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Gyms


David Barton Gym Gansevoort Hotel 2323 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.1660 www.davidbartongym.com David Barton Gym Flamingo 1510 Bay Road 8th floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.9777 www.davidbartongym.com Equinox 520 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.673.1172 www.equinoxfitness.com Crunch 1259 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.674.8222 www.crunch.com Gold's Gym 1400 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.538.GOLD www.goldsgym.com Proper Form 1935 West Avenue Suite 208 Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.531.8818 www.properform.com Crunch (formerly Gritiron, Ironworks Gym, SoBe Sports Club) 1676 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.531.4743 www.crunch.com

Beaches


12th Street Beach Ocean Drive at 12th Street Miami Beach, FL 33139 Look for the rainbow flags. This is the spot where you'll find all of those beautiful South Beach men that you've heard about. You can find the gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. It can be quite a scene, especially on weekends and holidays and even more so on those circuit party weekends. If you want to find a quieter, more relaxing spot, you can just walk along the beach accross from Ocean Drive. There are plenty of secluded locations. Haulover Nude Beach 10800 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33154 On Collins Avenue at 108th Street is Haulover Beach. Parking across the street costs $4 per day. Remain clothed, walk to the beach by way of the road underpass. The restroom is too close to the road for disrobing, proceed to beach. Alcohol is allowed, but no glass containers. Full time lifeguards and police. Some visitors will be fully clothed, this beach is clothing-optional.

Dining


Asia de Cuba 1100 West Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.514.1940 www.chinagrillmgt.com We started with the crackling calamari salad with a lime miso dressing that is just the thing to have on a warm summer Sunday, I tell ya. We followed that with the spicy beef and scallion dumplings on soy ginger sauce (you might want to use a fork to chase after those suckers – they smell so good, chopsticks will only frustrate you). And we finished the first round with the spiced crispy pork belly. Or, I should say, I pretty much finished the first round with the spiced crispy pork belly, served with a pretty avocado salad, watermelon salad, and sweet chili sauce. I recently tried the pork belly at Michy's, so I really wanted to compare – and I have to give China Grill the win...because their portion was bigger. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW China Grill 404 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.2211 www.chinagrillmgt.com For years, China Grill's Asian flavors and techniques have been on display on a menu that has never disappointed. We started with the crackling calamari salad with a lime miso dressing that is just the thing to have on a warm summer Sunday, I tell ya. We followed that with the spicy beef and scallion dumplings on soy ginger sauce (you might want to use a fork to chase after those suckers – they smell so good, chopsticks will only frustrate you). And we finished the first round with the spiced crispy pork belly. Or, I should say, I pretty much finished the first round with the spiced crispy pork belly, served with a pretty avocado salad, watermelon salad, and sweet chili sauce. I recently tried the pork belly at Michy's, so I really wanted to compare – and I have to give China Grill the win...because their portion was bigger. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Red, The Steakhouse 119 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.3688 www.redthesteakhouse.com For an entrée, I tried a bit of my dining partner's beyond-delicious prime filet with béarnaise-topped asparagus and whipped potatoes but had the Ashley Farms double chicken breast, also with the asparagus and the potatoes. I'd asked my server if the chicken came on the bone, and he just said it didn't, and then did the funniest motion with his arms to show me that the chicken came with its wings. It was a cute bit, and, yes, you had to be there to get the full effect, but it set the service apart in a special way that doesn't happen everyday. And the chicken was terrific. Col. Sanders ought to be jealous because the skin held so many flavors it was just not fair to the rest of the menu. I don't often ask for chicken because...well, because it's chicken. But I was pleasantly surprised by the seasoning and how it combined with the béarnaise. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Blue Sea Delano Hotel 1685 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.358.3416 www.delano-hotel.com Start with their white miso soup, natch, which comes in a larger-than-usual bowl and has shimeji mushrooms – my new faves. Miso is one of my go-to soups for when I'm sick or feeling particular cold in Miami. I tried it during the cold snap we just had, so believe me when I tell you it did the trick but double-good. I was rather fond and partial to the $14 hamachi usuzukuri, one of Blue Sea's new zen-sai (appetizers), which features a fantastic aged balsamic drizzle. I so want to try to imitate that at home. It's topped with melon and ginger ice, and it's super-refreshing, and super-loveable. Without a doubt, it's the kind of dish you can have for an app and an entrée. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Joe Allen 1787 Purdy Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.531.7007 www.joeallenrestaurant.com Located in the Sunset Harbour neighborhood of South Beach, Joe Allen is the standard by which every restaurant in town should be judged because they really know what they're doing there. I have to say that everyone involved with its operation (and success – you try getting a table sans reservation) shares a commitment to excellence and values the same things, chief among them a constantly surprising menu and service that's second to none. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Maya Tapas & Grill 809 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.538.0058 www.mayatapasandgrill.com Featuring more than 30 Spanish-style tapas, the restaurant's Argentinean-influenced menu has something for everyone. Maya Tapas & Grill is located at 809 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, and open daily for daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 9 a.m. to midnight (1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW RACKS Italian Market and Bistro 3933 NE 163rd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33160 305.917.7225 www.grrestaurant.com Tucked away on 163rd Street between Collins Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, at the Intracoastal Mall, this addition to our restaurant belt serves Italian cuisine and sells the freshest, most authentic ingredients to cook your own at home. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Eos at the Viceroy Miami 485 Brickell Ave Miami, FL 33131 305.503.0373 www.eosatviceroy.com Eos is the name a new restaurant located on the 15th floor of the Viceroy at Icon Brickell in Downtown Miami, an undiscovered treasure trove of Mediterranean-inspired small plates that you simply must try. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW The River Oyster Bar 650 South Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33130 305.530.1915 www.therivermiami.com Since opening in 2003 a stone's throw away from the Miami River, The River, as the restaurant's known, has been redefining the downtown dining experience with its fantastic food and its sophisticated setting. I tell ya, The River's mahogany bar is the downtown hot spot on any given night... The menu's American progressive – and it is worth repeat visits. Oysters, of course, are the star of The River. Its selection of nearly 10 varieties features North America's bestest and the freshest, natch, as well as clams and Maine lobster. But you want to know about the oysters, right? There are Canadian Blue Points ($1.75 each), Northern California Kumamotos ($2.25), and Penn Coves from Washington ($1.75). READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Smith & Wollensky 1 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.673.2800 www.smithandwollenskysteakhouses.com Located waterfront at South Pointe Park, this classic steakhouse is participating in Miami Spice 2009 for lunch (Monday-Thursday, noon- 4 p.m.) and, of course, dinner (Monday-Sunday, 5 p.m.-close), which is what I recently tried. For my main course, I just had to try to the filet mignon, which for an additional $24 you can have turned into a lovely surf-and-turf with a 1 1/4 Maine lobster. But that sort of defeats the budget-friendliness of Miami Spice, so it's up to you. If you do want to have something from the sea, though, try the miso marinated seared salmon, which I loved and can't wait to have again. L-O-V-E-D it, I tell ya. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Grass 28 N.E. 40th Street Miami Design District, FL 33180 3305.573.3355 www.grasslounge.com There are more than 20 featured plates on the menu, which is cheekily divided in three sections: Sexy Nibbles, Cool Couples, and Main Attractions. I had 10 plates in one sitting. Don't judge me. My absolute favorite Sexy Nibble has got to be the $9 Long, Slow, All Night Braised Beef, four little potato cups stuffed with braised beef, served on a bed of herbed Greek yogurt and oven-crisped leeks. There may only have been four of those delicious thingies on the plate, but I loved each and every one of them. Well, the two that I had: All the plates at Grass are meant to be shared. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW The Grill on the Alley 19501 Biscayne Boulevard Aventura, FL 33180 305.466.7195 www.thegrill.com/aventura.html The Grill on the Alley brings to the Magic City a longstanding Beverly Hills tradition expertly modeled after the big-city grills of the 1930s and '40s. The restaurant's menu is rich in protein (think prime steaks, chops, and seafood) and winning side dishes (mac and cheese – hello!) served in a setting so elegant it's hard to resist it... so never mind that the joint's – oh dear – in a mall. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Café Prima Pasta 414 71st Street Miami Beach, FL 33140 305.867.0106 www.primapasta.com One of their bestest appetizers is a carpaccio di manzo ($12.95) they're obvs proud of – and for good reason. I've had it twice on the house's recommendation. It's a simple dish of thin slices of filet mignon, virgin olive oil, lemon, and Parm, but it's by no means pedestrian. Less is more, remember... Now, you should know – and prolly already do – that I'm not a big veggie guy, but whenever I've had Prima Pasta's eggplant Parm it's made a (temporary) convert out of me every time. Ditto the veggie ravioli. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Rare Steakhouse 468 41st Street Miami Beach, FL 33140 305.532.7273 www.raresteakhousemiami.com Located in the heart of Miami Beach on historic Arthur Godfrey Road, Rare serves dishes created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. Everything, and I do mean everything – from each choice meat and to each seafood offering, and every veggie, bread, and pastry – is cooked or baked fresh daily. For an appetizer, you gotta try the three mini-sliders, followed by the aged ribeye. If you want to be contrary, go right ahead and try the Floribian chicken topped with a mango salsa and served with plantain chips. It’s finger-lickin'...you know. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Fogo de Chão 836 1st Street Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.672.0011 www.fogodechao.com This Brazilian churrascaria offers "espeto corrido," which in Portuguese means ~~eat until you drop~~ "continuous service," which in turn means that throughout your (long) meal, Fogo's gaucho chefs carve succulent cuts of meat at your table, from skewers on which they have just finished slow-roasting over an open fire, preserving the individual taste of each tender cut. The service includes a whopping 15 cuts of meat, including lamb, pork, chicken, and beef ranging from filet mignon and "picanha" (the prime part of the sirloin). READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Urbanite Bistro 62 N.E. 14th Street Miami, FL 305.374.0662 www.urbanitebistro.com The menu showcases all natural meats, game, and indigenous fish. Libations – libations...I like that word, and not just for its meaning, mind you – include a selection of 25 domestic and European craft beers, more than 30 wines (available by the glass), and innovative cocktails. I tried a sip of the Huckleberry Kiss (ingredients: prosecco, huckleberries, splash of Cointreau, and orange twist), and lemme tell ya, I'm definitely going back for a full drink. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW RA Sushi 5829 S.W. 73rd Street Miami, FL 33143 305.341.0092 www.rasushi.com A great new entrée is the (breaded) pork katsu with wasabi mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and Asian barbecue dipping sauce ($13.75). Heaven tastes like that, I'm sure. Of course, you go to RA for the sushi, and the new "RA"llipop sushi roll hits all the right notes. I mean, it's a tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and spicy tuna mix, with lettuce, asparagus, and cucumber, wrapped in lobok (i.e., Asian radish), served skewered with a garlic ponzu sauce ($15). And it's a fun dish full of whimsy! (Really, just look at it pictured here.) What more could you want, right. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Ocean Prime Aventura Mall 19501 Biscayne Boulebard #2029 Aventura, FL 33180 305.931.5400 www.ocean-prime.com Some items, such as the generous ginger salmon with stir-fried snap peas and soy butter sauce ($29), combine (quite nicely, I do declare – because I can) French techniques and Asian aesthetics to deliver standout flavors. And you can never go wrong with a 10 oz. filet ($37) broiled at 1,200 degrees – pair it with black truffle macaroni & cheese and you'll redefine decadence. Ocean Prime's described by the powers that be as "sexy, sophisticated, and fun." It so is – the bar alone, with its theatrical (and delicious) $16 Berries & Bubbles, fits that description to a T. READ FULL SOBESOCIALCLUB.COM REVIEW Front Porch 1418 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.531.8300 This popular restaurant for locals is busy for breakfast and lunch. Always great service and food. Palace Food Bar 1200 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.531.7234 Across from the gay beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. Polular for breakfast and dinner. Busy at the bar on weekends and most afternoons. Miss Yip Chinese Cafe 1661 Meridian Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.5488 www.MissYipChinesecafe.com One of South Beach's best Chinese restaurants. This is also the home of Buck15 Lounge, it's located upstairs! OLA at the Sanctuary Hotel 1745 James Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.695.9125 www.olamiami.com Chef Douglas Rodriguez presents Latin American and Peruvian cuisine with his unique style, flavors and presentation. Enjoy an incredible dining experience in OLA's new location. Tapas y Tintos 1022 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.538.8272 www.tapasytintos.com Tapas & Tintos, is a friendly neighborhood joint where you can enjoy a nice selection of Spanish wines and tapas. If you're in a group, the tabla or platter of pate, cheese or cured meat is great for sharing. Simply put, this cool venue is ideal for chilling with friends, whether you want to nosh, drink, hear some live music or even learn to dance. 11th Street Diner 1065 washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.6373 An adorable, kitsch classic diner with counter service, booths and blue plate specials. You can't miss due to it's shiny silver extorior, a silver 1940's Art Deco dining car, set on the corner of 11th Street and Washington Avenue. It's great for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late night snack after a night of dancing at Twist. (It's just next door). Open 24hrs and reasonable. Balans 1022 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.9191 www.balans.co.uk A locals favorite. Great food, friendly staff and reasonable prices. Nexxt Cafe 700 Lincoln Road Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.532.6643 http://www.thenexxtcafe.com/ In the middle of Lincoln Road, tremendous portions, great people watching. El Rancho Grande 1626 Pennsylvania Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.673.0480 www.elranchograndemexicanrestaurant.com A business owned and operated by the Ortiz family since conception (1992), has been a long time favorite of South Beach locals. The margaritas are made with fresh lime juice.

Hotels


Delano South Beach Hotel 1685 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.672.2000 www.delano-hotel.com Located in the heart of South Beach and directly on the ocean, Delano is the ultimate world-class urban resort and self-contained destination. It is a cool haven of relaxation in the middle of one of the world's most vibrant cities. National Hotel 1677 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.532.2311 www.nationalhotel.com Beautifully restored art deco hotel with two beautiful pools. SoBeYou Bed & Breakfast Inn 1018 Jefferson Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.5247 www.sobeyou.us A peaceful, private, intimate oasis with 10 luxurious, newly renovated poolside rooms. European Guest House 721 Michigan Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.673.6665 www.europeanguesthouse.com Clay Hotel and Hostel 1438 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.534.2988 www.clayhotel.com Extremely inexpensive accomodations. Private or shared rooms and shareds baths. This is a hotel and a youth hostel.