 | |
| Typical Winter Day in Miami |
I returned from South Beach, Miami last week where it was sunny and warm to a gloomy and rainy week in the Bay Area.
Connie and I visited South Beach during the Winter Music Conference ("WMC") one of the most publicized annual music gatherings in the world. WMC attract artists and DJs from all over the world. Fans of house and trance music, such as myself, view WMC as a unity of electronica, pool parties, beach, good food, and beautiful people.
 |
| WMC Pool Parties |
We flew in Fort Lauderdale on Virgin America and took a taxi to South Beach, a $75 ride (excluding the $10 tip). Virgin America had a great deal for $199 roundtrip from SFO during the winter time.
Collins Avenue runs parallel to Ocean, one block west. Collins is home to many historic Art Deco hotels, several nightclubs, and an ideal location for WMC party goers. Our hotel, The Townhouse Hotel, was located on 20th and Collins.
Connie and I love to walk. Automobile traffic in the area was frequent, so getting around in South Beach by car proved more difficult than simply walking. We walked to many eateries such as a hole-in-the-wall small Cuban cafe named Playa Cafe on Washington Avenue. Refreshingly cheap and tasty, the specials were all satisfying. I loved their Cuban sandwiches, made fresh before our eyes. The Spanish-speaking staff and the rusty Havana decor made our experience here quite Cuban-authentic. We also dined at Puerta Sagua, where I've had my first ropa vieja with plantains and rice. So delicious, I imagined these dishes to be home made by a Cuban grandmother.
 |
| Front Porch of The Townhouse Hotel |
Connie and I love to walk. Automobile traffic in the area was frequent, so getting around in South Beach by car proved more difficult than simply walking. We walked to many eateries such as a hole-in-the-wall small Cuban cafe named Playa Cafe on Washington Avenue. Refreshingly cheap and tasty, the specials were all satisfying. I loved their Cuban sandwiches, made fresh before our eyes. The Spanish-speaking staff and the rusty Havana decor made our experience here quite Cuban-authentic. We also dined at Puerta Sagua, where I've had my first ropa vieja with plantains and rice. So delicious, I imagined these dishes to be home made by a Cuban grandmother.
 |
| Cuban Sandwich at Playa Cafe |
 |
| Ropa Vieja at Puerto Sagua Restaurant |
The Art Deco buildings around Collins Park were camera-worthy. We enjoyed the fine details of the exteriors and the interiors of the buildings. My personal favorite was the National Hotel, which showcased its original Art Deco artwork but without losing touch with its modern features.
 |
| National Hotel's Pool |
After the WMC parties, we spent our last day at the W Hotel South Beach which was amazing. The full service pool and private beach areas were true blessings for our exhausted party souls.
 |
| 1 of 3 Tom Sachs Sanrio Creations in Front of W Hotel |
I missed Miami. A city with its timeless elegance, gorgeous people, unique architecture, warm winter days and unforgettable Cuban food . . . how can I not miss it.
LODGING:
The Townhouse Hotel
150 20th StMiami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 534-3800
FOOD:
Playa Cafe
1515 Washington AveMiami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-1551
Puerto Sagua Restaurant
700 Collins AveMiami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-1115
