Rock & Roll Hotel
1353 H St. NE
202-388-ROCK
This must be prefaced with the fact that we are a little biased because we hosted our first (but not last) DCBW soiree. For this reason, the crew was sequestered in a separate room- The Presidential Suite where we were lavished with cupcake towers, chocolate fondue, and plates of hummus.
With that being said...here goes:
The Rock & Roll Hotel, situated quite a far (and expensive) cab ride out in NE, certainly caters to a unique crowd. As both a bar, and a concert venue, the Rock & Roll attracts the grunge, punk, trendy and scenester population of the district. For the typical Georgetown patron, you certainly won't find Ralph Lauren or Louis Vuitton here, but it is a nice change from the norm and the Hotel manages to create an accepting atmosphere, even though the majority of the guys (and girls for that matter) have mohawks, piercings and multiple tattoos.
If Smith Point is a shrine to DC exclusivity, then Rock & Roll is a shrine to absolute cool. The atmosphere definitely lives up to its name. Truly, could you expect anything less than velvet couches, flying guitars and a general ode to sex, drugs and rock and roll?
Downstairs houses the stage for performances. As we headed right upstairs I must admit, I have no comment as to the decor there. However, if the upstairs is any indication then it simply rocks (no pun intended).
Upstairs, there is a main bar area with pool table and DJ booth. Walking into the main space, there are two rooms, on the left and right and another behind the entrance.
The Presidential Suite (the oh-too-fabulous location for DCBW partying) epitomizes posh, in a trendy kind of way. Royal blue walls with gold pinstripes are adorned by cleverly photo-shopped pictures showing typical DC/Presidential locations with all-time famous rock-stars inserted (i.e. Gene Simmons exiting Air Force One). Fancy Carter era couches and tables line the walls and the scene is set for a hell of a good time. A small bar inside the room allows the use of a private bartender. Not having to fight your way up to the bar only to be ignored where every other Joe Blow gets their cocktail? That my friends, is priceless.
The second room, a much smaller space, aptly entitled the Honeymoon Suite has a sultry but edgy vibe. Red walls with hand-painted oversized blood droops and black-thorned roses create an eerie but chic setting, perfect for a small engagement party or birthday.
The third space, known as the Piano Cafe is a quiet laid back room, perfect for an office gathering (if you can get your office to book and event at a place called Rock & Roll Hotel of course). Since we are neither quiet, nor laid-back we didn't even glimpse this room, but I'm sure its a muted but still baller version of the aforementioned rooms.
The bartender was fabulous. By the end of the night she was cracking jokes with us and making comments about our group. The drinks were strong and cheap by DC standards ($5 vodka cran) but beer was a little pricey.The general manager, Jason Martin even made an appearance to make sure everything was peachy. Testament to the still boutique feeling Rock & Roll manages to create, even with its size and scope as virtually the only rock and roll arena in the city.
The food, although not credited to the actual hotel, is the genius of Melt Catering. Being privy to a memorable amount of catered food in my life, Melt certainly does the job right.
Cupcake towers (chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting), cheese fondue with veggies and bread, plates of cheese, hummus and spinach artichoke dip and chocolate fondue with berries, marshmallows and rice krispy treats were the perfect treats for the night. My one and only regret about our time at Rock & Roll was that I did not eat enough of the yummies.
The music. At first, it was what we expected, but were none too thrilled about. Head-banging metal was the genre of choice for the first hour or so. We decided this simply wouldn’t do. We wanted to dance, and gosh darn it; we were going to dance. After requesting, “sorority girl music” as Irish Car Bomb phrased it from the DJ he obliged with some unfamiliar but bouncy tunes. If you dig M.I.A., GirlTalk and Daft Punk to groove to, the DJ on Saturday night will certainly deliver. In no time at all, we were jamming on the dance floor with the Mohawk sportin’ patrons of the Hotel.
Rock & Roll Hotel lives up to its famous name and infamous reputation as a hotspot for the cool people in DC. I could not imagine a better location for DCBW’s first official fête. The drinks, the decor and the delectables were too good to be true. We left 1353 H Street feeling like bonafide rock stars, if only for the night.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
DCBW Comes Out...
So the DCBW crew decided to throw an impromptu coming out party. Of all the bars/clubs in DC, we had to choose the absolute mecca for cool: Rock & Roll Hotel of course.
the presidential suite. location of the partying.
melt catering gets BIG ups to these cupcakes. they were almost too pretty to eat.
glamour at its finest.
dare i say. we partied like rockstars.
the presidential suite. location of the partying.
melt catering gets BIG ups to these cupcakes. they were almost too pretty to eat.
glamour at its finest.
dare i say. we partied like rockstars.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Wine Bars Galore
Special Writer Scott Talan weighs in on two of the hippest wine bars in the district.
VERITAS: Walking into Veritas you know you're in a different space with its low ceilings, darkened lighting and candles abounding. But you're here for wine right? Then you've come to the right place. Lots of good choices from US wines to foreign ones too. You can buy wine by the bottle, glass or flights to test and try. This is a good place to go with a group of friends, for a casual business meeting or on a date. Not so good to find singles though. If you go later in the evening on Thurs to Sat nights it can be a bit packed and loud. But go and let the wines and helpful staff speak to you and you will likely find Veritas (Latin for Truth) to be appealing.
CORC: New and a nice concept BUT Corc is more of a restaurant than a wine bar. Its got only a few places to sit at the bar. This is annoying especially as you will then be likely standing in the way of staff and people coming in to the restaurant. Also, the wine selection is all old-world so you WILL NOT find any wines from the United States. So it can be a bit confusing and complicated to make your choice from something you have never heard of before. That said, the bartender seems more than happy to pour you a taste to sample before you commit.
VERITAS: Walking into Veritas you know you're in a different space with its low ceilings, darkened lighting and candles abounding. But you're here for wine right? Then you've come to the right place. Lots of good choices from US wines to foreign ones too. You can buy wine by the bottle, glass or flights to test and try. This is a good place to go with a group of friends, for a casual business meeting or on a date. Not so good to find singles though. If you go later in the evening on Thurs to Sat nights it can be a bit packed and loud. But go and let the wines and helpful staff speak to you and you will likely find Veritas (Latin for Truth) to be appealing.
CORC: New and a nice concept BUT Corc is more of a restaurant than a wine bar. Its got only a few places to sit at the bar. This is annoying especially as you will then be likely standing in the way of staff and people coming in to the restaurant. Also, the wine selection is all old-world so you WILL NOT find any wines from the United States. So it can be a bit confusing and complicated to make your choice from something you have never heard of before. That said, the bartender seems more than happy to pour you a taste to sample before you commit.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Night Out at the Maison d’ ESL
Eighteenth Street Lounge
1212 18th Street NW
(202) 466-3922
Unmarked door next to a mattress store. Unassuming name. Several flights of stairs. Eighteenth Street Lounge has certainly set the stage for exclusivity, but fails to deliver. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not what we expected.
ESL is the brainchild of well-known music group The Thievery Corporation and has had the reputation of being the hangout of local celebrities and upscale yuppies. As you can imagine, we entered with high hopes. Suffice to say, ESL, on this front, did not deliver.
The crowd was lackluster to say the least. On Saturday nights apparently, the policy is B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Party) and we were the only ones who did. We were definitely on the younger side, but the crowd was well dressed, sophisticated, and poised. A breath of fresh air from the bumbling, stumbling idiots of Georgetown’s wood paneled bars. Imagine a house party with everyone on their best behavior.
Things we liked: Décor. Beautiful, well-appointed townhouse once inhabited by America’s original bad boy with a big stick, Teddy Roosevelt. Lavish wallpaper, chandeliers, Baroque couches, and other charming touches give ESL an antiqued vibe. We basically felt like we were partying at our wealthy grandmother’s not so humble abode. Music. Chilled out funk served over a grooving beat. The music definitely lent itself to the relaxed feel conducive to intimate mingling. Upstairs boasted a live jazz band and a sole older couple dominated the dance floor. We saw no one else dancing and by the stares that we got, our minimal shoulder shimmies were frowned upon as well. Bathroom. Clean, crisp, with an altogether different feel than the rest of the club, the bathrooms were a momentary haven for primping. Buttery Nipples notes that the many hand soap options were an added bonus. But as an avid wearer of 3-inch heels, the stalls were not high enough for private lavatory activities. Note to ESL: the shimmer in the green paint did not go unnoticed. We appreciate the details.
Things we didn’t like: The $10 cover. Make sure you plan on spending the entire night here to get your money’s worth. Décor. While the overall look was in-sync and polished, under the critical eye of DCBW, the decoration came off as a bit chintzy. With the lights on, this space could seem like a desperate attempt to be chic. Bartenders were really nice, but the long wait for drinks border-lined on ridiculous. Rail drinks ran the usual $6 although there’s a $20 minimum for credit cards so pair up when ordering. While the crowd was refined, there was not much intermixing between parties and it seemed like people stayed with the group they came with. We were lucky to bump into old friends guaranteeing good conversation for the night.
Disclaimer: Going on a Saturday we went out on a limb, for ESL is known for it’s Wednesday Reggae and Friday night soirees.
Overall, the night was certainly not a bust and various elements of ESL peaked our interest to assure our swift return on a later occasion. All in all, potential abounds at the lounge.
1212 18th Street NW
(202) 466-3922
Unmarked door next to a mattress store. Unassuming name. Several flights of stairs. Eighteenth Street Lounge has certainly set the stage for exclusivity, but fails to deliver. Not necessarily a bad thing, but not what we expected.
ESL is the brainchild of well-known music group The Thievery Corporation and has had the reputation of being the hangout of local celebrities and upscale yuppies. As you can imagine, we entered with high hopes. Suffice to say, ESL, on this front, did not deliver.
The crowd was lackluster to say the least. On Saturday nights apparently, the policy is B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Party) and we were the only ones who did. We were definitely on the younger side, but the crowd was well dressed, sophisticated, and poised. A breath of fresh air from the bumbling, stumbling idiots of Georgetown’s wood paneled bars. Imagine a house party with everyone on their best behavior.
Things we liked: Décor. Beautiful, well-appointed townhouse once inhabited by America’s original bad boy with a big stick, Teddy Roosevelt. Lavish wallpaper, chandeliers, Baroque couches, and other charming touches give ESL an antiqued vibe. We basically felt like we were partying at our wealthy grandmother’s not so humble abode. Music. Chilled out funk served over a grooving beat. The music definitely lent itself to the relaxed feel conducive to intimate mingling. Upstairs boasted a live jazz band and a sole older couple dominated the dance floor. We saw no one else dancing and by the stares that we got, our minimal shoulder shimmies were frowned upon as well. Bathroom. Clean, crisp, with an altogether different feel than the rest of the club, the bathrooms were a momentary haven for primping. Buttery Nipples notes that the many hand soap options were an added bonus. But as an avid wearer of 3-inch heels, the stalls were not high enough for private lavatory activities. Note to ESL: the shimmer in the green paint did not go unnoticed. We appreciate the details.
Things we didn’t like: The $10 cover. Make sure you plan on spending the entire night here to get your money’s worth. Décor. While the overall look was in-sync and polished, under the critical eye of DCBW, the decoration came off as a bit chintzy. With the lights on, this space could seem like a desperate attempt to be chic. Bartenders were really nice, but the long wait for drinks border-lined on ridiculous. Rail drinks ran the usual $6 although there’s a $20 minimum for credit cards so pair up when ordering. While the crowd was refined, there was not much intermixing between parties and it seemed like people stayed with the group they came with. We were lucky to bump into old friends guaranteeing good conversation for the night.
Disclaimer: Going on a Saturday we went out on a limb, for ESL is known for it’s Wednesday Reggae and Friday night soirees.
Overall, the night was certainly not a bust and various elements of ESL peaked our interest to assure our swift return on a later occasion. All in all, potential abounds at the lounge.
Monday, March 24, 2008
miami thru dcbw's lens...
the line-up in miami.
daytime at the delano pool.
night time at the delano pool.
view from the contiuum.
table dancing at opa.
greek food at its best.
pool table.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
DCBW Hits the Beach...
DCBW took a well-deserved breaky break to the warm beaches of Miami. We had to do the standard South Beach outings, which included visits to the big clubs and trips to the beach, but we also hit up some lesser-known treasures of the city. All in all, DCBW succeeded in turning Miami into Ourami.
Make sure not to miss out on these 10 typical (and not so typical) things to do in South Beach:
1. Hit Up Nikki Beach On A Sunday Evening...Buy A Table/Mooch Off Of Wealthier Patrons.
2800 Biscayne Blvd. # 6
www.nikkibeach.com
Nikki Beach is well-known as one of the pillars of Miami. Part of a string of high-end clubs peppered throughout party cities around the globe, including Marrakesh, Sardinia and St. Barth's, Nikki Beach is a staple of the club life in the city. Sunday Night, Nikki Beach is hands down the place to be and while we showed up moderately early, 11:00 pm or so, there was already a reasonable line and a $40 cover. Luckily we managed to sweet talk a wealthy soybean farmer from Indiana (contradictions abound) who shared his generosity and let us hang out at his table. The small bottle of Belvedere ran him a cool $350, but trust me, the table is worth it. Inside Nikki Beach is two levels, with a more exclusive lounge upstairs and a crazy rave party below. (I swear, I have never tried ecstasy but after 20 minutes bumpin' and grindin' downstairs I feel like I have a MUCH better idea)
The real beauty of Nikki Beach lies in the oceanfront lounge adorned with wooden tables, white umbrellas, canopied beds, and sheer cabanas. As our first taste of the club life in South Beach, we were certainly impressed. The ocean breeze, smell of beach salt and lazy attitude sums up the swanky atmosphere of this particular beach community. The one and only major drawback was the lack of facilities on-site. In order to make the necessary trip to the restroom inside, the bouncer could "not guarantee me entrance back to the table." Wait...I am fortunate enough to be graced with the lure of a VIP table and but since I have to go inside to relieve myself there is the potential of no-return? Seeing as that wasn't an option for me, I was resigned to using a Port-a-Potty. Yes folks, the ever-present construction site adornment was the lavatory at Nikki Beach. My advice? Build a swanky cabana with some legitimate toilets and people might be more encouraged to buy that $350 bottle of vodka. The crowd was certainly attractive, although dress was much more casual and varied than expected. While we dressed to impress, there was a surplus of denim cutoffs and belly-baring shirts. In short, don't waste your time teetering on heels as you're literally walking through sand and boardwalk.
All in all, a great first impression of the elegance and exoticism that awaited us.
2. Stroll/Shop On Lincoln Road
As an essentially closed off avenue lined with shops, restaurants and outdoor lounges, Lincoln Road is the spot to stroll, saunter or skip while snagging that must-have dress for the evening. Be sure to allow yourself time to enjoy a cocktail/appetizer at one of the many eateries along the road. If you've got a sweet tooth, but want to watch those calories for the beach tomorrow stop into Blissberry (1650 Alton Rd) for a frozen yogurt that will certainly cool you down from all the heat the city creates.
3. Dance On The Tables At Taverna Opa.
I don't want to play favorites but if you only take one piece of advice from this list...GO TO TAVERNA OPA. A traditional Greek restaurant across from Nikki Beach, Taverna Opa is truly a gem of a find in the city. Upon entering the restaurant the staff showers you with a fistful of napkins all while screaming the namesakes', "Opa". You just get the feeling it will be a good dinner. We started off with cocktails at the back bar and Taverna Opa surprised me with their vast and sophisticated array of martinis. After being seated we were immediately served a stone chalice filled with hummus. Catch is, you grind it yourself. While I never thought I would support partaking in the creation of food I was paying for, this was a clever twist. Aside from the creativity of the dish, it was hands down the best hummus I've had (and I consider myself something of a hummus connoisseur). The way the restaurant works is you pay a flat rate (a mere $25) for community plates. After the hummus came warm goat cheese, a variation on the traditional Greek salad, kabobed meat, calamari, and fish. More food than the 12 of us could eat, we certainly got our money's worth.
While the food was something to rave about, the entertainment provided the true rare beauty of Taverna Opa. A beautiful belly dancer graced the dining room and as a major twist, danced on people's tables. While this certainly was something to watch the real fun happened when the waiter pulled a few of us up, and then a few more and before we knew it, the entire restaurant was groovin' and shakin' atop our tables. A mixture of Greek House music and popular favorites (once Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop the Music" came on we were overly impressed). The night ended with a stunning performance by our favorite male waiter as a bowl of napkins was drenched in vodka and lit on fire. The staff hopped on the table, danced a traditional line dance and threw a few more fistfuls of napkins into the air before we danced out the door, singing praises the entire way.
Taverna Opa delivered on everything they promised and more. While I'm not a foodie, it sure impressed the heck out of me. I will be back to Miami just to dine on self-ground hummus and dance under napkin showers. Taverna Opa must make your list because it will certainly make your trip.
4. Rent A Beach Chair At The Delano
The famed Delano, widely regarded as one of the swankiest hotels in Miami, offers quite a deal for the economically conscious fabulous wannabe. For a measly $20 you can rent a coveted spot of the Delano section on the best stretch of South Beach sand. For practical reasons, a chair is a good call. There was not one day on the beach where sand was not perpetually blown in our faces and being a foot and a half off the ground cures that problem. But the real reason to rent a chair is to get a glimpse into how the "other half" vacations. With a well-dressed cabana boy waiter, the delivery of fresh grapes and giant ice pops gratis (any place that serves ice pops cannot be that pretentious) and a deliciously delectable menu (make sure to try the grilled fish sandwich with pineapple glaze), served chair side made us feel like celebrities. It didn't hurt that we had a clear view of McSteamy Eric Dane (filming a movie in Miami) and his beautiful wife Rebecca Gayheart as they lounged in the same chairs we sat on a mere two rows away from us.
As the best $20 I've spent in a long time, a beach chair at the Delano is a small opportunity to experience the understated glamour of South Beach.
5. Fist Pump At Mansion
1235 Washington Ave
Since it's impossible to talk about Miami without bringing up Mansion I won't go into great detail. If you're looking for the archetypal Miami beach club experience, Mansion certainly delivers. If you're not, go anyways and appreciate the fact that Mansion is not a part of your weekly party schedule. With a ridiculous line, bright lights, loud music, gorgeous patrons and a slew of VIP lounges Mansion sums up the all-night exclusivity Miami is known for.
6. Dine On Late-Night Sushi At Moshi Moshi.
1445 Washington Ave
As the only sushi bar I've encountered that serves rolls until 4:30 in the morning, Moshi Moshi brings post-club noshing to a new level. The menusis extensive and, as an added bonus, items are highlighted as a black light creates a low-budget kitschy trick. Only spending 5 days in Miami, we managed to dine at Moshi Moshi twice and heading back to the district I was depressed that I would not be able to drunkenly stumble in for a salmon crunch roll.
7. Shoot Pool At Felt.
1242 Washington Ave
While several members of my crew might argue this claim, Felt was one of my favorite places in Miami. It certainly is a departure from the typical South crowd. Think tattoos, chucks and punk rock but definitely a good mixture of people. Half the bar is a dance lounge with leather booths and a small bar, while the other half, lined with seating, hosts about 8 pool tables, and an expansive bar. While it's not the place to hit up if you're in the mood for the aforementioned fist pump, it definitely strikes a chord if you're looking for the more underground Miami scene. In our case, we chose Felt (twice) for the relaxed vibe that beckoned our beloved DC bars.
8. Enjoy An Early Evening Cocktail On A Balcony At The Continuum.
100 South Pointe Drive
Arguably there are a host of posh condos scattered throughout South Beach. We were lucky enough to spend our evenings (pre-clubbing) drinking and dancing at a fabulous unit in the Continuum. As each separate condo takes up half of the floor, with private elevator access, this building is certainly something to see. The infinity edge pool perched above the azure ocean viewed from a modern glass encased balcony set the tone for the lavish evenings out. Certainly, such a condo is a long shot for most of us average joes, but if you happen to know someone/can meet someone who has a place, it's certainly worth taking a peek at the properties of the well-to-do.
9. Grab A 5:30 AM Beer At Cafe Del Mar.
6995 Collins Ave
The absurdity of this opportunity makes it a must-do on the list. Why you would want to drink a beer at 5:30 AM was unclear to me before visiting Miami. Now, I cannot imagine the city without such a place. Be sure to take a picture, beer in hand, with a clock somewhere in view. Your friends will think it's a joke.
10. Lounge In A Cabana At The Delano.
1685 Collins Ave
I know, I know, the Delano now appears on this brief list twice. But truly, you cannot do one without the other, and you really can't do Miami without the both of them. The Washington Post raves the interior of The Delano stating, "Design Icon of the Decade." Let that marinate for a minute as you realize what a lofty praise the Post bestowed upon the posh hotel. While pretty unassuming from the exterior; Liquid Cocaine notes, "It has a 1950's vibe...but not in a chic way," the decor of the Delano is anything but disappointing. Once inside, it is clear that the aesthetic beauty is enough to make a person faint.
Floor to ceiling (we're talking several stories tall) sheer white drapes drift casually in the breeze and intimate tables with lounge chairs pepper the dark wooden floor. Continuing through the Blue Door Restaurant and onto the terrace the view literally captures your breathe. I can only liken it to Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Antique wrought iron daybeds scatter the perfectly manicured grass while a life size chess board solidifies the fantastical quality of the Delano "Orchard". The pool completely redefines conventionality as it moves from shallow to deep, all the while providing separate areas for lounging, swimming and even dining. (Oh yes folks. There is a quaint wrought-iron table and chairs complete with candelabra situated peculiarly in the shallow end of the pool. Taking your shoes off and frolicking in the water only to enjoy a raspberry mojito at this table is something you must do.)
With two story fairy-tale bungalows lining the left, and private cabanas complete with flat screens, bottle service and stark white daybeds on the right, I never wanted to leave.
While I don't want to drop names, Jay-Z and music mogul Scott Storch happened to be partying in the Florida Room (the go-to spot for celebs) on the night we were there and the energy was unquestionable.
An absolutely magical evening that proved to me heaven on earth does exist; in a gracious garden in Miami.
xo,
Gin
Make sure not to miss out on these 10 typical (and not so typical) things to do in South Beach:
1. Hit Up Nikki Beach On A Sunday Evening...Buy A Table/Mooch Off Of Wealthier Patrons.
2800 Biscayne Blvd. # 6
www.nikkibeach.com
Nikki Beach is well-known as one of the pillars of Miami. Part of a string of high-end clubs peppered throughout party cities around the globe, including Marrakesh, Sardinia and St. Barth's, Nikki Beach is a staple of the club life in the city. Sunday Night, Nikki Beach is hands down the place to be and while we showed up moderately early, 11:00 pm or so, there was already a reasonable line and a $40 cover. Luckily we managed to sweet talk a wealthy soybean farmer from Indiana (contradictions abound) who shared his generosity and let us hang out at his table. The small bottle of Belvedere ran him a cool $350, but trust me, the table is worth it. Inside Nikki Beach is two levels, with a more exclusive lounge upstairs and a crazy rave party below. (I swear, I have never tried ecstasy but after 20 minutes bumpin' and grindin' downstairs I feel like I have a MUCH better idea)
The real beauty of Nikki Beach lies in the oceanfront lounge adorned with wooden tables, white umbrellas, canopied beds, and sheer cabanas. As our first taste of the club life in South Beach, we were certainly impressed. The ocean breeze, smell of beach salt and lazy attitude sums up the swanky atmosphere of this particular beach community. The one and only major drawback was the lack of facilities on-site. In order to make the necessary trip to the restroom inside, the bouncer could "not guarantee me entrance back to the table." Wait...I am fortunate enough to be graced with the lure of a VIP table and but since I have to go inside to relieve myself there is the potential of no-return? Seeing as that wasn't an option for me, I was resigned to using a Port-a-Potty. Yes folks, the ever-present construction site adornment was the lavatory at Nikki Beach. My advice? Build a swanky cabana with some legitimate toilets and people might be more encouraged to buy that $350 bottle of vodka. The crowd was certainly attractive, although dress was much more casual and varied than expected. While we dressed to impress, there was a surplus of denim cutoffs and belly-baring shirts. In short, don't waste your time teetering on heels as you're literally walking through sand and boardwalk.
All in all, a great first impression of the elegance and exoticism that awaited us.
2. Stroll/Shop On Lincoln Road
As an essentially closed off avenue lined with shops, restaurants and outdoor lounges, Lincoln Road is the spot to stroll, saunter or skip while snagging that must-have dress for the evening. Be sure to allow yourself time to enjoy a cocktail/appetizer at one of the many eateries along the road. If you've got a sweet tooth, but want to watch those calories for the beach tomorrow stop into Blissberry (1650 Alton Rd) for a frozen yogurt that will certainly cool you down from all the heat the city creates.
3. Dance On The Tables At Taverna Opa.
I don't want to play favorites but if you only take one piece of advice from this list...GO TO TAVERNA OPA. A traditional Greek restaurant across from Nikki Beach, Taverna Opa is truly a gem of a find in the city. Upon entering the restaurant the staff showers you with a fistful of napkins all while screaming the namesakes', "Opa". You just get the feeling it will be a good dinner. We started off with cocktails at the back bar and Taverna Opa surprised me with their vast and sophisticated array of martinis. After being seated we were immediately served a stone chalice filled with hummus. Catch is, you grind it yourself. While I never thought I would support partaking in the creation of food I was paying for, this was a clever twist. Aside from the creativity of the dish, it was hands down the best hummus I've had (and I consider myself something of a hummus connoisseur). The way the restaurant works is you pay a flat rate (a mere $25) for community plates. After the hummus came warm goat cheese, a variation on the traditional Greek salad, kabobed meat, calamari, and fish. More food than the 12 of us could eat, we certainly got our money's worth.
While the food was something to rave about, the entertainment provided the true rare beauty of Taverna Opa. A beautiful belly dancer graced the dining room and as a major twist, danced on people's tables. While this certainly was something to watch the real fun happened when the waiter pulled a few of us up, and then a few more and before we knew it, the entire restaurant was groovin' and shakin' atop our tables. A mixture of Greek House music and popular favorites (once Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop the Music" came on we were overly impressed). The night ended with a stunning performance by our favorite male waiter as a bowl of napkins was drenched in vodka and lit on fire. The staff hopped on the table, danced a traditional line dance and threw a few more fistfuls of napkins into the air before we danced out the door, singing praises the entire way.
Taverna Opa delivered on everything they promised and more. While I'm not a foodie, it sure impressed the heck out of me. I will be back to Miami just to dine on self-ground hummus and dance under napkin showers. Taverna Opa must make your list because it will certainly make your trip.
4. Rent A Beach Chair At The Delano
The famed Delano, widely regarded as one of the swankiest hotels in Miami, offers quite a deal for the economically conscious fabulous wannabe. For a measly $20 you can rent a coveted spot of the Delano section on the best stretch of South Beach sand. For practical reasons, a chair is a good call. There was not one day on the beach where sand was not perpetually blown in our faces and being a foot and a half off the ground cures that problem. But the real reason to rent a chair is to get a glimpse into how the "other half" vacations. With a well-dressed cabana boy waiter, the delivery of fresh grapes and giant ice pops gratis (any place that serves ice pops cannot be that pretentious) and a deliciously delectable menu (make sure to try the grilled fish sandwich with pineapple glaze), served chair side made us feel like celebrities. It didn't hurt that we had a clear view of McSteamy Eric Dane (filming a movie in Miami) and his beautiful wife Rebecca Gayheart as they lounged in the same chairs we sat on a mere two rows away from us.
As the best $20 I've spent in a long time, a beach chair at the Delano is a small opportunity to experience the understated glamour of South Beach.
5. Fist Pump At Mansion
1235 Washington Ave
Since it's impossible to talk about Miami without bringing up Mansion I won't go into great detail. If you're looking for the archetypal Miami beach club experience, Mansion certainly delivers. If you're not, go anyways and appreciate the fact that Mansion is not a part of your weekly party schedule. With a ridiculous line, bright lights, loud music, gorgeous patrons and a slew of VIP lounges Mansion sums up the all-night exclusivity Miami is known for.
6. Dine On Late-Night Sushi At Moshi Moshi.
1445 Washington Ave
As the only sushi bar I've encountered that serves rolls until 4:30 in the morning, Moshi Moshi brings post-club noshing to a new level. The menusis extensive and, as an added bonus, items are highlighted as a black light creates a low-budget kitschy trick. Only spending 5 days in Miami, we managed to dine at Moshi Moshi twice and heading back to the district I was depressed that I would not be able to drunkenly stumble in for a salmon crunch roll.
7. Shoot Pool At Felt.
1242 Washington Ave
While several members of my crew might argue this claim, Felt was one of my favorite places in Miami. It certainly is a departure from the typical South crowd. Think tattoos, chucks and punk rock but definitely a good mixture of people. Half the bar is a dance lounge with leather booths and a small bar, while the other half, lined with seating, hosts about 8 pool tables, and an expansive bar. While it's not the place to hit up if you're in the mood for the aforementioned fist pump, it definitely strikes a chord if you're looking for the more underground Miami scene. In our case, we chose Felt (twice) for the relaxed vibe that beckoned our beloved DC bars.
8. Enjoy An Early Evening Cocktail On A Balcony At The Continuum.
100 South Pointe Drive
Arguably there are a host of posh condos scattered throughout South Beach. We were lucky enough to spend our evenings (pre-clubbing) drinking and dancing at a fabulous unit in the Continuum. As each separate condo takes up half of the floor, with private elevator access, this building is certainly something to see. The infinity edge pool perched above the azure ocean viewed from a modern glass encased balcony set the tone for the lavish evenings out. Certainly, such a condo is a long shot for most of us average joes, but if you happen to know someone/can meet someone who has a place, it's certainly worth taking a peek at the properties of the well-to-do.
9. Grab A 5:30 AM Beer At Cafe Del Mar.
6995 Collins Ave
The absurdity of this opportunity makes it a must-do on the list. Why you would want to drink a beer at 5:30 AM was unclear to me before visiting Miami. Now, I cannot imagine the city without such a place. Be sure to take a picture, beer in hand, with a clock somewhere in view. Your friends will think it's a joke.
10. Lounge In A Cabana At The Delano.
1685 Collins Ave
I know, I know, the Delano now appears on this brief list twice. But truly, you cannot do one without the other, and you really can't do Miami without the both of them. The Washington Post raves the interior of The Delano stating, "Design Icon of the Decade." Let that marinate for a minute as you realize what a lofty praise the Post bestowed upon the posh hotel. While pretty unassuming from the exterior; Liquid Cocaine notes, "It has a 1950's vibe...but not in a chic way," the decor of the Delano is anything but disappointing. Once inside, it is clear that the aesthetic beauty is enough to make a person faint.
Floor to ceiling (we're talking several stories tall) sheer white drapes drift casually in the breeze and intimate tables with lounge chairs pepper the dark wooden floor. Continuing through the Blue Door Restaurant and onto the terrace the view literally captures your breathe. I can only liken it to Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Antique wrought iron daybeds scatter the perfectly manicured grass while a life size chess board solidifies the fantastical quality of the Delano "Orchard". The pool completely redefines conventionality as it moves from shallow to deep, all the while providing separate areas for lounging, swimming and even dining. (Oh yes folks. There is a quaint wrought-iron table and chairs complete with candelabra situated peculiarly in the shallow end of the pool. Taking your shoes off and frolicking in the water only to enjoy a raspberry mojito at this table is something you must do.)
With two story fairy-tale bungalows lining the left, and private cabanas complete with flat screens, bottle service and stark white daybeds on the right, I never wanted to leave.
While I don't want to drop names, Jay-Z and music mogul Scott Storch happened to be partying in the Florida Room (the go-to spot for celebs) on the night we were there and the energy was unquestionable.
An absolutely magical evening that proved to me heaven on earth does exist; in a gracious garden in Miami.
xo,
Gin
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Just a taste
DCBW is venturing into the realm of imagery...
the female line-up.
fist pump? cheers.
the infamous duo.
best shirt. ever. (@ marvin)
our drinks. standard.
the female line-up.
fist pump? cheers.
the infamous duo.
best shirt. ever. (@ marvin)
our drinks. standard.
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