Despite the coronavirus fears and the recent cancellation of the popular Ultra Music Festival event in Miami, Miami Beach wants to make it known that it’s business as usual. The city is still welcoming those that want to experience the season in the barrier island and city officials are even looking into the possibility of throwing public parties as a way to make up for Ultra being nixed.

Despite Ultra’s cancellation, Miami Beach is planning to continue with events like the Winter Party Festival, an LGBTQ music festival with a tradition dating all the way back to 1994. Also moving forward is the popular Winter Music Conference arriving later this month. The event will celebrate its 35^th year in 2020.

The city is still well aware of the coronavirus and it hasn’t forgotten about it. A hygiene campaign has been launched encouraging, reminding, and instructing visitors on the importance of hand washing, particularly after they’ve come into contact with other individuals. The mayor of the city is also encouraging “Winter Party Festival hugs” which, unlike traditional hugs, involve—in order—bumping the fist, tapping the heels, and unleashing some jazz hands.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

The last weekend of February is upon us. If you’re thinking about where to eat this weekend to bid February adieu, the following restaurants in Miami Beach are among the latest generating all the buzz and business.

Let’s kick things off with the Mexican fare served at Gitano in the Mid Beach area. The restaurant started in Tulum before broadening its reach to trendy New York City in 2019. You’ll find Gitano at the ultra-posh Casa Faena where you can dine on foods like ponzu accompanied grilled avocado. The disco call and pink neon sign create perfect opportunities for a #foodie photo on social media.

Are you more of a Lebanese food person? Mama Joon on Park Avenue in the Life House hotel features dishes straight from the Mediterranean. That means you can look forward to foods like roasted cauliflower and mezze platters while dining on the outdoor terrace.

Speaking of Mediterranean, MILA also fuses Asian to create one of the hottest dining spots on Lincoln Road. The huge 12,500+ square foot space features an interior meant for serene dining as well as an outdoor terrace boasting an omakase-style bar.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

If you’ve spent any time in New York, you’re probably familiar with Italian ice, the sweet dessert that uses fruit to add flavor to the ice. Here in South Florida, however, it’s less common. That will soon be changing, however, ever since Rita’s opened its doors last month in Miami Beach.

Rita’s is a well-known chain known for its Italian ice as well as its custards and special creations. It was founded in the 1980s and today, there are more than 600 locations around the country. Its Miami Beach location opening included a full ribbon cutting by the city mayor plus live music courtesy of Cecilia Leon’s Band and Lotus Jazz Quartet.

Rita’s offers close to forty different Italian ice flavors to choose from, all of which are made fresh every day. Some of the popular ones include cherry, mango, and even cotton candy. Customers can also purchase milkshakes, gelato, Italian ice free of sugar, and even treats for the four-legged members of the family. Catering is also available for events like birthdays or weddings.

The Miami Beach Rita’s is located at 6782 Collins Avenue. Two more South Florida locations are planned in Hialeah and Hollywood.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Spring break is one of the most exciting times to be in South Beach but it’s also a time when the ambiance can get rowdy. After Miami Beach’s former mayor was unsuccessful in his effort to change Ocean Drive’s last call, the current mayor is following his example by taking a more meticulous approach.

Should Miami Beach’s current mayor have his way, the city’s entertainment districts would have an alcohol sales limit that would kick in at 2 am. This limit would remain in place for about seventeen days during March beginning on the 6th, which is typically Miami Beach’s spring break period. Currently, the city’s last call is 5 am.

Should the last call restrictions prove successful, areas like Washington Avenue, Ocean Drive, and Collins Avenue would be affected. It’s worth noting that the restrictions would apply to places like bars and restaurants where alcohol is generally consumed on site. Miami Beach already has limits in place regarding the sale of beer and wine in its supermarkets, convenience stores, and liquor stores.

Do you think this last call effort will help with keeping the spring break celebrations under control?

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

When you’ve had a long, difficult day at work, happy hour is one way to take a load off. While many places may offer a happy hour, not all of them provide the best experience. Let’s explore a few places in Miami Beach you may want to visit the next time you need to unwind.

Sling Bar at the Traymore by Michael Schwartz on Collins Avenue offers happy hour every day from 4 to 8 pm. You can enjoy bites like Korean jerky and shrimp toast while sipping on cocktails and beers for only $7 and $5, respectively.

Just south of Sling Bar is Habitat, which offers happy hour on weekdays beginning from 6 pm to 8 pm. Rotating beer selections are available for $5 or you can choose from select cocktails for $8. Some of the food options available to accompany the drinks include steak tartare sliders and chicarron cacio e pepe.

Further down in South Beach is Drunken Dragon which offers its happy hour menu starting from 10 pm to 11 pm on Sunday through Thursdays. You’ll find a broad array of discounted drinks plus an assortment of Korean tapas for just $4.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

February is one of the most exciting times for food aficionados. It’s during February when South Florida welcomes the ultra-popular South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF), an event packed with all things that have to do with fantastic food and drink. Many of the country’s best chefs visit South Florida for the five-day celebration.

If you have any familiarity with SOBEWFF, you probably know that there is absolutely no shortage of events, providing a mind-boggling array of choices. In 2020, more than 100 events will be held. While there is no shortage to choose from, the following events will allow you to enjoy a taste of SOBEWFF without having to pay the sometimes hefty prices for tickets.

Bootcamp & Bites costs just $50 a person and presents a refreshing opportunity to enjoy some delectable bites while also getting a nice workout. The event is being hosted by English chef and talk show host Robert Irvine, so expect a great fusion of food and cardio. If a workout doesn’t sound like a great idea when you’re supposed to be toasting to a great bite, the Daiquiris & Pastelitos Master Class is another option that won’t cost you too much to enjoy.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival kicks off on February 19^th.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

The craft cocktail surge has seen several different bars and eateries emerge. Considering the broad array of options, how do you narrow down your choices to find the best ones? Here are a few suggestions, including a few you may be familiar with.

The Broken Shaker on Indian Creek started its life as a pop-up bar back in 2012 before experiencing massive growth to become one of Miami Beach’s most acclaimed hotspots. Its selection of cocktails is ever-changing with the season and are made with fresh ingredients. There are also several bites to eat like the Cuban sandwich or Korean chicken fingers. All of this is complemented by a relaxed ambiance in its backyard oasis.

On Ocean Drive is where you’ll find the Clevelander South Beach. There aren’t many places on the barrier island where you can drink Jack Daniel shots for five bucks while splashing in the pool and chit-chatting with women with creatively painted bodies. With its massive 20-foot LED screen, it’s also a fantastic spot to enjoy sports games.

Mac’s Club Deuce is a Miami Beach classic where you can play pool, fire up the jukebox, and have a good old-fashioned time. Since its opening in the 1960s, the bar has kept its longtime traditions including two-for-one drinks from 8 am to 7 pm.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

When you want to enjoy a taco, where do you go? If you’ve wanted to try a great tasting taco while hanging out in the trendy South Beach area, you now have another option. The Las Vegas-based Pink Taco opened its doors this week right on Ocean Drive, bringing Mexican cuisine to the barrier island. It’s the first Pink Taco to open in the entire state of Florida and joins other locations in cities like Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago.

Pink Taco serves its customers brunch, lunch, and dinner daily and it also remains open into the late hours, ensuring you can indulge your taco cravings when the urge strikes late into the evening. Its food options include items like pico de gallo, jack cheese-topped lobster enchiladas, and chili poppers accompanied with ranchera salsa. The restaurant’s namesake dish features black beans, achiote chicken, avocado, cojita cheese, and more. Guests can also enjoy a variety of drink options including beer, margaritas like the appropriately named Something Pink, and cocktails.

Pink Taco is located at 1200 Ocean Drive and is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 am. Friday and Saturday hours are 8 am to 4 am.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Miami is gearing up for one of the biggest events of the year: Super Bowl LIV. Happening on February 2, the major event will see Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer Shakira joins Jennifer Lopez as they co-headline the halftime show. As you would probably expect, Miami Beach is hosting several events to celebrate the 54^th Super Bowl.

Arguably the event generating the most buzz is the highly anticipated Gronk Beach, featuring retired football player and New England Patriots tight end Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski as its host. Held at North Beach Bandshell and 73rd Street Sand Bowl on February 1st, many prominent names in electronic dance music will feature, including DJ, songwriter, and record producer Diplo plus many other notable names joining the fun-loving Gronk during the celebration.

The NFL will start its Super Bowl Experience 2020 at the Miami Beach Convention Center from the 25^th of January to the 1^st of February. Visitors can engage with virtual NFL players in games and tournaments and they can also sign up for youth soccer clinics. For adults, tickets cost between $20 and $40. Children can visit Super Bowl Experience at no charge.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

During the late 1970s, the English rock band Joy Division had a short-lived career that would prove to be highly influential. Following the band’s dissolution band the passing of its lead singer Ian Curtis, several members of Joy Division would go on to form the band we now know today as New Order.

Combining elements of dance music with post-punk and electronic music, New Order would go on to become a critically-acclaimed and a major influence during the 1980s. Some of their most well-known songs include “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Blue Monday”, the latter earning the distinction of the most successful 12-inch single of all time in sales while remaining a popular club tune to this day. Despite disbanding and several hiatuses, the band has released ten studio albums, the most recent album being Music Complete, released in 2015.

New Order is bringing their musical talents to the Fillmore Miami Beach starting next Tuesday, January 14, performing four shows. If you’d like to experience one of the most important bands of the 1980s still producing great music today and experience what they made them critical darlings, they’re worth checking out.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.