As our February weather turns cool and breezy, the Webster will host the Grand Opening Party for the swank rooftop lounge space where vintage Godfather rattan furniture  provides the perfect respite for a quiet cocktail and a view to the neon lights of South Beach. This Wednesday, February 10 at 7pm join Barbara Becker and Suzy Buckley at the official rooftop opening gala and enjoy Grey Goose Vodka cocktails and the soothing sounds of DJ Jeffrey Tonneson.

Be certain to wear something smart as the Webster crowd tends toward Prada, Balenciaga and YSL. If your wardrobe is not quite up to snuff, explore the 20,000 sq.ft. designer fashion boutique daily from 11am-8pm and discover the best in men’s and women’s sportswear, accessories, shoes, and jewelry.

The Webster is located at 1220 Collins Avenue. The rooftop gala takes place Wednesday February 10 from 7-11pm and requires that you RSVP at roof@thewebstermiami.com

Webster Hotel Rooftop Lounge Opening Party is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Nestled in the lobby of the exquisite W South Beach, Solea is a comfortable, yet breathtaking room overlooking the Grove, or outdoor garden, of the hotel and adjacent pool area.  Awash in warm chocolates, creams, taupes and golden hues with contrasting slate and grey flooring, wall tiles and fixtures, the ambiance is comfortably modern and casually chic.  Mammoth floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with flowing ivory organza curtains overlook the terrace, while banquette style seating and communal tables made from single slabs of fallen maple wood – rescued during a park conservation effort – are broken up by statuesque wine cases.  White clothed tables and comfy dark brown leather directors chairs fill the room, illuminated overhead by a cluster of oversized pendant lanterns with black linen shades that hang at various heights.  A granite top bar, seating 8-10, and subtly back-lit with a golden hue, sits next to rustic wooden shelves with jars of jellies, preservatives and olive oils on display.  An intimate VIP dining area boasts a long maple wood table for 12 and a breathtaking chandelier of delicate draped silver chains.  Additional seating is offered outside near the Grove where diners can enjoy the cool sea breeze, swaying sea grape trees and subtle sounds of the ocean.

Vidal was named one of the top young chefs of Spain in 2005 and began putting down roots in his family owned Barcelona restaurant at a tender age, earning two culinary degrees from the prestigious Restauracion y Hoteleria de Barcelona. He learned his craft working under such culinary icons as Ferran Adria in Spain, and Alain Passard and Alain Ducasse in Paris.  A move to Miami in 2007 cemented his star chef status, when he received rave reviews at Por Fin in Coral Gables.  Now, at Solea, Vidal is showcasing his talent with a delightful menu of pica-pica (small bites), ensaladas (salads), arroces (rice and paellas), pescados (seafood), and carnes (meats), which demonstrate his mastery of Spanish cuisine.

The Solea culinary journey begins with a tantalizing collection of pica-pica ($6-$16), hot and cold small plates that awaken the palette as perfect starters, or satiate guests who wish to savor the restaurant’s full range of beguiling Spanish flavors by combining and sharing with dining companions.  Vidal’s signatures on this menu include huevo frito con patatas, jamon y setas, the heavenly Spanish version of ham and eggs – Iberico ham and a perfect fried egg – served over wafer thin, house made crispy potatoes, chanterelle mushrooms and truffle oil; cigalas – roasted langoustine with crispy garlic and shards of frisee to soak up the sauce; calamares a la Andaluza – tender fried calamari served with aioli and a creamy spiced brava sauce; an enchanting trio de gazpachos Andaluces, three small portions of traditional gazpacho, a creamy, buttery almond ajo blanco and tangy and sweet cherry; and the nidos de alcachofa y huevo – an artichoke heart stuffed with a whipped artichoke confit, poached quail egg and American sturgeon caviar.  A variety of meat and cheese pica picas offer the traditional cured hams, chorizo and salichon, as well as a daily selection of fine cheeses, all imported from Spain.

Ensaladas ($11-$16) offer refreshing choices including the gambas – cold shrimp atop mesclun greens with a sweet and tart orange reduction and creamy almond aioli; or the salpicon de pulpo – tender octopus and fingerling potatoes on micro greens with a flavorful sherry vinaigrette; as well as heartier flavors, such as the judias con jamon Iberico y foie – crisp haricots verts, creamy foie gras, chanterelle mushrooms, crispy Iberico ham chips and sherry vinaigrette that wonderfully meld the different flavors and textures for a perfect transition between picas and main dishes.

Arroces ($24-$28), served piping hot in a cast iron pot, can be enjoyed as a side or a main, and include arroz de montaña (mountain rice) which is Calasparra rice with squab, artichokes and porcini mushrooms; paella de langosta y setas with lobster, clams and chanterelle mushrooms; paella Valencia – shrimp clams, chicken and mussels; and arroz negro – squid ink blackened rice, cuttlefish and shrimp.

Vidal demonstrates his passion for seafood with the pescados ($24-$34) including lubina – branzino with lentils, smoked sweet paprika vinaigrette and potato puree; vieiras – scallops, white and green asparagus, fava beans and salchicon de Vic; and caldereta de langosta – Maine lobster casserole with Spanish brandy and bread sauce.  Rich and savory carnes ($21-$34) include the carrilleras de ternera – braised veal cheeks and porcini-Idiazabal cheese toast and costillas de cordero – Colorado rack of lamb with a reduction sauce and escalivada with black olive oil.  The pollo rustido, perfectly roasted free range chicken with cauliflower and crispy pork belly, delights as well.

To bring a magical close to an exceptional meal, pastry chef Antonio Bachour, most recently of Scarpetta creates stellar house made desserts ($10) that embrace Spanish cuisine with a South Floridian twist.  Standouts include pudding de pan – warm banana bread pudding, vanilla crème Anglaise and peanut butter ice cream; pan, chocolate y aceite de oliva – chocolate cremoso, olive oil ice cream, toasted country bread and sea salt; crema Catalana – cinnamon ice cream, orange confit and espuma de crema Catalana; manchego cheesecake, served with green apple sorbet and blackberry sauce; and delicate coconut panna cotta that floats in a guava soup, with caramelized pineapple and fresh coconut sorbet.

Food and beverage director, Antoni Yelamos, former director of operations and restaurant partner of ThinkFoodGroup with iconic Spanish chef Jose Andres, teams up with seasoned sommelier and general manager Dale LoSasso – who’s wine background includes working with Carmen the Restaurant, Mark’s South Beach, China Grill Management and Alfred Portale – to create one of the top international wine lists in South Florida.  Boasting a list that specializes in beautiful Spanish wines, they happily create pairings with Vidal’s cuisine, crafting individualized experiences for guests.

Solea, located inside the lobby of the new W South Beach hotel at 2201 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with late-night dining available on weekends. A semi-private VIP room is available for up to 12 guests. For reservations, phone: (305) 938-3111.

Solea at W South Beach Hotel – Marc Vidal Named Executive Chef is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Next to the restaurant, a 2,000 square foot lounge called Coco De Ville hopes to capture the celebrity buzz of the multi-colored CDV in the basement of the STK restaurant in Los Angeles where Rihanna, a few Kardashians and a Tiger Woods mistress or two have been spotted. Perhaps the celebrity angle will help distinguish this latest in a series of big dollar South Beach sizzlers including Red, Meat Market, BLT Steak, Kobe Club and the ever-celeb-friendly Prime 112.

Executive Chef Todd Mark Miller’s trajectory from his Utah childhood to the mean streets of STK in New York is filled with star turns at Prime, the Four Seasons, Fresco, and Metropolitan. He received Restaurant Hospitality’s 2005 Rising Star Chef Award and, according to the STK website, has appeared on both FoodTV Network’s “Chopped” and NBC’s “The Today Show.” Miller’s Miami-inspired menu options will include Seared Big Eye Tuna with congri and Pork Mojo Cazuela with citrus chili maduros and yuca alongside STK’s New York and Los Angeles menu favorites like Shrimp Rice Krispies and Lil’ Big Macs.

To try something hot off the grill at South Beach’s next new thing, call 305-604-6988.

STK Miami is located at 2377 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

STK Miami at the Gansevoort South Hotel is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Unlike the Art Deco District, the North Shore designation is based on a characteristic style of Miami Modernism, also known as MiMo, a post-war modern style of architecture that features acute angles, delta wings, sweeping curved walls and soaring pylons and is unique to Miami. Miami Beach’s northern neighborhood, known as North Beach, has one of the largest and most cohesive concentrations of such buildings in South Florida, including landmark hotels, commercial buildings, and apartment buildings.

“With now two MiMo architectural districts on the national register, you can say that Miami Beach has many other angles to boast about,” said Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower. “We hope that MiMo will be to North Beach as Art Deco was to South Beach.”

The North Shore Historic District is bounded by 73rd Street to the south, 87th Street to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, excluding Collins Avenue north of 76th Street, and Crespi Boulevard to the west. In November 2008, the Normandy Isles Historic District, which is bounded by Biscayne Bay and a portion of 71st Street to the south, the Normandy Shores Golf Course to the north, Indian Creek Waterway to the east and Rue Notre Dame, north of Biarritz Drive, to the west, was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To property owners this historic places designation has significant benefits. Property located in the North Shore Historic District or the Normandy Isles Historic District may be eligible for a 20 percent investment tax credit on qualified rehabilitation expenses. For benefits to be awarded, the property must; be a contributing building in one of the National Register districts and must have been income producing, such as by renting, for at least five years. All historic properties in these districts, including owner-occupied residences, may be eligible for a 10-year county property tax exemption on the assessed value of improvements resulting from restoration or rehabilitation.

North Beach neighborhoods also incorporate other architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco, and Moderne – all blending together to give a distinctively urban character to this northern part of Miami Beach.

In 1979, the Art Deco District in South Beach was added to the National Register.  For the past 15 years, the Art Deco District has ranked number one as the most visited attraction in South Florida. It is expected that the North Shore and Normandy Isles historic districts will also see further investments, through retail, restaurants, and hotels, resulting in a positive economic impact on the surrounding community.

For more information on the North Shore and Normandy Isles historic districts, contact Joyce Meyers at 305.673.7000, ext. 6167, or e-mail at joycemeyers@miamibeachfl.gov. For more information about the National Register of Historic Places go to www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.

New Historic District Touches Collins Avenue is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

In the heart of this (members only) playground is the Morris Lapidus designed Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. When it comes down to the top Collins Avenue hotels, this 1954 oceanfront property stretches out over 40,000 square feet with 1504 suites, 11 on-site restaurants and a bowtie-shape pool. With the most inexpensive deluxe rooms starting around $240 per night, keeping a credit card handy wouldn’t hurt.

If you think $240 per night is pricey, then Delano Hotel in South Beach is not for the faint of heart. The amenities at Delano are comparative to those found on most private resorts and high end yacht clubs. 24 hour room service, a private beach and landscaped orchard are just a few key highlights compiled into their $680 per night rate – a major contributor to the economy and industry of Collins Avenue hotels!

As of recently, a new and promising addition has been made to the South Beach catwalk of cozy accommodations, and it is brought to us by the people of W South Beach. Though the early reviews were not so encouraging, claiming that overpriced drinks and under qualified staff took away from its “Whatever, Whenever Service”, the W South Beach Hotel is definitely a future competitor for some of the more trend-setting beachfront complexes such as Gansevoort South.

From designer furniture made from imported leather to an en suite entertainment room with 11.1 surround sound, Collins Beach hotels effortlessly capture the curious wallets of America’s rich and famous. Keep in mind, it is possible to enjoy more of a boutique setting for a reasonable price, but to experience the true energy that is Miami Beach, money is absolutely mandatory.

Collins Avenue Hotels is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Before busting out your best pair of Manolo Blahniks and heading for South Beach, we suggest you have a general idea of where you’ll be going once your heels hit the well-travelled concrete of the Collins Avenue shopping experience.

Nicole Miller / 656 Collins Avenue / Miami Beach, FL
Though primarily marketed towards women with “fit” figures, Nicole Miller has remained a household name among the elite fashion followers for over 25 years. Regardless of whether or not you’re in the market for a smart, elegant cocktail dress – Nicole Miller on Collins Avenue will have one with your name written on it. If the cutting edge is where you want to be, shopping at Nicole Miller is a must.

Urban Outfitters / 653 Collins Avenue / Miami Beach, FL
Near Nicole Miller you will find the latest and greatest in hipster, cute and casual styles at Urban Outfitters Collins Avenue location. Their store proudly flaunts a massive industrial-like space, filled wall to wall with clothing, home décor and plenty of groovy gifts. For those hoping to accessorize, Urban Outfitters stocks an impressive selection of funky shoes, bracelets and bags; a definite hit amongst women between the ages of 15 and 25 who’s diet consists of Collins Avenue shopping.

United Colors of Benetton / 670 Collins Avenue / Miami Beach, FL
Making one of its mainstream marks in the 90s, United Colors of Benetton have always proved to be a brand that promotes diversity and class. It is impossible to hit up Collins Avenue without stopping by Benetton for a peak at their current line of linen skirts and cheerful tank tops. With a name like United Colors of Benetton, it’s no secret that bight and sunny is a theme which remains consistent across their fashion catalog. 40 years + of fashion apparel and Italian inspirations is well worth the price tag. After all, did you really expect to go shopping on Collins Avenue without spending your rent check?

Collins Avenue Shopping Recommendations:

A. Dominguez
100 16th Street
Miami Beach, FL
305.672.6989

Arden B.
640 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.604.8705

Armani Exchange
760 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.531.590

Art Connection Jewelry
100 16th Street Suite 6
Miami Beach, FL
305.604-0603

United Colors of Benetton
670 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.538.3777

Club Monaco
624 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.674.7446

Diesel
801 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.535.9655

Galleria
749 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.673.8388

Giroux
638 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.672.3015

Guess
736 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.673.8880

Intermix
634 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.531.5950

Kenneth Cole
190 8th Street
Miami Beach, FL
305.673.5151

MAC
650 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.604.9040

Nicole Miller
656 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.535.2200

Polo Sport Ralph Lauren
740 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.672.7750

Ritchie Swimwear
160 8th Street
Miami Beach, FL
305.538.0201

Sephora
721 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.532.0904

Urban Outfitters
653 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL
305.535.9726

Shopping on Collins Avenue is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Jerry’s Famous Deli
With over 30 years of industry experience and 10 restaurants scattered through our Southern California and Florida, this 24 hour “New York” style deli is a must for budget conscious beach bums. Located at 1450 Collins Avenue, Jerry’s Famous Deli is quaintly nestled within the walls of the Henry Hohauser designed “Warsaw Ballroom” which was built in 1939. Jerry’s packs a menu with over 700 items, with such favorites as their Triple Deckers or NY Style White Pizza.

STK Miami
Being one of New York’s most sensual steakhouses, STK Miami is bound to be a unique experience in itself. Located within the Gansevoort South premises (just off the main lobby), STK Miami will offer its well known brand of steakhouse-ritz to the Collins Avenue restaurant scene. Within this two level property you can expect to find a versatile menu, creatively arranged by Executive Chef Todd Mark Miller (of STK New York fame). Traditional steakhouse fare, lamb, seafood and salads are just the beginning. With a launch date in the near future, we hope Collins Avenue is ready for STK Miami.

Philippe Miami
Miami has been attracting the best of the best when it comes to New York chefs for decades. Philippe Chow of Mr. Chows in New York is no exception to this occurrence. With over 25 years under his belt, Philippe Miami is Asian delicacy at the highest level of class – and price. Also located in the Gansevoort Hotel, this sexy restaurant fuels it’s customers with gourmet duck spring rolls and hand pulled noodles, a technique which Philippe Chow has become quite famous for.

Stop by any of the above restaurants when strolling along Collins Avenue and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how tangible true luxury dining really is.

Collins Avenue Restaurants & Top Dining is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Such hotspots as LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel mix ultra-VIP features like private skyboxes and secured banquettes with a voyeuristic appeal created by see through walls which project throughout the clubs 18,000 square foot space. Voted Best VIP Room of 2009, LIV Nightclub is a top competitor in the South Beach nightlife circus. Dress upscale for a night at LIV, but don’t expect to get in the first time.

Being co-launched by superstar-rock-bad-boy Tommy Lee can definitely have its perks, and when Rokbar Miami opened its doors in 2004 to the Collins Avenue nightclub crowd, the perks paid off. Three short years and a plethora of a-listers later, Rokbar closed in 2007 for a little R and R (regroup and renovate). Located at 1905 Collins Avenue, Rokbar Miami has lasted the test of time and truly brought the hard rock grit and upscale chic into one boutique atmosphere.

Next door to Rokbar is probably the epitome of Collins Avenue exclusivity. Only two words are needed when describing the seemingly impenetrable velvet ropes of Collins Avenue nightclubs: Mynt Lounge. With an average bottle price ranging from $500-$1000 and the hottest celebrities on the planet frequently passing through, having a good time will not be a challenge at Mynt – though getting in is an entirely different obstacle.

Collins Avenue nightclubs offer an alternative to the madness of Ocean Drive. Though equally as posh, Collins Avenue is definitely the place to on any given Saturday night in South Beach.

Collins Avenue Clubs & Nightlife is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Collins Avenue Shopping Video is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach

Akoya Condominium on Collins Avenue is a post from: Collins Avenue Miami Beach