South Beach Comedy Festival

Ultra may be over, but the Spring Break festivities are still going strong! The South Beach Comedy Festival is upon us and this year’s ninth anniversary celebration will bring the best comedy entertainment to Miami. The festival started on April 1^st and will run until April 5^th. For the past eight years the Festival has featured some of the top Comedy world talents as well as some local rising stars. And this year is no exception with an A list lineup of comedy celebrities such as Chelsea Handler, Chris Hardwick, Mike Epps and Joe Rogan. Don’t miss out on the action, get your tickets here: http://southbeachcomedyfestival.com/tickets/

If you’re feeling like a high roller, there are still some VIP passes available: http://southbeachcomedyfestival.com/vip/

For more information, visit the Festival website: http://southbeachcomedyfestival.com/

Tickets sold out…WTF!

This weekend Miami is hosting one of the nation’s largest celebrations of food and wine, The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. This four-day event brings together thousands of people from all over the world. Boasting a star-studded guest list including award winning chefs and celebrities, the festival will offer attendees an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of the finest haute-cuisine tastings. The good news is you don’t have to be a foodie or a wine connoisseur to enjoy the Festival. With events planned all around the city ranging from 3* Michelin extravaganzas to late night after party bites, everyone is bound to find something fitting for their taste buds. The bad news? As with any nationally famed event, the tickets are mostly sold out. However, there are still a number of available exciting events you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Miami this weekend.

Probably one of the most legendary events of the grand opening is Moet Hennessy’s “The Q” on Thursday night.

This year it will feature signature BBQ themed dishes by the best chefs from around the world paired by various Moet Hennessy specialty cocktails. The party is to be hosted by the renowned chef, Michael Symon and a couple of supermodels featured in the 50th anniversary edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Tickets are sold out on the festival’s website but can still be purchased here:

http://www.stubhub.com/south-beach-wine-and-food-festival-tickets/moets-hennessys-the-q-2-20-2014-4379596/

If you can’t make the daytime events but find yourself craving a late night snack, check out the midnight event Pubbelly will be hosting. What could be better than trying a pork belly medianoche with bacon-wrapped dates and chorizo created by Chef Jose Mendin? Trying it for free! This event is perfect for those who are looking to be a part of the festivities on a budget. Pubbelly will be showcasing Jose Mendin’s creations from 12 – 2am on Friday, February 20th. Make sure you send your RSVP to smithfield@hunterpr.com and get there early as the rules of the free food game call for first come first serve. Just like last year, the Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray is sold out. However, there are still tickets available for “Burgers and Binoculars”, an event that will take place at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach. Attendees are invited to enjoy burgers on the beach while using their complimentary binoculars to sneak a better peak at all the A-list attendees. The event will be held on Friday, February 21st from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Craving something sweet? Why not treat yourself to an afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton getting educated on the art of macaroon making? If you are more of an eater then a chef, just go and eat the macaroons that the chefs in training are preparing while you pretend to cook. This go-to gourmet dessert has won over the hearts of millions of foodies around the world. Go see what all the fuss is about at the degustation presented by pâtissier Francois Payard. If the macaroons alone don’t win you over, the impeccable wine pairings presented by sommelier Josh Wesson sure will. A perfect post-brunch stop offering the two essential components of a great Sunday: fine wine and forgetting about your diet. #yolo so hurry and get your ticket here:

http://www.sobefest.com/payardseminar

Learn About An Exciting Festival to Look Forward to This Weekend

One of the best things about living in Miami is enjoying its vibrant cultural scene. Not a week goes by without some sort of festival, event, or other celebratory occasion going on somewhere in this sprawling metropolis. In fact, this coming weekend alone will see one of the most unique and exciting festivals of the year.

This President’s Day Weekend, from February 15th through 17th, the lovely community of Coconut Grove will hosting its 51st Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which offers nearly one mile of arts, crafts, food, and entertainment, running along the streets of McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive.  Gates open at 10am and close at 6pm. General admission is $15 per person per day, while Coconut Grove residents pay $5 per person per day with proof of residency. Children 12 and under, as well those with either Patriot Passport or Metrorail Golden Passports, receive free admission.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is one of the biggest annual events in South Florida, and is recognized as among the top five art festivals in the country. It showcases the artwork of over 360 artists from around the world, while giving members of the burgeoning local art scene a chance to display their work to the thousands of local and out-of-state collectors who visit each year. The wide variety of art genres that are showcased include mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing, watercolor, claywork, glass, fiber, jewelry and metalwork, sculpture and wood.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is produced by the Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association, a non-profit community organization that also maintains the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery and the HunterGallery, which present special exhibitions throughout the year from its location at Mayfair, Coconut Grove. Proceeds from the festival help to fund year-round arts programs that help young Miami-Dade art students continue their art education.

Since the first festival in 1963, the association has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools. Additionally, the festival also stimulates the local economy by attracting tourists and providing a spillover of visitors to Coconut Grove’s commercial venues, such as those on CocoWalk.

Needless to say, this is one event you shouldn’t miss out on. It’s a great way to explore Miami’s rich cultural scene while contributing to a wonderful cause. Such regular fun events are why South Florida is such a widely sought-after place to live. If you want the best this community has to offer, turn to Danny Hertzberg, an experienced and cutting-edge Realtor who offers the best Miami Beach Condos and Miami Beach Waterfront Homes in the industry. To learn more, call 305-505-1950.

 

Miami Beach Revs Up for the Miami International Auto Show

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Only a few days left before the Miami International Car Show kicks off, running from November 8 to 17 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. If you’re an avid car lover, or if you’re just looking for a fun experience, don’t miss this popular Miami event!

Recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious auto events in the nation, it showcases more than a thousand new vehicles from over 40 manufacturers from around the world. This world-famous venue includes such popular exhibits as Topless in Miami, which displays convertible cars in a picturesque Miami environment, and Havana Classics, which celebrates the nostalgic vehicles of the 1950s. Other attractions include Ride and Drive, where visitors will be given the opportunity to learn about and test drive a number of the latest vehicles on offer from the manufacturers, and Million Dollar Alley, the event’s collection of luxury vehicles ranging from Ferrari to Lamborghini. It doesn’t stop there. From antique automobile selections and exhibits, to impressive tours on the latest Jeep models, there’s something for everyone at this auto-lovers paradise.

This year will mark the show’s 43rd anniversary, located in the same venue it opened in since 1971. Back then, it was among a handful of major auto shows in America. Now, there are 60 annual auto shows and this production is still among the largest. Since its establishment, the show sought to include the latest technologies in the industry, providing attendees with the chance to see them firsthand. This is a tradition that has maintained, attracting automobile enthusiasts to see one of America’s oldest and best auto extravaganzas.

Here’s a look at some of the cars:

Nearby are such local hotspots as Lincoln Road, Lucky Strike Lanes, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, Jungle Island, and New World Symphony. For more information on the Miami International Auto Show, visit the official website posted below. http://www.sfliautoshow.com/

To visit my website, click the following link: Danny Hertzberg

Miami Spice 2013

Miami Spice is a great time of year to try restaurants you haven’t been to before by taking advantage of the Spice menu.  To be honest it is hit or miss.  Sometimes the Spice menus have very limited selections and are not worth trying while others have a great variety of options, so be sure to do your homework and check out the menus online before you go.

This year it seems that many restaurants have stepped up, offering some of their best dishes on their Spice menu.  You can try Miami Spice for lunch or dinner.  Luxury restaurants will offer three-course lunches at $23 per person, dinner at $39.  Fine dining restaurants will feature menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner.  All Miami Spice menus include an appetizer, entrée and dessert as part of the fixed price.  Check out the Official Miami Spice Website for a list of participating restaurants.

Miami Spice began early this month and goes through September 30^th giving us all plenty of time to try the best food Miami has to offer at a very reasonable price.  Always ask for the Spice menu if you plan on trying it.  Have fun exploring and enjoy Miami Spice!

-DH

Wine and Food Festival 2013

February is world known as the month of love. In Miami Beach a love specifically for food and wine takes form as the Wine and Food Festival (WFF). This year WFF will be held during the weekend of February 21-24. WFF 2013 promises to be bigger and better than ever before. You may have noticed the banners popping up over the McCarthur causeway (and well… everywhere else) announcing the appearances of food personalities such as Guy Fereil and Paula Abdeen. WFF has a talent for bringing in all of our favorite culinary celebrities and allowing us to observe them as they work their magic in person by attending events such as BBQ & The Blues, Carnivorous Dinner, Swine & Wine, The Grand Tasting Village, Tribute Dinner, and Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best.

WFF should be treated as a five course meal because every event (such as a film screening of my favorite food documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” hosted by Anthony Bourdain, Garden to Glass held in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray and Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament hosted by José Andrés at Turnberry Isle Miami) is as impossible to pass up as the next. Purchase tickets on the official WFF website and do it ASAP because tickets are selling like hot cakes. This year’s festival ends with a closing ceremony featuring a cook off and concert between Ziggy Marley and Guy Fereil! Happy WFF 2013!

Art Basel Miami Beach 2012

It was June of 1970 in the charming town of Basel, Switzerland when the annual Art Basel fair (also known as the Olympics of the Art World) was first held.  Fast forward to 2012 and Art Basel Miami Beach is celebrating its first decade as America’s biggest art fair/nonstop art party.  Each year Basel Miami grows larger than the last, making the event rather difficult to navigate.  I am a South Beach native (yes we exist) and people often ask me about the event and where to go.  Allow me to give you the basics beyond the Pink Snails.

Art Basel Miami Beach Snail

This year Art Basel will be held December 6^th-9^th, as always the event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Be sure to download the Miami Art Basel App which features a 3D layout of the exhibits as well as info and display locations of the featured artists.  Bus shuttle services will be provided throughout the duration of the event, click here for more info on Art Basel Transportation.  One day tickets run at $45 dollars, permanent passes go for $90 and evening tickets will be $29.  You can purchase combined Design Miami and Art Basel tickets for $55.  Art Basel tickets can be bought here.

Art Basel Miami Beach isn’t the only art fair worth checking out, displays of all ranges will be spread throughout Miami.  Be sure to head over the bridge to midtown for Art Miami and while you are over there make sure to see the Art Asia Miami showcase (Click here for a more detailed list about mentionable exhibits).  If you are thirsty, Jugo Fresh will be operating a pop up in the area and Gigi is always my go to for lunch or dinner.

On December 8th, Wynwood Art Walk aka “Second Saturday” should be wild this year falling during Art Basel.  All the galleries will be open at night on NW 2^nd ave (tell a cab to drop you off at Wynwood Walls as parking will be tough).  This street party will more or less flow into the streets with food trucks, street side poets and plenty of interesting people watching.

As far as choosing from where to get your hangovers I recommend using this New Times article as your musical guide to Art Basel Miami Beach 2012.  They cover everything from tonight’s Rick Ross performance at the Fillmore to the Saturday Tiesto performance at LIV.

Enjoy your Basel weekend everyone!

–Danny Hertzberg

Danny Hertzberg featured on HGTV’s “The Perfect Place” at 5pm tonight!

A few months back I had the honor of showing my good friends, Jared and Stacey Galbut, three gorgeous real estate properties around Miami.

As we checked out these fantastic locations and the equally amazing neighborhoods that surround them we were joined by a great film crew.  With the footage that the crew was able to get, HGTV’s new series “The Perfect Place” was born and the first episode airs tonight!

Please tune in to HGTV at 5PM EST.  I truly appreciate your support and I hope you enjoy watching “The Perfect Place”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf613Z2vQXA&sns=em

Again, the episode airs tonight at 5pm but if you just can’t wait that long, check out this sneak peak video!

 

Miami HGTV  Channel guide:

Comcast: channel 61 

Atlantic Broadband channel 57

 

Sincerely,

DH

Miami Must: Wynwood Art Walk

Street Art and Graffiti at Wynwood Walls

Whether you’re an art aficionado or just appreciate a great people-watching crowd, Wynwood Art Walk is definitely a MUST in Miami.  Held every second Saturday from 7-11pm in Wynwood (an artsy spot nestled between Downtown Miami and the Design District), Art Walk is essentially a smorgasbord of art, food, music and mingling.  If you haven’t yet checked it out, be sure to catch the next one this Saturday [tomorrow], April 14th.

Outdoors dining at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar 

These days, there’s so much to take in and see at Art Walk with over 60 art galleries, art complexes and collections in Wynwood [check out the Miami New Times’ guide to 8 “unmissible” shows this Saturday here].  But one thing you cannot miss is The Wynwood Walls –  an open-air “art park” featuring incredible murals of street art and graffiti [see top photo for a glimpse].  Take a stroll around the park, stop by the outdoor bar for a drink, groove with local DJs, and check out the black-light bus that’s like a time warp to the 70’s.

Artwork inside Wynwood Kitchen and Bar

 While you’re feeding your soul with art, why not feed your stomach?  Wynwood Kitchen and Bar is a great spot located right at the Wynwood Walls.  Or, if you prefer to eat and walk, hit up the food trucks for an incredible array of cuisine, from tacos to falafel to burgers and grilled cheese.  Check out the full food truck lineup for this Art Walk here.

Checking out a gallery with friends at Art Walk.

Caipirinhas food truck parked at Art Walk.

Although Art Walk technically ends at 11pm, the party definitely doesn’t stop [this is Miami, after all].  If you’re looking for some “after hours” fun, check out Wood Tavern for a chill bar experience, Bardot for a party atmosphere, or Cafeina for a lounge ambiance.

The main area of the Wynwood Art Walk is between 20 St & 36 St and from NW 2nd Ave to NE 2nd Ave. – if you plan on driving, get there early for best parking.

Have a great weekend!

DH

[All photos shot by Lindsay Rubens]

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