NEXT week marks the 15th annual south beach wine + food festival, which is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. its founder, Lee Schrager, is a friend and food lover and, after SPENDING 20 YEARS IN A BEAUTIFUL HOME TUCKED AWAY IN A HIDDEN SPOT in MIAMI’S DESIGN DISTRICT, was the perfect person to turn to to tell us about everythiNG miami.
1. Shopping in the new Palm Court Plaza of Miami’s burgeoning Design District
It was a bit like a dream came true when Hermès finally opened, and I love spending a Saturday afternoon grabbing an iced coffee and croissant from Michael Schwartz’s Café Ella – or perhaps indulging in one of their delicious s’mores doughnuts – and sauntering through the collection of luxury stores now open here.
2. The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key
500 Brickell Key Drive
+1 305 913 8332
This is my favorite place to unwind with a massage, followed by a cocktail and impeccable Peruvian food at Chef Gastón Acurio’s La Mar overlooking the pristine waters of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline.
3. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
1103 Biscayne Boulevard
In addition to the world-class modern and contemporary art exhibitions that rotate through, PAMM has skyrocketed to one of the top venues for social events. I love heading there for any – or no – occasion at all, and enjoying the serene views from Stephen Starr’s Verde for a bite.
4. Coconut Grove dog park
I love taking my dogs (Stanley, a French Briard and Charlie, an Old English Sheepdog) here on the weekends. It has beautiful views of the water and great walking paths – I just sit back with a frozen lemonade from the truck that's always there and enjoy.
5. Buena Vista Deli
4590 NE 2nd Avenue
+ 1 305 576 3945
Even though I recently moved from the Design District to Coral Gables, Buena Vista Deli remains a go-to spot for me to grab a coffee and a chocolate almond croissant or one of their great quiches.
6. Pinecrest Farmers Market
11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL
Since moving to Coral Gables a little over a year ago, heading down to the Pinecrest Farmer’s market on Sundays has become one of my favorite things to do. I love getting pickles and fresh breads here – they have a great roster of artisan vendors to check out.
7. La Sandwicherie South Beach
229 14th Street, Miami Beach
+1 305 532 8934
This no-frills, counter-space only spot is open ‘til the wee hours of the morning, making it the perfect stop on your way out of one of Miami’s oldest bars, Club Deuce, or any other time of day. They churn out gourmet sandwiches on French bread, perfect to grab and take over to the beach, accompanied by their signature, habit-forming French vinaigrette.
ABOUT LEE SCHRAGER
Lee has lived in Miami for 30+ years, opening several South Beach hot spots including Torpedo, CHOW and The Spot with actor Mickey Rourke. His third cookbook, AMERICA’S BEST BREAKFASTS: Favorite Local Recipes from Coast to Coast (Clarkson Potter), is due out April 5th, 2016. He serves as the Vice President of Corporate Communications & National Events for Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc., the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets, and is widely known for his creation of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals. An active philanthropist, Schrager was Chairman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala for 10 years; Chairman for Jackson Memorial Hospitals Golden Angels Gala for 4 years, recipient of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, Dade Human Rights Humanitarian Award (presented by Hillary Clinton); as well as a current member of the Board of Trustees for the Pérez Art Museum Miami and Board of Directors for the Food Bank For New York City. He is a regular contributor to Ocean Drive magazine and judge for Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 in food & wine annual list.
ABOUT THE SOUTH BEACH + WINE FESTIVAL
The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE (SOBEWFF®) will celebrate its 15th anniversary February 24 – 28, 2016. With more than 85 events taking place throughout the newly expanded five-day weekend, the 2016 Festival also marks the 10th birthday of its iconic Amstel Light Burger Bash event and the launch of the inaugural Taste Fort Lauderdale Series of events. Recognized as the #1 food and restaurant industry event in the U.S. by BizBash for the third year in a row, the Festival has raised more than $22 million to date for the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory and Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management located on Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus. A complete line-up of this year’s events and tickets are available at www.sobefest.com.