Author Archives: timallen

South Beach Food and Wine

The South Beach Food and Wine Festival is a four-day event that includes food and wine from top chefs around the world. In the Food and Wine festival you can walk in South Beach, enjoying the sand and the scenery while tasting the great food that the event has to offer.

There are different chefs that you can see like Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri, Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine, Marc Forgione, Scott Conant, Marcus Samuelsson, Aaron Sanchez, and Andrew Zimmern. Each chef has his or her twist on what they cook, how they cook, and how they present their food.

This festival is super laid back; most people come in jeans or shorts to relax and enjoy the food and wine. The food that is served at the Food and Wine Festival is so delicious that when you eat you don’t want to stop. So, to prevent yourself from overeating to the point where you can’t eat anymore, treat the festival like a marathon where you pace yourself eating and drinking a little at a time. That way, you enjoy the food you eat and you are able to eat more at the same time.

When you arrive to the festival you should head all the way to the last tent and then work your way back to the entrance to avoid all the long lines. Always bring a friend so that you share the food, even small portions of food start to add up. So share with your friends so that both of you may consume more food.

This update is provided by Blackstone International Realty, specializing in all things related to Miami Beach real estate. Whether you’re interested in one of the Miami Beach condos, a home in the Venetian Islands, a Star Island mansion, or a private residence in upscale Indian Creek, the experts at Blackstone International Realty are ready to help you buy, sell, and invest in the various Miami Beach listings and neighboring communities. Call 305.928.1898 to speak with a Miami Beach real estate agent.

Your New Happy Place Is Coming to Ocean Drive

Is there such a thing as too many doughnut shops? We think not. A good doughnut is a good doughnut and with so many different ways to have one, the more options available, the better it is for all of us (within moderation of course). This is why we’re excited about the recent news regarding Happy Place Donuts.

Those of you that live in South Florida and frequent Miami Beach’s Española Way may already be familiar with Happy Place Donuts at its current location. If Española Way has always seemed too out of the way for you for whatever reason, you may be pleased to know that a new second location will soon emerge on none other than Ocean Drive.

In case you’ve never been to Happy Place Donuts, you can look forward to such sweet delights like “croughnuts” filled with dulce de leche (condensed milk), the Disco Donut which is made from brioche topped with a bubble gum flavored glaze and edible glitter, or the Piña Colada with a coconut-flavored dough plus coconut flakes, caramelized pineapple, cheese frosting, and actual piña colada.

Are you sticking to a strict diet? No worries! Happy Place Donuts also serves healthier options like smoothies and acai bowls. And for those that just aren’t a fan of doughnuts, there are also sandwiches and arepas to enjoy.

The new Happy Place Donuts location is expected to open in November. Its address will be 1144 Ocean Drive, Suite 106A.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

The Best Brunch by the Beach

Brunch near the beach? That definitely sounds like a fun time and it’s among the many reasons why few dining experiences match having brunch in Miami Beach. With so many different options to choose from, we’re highlighting a few of the newest Miami Beach brunches eager to become your new favorite dining spot.

Over at the trendy Shore Club, Diez y Seis (Spanish for “sixteen”) is throwing a brunch party with a Mexican theme this Sunday. If you can’t make it to this celebration, no worries! After this Sunday, the parties will be held every Saturday beginning at 11:30 am. Guests can enjoy a variety of buffet style plates and it only costs $50 per person which includes as many visits as you like to the buffet.

Do you like to go out to eat with your four-legged friend? Deck Sixteen in South Beach’s Hyatt Centric on the third floor welcomes you and your pooch to enjoy al fresco brunch beginning at 11:30 am which includes bottomless mimosas, live music, and food items with a Mediterranean flair. End the experience by taking your pet over to Miami Beach’s first rooftop dog park appropriately called Wooftop Park.

The Nobu Eden Roc Hotel debuted Malibu Farm back in April, bringing a California vibe to Miami Beach. Wood-fired pizza, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, it’s all here at this stylish hotspot serving brunch on Sundays from noon to 4 pm.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Famous Couple Eyes Miami Beach

It may only be a matter of time before Miami Beach welcomes a high-profile, famous couple as its new residents. Power couple David and Victoria Beckham are currently shopping for a new home right here in the barrier island after spending time in Miami Beach during the spring and summer. In case you have no idea who we are talking about, let’s give you some background.

David Beckham is a retired English soccer player who played for various teams during his athletic career, including Real Madrid, the LA Galaxy, and Manchester United. He has the distinction of being the first English player to achieve league title wins in four different countries. After an illustrious career spanning twenty years and nineteen major trophies, Beckham retired in 2013.

Victoria Beckham achieved fame as a member of the highly successful female pop group Spice Girls. Their debut album Spice released in 1996 remains the biggest selling album by a female group in the world. Since the group’s heyday, Beckham has achieved success as a fashion designer.

The Beckhams (married since 1999) have four children and are reportedly seeking mansion with at least six bedrooms here in Miami Beach or potentially in the upscale Fisher Island or one of the six Venetian Islands. If they do move to South Florida, they will likely achieve a level of fame similar to Miami Beach’s other power couples like longtime residents Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Oktoberfest Comes to South Florida

The time of the year is quickly approaching, ladies and gentlemen. Oktoberfest is just around the corner, bringing with it plenty of events celebrating the German tradition. If you can’t make it to Germany in time, no worries! There are plenty of Oktoberfest celebrations happening right here in South Florida. Let’s explore some of the highlights.

Next Saturday, the South Florida Craft Beer Run will bring people together for a good cause. Proceeds from the run will benefit Nico’s Promise and Sebastian Strong, a pair of nonprofits. Nico’s Promise provides support to families that have had a loved one pass away at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital while Sebastian Strong seeks to raise money and awareness in the fight to find a cure for childhood cancer. The 5K will be happening at Tank Brewing Co.

Right here in Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is holding its own Oktoberfest featuring plenty of craft brews, live music, and great food. The event is going down on October 5th at 7 pm so there is plenty of time to get in the mood. Admission is $45 and it includes a sampling glass plus as many refills as you like.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum South Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Exciting Music and Art for a Shorter Week

Many of us are enjoying a shorter week after enjoying Labor Day weekend. We know it can be difficult getting back into the swing of things after three consecutive days off. The following events may help keep you entertained. Here they are in no particular order.

Singer-songwriter Kathyrn Dawn Lang (best known by her stage name k.d. lang) is known for her incredible mezzo-soprano voice which has been featured on songs like her Grammy-winning cover of Roy Orbison’s “Crying”. In 1992 she released her sophomore album Ingénue which saw lang transition from country to pop, resulting in one of her most successful albums and one of her greatest hits: “Constant Craving”. To celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary, lang is currently on the Ingénue Redux Tour where the album is performed in sequence using original and new arrangements. You can catch lang this Friday at 8 pm at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Also on Friday, the 20/20: Twenty Artists/Twenty Hours project is happening over in Miami’s Locust Projects. A varied array of artists like Douglas Repetto will be showcasing their artwork for one hour, totaling twenty hours of distinct art to admire. If you can’t see yourself staying up until the wee hours of the morning, you’ll be able to see elements from the project at the man gallery until the 29th of this month. The event kicks off at 9 pm on Friday and will continue until 5 pm on Saturday.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum South Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Fun Foodie Events in Miami

For those of you that haven’t figured out any plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, Miami has plenty of food-related events going on. Let’s explore a couple of these in case you’re on the fence about what to do.

Essensia at the Palms Hotel in Miami Beach will be loaning out its chef Ilde Ferrer to the Wynwood Yard. Ferrer will be teaching a cooking class which is part of a series called Right on Target. Students will learn how to prepare dishes such as chill-rubbed salmon, grilled octopus tostadas, and more. Proceeds from the class are also going towards a great cause: Wellness in the Schools, which seeks to put an end to childhood obesity by promoting fitness and nutrition education. The class is being held tomorrow from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Learn to make something new for the weekend!

Thrillist and Wendy’s are joining forces to sponsor a happy hour event being held at the curiously named Miami restaurant Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita. Enjoy Bacardi cocktails tinged with Wendy’s tropical beverage flavors, catch some live music, munch on complimentary bites, and much more. The event is going down on Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm. Dolores but You Can Call Me Lolita is located at 1000 South Miami Avenue.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum South Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Don’t Miss These Miami Beach Summer Dining Spots

Exactly one month remains before we bid goodbye to summer 2018. If you haven’t yet checked out some of the following Miami Beach restaurants, you’re missing out on some of the hottest places to have a great meal, pun intended.

Byblos on Washington Avenue is one of those places where it’s just as great to eat as it is to admire. The menu features plenty of Mediterranean inspirations but you’re also going to find a healthy amount of dishes with North Africa and Middle Eastern tinge. Try the Cornish hen in lentil sauce or the lamb ribs, and don’t forget to savor it with a tasty tea cocktail.

Alton Road’s Macchialina is intended to emulate the feel of rustic dining in an Italian town. Michael Pirolo is the restaurant owner as well as the chef responsible for devising the Italian-inspired dishes like pork chop Milanese and the distinct take on ravioli filled with beets.

On Collins Avenue, in the South Beach area, you’re going to find Upland Miami by restaurateur Stephen Starr. The menu at this New York City offshoot has been prepared by Justin Smillie based on his upbringing in California. Little gem salad and coal roasted short rib are a few of the items guests will have available to choose from.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Waterfront Dining for the Weekend

There is dining and then there is dining by the water. The two experiences are vastly different and since it is Friday, we’re highlighting a couple of places where you can enjoy a delectable waterfront meal this weekend.

We’ll kick things off right here in Miami Beach with a longtime favorite in the South Beach area: Smith & Wollensky. Besides its much-acclaimed selection of food items (including some fantastic steaks), dining al fresco at Smith & Wollensky is one of the best ways to catch the glorious South Florida sunset.

Moving over to Di Lido Island in the Venetian Islands, Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill is found inside the perennially trendy Standard Hotel. Much like Smith & Wollensky, you’re bound to come across fellow diners checking out the serene vistas of Biscayne Bay while sipping on some rosé as they keep cool underneath the vivid umbrellas.

At the Artisan Beach House over in Bal Harbour, the views are simply gorgeous no matter whether you’re admiring the majestic oceanfront or marveling at Haulover Cut. You’ll find this restaurant tucked away inside the glitzy Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour.

What are some of your favorite places to dine by the water in South Florida?

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

The All-New Miami Beach Convention Center Will Soon Debut

The architecture firm overseeing the massive expansion and revamp of the Miami Beach Convention Center recently released some new photos, showcasing a contemporary design capturing the style of South Florida’s perennially stylish barrier island. The new photos also serve as an indicator of the 1,400+ million square foot renovations being close to completion.

For those that haven’t been paying attention, the $620 million project is bringing a smorgasbord of new enhancements and addition to the Miami Beach Convention Center. A quartet of ballrooms will range in size from 10,000 to a whopping 60,000 square feet. There will also be more than 120,000 square feet of meeting spaces, 500,000 square feet dedicated to a food exhibit hall, additional green spaces, better Wi-Fi, and improved safeguards to protect against storms or possible floods.

The convention center revamp started off as an ambitious three year project set to complete next month. However, a couple of last minute situations have tentatively pushed it over to October. The project is expected to be completed in time for this year’s Art Basel event, which is expected to draw well over 60,000 people.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.