Featured! Homes and Estates Magazine, Spring/Summer 2012

I was recently interviewed by Homes and Estates Magazine for an article spotlighting me and another young Coldwell Banker real estate agent on the west coast, Sandro Dazzan.  Sandro is also a fellow Forbes “30 Under 30” recipient for real estate.  But our similarities go even further than that, as the article discusses; we both got our start in the real estate world by learning from the very best at an early age: our mothers!

I am honored to be featured in Homes and Estates.  You can check out the article here (pages 12-15) – hope you enjoy it!

Beyond Ordinary

Aside from its soaring luxury condo buildings, everyone knows that Brickell offers an energetic nightlife for 20 and 30 somethings looking for an alternative to the flashy and oftentimes pricey Miami Beach nightlife.  But even the Brickell scene can get a little “same-old” and sometimes you’re just in the mood for something different.  I was recently introduced to Blackbird Ordinary, a new Mad Men-inspired Brickell hotspot, and it was exactly what I was craving. 

And it’s no wonder I immediately felt right at home at Blackbird; the geniuses behind the new spot are the same guys who started Purdy Lounge on Miami Beach (an old favorite), and The Bar in Coral Gables. 

Their concept is clear — it’s about having good, old-fashioned fun.  No fighting behind a velvet rope at the door to get in, and you don’t need to spend a dime to get a table.  Walk right in and find a cozy seat at one of their many booths or hit the dance floor where you can find an ecclectic mix of tunes from 80’s hits to electronic beats.  Grab a board game (Jenga, Candyland, Connect Four, anyone?) or head to the patio out back. 

Co-owner Dan Binkiewicz says: “People forget it’s about having a good time. And I’m here to remind them. All four of my bars are for regular people, because to me everybody’s a VIP. I’ll never have a door guy that picks and chooses people out of line or discriminates. All of my bars will always be affordable for everyone even if we are making delicious handcrafted cocktails.”  

 And the cocktails are delicious indeed.  Try the house-named “Blackbird” for Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea Vodka with freshly muddled blackberries, fresh lemon, a touch of simple syrup served over crushed ice.  If you’re a Southern belle, you might like the “Blue Bonnet,” made with Bulleit Bourbon, Georgia peach purée and fresh mint served Kentucky julep style in a tin cup.  Looking to add a little protein to your diet?  Try the “Red Footed Booby”: a frothed egg white tops off fresh muddled strawberries with agave nectar, lime juice, Cocchi Americano, and Don Julio Tequila Reposado. 

Should your drink need a little extra mint?  No problem.  Each table is complete with a growing mint plant.  No need to bother your waitress or get up from your Jenga match to walk to the bar.

Blackbird Ordinary has definitely found a fan in me.  I highly recommend you checking it out when you’re in the mood for something a little out of the ordinary. 

729 SW First Avenue, Miami, Florida 33130.

Bottoms up!

DH

Miami Happenings: Sony Ericsson Open and Miami Beach Fashion Week

[Image via examiner.com]

It’s officially Spring and Miami is buzzing – but it’s not just the fratastic college spring-breakers and Winter Music Conference dance music fanatics making all the noise.  With the onset of March in Miami comes a handful of events to keep your schedule jam-packed –  whether you’re an Avicci fan or not.

[Image via miamitennisnews.com]

One of Miami’s best spring events (and biggest sporting events) is the Sony Ericsson Open.   Drawing more than 200,000 spectators every year, the Ericsson features the world’s top-ranked 96 men and 96 women in singles matches (think: tennis stars like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Serena and Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova), and the top 32 men’s and 32 women’s teams in doubles matches.  Running from March 19 through April 1, the tournament takes place on Key Biscayne at the historic Tennis Center at Crandon Park, located at 7300 Crandon Boulevard.

In addition to the tennis action, the Ericsson offers some fantastic options for foodies.  This year, the tournament is serving up local cuisine prepared by five leading James Beard Award Winning Miami chefs who will rotate throughout the Tournament: Chefs Sam Gorenstein, Kris Wessel, Michelle Bernstein, Norman Van Aken and Hedy Goldsmith will feature signature items along with local favorites including a daily fish, sushi and Kobe beef burgers.  Delicious food and sports – where do I sign???

Also kicking off this week is the 14th annual Miami Beach International Fashion Week.  Not to be confused with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim which takes place in Miami every summer, Miami Beach International Fashion Week is a 5 day event running from March 21-24, 2012 and is considered the largest Latin American and international designer event in the U.S.

The event draws top emerging designers from all around the globe to showcase their talent to an international audience at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  This year’s event features 55 designers from 25 countries, as well as a guest appearance by Dionne Warwick to discuss her life and style at a media seminar. The seminar takes place this Friday at 3pm in the “Fashion Theater” at the Convention Center.  The seminar is free and open to the public.  Tickets to the runway shows are $25 and $50, and day passes range from $50 to $500.

More information about the event’s schedule can be found at the official website here.

What’s on your radar for the rest of March?  Leave me a message and spread the word!

DH

Foodie Finds: The Federal

There’s a new restaurant in town and it’s just too good not to share.  The Federal Food Drink and Provisions opened its doors in January and word has been spreading fast.  The new eatery features savory American cuisine with a twist and the ambiance is casual and charming with a rustic, old timey meets speakeasy feel.  Located at 5132 Biscayne Blvd., The Federal is one of the latest hotspots to hit the Midtown/Wynwood/Design District Area.

[Buffalo-Style Pig Wings]

I’ve been here a few times now and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve tried more than half of the items on the menu.  Some of my favorites?  The pig wings (think buffalo-style little bites of heaven with meat so tender it falls off the bone), the biscuits and gravy (topped with sweetbreads), the Grove Farm’s Lamb Burger (served on a pretzel bun with goat cheese), brown-butter squash (enough said) and the bay scallops (served with blood orange and a side of barbecue chips).  Other menu highlights include the Jar-O-Duck (with candied sweet potato and charred marshmallow fluff) and Short Rib Wellington (a hearty, pot-pie style treat).  They also have a great selection of cured meats and cheeses, and a crafty cocktail list to boot.

[Grove Farm’s Lamb Burger]

The best news yet?  The Federal’s brunch launches this Sunday, March 18, 2012 and the menu looks insane.  With everything from flapjacks (topped with peaches ‘n cream), waffles (with smoked maple syrup) and french toast bananas foster (made with challah), to  steak and eggs (with pumpkin hash) and Jackalope Benedict (with rabbit and elk sausage), the Federal obviously takes its brunch very seriously.  Some of the sides include grits and butter, apples and bacon, and a “Sweet-Uns Bar” featuring savory baked treats like Philadelphia Apple Salted Caramel Cake and Pecan Sticky Buns.  Bottomless mimosas and jugs of bloody mary’s complete the feast.

Is your mouth watering yet?  The Federal is definitely not to be missed.  Check it out and let me know which dishes top your list!

DH

*Photos via http://www.thefederalmiami.com

Y.O.L.O.

The Miami mentality can be perfectly summed up in Drake’s motto – “you only live once.”  With picture perfect surroundings, year-round sunshine and beautiful people, I often wonder why someone would choose to live anywhere else.

So it’s no surprise that the Grammy-nominated and Canadian born artist found solace in the Marquis Residences, one of Downtown Miami’s most luxurious condo towers.  Drake purchased two side-by-side units last January, turning them into one massive 5,475 square foot condo (which you might recognize from the video for the DJ Khaled track, “Im on One”).

Drake ultimately decided to flip the swank pad, listing the unit with The Jills this past January.  Just last week we closed the deal, selling the unit to another familiar face, Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers.  I have no doubt that Chalmers’ new home will be ‘the best he ever had’ – from the state-of-the-art finishings to the spectacular view over Biscayne Bay.

Check out this article to read more about Drizzy Drake’s [former] Miami pad – and see photos of the awesome unit.

Miami Must: South Pointe Park

Only in Miami is it completely normal to witness a yogi in mid salamba sirasana pose and a fashion photo shoot all at the same time.  This is exactly the scene I stumbled upon the other morning in South Pointe Park (or as us locals refer to it, simply “South Pointe”).

If you’re unfamiliar with South Pointe, I encourage you to check out this gem of South Beach.  Situated at the southernmost point on Miami Beach in the SoFi (South of Fifth) neighborhood, South Pointe is a great spot to take a stroll or bike ride, picnic, walk your dog, and yes, even practice a yoga pose or two.

With panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, Fisher Island, Downtown Miami, and the Atlantic Ocean, you can watch passing cruise ships and cargo ships, and relax in the quiet serenity of this beautiful location.  There is truly no place like South Pointe anywhere else on Miami Beach.  Check it out and let me know what you think…

Namaste!

DH