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Archive for 2011
The 10th Anniversary of Art Basel Celebrated in Miami
Monday, December 19th, 2011
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| Art Basel Miami 2011 – Photo by Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images via Yahoo |
This month the who’s who of the modern art world, along with a horde of A-listers, jet setters, and famous faces, descended on Miami for the 10th anniversary of Art Basel. The art exhibition has gone a long way to re-energizing Miami’s international image, making the city the place to be in early December and kicking off the Miami high season with a bang. After a whirlwind of exhibits and parties talk is already turning to Art Basel 2012 (December 6 – 9), and now is the perfect time to pre-book your luxury villa rental if you’re planning to be in Miami this time next year.
The 2011 addition of Art Basel Miami was punctuated with a variety of exhibitions from newcomers to more established and well known artists, as well as a whirlwind of parties and promotional events. From November 30th to December 3rd, Miami was the place to be, showcasing work from 260 international galleries. With a reported 50,000 attending, a multitude of private jets touching down at Opa-Locka Airport and big names like the Yankee’s Alexander Rodriguez hosting VIP events it’s safe to say that Art Basel 2011 in Miami was nothing short of a whirlwind. As for the art, which for all intents and purposes is meant to be the real star of the show, reports are that even in this somewhat uncertain economic climate sales were brisk (the majority of the buyers were said to be American, a departure from recent years that saw many from Russia, Brazil and China). (more…)
Hot and Delicious Miami Restaurants to Enjoy in 2011-2012
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
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| Makoto Miami – Photo: billwisserphoto.com |
With the vacation season in Miami about to kick into high gear we’re sure many heading South are already considering the age old question of where to eat after a day spent basking in the sun or touring Art Basel. Sure, if you’ve managed to secure an opulent and private luxury villa rental, there’s definitely the option of staying in, but even those with their own butlers and fully stocked kitchens will likely also want to sample some of Miami’s restaurant scene. Here are some suggestions for your days and nights out:
The Dutch – Chef Andrea Carmellini has always drawn on his roots as the son of Italian-Americans when creating his restaurants (like the lauded Locana Verde in Manhattan) and his dishes (Locana specializes in uncomplicated Italian fare). Carmellini’s The Dutch, which first opened in SoHo and is now debuting in Miami, is a little more Americana, a little more comfort food than the chef’s previous ventures. Fans of the original The Dutch will find that the hotly anticipated, now open Miami version incorporates a Southern spin, which includes dishes like oyster sliders and an abundance of pies. 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-938-3000
Makoto – Many looking for a good meal in the Bal Harbour Shops now have another alternative, the refreshing Japanese menu put forth by chef Makoto Okuwa at his eponymous restaurant. Okuwa has taken advantage of the fresh seafood available in Miami by presenting an interesting mix of sushi and sashimi options, along with grilled meats and innovative noodle and rice dishes. Adventurous? Try the “hotate” (live scallops). 9700 Collins Avenue, 305-864-8600
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| New Look: Morgans on the Beach – Photo via Miami NewTimes |
Morgans on the Beach – Joe Allen’s was a Miami lunch staple and when many regulars found out it was being replaced by Morgans on the Beach they were quite upset, even demanding that certain dishes be kept on the menu (the kitchen staff has largely remained the same). This second outpost for Morgans has proven to be successful–breathing new life and decor into an iconic restaurant. Along with the old favorites, chef Paul Suriel has added new dishes to the menu included pulled pork sliders, mac and cheese, and pizzas. The restaurant also has a respectable cocktail menu that includes a lemon basil margarita. 1787 Purdy Avenue
De Rodriguez Cuba – The newest offering from Douglas Rodriguez, one of the forefathers of New Latin cuisine, De Rodriguez Cuba’s menu is heavily influenced by the fresh seafood available in the ocean nearby. A vacation in Miami isn’t complete without some Latin flavor and Rodriguez’s new offering is definitely gourmet with selections like oxtail in a spicy red wine sauce and chocolate cigars. 101 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-672-6624
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| Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith – Photo via Ocean Drive |
The Villa by Barton G. – If you want a special occasion restaurant in a gorgeously opulent setting, in this case the luxe mansion of the late Gianni Versace, then The Villa is a great choice. It may be difficult for food to stand out amidst such gorgeous surroundings, but the cuisine served up by Jeff O’Neill–including the foie gras ambrosia–certainly manages. 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-576-8003
Thinking of dessert? Try Hedy Goldsmith’s delicious creations at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink (130 NE 40th Street), which include gourmet versions of childhood faves like Oreos and Pop-Tarts, or try Buttercream in Coral Gables (1411 Sunset Drive), where many Floridians flock for the cupcakes.
If you’re thinking of a vacation in Miami this winter consider the gorgeous luxury villa rentals offered by Villazzo — privacy, beauty and five-star service to rival any hotel.
Miami’s Design District Shaping Up As World Class Luxury Shopping Destination
Sunday, October 16th, 2011 |
| Photo via inhabit.com |
Karl Lagerfeld Calls St. Tropez “Paradise” in New Video
Saturday, September 10th, 2011 |
| The Iconic VIP Room Nightclub in St. Tropez Photo via worlds-luxury-guide.com |
St. Tropez’s bustling nightlife is one of the key reasons that people are drawn to the classic vacation spot again and again. Even as the summer season is drawing to a close, and the well heeled and the famous are departing from their luxury villa rentals and their yachts, we’re reminded that some of the biggest names in the world, who could vacation anywhere they choose, consistently return to St. Tropez. Just take the outspoken Karl Lagerfeld who has made his love for St. Tropez known on countless occasions. Not only does the designer vacation in the town, but has also used it as the site of Chanel Resort fashion shows and videos he’s directed to promote the iconic brand. Now, appearing in a video for the famous St. Tropez nightclub VIP, Lagerfeld once again reaffirms his love for St. Tropez. (more…)
The Hot Places to Eat and Drink During Your Miami Vacation
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 |
| Jeff McInnis via Haute Living |
Visitors flock to Miami for many reasons; sun and sand, art and culture, the vibrant nightlife. If you’re planning a Miami luxury villa rental vacation you have the option of eating in your own state-of-the-art kitchen or venturing out to find your meal in one of Miami’s celebrated restaurants. There are classics–Joe’s Stone Crabs, Nobu, Palme d’Or–and trendier locales, not to mention a variety of different cuisines.
Like in most big cities, in Miami new restaurants from big name chefs are cause for a ton of buzz and anticipation. One such chef is Jeff McInnis, who disappointed many Miami diners when he left his post at Gigi’s earlier this year. Miami’s Top Chef has now been tapped for the new Yardbird Southern Table and Bar, which according to its website, is set to open in Fall 2011 at 16th and Lenox on South Beach. If the restaurant stays on schedule (reports have it opening in September), you’ll be able to give it a try if you head to Miami for your luxury villa rental location in the off-season or in time for Art Basel.
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| Five Napkin Turkey Burger – Photo by billwisserphoto.com via The Miami New Times |
Michelle Bernstein is another chef with a high profile on the Miami dining scene. Bernstein’s new offering, Crumb on Parchment, may be laidback but it is attracting well-heeled lunchers and foodies alike. The restaurant on 3930 NE Second Avenue has a café-style vibe, serves all day breakfast and scrumptious options like classic baked goods (delicious chocolate chip cookies) and elevated lunch food (tuna sandwiches served with kimci aioli and spicy pickles). While a luxury villa rental is the perfect place to throw a bash, Crumb is also a site to consider for a private party, especially one where food wrapped in parchment and utensils served up in pails only adds to the charm and ambiance.
Having a cup of coffee brewed in the state of the art kitchen of your luxury villa rental is a great way to the start the day or unwind at night, but where to go for your java fix when you’re out and about in Miami during the day? To answer that question HauteLiving.com has published their picks for the Top Five Coffee Shops in Miami: Café Demetrio, Nespresso, David’s Café, Pasion del Cielo and Versailles. Of the five we’re partial to Demetrio’s gorgeous location and gourmet brews.
And, lastly, if you’re looking for some more casual dining you’ll be happy to know that Miami has been overrun as of late with gourmet burger joints. Take Shake Shack, for instance, which just announced its opening another location in Coral Gables. The Miami New Times recently compared the newly opened Five Napkin Burger (located on Lincoln Road) to BGR the Burger Joint, which is on Miracle Mile. The results? According to the critic Lee Klein, BGR has the better “signature beef burger,” while Five Napkin wins when it comes to turkey burgers. And that’s the beauty of Miami–high or low, luxury or laidback, the city really delivers.
Villa Contenta, seen here, is just one of the gorgeous luxury villa rental options that Villazzo offers for the Miami area. Visit Villazzo.com for information on the different villas available, their unique features, stunning locations and modern amenities.
Enjoy Some Extreme Activities During Your St. Tropez Vacation Rental Experience
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011 |
| Tony Parker on Water Propelled Jet Pack via TMZ.com |
Shopping and clubbing, sun bathing and sailing are all hallmarks of a luxury villa rental vacation in St. Tropez. If you’re interested in something a bit more high energy, however, the exclusive resort town offers several different options you can consider. NBA star Tony Parker was recently seen motoring around the Mediterranean on a futuristic “jet pack,” one of the many grown up toys that you can choose from during your St. Tropez luxury vacation.
The JetLev reportedly costs more than $130,000 to own, and Parker spent about $5,000 to rent one in St. Tropez. So how does this modern answer to parasailing actually work? The JetLev, made by a Canadian company, gets strapped to your back and propels you through the air using water, sucked in through a tube trailing in the ocean, as its fuel. Perhaps not the exact image of the flying jet packs we’ve been promised by movies and science fiction, but definitely a new and unique way to enjoy the sun, sand and sea of St. Tropez. (more…)
Villazzo Vibe – July 2011
Thursday, July 14th, 2011 |
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