. Both are thick ter oranges, and meltingly tender from slow cooking in a 12727 Biscayne Blvd., 305-899-9069 chicken soups, full meals in a bowl. For Colombian-cuisine Canton Café banana leaf wrap. To accompany, try a lime/soy/chili-spiced www.littlehavanarestaurant.com novices, a bandeja paisa (sampler including rice, beans, 12749 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2882 michelada, also authentically Mexican, and possibly the best In addition to white-tablecoth ambiance, this place features carne asada, chicharron, eggs, sautéed sweet plantains, and Easily overlooked, this strip-mall spot serves mostly thing that ever happened to dark beer. $$-$$$ live Latin entertainment and dancing, making it a good an arepa corn cake) is available every day, as are antojitos – Cantonese-based dishes. However, there are also about two choice when diners want a night out, not just a meal. It’s “little whims,” smaller snacks like chorizo con arepa (a corn dozen spicier, Szechuan-style standards like kung po shrimp, Chef Creole also a good choice for diners who don’t speak Spanish, but cake with Colombian sausage). And for noncarnivores there ma po tofu, and General Tso’s chicken. And there are a 13105 W. Dixie Hwy. don’t worry about authenticity. Classic Cuban home-style are several hefty seafood platters, made to order. $$ few imaginative new items, like the intriguingly christened 305-893-4246 dishes like mojo-marinated lechon asado, topped with “Shrimp Lost in the Forest,” Singapore curried rice noodles, (See Miami listing) onions, and juicy ropa vieja are translated on the menu, not Bagels & Co. crispy shrimp with honey-glazed walnuts, and Mongolian the plate, and fancier creations like pork filet in tangy tama- 11064 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-2435 beef (with raw chilis and fresh Oriental basil). Delivery is D.J.’s Diner rind sauce seem universal crowd-pleasers. $$$ While this place is often referred to as Guns & Bagels, one can’t available for both lunch and dinner. $$ 12210 Biscayne Blvd., 305-893-5250 actually buy a gun here. The nickname refers to its location next Located in a Best Western motel, this place, run by a Mama Jennie’s to a firearms shop. But there’s a lot of other stuff aside from Captain Jim’s Seafood Chinese-American family, serves mostly basic American 11720 NE 2nd Ave., 305-757-3627 bagels here, including a full range of sandwiches and wraps. 12950 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-892-2812 diner fare – burgers, sandwiches, about a dozen dinner For more than 35 years this beloved red-sauce joint has been Breakfast time is busy time, with banana-walnut pancakes This market/restaurant was garnering critical acclaim even entrées, fresh-baked apple pie, and, oddly, a whole section drawing students and other starvation-budget diners with especially popular. But what’s most important is that this is when eat-in dining was confined to a few Formica tables in of Caesar salad variations. But it’s also a secret source for prodigious portions of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs (the one of the area’s few sources of the real, New York-style water front of the fish counter, owing to the freshness of its sea- Chinese food, mostly chow mien/chop suey-type dishes, but latter savory yet light-textured), veal marsala topped with a bagel: crunchy outside, challengingly chewy inside. $ food, much of it from Capt. Jim Hanson’s own fishing boats, also a few dishes such as eggplant with garlic sauce and ma mountain of mushrooms, and other Italian-American belly- which supply many top restaurants. Now there’s a casual but po tofu that are a step up in authenticity. $-$$ busters. All pasta or meat entrées come with oil-drenched gar- Bulldog Barbecue pleasantly nautical side dining room with booths. Whether lic rolls and either soup (hearty minestrone) or a salad (mixed 15400 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-9655 it’s garlicky scampi, smoked-fish dip, grilled yellowtail or Here Comes the Sun greens, tomatoes, cukes, brined olives, and pickled peppers) www.bulldog-bbq.com hog or mutton snapper, perfectly tenderized cracked conch 2188 NE 123rd St, 305-893-5711 The BBQ master at this small, rustic room is pugnacious or conch fritters, everything is deftly prepared and bargain- At this friendly natural foods establishment, one of Top Chef contender Howie Kleinberg, whose indoor electric priced. $$ Miami’s first, there’s a full stock of vitamins and nutritional Continued on page 57

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Restaurant Listings Steve’s Pizza fast-food joint, and new owners have done little to change Chipotle Mexican Grill 12101 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-0202 the time-tested formula except to stretch operating hours 14776 Biscayne Blvd. Continued from page 56 At the end of a debauched night of excess, some paper-thin into the night and expand its classic menu to include a few 305-947-2779, www.chipotle.com designer pizza with wisps of smoked salmon (or similar fluff) health-conscious touches like Caesar salad, plus a note Proving that national fast-food chains don’t have to be bad for that’s a dinner in itself. Rustic roadhouse ambiance, notably doesn’t do the trick. Open till 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., Steve’s has, proclaiming their oils are free of trans fats. Otherwise the either diners or the environment, Chipotle serves what the com- the red leatherette booths, add to Mama’s charm. $-$$ since 1974, been serving the kind of comforting, retro pizzas famous steak sandwich is still a traditional Philly. Drippin’ pany calls “food with integrity.” The fare is simple, basically tacos people crave at that hour. As in Brooklyn, tomato sauce is good burgers, too. And unlike MacChain addicts, patrons and big burritos: soft flour or crisp corn tortillas stuffed with chipo- Mario the Baker sweet, with strong oregano flavor. Mozzarella is applied with here can order a cold beer with the good grease. $-$$ tle-marinated steak or chicken chunks, bolder shredded beef bar- 13695 W. Dixie Highway abandon. Toppings are stuff that give strength: pepperoni, bacoa, or herb-scented pork carnitas. But these bites contain no 305-891-7641 sausage, meatballs, onions, and peppers. $ evil ingredients (transfats, artificial color/flavor, antibiotics, growth www.mariothebakerpizza.com NORTH MIAMI BEACH hormones). And the food, while not the authentic Mex street stuff At this North Miami institution (opened in 1969) food is Tokyo Bowl dreams are made of, is darned tasty, too. $ Italian-American, not Italian-Italian: spaghetti and meatballs, 12295 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-9400 Bamboo Garden lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and hot or cold subs. No This fast-food drive-thru (unexpectedly serene inside) is 1232 NE 163rd St., 305-945-1722 Christine’s Roti Shop imported buffala, arugula, or other chichi stuff on the New named for its feature item, big budget-priced bowls of rice or Big enough for a banquet (up to 300 guests), this vet- 16721 NE 6th Ave., 305-770-0434 York-style medium-thin-crusted pizzas; the top topping noodles topped with cooked Japanese-style items like teriyaki eran is many diners’ favorite on the 163rd/167th Street Wraps are for wimps. At this small shop run by Christine here is the savory housemade sausage. And no one leaves fish (fresh fish sautéed with vegetables), curried chicken and “Chinatown” strip because of its superior décor. But the Gouvela, originally from British Guyana, the wrapper is a far without garlic rolls, awash in warm parsley oil and smashed veggies, spicy shrimp, or gyoza dumplings in tangy sauce. menu also offers well-prepared, authentic dishes like more substantial and tasty roti, a Caribbean mega-crepe garlic. New branches are now open in Miami’s Midtown There’s also an all-you-can-eat deal – sushi (individual nigiri or peppery black bean clams, sautéed mustard greens, and made from chickpea flour. Most popular filling for the flat- neighborhood and in North Bay Village. $ maki rolls) plus tempura, teriyaki, and other cooked items for steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions, plus Chinese- bread is probably jerk chicken, bone-in pieces in a spiced stew $14; three bucks more for sashimi instead of sushi. $-$$ American egg foo young. Default spicing is mild even in of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and more chickpeas. Petit Rouge Szechuan dishes marked with red-chili icons, but don’t worry; But there are about a dozen other curries from which to 12409 Biscayne Blvd., 305-892-7676 Venezia Pizza and Café realizing some like it hot, the chefs will customize spiciness choose. Take-out packages of plain roti are also available; From the mid-1990s (with Neal’s Restaurant and later with 13452 Biscayne Blvd., 305-940-1808 to heroic heat levels upon request. $$ they transform myriad leftovers into tasty, portable lunches. $ Il Migliore), local chef Neal Cooper’s neighborhood-oriented No frozen pizza crusts or watery mozzarella here. No import- Italian eateries have been crowd-pleasers. While this cute ed designer ingredients either. The pies are New York-style, Blue Marlin Fish House El Gran Inka 32-seat charmer is French, it’s no exception, avoiding pre- but the dough is made fresh daily, and the cheese is Grande 2500 NE 163rd St. 3155 NE 163rd St. tense and winning fans with both classic and nouvelle bistro (from Wisconsin, considered America’s finest pizza topper). 305-957-8822 305-940-4910, www.graninka.com fare: frisée salad with lardons, poached egg, and bacon vin- Also on the menu are Italian-American pastas, a large selec- Located inside Oleta River State Park, this casual outdoor Though diners at this upscale Peruvian eatery will find cevi- aigrette; truite Grenobloise (trout with lemon/caper sauce); tion of hot an cold subs, simple salads, and a few new pro- eatery is a rare surprise for nature lovers. The featured item is ches, a hefty fried-seafood jalea, and Peru’s other expected consommé with black truffles and foie gras, covered by a tein adds – grilled chicken breast, fried fish, or a steak. $-$$ still the house-smoked fish this historic venue began produc- traditional specialties, all presented far more elegantly than buttery puff pastry dome; perfect pommes frites, and equally ing in 1938, available in three varieties: salmon, mahi mahi, most in town, the contemporary Peruvian fusion creations perfect apple or lemon tarts for dessert. $$$ Wong’s Chinese Restaurant and the signature blue marlin. But the smokehouse now also are unique. Especially recommended are two dishes adapted 12420 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-4313 turns out ribs and delectable brisket. Other new additions from recipes by Peru’s influential nikkei (Japanese/Creole) Sara’s The menu reads like a textbook on how to please everyone, include weekend fish fries. Entry is directly from 163rd Street, chef Rosita Yimura: an exquisite, delicately sauced tiradito de 2214 NE 123rd St. with food ranging from traditional Chinese to Chinese-American not through the main park entrance. No admission fee. $ corvina, and for those with no fear of cholesterol, pulpo de 305-891-3312 to just plain American. Appetizers include honey garlic chicken oliva (octopus topped with rich olive sauce). $$$-$$$$ www.saraskosherpizza.com wings or Buffalo wings. A crab-claw starter comes with choice China Restaurant While this mainly vegetarian kosher place is best known of pork fried rice or French fries. Seafood lovers can get shrimp 178 NE 167th St. Hanna’s Gourmet Diner for its pizza (New York-style medium crust or thick-crusted chop suey, or salty pepper shrimp (authentically shell-on). And 305-947-6549 13951 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-2255 Sicilian, topped with veggies and/or “meat buster” imitation New Yorkers will find a number of dishes that are mainstays of When you have a yen for the Americanized Chinese fusion When Sia and Nicole Hemmati bought the Gourmet Diner meats), it’s also offers a full range of breakfast/lunch/dinner Manhattan Szechuan menus but not common in Miami: cold dishes you grew up with, all the purist regional Chinese cuisine from retiring original owner Jean-Pierre Lejeune in the late vegetarian cuisine of all nations, with many dairy and sea- sesame noodles, Hunan chicken, twice-cooked pork. $$ in the world won’t scratch the itch. So the menu here, contain- 1990s, they added “Hanna’s” to the name, but changed little food items too. Admittedly the cutesie names of many items ing every authentically inauthentic Chinese-American classic else about this retro-looking French/American diner, a north – baygels, bergerrbite, Cezarrrr salad, hammm, meat-a-ball, Woody’s Famous Steak Sandwich you could name, is just the ticket when nostalgia strikes – Miami-Dade institution since 1983. Customers can get a schmopperrr – may cause queasiness. But the schmopperrr 13105 Biscayne Blvd., 305-891-1451 from simple egg rolls to pressed almond duck (majorly bread- itself is one helluva high-octane veggie burger. $-$$ The griddle has been fired up since 1954 at this indie ed boneless chunks, with comfortingly thick gravy). $-$$ Continued on page 58 Buena Vista Bistro

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

Patio Open Weekends

4582 NE 2nd Ave ● 305.456.5909

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 57 Dining guiDe

Restaurant Listings with a variety of sides, but even a common falafel sandwich is Chinatown-style baked buns and other savory pastries, filled back to France. As authentic as the boulangerie breads are, special when the pita is also stuffed with housemade cabbage with roast pork, bean sauce, and curried ground beef. Prices the patisserie items like flan normande are just as evocative. Continued from page 57 and onion salads, plus unusually rich and tart tahina. $-$$ are under a buck, making them an exotic alternative to fast- For eat-in diners, quite continental soups, salads, and sand- food dollar meals. There’s one table for eat-in snackers. $ wiches are equally and dependably French. $$ cheeseburger or garlicky escargots, meatloaf in tomato sauce Kabobji or boeuf bourguignon in red wine sauce, iceberg lettuce and 3055 NE 163rd St., 305-354-8484 The Melting Pot Pizza Fusion tomatoes, or a mushroom and squid salad with garlic dress- www.EatKabobji.com 15700 Biscayne Blvd. 14815 Biscayne Blvd. ing. For oysters Rockefeller/tuna-melt couples from Venus and This place makes a very good tahini sauce. In fact that alone is 305-947-2228, www.meltingpot.com 305-405-6700, www.pizzafusion.com Mars, it remains the ideal dinner date destination. $$-$$$ reason enough to visit. We prefer ours with this bright, cheery For 1950s and 1960s college students, fondue pots were “Saving the earth one pizza at a time” is the motto at this eatery’s delightfully oniony falafel or a veg-garnished wrap of standard dorm accessories. These days, however, branches franchise of the only pizza chain to require third-party Hiro Japanese Restaurant thin-sliced marinated beef schwarma. They also do a beautifully of this chain are generally the only places to go for this organic restaurant certification at all locations. Their gluten- 3007 NE 163rd St., 305-948-3687 spiced, and reassuringly fresh-tasting, raw kibbi naye (Middle eating experience. Start with a wine-enriched four-cheese free crusts make it mighty friendly to pizza fanatics with food One of Miami’s first sushi restaurants, Hiro retains an amus- Eastern steak tartare). It’s hard to resist putting together a fondue; proceed to an entrée with meat or seafood, plus allergies. Starters, salads, desserts, and organic wines/beers ing retro-glam feel, an extensive menu of both sushi and grazing meal of starters and wraps, but there’s also a roster of choice of cooking potion (herbed wine, bouillon, or oil); finish are also served. And delivery is available — in hybrid cars, cooked Japanese food, and late hours that make it a peren- full entrées (with soup or salad plus starch), including tempting with fruits and cakes dipped in melted chocolate. Fondue of course. Specials unique to this NMB franchise include nially popular after-hours snack stop. The sushi menu has vegetarian and seafood meals for noncarnivores. $$ etiquette dictates that diners who drop a skewer in the pot Sunday-Thursday happy hours, a free Kids Organic Club few surprises, but quality is reliable. Most exceptional are must kiss all other table companions, so go with those you class on Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m., and varied Monday- the nicely priced yakitori, skewers of succulently soy-glazed Kebab Indian Restaurant love. $$$ Wednesday freebies. $-$$ and grilled meat, fish, and vegetables; the unusually large 514 NE 167th St. variety available of the last makes this place a good choice 305-940-6309 Oishi Thai PK Oriental Mart for vegetarians. $$ Since the 1980s this restaurant, located in an unatmospheric 14841 Biscayne Blvd. 255 NE 167th St., 305-654-9646 mini strip mall but surprisingly romantic inside (especially if you 305-947-4338, www.oishithai.com Unlike other Asian markets on this strip between I-95 and Hiro’s Sushi Express grab one of the exotically draped booths) has been a popular At this stylish Thai/sushi spot, try the menu of specials, Biscayne Boulevard, PK has a prepared-food counter, serv- 17048 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-949-0776 destination for reasonably priced north Indian fare. Kormas are many of which clearly reflect the young chef’s fanatical ing authentic Chinatown barbecue, with appropriate dipping Tiny, true, but there’s more than just sushi at this mostly properly soothing and vindaloos are satisfactorily searing, but devotion to fresh fish, as well as the time he spent in the sauces included. Weekends bring the biggest selection, take-out spin-off of the pioneering Hiro. Makis are the main- the kitchen will adjust seasonings upon request. They aim to kitchen of Knob: broiled miso-marinated black cod; rock including barbecued ribs and pa pei duck (roasted, then stay (standard stuff like California rolls, more complex cre- please. Food arrives unusually fast for an Indian eatery, too. $$ shrimp tempura with creamy sauce; even Nobu Matsuhisa’s deep-fried till extra crisp and nearly free of subcutaneous ations like multi-veg futomaki, and a few unexpected treats “new style sashimi” (slightly surface-seared by drizzles of fat). Available every day are juicy, soy-marinated roast chick- like a spicy Crunch & Caliente maki), available à la carte or King Palace hot olive and sesame oil). The specials menu includes some ens, roast pork strips, crispy pork, and whole roast ducks – in value-priced individual and party combo platters. But there 330 NE 167th St., 305-949-2339 Thai-inspired creations, too, such as veal massaman curry, hanging, beaks and all. But no worries; a counterperson will are also bento boxes featuring tempura, yakitori skewers, The specialties here are authentic Chinatown-style barbecue Chilean sea bass curry, and sizzling filet mignon with basil chop your purchase into bite-size, beakless pieces. $ teriyaki, stir-fried veggies, and udon noodles. Another branch (whole ducks, roast pork strips, and more, displayed in a glass sauce. $$$-$$$$ is now open in Miami’s Upper Eastside. $ case by the door), and fresh seafood dishes, the best made Racks Italian Bistro and Market with the live fish swimming in two tanks by the dining room Panya Thai 3933 NE 163rd St. (Intracoastal Mall) Hiro’s Yakko-San entrance. There’s also a better-than-average selection of sea- 520 NE 167th St., 305-945-8566 305-917-7225 17040 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-947-0064 sonal Chinese veggies. The menu is extensive, but the best Unlike authentic Chinese cuisine, there’s no shortage of The complexity of the Racks concept makes a sound-bite descrip- After sushi chefs close up their own restaurants for the night, ordering strategy, since the place is usually packed with Asians, genuine Thai food in and around Miami. But Panya’s chef/ tion impossible. It’s part Italian market, with salumi, cheeses, many come here for a rare taste of Japanese home cooking, is to see what looks good on nearby tables, and point. $$ owner, a Bangkok native, offers numerous regional and/ and other artisan products plus take-out prepared foods; part served in grazing portions. Try glistening-fresh strips of raw tuna or rare dishes not found elsewhere. Plus he doesn’t auto- enoteca (wine bar, featuring snacks like addictive Portobello fritti can be had in maguro nuta – mixed with scallions and dressed Lime Fresh Mexican Grill matically curtail the heat or sweetness levels to please with truffle aioli, especially enjoyable on the waterfront deck); with habit-forming honey-miso mustard sauce. Other favorites 14831 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-8800 Americans. Among the most intriguing: moo khem phad wan part ristorante (pastas and other Big Food); part pizzeria. What’s include goma ae (wilted spinach, chilled and dressed in sesame (See Midtown / Wynwood / Design District listing) (chewy deep-fried seasoned pork strips with fiery tamarind important: All components feel and taste authentically Italian. sauce), garlic stem and beef (mild young shoots flash-fried with dip, accompanied by crisp green papaya salad); broad rice Just don’t miss the coal-oven pizza. Superior toppings (including tender steak bits), or perhaps just-caught grouper with hot/ Laurenzo’s Market Café noodles stir-fried with eye-opening chili/garlic sauce and unusually zesty tomato sauce) plus an astonishingly light yet sweet/tangy chili sauce. Open till around 3:00 a.m. $$ 16385 W. Dixie Hwy. fresh Thai basil; and chili-topped Diamond Duck in tangy chewy crust make Racks’ pies a revelation. $$ 305-945-6381, www.laurenzosmarket.com tamarind sauce. $$-$$$ Heelsha It’s just a small area between the wines and the fridge Roasters & Toasters 1550 NE 164th St. counters – no potted palms, and next-to-no service in this Paquito’s 18515 NE 18th Ave. 305-919-8393 cafeteria-style space. But when negotiating this international 16265 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-5027 305-830-3354 www.heelsha.com gourmet market’s packed shelves and crowds has depleted From the outside, this strip-mall Mexican eatery couldn’t be Attention ex-New Yorkers: Is your idea of food porn one of the If unusual Bangladeshi dishes like fiery pumpkin patey your energies, it’s a handy place to refuel with eggplant easier to overlook. Inside, however, its festivity is impossible Carnegie Deli’s mile-high pastrami sandwiches? Well, Roasters (cooked with onion, green pepper, and pickled mango) or parmesan and similar Italian-American classics, housemade to resist. Every inch of wall space seems to be covered with will dwarf them. Consider the “Carnegie-style” monster contain- Heelsha curry (succulently spiced hilsa, Bangladesh’s sweet- from old family recipes. Just a few spoonfuls of Wednesday’s South of the Border knickknacks. And if the kitschy décor ing, according to the menu, a full pound of succulent meat fleshed national fish) seem familiar, it’s because chef/owner hearty pasta fagiole, one of the daily soup specials, could alone doesn’t cheer you, the quickly arriving basket of fresh (really 1.4 pounds; we weighed it), for a mere 15 bucks. All the Bithi Begum and her husband Tipu Raman once served such keep a person shopping for hours. And now that pizza mas- (not packaged) taco chips, or the mariachi band, or the other Jewish deli classics are here too, including perfectly sour fare at the critically acclaimed Renaisa. Their menu’s mix-and- ter Carlo is manning the wood-fired oven, you can sample knockout margaritas will. Food ranges from Tex-Mex burritos pickles, silky hand-sliced nova or lox, truly red-rare roast beef, match option allows diners to pair their choice of meat, poul- the thinnest, crispiest pies outside Napoli. $-$$ and a party-size fajita platter to authentic Mexican moles and the cutest two-bite mini-potato pancakes ever — eight per try, fish, or vegetable with more than a dozen regional sauces, and harder-to-find traditional preparations like albóndigas – order, served with sour cream and applesauce. $$ from familiar Indian styles to exotica like satkara, flavored with Little Saigon spicy, ultra-savory meatballs. $$-$$$ a Bangladeshi citrus reminiscent of sour orange. $$-$$$ 16752 N. Miami Ave., 305-653-3377 Sang’s Chinese Restaurant This is Miami’s oldest traditional Vietnamese restaurant, Pasha’s 1925 NE 163rd St. Iron Sushi but it’s still packed most weekend nights. So even the 14871 Biscayne Blvd., 786-923-2323 305-947-7076 16350 W. Dixie Hwy., 305-945-2244 place’s biggest negative – its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere, www.pashas.com Sang’s has three menus. The pink menu is Americanized (See Miami Shores listing)? not encouraging of lingering visits – becomes a plus since it (See Miami: Brickell / Downtown listing) Chinese food, from chop suey to honey garlic chicken. The ensures fast turnover. Chef/owner Lily Tao is typically in the white menu permits the chef to show off his authentic Jerusalem Market and Deli kitchen, crafting green papaya salad, flavorful beef noodle Paul Bakery Café Chinese fare: salt and pepper prawns, rich beef/turnip 16275 Biscayne Blvd. pho (served with greens, herbs, and condiments that make 14861 Biscayne Blvd. casserole, tender salt-baked chicken, even esoterica like 305-948-9080 it not just a soup but a whole ceremony), and many other 305-940-4443 abalone with sea cucumber. The extensive third menu offers Specialties like shawarma, spinach pies, kebabs, hummus, Vietnamese classics. The menu is humongous. $-$$ www.paulusa.com dim sum, served until 4:00 p.m. A live tank allows seasonal and kibbeh (a savory mix of ground lamb and bulgur) are From one rural shop in 1889, the French bakery known seafood dishes like lobster with ginger and scallion. Recently native to many Middle East countries, but when a Lebanese Mary Ann Bakery simply as Paul has grown to a worldwide chain, which fortu- installed: a Chinese barbecue case, displaying savory items chef/owner, like this eatery’s Sam Elzoor, is at the helm, you 1284 NE 163rd St., 305-945-0333 nately chose to open its first U.S. outlet in our town. One bite like crispy pork with crackling attached. $$$ can expect extraordinary refinement. There are elaborate Don’t be unduly alarmed by the American birthday cakes in of the crusty peasant loaf, the olive-studded fougasse, or daily specials here, like lemon chicken or stuffed cabbage the window. At this small Chinese bakery the real finds are the another of the signature artisan breads transports you right Continued on page 59

58 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010 Dining guiDe

Restaurant Listings AVENTURA / MIAMI GARDENS would coast on their backlog of tried-and-true dishes. And it’s pastry bites suggest, and the massive size of the succulent, doubtful that kindly Allen Susser would freak out his many sufficiently fatty pastrami sandwiches confirm, generous Continued from page 58 regulars by eliminating from the menu the Bahamian lobster Jewish Mo(m) spirit shines here. $$ Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza and crab cakes. But lobster-lovers will find that the 20th Shing Wang Vegetarian, Icee & Tea House 17901 Biscayne Blvd. anniversary menus also offer new excitements like tandoori- Pilar 237 NE 167th St., 305-654-4008 305-830-2625, www.anthonyscoalfiredpizza.com spiced rock lobster, along with what might be the ultimate 20475 Biscayne Blvd. www.shingwangrestaurant.com Coal is what it’s all about here — a coal-fired oven (like that mac’n’cheese: lobster crab macaroni in a Fris vodka sauce 305-937-2777, www.pilarrestaurant.com At this unique Taiwanese eatery, run by a trio of Taipei- at Lombardi’s, Patsy’s, John’s, or Grimaldi’s in New York) with mushrooms, scallions, and parmesan. The famous des- Chef/owner Scott Fredel previously worked for Norman Van trained female chefs, all seafood, poultry, and meats in producing the intense 800-degree heat to turn out, in mere sert soufflé’s flavor changes daily, but it always did. $$$$$ Aken and Mark Militello. He has been executive chef at the budget-priced entrées ($6.95) are mock – imitations minutes, a pie with the classic thin, crisp-bottomed, beauti- Rumi, and cooked at NYC’s James Beard House. Armed with made from wheat gluten, tofu, and vegetables. But don’t fully char-bubbled crust that fans of the above legendary Il Migliore those impressive credentials, Fredel and his wife launched mock it till you try the quite beefy pepper steak, or smokin’ pizzerias crave. Expect neither bargain-chain prices, a huge 2576 NE Miami Gardens Dr. Pilar (named for Hemingway’s boat) aiming to prove that duck, with slices that mimic the charcuterie item down to selection of toppings, nor much else on the menu. Anthony’s 305-792-2902 top restaurants can be affordable. Consider it proven. convincing faux fat. Other main dishes feature recogniz- does just a few things, and does them right. $$ Chef Neal Cooper’s attractive trattoria gets the food right, as Floribbean-style seafood is the specialty: fresh hearts of able veggies or noodles. As for the rest of the name: icee well as the ambiance. As in Italy, dishes rely on impeccable palm slaw and Caribbean curry sauce, rock shrimp spring is shaved ice, an over-the-top dessert that’s a sort of a Bagel Cove Restaurant & Deli ingredients and straightforward recipes that don’t overcom- rolls with sweet soy glaze, yellowtail snapper with tomato- slurpee sundae, with toppings that vary from the familiar 19003 Biscayne Blvd., 305-935-4029 plicate, cover up, or otherwise muck about with that perfec- herb vinaigrette. Forget its strip-mall location. The restaurant (fresh fruits) to the weird (grass jelly, sweet corn, kidney One word: flagels. And no, that’s not a typo. Rather these tion. Fresh fettuccine with white truffle oil and mixed wild itself is elegant. $$-$$$ beans, rice balls, chocolate pudding). And the bubble tea is crusty, flattened specimens (poppy seed or sesame seed) mushrooms needs nothing else. Neither does the signature a must-not-miss. Using housemade syrup, the cold, refresh- are the ultimate bagel/soft pretzel hybrid -- and a specialty Pollo Al Mattone, marinated in herbs and cooked under a Pizza Roma ing boba comes in numerous flavors (mango, taro, even at this bustling Jewish bakery/deli, which, since 1988, brick. And even low-carb dieters happily go to hell in a hand 19090 NE 29th Ave., 305-937-4884 actual tea), all supplemented with signature black tapioca opens at 6:30 a.m. -- typically selling out of flagels in a basket when faced with a mound of potatoes alla Toscana, Despite its name, this homey hidden eatery serves not balls that, slurped through large-diameter straws, are a couple of hours. Since you’re up early anyway, sample elabo- herb-sprinkled French fries. $$-$$$ Rome’s wood-cooked, crunchy-crusted pizzas but New York- guaranteed giggle. $ rately garnished breakfast specials, including unusually fla- style pies with medium-thick crusts pliable enough to fold in vorful homemade corned beef hash and eggs. For the rest of Mahogany Grille half for neat street eating. Unlike chains, though, this indie is Siam Square the day, multitudes of mavens devour every other delectable 2190 NW 183rd St., 305-626-8100 accommodating, so if you want your crust thin and crisp, just 54 NE 167th St., 305-944-9697 deli specialty known to humankind. $$ Mahogany Grille has drawn critical raves and an interna- ask. Also featured are Italian-American entrées like baked Open until 1:00 a.m. every day except Sunday (when is clos- tional clientele since retired major league outfielder Andre manicotti (that’s “mani-goat”, for those not from NJ) big es at midnight), this relatively new addition to North Miami Bar Rosso Dawson and his brother transformed this place in 2007. enough to share, and sub sandwiches, here called “bullets,” Beach’s “Chinatown” strip has become a popular late-night 19004 NE 29th Ave., 305-933-3418 Today it’s white tablecloths and, naturally, mahogany. The to put you in a Sopranos frame of mind. $$ gathering spot for chefs from other Asian restaurants. And www.barrosso.com menu is a sort of trendy yet traditional soul fusion of food why not? The food is fresh, nicely presented, and reasonably Bar Rosso calls itself a “vinoteca,” and we’d agree the from several African diaspora regions: Carolina Low Country The Soup Man priced. The kitchen staff is willing to customize dishes upon snappy, made-up word suits this casually stylish wine bar (buttery cheese grits with shrimp, sausage, and cream 20475 Biscayne Blvd. #G-8305-466-9033 request, and the serving staff is reliably fast. Perhaps most and restaurant, where the fare is Italian, American, and gravy), the Caribbean (conch-packed fritters or salad), and The real soup man behind this franchise is Al Yeganeh, an important, karaoke equipment is in place when the mood Italian-American. There are plenty of pastas and wood-grilled the Old South (lightly buttermilk-battered fried chicken). The antisocial Manhattan restaurant proprietor made notorious, strikes. $-$$ meat and fish entrées, but artfully garnished cured meat chicken is perhaps Miami’s best. $$-$$$ on a Seinfeld episode, as “the soup Nazi.” On the menu: ten or cheese selections and small plates are the best way to different premium soups each day. The selection is carefully Scorch Grillhouse and Wine Bar sample chef Josh Medina’s creativity, from espresso-braised Mo’s Bagels & Deli balanced among meat/poultry-based and vegetarian; clear 13750 Biscayne Blvd., 305-949-5588 short ribs to salad specials like fresh golden beets with 2780 NE 187th St. and creamy (like the eatery’s signature shellfish-packed lob- www.scorchgrillhouse.com grilled radicchio, goat cheese, arugula, and a unique cumin- 305-936-8555 ster bisque); chilled and hot; familiar (chicken noodle) and Though some food folks were initially exasperated when raisin vinaigrette. $$-$$$ While the term “old school” is used a lot to describe this exotic (mulligatawny). All soups come with gourmet bread, yet another Latin-influenced grill replaced one of our area’s spacious (160-seat) establishment, it actually opened in fruit, and imported chocolate. Also available are salads, few Vietnamese restaurants, it’s hard to bear a grudge at a Bella Luna 1995. It just so evokes the classic NY delis we left behind sandwiches, and wraps. $-$$ friendly, casual neighborhood place that offers monster ten- 19575 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura Mall , that it seems to have been here forever. Example: Lox and ounce char-grilled burgers, with potatoes or salad, for $8.50; 305-792-9330, www.bellalunaaventura.com nova aren’t pallid, prepackaged fish, but custom-sliced from Sushi Siam steaks, plus a side and a sauce or veg topper, for nine bucks If the menu here looks familiar, it should. It’s nearly identical whole slabs. And bagels are hand-rolled, chewy champions, 19575 Biscayne Blvd., 305-932-8955 at lunch, $15 to $18.75 (the menu’s top price) at night; and to that at the Upper Eastside’s Luna Café and, with minor not those machine-made puffy poseurs. As complimentary (See Miami / Upper Eastside listing) three-dollar glasses of decent house wine. $-$$ variations, at all the rest of Tom Billante’s eateries (Rosalia, Villaggio, Carpaccio), right down to the typeface. But no argu- Sushi House ment from here. In a mall – a setting more accustomed to 15911 Biscayne Blvd., 305-947-6002 food court – dishes like carpaccio al salmone (crudo, with por- In terms of décor drama, this sushi spot seems to have tobellos, capers, parmesan slices, and lemon/tomato dress- taken its cue from Philippe Starck: sheer floor-to-ceiling ing) and linguine carbonara (in creamy sauce with pancetta drapes, for starters. The sushi list, too, is over the top, featur- and shallots) are a breath of fresh, albeit familiar, air. $$-$$$ ing monster makis like the Cubbie Comfort: spicy tuna, soft- shell crab, shrimp and eel tempura, plus avocado, jalapeños, Bourbon Steak and cilantro, topped with not one but three sauces: wasabi, 19999 W. Country Club Dr. teriyaki, and spicy mayo. Hawaiian King Crab contains (Fairmont Hotel, Turnberry Resort) unprecedented ingredients like tomatoes, green peppers, 786-279-0658, www.michaelmina.net and pineapple. Boutique wines, artisan sakes, and cocktails At Bourbon Steak, a venture in the exploding restaurant are as exotic as the cuisine. $$$-$$$$ empire of chef Michael Mina, a multiple James Beard award winner, steakhouse fare is just where the fare starts. There Tuna’s Raw Bar and Grille are also Mina’s ingenious signature dishes, like an elegant 17850 W. Dixie Hwy. deconstructed lobster/baby vegetable pot pie, a raw bar, and 305-932-0630, www.tunasrawbarandgrille.com enough delectable vegetable/seafood starters and sides for The reincarnated Tuna’s has gained new owners, a new noncarnivores to assemble a happy meal. But don’t neglect name, a dazzling outdoor bar and dining area, and a newly the steak — flavorful dry-aged Angus, 100-percent Wagyu impressive selection of raw-bar specialties: cold-water oys- American “Kobe,” swoonworthy grade A5 Japanese Kobe, and ters from the Northeast, plus Blue Points, Malpecs, Island butter-poached prime rib, all cooked to perfection. $$$$$ Creeks, and more. Traditional house favorites remain, and the emphasis is still on fresh fish from local waters. Open Chef Allen’s daily till 2:00 a.m., the place can get rather festive after mid- 19088 NE 29th Ave night, but since the kitchen is open till closing, Tuna’s draws 305-935-2900, www.chefallens.com a serious late-night dining crowd, too. $$-$$$ After 20 years of success in the same location, many chefs ORIGINAL BAVARIAN BIERGARTEN OPEN DAILY FROM 5:00PM TO 11:00PM FRIDAY &SATURDAY TO MIDNIGHT

TEL: 305-754-8002 www.schnitzelhausmiami.com 1085 N.E. 79th Street/Causeway, Miami, FL 33138

February 2010 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com 59 Dining guiDe

60 Biscayne Times • www.BiscayneTimes.com February 2010