5 TRENDS SET TO SHAPE THE WAY WE SIP
MIAMI HEAT POWER
FORWARD UDONIS
HASLEM’S LEGACY ON AND OFF THE COURT
3 DRAG QUEENS
SLAYING THE SELFEXPRESSION GAME
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62 HOLDING COURT
After 20 years and three NBA championships, the Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem draws up a new game plan
By Paige Bowers70 BOYS WILL BE GIRLS
Three of the Magic City’s most popular drag queens share their superstar styles and stories
By Kristen Desmond LeFevre78 DRINK THE FUTURE
These next-gen cocktail trends will revolutionize the way you imbibe
By Jules Aron84 IT’S HER WORLD
Going giddy for Gucci’s newest collecton
Photography by Olivia Graham
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16 FROM THE EDITOR AVENTURIST
21 REINVENTION
Artsy vibes abound at Wynwood Jungle
22 THE MIX
The sport of kings returns to Miami Beach, tattoos go temporary in Little River, and Miami takes its place among creative capitals
24 MALL SCENE
Go for the shopping but stay for the culture with these 12 stylish standouts from the Aventura Mall’s art collection
26 PROFILE
O, Miami founder P. Scott Cunngingham puts a poetic spin on the 305
28 SPOTLIGHT
Three Miami-centric ways to celebrate Earth Day
30 CREATURE COMFORTS
JOURNEYS
47 WANDERLUST
Adventures in Cambodia’s ancient city of Angkor
52 QUICK TRIPS
The pet-friendly town of Cashiers, North Carolina
54 HIGH ROAD Land Rover’s 2023 Range Rover Sport
56 HIGH SEAS
Vicem Yachts’ 55 Classic Flybridge cruiser
SIP & SAVOR
95 ON THE SCENE
Contessa delivers Northern Italian romance in the Miami Design District
96 LOCAL BITES
104 BY DESIGN
Crafting half baths that pack a full punch
106 ELEMENTS
Water-evocative decor sets the stage for serenity
37 THE LOOK
Tropical Distillers brings liqueur and spirit production to Allapattah, Walrus Rodeo remixes shared plates, plus three picks for stone crab season’s last call
40 THE EDIT
100 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST
108 INSPIRED LIVING
How to transform a bedroom’s vibe through bedding
SOCIAL STUDIES
111 SEEN ON THE SCENE
ON THE COVER:
PHOTOGRAPHER:
ALEXANDER AGUIAR
MODEL:
UDONIS HASLEM
LOCATION: MIAMI-DADE ARENA
Fluorescent baubles sparkle and shine
44 BEAUTY BEAT
Fresh picks with nutrient-rich seed oils
Salute spring with a carrot-based cocktail HOME
103 INTERIORS
A designer creates her family’s dream home in South Miami
Pics from Miami’s most fabulous events
LAST LOOK
116 THE POWER OF PRIDE
Don your rainbow gear and celebrate Miami Beach Pride
Editorial Director
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ROSA LOST 106 POUNDS.*
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XBALLER
He may seem fierce (check that cover look!), but Udonis Haslem is one incredible humanitarian. Don’t miss Paige Bowers’ feature on UD, starting on page 62.
Ask veteran Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem about power, and he’ll likely have a thing or two to say about the kind of plays a power forward like him needs to execute to put points on the board. Beneath-the-basket skills notwithstanding, he’d probably also tell you this: Real power has little to do with a name on the back of a jersey, the money promised in a player’s contract, or the force of a rebound. That’s why we’re dedicating this issue to all kinds of power—the kind that Haslem hopes will bring home a fourth NBA championship for the Heat in this, his final season as a franchise player, but also the kind of power that transforms and transports us as individuals and as a community.
Consider, for example, the power of poetry. Jess Swanson caught up with P. Scott Cunningham, founder of the O, Miami poetry festival, who aims to help members of the Magic City fully invest in local verse (page 26).
Knowing how to order—or next level: make—a fancy cocktail may just be the ultimate power move. Jump ahead of the curve with your mixology skills by turning to page 78, where Jules Aron invites you to step into the very tasty future of bespoke cocktails.
With so many troubling pieces of news showing up in our feeds lately, it can be easy to feel powerless. Sometimes it’s the smallest choices that give us a chance to be part of the solution. Since Earth Day is upon us this month, we’re sharing three key ways you can go green here in the 305, including options that not only honor the environment but give meaning and power to our daily choices. Flip to page 28 to learn more.
May you find power and peace in our pages this month.
IT’S A DRAG
Photographer Tolga Kavut and I spent two days photographing three Miami queens in and out of drag. Turn to page 70
to see these inspiring performers in their full drag looks, and to read the stories they shared with me about the power of their chosen form of self-expression—especially in an industry that’s under fire.
Kristen Desmond LeFevre klefevre@aventuramagazine.com
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Nature and art collide with the arrival of Wynwood Jungle at 50 NW 24th Street. Entrepreneur and developer
Robert Rivani of Black Lion acquired the 33,000-squarefoot retail and restaurant space (formerly known as the Wynwood Arcade) in 2021. Since then, he has invested $500,000 in eye-popping renovations, including large-scale murals and signature topiaries by The Plant Guy. Tenants are quickly making their way into Wynwood Jungle, including Fabel, a swanky rooftop restaurant serving up Mediterranean flavors. Other businesses on the move include Pez Loco, Osme, Pink Room, The Salty Donut, and Ooh Raw, with more to come . (instagram. com/wynwoodjungle)
–Christiana Lilly
Polo players and their steeds will return to the sands of Miami Beach for the World Polo League’s Beach Polo World Cup
From April 20-23, eight teams from around the world and 120 horses will descend upon Collins Park at 21st and 22nd Streets and Collins Avenue. In addition to the fast-paced games, don’t miss out on activations that celebrate the sport of kings, including a retail village, a charity celebrity match, daily après-polo get-togethers at The Setai, and invitationonly soirees filled with Miami A-listers. (miamipolocup.com)
—C.L.
If you have tattoo commitment issues, look no further than Ephemeral Tattoo. The studio recently opened a Miami boutique in Little River, offering temporary tattoos that disappear over time. Using the same techniques as traditional tattooing, Ephemeral’s artists load their tattooing tools with made-to-fade black ink that your body eventually metabolizes, meaning the design only lasts nine to 15 months. So get that barbed wire wrap on your arm, an infinity symbol on your wrist, or your boyfriend’s name on your collarbone, because even if it doesn’t work out with “Mr. Right,” your skin will be ready for a new tat in no time. (ephemeral.tattoo) —C.L.
WITH ART BASEL, THE MIAMI BOOK FAIR, ENDLESS CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS, AND AN IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF INTERNATIONALLY LAUDED ARTISTS, IT’S NO WONDER THAT WORKAMAJIG RECENTLY RANKED MIAMI AS THE NO. 2 BEST PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR CREATIVES. THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE COMPANY LOOKED AT AMERICAN CITIES WITH MORE THAN 100,000 PEOPLE, EVALUATING THEM BASED ON THE NUMBER OF MUSEUMS, ARTISTS, AND FESTIVALS IN EACH LOCALE, AMONG OTHER FACTORS. WHEN LOOKING AT THE MAGIC CITY, OUR NINE MUSEUMS, 900-PLUS ARTISTS, 31 MUSIC FESTIVALS, AND FOUR FILM FESTIVALS CONTRIBUTED TO OUR NO. 2 SPOT. ATLANTA EDGED OUT MIAMI FOR FIRST PLACE. SUFFICE IT TO SAY: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED FOR NEXT YEAR. (WORKAMAJIG.COM) —C.L.
The Aventura Mall isn’t just a shopping destination; with more than 300 stores, it also doubles as an art museum. What better way to celebrate the mall’s fortieth anniversary than to stroll through its art walk? With smartphone in hand, you can scan the QR codes of the more than 20 murals, sculptures, and installations to learn about the work and the artist who created it. Here are a dozen of our favorite pieces. (aventuramall.com/arts)
BY CHRISTIANA LILLYThis functional bronze sculpture doubles as a seat for weary shoppers to rest, which is fitting because Castle is considered the father of the American art furniture movement.
Philly’s brotherly love comes to Miami in the form of this sculpture by the same artist who created the original landmark. There have been more than 50 versions of the sign installed around the world.
Designed for the Aventura Mall by the twin artists, this installation features three bronze gorillas, four bronze trees, five hand-carved marble benches, and a playful fountain.
This set of eyes following visitors outside of the Hermès store was created by the first woman artist to have a retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
An UberEats driver on the go? This 13-foot-tall statue depicts the Greek god Hermes on the move while precariously balancing a stack of to-go containers on his head.
An assemblage of steel letters, this pensive man sitting atop a koi pond is based on the artist.
This snowman isn’t missing his carrot nose and charcoal eyes— you’ve simply caught him from his back side.
Characters Cloudy and Peekoo entertain children in this interactive playground on the mall’s lower level, designed by Miami artists Sam Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, otherwise known as Friends With You.
The 12 masks have taken on different forms since they were first created in 2003, but each one represents the months of the year and the passage of time.
Art isn’t just to be admired but experienced. Visitors can slide down Höller’s 93-foot-tall slide tower, which echoes the themes present in his works inspired by amusement parks, playgrounds, and zoos.
The artist hoped that visitors to the mall would be moved to stop and look at these 96 butterflies, and maybe even take a photo. In our selfie culture, it’s a sure thing.
P. Scott Cunningham is on a mission to have every Miamian discover a new poem this month. Forget the fact that Miami-Dade County harbors more than 2.6 million people. Disregard that April (which happens to be National Poetry Month) only has 30 days. Cunningham is not deterred. The founder of the annual O, Miami poetry festival is inspired by the city, its residents, and their penchant for crafting poignant verses about the place they call home.
But it hasn’t always been that way. “When I started the festival [in 2011], I was way more pessimistic about people’s relationship to poetry,” Cunningham admits. “The festival taught me very quickly that I was completely wrong. The big lesson was that people in Miami have way more faith and belief in poetry than I did.”
Cunningham and his team have taken a subversive route to investing in verse, publishing poems by locals in and on the most unexpected places: Metrorail stubs, urinals, soap dispensers, the sand, sky
banners, road signs, gas pumps, and even parking tickets. In 2016, they displayed a poem written by Orchid Villa Elementary School third-grader Nieema Marshall on a Wynwood roof large enough for airplane passengers to see: “I am from a place where it does not snow.”
“We realized it’d be way more meaningful if the poems came from Miami,” Cunningham says, “and that our role should be to collect poems 11 months of the year and then do projects in April to platform these voices so that people can hear their communities speaking back to them.”
This year, Cunningham is excited about publishing a local’s poem on a billboard outside the Miami-Dade Arena following a monthlong call for submissions. The Poetry & Pajamas event (in which children can recite their favorite lines to pajama-clad peers) will return, as will Zip Odes, a call for short lyric poems from every zip code in South Florida.
“The most rewarding part is when you come across a poem that just resonates with you, even though you didn’t write it and it comes from someone with vastly different life experiences than you,” Cunningham says. (omiami.org)
Our picks for three Miami poets making their mark
The 44th of July
by Jaswinder BolinaA professor at the University of Miami, Bolina has published a collection of poems about American culture as seen through the lens of an outsider. It was longlisted for the 2019 PEN American Open Book Award.
Miami Century Fox by Legna
Rodríguez Iglesias
XCuban-born Rodríguez Iglesias’ collection of ironic and absurd poems looks at Miami and the immigrant experience in the twenty-first century. It won the 2017 Paz Prize for Poetry.
by Marci Calabretta Cancio-Bello
A program coordinator for the Miami Book Fair, Cancio-Bello’s collection examines distance, wanderlust, and grief. It received the 2015 Association of Writers’ Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, among other awards.
THE MAN BEHIND O, MIAMI IS TAKING POETIC LICENSE TO THE STREETS (AND ROOFTOPS) OF THE MAGIC CITY
The official theme of Earth Day 2023, taking place April 22, is “invest in our planet.” Here in the 305, we are certainly feeling the need for those investments: Miami’s surrounding waters have risen by 6 inches in the past 25 years, and economic think tank Resources for the Future has predicted that Miami will become “the most vulnerable major coastal city in the world.” Beyond the things you can do to help on a daily basis (yes, bringing your reusable bags to the grocery store and turning off the lights in an empty condo make a difference), there are also many opportunities to have some fun this Earth Day while making a meaningful impact too. (earthday.org)
The Earth Love Festival will take place April 22 from noon to 8 p.m. at The Mango Grove in Miami, complete with an eco-friendly shopping market, gardening and composting lessons, and other wellness programing. The event raises funds for Aguacate Sanctuary of Love Farm and Animal Rescues, which is a local advocate and beacon for organic living. (aguacatewellness.com)
If you’re seeking inspiration and knowledge that will carry you well beyond Earth Day, head to Everglades National Park , which boasts 1.5 million acres of mangrove- and marshland-clad wonders. Its Shark Valley Visitor Center is a wonderful place to learn about one of Florida’s most vital ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the park’s rangerled programming, which will include special Earth Day activities for adults and kids. (nps.gov)
The day was first conceived by environmental activist and Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson.
Earth Day is now widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people in more than 190 countries worldwide.
The first Earth Day took place April 22, 1970, and more than 20 million folks across the United States took part in the inaugural events.
Earth Day went global in 1990, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.
The forty-first annual Baynanza —a Miami-Dade County cleanup initiative spanning 30 locations—is slated for April 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Over the years, event participants have collected more than a million pounds of trash from Biscayne Bay. As a perk, volunteers get a commemorative T-shirt. (miamidade.gov)
WANT TO SHOW OUR PLANET SOME EXTRA LOVE? THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO UP YOUR GO-GREEN GAME THAN EARTH DAY.
NATIONAL PET DAY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO ADD A FUREVER FRIEND TO YOUR FAMILY
BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVREIn 2016, Yolanda Berkowitz found herself in a doom scroll. She came across numerous social media posts of adoptable shelter animals, but she noticed the relative lack of community activism to help the nearly 30,000 homeless animals Miami-Dade Animal Services takes in every year. Not one to sit idly by, Berkowitz founded Friends of Miami Animals Foundation (FoMA) to support Miami’s pet population.
“FoMA raises funds and gives grants to various shelters and animal organizations that can then provide the local Miami community [with] low-cost or free spay, neuter, and pet-retention services,” she says. “We’re also dedicated to working to help keep in-need animals healthy and keep pet families together and out of shelters.”
Berkowitz says caring for a pet can provide great joy, but it’s important to understand the responsibilities involved. Consider these key points before adopting a shelter pet in need. (fomapets.org)
Cost: Pet care—including food, supplies, and basic veterinary services— averages $800 to $1,000 a year for dogs and $650 for cats. Emergency care can range from $250 to $5,000.
Housing: If you’re a renter and your building allows pets, make sure to check your lease before adopting an animal, as your landlord may charge a monthly fee or a pet deposit.
Commitment: Cats and dogs have average life spans of between 10 and 20 years, so new pet owners need to prepare for the long haul. Make time in your schedule to prioritize your pet’s needs. And don’t forget to plan ahead of time who will be in charge of feeding, walking, and minding your pet while you’re away.
Pet-Proofing: Search out hazards and eliminate them, including cabinets at pet level, bottles of chemicals, small items that could become choking hazards, and electrical and curtain cords. Check your home and yard for toxic plants, too.
Health Care: Find a local veterinarian so that you know who to call if any health issues develop. Schedule an appointment with a vet shortly after adopting to make sure your pet is in good health. Consider opting for a pet insurance policy, which can help minimize vet expenses.
Training: House-training should begin the moment you bring your new pet home. If you’re adopting a cat, introduce it to the litter box immediately. To learn how to handle your dog’s behavior, hire a certified trainer or take advantage of free training programs at your local PetSmart.
Grooming: Learn to regularly groom your pet—from baths to nail trimming to teeth cleaning. An added bonus? Brushing your pet will help get rid of excess hair and reduce shedding on your furniture.
1 2 4 3 5 6 7 X
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WEALTH
The upside sounds like an investor’s holy grail: huge returns and support for businesses or industries people often believe in, such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, or deglobalization.
It’s known as thematic investing, and it’s exploded in recent years as investors continue in their everlasting search for new ideas, new trends, and greater performance. But despite all the money pouring into various thematic funds globally—data shows recent increases as high as 300 percent—there’s considerable evidence that most results fall far short of expectations. In fact, many experts warn of thematic funds’ high volatility, failure rates, fees, and more.
“It’s not a particularly good style of investing,” says Nicolas Rabener, founder and CEO of London-based financial research and analysis firm Finominal. “The reason for that is behavioral. Most humans, as it applies to retail as well as professional investors, chase performance. The problem is a large part of investors enter when a theme is at the
top and when valuations have been driven to extremes.”
According to a 2021 Morningstar report on U.S. thematic funds, 30 percent of such funds closed during the 10-year period observed. Another 34 percent underperformed against the broader equity market, leaving only slightly more than a third that delivered on their promise.
Similarly, university researchers in the United States and Switzerland recently found that thematic funds (often a subset of another increasingly popular investment vehicle known as exchange-traded funds, or ETFs) lost about 30 percent of their risk-adjusted value over their first five years. For this study, they looked at ETFs traded from 2019 all the way back to 1993. As they wrote in their 2021 report, Competition for Attention in the ETF Space, the authors determined that this underperformance “is driven by the overvaluation of the underlying stocks at the time of the launch. Our results are consistent with providers catering to investors’ extrapolative beliefs by issuing specialized ETFs that track attention-grabbing themes.”
Despite such dubious results, investments in thematic funds are only growing. Globally, total investments surged from about $251 billion in late 2019 to $718 billion two years later, according to Morningstar. In the United States, Morningstar reported thematic funding growth from about $49 billion in late 2019 to more than $160 billion 16 months later. Such is the allure of a popular theme mixed with potentially outsize returns.
DESPITE THEIR INHERENT VOLATILITY, THEMATIC FUNDS CONTINUE TO GROW IN POPULARITY
Rabener, who likens thematic investing to venture capital for asset managers, pointed to the recent rise and fall of cannabis stocks. “Three or four years ago there was a lot of enthusiasm for it, and a lot of people jumped on the train,” he says. “Valuations got very expensive. Then when they started reporting their earnings, there was of course a big discrepancy between the multiples these companies were trading at and their earnings. At some point even the most irrational investor sees this is not a good bet, and the theme implodes.”
Perhaps no entity better exemplifies the volatility of thematic funds in recent years than high-profile fund manager Cathie Wood and her ARK Invest firm. A top executive at multiple Wall Street firms before venturing out on her own in 2014, Wood turned her aggressive beliefs in “disruptive technology” into about $60 billion in assets by early 2021.
But no sooner did ARK post whopping gains well above the market (such as nearly 150 percent in 2020 for her ARK Innovation Fund) than it grossly underperformed broader indices the last two years. Built on the likes of Tesla, Spotify, Zoom, Roku, Coinbase, and others, ARK’s flagship fund fell 23 percent in 2021, while the S&P 500 was up 27 percent. In 2022, the fund fell about 67 percent, more than triple the decline of the S&P 500.
And yet, 2023 has ARK back on the march. Its Innovation Fund had
surged almost 22 percent at one point in late January, nearing the 26 and 24 percent monthly gains it posted in its banner year of 2020.
Such volatility only adds to the puzzle of thematic investing, which also includes plenty of competing opinions over what precisely defines a thematic investment. But given their popularity—and the higher-thannormal fees firms can command for them—thematic funds seem like a trend that’s hardly run its course. “From an industry perspective, it’s bound to grow,” Rabener says. “There’s no way around it.” «
BY IVEY LEIDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN COE
Often when we feel that “afternoon slump,” we reach for an energy drink or a protein bar that promises everything from performance boosts to better muscle growth, but many of the quick fixes fall short. Loaded with sugars and chemicals, these products tend to do the opposite of what they claim, leading to a sugar high and subsequent crash. The real key to staying focused and productive throughout the day is to use food as fuel.
The body’s main source of energy is glucose, which it gets from carbohydrates. And contrary to what fad diets will have you believe, carbohydrates are not the enemy. Simply choosing the right carbohydrates
» Nonstarchy vegetables: Good options include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, kale, artichokes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and onions.
» Low-glycemic fruits: Although every fruit has a relatively low glycemic index and all are beneficial to your health, there are a few that have higher sugar content and release glucose quicker. Low-glycemic fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, oranges, and apples, will have a slower release and are also higher in antioxidants.
X» Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hempseeds, and pumpkin seeds are rich in fiber and healthy fats to keep you energized and satiated.
» Quinoa and oats: These are rich in nutrients and vitamins like magnesium to support cognitive function and provide slow-releasing energy.
» Eggs: Egg yolks contain choline and vitamins B12 and B6 that support energy levels and improve memory and cognition.
» Avocados: Healthy fats found in avocados help maintain good blood flow throughout your body, muscles, and brain.
(foods that release glucose slowly and steadily throughout the body) and good fats and proteins (foods that repair and rebuild tissue and muscle) will provide you with sustained energy.
Ever notice how you feel hungrier and more sluggish after eating a sugary treat or a bowl of pasta? That’s because these types of carbohydrates give you that immediate rush of energy (also known as a sugar high). As your body rapidly produces insulin to process these sugars, your blood sugar drops. When it comes to glucose levels rising and falling in a beneficial way, slow and steady wins the race. Read on for more insight into foods that fuel.
Processed foods: Processed foods are loaded with refined carbohydrates and simple sugars that will raise your blood sugar very rapidly and crash it just as quickly.
High-glycemic foods: The higher a food is in processed refined sugars (higher than 50 on the glycemic index), the more insulin your body pumps out to lower your blood sugar, causing it to crash. Avoid foods like pasta, white bread, white rice, pretzels, chips, cookies, and fries.
Sugary drinks: Instead of soda, kombucha, juice, or energy drinks (all of which can contain large amounts of quick-releasing sugar), stick to flat or sparkling water and add a squeeze of citrus.
» Sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes
» Berries and apples instead of mango, pineapple, and ripe bananas
INGREDIENTS »
6 eggs
1/2 avocado
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste
» Nuts, seeds, and nut/seed butters instead of chips and protein bars
» Add eggs to a lidded pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, place eggs into a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel and halve the eggs, placing yolks into a mixing bowl. Using a whisk, fork, or hand mixer, combine yolks, avocado, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Spoon mixture into halved egg whites. Garnish with salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika.
» Oats and quinoa instead of sugary cereals
INGREDIENTS »
1/2 cup sprouted oats
» Sprouted grain breads instead of white breads and pastas
3/4 cup unsweetened milk of your choice (almond, cashew, coconut, hemp)
1 tbsp. chia seeds
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 cup fresh berries
1 tbsp. hempseeds or pumpkin seeds (or nuts of your choice)
» Place oats, milk, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a mason jar and shake or stir to combine. Refrigerate overnight (or for 8 hours). Serve with fresh berries and a sprinkle of hempseeds, pumpkin seeds, or nuts.
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HELP PRESERVE EARTH’S ASSETS WITH THESE STYLISH FINDS
BY KATHERINE LANDE
1. Off-white Macaw Elegance maxi skirt ($195) and crop top ($110), Farm Rio, farmrio.com, for each purchase, Farm Rio finances the One Tree Planted organization to plant one tree in support of Brazilian biome restoration efforts. | 2. Cable Edge Collection jewelry ($395-$36,500), David Yurman, davidyurman. com, David Yurman’s Cable Edge Collection is inspired by nature and made from responsibly sourced and recycled metals.
3. SDU Alveomesh white and platine vegan sneakers ($155), Veja, veja-store.com, Veja crafts its sneakers using raw materials sourced from organic farming and ecological agriculture without chemicals or polluting processes. | 4. Cassiopeia cork and white handbag ($540), Mashu, mashu.co.uk, based in Greece, Mashu handcrafts its vegan bags in Athens utilizing ethical practices and maintaining a low carbon footprint. | 5. Reset Cleanser ($60), Alter-Care Serum ($140), and Restore Cream ($105), Stella by Stella McCartney, stellamccartney.com, McCartney’s vegan and cruelty-free skin care collection is designed to be refilled, helping to reduce each product’s environmental impact.
THE LOOK
CASUAL ELEGANCE HITS A NEW HIGH WITH ELEVATED RESORT CLASSICS
BY KATHERINE LANDEFRINGE BENEFITS
Heritage Vibes tote bag ($850), Johanna Ortiz, johannaortiz.com
GIAMBATTISTA
VALLI SPRING/ SUMMER 2023
A trompe l’oeil woven print bridges the gap between effortless and ornate.
EAST TO WEST
Hammered
Gold FiftySeventh Street earrings ($31,300), David Webb, marissacollections.com
BAR NONE
Bamboo Gatelink bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($48,000), Mish Fine Jewelry, mishfinejewelry.com
ALL THAT GLITTERS
Crystal-embellished satin platform sandals ($2,150), Prada, Aventura, Miami, prada.com
SKY HIGH: Update your day look with platform sandals.
BASKET CASE: Rattan caning inspires new prints.
NEUTRAL ZONE: Opt for organic materials and color combos.
TALL ORDER
Valentino Garavani Tan-Go patent leather platform sandals ($1,200), Valentino, Aventura, Miami, valentino.com
KNOCK, KNOCK
Wood and leather sandals ($548), Cult Gaia, Miami, cultgaia.com
DUAL PERSONALITY
Le Bambino long leather and rattan bag ($1,625), Jacquemus, modaoperandi.com
CIRCLE
AROUND
Hearted bucket bag in vegetabletanned leather ($2,990), Saint Laurent, Aventura, Miami, ysl.com
THE BEE’S KNEES
Mineral sunscreens ($14-$19) and mineral aftersun lotion ($15), Bee&You, beeandyou.com
As someone with naturally fair skin, all I have to do is think about the sun and I will get burnt, so I’m always on the hunt for quality sunscreens. These options for face and body are made with antioxidant-rich bee propolis, as well as shea butter to vanquish dryness. Should a burn occur, the cooling after-sun lotion is a must. —Mary Murray, executive editor
THE EDIT
FACE FIRST
SPF 45 face cream ($42), Hampton Sun, hamptonsuncare.com
Sun care meets skin care in this SPF 45 facial sunscreen with hyaluronic acid for wrinkle control. It feels light and clean on, and it delivers constant hydration to replace what the sun depletes. It layers well under makeup and is waterresistant and reef-safe, too. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director
MADE IN THE SHADE
Women’s Sahara shade hoodie ($50), REI Co-Op, rei.com
Whether hitting the trails or the waves, this is the ideal companion for facing the South Florida sun. Crafted with a UPF 50+ fabric that shields you from UV rays and boasts moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties, this lightweight hoodie is the perfect layering piece to chuck in your beach bag or overnight pack.
—Abigail Duffy, web editor
Steffany sun hat in orange Li Reni floral print ($79), Faithfull the Brand, faithfullthebrand.com For extra UV protection, this wide-brimmed bucket hat is a chic and sustainable option that can spice up any outdoor outfit. Made in Bali using artisan hand-printing techniques, this cotton canvas accessory is giving me just the right retro vibes for spring.
—Karina Wensjoe, associate editor
COVER STORY
Terry tunic in navy with white trim ($120), Cabana Life, cabanalife.com
I love that Cabana Life’s terry tunic channels classic nautical vibes, while its UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Cofounded by a melanoma survivor, the womenowned company takes its mission of “preventing skin cancer with stylish, sun-safe solutions” seriously. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editor
Matte Prime and Reapply Set ($73), Supergoop, supergoop.com
We all know we need to apply and reapply for maximum skin protection, but the latter can be tricky when you’re wearing makeup. That’s why I love this dynamic duo. I start with the mineral Mattescreen (SPF 40) as a pre-makeup primer and then set my look with the (Re)setting mineral powder (SPF 35). Whether I’m on a photo shoot or a day out on the town, I can keep my defenses up by brushing the powder atop my makeup. —Kristen
Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief
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4
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JEWELRY BOX
REDEFINE SPARKLE AND SHINE WITH FLUORESCENT JEWELRY
BY MARY MURRAY
1. MELLOW YELLOW Melissa Kaye Lola hoops with neon yellow enamel and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $2,950, and Ada necklace with neon yellow enamel and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $22,950. The Webster, Miami Beach (thewebster.com)
2. THROW AWAY THE KEY Eéra lock necklace with 18-karat white gold and silver, $2,014. (eera.com)
3. FULL STOP L’atelier Nawbar necklace with pink agate, coral, and diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, $3,600. Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables (neimanmarcus.com)
4. THINK PINK Rush Jewelry Design signature chain split-shank ring with a red tourmaline set in 18-karat gold, $4,770. (rushjewelrydesign.com)
5. CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION Hamilton Jewelers Confetti bangle with blue enamel and diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, $3,950. (hamiltonjewelers.com)
6. TWIST OF LIME Misahara Stena drop earrings with peridots and tsavorites set in 18-karat gold, $7,700. (misahara.com)
3 6 7
7. HEART OF GLASS Lionheart Aria heart earrings with diamonds and turquoise set in 14-karat gold, $2,670. (lionheartjewelry.com)
8. RING POP Robinson Pelham Arena ring with a yellow beryl and yellow enamel set in 14-karat gold, $4,800. (robinsonpelham.com)
9. FAB FOUR Provident Jewelry enamel stacking rings with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, starting at $695 each. Provident Jewelry locations (providentjewelry.com)
Harness the goodness of plant-derived, nutrient-rich seed oils in these fresh picks: EuforaStyle Illuminate, a multiuse mist with meadowfoam and hazel seed oils that eliminates frizz and adds shine and moisture for all hair types and textures ($32.75, eufora.net); Natura Ekos Ucuuba Restorative Body Butter and Maracujá Triple Phase Shower Oil (both $28, naturabrasil.com); Róen Elixir Restorative Face Oil, which enhances radiance with a trifecta of jojoba oil, rose hip oil, and squalane ($80, Bluemercury locations); Primal Life Organics Carrot Seed Cleanser, boasting beta-carotene and vitamins A, C, and E for skin-mending, collagen-boosting benefits ($56, primallifeorganics. com); True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil, packed with 14 lightweight seed oils and algae extract ($110, Nordstrom, Aventura); and Anima Mundi Apothecary Plant Medicine Guarana Seed Powder Rainforest Energizer, a chocolaty energy elixir with roots in traditional indigenous medicine ($19.90, animamundiherbals.com). —Abigail Duffy
All true one of the best professional realtors in our business today. —Mike B.
Very professional and an experienced negotiator. I’d recommend to anyone looking for a results driven and a market knowledgeable professional able to help you realize the full market potential of your property. It also helps that he is multilingual and able to deal in several languages. Bravo and thanks Rafael for helping us.
—Stan D.
BY PAUL RUBIO
If you’ve explored the ruins of Pompeii, Petra, the Acropolis, Giza, Tikal, or Machu Picchu and feel like you’ve seen the best archaeology has to offer, think again. Like a fictional “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, Cambodia’s ancient city of Angkor plays out one thrilling chapter after another as you navigate across 154 square miles of skyscraping jungle in search of hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Unlike Angkor’s veneered peers, a web of dense undergrowth still envelops and buries much of the city, leading to got-to-see-it-tobelieve-it stone-hewn temples constructed between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, now capped by mammoth tree roots and plant-clad walls waiting to be unearthed.
With the Khmer Rouge a distant memory, the complete de-
mining around Angkor and the proximate town of Siem Reap, and a grand return to travel, the world’s largest pre-industrial city is currently having a moment as a top bucket-list destination. Angkor Wat, the iconic spired temple complex that stands as the foremost example of Khmer architecture, is the initial anchor for any visit. The edifices—strewn with religious allegories and visual narratives—wow and enchant, revealing their most photogenic sides during sunrise and sunset hours (from the east and west entrances, respectively) and anytime from above (helicopters and hot-air balloons offer spectacular bird’s-eye views). But this sacred expanse is just the beginning of greater exploration through culture, religion, architecture, and history over hundreds of years. All that’s required is a strong sense of adventure, a tuk-tuk (an electric, threewheeled carriage), and a daring driver.
One potential starting point is visiting the Khmer Empire, first with Angkor Wat and then scaling the rocky remains of the Buddhist monument Bayon, marveling at the deities carved into its 54 pillars. Examine the inscribed inner and outer walls depicting daily life and the colorful history of the kingdom.
Next, strike a pose for the ultimate Cambodia Insta-shot, shadowed by the overgrown tree roots strangling the ruins of Ta Prohm temple. Immortalized in the 2001 hit film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider , stunning Ta Prohm evokes the inner archaeologist in all of us. But for some alone time within
Angkor, ask your tuk-tuk driver to show you the less frequented sites too. One such highlight is the tenthcentury Banteay Srei temple (also known as “Citadel of the Women”), constructed principally of red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
With a strong emphasis on active pursuits, a luxe hotel is an idyllic base for recharging in style and resting your feet (even massaging them). Enter Anantara Angkor Resort Siem Reap (anantara.com) , which provides just the right amount of frills for unapologetic relaxation between adrenaline-inducing excitement. Fashioned after a grand Khmer villa, the 39-key boutique hotel centers on a serene courtyard and a saltwater pool. Most treatments at the signature Anantara spa are rooted in local customs and the healing power of the lotus. One not to miss is the traditional Khmer massage (think: a smoother iteration of an oil-free Thai stretching massage) followed by a lotus-filled bath.
The property also promises more in-depth discoveries of Cambodia, including bicycle tours through the countryside and cooking classes with a resident chef,
It’s not just inland, ruin-dotted Cambodia that entices. The world’s most heavenly accommodation—the overwater bungalow—maintains a secret address off coastal Cambodia, and only the lucky few have experienced it.
In the Koh Rong archipelago, a duo of islands some 15 miles south of the mainland known as Song Saa private island resort (songsaa-privateisland.com) mingles Bora Bora design, Cambodian sensibility, and a holistic conservation mantra. The resort’s 24 thatched-roof villas—nestled overwater, on the beach, or in the jungle—are exquisite expressions of upcycled eco-chic, inclusive of artwork recreated from discarded oil drums and fishing boat hulls, tables and chairs crafted from driftwood and tree trunks, and double-story, hand-carved wooden doors. More overt pops of glamour also exist: mini bars fashioned after Louis Vuitton trunks, glass-bottom floors (in floating units), and seductive outdoor shower areas among them. Perfect the art of doing nothing, feet
in the sand or cozy in your private swimming pool, overlooking the cerulean waters and lush terrain. Request a packed lunch—with bubbles—and head out by kayak in search of a deserted cove for a romantic afternoon. Hike the nature trails of Koh Bong island (connected to Song Saa by footbridge), keeping the zoom lens close in the event resident oriental pied hornbills appear. Or, dive one of six surrounding sites to encounter rainbows of tropical fish aplenty (note that peak clarity occurs from April to May and October to November).
Also consider diving into Song Saa’s development projects, which home in on the humanitarian side of conservation. On Koh Rong proper, experience daily life in the coastal Cambodian village of Prek Svay by visiting a school, touring one of several community efforts supported by the Song Saa Foundation (the waste management project is a popular one), or just hanging with the locals for a day of cross-cultural fun.
beginning with a trip to the local market and then preparing classic recipes in the hotel’s cooking studio. Anantara Angkor Resort also happens to be a seven-minute drive from the city’s night market, where the pulse of modern-day Cambodia is palpable. Here, you’ll gorge on cheap but delicious street eats, make new random friends, bargain for souvenirs, and squirm during a painfully pleasurable fish pedicure (yes, the one where the fish eat your dead skin, leaving your feet shining like mother-of-pearl).
A few days into your Cambodia exploration, while revisiting Angkor Wat at sunset, seeking out quieter nooks of the ancient city, or even passing stalls at the night market, you’ll subconsciously start looking for secret passageways, hidden doors, snake-guarded treasure chests, and small clues to understanding the enigmas of Angkor. You’ll expect Indiana Jones or Lara Croft to pop around the corner and lead you into your next chapter. It is then—when reality and make-believe blur—that you’ve experienced the magic of Angkor. «
QUICK TRIPS
BY PAUL RUBIO
In western North Carolina’s beautiful share of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County is home to myriad plunging waterfalls, dramatic ravines, the highest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States, and one of the oldest mountains on the planet, Whiteside Mountain. The county’s Panthertown Valley has even been referred to as the “Yosemite of the East.” Though summer is a popular time to visit, these great outdoors can be appreciated in any season. Even better? The destination isn’t just for humans. Thanks to several pet-friendly towns—none more charming than luxury-tinged Cashiers—dogs can revel in the natural splendor too. Here’s how. (discoverjacksonnc.com)
Hikes with Fido headline the daily agenda in Cashiers. Download the AllTrails app (alltrails. com) for rewarding options at all fitness levels, but don’t skip the short-but-steep, 2.5-mile Whiteside Mountain trail for wow-factor vistas of forest-cloaked peaks and valleys from nearly 5,000 feet high. Do go chas-
ing waterfalls, beginning with the thrilling 1.4-mile climb to High Falls in Lake Glenville’s Pines Recreation Area. Cool off in the fall’s emerald, boulderstrewn plunge pools and later visit the dog-friendly swimming beach along the lake itself. Back in town, explore by foot via the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, a network of scenic trails, sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly roads that zigzag through town.
Take in Cashiers’ outdoor pursuits from your base at Hotel Cashiers (hotelcashiers.com), a classic motel revamped as a retro-chic inn, where pets are welcome for an additional $30-per-night fee. The unpretentious yet stylish 18-room property sits on a panoramic Blue Ridge hilltop, surrounded by 2,000 square feet of green space, inclusive of
a garden and a DIY firepit (find stacks of wood and firestarting materials on-site but bring your own booze and s’mores kits). Located at the base of the hill, the reception area houses a fabulous Wine and Provisions Shop, fully stocked with fine wines and chilled Champagnes at prices competitive with local supermarkets, as well as The Wine Bar, which serves craft beer and curated wines by the glass.
Below Hotel Cashiers, Slab Town Pizza (slabtownpizza. com) is an adorable, family-run pizza joint featuring a lengthy menu of soups, salads, calzones, and hand-tossed pizzas, all of which can be consumed alfresco on the pet-friendly lawn. The Ugly Dog Public House (theuglydogpub.com) attracts the lion’s share of dogloving locals thanks to prolific outdoor seating, the prospect of live music, and the promise of all-American comfort food and a rotating selection of regional craft beers. Further explore Cashiers’ brewery scene at Whiteside Brewing Company (whitesidebrewing.com) , equally popular for its lagers as its wine slushies.
At Crossroads Custard & Coldbrew (crossroadscustard.com), dogs are invited to try owner Jill Katz’s famous “pup cone,” a creamy soft-serve delight with Milk-Bone biscuit topping, while human companions enjoy rich soft-serve custard in 24 flavors, from amaretto to maplenut. Crossroads is also an idyllic place for your morning caffeine fix, whether that’s a homemade nitro cold brew to go or a frothy iced latte in a mason jar sipped on the front terrace.
My, my, how you’ve grown, Mr. Range Rover Sport. Once the rambunctious kid brother, you’re now the full-fat, top-shelf SUV.
The 2023 Sport has bulked up and is ready to arm wrestle any other automobile that gets in its way. To the point that those of us who love to drive with gusto might take a quick spin in this new Sport and dismiss its fancypants Range Rover sibling as a little too “smoking jacket and slippers.”
Gaze at this third-gen Sport (the original was introduced in 2004) and it’s clear that the once-delicate lines have been jettisoned. This thing is huge, with doors that could have come off a New England barn and 23-inch wheels that wouldn’t look out of place on a Peterbilt. Gone too are the various bodywork creases and folds of the previous version. Now the
lines are more smooth and pumped. Picture Daniel Craig in a slim-fitting Brioni tux.
It’s only natural that the range-topping Sport First Edition model would hit the visual-drama quota. Here, that bluff front end boasts slightly menacing honeycomb intakes and vents, skinny LED lights, and blacked-out lettering. There are even more theatrics at the rear, with a full-width light bar, a quartet of storm drain–sized exhaust tips, and an imposing roof spoiler. And every new Sport should come out of the factory painted in our test car’s metallic ‘Firenze’ shade. Fiery lava spewing from Mount Etna doesn’t glow this red.
While the 2023 Sport lineup features mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, this First Edition is only offered with a V8. Here, under a hood roughly the size of Kansas, sits a BMWsourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter that can rustle up a locomotive-like 523 hp and propel you from standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is an Autobahn-blasting 155 mph, which is mighty impressive for a bruiser that tips the scales at nearly 5,500 pounds.
To justify that Sport moniker, this latest version is more accomplished at carving curves
than ever before. In addition to its adaptive air suspension, it’s equipped with rear-wheel steering to heighten agility.
But the biggest surprise is just how smoothly the Sport rides. Even with those huge tires, it hoovers up lumps, bumps, potholes, and ridges. Add to this steering that’s pinpoint precise and beautifully weighted, brakes that stop time, and an 8-speed automatic transmission that’s almost telepathic in shifting, and you’ve got one great-driving performance SUV.
The surprises keep coming in the form of the cabin’s minimalist design. Instead of a multitude of buttons, there’s a gorgeous 13.1-inch curved-glass touchscreen. On the center console, just two rotary knobs take care of everything to do with heating and cooling.
For audiophiles, the optional Meridian 3D Signature Sound System is beyond mindblowing. It’s like being in a rolling Carnegie Hall, with no fewer than 29 speakers (including integrated headrest units) plus an astonishing 1,430 watts of power.
PRICE: FIRST EDITION FROM $121,500 ENGINE: 4.4-LITER
TWIN-TURBO V8 POWER: 523 HP TORQUE: 553 LB-FT 0-60: 4.3 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 155 MPH LENGTH/ WIDTH: 195/87 INCHES
WEIGHT: 5,355 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE SPORT IS A TEMPTING ALTERNATIVE TO ITS BIG BROTHER.
Land Rover decided not to include thirdrow seating for this new Sport, but there’s no shortage of kneeroom in the back seat, while the rear load area is simply cavernous.
This new Sport costs roughly $20,000 less than an equivalent Range Rover. That means around $83,000 for the base SE, $90,000 for the Dynamic SE, and $104,000 for the plug-in Au-
tobiography. Our First Edition, which will only be available for one year, starts at $121,500, or more than $132,000 very nicely loaded. Want even more Sport? The overcaffeinated SVR model is waiting in the wings, along with an all-electric Sport that’s due in 2024.
If ever a car put the “sport” in “sport utility vehicle,” this is it. «
Jaime Landman, MD • Zevy Landman, MD • Philip C. Mirmelli, MD Kfir Shamir, MD • Barry J. Mark, MD • Stacy M. Nassau, MD Ornella Papadias Feria, MD • Jose E. Rojas Camayo, MD
Asthma Management • Drug Allergy
Testing • Ear Lavage • Food Allergy Testing
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) • Insect Allergy Testing
Patch Allergy Testing for Contact Dermatitis
Penicillin Testing • Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
Skin Allergy Testing • Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops) • Xolair
HIGH SEAS
BY HOWARD WALKER
In the words of Confucius the Navigator, the seafaring brother of that wise and worldly Chinese philosopher: “Life’s too short to own an ugly boat.”
Stroll the docks at any boat show these days, and you’ll spy a multitude of floating Clorox bottles with more glass than fiberglass, acres of sun pads, and top-heavy designs guaranteed to have the crew coming down with mal de mer at the first sign of a chop. Which is why the sight of the newest offering from Turkey’s Vicem Yachts, the Vicem 55 Classic Flybridge, at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
caused a teen-like spike in my endorphins.
This thing is beyond gorgeous. It has a classic Down East design with cues from Maine’s iconic lobster boats, arguably the most famous being Captain Quint’s salty Orca from the movie Jaws. Only in this case, you won’t need a bigger boat; this oh-so-elegant 55-footer comes with an air-conditioned pilothouse/saloon, two sleeping cabins, and a flybridge big enough to host a Super Bowl party.
While Vicem is best known for the quirky cold-molded wooden construction seen across its Classic range of 46- to 82-foot cruisers, this new 55 Flybridge is the first to be built from easier-to-maintain fiberglass. Just think of the money to be saved in termite protection alone.
And speaking of the flybridge, on a sunny day you might never want to leave. In addition to the helm and its diamond-quilted seat for two, there’s a huge L-shaped sofa to port opposite a well-stocked outdoor kitchen. Take the teak steps down to the aft deck, and there’s even more entertaining and lounging space, complete with another sofa for six and a moveable mahogany pedestal table. Drag that cockpit table into the saloon for an instant dining area, or pull out a section of the portside sofa and presto, you have a double bed for guests.
The saloon is customizable, so you can trade the sofa on the right side for a full galley. The 55 on display at the Lauderdale show featured a galley that was four steps down in the bowels of the lower level. While not always a chef’s favorite location—it keeps you away from the action up top—it does make the saloon feel much bigger.
PRICE: FROM $1.5 MILLION
LENGTH: 55 FEET, 3 INCHES
BEAM: 14 FEET, 5 INCHES
POWER: 2 X VOLVO IPS 700
TOP SPEED: 26 KNOTS WHY
WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE THIS VESSEL MERGES DOWN EAST STYLE WITH TRUE QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Up in the bow is the spacious master cabin with its roomy heads and big shower cubicle. Opposite the galley is the midships guest cabin that, in this case, came with a double bed instead of twin bunks.
What’s truly remarkable about the entire boat is the level of love and attention that goes into the woodwork. The matching of veneers, the gorgeous and at times complex cabinetry, the sheer depth of the varnish work is all just spectacular.
A pair of Volvo Penta 6-cylinder D8 IPS 700 turbo diesels pack 650 hp a piece and drive through pods with IPS-style forward-pointing props. Flat out you’ll see around 26 knots, with a 20-knot cruise speed. The 528-gallon tank should get you to the Bahamas and back.
Are you in need of a legitimate beauty rest? Look no further than Aventura Mattress, a one-stop-shop for all your sleeping needs, from custom options that are created just for you to a vast selection of products that were hand-picked by its founder, sleep expert extraordinaire Tania Yumbla.
When you have a health issue, you go to a doctor. So, when you need a great night’s sleep, you must go to an expert who has twenty years under her belt.
Working with interior designers, health providers, chiropractors, etc. Tania explained the benefits and the importance of a good night sleep to prevent any health issues. Many people care only about exercising and diet, without knowing that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, you must have the 3 pillars “sleep, diet and exercise.”
Because this new 55 Flybridge is closely based on Vicem’s popular 55 Classic Sedan, the semi-displacement hull’s seakeeping abilities are already proven. But for good measure, it comes with Humphree stabilizers to calm any rock and roll. When the time comes to ease into that marina slip, there’s the belt-and-suspenders peace of mind of having both bow and stern thrusters. Docking will be a breeze.
In addition to the numerous advantages of having a boat built in Turkey—craftsmanship and expertise topping the list—there’s the nontrivial issue of price. Build prices tend to be cheaper here, which puts the base sticker of this new 55 Flybridge at around $1.5 million, or $1.9 million nicely loaded. That’s a relative deal. «
BY DR. BERTHA BAUM
BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM BY DR. BERTHA BAUM WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCENOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
NOW
NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
NOW ACCEPTING CONSULTATIONS
ACCEPTING
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Dr. Bertha Baum is joined by Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology Trained Physician Assistants who specialize in providing Clinical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatologic Services. These services include Neurotoxins, Fillers, Lasers, Skin Tightening, Biostimulators, and a range of other aesthetic services, such as body treatments. We also offer Full Body Exams, Acne Evaluations, Visia Evaluations, and skin cancer treatments.
Aventura, FL 33180
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FL 33180
OPEN MON. - FRI. (8AM-5PM)
OPEN MON. - FRI. (8AM-5PM)
OPEN MON. - FRI. (8AM-5PM)
"Our passion is your skin"
"Our passion is your skin"
"Our passion is your skin"
"Our passion is your skin"
"Our passion is your skin"
"Our passion is your skin"
"Our passion is your skin"
is
As the shot clock ticks down on Udonis Haslem’s two-decades-long career with the Miami Heat, the legendary power forward and three-time NBA champion reflects on his journey, his legacy, and his next steps
Growing up in Miami’s Liberty City, Udonis Haslem wasn’t immediately drawn to basketball. As a kid, football was his sport of choice (this is South Florida, after all). But, he says, it didn’t take long for him to grow taller and become interested in hoops.
“I remember going out in back of my grandmother’s house where there was this basketball court you could get to by either climbing the fence or slipping through a little hole in the fence in the neighbor’s yard,” Haslem recalls. “I played on the lower basket with my cousins
until I was big enough to dunk. The bigger basket was mostly drug dealers and older guys, and that wasn’t the crowd you wanted to be with when you were young. I remember that, and I remember my father making sure I never backed down and understood that life was going to be hard as a Black man in America.”
Haslem’s life and his career have been marked by hard work, grit, and resolve—a combination that has given him the platform and means to create hope and opportunities for people living in underserved communities like the one he grew up in. He’s never forgotten
what it feels like to be counted out, which is likely why he’s made a name for himself as someone you can always count on—both on the court and off.
“So many people will be told the same things I’ve been told and wonder why it’s happening and throw themselves a pity party,” he says. “If you think like that and let doubt creep in, you don’t have a chance to be what you want to be or see yourself even become it. I’m here now today because I’ve never let people dictate my circumstances.”
Haslem grew up in a tight-knit family. It was impossible not to be close: Before moving into a house, he lived in a two-bedroom apartment with his stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, stepmother, and father. Both of his biological parents struggled with drug addiction,
he says. His stepmother, Barbara Wooten, stepped in as a dependable presence, giving him everything he needed “and then some” as his parents turned their lives around for the better. When Wooten landed a job in Jacksonville, she moved there with Udonis in tow. He was in his early teens at the time and soon discovered his passion for basketball.
It all began with a game of pickup. “I wasn’t skilled enough yet, but I was big,” says Haslem, who stands 6 feet, 7 inches. “My stepbrother, Sam, would take me to the court with the older guys to play. One time I took this shot and it was an air ball, but Sam caught it, dunked it, and told me, ‘Good pass.’ Well, it wasn’t a pass. It was a shot, and it was an air ball. But it made me feel so good. I wanted to feel like that again. That’s when I fell in love with basketball.”
He began playing organized basketball in ninth and tenth grade, making a name for himself in Jacksonville. When Wooten’s job transferred her back to Miami, Haslem moved again and enrolled at Miami Senior High School, a hoops powerhouse that won back-to-back state championships in 1997 and 1998, Haslem’s junior and senior years. That’s when he started taking basketball seriously, he says, which prepared him for what came next: playing starting center at
the University of Florida (UF) and, eventually, in the NBA. “[Gators coaches] Billy Donovan and Anthony Grant came into Liberty City to see me at my grandmother’s house,” he says. “I used to get off the bus at 27th Avenue and I would have to run a few blocks over and two streets across to get to my grandmother’s house. If you’re getting dropped off after dark in Liberty City, wherever you want to get to, you have to run because you don’t want to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Grant, a former Miami High standout, convinced Haslem that UF was the right place for him. But as soon as he arrived on campus in Gainesville in 1998, Haslem says news articles circulated claiming he was too small to play center in the Southeastern Conference. He remembers the stories like they were yesterday, and says they only fueled his underdog mentality. He earned a reputation as a hard worker, dropping more than 40 pounds and becoming the first Gator to play on four consecutive NCAA tournament teams. He became the player he believed he could be—averaging 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. During his tenure at UF, he also met the love of his life: Faith Rein, an aspiring sports broadcaster and Gators track and field star.
“I was sitting outside with this pit bull puppy that I got and that we weren’t supposed to have in the dorm,” he recalls. “She didn’t like dogs, but she stopped to play with mine and we started talking. From that point on, we built a relationship. I would watch her run and she would come to my games. Our very first date was Popeye’s. I had a car, so I told her I’d drive if she paid.”
Rein was one year younger than Haslem, and when he didn’t get drafted by the NBA (analysts blamed his relative lack of height for an NBA forward), he headed to France alone to play basketball. The move was made out of necessity: Haslem had a young son from a previous relationship, so he needed the money. The NBA wasn’t necessarily the goal, he says. He signed with
I’M NOT JUST A LEADER IN MY ORGANIZATION. I’M A LEADER IN THE NBA WHO YOUNGER GUYS REACH OUT TO FOR ADVICE.”Haslem dons a classic edition Miami Heat jersey—a design throwback to the team’s “home whites” worn during the 198889 season.
Chalon-Sur-Saône of the French LNB Pro A (one of the top-tier men’s professional basketball leagues in Europe) and headed overseas.
“I’ll never forget the feeling of going over to Europe for the first time and cracking my windshield because I thought if I threw hot water on it that it would get the ice off,” he says. “I had no clue. I also remember getting arrested in France because I didn’t know how to drive a stick, and I kept getting into accidents.”
After a year abroad, Haslem returned to Miami in 2003 to fight for a spot on the Heat’s roster as an undrafted free agent, a feat he likens to a scene out of The Hunger Games trilogy. That spot remains his after 20 years, making him the longest-tenured player in Heat history. Only one other NBA player, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, has played for a single team for longer, at 21 years. When Haslem hangs up his jersey at the end of this season, he’ll tie with the late Kobe Bryant, who spent 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
During Haslem’s time with the Heat, the team has won three NBA championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013. Also in 2013, Haslem married Rein, with whom he has two sons—and six dogs that “roam the yard like lions,” he says.
Andy Elisburg, general manager of the Heat, says that Haslem’s impact in Miami has been about more than just his championship rings and impressive rebounding stats. “The first thing about Udonis is that he has had a huge impact on the Heat’s winning record, playing on all three of our championship teams,” says Elisburg. “He has set the template for what it means to be a Miami Heat player. It began with Alonzo Mourning, but he’s the next link in that chain, setting an example for how to act in the community, on the floor, and in the locker room, where he’s not afraid to say anything to anyone whether they’re a rookie or a star veteran.”
Teammate Tyler Herro, who was drafted by the Heat in 2019, says the locker room won’t be the same without Haslem.
“Ever since I came to Miami, he’s been supportive to me, showing me the ins and outs of the city, and any city we go to on the road,” Herro says. “He’s our captain and a big voice in our locker room, so when he’s gone, someone will have to step in and fill those shoes. He’ll definitely be missed.”
No matter how high Haslem has climbed, he has never forgotten his Liberty City roots. When a family friend died in 2003 during Haslem’s first season with the Heat, he and Wooten stepped in to provide the children left behind with school supplies and uniforms. His NBA contract wasn’t always secure in those days, but he strove to help local children in need through his foundation, UD
“ I’M HERE NOW TODAY BECAUSE I NEVER LET PEOPLE DICTATE MY CIRCUMSTANCES.”Baring it all: Haslem’s tattoos were influenced by people and events from his youth in Liberty City through his adult life in the NBA.
Kids. The scope of his philanthropy broadened in 2022, when it became known as the Udonis Haslem Foundation, which provides programs for education, low-income housing, financial literacy, and minority-owned businesses, among other areas of need (udkids.org)
“We just have too many people who come from where I come from who need help,” Haslem says. “They’re good people, hardworking people, and honest people—but sometimes they just can’t get a break. I have this platform, so I want to use it and my resources to create opportunities for people who need them.”
While Haslem says he typically keeps to himself, he admits that he has had to come out of his shell to do this kind of work. “I have a great personality, but a lot of people don’t know it. You have to let people see you as a human being and not as a basketball player. You have to let them understand that you have a compassionate side, that you do have a heart and you do have grace.”
The foundation will be a large part of his post-NBA life, as will public speaking engagements and spending time with his family. He habitually calls Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez and various city commissioners to find out what locals need most and how he can help.
But he also has his sights set on being part of the Heat’s ownership.
“I aspire to be at the highest level of leadership at the Miami Heat, and that will have to do with ownership,” he says. “I’m not just a leader in my organization. I’m a leader in the NBA who younger guys reach out to for advice about so many things. To maximize that is to be somewhat affiliated with the ownership situation. That’s the main goal. This team, this city, this foundation—they’re always going to be where my heart is. And if you know anything about me, it’s that I’m all heart.” «
“ YOU HAVE TO LET PEOPLE SEE YOU AS A HUMAN BEING AND NOT AS A BASKETBALL PLAYER.”
His specialty is shooting hoops, but Haslem reps his hometown and the Marlins in a bespoke baseball jacket.
Sure, RuPaul’s Drag Race introduced drag culture to the masses, but Miami’s drag scene has been revving its own engine for years, serving up iconic performances and dusted lewks along the way. Meet three of the Magic City’s hottest queens who are bringing the heat both onstage and o .
By Kristen Desmond LeFevre
Tiffany Fantasia has been on the Miami drag scene for 20 years. But don’t call her an icon—at least not yet. “I have more to show the world before they call me that,” she says. (For the record: She’s cool with “phenom,” “diva,” or “star.”)
Her star shines brightly these days at the Palace in South Beach. But it was at a club called Twist that she started drag “as a means of survival” when she was a student at Miami Dade College.
“I had plans to be a singer,” she says. “I was going on auditions, but nothing was popping.”
That’s when a friend asked Henry to participate in a group drag performance. He put on “a bad Party City wig” and his “mom’s old bra stuffed with teddy bear filler,” and left the club with $10 in tips. “I remember that being so important. As a broke college kid, $10 meant a lot. I could pay for my gas for a week with that.”
From there, drag became a job—yielding more cash than Tiffany remembers making at Burdine’s department store. Eventually that meant real wigs, fancier costumes, and better makeup—although back then there
were no contouring tutorials to watch on TikTok. “I’d go to a dressing room early and hope a girl was doing her makeup so I could catch what products she was using and how to apply them,” she confesses.
Six years ago, Tiffany quit retail to concentrate on drag full-time. It’s a form of self-expression that she says is uniquely empowering. “When you put those heels and that makeup on, it’s like you have this body of armor around you. You can be who you want and scream it to the top of the mountains. Nobody’s gonna question you.”
Out of drag, Henry does get questioned. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall, he sees himself as a “gentle giant.” But, that’s not what Henry says the world sees. “They see me as dangerous or angry off the bat. Like a threat. Your typical Black male stereotype.”
The Blackness doesn’t go away in the form of Tiffany. But the female persona and appearance (now assisted by a professionally crafted bodysuit and waist cincher, among other accoutrement) “soften the blow,” Henry explains. “There isn’t that fear with Tiffany. Instead, there’s respect.” (@tiffanyfantasia)
Juicy Love Dion has been dancing all her life. “Since I was 5 years old, I was doing shows for my family,” she recalls. “My mother and my aunts loved it.” For Juicy's father, however, there was a caveat: dance, but dance like a boy. “Behind closed doors,” she says, “I was dancing very feminine.” Eventually, Juicy's mother embraced it; her father did not.
When an older teammate on the same high school dance squad in Hialeah started performing as drag queen Morphine Love Dion, Juicy recalls reaching out to ask if she could come watch. The rest, she says, is history. “It was just like, ‘There’s this whole other world out here where everyone’s just free,’” she recalls. I was like, ‘Where did this come from? And why am I not doing it?’”
Morphine became Juicy’s drag mother—an established drag performer who takes a prospective queen under her wing. By drag lineage, Juicy also scored Athena Dion as her drag grandmother, adding “Love Dion” to her stage name. “A lot of people who start drag don’t have that,” she admits. “I came up in this with a really strong support system.”
Four years later, Juicy is known as “Miami’s
Afro-Cuban dancing doll,” performing primarily at R House—the spot where she got her big break on a day when a downpour flooded the building. The regular show couldn’t go on, but Juicy volunteered to dance. “I was like, I’m gonna get this job. Press play.” She was hired on the spot.
And who is Juicy? “My wild side, just free and outgoing,” she says. “I’m that person when I’m not in drag too, but the look is all different.”
It’s a look that takes between 30 minutes to an hour and a half to achieve—from wig to shaving, from makeup to lashes, from costume to shoes. She eschews padding (except for a bra) and prefers to snatch her waist with layers of duct tape instead of a corset. And don’t forget the “tuck,” which completes the illusion of a womanly shape down below. “Have you heard about Cuban men?” Juicy teases. “Well, I have to wear two pocket panties pulled very, very tight.”
Being Juicy “is like a superpower,” she says. “Everything is so elevated. No one can tell me anything. No one can touch me. My body is my tool. I can finally control it the way I want to.” (@thejuicylove)
Athena’s mainstay in Miami is at Wynwood’s R House, but during the summer you can find her performing in Mykonos, Greece, which she calls “the Miami Beach of Europe.” Regardless of location, onstage is right where she’s always wanted to be. As a kid, her Greek family encouraged that spirit.
“They’d have me put my grandma’s dresses and makeup on. It was all innocent.” But then, a shift: “I forget at what age, but at some point it became: ‘Stavros, you’re not supposed to do that.’ I realized quickly that this was going to be a problem.”
Later, his first romantic relationship was with a drag queen. “I wasn’t doing drag,” Athena explains. “I was just a gay kid going to the clubs. I was behind the scenes, in the dressing rooms, and I just fell in love.”
It wasn’t long before “Athena’s girlhood phase,” as she calls it, was born. She scored her first drag job as a door greeter at a club in Fort Lauderdale in 2011. She was also attending Florida International University, living at home, and leading a double life—with her drag gear hidden in a bag under her bed. The secret was concealed … until it wasn’t.
“I came home one day, and my bag was out from under my bed,” she recalls. Athena had to get honest with her mother. “I was like, ‘I got a job where I’ll be dressed up in women’s clothes. I want the opportunity to do this; it’s going to build my career.’”
Soon after, she landed her first onstage gig. She was so nervous that she took a shot from her parents’ liquor cabinet while getting ready. “I physically started shaking while I was doing my makeup,” she recalls.
But 12 years later, there’s no more shaking. “I started off as this kid getting out his childhood fantasies and trying to just exist,” she explains. “But now it’s become my career, my full-time passion.”
It’s a passion she nurtures as drag mother to an ever-growing family in Athena’s House of Dion. “I never thought I had anything to offer because I always thought I was still learning myself. But there are people who actually look up to me. That little girl version of Athena—who really didn’t have that from anyone—finally came up and has this huge drag family, this great spot in Miami, and this amazing legacy to leave.” (@athenadion) «
AS MIXOLOGISTS, BARS, DISTILLERIES, AND THE LIKE LOOK AHEAD, A MORE INVENTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE COCKTAIL TEMP TE IS EMERGING. HERE ARE FIVE TRENDS THAT WILL SHAPE THE WAY WE DRINK.
The aperitivo is having a moment stateside. Rising from humble medicinal beginnings, the Italian bitter is now both a drink and a cultural phenomenon. Roughly translated as “opener” or “to open,” aperitivo refers to an often bitter, herbal, low-alcoholic, pre-dinner drink. Here’s a fresh take on the cocktail du jour.
SBAGLIATO ROSA
1 oz. Cappelletti Americano Rosso
1 oz. Cocchi Americano Rosa 1/2 tsp. rose water Sparkling rosé, to top
« Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Top with sparkling rosé and garnish with a grapefruit peel and gold flakes.
« For a cocktail in an ice cube: Prepare the ice mold by filling it with water and freezing for 3 hours. Pop the cube out of the mold and carefully drill a hole through the surface. Remove the water from inside with a syringe. Using the syringe again, fill the ice ball with the cocktail. Serve it in a coupe glass, garnished with gold flakes and bubbly. Crack the ice and sip.
A good cocktail has the ability to connect you to a feeling, elicit an emotion, and evoke a memory. Mixologists are thinking beyond taste and pushing boundaries to create 360-degree sensory experiences. The future holds more elaborate foams, infusions, craft ice, rims, and garnishes. Look for caviar-infused cocktails and cocktail-infused caviar. Here, the mouthfeel and delicate pop of the juicy spheres capture the familiar taste of a classic Kyr Royale.
20 oz. vegetable oil
3/4 cup crème de cassis
2 grams agar-agar powder
1/4 cup sugar
« Fill a tall glass with vegetable oil and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
« Stir crème de cassis and agaragar powder in a saucepan on high heat. As the mixture begins to boil, quickly add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Bring back to a boil and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool for 2 minutes and
remove the glass of vegetable oil from the freezer.
« Using a dropper, transfer the mixture into the glass by squeezing little drops into the cold oil. Continue the spherification process before the mixture solidifies in the pan. Scoop the spheres out using a small slotted spoon or pour the oil through a sieve to collect them, then drop them in cold water for a few seconds to wash the oil off. Serve in a small bowl with a small spoon, or in a flute paired with Champagne.
Many mixologists and drinkers are saying goodbye to sugarladen mocktails and instead welcoming the sophisticated and ever-evolving nonalcoholic beverage category. Zeroproof cocktails are here to stay and are part of a greater mindful movement that embraces better ingredients, sustainable alternatives, and transparency as a whole.
ABLOOM
3/4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 oz. pomegranate blueberry lavender syrup (recipe below)
1 oz. grapefruit juice
2 oz. chilled jasmine tea
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup agave
1 cup water
1/2 cup culinary-grade lavender (organic, if available)
« Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a highball glass with fresh ice, rimmed with an array of botanicals.
« Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the agave has fully dissolved. Remove from the heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing the blueberries to get all their juices. Transfer to a clean jar, cover, and keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Sooner or later, all standards are new again. Such is the case for the sultry, spirit-forward martini. The timeless template is suddenly awash with classic, low-proof, and modern iterations running the full gamut of flavors, from floral and aromatic to bold and savory. There’s certainly a martini for every mood. Here’s a fragrant and tempered play on the martini with pear eau-de-vie, bianco vermouth, and gin.
1 1/2 oz. Spring 44 Dry Gin
3/4 oz. bianco vermouth
3/4 oz. St. George Spirits
Eau-de-Vie Pear Brandy
2 dashes cardamom bitters
« Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir to chill. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an expressed lemon peel.
The future also looks a lot like the past. Prepare to see more nostalgia and ’90s escapism in your glasses, as the desire to re-create cleaner iterations of classic cocktails continues. Think: reformulated Cosmopolitans, apple martinis, Long Island iced teas, and all-blue drinks reimagined with quality ingredients. This cycling through fresher takes on old drinks is also spurring a tiki revival and a new rum revolution.
AZUL
1 1/2 oz. Pa’lante Botanical Rum
1/4 oz. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
1/4 oz. crème de violette
1/4 oz. blue simple (recipe below)
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
2 dashes grapefruit bitters
« Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with fresh meringue with swirls of blue simple and gold dust.
BLUE SIMPLE
1 cup coconut sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp. blue spirulina powder
« Add the coconut sugar and water into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and add the spirulina powder. Mix until well combined. Keep in a tightly sealed container, refrigerated, for up to a month.
Flirty Italian elegance reigns supreme in Gucci’s new Spring/Summer collection
Photography by Olivia GrahamAll clothing and accessories from the Gucci Spring/Summer 2023 collection, Gucci, Aventura Mall, gucci.com
Fashion editor: Katherine Lande
Certified.
Aneto tastes like real broth because it’s made the way broth is supposed to be. We start with the best fresh, bone-in proteins, local vegetables, fresh water, and sea salt. These ingredients are simmered for hours to extract rich flavor and nutrients.
We do not use preservatives to extend the shelf life nor do we use extracts, sugars, or flavor enhancers.
Sip it or cook with it; whatever you make is made better with Aneto.
ON THE SCENE
The latest addition to Major Food Group’s Miami restaurant empire is Contessa, a two-story, design-rich stunner serving Northern Italian fare in the heart of the Miami Design District. Like sister restaurant Carbone, Contessa embraces the many dimensions of old-school Italian glamour, attracting Miami’s style set decked out in statement-making threads; clamoring for Instagramperfect antipasti, primi, and secondi; and sipping on thoughtfully curated wines.
However, unlike Carbone’s Southern Italian slant, Contessa reveals the riches of the country’s north, going lighter on the sauces and mega-portions but all in on simply prepared meats, vegetable-forward starters, stuffed pastas, and wood-fired pizzas while showcasing premium full-bodied Nebbiolo wines (among other Piedmont varietals). Menu standouts include the honey-tinged squash carpaccio crowned with arugula and sprinkled with crushed pumpkin
seeds, the pillowy ricotta gnudi di pecora, sizzling lamb chops scottadito, and a margherita pizza that rivals those you’d find in Napoli. Add to this a setting that oozes 1960s Lake Como chic, best-in-Miami hospitality, a cocktail menu grounded in century-old recipes plus an extensive inhouse gelato program to arrive at yet another must-try dining experience courtesy of Major Food Group. (contessaristorante.com) —Paul Rubio
On the heels of a new law allowing Florida distilleries to sell cocktails in-house, Tropical Distillers—a state-of-the-art facility producing Florida-centric craft liqueurs and spirits—has expanded into a full-fledged, 8,000-square-foot cocktail destination in Miami’s emerging Allapattah neighborhood. Since opening to the public in early 2023, the distillery has enticed locals and travelers alike with immersive tours and tastings, happy hours, and DJ-led weekend fun. Here, we count down five reasons why you, too, will fall in love with Tropical Distillers. (tropicaldistillers.com)
The distillery’s primary products are four expressions of J.F. Haden’s craft liqueurs—citrus, espresso, lychee, and mango—each better tasting than the next. These additive-free, flavor-forward signature liqueurs are rooted in prime Florida produce and strike the palate as exceptionally smooth and balanced. It’s no wonder they feature in top-selling cocktails across South Florida, most notably the epic espresso martini at Joe’s Stone Crab.
There are some amazing folks who make Tropical Distillers tick, both behind-the-scenes and day-today. The distillery is a joint venture between former NFL star twins Mike and Maurkice Pouncey
and luxury real estate expert and animal welfare activist Kim Rodstein, all of whom are actively involved in the business. CEO Buzzy Sklar brings his expertise in Miami hospitality and entrepreneurial spirit to daily operations.
3. TOUR AND TASTING
Thursdays to Saturdays, Tropical Distillers hosts ticketed distillery tours followed by tastings of the myriad spirits produced in-house. (In addition to the signature four liqueurs, they also craft limitedproduction rum, vodka, tequila, gin, and whiskey.) During the hour-long experience, explore the many facets of the fully automated craft distillery and in-house cannery and learn about its thoughtful locavore approach. To start, here’s one tour spoiler: J.F. Haden’s Espresso Liqueur begins with a local roaster grinding Cuban coffee beans and then delivering them within the hour to create a 24-hour cold brew, after which Florida cane sugar and grain spirit are added, commencing the alcohol-making process.
On Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight, kick back with Tropical Distillers cocktails around a recently debuted 30-seat bar or get comfy on the couches on the new 1,500-square-foot outdoor deck and lounge. Come hungry for Latin-inspired
Scenes from Tropical Distillers, clockwise from above: triad of J.F. Haden’s craft liqueurs; the distillery’s tropical mural; New Wave–inspired pink bar; on-site gift shop.
food from the resident trucks. Around 8 p.m., a DJ starts spinning and the party begins.
In so many ways, Tropical Distillers is a love letter to Miami, and even Florida. The bar, for example, shines in Miami Vice –inspired neon, and the wraparound bar top boasts a custom print of vintage Miami postcards. Beyond the local ingredients used in its proprietary liqueurs, Tropical Distillers adds Florida hibiscus and citrus peel to create a distinctly Floridian gin and regionally sourced cane sugar to forge a true Floridian rum. Even the bottles tell a Florida story. Case in point: The label of the Pouncey twins’ Twin P Whiskey features a mirror image of two Florida gators and is a nod to their time playing college football at the University of Florida.
Whimsically titled, stylish newcomer Walrus Rodeo proves you can never have too many great cooks in the kitchen. Chefs and co-owners Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer (of Michelin-starred Boia De fame) are joined by rising star chef Jeff Maxfield,
who previously worked alongside Brad Kilgore at his award-winning concepts. Together, they deliver a fabulous shared-plate destination, rooted in the magic of a central wood-fire oven and the possibilities of the gastronomic ingenuity that lies therein.
Start with the charbroiled oysters, a half-dozen fresh Island Creeks on the half-shell, bubbling with Franciacorta cream, jalapeño hot sauce, and brown butter brioche crumble. Next, indulge in the tender potato gnocchi, seared to perfection, topped with a creamy reduction featuring celery root and charred leeks, and then blanketed in black truffle shavings. Alternatively, discover the mustard
green lasagna, layered with stracchino bechamel, lamb ragu, and grana padano. Finish with the one—and only—dessert on the menu: Bust a Rhyme, a heaping plate of graham churros, wood-fired birch marshmallow, and Oaxacan chocolate drizzle. (walrusrodeo.com) —P.R.
AS THE STONE CRAB SEASON DRAWS TO A CLOSE MAY 15, WE SHARE THREE WAYS TO SCORE YOUR FINAL FIX OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S FAVORITE DELICACY
Savor peak freshness at Triad. For stone crabs fresh off the boat, there’s no better place than this nofrills café in Everglades City. Before making the 90-minute trek west, call to ensure fishermen have unloaded a sufficient morning catch (and that an early lunch crowd hasn’t already devoured all the hyper-fresh claws). (triadseafoodmarketcafe.com)
A South Beach icon, Joe’s Stone Crab has been cracking the claws of Florida’s prized stone crabs for more than a century. Dress to the nines for a meal to remember at the stately Miami institution, starting with the requisite platter of chilled claws, gently cracked and served with a side of Joe’s secret mustard sauce. (joesstonecrab.com)
Try happy hour at Stiltsville. This Miami Beach mainstay by Top Chef power duo Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth has medium claws for $8 each on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m., complementing a value-conscious weekday happy hour menu of $6 wines by the glass, $8 cocktails, and small plates for $9 and under. Don’t miss the caviar deviled eggs or the peel-and-eat royal red shrimp. (stiltsvillefishbar.com)
With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, it’s an idyllic time to get acquainted with arguably the best new mid-priced tequila to hit Florida shelves ($50 for a 750ml bottle). Say hello to Lalo , a mild blanco tequila that stems from top-quality, handpicked agave from the Jalisco highlands and backed by Eduardo “Lalo” González, grandson of the father of premium tequila, Don Julio. While pure and dynamic enough to enjoy as a sipping tequila, Lalo also works well in cocktail recipes, such as the one featured here. (lalospirits.com) —P.R.
(Makes 1 serving)
2 oz. Lalo Tequila
1 oz. agave syrup
2 oz. lime juice
1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. Grand Marnier
Salt or Tajín
Slices of jalapeño and pineapple
Frost an old-fashioned glass with salt or Tajín. Fill with ice. Add Lalo Tequila, agave syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice, and Grand Mariner. Stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with slices of jalapeño and pineapple.
BY JULES ARON
There’s lots to love about April—egg hunts, bright fashions, and seasonal cocktails, to name a few. Whether you’re awaiting the Easter Bunny, honoring Passover traditions, or simply celebrating spring’s blossoming return, festive drinks are always in order. Welcome the season with an unexpected pop of color and a sip the bunny himself would approve of. Bonus: It’s the perfect libation to savor on International Carrot Day April 4.
1 oz. The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadín
1 oz. Munyon’s Paw-Paw Aperitif
2 oz. freshly pressed carrot juice
1/2 oz. passion fruit simple syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with edible flowers.
1/4 cup fresh passion fruit puree
1 cup filtered water
1 cup organic agave
Add ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the agave is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to steep, covered, for 30 minutes. Strain into a glass container. Keep sealed in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
We’re sure we can spark your imagination and bring your dream projects to life. We know your projects require more than just a come in and buy approach, which is why we tailor our services to assist you, understanding that the sale doesn’t end with the purchase. We’ve been helping our customers through the ever-changing complexities of the products we sell for over 95 years. Come and see why.
For some, it’s the curb appeal that seals the deal on a property purchase. For others, it’s the grand architecture. But for designer Luciana Fragali, it was a tree—a magnificent 400-year-old banyan rooted in South Miami’s Ponce Davis neighborhood. Fragali and her family were bicycling through the area when she spotted the tree amid mass construction.
“I was awestruck,” recalls Fragali, owner and principal of Design Solutions. “I went right up to it and felt the most amazing
energy ever—a happiness I cannot explain.”
One week later, Fragali and her husband struck a deal and began building their dream home around the tree. Because the house was planned as a spec home, Fragali was able to step in and create a fully customized design without having to alter much of what was already standing.
Now exquisite elements bring her house to life. On a stone accent wall in the living room hangs a painting by Manolo Valdés, which the artist custom made for Fragali to commemorate their partnerships and collaborations over the years. Moooi’s sinuous Flock of Light chandelier centers the space, separating the living room and adjacent dining area. For above the
dining table, the designer chose a Dew Drops chandelier by Boris Klimek. The entire room faces 10foot sliding glass doors that look out to the pool and gardens.
Throughout the home, rich earthy hues of walnut, bronze, moss, and ivory radiate an organic essence, blurring the line between inside and out. Fragali also selected classic pieces that would
stand the test of time and incorporated meaningful collectibles from her travels.
“All [our design decisions] were based on comfort and beauty,” she says. “This is the house where we want to raise our kids and build amazing memories, which is what we believe life is all about.”
(ds-miami.com) —Jeanne
De Lathouder
My favorite room to design is a powder room; it allows for the biggest design in the smallest of spaces. Designers often refer to a powder room as a “jewel box,” which is to say a room that can be adorned with layers of details. Because powder rooms are small, the amount of materials needed is minimal—making it a great space to splurge. Here are a few of my favorite design ideas and trends to help put the pow in your powder room. (alenacapradesigns.com)
The focal point of any powder room is the sink. One wow-worthy look for a powder room is an integral sink and countertop made from a single stone or porcelain slab. Other trending options include vessel sinks in metal or glass atop a vanity cabinet. A classic yet elegant choice is a lavatory console, where the sink and countertop sit on stylized legs in metal or even acrylic for an open look.
XPEOPLE OFTEN ASK WHETHER THEY SHOULD CONTINUE THE FLOORING FROM THE REST OF THEIR HOME INTO THE POWDER ROOM. IT COMES DOWN TO PERSONAL PREFERENCE, BUT CONSIDER THIS: IF YOU WANT THE WALLS TO BE THE FOCUS, THEN DON’T CHANGE THINGS UP AT GROUND LEVEL. HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A STATEMENT WITH A BOLD OR INTERESTING FLOOR TILE, THIS IS THE ROOM TO DO JUST THAT.
Faucet options abound, with chrome, matte gold, brass, and matte black leading in popularity. Another recent trend is customizing your faucet handles. Brands like Kallista, Brizo, and Hansgrohe allow homeowners to select fi xtures with inserts of wood, stone, or other materials.
It’s important to layer your lighting to set the tone in a powder room. Consider general lighting (overhead), ambient lighting (sconces, decorative fixtures, or lighting around a mirror), and accent lighting (light strips beneath a floating vanity).
If you’re going to use a bold wall covering or tile in any room, let it be in the powder room. Don’t be afraid to take a risk, using patterns, textures, and colors you may not want to try in larger areas of the home.
Don’t forget about the ceiling. If you have crown molding in your powder room, create contrast by adding a pop of color to the ceiling. Or think about adding a unique decorative light fixture or chandelier for interest.
BY LIZA GRANT SMITH
WAVE HELLO
MARINE BIOLOGY
Handblown in Murano, Italy, Nason Moretti’s Idra Balloton glasses ($55 each) capture the ethereal beauty of water. Nest Casa, Miami (nest casa.com)
Available in 11 finishes, the Hubbardton Forge Crossing Waves pendant ($3,100) boasts ribbons of hand-forged steel illuminated from above. Capitol Lighting, Fort Lauderdale (capitollighting.com)
DRIFT AWAY
Get swept up in a gloriously abstract ocean current with Elaine Smith’s Endeavor Ocean pillow ($159 for 20-inch square), which is woven from Sunbrella yarns for maximum durability. Clima Home, Miami (climahome.com)
BAHAMA BREEZE
Infuse any space with the aroma of ocean mist, sea salt, white tea, and coconut with this 90-day reed diffuser ($58) by Nest Fragrances Saks Fifth Avenue locations (saksfifthavenue.com)
SEE AND BE SEEN
Peruse photography from above and below the water in Lewis Blackwell’s The Life & Love of the Sea ($55). Barnes & Noble locations (barnesandnoble.com)
SOOTHE
THE SOUL
Sarah Zohar of Sarah Z Designs orchestrated a water-inspired space to echo its surroundings. “This bedroom is an oceanside oasis that pulls in the blue hues from the ocean,” says Zohar. “The wall covering and rug mimic the ocean’s movement, [which brings] the outdoors in.” Miami (sarahz designs.com)
SIDE GIG
Even algae can have a starring moment with this side table ($506) from Jamie Young, inspired by the aquatic plant’s shape and texture. Grove Gallery & Interiors, Miami (grovegalleryinteriors.com)
Create an artistic spread for guests on this swirled resin cheese board ($159) from Tizo Bloomingdale’s, Aventura (bloomingdales.com)
While bedding is the simplest way to transform a bedroom’s vibe, many of us are guilty of keeping sheets, comforters, and shams well past their style prime. To help motivate a refresh, Adriana and Romeu Trussardi, founders of Trousseau (which is famous for its bed and bath linens and operates its only U.S. store in Miami’s Brickell City Centre), share insight
into what’s trending and defining luxury in the world of bedding. (trousseaulinens.com)
Thread count (the number of threads per square inch) may be the most touted delineator of sheet quality, but the Trussardis advise against using it as your only guide.
“The thread count on a premium cotton can be half of a non-premium and you would still have a better product,” says Adriana. “I would say the origin/quality of the cotton is more important than the number of threads.”
“The quality of the primary source makes the difference,” agrees Romeu. “Our sheets are made with 100 percent cotton—either Italian premium cotton or the Giza certified cotton.” (Giza cotton is grown along the
Nile River in Egypt and boasts extra-long staple fibers that result in a finer yarn with top-quality strength and softness.)
“For a king bed, we usually use two Euro, two kings, and two standards,” Adriana says of the pillows. “We may also add decorative pillows. For a queen, it’s four standards and the decorative pillows. However, the perfect look is the one that the client feels most comfortable with.”
“The possibilities are endless—printed with a festive finish for a modern look or embroidered with ajour [open hemstitch that resembles a ladder] for a more classic look,” says Romeu. “We carry all in terms of options and listen to our clients in order to provide the best solution. The touch, the feel, the look, all is taken in consideration when we put the
options together. The one thing we never leave aside is the comfort. The bed must be the place where the client feels invited to dream.”
The Trussardis agree that white is
the most common color for sheets, while color accents are popular for decorative items such as pillows. However, they note that darker colors (think: gray and black) have been gaining space as of late too.
“The throw is the touch that brings the sense of awe and where one feels like they can sit, rest a handbag, or cover themselves for a quick rest without exposing the sheets,”Adriana notes. “Also, a pop of color can be added with a simple throw.”
Adriana and Romeu point to the recent success of stonewashed linen, which has the cool and sophisticated look of linen but with a softer touch.
WHO: Queen Miami Beach WHAT: Grand opening of Mathieu Massa’s $40 million historic Paris Theater–turned–restaurant project WHERE: Queen Miami Beach HIGHLIGHTS: Guests feted the grand opening and enjoyed interactive acts ranging from musical ensembles to aerial acrobatics courtesy of NuArt.
WHO: Motorcar Cavalcade WHAT: Annual Concours
d’Elegance garden party WHERE: JW Marriot Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura HIGHLIGHTS: Hundreds of guests gathered to admire vintage vehicles and the world’s fastest hypercars. At the event, the Texas-based Hennessey family unveiled their new Venom F5 Revolution.
WHO: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
WHAT: Tenth annual Art + Soul fundraising event for the PAMM Fund for Black Art
WHERE: Pérez Art Museum Miami HIGHLIGHTS: Guests enjoyed an evening of art, music, and dancing while raising more than $1.6 million to fund the museum’s permanent collection of Black contemporary art.
Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year, Miami Beach Pride returns to the Magic City April 1-16. Grab tickets to the VIP Beach Affair April 14, hosted by actress, singer, comedian, author, and LGBTQ+ icon Sandra Bernhard (who recently appeared in American Horror Story: NYC). Or don your rainbow gear and stroll through the free Pride Festival at Lummus Park April 15-16, filled with food, vendors, performances, and more—all in celebration of Miami’s LGBTQ+ community. The centerpiece of this year’s events is the parade along Ocean Drive April 16, featuring grand marshals Jonathan Bennett and Jaymes Vaughan. Known for his role as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 cult-classic film Mean Girls, Bennett is now the executive producer and star of the Hallmark Channel’s first holiday film featuring a leading LGBTQ+ couple, The Holiday Sitter. Together, Bennett and Vaughn host iHeartRadio’s Pridecast and are founders of the Outbound Travel company. (miamibeachpride.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre
