It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times: The Story of Miami Small Businesses

There is a lot of chatter in Miami about big name brands pushing out local mom-and-pops. The concern is not off-base. Take a walk down Lincoln Road and tell me you feel differently. Small shops just can't compete with rising rents, shopping seasonality, our fickle "hot new thing" mentality, and other challenges of doing business in Miami. Yes, Lincoln Road has seen a lot of growth in recent years but at the expense of the strip's homegrown roots.

Amidst the paradigm shift, there is hope for Miami-born businesses. For starters, there is a myriad of movements—large and small—working diligently to "save Main Street." Take the Shop Small campaign, an effort from American Express to support local businesses that make a community strong, originating from the concept of Small Business Saturday. Similarly, the grassroots Witness the New Downtown movement, under the leadership of Nidal Barake's Gluttonomy in partnership with Stambul USA, is a unified voice of change to transform Downtown Miami with a focus on highlighting and drawing in small businesses. Among its ambassadors are notable Miami entrepreneurs including Elad Zvi and Gabe Orta of Bar Lab, Karina Iglesias of NIU Kitchen, Brian and Randy Alonso of local watering hole, Lost Boy Dry Goods.

Another nugget of good news is that there are small businesses that are surfing the wave of change. When I was walking home from work last week, I was pleasantly delighted to see Fritz's is not only still around but also upgraded its digs to Lincoln Road proper. (Before, the skate, bike and surf shop was located near Lincoln Road with a Washington Avenue address.) Similarly, my favorite working lunch staple Spris is still standing strong after all these years. In my perspective, a part of what gives them a fighting chance is our choice to support our neighbors and a part of it is that the internet has allowed them to elevate their presence beyond physical foot traffic.

I recently read an interview with Chris Brencans, the Chief Marketing Officer for On The Map Marketing, regarding the importance of SEO and how to build online presence. It is clear to me that if each business takes the right steps to increase their own visibility and the small business movements continue to gain momentum, we will see the transition continue—it’s inevitable—but we'll see it settle in a happy balance that allows for both corporate and community driven options to foster our economic growth. And, that's really all I can ask as a Miami-an and a consumer.

Old Traditions, New Friends

Miami is a conveyor belt of people. Except for the elusive few who were born and raised locally, people come and people go. The average length of stay for the friends I've had since I moved here in 2006 is around five years, just long enough to finish a degree or launch a career and then lay down roots somewhere "more serious, more adulty".

Through the tides of change, my Miami traditions have given me a sense of place and helped me burrow my roots deeper and deeper despite the seismic shifts. I'm going on 13 years with little incentive to change scenery. I adapt to each social earthquake by fostering new friendships with which to share the joys of the local experience.

The magic of being an elusive Miami constant is that I have been bequeathed the role of ambassador. I have the honor and responsibility of revealing Miami's charms to new and temporary arrivals and through the induction process, I get to enjoy old traditions with a filter of newness. Most recently, I dusted off one of my favorite South of Fifth rituals, dinner at Fratelli La Bufala, for a visitor from New York.

Even though I was living down the street at the time, I first heard of Fratelli La Bufala from Chef Scott Conant when he touted their calzone on the Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." It gained street cred for me the first time I went in on a date with an Italian New Yorker and he raved about the flavor of the tomato sauce. While I only went back for dinner one other time, their calzone became a permanent fixture of our nights out in the neighborhood, especially when SoFi Public House opened up on the same block and allowed us to savor its cheesy, bready goodness while we played pool. 

My most recent visit flooded me with memories of a very special period in my Miami story. It also flooded my palate with the delicious flavors and warmth of homemade Italian food. I devoured the gnocchi so fast I almost didn't get a chance to snap any pics! Most importantly, it allowed me to show my guest that Miami is more than fancy, expensive restaurants that are on occasion not worth their price tag. (Did you know that on Mondays their pizzas are only $10 if you eat in?) 

I am grateful for places like Fratelli La Bufala for giving a sense of stability amid constant change and for fostering an eating experience I can be proud of showing off to new friends. What are some of your favorite Miami traditions to share with new friends?

#ThankYouMiami for New Food Finds - Stiltsville Fish Bar

Before I begin today's post, I want to say #thankyoumiami. Thank you for believing in this blog and thank you for following along on our Miami journey. Thank you also for nominating us a second year in a row as Best Local Blogger in the South Florida Blogger Awards. Writing new posts is fun because you make it fun by allowing us to entertain you with our silly stories and our news about our beautiful coastal community. You smart, you loyal, we appreciate you. (And we'll love you forever if you vote for us!) And now, for our regularly scheduled programming...

When it comes to landmarks, nothing is more Miami than Stiltsville. Its seven weathered, wooden houses are beacons of "a rascally mischievous past". In its heyday, Stiltsville was a utopia for the seafaring bon vivant, a place with its own rules. Today the remaining structures are off-limits to most of us, but they are a friendly and familiar face in the middle of Biscayne Bay.

Since I moved to Miami in 2006, I have passed Stiltsville numerous times—on the way out to snorkel at Fowey Rocks, to sail in open water, and to dive the Miami Wreck Trek. But, until this past August, I had never set foot there. My first visit was everything I dreamed it would be. There were boats, there were babes, there was booze, and there was a buffet of fresh seafood. The occasion? The long-awaited arrival of Stiltsville Fish Bar to Sunset Harbour.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Luxury Living with Sobe Villas

The Miami skyline is awe-inspiring in its colored beginnings—the high-rise condos that comprise it rose from the ashes of tumultuous times—and in its promise of a dream life. A Miami life is a good life. Nothing symbolizes our lifestyle quite like a luxury home with its clean lines, natural materials, and stunning views. Given how rapidly our city is developing and our high volume of seasonal residents, it is no surprise there are many properties that are sitting pretty amidst that skyline, waiting for us to capitalize on them and make them our bon vivant HQ.

Sobe Villas is the South Beach-based rental agency ready to make all of our luxury living dreams happen in the 305, whether you're a visitor looking for a taste of the Miami lifestyle or a local in need of a memorable staycation. They have access to a carefully curated inventory of Miami villa rentals and Miami condo rentals that look straight out of Ballers. I've flipped through the options and I've coveted them without abandon. I've even daydreamed what my time would look like in each one. After all, this is Miami so you've got to have a different luxury property for every occasion.

Below I share three of my favorite properties currently listed on Sobe Villas and my vision for relishing each one. Which of the three is your favorite? What other properties did you find listed that you would like to enjoy?

#ThankYouMiami for Miami Spice (Part 2)

First and foremost, I hope that you all stayed dry and safe during Hurricane Irma earlier this week. It was a helluva storm but we were lucky that, save for most of our tree canopy and our power lines, we were spared of her worst. On my end, I was lucky to have found shelter with a friend in Brickell, whose apartment lost water for two hours and A/C toward the end. My apartment is perfectly okay and finally had its electricity restored as a birthday present to me today.

I am sure like me you are itching to get back to normalcy. If you still don't have A/C or, like me, have an empty fridge after having to throw everything away, going out to dinner is the best way to get back into your daily routine. Plus, the circumstances basically beg for it. Lucky for you, Celeste and I continued making our rounds of the Miami Spice participating restaurants and found four more menus for your consideration. (In case you missed it, here are our first four Miami Spice recommendations.) This is why you need to prioritize them before September ends:

#ThankYouMiami for Seafood, Seafood & More Seafood - @SobeSeafoodFest 2017

By now you should have gathered that I'm a seafood addict. If it was financially and/or nutritionally wise, I would eat nothing but crab claws and lobster. But my token nutritionist friend Morgan, who has her Masters in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University, says I can't. She says I have to eat other things because "you need other vitamins and minerals that crab and lobster don't have." I know. I'm disappointed too.

So the experts decree I can't eat all the crabs and lobster every day, but they haven't decreed that I can't eat all the crabs and lobster in one day. Enter South Beach Seafood Festival, the shining beacon of my year. Each October this seafood-focused event descends upon my city with a week of dinners and events to celebrate the start of stone crab season. The main event—my "one day" of seafood gorging of the year—will take place on Saturday, October 21 and feature 18 carefully selected restaurant cafés including some of my favorite Miami restaurants (CIBO, Joe's, Meat Market / Miami Smokers, Nikki Beach, RED The Steakhouse, Toro Toro). I. CAN'T. WAIT.

#ThankYouMiami for Miami Spice (Part 1)

Can you believe there are people out there who don't enjoy food? I can't either and I'm certainly not one of those people. In fact, whenever I go to a restaurant it gives me great anxiety to pick what I want to eat because in all honesty, I want to eat aaaaallll the foods.

When Miami Spice rolls around every August and September, I get giddy with excitement. It's like a two-month birthday present from Miami to me. (PSA: My birthday is September 13.) Not only do I get to eat more of the foods, but I also get to try restaurants that I can't afford the remaining 10 months of the year. Ergo, I lose myself in a whirlwind of three-course menus and emerge on October 1st a pleasantly plump and happy niña.

A #ThankYouMiami Ode To Sunset Harbour

It's been almost three years since we've published a neighborhood feature so it was only right that I break the dry spell by writing an ode about one of my favorite Miami neighborhoods: Sunset Harbour. After all, the neighborhood is undergoing a renaissance. I know it's been up-and-coming for quite some time, but it seems like a thousand new and amazing places opened in the last few weeks or are expected to grace us this fall. Alas, there is no better time than now to revel in all of its glory.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Bikini-Friendly Summer Cocktails

According to popular opinion alcohol calories don't count, but we're calling shenanigans. The minute we cut it from our diet we automatically lose five pounds. That said, it's summer and there's no better way to cool off at the beach than with an ice cold drink, meaning skinny cocktails are exactly what we need to stay in bikini shape all season. Even if you need a few days to get over the Fourth of July festivities, here are three must-try bikini-friendly summer cocktail recipes for your repertoire:

1. Pretty Girl Cocktail Recipe

This Ron Barceló cocktail is refreshing and light. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to support Miami-based artist Ruben Ubiero whose design graces the unique golden bottles of Ron Barceló Añejo Rum unveiled in Wynwood at the end of June.

1.5 oz. Barceló rum
1.5 oz. fresh watermelon juice
1/4 oz. fresh lime
1/4 oz. agave
2 basil leaves ripped

Shake ingredients and double strain over ice in a collins glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with a basil leaf and an edible flower.

2. Summer Mule Cocktail Recipe

If gin is more your speed, this summer mule cocktail recipe from Hendrick's Gin is fruity, floral and fizzy. Just make sure to limit the amount of ginger beer to keep it low in sugar and, therefore, low in calories.

2 oz. Hendrick's gin
2/3 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. elderflower cordial
8 mint leaves
1 in. thick cucumber slice
Ginger beer

Add cucumber slice to collins glass and break with muddler. Add other ingredients, build all together over crushed ice, and stir. Top with ginger beer and garnish with mint leaves.

3. Verde Margarita Cocktail Recipe

Last month Milagro Brand Ambassador, fellow Mexican, and all-around awesome dude Jaime Salas stopped by our local watering hole El Grito to teach us how to make some super delicious tequila cocktails. This update to a traditional Margarita was our favorite.

1 oz. Milagro tequila silver
1 oz. Ancho Verde
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1/4 oz. agave nectar

Shake ingredients and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with half kosher salt rim and a lime wheel (not a wedge).

#ThankYouMiami for Brunch - NaiYaRa

I have loved NaiYaRa since it first opened in Sunset Harbour almost two years ago. (That beef jerky! That crab fried rice! That Sunset Harbour roll! Heck, everything on the menu!) My last visit was in March when I took friends there before the ZZ Top concert at The Fillmore and I was heralded the hero of the evening for my dinner recommendation.

To be fair, the true hero was Chef Bee for delivering the consistent deliciousness for which he is known not only at NaiYaRa but also at his North Miami restaurant, Oishi Thai. That man can do no wrong. His latest stroke of genius is launching weekend brunch at NaiYaRa. It is typically available on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. but, for one night last week, his team gave us a sneak peek during happy hour.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Making DÔA's Traditional Ceviche

Summer is making an grand entrance like a prima donna on My Super Sweet Sixteen. The bipolar weather the last few days is a testament that we're already settling into the seasonal routine of sweltering, steamy heat followed by apocalyptic downpour.

While there's nothing I can do about the rain, except remind you that true Floridians don't own an umbrella (we just don't), I want to do all I can to help you beat the heat. Today that means sharing a recipe for my favorite boat day/beach day snack: ceviche.

A huge thanks to DÔA's very own Chef Carlos Estarita for sharing his traditional ceviche recipe with us. My mouth is watering just thinking about how perfectly refreshing the citrus juice is and how perfectly light the fish is when it's hot outside. Plus, it's super simple to make!

I recommend using fresh fish from a fish market like Chef Estarita for best results. From experience, the best fish markets in Miami are Don Camaron on NW 37 Ave, Captain Jim's in North Miami, or Miami River staples Casablanca and Garcia's. Enjoy!

#ThankYouMiami Talks Soaking Up The Sun In Miami

I have been in quarantine for the last week. My co-workers gave me the head cold that's been going around and it developed into a sinus/chest infection, sidelining me from going to work, attending the fun events on my calendar, and seeing the beautiful outdoors for 6 whole days. I'm still not 100%, but a full round of z-pack later I'm regaining my appetite and ability to walk without wheezing.

The first order of business as soon as I can leave my apartment? Seeing the sun again. Luckily, my go-to meteorologists on CBS4 Miami announced that the next few days will be in the 80s and sunny (except for afternoon showers on Sunday afternoon). That means its the perfect time to head outdoors and revel in that Miami sunshine.

In my book The HUNT Miami, I shared my five favorite places to soak up the sun in Miami. (You can find the feature on pages 126-128 of your pocket-sized Miami guide.) It was super serendipitous timing that, this week, the list was released on The HUNT Guides blog for your reading pleasure. Want the full list of off-the-beaten path parks, hotels, restaurants, museums, shops and live music venues I recommend in Miami? You can order your very own copy of The HUNT Miami here!

P.S. If you too have fallen victim to this traveling head cold, drinking water, getting lots of sleep, and taking z-pack were the only three things that worked of the 30 things—ginger and wheatgrass shots, tea, NyQuil, gargles, binge-watching 13 Reasons Why—I tried. Get well soon!

#ThankYouMiami Talks Spring Menus at the W South Beach

Last week W South Beach extended us an invitation to try their newly launched spring menus at Living Room and The Dutch. I've shared a few evenings over the quirky handcrafted cocktails at Living Room but I have never dined at The Dutch—I know, right?!—so I was super excited for both. Unfortunately, due to a last minute conflict, I wasn't able to go. Thankfully our fearless contributor Celeste stepped in on my behalf to experience the evening and recount it for you below. (For the record, cedeing the opportunity to eat artichoke ravioli was not an easy feat...)

I'm not one to brag but, man that evening was delicious. One word: WOW. I think I whispered that under my breath countless times after sipping on most of the drinks and pretty much after every bite of everything—literally everything. I can guarantee that if I'm ever feeling splurgy, I know the W Hotel is the place for quality comfort food anyone can enjoy.

#ThankYouMiami Runs (And Wins) The South Beach Triathlon

It's been almost one month since I participated (and won) the South Beach triathlon. As I prepare to run (and hopefully beat my co-workers in) Thursday's Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run, I am reminiscing about my short journey in the tri world and why this victory absolutely had to happen.

#ThankYouMiami for New Food Finds - Via Emilia 9

Few things are more Americana than a neighbor popping over with food to welcome you to the neighborhood. Ironically, the neighbor that did that for me during my recent move hails from Italy. Via Emilia 9 is a regional Italian restaurant specializing in homemade pastas and dishes traditional to the Emilia region in northern Italy.  Last week, amidst a flurry of boxes, dust, and other moving chaos, they treated me to dinner at their intimate 15th Street digs. The simple yet undeniably delicious meal restored my energy and lifted my spirits during a really tumultuous time, starting my new chapter along West Avenue on a positive note.

#ThankYouMiami Moves To West Avenue

There's a good reason for my near radio silence the past two weeks: I moved. Turns out, moving is harder and takes a lot longer than you anticipate. (You have WAY more stuff than you think you do. And, that delivery you scheduled? Yea, that's going to be inexplicably delayed.) But, now that I am all moved in, I'm excited to get to know my new neighborhood and get back in the swing of things.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Cooking Brasserie Azur's Braised Beef Short Ribs

For the sake of our wallets and our summer bodies, we're hoarding delicious recipes so we can cook and eat at home more frequently. And, while our weekday meals are simple and clean, we're still foodies that enjoy the decadent dishes and bold flavors found at Miami restaurants. Inspired by the success of our DÔA pork belly bun recipe post, we've asked local chefs to share the secret behind some of our favorite Miami recipes.

Today's recipe is a hearty dinner—an elevated version of the traditional American dish of meat, potatoes, and vegetable—from Brasserie Azur: braised beef short ribs with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. How do you know it's going to be good? Red-blooded American and New England Patriot's tight end Rob Gronkowski is a fan.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Preparing for Summer

Just like you can't lose those last 5lbs overnight, you can't get ready for summer overnight. It requires a lot of preparation—one season's worth, in fact. Last week's arrival of spring kicked my summer preparations into high gear. And, because I'm a good neighbor, I'm sharing how I'm getting a bikini body that is fit, hair-free, and radiant so you can too. You're welcome, Miami.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Reveling in the Outdoors at 4 Miami Parks

Given Miami's incredible weather—the number one reason people tell me they live here—parks, greenspaces, and other outdoor gathering spots are our most precious asset. I am particularly fond of them because I spend 99-percent of my life indoors, trapped in an office with no windows from sunrise until way past sunset. On a good week, I see the sun at most 10 hours total. For a nature lover like me, the separation from the sun, from the ocean breeze, from the outdoors is absolute torture.

Motivated by the recurring spurts of dry, cool weather, as well as rare openings in my schedule, this past month I hit the road to revel in the beautiful outdoors at four Miami parks. Each of the parks offers a very different vibe and very different amenities. Most importantly—cue the congratulatory applause—they are spread out all over the greater Miami area. I list them below with highlights on why you need to visit each park, starting with the one located closest to my South Beach home and ending with the furthest.

Which one(s) have you been to? Which one(s) do you plan to visit first? Why? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami Amps About @SOBEWFF

T-minus 10 days until the international food community descends upon the sands of South Beach for SOBEWFF. This year, unlike every year since its 2002 inauguration, we will be joining the crowds for a week's worth of culinary events, wine tastings, parties, intimate dinners, and demonstrations. We've always been curious about what goes on inside the festival's white oceanside tents. After all, thousands of people pour in year after year. But for one reason or another, we've never made it inside.

Instead of feasting on one-of-a-kind dinners hosted by celebrity chefs, we've feasted on stories of other's SOBEWFF shenanigans. There's the one story of a friend who, after a few too many glasses of wine, became the proud owner of a $1200 specialty knife set thanks to a particularly engaging knife demonstration. There's also the story of the friend who was trying to impress a date by taking her to the Tribute Dinner and scored major points when she was whisked away backstage to meet Bobby Flay. Lastly, there is tale after tale of forays at the Grand Tasting Village where our friends ate until they nearly exploded and drank (lots and lots of) wine.