#ThankYouMiami for Local Haunts - South Pointe Park

Have you ever wondered how to seize the day like a Miami Beach local? Then my latest Miami Insider guide on South Pointe Park is for you. Check it out below and click any of the photos to find out how you too can enter to win one of 90 $50 gift cards or one $1,000 grand prize in the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau It's So Miami Insider contest.

Which is your favorite park in Miami? What is your favorite activity to enjoy there? Have you ever visited South Pointe Park? What did you think? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Dinner in Paradise (A Photo Diary)

Miami life is hectic. It has its moments of peace and quiet, but they are few and far between. Peacefulness is like the 1% of the Miami state of being and, two weeks ago, I achieved this ephemeral dream.

When I was invited to spend an evening at Paradise Farms for the March 23rd Dinner in Paradise, I was excited because they have an impeccable reputation in the Miami dining scene. They cater local and fresh organic produce to some of my favorite restaurants, including Essensia at The Palms Hotel, The River Seafood and Oyster Bar, and The Federal. After my visit, I am also psyched about their ambiance. Owner Gabriele Mariewski and her staff have cultivated an incredibly peaceful sanctuary in Homestead, a true refuge for those of us who live in Miami's more common hustle and bustle.

The farm's tranquil setting has been strategically curated by Gabriele who, in collaboration with a local architect, a local artist, and a local chef, designed the layout in accordance with the principles of sacred geometry and the ancient art of feng sui. Gabriele ensures the continued integrity of Paradise Farms by kindly requesting that no meat or cigarettes be brought on-site. Escape the insanity of Miami life for a moment and join me in reliving a moment of serenity and decadence at this Miami sanctuary:

"Enjoy and Respect" are two sensible sacrifices you are asked to make before entering Paradise and part of the secret behind the property's great vibes.

The farm is only open to the public during special events like the Dinner In Paradise series, when guests are invited to socialize in the garden and to enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres prepared by the featured chefs.

Before dinner, I had the chance to enjoy a glass of Sparkling Tropical Fruit Wine from nearby Schnebly's Redland Winery while watching the sun set over the farm's signature baby greens. The baby greens, which grow around the center of the property, made an appearance in the dishes served later that evening.

Before dinner, owner Gabriele (in pink) treated us to a guided tour of the five-acre property. The highlight of the tour was hearing the story first-hand of how she successfully grew the farm from an abandoned avocado grove and has, through "decision-making by synchronicity", continued to expand the farm's operations.

One example of how she has capitalized on good fortune is the mushroom greenhouse or "lab" where she currently grows only oyster mushrooms. The greenhouse was constructed out of materials which were nearly disposed by the University of Florida, but were discovered by and ultimately donated to her during an impromptu visit to the area.

Throughout the tour, Gabriele encouraged us to pick and eat some of the 52 varieties of edible flowers that she grows around the property. We were all hesitant at first, but were much more comfortable doing so by the end. My personal favorite was the hibiscus we enjoyed early in the tour.

We were all anxious to see what dinner held for us by the time we finished the tour. I took but a few moments to enjoy the beautifully decorated gazebo before sitting down for dinner with some new friends.

The five-course dinner for the night featured Chef Julie Frans from Essensia at The Palms Hotel and Spa, Chef Michael Reidt from soon-to-open Pilgrim, and Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli from Eating House and recently opened Taperia Raca. Each course was paired with a wine from Strategic Importers at the direction of Shari Gherman, President of the American Fine Wine Competition and Gold Medal Wine Tour.

Prior to each course, we had the opportunity to observe each chef, like Chef Rapicavoli above, as they put the finishing touches on their dish. It was an absolute honor to witness renown local culinary talent work their magic first-hand.

The first dish of the night was an exquisite watermelon tartare, which was vacuum sealed with olive oil and citrus to create a texture I had never previously experienced from watermelon. This vibrant and satisfying dish from Chef Rapicavoli was finished off with a garnish of herbs and edible flowers from the farm.

The fourth and main course, which was prepared by Chef Michael Reidt, was perfectly cooked salmon with freekah, purple kohl rabi, carrots, and smoked avocado. Chef Reidt explained that the salmon, which was imported by Stavis Seafoods, is delicious because it dies swimming upstream where it is happy.

The final course was a flour-less chipotle and chocolate cake with a hint of clove prepared by the incredible women from The Palms: Chef Julie Frans and Pastry Chef Sam Frei. The cake was served with a tamarind creme anglaise, roasted strawberries with thyme, and edible flowers.

There are only two Dinner in Paradise dates left this season, which may be Gabriele's last (yes, Paradise Farms is up for sale). Do not miss your opportunity to enjoy this unique Miami experience that should be on everyone's to-do list. Claim your seat now.

Have you been lucky enough to visit Paradise Farms? What was your favorite part? Who were the chefs that prepared your Dinner In Paradise? What was your favorite moment from my visit? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fostering Local Creativity - O, Miami Poetry Festival

Welcome to Part 2 of my series, “#ThankYouMiami for Fostering Local Creativity", where I highlight the programs, places, and people that attract creative talent to our area and that empower our local creatives. Access the rest of the series here: Part 1. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming part of this series, contact me.

Constant vigilance, Miami - poetry has infiltrated our neighborhoods and it is looking for you! For the third year in a row, the O, Miami Poetry Festival arrives in all its creative glory to share the gift of poetry with Miami-Dade County's 2.6+ million residents. Keep an eye on your lottery tickets and an ear tuned to your radios because every medium is fair game for poetry during the month of April.

The O, Miami itinerary also includes a number of events ranging from workshops, readings, and exhibitions to pool parties, yoga classes, and a literary pub crawl through South Beach. Below are 5 events I am most looking forward to attending. For the full calendar of events, please visit the O, Miami Poetry Festival website.

Credit: O, Miami Poetry Festival

Poetry in the Park ft. Robert Hass and Nikky Finney

Date: Saturday, April 5

Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Poetry reading begins at 8 p.m.

Location: New World Symphony Soundscape (500 17 Street, Miami Beach)

The evening will begin with the melodic sounds of Somewhat Hungover, Oscar Fuentes, and New Work Symphony Fellows. Then, at 8 p.m., former U.S. Poets Laureate Robert Hass and 2011 National Book Award-winner Nikky Finney will treat the audience to a reading of their works that will be live-projected on the wall of the New World Symphony building. Like with all wallcasts at Soundscape Park, arrive early to claim a good spot and bring a blanket or chair. Food will be available for sale from Lalatina, My Ceviche, Feverish Pops, and The House of V or you can bring your own.

Poetry at the Garden

Date: Saturday, April 12

Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Open mic begins at 5 p.m.

Location: R.Y.P.E. Buena Vista Community Garden (136 NE 46 Street, Miami)

Join the Reclaim Your Power Equality (R.Y.P.E.) Community Garden in Buena Vista as they explore the theme of nature in poetry and create poetry trees using poetry and art using recyclable materials. At 5 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to share poems on nature, sustainability, and empowerment during the open mic session.

Sittin' by the Don on the Bay

Date: Saturday, April 19

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Paraiso Bay Sales Center (NE 31 Street and Biscayne Bay, Miami)

Poetry magazine editor Don Share improves upon an iconic Miami moment, Biscayne Bay at sunset, with a reading of his work and of his award-winning translation of Spanish poet Miguel Hernandez's work. Participants will be able to enjoy food, cocktails, incomparable views, and music by Tiger's Milk.

LitCrawl Miami

Date: Friday, April 25

Time: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: The Betsy Hotel B Bar (1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach)

Miami does pub crawls well so it was only a matter of time until this famous San Francisco-born literature and pub crawl series made it to our sunny shores. The night will begin with readings from novelist Russell Banks and poet Chase Twichell at The Betsy Hotel's elegant premises, after which, armed with a map and a schedule, you will be set loose in South Beach to create your own literary adventure. Godspeed.

O, Miami 2014 Closing Party

Date: Wednesday, April 30

Time: 9 p.m. to Close

Location: Gramps Bar (176 NW 24 Street, Miami)

The month-long itinerary comes to a close at Wynwood staple, Gramps Bar. Celebrate another successful year of the festival's role in fostering local creativity and participate in the first-ever O, Miami Dirty Limerick Competition for your chance at "literary fame and crappy prizes".

Which O, Miami Poetry Festival events are you most looking forward to? What were your favorite events in previous years? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami.

#ThankYouMiami for Themed Weeks - Miami Music Week 2014

Miami loves celebrating. Our parties are themed, our weeks are themed, even our months are themed. And in the bevy of year-round celebrations, none is more anticipated internationally than Miami Music Week. Every March, thousands upon thousands of electronic music aficionados descend upon our beautiful city to witness world-class DJs make music history in our venues and to party like nobody's watching.

Then how is Miami Music Week different than every other Miami weekend? In South Beach, the Miami Beach Convention Center hosts Winter Music Conference (WMC) which, in addition to throwing amazing parties throughout the city, offers seminars, technical workshops, and networking opportunities for music industry professionals. In Downtown, the heart of our city is transformed for a weekend into a grid-locked mess to deliver a one-of-a-kind electronic music experience known worldwide as Ultra Music Festival or Ultra.

If you like Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and you haven't been to WMC or Ultra, your opportunity is here! WMC starts today and runs through Sunday, March 30. Ultra will take place from Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30.

Here are the events that I am most excited for this Miami Music Week:
 

RaMBunktious Records presents REWIND at Kill Your Idol

Date: Saturday, March 22
Time: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
RSVP: Not required, free admission

Kill Your Idol is one of my favorite places to visit on the rare nights I go all out (i.e., my wedding weekend). So, I am psyched that this party is during the early days of WMC when I won't be as sleep deficient. RaMBunktious Records artists Jay-j, DJ Mark Brickman, Dan.k, Frankie Shakes, and Alan Epps will set the stage for Miami Music Week with classic house from the 80's, 90's, and 2000's. After all, you can't appreciate the new, new until you immerse yourself in its roots.

RAZON Eyewear Launch Party
Date: Wednesday, March 26
RSVP: By Invitation Only

On Wednesday, March 26, Miami-based luxury lifestyle brand, RAZON, will unveil their signature collection of wooden sunglasses at a private party. The line's launch could not be more perfectly timed - not only is WMC Co-Founder Bill Kelly a local brand ambassador, but also sunnies are a must-have accessory during Miami Music Week. Make sure to stop by www.seetherazon.com next week to shop RAZON's sleek aviators in Bamboo, Ebony, and Rosewood and to read more about their "Eye for an Eye" philosophy.

Wakeup Star, S. Renee & All Like Minds Present #MiamiGotNext: Sound Check at Scratch DJ Academy
Date: Thursday, March 27
Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
RSVP: wakeupstar.com/soundcheck, free admission

The first event of the two-night #MiamiGotNext Artists Showcase offers an entrepreneurial forum for artists, producers, brands, and others interested in the music business. Arrive at 7 p.m. for your chance to check out Scratch DJ Academy's digs during the open house and stay from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to learn from a highly-qualified panel of local music industry professionals: DJ Bre, Honey's Money, Jedi Nemesis, Vince Valholla, and Lee Castro.

Wakeup Star, S. Renee & All Like Minds Present #MiamiGotNext - Underground Report II at Majestical Lips
Date: Friday, March 28

Time: 8 p.m. to Close

RSVP: $10 tickets at door, $7 tickets available for 24 hours here.

The second night of WMC's #MiamiGotNext Artists Showcase brings us an extra dose of local love. South Floridian STEFisDOPE hosts this event that celebrates and highlights Miami's rising MCs featuring the killer sounds of Miami locals like The Pyrvmids, J. Nics and Flight School Preps. If you haven't had the chance to stop by Majestical Lips, then this indie hip hop showcase is the perfect excuse to stop by!

Essential South Beach at the Eden Roc

Date: Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29
Time: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
RSVP: General Admission tickets are on pre-sale for $20 - $30 here and VIP tables can be reserved by e-mailing info [at] rambunktious [dot] com

RaMBunktious Records brings Miami Music Week full circle with more of the basics. For two days, iconic Miami Beach hotel, the Eden Roc, will be graced by the legendary sounds of Miguel Migs, Danny Krivit, Andy Caldwell and a long list of other incredible talent. I can't decide if I am more excited to dance, to witness the stacked line-up firsthand or to lounge poolside at the Eden Roc Miami-style.

Skinny Kings / Slap & Tickle / Freehand Miami present Don't Worry Baby
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
RSVP: Required, info [at] skinnykings [dot] com

One of Miami's most beautiful venues (see, #ThankYouMiami for Photogenic Venues - Miami Beach) is at it again. On Sunday, March 30, local fashion guru Amanda Del Duca will be hosting another much-anticipated party at the Broken Shaker featuring Anna Lunoe and special guest Pirate Stereo. The event will also feature pop up shops of Miami-based businesses, including Amanda's new online retail store Slasher Girl and lifestyle boutique ISHINE 365. I am in it for the music, but also the shopping, the cocktails, the venue, and the vibe.

Which Miami Music Week events are you most looking forward to? Will you be attending any of these parties? If Miami Music Week is not for you, what do you plan to do instead? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami.

#ThankYouMiami for Photogenic Venues - Miami Beach

Welcome to Part 1 of my series, “#ThankYouMiami for Photogenic Venues", where I feature some of Miami's most photogenic venues by neighborhood and I recommend equally photogenic outfits that are appropriate for each. If you think your venue is photogenic and you would like it to be featured in an upcoming part of this series, contact me.

Miami is not defined by its beauty, but beauty is definitely something Miami does well. Our people are beautiful, our food is beautiful, and our scenery is beautiful. If you disagree, I encourage you to visit the #ThankYouMiami Instagram Page for Exhibits A through Z.

Since I moved to Miami, I have been fortunate to visit some of our city's most photogenic venues. Here are some of my favorites in Miami Beach with recommendations for equally photogenic Miami-style attire:

 

South Pointe Park 

South Pointe Park is located on the southernmost point of Miami Beach in the South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood. It boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Government Cut and Fisher Island to the South, and the Downtown Miami skyline to the west. The park is popular for exercising, strolling, lounging, and enjoying food and cocktails with a view.

You should be clear about which of these activities you plan to cover during your visit so you can select an appropriate outfit. For the majority who are looking to stroll and people watch, a comfortable but put-together look like the one I choose below is best.

The silk, printed jumpsuit from VAVA Showroom is comfortable for lounging on the grass, but elegant enough to fit into the more upscale feel of SoFi. The American Eagle jean jacket (similar here) and the LC by Lauren Conrad chunky heels (similar here) make the outfit casual enough for the day, but could carry me to dinner in case we decided stay for dinner at nearby Smith and Wollensky.

The Beaches in SoFi

Speaking of SoFi, this Miami Beach neighborhood also features some of the most photogenic sections of beach in Miami. Because what is more photogenic than a beach that is not crowded and is free of rowdy teenagers and Spring Break-ers?

The sunsets are killer, as are the bodies of fellow beach-goers in this area. The beaches here are perfect for surfing, beach sports (think Pro Kadima), swimming, tanning, and even free diving about 150 yards offshore at the Jose Cuervo reef.

Anything goes with bathing suits in Miami Beach. Your final choice is dependent on your anticipated activity level and your personal comfort level. But in Miami, swimwear fashion is "a thing", so feel free to express yourself. I have provided some basic guidelines below.

I generally prefer a standard-cut bikini like this nautical bandeau option from Victoria's Secret (similar here) because it provides me flexibility for any activity. I choose bikinis in bright colors or white because they are quintessential to the Miami style (see, #ThankYouMiami for a Unique and Enviable Style). Matching accessories are also a Miami must! Here I am wearing one of Taradise Miami's "mati" evil eye bracelet (similar here) and Frends Taylor headphones in rose gold (get them here).

 

The Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami

Freehand Miami is a go-to for Miami's coolest and most fashionable locals and visitors. They are drawn by the flurry of activities that are hosted by the Freehand around Miami Beach, in their hostel, and in the gorgeous outdoor venue behind their hostel, the Broken Shaker. The exquisite food and the hand-crafted cocktails are all the more enjoyable because the décor, the pool, and the ping pong tables make you feel like you're in the backyard of a friend's house.

When you visit, dress casually cool (with emphasis on the cool if you're visiting during the hot Miami day). Your outfit should stand out, but not look like you tried on fifty other options before leaving your house. Below are three outfit examples showing my style and those of two friends during last year's Swim Week.

I am in the middle and am wearing a Maaji Swimwear top from Orchid Boutique as a crop top (similar here) paired with a white maxi skirt from Tobi (similar here) and a jean jacket vest from Forever 21 (similar here). In retrospect, the jean jacket was too hot for relaxing outdoors during summer in Miami.

Have you visited any of these venues? What do you think are some of Miami's most photogenic venues? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami.