The co-founder of South Beach shopping mecca The Webster — which has plans to open in New York, Shanghai or Rio — on pretty much everything you need to know when visiting this sun-soaked city.
- Miami is…
The perfect combination of tropical living in a major city. Work and play and water sports, of course!
- And Miami style is…
Sunny, sexy and colorful.
- When packing for a trip to Miami, don’t forget…
You don’t need to pack — The Webster has everything — but buy Miami: The Fashion and Friendly Guide.
- Best places to stay…
Soho Beach House and The Standard Spa.
- And to shop…
The Webster on South Beach, naturally. Also, Bal Harbour and The Design District.
- My go-to restaurants…
Casa Tua — order the Jamón Ibérico de Bellota and Farro Risotto with lobster. Tap Tap — I have the Plat Fritay, a mix of akra, conch and plantain, followed by Blan Mange with coconut. And at Mandolin, it’s the Greek and Turkish Samplers with tzatziki, hummus, etc. followed by Shrimp Ouzo.
- Best scene in Miami…
Wynwood’s emerging art and design scene.
- And best place to be seen…
Any place in South Beach and the Design District/Wynwood during Miami Art Basel.
- If you love architecture, you have to go to…
Walk up Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive where the Art Deco buildings are preserved to their original design.
- Key phrases every visitor needs to know…
SoBe means South Beach — a very local term. Freezy means fake. It derives from the local Creole culture. This is very Miami, and only locals know it. Como va (pronounced “Comb Oh Va”) means “How’s it going?” and almost sounds like Ça va? I like this one the best.
- Best beach…
Brazilian Beach, South of Fifth.
- Best Miami escape…
The Standard Spa for a massage and sunset dinner, but if you’re up for a beautiful drive: The Moorings at Islamorada.
- One thing you can get in Miami that you can’t get anywhere else…
A manatee as a pet. A flamingo? A drive through the swamps in an airboat. A crocodile scare! More seriously, the melting pot of Caribbean, Spanish and American cultures. Truly one of a kind.
- If you only had 24 hours in Miami, I’d recommend…
Heading to the beach first thing in the morning (maybe even squeeze in a run on the beach). Check the Art Deco District, buy a dress and sexy heels at The Webster, then head to the Design District and see the galleries and local graffiti artists all over — very colorful. Sunset cocktails at The Standard and dinner at Casa Tua, followed by drinks at Soho House. Or if you have time, catch an outdoor movie at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center.
- One stereotype about Miami I’d like to correct…
Scarface. Great movie, but times have changed.
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