INDULGE OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / $6.95 MIAMIINDULGE.COM
Miami´s New Game Changers Why you need to know Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Maghan Morin, Jeanine Sua and Alex Ness
THE GIVERS ISSUE Fall Fashion Trends
Philanthropy
Swanky Martinis
in this issue
FEATURES 70 GAME-CHANGERS These rising local power players are advancing the South Florida community through activism, education, business and medical technology. 80 SEASONAL HUNT INDULGE contributors guide the way to the perfect gifts for every taste. 84 WHAT WE WOULD HAVE WORN Miami’s top philanthropists weigh in on their favorite social happenings that would have been and the head-to-toe looks they planned to strut in wearing.
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INDULGE OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 / $6.95 MIAMIINDULGE.COM
Miami´s New Game Changers Why you need to know Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Maghan Morin, Jeanine Sua and Alex Ness
THE GIVERS ISSUE Fall Fashion Trends
Philanthropy
Swanky Martinis
ON THE COVER (Left to right) Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Maghan Morin, Jeanine Suah and Alex Ness. Photographed by Nick Garcia. Producer: Angela Bonilla.
in this issue
THE LOCAL 17 CHECKS AND BALANCES Add elegance to Fall’s popular neutrals with pops of plaid.
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18 PINK PARADE Sweeten your wardrobe with equally feminine and glamorous pink staples. 20 LAUNCHING NOW A new program for residents that are working from home, the reopening of an iconic Miami Beach property and more of what’s happening now. 22 CULTURE United Way of Miami-Dade kicks off the philanthropy season; ICA invites you back in; Miami Book Fair goes virtual; and other community news worth knowing about. 24 BEAUTY Must-have products that promote a night of blissful rest. 26 MY 305 STYLE Casamigos co-founder Rande Gerber shared with INDULGE his favorite places to eat, drink and enjoy while in the Magic City. 28 A DAISY THING Lifestyle Editor Daisy Olivera takes into the tastefully maximalist home of Soledad and Justin Lowe. 30 FITNESS Health, fashion and philanthropy all meet with brands that give back in a big way. 32 JUST DESSERTS We deserve ALL the desserts this year, and these places offer something for every sugar craving. 33 JEWEL BOX Dive deep into luxury with marine-inspired pieces that look chic on land or sea. 34 THE SOURCE Vintage shop Pinkgun Gallery leads the way to a fashionable future. 36 REAL ESTATE Lavish private cabanas are today’s hottest home amenity.
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in this issue
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THE LIFE
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56 THE DISH Old Greg’s Pizza is a lockdown success story built on an airy, sourdough crust that just about broke the internet.
THE MOVERS 39 RAINMAKER Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Michael McDermott ushers in Baptist Health’s era as a leader in neurosciences.
58 RECIPE The flavors of Spain’s rustic northern region can be found in the intricately curated menu at Leku. 60 POUR The mysterious and coquettish allure of Miami’s swankiest martinis.
42 MIAMI’S ‘FOOD’ FATHER Lee Brian Schrager has led a movement to keep South Florida’s restaurants surviving in 2020.
62 #FOLLOWINDULGETO Three under-the-radar Florida gems for those looking for the ultimate road trip across the Sunshine State.
44 INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE Through her role at Miami Music Project, Anna Klimala wields the influential power of music.
63 STAYCATION The newly revived Little Palm Island Resort & Spa enchants visitors with an elegantly exotic vibe.
46 THE ULTIMATE INFLUENCER As president of Miami’s Istituto Marangoni, Hakan Baykam is molding the next generation of fashion and design.
65 ESCAPE Flip the switch on your winter bucket list and make the trek to the power paradise of Telluride.
48 THE ECO-FRIENDLY MAGNATE Entrepreneur and sustainable fashion designer Hassan Pierre is looking to change the world one stitch at a time.
90 INDULGENCE Jean Schlumberger’s creations for Tiffany & Co. still delight with their imaginative designs.
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editor’s letter
G
iving thanks. Giving time. Giving back. While I looked forward to producing our annual Givers Issue, which focuses on the subject of philanthropy and ways in which we can contribute to the community, the topic of giving has been a talking point for much longer than the time it took to create this edition. Since March, news stories about how South Florida residents could lend a hand in these most challenging times were interlaced between headlines about the rise of COVID-19 cases and closure mandates. Whether it was through donations of funds, items or even volunteer work, the community stepped up. Programs were announced. Funds were started. Lives were changed. Giving back became part of the new normal. For me, one of the highlights was watching the successful launch and blooming of Adopt-A- Family Miami, Inc.’s Fill the Fridge program, designed to serve underprivileged families with children who depend on the school system for a big part of their daily meals and nutrition. Back in late spring, INDULGE Beauty Editor Erin Michelle Newberg helped her friend and co-founder of Adopt-A-Family Miami, Inc., Mytyl Simancas, corral a group of altruistic Miamians to commit to buying groceries for the needy households, most with parents that Jenny Starr Perez had lost their jobs due to business closures. Months later, the program (a 501(c) organization) Editor in Chief has grown exponentially, raising over $40,000, feeding hundreds of local families and even providing computers to kids participating in virtual learning. This is the power of community. One person who led the charge to help his colleagues in the hospitality and restaurant realm is Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Read my exclusive interview with “Miami’s ‘Food’ Father” (p. 42), where we discuss the challenges he faced when organizing what became the SOBEWFF® & FIU Chaplin School Hospitality Industry Relief Fund, as well as details regarding the future of the celebrity-chef heavy beachside food festival. Our cover story on Miami’s new “game changers” (p. 70) also highlights important work by locals looking to make advances in their respective industries. My hope is that the inspiring stories of Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Maghan Morin, Jeanine Suah, Alex Ness and Joe Deitch will encourage INDULGE readers to think outside the box in their own lives, challenging themselves to find new ways of doing things. You know, changing the game. Pop quiz: what is a word that is synonymous with philanthropy in Miami? Parties! This is a city whose residents love nothing better than to dress up to fundraise for their favorite charities. Although many organizations behind our favorite galas and other fun happenings have opted to take the excitement online this year with virtual events, we can still dream about the glammed-up head-to-toe looks worn by South Florida’s who’s-who of party-goers. Skim the pages over to What We Would Have Worn (p. 84), where INDULGE Senior Fashion Editor Elysze Held and I ask a few of our favorite local philanthropists about the outfits the “could have been” donned to the major events that would have been unforgettably fabulous. In the year of giving back, I hope you enjoy our latest contribution.
KEEP IN TOUCH! For editorial consideration: editor@miamiindulge.com facebook.com/MiamiIndulge @INDULGEmiami @MiamiIndulge
INDULGE A S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N P R O D U C E D B Y
EDITORIAL Editor in Chief Jenny Starr Perez Contributing Design Director John Michael Coto Contributing Lifestyle Editor Daisy Olivera Contributing Travel Editor Angela Caraway-Carlton Contributing Senior Fashion Editor Elysze Held Contributing Style Editor Claudia Miyar Contributing Beauty Editor Erin Michelle Newberg Contributing Copy Editor Claudia Killoran Contributing Writers Eric Barton, Shayne Benowitz, Carolina Cardona, Christie Galeano-DeMott, Ginger Harris, Christiana Lilly, Tara Solomon Contributing Photographers Felipe Cuevas, Nick Garcia, Michael Russell Marketing and Community Partnerships Director Lourdes M. Alvarez
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NICK GARCIA
President & Publisher | Executive Editor AMINDA MARQUÉS GONZÁLEZ
from the publisher
W
hile the weather might not reflect it, it’s finally fall in South Florida; time, as our name encourages, to indulge yourself in all things dazzling and delicious. And we could use a little lighthearted distraction about now, right? In this, our annual Giving issue, we give you plenty of entertaining ideas. As you glance through our pages, a good place to start is our Pour feature, where you can find distraction in the form of a craft martini (p. 60). Bourbon Steak’s Casa Rosada mezcal cocktail is certainly worthy of some experimentation. If you don’t abide by the phrase, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” and it’s just too early for that, we’ve got you covered with the Espresso Martini from Casa D’Angelo, mixed with fresh espresso and complemented by Grind Espresso Shot rum — yum! It’s delicious possibly any time of day. If you are looking forward to travel planning, another welcome distraction, we hope you’re inspired by our array of ideas near and not-so-far. Our #FOLLOWINDULGETO column (p. 62) is all about privacy, but isolation doesn’t need to be spartan. Case in point: these featured staycations boast private beaches, sixteen thousand acres of striking landscape, towering sand Lesley DeCanio dunes... and turndown amenities. Personally, my family’s planned trip to northern Italy was postponed this year, but there is a silver lining. I’m following INDULGE to a local find — the Riverfront Gondola Tours. Planning holiday travel? If your woolen sweaters and mittens are pleading for an escape from your closet and you want to show some love for a struggling hospitality industry, jet over to Telluride, Colorado, the featured destination in our Escape section (p. 65). Travel Editor Angela Caraway-Carlton delights us with descriptions of her getaway that made me want to light up my backyard fire pit, until I quickly realized it’s still a steamy 87 degrees here in the MIA. Of course, the cold-averse among us may prefer lounging by the pool or beach. In that case, why not supercharge your luxury condo experience by adding a secluded cabana, just steps or a private elevator ride away from your residence? As real estate in South Florida continues to appreciate in value, new options like these private retreats are becoming popular with buyers looking for added space to work, entertain, enjoy family time or simply bliss out. Learn more about this new trend in The Local (p. 36), where Christie Galeano-Demott tours four stylish options. As the Publisher of INDULGE, and in partnership with our local team and freelance crew, I have the distinct opportunity of uncovering the unique experiences that make Miami paradise. Yet what fills my heart with pride and gives me the confidence to double-down on hope is reading about the people giving so much to our community (Movers, p. 39). Meet Dr. Michael McDermott, a distinguished neuroscientist, who leads the Miami Neurosciences Institute for Baptist Health. This pioneer, researcher and academic is bringing advanced neurological sub-specialization and a broader spectrum of care to South Florida. Another mover is Anna Klimala of the Miami Music Project, an advocate of social change through music. Ms. Klimala is backed by the Knight Foundation, and now needs your voice to advocate for the music and art programs making a difference for students in resourcescarce neighborhoods. In this spirit of giving, we hope you enjoy our Gift Giving section (p. 80), curated by our INDULGE team who I believe may have outdone themselves this time. There are many excellent choices, but my favorite, which combines a memorable experience with a good cause, is United Way of Miami-Dade’s Back of the House virtual series to benefit Miami’s hospitality workers. Go ahead, sign up! I’d truly consider it a gift to see you, our generous and loyal readers, there.
INDULGE A S P E C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N P R O D U C E D B Y
Advertising, sales and distribution information: kcorrales@miamiherald.com / 305-376-2801
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NICK GARCIA
ADVERTISING VP of Advertising and INDULGE Publisher Lesley DeCanio Associate INDULGE Publisher Kristina Schulz-Corrales Strategic Accounts Director Orlando Comas SMB Managers Donna Boase, Omar Mercado Real Estate Accounts Manager Greg Romanelli Events and Partnerships Director Silvia Larrieu Magazine Coordinator Yvonne Cloud
the loc local
NEW. NOW. & RIGHT HERE.
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By Claudia Miyar
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Checks AND BALANCES Add elegance to Fall’s popular neutrals with pops of plaid, a heritage pattern that in 2020 has gone from stuffy to stellar.
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1-2. Fall 2020 Runway photo and latticed block heel sandal, $690. Burberry. 112 Northeast 39th Street #10, Design District; 305-423-0078; burberry.com. 3. Reversed plaid cotton flannel shirt, $890. Victoria Beckham. Available at modaoperandi.com. 4. Datejust Oyster steel and Everose gold watch, $15,500. Rolex. 135 Northeast 39th Street, Design District; 305-576-5391; rolex.com. 5. Tartan-plaid crepe skirt, $795. Red Valentino. Available at modaoperandi.com. 6. Tweed double breasted blazer, $3,150. Balmain at Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305-397-8152; balmain.com. 7-8. Peekaboo iconic essentially check bag, $4,550, and checked wool shorts, $1,100. Fendi. 150 Northeast 40th Street, Design District; 786-655-5400; fendi.com. 9. Checked mini dress, $2,050. Prada. 180 Northeast 40th Street, Design District; 305-438-2280; prada.com.
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the local By Claudia Miyar
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Pink PARADE
Sweeten your wardrobe with equally feminine and glamorous pink staples from fashion’s highly coveted brands, some of which are donating profits to benefit breast cancer research.
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1. Tom Ford Fall runway. Tom Ford. 103 Northeast 39th Street, Design District; 786-749-2600; tomford.com. 2. Cable Collectibles necklace in 18K rose gold with pavé pink sapphires, $1,250. David Yurman at Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305-867-1772; davidyurman.com. 3. Belted pink satin blazer, $3,150. Balmain at Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305-397-8152; balmain.com. 4. Macramé clutch handmade in pink and orange paracord with edgy hardware, $350. Ninety-Nine Handbags. Orders can be placed exclusively through @ninetyninehandbags on Instagram. 5. Pink Pony cashmere sweater, $398. Ralph Lauren at Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Suite 174, Bal Harbour; 305-861-2059; ralphlauren.com. 6. Anais cocktail ring, $195. Pharaoun. Available at pharaoun.com. 7. Fringe bathing suit, $515. Stella McCartney, Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305-532-5455; stellamccartney.com. 8. Chloris sequin chiffon pants, $1,095. Makarian. Available at modaoperandi.com. 9. Flower Strass pump, $1,750. Roger Vivier at Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, #140, Bal Harbour; 305-868-4344; rogervivier.com. 10. Christian Louboutin Elisa mini suede crystal bag, $3,590. Neiman Marcus at The Shops at Merrick Park. 385 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables; 305-576-3501; neimanmarcus.com.
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the local LAUNCHING NOW
John Gidding
By Eric Barton
THE NEW MIAMI CARTEL Working From the Spa Working from home sure sounds nice, right up until your workstation is covered in spilled Cheerios and near a pooch that needs a walk. So right when you’re in need of a new workspace, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau has organized 30 hotels, spas and attractions as part of its Work & Learn Remotely Program. At the Mandarin Oriental Miami, your new office is a guest room with wi-fi, printing facilities, access to the fitness center and a dining credit. Or head over to the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, which will end your workday with a bottle of wine. miamiandbeaches.com.
Get the job done in-suite or poolside at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club.
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Siblings Mike and Danielle Zig’s first business venture was far less above-board: they traveled to islands off El Salvador and smuggled coconuts back home to Miami in their suitcases. They’d use the coconuts to hawk drinks to tourists on the beach. Now the young brother and sister duo has launched the Coconut Cartel rum brand, which uses coconut water to cut its Guatemalan añejo rum ― which the siblings promise, this time, was imported legally. coconutcartel.com
Plant-Based Social Distancing Celebrate World Vegan Day on Nov. 1 at Gulfstream Park Village, which will host its third Plant-Based Festival. Organizers promise 80-plus vendors will be properly spaced out six feet to be sure you’re eating your veggies and also following the social distancing rules, with giveaways and music to attract even the carnivores among us. gulfstreampark.com
The flowerfilled courtyard at The Bath Club in Miami Beach.
The Bath Club Returns After a century on the beach, The Bath Club will reopen in November after an extensive, multi-million-dollar facelift and a long list of services and luxuries available for its exclusive 200 members. Developer Don Peebles became the first African-American member of a club that once denied membership to minorities, and as the club’s owner, he sees his new creation as a space that will “emphasize inclusivity and diversity.” Membership includes access to the 2,300-square-foot pool, beachfront chaises, clay tennis courts, a spa and the club’s signature brasserie. thebathclub.com.
There’s a Chef at Your Door Karen and Michael Stanley had spent two years planning the food delivery service MK Takeaways. Their launch in July ended up being fortuitous timing, considering a whole lot of us were looking for new home delivery food options. With a chef-driven menu, MK Takeaways delivers made-to-order dishes just like restaurant takeout, including steak frites, sausage orecchiette, and maplerubbed salmon and broccoli rabe. They’ll even drop off entire holiday meals, right on your doorstep. mktakeaways.com.
FRO-YO FOR A CAUSE The new frozen yogurt shop g.l.o.w. in Wynwood is dishing up scoops of guava-cheese and Mexican hot chocolate flavored yogurts, all with the promise of donating every dime of proceeds to nonprofits that help women’s and girls’ empowerment. Chef Todd Erickson loaded up g.l.o.w. f lavors with superfood ingredients like turmeric and matcha, creating globally inspired flavors that benefit good causes. glowforgood.com
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the local CULTURE By Eric Barton
The Virtual Book Fair Author of bestselling book Crazy Rich Asians, Kevin Kwan, will be presenting a virtual chat as part of this year’s Miami Book Fair. Tomás Esson’s impactful pieces will be on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami through May 2, 2021.
ICA REOPENS BIG Painter Tomás Esson had his first exhibition in Havana in 1988, but it didn’t last long. Cuban authorities censored and closed the show, by virtue of the lively and grotesque paintings Esson is known for producing. See them now at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA), which reopened for appointment-only visits in September with the first solo museum presentation for Esson. His work is joined by the first U.S. museum retrospective for American artist Allan McCollum and Vivian Caccuri’s Mosquito Shrine pt. 2. For those not ready to visit the museum, ICA’s website still has a gallery-worth of content, including virtual series and documentaries. icamiami.org
A Symphony in Your Living Room
A few months back, when live music became a thing we used to do, New World Symphony musicians began streaming Facebook live performances from their own homes. The idea was so well liked that the NWS is making it an official thing, with the Live from our Living Room series continuing through December. Find a full schedule and join the show at nws.edu.
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Mixologist Gabe Urrutia
When the Miami Book Fair returns for its 37th year on Nov. 15-22, it won't have its iconic festival vibe, with vendors spread out over closed streets and author talks here and there. Instead, you'll find 200 authors, moderators, poets, critics and others online, headlined by novelist Margaret Atwood. The marketplace also moves online, with a digital version of the booksellers and vendors you'd normally find on the streets. miamibookfair.com.
Good Sips
2020 has consistently given us plenty of excuses to indulge in regular cocktail hours, virtual or otherwise. This month, we finally have both good reason and a great cause behind our sips. United Way of Miami-Dade is partnering with members of South Florida’s hard-hit hospitality industry through their new Back of the House series, a threeevent virtual series where guests will go on an intimate and enjoyable experience from the comforts of their homes. Each event will be hosted by local James Beard Award-winning wine and food journalist, and VeritageMiami director, Lyn Farmer, who will be chatting with the crème de la crème in hospitality to bond over, what else, wine and food. First up in October, a night with chef Michael Schwartz. November’s event will highlight renowned winemaker Bruce Neyers, while guests can drink to a joyful and less strenuous 2021 with expert mixologist Gabe Urrutia in December. Tickets include delivery of meals, small bites and associated beverages. unitedwaymiami.org/the-back-of-the-house.
the local BEAUTY By Erin Michelle Newberg
A Restful Process When we don’t sleep well, our health — and beauty — suffers. Discover our list of must-haves that promote a night of blissful rest and a morning starring an energetic and glowing you. Guru Nanda – Honeycomb Diffuser A diffuser that helps revolutionize your sleep-verse? Groundbreaking! Fill it with a little water and a few drops of an essential oil of your choice, and drift off to the sleep of your life. Available at gurunanda.com.
Sisley – Black Rose Infusion Cream Lightweight and hydrating, the scent in this jar of heaven comes from its properties which create glow, improved elasticity and a relaxing mindset. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour Shops.
Sow Eden Organics – CBD Cookies Satisfy your sweet tooth and simultaneously chill out with these mini chocolate chip cookies that come loaded with 25+ mgs of active cannabinoids, bits of caramelized toffee, Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips, and pecans. soweden.com.
Purple – Mattress We know you’ve seen it: that Instagram ad that always pops up on your feed, inspiring sleep envy. Purple’s IG-famous mattress keeps you cool while adapting to your pressure points. Now that’s something worth clicking on to find. purple.com.
Terra Luna – Herbal Eye Mask This apothecary in Philadelphia just launched this miracle mask which comes packed with sleep go-tos like dried eucalyptus, yarrow flower and lavender, all of which the owner grows herself. terralunaherbals.com.
111Skin – The Facial Edit Aesthetician Joanna Czech, who treats celebs like the Hadid sisters, Anna Wintour, and Jennifer Aniston, collaborated with UK-based 111SKIN to treat the many layers of your skin through this assortment of sheet masks that tighten and contour as you nap. 111skin.com.
Luxome – LAYR Pillow This ultra-fluffy invention is allergy free, thermal regulated via the bamboo-base and comes with many layers inside the cover, allowing you to unzip it, and adjust to remove or add desired firmness. luxome.com. Charlotte’s Web – Hemp-Infused Gummies Exploding with berry flavor, all you need to do is chew, then be mentally prepared to shut off the moment you feel the relaxation from the melatonin and CBD blend lulling you to sleep. icharlotte.com.
BODY PROJECT MOVEMENT Since moving to South Florida in 2018, massage therapist Alexander Ryan Erickson has aimed to change the life of every client who has hired him for a proper lymphatic drainage through his company Body Project Movement. Meant for all shapes and sizes, Erickson’s treatment goes beyond the average massage. The technique that Alexander uses was learned through his time spent under the tutelage of renowned therapy master Renata França in South America, something Erickson says completely changed the way he approached the body. Implementing a deep tissue massage which was intended for people recovering from illness like cancer or a simple surgery, Erickson uses his method to move fatty tissue, drain and detox the body, increase circulation and help to pump out stagnant toxins in the kidneys. The results are immediately noticeable. “The best medicine for the body is treating it with love,” says Erickson, “and an hour on my table.” Follow him at @alex.wins or head to bodyprojectmovement.com for more information.
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Laneige – Lip Sleeping Mask Just apply this mask for your lip and doze off. The result is a smoother, more supple pout by the time your alarm rings. Pro tip: For an extra glow, wear it over lipstick during the day. us.laneige.com.
the local STYLE By Christiana Lilly
my 305 style
RANDE GERBER Alongside partner George Clooney, you’ll find Gerber’s signature on every bottle of Casamigos tequila. The co-founder of the brand shared with INDULGE his favorite places to eat, drink and enjoy while in the Magic City. THE TEQUILA
“My favorites wouldn’t be complete without Casamigos. I drink our Reposado neat or on the rocks. I love how smooth and pure it is without the burn.” $73.99, Total Wine, 14750 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami; 305-354-3270; totalwine.com.
THE DESIGN “The
architecture and design at the Surf Club is incredible. I’m a big fan of Thomas Keller’s restaurant on the property and the private Hemingway Bar and club.” The Surf Club Restaurant, 9011 Collins Avenue, Surfside; 305-768-9440; surfclubrestaurant.com
THE VIEW “The 1 Hotel is a nice spot. I love
the Casamigos cocktails at the lobby bar or up on the rooftop for sunset views.” 1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 833-625-3111; 1hotels.com/south-beach.
THE CLASSIC
“I’ve been going to Joe’s Stone Crab since I was a child. My favorite dishes are the stone crabs, fried chicken, onion rings, and creamed spinach.” Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-673-0365; joesstonecrab.com.
THE BURGER “I really enjoy the Bal Harbour area and
the restaurants at the Shops – Le Zoo, Carpaccio and Makoto. My go-to dish at Le Zoo is the burger and the chicken parm at Carpaccio.” Le Zoo at Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; 305-866-0311; balharbourshops.com.
THE WATCH
“I designed the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black Casamigos watch for OMEGA. It’s a limited-edition that I wear all the time.” $11,600, OMEGA at Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, # 621, Aventura; 305-931-8788; omegawatches.com.
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THE MARGARITA
“I always get a Casamigos Margarita at the Matador Room. The bartenders are true mixologists and always get creative with drinks. I really appreciate the unique ways they create perfect cocktails.” Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION, 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 786-257-4600; matadorroom.com
THE BREAKFAST SPOT
“The classic Miami breakfast at Roasters ‘N Toasters. The breakfast sandwiches are great.” Roasters ‘N Toasters, 525 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach; 305- 531-7691; roastersntoasters.com.
the local A DAISY THING
Lofty GOALS
Gemologist and jewelry designer Soledad Lowe transforms a stark, minimalist space with her maximalist style, conjuring an inspired interior as regal as it is inviting.
A Soledad and Justin Lowe are photographed in their foyer near a painting by Argentine artist Andres Piatek. Other highlights include a Kilim rug from Morocco and a bust from the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris; (below) table is by Austrian-born, Swedish designer Josef Frank; antique items from Tibet and Turkey surround a Piero Fornasetti candle and an antique church altar cross.
less adventurous type might have shuddered at the prospect of decorating a cavernous, ultracontemporary condominium after living in an older Spanish-style, Coral Gables home, but not Soledad Lowe. She had already worked her magic in a spacious loft in SoHo. The Argentina-born beauty was raised in Sweden from the age of four when her father went to work for the Swedish government. Also a sculptor and artist, he had commissions from the Vatican and the Swedish royal house. “I was always with him in his studio,” says Soledad. Her mother was an anthropologist and they traveled extensively. “I absorbed everything I saw and exploded it!” she says about her unique style. Soledad, husband Justin and their three children (now 10, 13 and 14) relocated to South Florida in 1995. After living in a house in Snapper Creek Lakes, its upkeep became a problem because of frequent travel. “Two years ago I woke up and said, ‘we have to move,’” Soledad explains. “We love the Grove and wanted a condo that felt like a house, had great views and flow for entertaining. Convenient not only geographically, but if we leave for several months it's all taken care of.” Of the six apartments they viewed, only one checked all the boxes, including extraordinary architecture. The unit is in one of two gracefully 'twisted' towers at The Grove at Grand Bay, designed by celebrated Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. Justin explains, “I love the slanted cement columns, but they aren’t as obvious on lower floors. We're at the center where the building twists the most. It's beautiful, but also environmentally conscious because it’s an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building.” The 6,600-square foot apartment came with gleaming black marble floors, which the Lowes kept
(Right) Painting is by Argentine artist Nina Surel, above an antique Balinese console. Underneath are a Balinese basket, fabric from Bolivia, and Argentine boleadoras; (below) the Lowes in their living room featuring the painting "Recuerdos de Cojímar no1” by Cuban artist Rigoberto Mena. Sofas are by Jonathan Adler.
because it was so different from the gleaming, white marble in Miami condos. The mirror-like surface adds depth, dimension and unexpected sparkle to the space, while bringing out the colors in the art and furnishings. “When we travel we buy things that have meaning or are historically interesting, then figure out where to put them,” Soledad says. “My input is only at the point of purchase, not where it goes,” adds Justin with a grin.
A TRAJECTORY OF STYLE The fashionable couple is well-known in society and philanthropic circles in Miami, New York and internationally. Soledad is on the committees of United Way and The Bass Museum; Justin is on the board of the Surfrider Foundation Miami Chapter, a non-profit focused on clean oceans and together support the Lowe family’s Fit for Life Foundation. Soledad studied gemology in London and jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and worked at some of the world’s leading firms including Christie’s auction houses in London and New York, the Stockholm Auction House and with the Swedish Court jeweler. Her eponymous jewelry gallery in New York earned rave reviews and her pieces were featured in magazines, music videos and films. A current collection is available at soledadlowejewelry.com. Justin was born in Japan from American Swiss parents and raised in Portugal, France and Switzerland, and graduated from the London School of Economics and Columbia University School of Business. He founded Avenir Investment Group, a multi-family partnership focused on wealth and asset management with offices in Miami, New York and Geneva. A LIFE INSPIRED The centerpiece of the living room is an imposing, 14-foot-wide painting by Cuban artist Rigoberto Mena, which is Justin’s favorite work acquired in 2009 — finally taken out of storage. “It was destined for this wall,” he says. “We also love to support local artists and many have become friends,” says Soledad. As a counterpoint to the modern art, a mélange of ancient tribal and religious artifacts, boldly hued antique rugs and semi-precious stones is skillfully arranged in evocative groupings throughout each room. “There’s never a plan. I like to mix it up!” They entertain often and dinner parties are usually smaller, intimate affairs. “Where we linger and can talk to everyone,” she explains. “We sometimes bring in a sushi chef for entertaining,” adds Justin. “But usually both of us cook a lot and the kids are very involved.” A typical summer, pre-pandemic, would have been spent visiting family in Sweden, France and at their chalet in the Alps. Says Soledad, “as long as family is together, it’s our sanctuary, it’s home.” WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY DAISY OLIVERA / PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GARCIA
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the local FITNESS By Ginger Harris
Cardio WITH A CAUSE Fitness, fashion and philanthropy all meet with these brands that give back in a big way.
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hen it comes to working out, one of the best ways to motivate yourself is with a fun, festive new workout outfit. But did you know your workout gear can do more than just help you meet your movement goals? It can also start a movement — a global movement of doing good. One of my personal favorite brands that gives back is Bohemian Island. Not only are these the most comfortable harem pants to wear for yoga, they are made in an ethical factory that employs locals in Thailand. And, 10 percent of profits help support Phuket’s huge stray dog population through the charity Soi Dog Foundation. Knowing I can hit downward dog and help look after 1,000 stray dogs and cats each
month in Thailand makes me enjoy my workout that much more. For Alissa Benishai, creator of colorful and seamless fitness brand Phat Buddha, it’s all about putting goodness back into the world. “When the pandemic hit in early March, every community around the globe was severely affected physically, emotionally and economically,” she says. “One of the most unfortunate occurrences is the lack of food and it was declining by the second with people out of work and getting sick. Within 48 hours, our brand reached out to our entire community to repost, donate and share to give back to Feeding America.” And it will continue to do so for the rest of the year. Benishai says, “I strongly believe that no matter what position you
(Clockwise) Brands that have stretched beyond fitness and into philanthropy include K-Deer, Alana Athletica, and Phat Buddha.
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are in, we have the ability to make a difference however big or small it is.” Other brands like K-Deer are all about the environment (among other charities). The leggings brand has always donated to a variety of charities with its signature stripe collection. It’s a program that started to stay with yoga’s true meaning — improving the world. The Izzy Stripe, a bold and colorful striped, uber high-waisted legging, gives 5 percent of e-commerce sales back to the National Park Foundation, to enrich America’s national parks and safeguard them for future generations. Alana Athletica is a sleek brand of fitness essentials born in Sri Lanka. Sadly, 1 in 4 women there will be sexually abused by the time they turn 18. Knowing this, the founders, who also hail from Sri Lanka, made it a point to create an activewear line with an impact. Alana Athletica educates, employs and empowers women with private tutoring, job skills training, employment, even self-defense training, all through sales of the brand. Each of the garments are made ethically in a small production house with a 100 female production workforce that is given food, fair wages and a loving environment. To date 700-plus women have received private tutoring because of the brand.
FITNESS EXTRAS THAT MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE A SNACK WITH A SOCIAL MISSION Need something to keep your energy up after a great sweat sesh? Locally made TruWomen bars, which come in tasty flavors like Oh Oh Cookie Dough and Daydreaming About Donuts, gives a portion of its proceeds to AWOM, a foundation that gives young middle school girls in public school a safe space. A MAT THAT MATTERS Cork yoga mats with an artistic twist are nice. Cork mats with an artistic twist that have donated 40,100 meals since 2017 are even better. Meet Scoria World. Not only are their mats made from sustainably harvested cork and natural tree rubber backing, the brand partnered with Feeding Children Everywhere to serve plant-based meals to children in need.
the local DESSERTS By Angela Caraway-Carlton
REWARDS
We deserve ALL the desserts this year, and these places offer something for every sugar craving.
LILY & ROSE TEAROOM Tucked away in a strip mall in Sunny Isles, you’ll discover an adorable tearoom splashed with a bright flamingo mural and run by Sophie Kagan and Haislan Portela. Come early for Kagan’s sweet crepes — she’s from France and they’re her specialty — or schedule an afternoon date for tea and dessert. The intimate shop boasts a large selection of fine teas, including coveted tea brands Kusmi and Mariage Frères from Paris; and you’ll swoon over the dreamy setup with fine tea sets from Amsterdam and a fancy cage full of treats. When it comes to dessert, choose from a variety of French macaroons, which are gluten-free and freshly baked for the teahouse; a beautiful salted caramel mousse cake shaped like a pear (there are always different flavors and shapes of the mousse); and top sellers like an authentic pistachio baklava from Turkey, or a rich Brazilian carrot cake with Brigadeiro inspired by Portela’s home country. Save room for the smooth gelato, and pumpkin is in the flavor rotation for fall. lilyandrosetearoom.com.
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LOVELEE BAKESHOP Pour some sprinkles on me! At this happy new bake shop in Fort Lauderdale run by owner and pastry chef Lee Mazor, sweet dreams come true. Stop by on Saturdays for Mazor’s melt-in-yourmouth rainbow cinnamon buns fashioned with brioche buns and lathered in cream cheese frosting. While she’s perfected chocolate chip sea salt cookies (her personal favorite), you must try her delicious almond sprinkle cookie stuffed with gooey marshmallow. (With its color explosion, it’s also a perfect snap for the Gram.) Other fun desserts include Crispy Queens — think Rice Krispy Treats with loads of sprinkles and different types of cereal — and cake cups that come in rotating cake flavors like cookies and cream, strawberry, funfetti, almond and more, and topped with frosting. While Mazor specializes in trendy drip and sprinkles cakes for special occasions, she also offers adorable grab-and-go cakes starting at $20 when you’re in a pinch. If you can’t decide, go for an assorted dessert box with all the sweet things. loveleebakeshop.com; @loveleebakeshop on Instagram.
CAKE AND COOKIE PLATTER PHOTOS, COURTESY OF LOVELEE BAKESHOP. OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASA FÊTE AND LILY & ROSE TEAROOM.
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CASA FÊTE Since we can’t attend fab fêtes where desserts are the delicious finale, Casa Fête brings the party to you. Created by Fernando Quinzanos and Alfonso de Bustos, who hail from Mexico City, the dessert atelier was previously known for its memorable high-end creations at Miami’s luxury events and weddings. When the pandemic halted most events, the duo pivoted to custom delivery with a new line of rosca cakes. While shaped like a bundt cake (spoiler alert: it’s not baked in an oven), this Mexican treat is like nothing you’ve tasted before. Made of crunchy flakes and Belgian chocolate, the desserts come in four signature flavors such as Speculoos cookies and a cookie butter filling; salted caramel, pretzels, and caramel chunks; brownies; and s’mores layered with marshmallows and graham crackers. The roscas are addictive, and you’ll find yourself breaking off another crunchy piece much too often. In typical event flair, the desserts also arrive in to-die-for packaging that resembles a piece of fashion. Find them on Instagram @casafete.
the local JEWEL BOX By Claudia Miyar
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LUXURIOUS
Habitat
From seashells to starfish, these ocean-inspired treasures bring the thrill and playfulness found under the sea to your accessories collection.
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1-2. Jean Schlumberger Epine Starfish brooch in 18k yellow gold & platinum with turquoise and diamonds, price upon request, and Royal fish clip in 18k yellow gold and platinum with diamonds, tsavorites, pink spinels, and yellow and pink sapphires, price upon request. Tiffany & Co. 114 Northeast 39th Street, Design District; 305-428-1390; tiffany.com. 3-4. Sea turtle pendant in 14k yellow gold, blue & white diamonds, $2,995, and watercolor ring in 14k gold, multicolored sapphires and diamonds, $3,600. Effy Jewelry. Available at effy.com. 5. Blue Velvet necklace featuring blue titanium waves with diamonds, price upon request. Vhernier. 140 Northeast 39th Street, PC104, Design District; 786-615-2722; vhernier.com. 6-7. 18k white gold “Nageur Noir et Blanc” clip with diamonds, black spinels and onyx, price upon request and Seven Seas collection 18k rose gold “Etoile de Mer” clip with diamonds and pink sapphires, $270,000. Van Cleef & Arpels. 140 Northeast 39th Street, Suite 128/228, Design District; 786-792-3925; vancleefarpels.com. 8. Hammerhead bangle of 18k white gold and sapphires, $45,000. Stephen Webster. Available at stephenwebster.com. 9. Carved aventurine and cabochon amethyst shell clip earrings, $11,500. Verdura. Available at modaoperani.com. 10. Octopus ring of rose gold, orange sapphire and diamond, $7,800. Roberto Coin. Neiman Marcus at Merrick Park. 385 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables; 305-576-3501; neimanmarcus.com.
the local SOURCE
Haute
SHOT
With a client list that includes a bevy of celebrities and Miami socialites, Pinkgun Gallery is an example of how a sojourn to the past can lead the way to a fashionable future. WORDS BY TARA SOLOMON / PORTRAIT BY FELIPE CUEVAS STORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUAN PABLO CASTRO
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ehind the nondescript façade of Pinkgun Gallery in the NoMi Art District lies a treasure trove of eccentric objets de désir dating from Art Deco to the 1990s. “I like to see the store as a mixture of ‘Sanford and Son’ and Bulgari in Singapore,” says proprietor and fashion designer Fernando Garcia in his rapid-fire patter, referencing the 1970s sitcom about fictional junk dealer Fred Sanford. “High-end crap with a bunch of crappy-crap. But in a good way.” The Bulgari store in Singapore? It’s based on a photograph a friend once sent him.
Stroll through Pinkgun Gallery and delight in its menagerie of retro accessories and decor.
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OLD HAT, NEW TRICKS Such is the rarefied world of Pinkgun Gallery, a 1,200-square-foot space filled with a madcap assortment of vintage clothing and accessories, artwork, furniture and oversized display props. And hats. Lots of hats. Garcia estimates that between one-third to one-half of sales at Pinkgun — which Fernando operates with business partner Fernando Sanchez — come from hats, sold both in the shop and through its thriving eBay store (100 percent positive feedback!). “I buy weird little hats but people seem to like them,” says Garcia. One of said weird hats — a black, modified witch hat by British milliner Stephen Jones from the mid-1980s — was purchased by Vogue editor Hamish Bowles. Garcia has a penchant for straw sun hats from the 1940s through the 1960s (“Very Mrs. Howell,” quips Garcia, in a “Gilligan’s Island” reference), often adorned with raffia fringe or whimsical felt appliques with nautical, travel or even fruit and vegetable motifs.
The rarest hat at Pinkgun (at the time of this interview) is a cartoonishly oversized, grey felt Giorgio Armani bowler from the 1990s with a price tag of $540. Sanchez (of The Fernandos) models it, the hat dwarfing him but, as Garcia would say, in a good way. “I’m drawn to things that are somewhat surreal,” says Garcia, stating the obvious. “It’s not about the era; it’s about the item. We’re not selling everyday clothes, but we’re selling clothes you can wear every day. Upcycled, recycled — that’s the idea.” A VINTAGE AFFAIR Among the upcycled finds at Pinkgun is a pink silk chiffon blouse from the 1980s with an applique of a black-and-gold hand mirror Garcia ordered from the Ukraine that reads: “Who is the most beautiful?” There are neatly curated racks of vintage clothing — a blend of designer names and anonymous beauties, all dry-cleaned and repaired. Garcia pulls favorite pieces that he thinks may look good on you, or just wants you to see, such as a hot pink leather moto jacket from the 1990s designed by Stephen Sprouse, or a 1970s mauve-and-silver-lurex polyester gown designed by Luis Estevez with Gabor sister Eva of “Green Acres” fame. Pinkgun’s clients include Miami socialites, shoppers from fashion houses such as Miu Miu, Prada and Moschino, and celebrities Paris Hilton, Venus Williams and Miami homegirl Gloria Estefan. Garcia’s muse is iconic gallerist Bernice Steinbaum, whom Garcia met in the early 2000s and has dressed in designs from his eponymous clothing line. “I love strong women that you can learn from,” says Garcia.
RESIDENT FASHIONISTA Born in Miami of Cuban parents, Garcia has been a presence on Miami’s fashion scene since the late 1980s when he opened Utopian Rags on Lincoln Road in 1986. That was followed by Salon Tiburon on Washington Avenue, which was followed by Alta y Baja Costura, also on Washington Avenue. In 2001, he opened FG Designs in a storefront on Biscayne Boulevard before moving operations to his private villa in 2004. Towards the end of 2018, Garcia opened Pinkgun Gallery in the sleepy strip of antique and vintage stores in North
Miami, where he has become the area’s biggest cheerleader, coming to our interview with a list of neighboring shops that I must visit. “I like everything to be mixed — multi-cultural and a bit subversive,” says Garcia, adjusting his mask, a gender-fluid, where-did-you-get-it accessory imprinted with a pixelated blackand-white design inspired by cult Italian artist Fornasetti. Available at Pinkgun, naturally. 785 Northeast 125th Street, North Miami, Florida; 786-542-5386.
Top right: Resident fashionista and co-owner Fernando Garcia has a long and stylish history in Miami, something that influences the many colorful finds at the store (left and top left).
the local REAL ESTATE By Christie Galeano-DeMott
A SECLUDED
Retreat
Lavish private cabanas are today’s hottest home amenity.
The latest real estate trend in South Florida has buyers looking beyond standard residential luxury and focusing on the purchase of recreational extras like cabanas, such as this one (left) at The Estates at Acqualina.
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n exclusive extension of your residence, these contemporary cabanas offer a blissful retreat just steps away from your home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work or an intimate space to commune with nature, Miami’s luxury developers have designed these sophisticated havens for their most discerning residents. THE ESTATES AT ACQUALINA As the crown jewel of Acqualina’s “world’s finest residences” brand, the Estates at Acqualina are elevating luxury living to a completely new stratosphere. Complementing its opulent design and amenities, its nine private cabanas, located just steps away from the sand, have been designed with the same level of excellence as the 248 residences. Privacy is key here thus the cabana is accessible via the unit’s private elevator that leads to your two-car garage and a discreet door that opens up to its 358-square-foot living area and sparkling ocean views. Furnished by Fendi Casa, every detail of the villa has been designed for a luxuriously comfortable lifestyle, including the kitchenette, full bathroom and sleeper sofa for air conditioned pool-side naps. Sliding glass doors open up completely to an expansive private indoor/ outdoor space where working from home includes a dip in the pool between calls and where safely entertaining a select group of family and friends is possible. Arriving Summer 2021. Priced at $2.5 million. estatesatacqualina.com.
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VILLA VALENCIA Overlooking a tranquil 78-foot resort pool and waterfall, these six private cabanas are ideal home bases to soak up some sun. Located on the property’s fifth-floor amenity deck, the cabanas neighbor the spa, wellness center, and family-style cooking kitchen and BBQ area. The two-story, 420-square-foot sanctuaries each feature a plunge pool and private rooftop sundeck. Inside, the kitchenette and full bathroom are fully customizable. This plush add-on amenity is just another way this property is offering its residents a true single-family home experience in the sky. “When you consider that you own the space, you’re not sharing it with anybody else, and you have the ability to decorate at your taste, it’s a little extension of your life,” says Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures, who is developing the 39-unit boutique condominium in Coral Gables. Arriving Summer 2021. Priced at $295,000. villavalencia.com.
TURNBERRY OCEAN CLUB If you’re looking for a variety of cabana options, head to Sunny Isles. The three styles of villas all include a summer kitchen, full bathroom, sleeper sofa and secluded courtyard with chaise lounges. The hardest decision will be where it should be located. For pool lovers you can choose a pool level cabana or head to the upper level where you can select a bungalow with either a rooftop deck with summer kitchen or rooftop deck with private Jacuzzi. If you want to feel the sand in between your toes, the property also has 10 beachfront cabanas. The property’s 31 cabanas, where you can keep your distance but still socialize, are truly personal secluded spaces that you can use as an auxiliary office, guest suite, kid’s playroom or simply to relax. Arriving November 2020. Priced at $700,000 - $1.3 million. turnberryoceanclub.com. PALAZZO DELLA LUNA You can’t get more secluded than a private island and at Fisher Island’s newest residential development that secure, socially distanced allure includes its nine private poolside cabanas. Each features a spacious 345-square-foot great room with a Boffi kitchen, Miele appliances, full bathroom and private outdoor terrace. This ultra-commodity fits seamlessly with the property’s lavish lifestyle. Your serene haven gives you a way to spend a casual day that’s enveloped in the same exclusive velvet rope experience that the property prides itself on providing all residents. “They are like individual jewel boxes that reflect the style and design of their owners. A cabana can be anything the owner wants it to be,” says Heinrich von Hanau, Developer, Fisher Island Holdings LLC. Delivered and priced at $1.1 - $1.9 million. palazzodellaluna.com.
THE CONTINUUM ON SOUTH BEACH While this property isn’t a new development, it’s a staple in the posh South of Fifth neighborhood with its 12-acre gated community. Here the 24 cabanas sit on 1,000 linear feet of beaches and are split between the north and south towers. The quaint cabins are 680 square feet with a full bathroom, kitchenette and a second-floor loft. The north tower bungalows are standouts as they effortlessly float over a lagoon. Your private cabana offers you a space to work from home that’s not necessarily in your home or you can simply come here to let the salty wind tousle your hair. Average price $1 million. continuuminsouthbeach.com.
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the movers
PEOPLE WHO M OV E M I A M I .
{RAINMAKER}
Dr. Michael McDermott
Baptist Health’s Miami Neuroscience Institute positions itself to become a leader in neurosciences by ushering in a new era with renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Michael McDermott as its newly appointed chief medical executive.
the movers
McDermott wants to expand the institute’s team of physicians, which now includes 43 doctors from a range of specialties like neurosurgery, neurology and pain management. He plans to add eight new neurosurgeons to his current team of six by 2024. His goal is to foster focused sub-specializations within his team (think spinal neurosurgery) so that the MNI can offer a variety of experienced specialized care to patients. By encouraging his doctors to develop an expertise, McDermott also aims to cultivate a program recognized within the medical world as an intellectually stimulating workplace, which will thus attract more talent to our community.
VITALS 62. Dr. Michael McDermott’s life had already been significantly altered even before the pandemic. He had left his neurosurgeon position of 28 years in San Francisco and taken the reigns of the Miami Neuroscience Institute (MNI) less than a month before everything shut down. Growing up in an immigrant household instilled a sense of resilience in him. His parents had separately sailed from Ireland only to meet and fall in love in Toronto. His father’s stiff upper lip mentality as a disciplinarian attributes to McDermott’s calm and meticulous demeanor — uncertainty and change don’t seem to phase him — while his mother’s nursing career is what ignited his interest in medicine. Subsequently when he discovered neuroanatomy at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, McDermott was instantly captivated. “It was very organized and symmetric,” he explains. And after his first emergency craniotomy and succeeding countless 24-hour shifts, he was hooked. It would be a career path where his inherited aptitude for organization, thoroughness and precision would be valuable tools. After nearly four decades, McDermott is a neuroscience pioneer, prominent clinical researcher, and academia advocate who is bringing his knowledge and experience to develop the institute’s neuroscience program, technology and academic footprint. A HEALTHIER INSTITUTE FOR ALL Baptist Health has been serving our community for 60 years. With McDermott’s guidance, the MNI, which has been treating patients for two decades, will be transformed into a haven for neuroscience care.
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IT’S NOT SCIENCE FICTION The advances in neuroscience are extraordinary, and McDermott’s eyes sparkle when he starts to explain a few new technologies that he’s thrilled to offer patients. There are two ways to look at these breakthroughs. Tech is helping doctors better diagnose but also create treatment plans specific to a patient’s brain and condition. The brain is so intricate, but technology has finally caught up to help us better understand it. One company McDermott is excited to work with is Omniscient. The software-based platform is revolutionizing brain care through data. “The human brain is such an amazing source of data, and we make that make sense for the people who are researching the brain and the people who are treating the brain,” said Leo Lou, the company’s marketing manager. “The brain is the most complex object known to humanity. The universe itself is easier to understand than the brain.” With traditional MRIs doctors can see a tumor, for example, but they can’t see depression, movement disorders (like Parkinson’s) or schizophrenia — until now. Omniscient uses raw MRI data, a super computer’s capabilities of data analysis and cloud computing to create detailed maps of a patient’s brain. Now doctors can see how different parts of the organ are connected and talking to each other. These functional maps enable doctors to be better informed before surgery by showing them exactly where the electrical glitch is and thus where they need to operate. Advances in tech have also progressed therapy options. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, an incisionless therapy used to treat movement disorders, strokes and multiple sclerosis, among others, is one of these advances. Another is the high-intensity focused ultrasound, an incisionless therapy, which was recently approved by Medicare to treat movement disorders and is only one of a small number available in the nation. A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Coming from an academic background, another of McDermott’s goals is to create a partnership with Florida International University (FIU) with the help of Dr. Robert Sackstein, dean of FIU’s medical school. He wants his doctors involved at the university to foster collaboration for training, research and clinical trials. MNI will be hiring its first clinical scientist, who will work in conjunction with FIU, and McDermott will oversee the creation of the residency training program for neurosurgeons, neurologists and physiatrists, which will launch in the near future. THE FAST AND THE FOCUSED When he’s not hours deep into a brain surgery, McDermott likes to disconnect by racing his Formula Ford open wheels car. He’s been zooming around the track for more than 20 years and the meticulousness he has in the operating room is reflected here as he seamlessly shifts and follows his precise cornering techniques. WORDS BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT / PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GARCIA
the movers
Lee Brian Schrager is no stranger to bringing people together. Through his work as founder of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival® (and its New York counterpart), Schrager has made it his life’s work to inform the masses about the who’s who and what’s what of the national food scene in a way that is both educational and indulgent. However, that first Putting on the Pounds Bake Sale he organized at his home last spring was new territory for him: the purpose was not simply to bring joy, but to help save a devastated restaurant industry quickly affected by a pandemic that no one saw coming. “On the 21st of March, I had a phone call with a group of about 24 South Florida chefs — just to find out how I could help and what was most pressing to address at that point in time,” Schrager says, “across the board, it was the employees that mattered to these chefs. How were they going to feed their families and how they were going to live… I knew we needed to do something, so we jumped into action”. Those moves led to what became the SOBEWFF® & FIU Chaplin School Hospitality Industry Relief Fund. “Right away, we called up local business leaders and brands and came up with the initial money,” he says. In a matter of four days, approximately $1 million dollars was raised; once the fund went public, that sum rose about another $800,000.
{MIAMI’S ‘FOOD’ FATHER}
Lee Brian Schrager He has led a movement to keep South Florida’s restaurants surviving in 2020, a challenge that brought a whole community together to save our beloved eateries.
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ne hot and unseasonably humid Sunday morning in late April, a long procession of cars lined up by a particular house on Hardee Road. The eager drivers had two reasons for leaving their warm beds early that day and heading to Coral Gables: nabbing a box of famously gooey Night Owl Cookies before they ran out (and they did, by noon), and the chance to greet the man behind what is arguably the most anticipated bake sale in Miami’s history.
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PAYING IT FORWARD Community leaders soon came calling. The month of August brought a partnership with Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and Miami-Dade County on a $5 million grant program designed to provide immediate financial relief for employees of independently owned and operated restaurants, hotel restaurants, bars, and caterers whose businesses have been significantly diminished by COVID-19 closure orders in Miami-Dade. While Schrager continued his support of the industry through summer by committing to his fundraising duties, one thing he shied away from was dining out. “In the five and a half months that we were on lock down, I went out to eat three times,” he says, “I cooked more this summer than I have in 25 years.” But he says that while complete closures have since lifted, public support for the local food industry is as crucial as ever. “Get take out. Buy gift cards. If you feel comfortable — and only if you feel comfortable — dine at a restaurant. And don’t forget to follow restaurants on social media.” THE FESTIVALS LIVE ON By fall, Schrager’s focus veered to the projects that have helped make him a top figure in the business — the food festivals. While the New York City event will proceed with a virtual program that Schrager describes as “extraordinary,” the best news was reserved for Miami. “We are definitely moving forward optimistically,” he says “It’s going to look different. Rather than having 4,000 people in a tent, we’re going to cut it in half and schedule early and late sessions. The lines will be significantly shorter and there will be seating areas. We are going to do everything we need to and more to ensure a safe experience.” As for the restaurant industry he has spent the year trying to keep afloat, Schrager says the future of it is bright because the residents of South Florida want it that way. “We learned lots of things in the last six months,” Schrager says, “how different we are, but also how life-changing it is when people come together and help each other. That to me is as important as anything.” WORDS BY JENNY STARR PEREZ / PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELIPE CUEVAS
the movers
{INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE}
Anna Klimala Through her role at Miami Music Project, Klimala wields the influential power of music.
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hen Poland native Anna Klimala began her journey with the Miami Music Project back in 2009, she couldn’t have predicted that, just one short year later, she would be filling in as Executive Director; much less that this nascent project, backed by the Knight Foundation, would grow to become her mission.
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“I always dreamed of leading a music education initiative with the power to change lives. My childhood nickname was ‘konduktor,’ which in Polish translates as ‘supervisor.’ My family still jokes about it… I didn’t picture myself working in the offices that make orchestras or schools run.” A musical performer by vocation, Anna probably didn’t picture herself running from
RISE UP TO HELP During a time when most of the nations grapple with the absence of professional and juvenile sports, these challenges are nothing new to the music and art programs which have been facing cuts for decades while the solution continues to drag its feet. “Sometimes I feel like some people are suffering from analysis-paralysis when it comes to this subject. As if we were trying to prove the science otherwise over and over! Enough already, we all know it. Music education and orchestra participation is instrumental (figuratively and literally) to the development of young minds and hearts… The power of what playing a musical instrument does to your heart, your mind, and most of all, your brain, is undeniable. No other art form offers such profound developmental benefits.” But just because a massive and cohesive response still eludes us, that doesn’t mean individual communities are powerless to usher in change. And just like a beautiful orchestra, we all have an important part to play. How can you help? Short answer is: support and amplify. “If you are in a position to do so and passionate about our community, please donate to support our efforts… We will be your boots on the ground and your implementation team. Also, help us spread the word, find us on social media, like us, link us, share our posts, and become an advocate of social change through music — or as we like to call it, an Instrument Of Change. We need you!” miamimusicproject.org WORDS BY CAROLINA CARDONA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MJ MAGNUM.COM. MAKE-UP BY PALOMA PARDAVÉ. STYLING BY SUZANNE LITT. FASHION BY AT EASE ON SUNSET AND MAF BEAUTY SUPPLY.
meetings to meetings, updating donors, hosting webinars about racial equality, visiting classrooms or even keeping tabs on students who are dealing with issues such as abject poverty, housing insecurity, to childhood cancer. Students, who depend on programs such as the Miami Music Project, to keep their heads above water. “I can’t answer the question about the importance of music education in children’s lives without thinking about Starina, a student who survived the Haiti earthquake and was dealing with post-traumatic stress and housing insecurity. Playing cello was her only constant and anchor. Today she is a double-major and double-minor at a university and well on her way to success.” Anna herself will tell you that stories like Starina’s are not, by any means, a rarity here in Miami-Dade County, the nation’s 4th largest school district. “Miami Music Project serves kids from our city’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. 87% of our students come from low-income families.”
the movers {THE ULTIMATE INFLUENCER}
Hakan Baykam Through his tenure as president of Miami's Istituto Marangoni, Baykam is molding the next generation of fashion.
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akan Baykam grew up straddling two different cultures. Born in Istanbul, his family moved to Padua, a small city in northeastern Italy, when he was six years old. As a child, his first impression of Italy was the “sense of beauty everywhere — literally everything from the beauty of the cities and buildings, to the way people approach life, to the sense of taste and attention to details, to the way people dress.” He came of age in the 1980s when Italian names — Versace, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana — were becoming major fashion houses. “I was always interested and attracted to the fashion world,” says Baykam. Every summer, he returned to Istanbul and Prince Edward Island where he was born just off the coast. With the Bosporous dividing the city — and the East from the West — he has fond memories of sitting down for Turkish tea on the European side and gazing out across the strait at the Asian side. “What I see in Miami is exactly what I saw in Istanbul — a bridge between two cultures, two worlds, the US and LatAm,” Baykam says of the energy and potential he found in Miami when opening Istituto Marangoni in the Design District in 2017. The prestigious Milan-based fashion school’s Miami campus marks the first location in the United States. Baykam began his career in fashion at Benetton Sports and other brands before founding Relight Capital, a renewable energy company, with his brother, which invests in wind farms and solar projects around the globe. “I realized how much climate impacts our day to day lives and how every single action we make can have a positive effect on climate change,” he says. While overseeing the company as CEO, he began to think about how to apply sustainable practices to what he calls his “soul passion,” the fashion industry. MINDING A MOVEMENT At Istituto Marangoni Miami, sustainability is baked into the curriculum. Offering associates, bachelors and masters tracks, students work with ecofriendly, upcycled materials (avoiding polyester and plastics) and minimize waste by working with recycled paper instead of fabric for samples. “Sustainability is not just a trend, but a global movement,” says Baykam, noting that consumer consciousness has shifted to demand corporate responsibility with social and environmental issues. He sees this future being shaped by the next generation of leaders — like the students at Istituto Marangoni. With a strong contemporary art and architecture scene, Baykam believes Miami is poised to be a major player in fashion. “Miami has a unique opportunity. The fashion world is going through a big change where all the old models are collapsing,” says Baykam. “In this aspect, Miami can drive the new scene with unique projects to become the new fashion frontier of the US.” Baykam counts local label Alexis and high-end boutique The Webster as personal fashion favorites, as well as the Bazaar, owned by a friend and fellow Turkish transplant, located at Mr. C Hotel in Coconut Grove. He’s also enamored by the architecture in the Design District. “The area is the most fashionable, the most sophisticated and probably the most European in Miami,” he says. “I think there is no better spot for Marangoni to be.” WORDS BY SHAYNE BENOWITZ
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the movers (Clockwise from far left) Hassan Pierre; Amanda Hearst, shot by photographer Victor Demarchelier for Maison de Mode's Chic to be Green campaign; The Skateroom, one of the many brands available on the website, turns consumers into active contributors in socially engaged projects.
{THE ECO-FRIENDLY MAGNATE}
Hassan Pierre
The entrepreneur and designer is looking to change the world one stitch at a time through his curated online boutique, Maison de Mode.
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or Hassan Pierre, fashion has always been married to environmental and social good. After studying at Parsons School of Design in New York City, the Miami Beach native of Haitian descent launched a sustainable fashion line that would lead him to a fortuitous meeting. With his collection picked up by iconic West Hollywood retailer Fred Segal and attention from major fashion magazines like Vogue, he also caught the eye of Amanda Hearst, philanthropist and heiress to the Hearst Corporation, when she was writing for the company’s Marie Claire. Taken by his “flattering… contemporary and fun” designs suitable for a “working girl in NYC,” Hearst was also drawn to Pierre’s sustainability practices using organic silk, bamboo and cotton textiles and his collaboration with a Sudanese refugee model and her organization to help women from that region. A friendship and professional relationship soon blossomed and
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the pair founded Maison de Mode, a luxury ethical fashion retail platform, in 2015. “We shared a vision for what the industry should look like,” says Pierre. “There was a major gap between the marketplace and retailers when it came to sustainable collections.” HOUSE OF CHANGE Although Pierre stopped producing his collection in 2016, he was on the vanguard of today’s sustainable fashion movement, which includes labels like Stella McCartney EDUN, lemlem by liya kebede and Organic by John Cotton. Through Maison de Mode’s website and their occasional brick-and-mortar pop-up shops, Pierre and Hearst bring sustainable, ethical designers to consumers on one platform. In 2018, they brought on online luxury fashion retail heavyweight Carmen Busquets, co-founder of Net-a-Porter and an investor at Moda Operandi and Farfetch, as partner further cementing Maison de Mode’s status as a major force in the online retail space.
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With more than 70 brands, Maison de Mode helps consumers make informed decisions about their purchases with icons on the site indicating whether a product is cruelty free, made with recycled or organic materials, created under fair wages and safe working conditions and other ethical standards. “People are realizing that sustainable fashion can also be the most luxurious and the most interesting,” says Pierre, who also sits on the board of Well Beings, a charity co-founded by Hearst aimed toward animal welfare and environmental protection. ETHICAL TRENDS He’s encouraged by Miami’s emergence in the sustainable fashion space as more companies — from local brands like Eberjey, Simonett and Miansai to major international designers like Naeem Khan — base their headquarters and production here. “Miami is a draw for those in the industry looking to create products in the United States,” Pierre says. They’re uniquely
positioned to take advantage of a growing skilled labor force fostered by newer programs like the Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus and the Istituto Marangoni in the Design District, alongside longer standing schools like the International University of Art & Design. When it comes to navigating the world of ethical fashion, Pierre has some advice for consumers. “You have an impact on the world around you. Ask questions. What are your personal beliefs around the environment, animals and social causes. Are the brands you shop in line with your values?” WORDS BY SHAYNE BENOWITZ
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One great challenge has risen this year: creating innovation through change. These business leaders are influencing their respective industries of law, healthcare, and communications with fresh ideas and a vision for the future. Together, they lead the way to the South Florida of tomorrow. Here, INDULGE presents the Innovators of Enterprise: Joe Natoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Baptist Health South Florida; Albert Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer of Spanish Broadcasting System; and Michael Fichtel, Howard Wander and Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partners of Kelley Kronenberg.
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Kelley Kronenberg 40 years of Building on Firm Relationships. Powered by Lawyers, Driven by Business. In 1980, Bud Adams, Chuck Kelley and Steven Kronenberg opened their new law firm in Coconut Grove with a handful of attorneys. Today, Kelley Kronenberg is a multi-practice business law firm with nearly 400 employees, more than 175 attorneys and 11 locations throughout Florida and the United States. One of the fastest-growing law firms in Florida and amongst the largest in the U.S. The firm serves all types and sizes of public and private companies, including small businesses and individuals nationwide. Led by attorneys Michael J. Fichtel, Principal Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Howard L. Wander, Principal Partner and Chief Operating Officer and Heath S. Eskalyo, Principal Partner and Chief Financial Officer, they are not only prominent legal practitioners, but also acute businessmen. For years, the trio have applied their separate and distinctive but complementary visions, which embrace adding additional service offerings and locations in key markets to best service the firm’s clients. “It's really been an organic but deliberate recipe of success. We are three lawyers now focused on business. We have visions, but to execute those visions we recruit the highest caliber of talent, attorneys, C-Suite executives and key advisors, who have helped us execute those visions throughout the years. It’s very much a team effort for the benefit of all under the umbrella of one firm,” Michael J. Fichtel, CEO said. Kelley Kronenberg’s footprint was born in Miami, but has grown throughout Florida and beyond, and will continue to for many years to come. With offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Miami Lakes, Naples, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona, and satellite offices in Chicago and Atlanta, the firm has strategically expanded its legal service offerings, administrative team, marketing prowess and technology. “We want to be disruptors in the legal industry and beyond,” Health S. Eskalyo, CFO, said. “We are progressive and created our own model and mold. We want to prove that we are different with our business model and with how we are continuously shaping our culture – to elevate the business of law.” Kelley Kronenberg is celebrating its 40th anniversary, but the founders’ core values -- hard work, passion and exceptional client service -- continue on today.
Left to right: Michael Fichtel, Principal Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Heath Eskalyo, Principal Partner and Chief Financial Officer and Howard Wander, Principal Partner and Chief Operating Officer
“We have carried the torch of our predessors and built upon it with great success. The three of us have worked our way up to leadership roles over time. And now, we have a duty to coach, mentor, and foster the leaders of tomorrow and pulling them up alongside us. We are now setting the stage for the next generation,” Howard L. Wander, COO, said. “The decisions and investments made today will benefit our clients, our attorneys, staff and communities for decades to come.”
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Joe Natoli Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in the region. What are your business priorities? We know that consumers need reliable, safe, easy access to high-quality healthcare. Therefore, two of our top priorities are to expand access to care and to use technology to make that access as easy and seamless as possible. Just recently, we opened a facility in Downtown Doral, which gives those who live and work in the area convenient access to high-quality urgent care, primary care, diagnostic imaging and specialty care. Additionally, we just opened our second freestanding Emergency Room on Coral Way and 147th Ave in Miami. The new Baptist Health Emergency Care center, open 24/7, is especially convenient for residents in the ever-growing West Miami-Dade area. What are your priorities within the community today? Our commitment to community is a vital element of the healthcare we provide. Particularly during the pandemic, we have worked with community partners and local government to educate residents and visitors about wearing masks, the importance of social distancing, good hand hygiene and knowing where to go for care. Currently, we are getting the word out about the importance of getting a flu shot, this year, more than ever. We are providing free flu shots in all of our urgent care and express care centers and donating thousands of doses to community clinics. How is Baptist Health staying ahead of the latest trends in the industry? We live in a fast-paced on-demand, digital world. People want their needs met immediately. Healthcare is no exception. Baptist Health is committed to being a leader in the digital transformation of healthcare. We just appointed our first chief digital officer, Tony Ambrozie, who is joining us from the Disney Company. Baptist Health CEO Brian Keeley has given us the goal of becoming the Amazon Prime of healthcare in terms of ease of access and use. Are there any specific innovations within medicine that you are excited about pioneering? There are several, but telemedicine certainly
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comes to mind. The ability to provide access to medical experts for patients wherever they are, at any time, is a remarkable way to expand access to healthcare. We also just rolled out Masimo, a virtual monitoring system, which allows patients to be discharged and monitored from home by our highly trained staff. This proved to be a game-changer during the pandemic, allowing patients to shorten length-of-stay in our hospitals thereby freeing up capacity for those patients who were most in need. We are also spearheading innovative COVID and non-COVID related treatments. We were one of the first organizations to use convalescent plasma therapy and continue to participate in clinical trials that evaluate the impact of existing medications on COVID patients. We just treated our first patients who were suffering from movement disorders using Insightec’s MR-guided focused ultrasound. This breakthrough technology is available locally only at Baptist Health. What do you think are the future challenges for your organization? The pandemic has forced us to re-think how we operate. For example, nearly a third of our workforce is working remotely. We are learning how to balance safety and care, elective procedures and spikes in COVID admissions. We will leverage the capabilities of our 10 hospitals and thousands of caregivers, directing patients and flexing staff to the facility that can best meet patient needs or, in many cases, not to a facility at all. We have also been urging patients not to delay care, another healthcare emergency that has emerged in the shadows of the pandemic. What are the opportunities for 2021? One bright spot that has resulted from COVID-19 is an increased spirit of cooperation among healthcare providers and local and state agencies. That started early in the pandemic when local healthcare systems worked together to care for cruise staff who were most ill, ensuring that no one intensive care unit was overwhelmed. We look forward to building on those partnerships, creating new ones and continuing to learn from and support each other.
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Albert Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer, Spanish Broadcasting System Tell us a little about yourself. As a Latino with Cuban roots, who was born in Manhattan and raised in South Florida, I’ve got the New York hustler mentality, but also enjoy taking it easy whenever my busy schedule allows. I’m an FAU grad and worked my way up to Chief Operating Officer of Spanish Broadcasting System, which has been my role for close to 20 years. I’m a proud member of the MDCC Hall of Fame for Communications and Billboards Worldwide 100 Power Player List. All of my free time is dedicated to my wife and children. We work out together, BBQ, go out on the boat and spend as much time as possible by the ocean. The principles I share at home are the same ones that guide my career as a leader. What are you most proud of in your role as COO at SBS? I’m so proud of the fact that SBS is the largest Hispanic-owned and minority certified multimedia company in the country. Our company, which was founded by Pablo Raul Alarcon, is the quintessential American Dream. Over 30 years ago, we had only one radio station in New York, WSKQ-FM La Mega 97.9, which is now the #1 Latin Radio station in the country. To date, we own 17 radio stations in top Hispanic Markets, reach 95% of US Hispanics with over 300 affiliates through our audio network, have the preferred Latin music mobile app, LaMusica, Mega TV reaches 22 million US Hispanic households. What are your priorities within the community today? It’s our responsibility, as leaders in Hispanic media, to give back and make sure that our people know that we are there for them every step of the way. Since March, my focus has been to ensure that everyone on my team uses our platforms to support, empower, inform and help our community navigate through the recovery process. We’ve launched a multi-market, multimedia public service campaign, “Estamos Contigo!” (“We’re With You!”), with the goal of advising and informing Hispanic audiences on how best to cope with COVID-19 in their communities and in
their daily lives. From health and safety tips to messages of encouragement from our DJs, Latin music artists and celebrities, the campaign has been an on-going support system for our people. To support minorityowned businesses, we activated La Voz del Negocio Hispano, where our award-winning journalist Mario Andres Moreno has been able to empower Hispanic business owners with information, programs, strategies and services that will help keep them open for business. How is SBS staying ahead of the latest trends in the industry? We’ve been “the first” to break new music, bring artists of different genres on the same stage and so much more. Once the pandemic hit the U.S., we knew we had to shift gears and figure out unique ways to keep all Hispanics informed and engaged. We accomplished that by launching Mi Casa Es Tu Casa, an exclusive live audio stream performance series on our LaMusica mobile app and radio stations, with some of the biggest names in Latin music like Pitbull, Maluma, Bad Bunny, J. Balvin, Banda MS, Christian Nodal just to name a few. The platform has gotten so big that we’ve had to extend it through the rest of the year and will continue to develop it into 2021. It’s an exciting time for all of us in radio since we have a unique opportunity to tap into new audiences and create immersive (virtual) live music events that bring Latin music to life for everyone to enjoy. What role does diversity play within the SBS organization? SBS was created with family at its core and we will keep that legacy alive forever. We’re proud of the fact that 90% of our company is a part of the minority community. What’s even more incredible is that we represent Hispanics of all backgrounds. You’ll hear it in our teams’ accents, the food they bring in for birthday celebrations and over conversations about our traditions. We are so proud of our heritage and culture and love to share it with everyone. Our casa at SBS is truly su casa. Everyone is welcomed for a cafecito.
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the life
D I N I N G. E N T E R TA I N I N G. AND GETTING OUT IN THE 305.
{ DISH }
SLICE, SLICE BABY Old Greg’s Pizza is a lockdown success story built on an airy, sourdough crust that just about broke the internet.
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his is one of those stories about people who used ingenuity to make it out of the lockdown without losing everything. In fact, it just might be Miami’s most successful tale of triumph in the dark days of 2020. It’s the tale of Old Greg’s, something you might have lusted after on Instagram and if you were lucky, scored a rare slice. Back in March, Greg Tetzner and girlfriend Jackie Richie had plans for a pop-up pizza place in Wynwood. They’d always imagined long lines of people waiting for their pies, but suddenly long lines were to be avoided. They had already bought ingredients, and 29-year-old Tetzner had spent years at that point perfecting his pizza. So, they started baking pies for friends and family. Within a few short weeks, they had reservations for pizzas a month in advance, hired 13 employees, and began planning a couple locations around town.
Writer Eric Barton bites into the story behind one of Miami’s biggest successes of 2020.
The name behind the business, Greg Tetzner, and local marketing maven girlfriend Jackie Richie are two halves that make up the whole proverbial Old Greg’s pie.
CUTTING INTO THE STORY How’d it happen in these crazy days we live in? It started three years ago when Tetzner took a vacation to New York City. He turned a corner on the Lower East Side, and a scent hit him. “It smelled like a truck of flour had crashed.” In front of him was the esteemed pizza place Scarr’s, which mills its own flour in the basement, something that got Tetzner thinking about creating his own specialty dough. Tetzner had worked in the kitchen at Michael’s Genuine and then ran the bread program for a couple years at Ghee before heading over to the wildly popular El Bagel. But at Scarr’s, he felt that he had found his calling, and he returned to Miami with a mission to perfect a pizza dough. What he came up with is something unique, a square pie that combines the best of Roman, Sicilian and American sheet pan pizzas. In an era when Neapolitan shops skimp on toppings, he loads his with ingredients piled high on a crust that’s thick and airy. He called his pop-up Old Greg’s, the nickname fellow line cooks had given him, and the name he gave to his prized sourdough starter that makes the dough so fluffy.
Richie, meanwhile, had spent years in marketing, working on massive events during Miami Music Week, before opening a business of her own. When Tetzner, her boyfriend of seven years, announced in October that his dough was finally ready for the public, she began the brandbuilding process and devised a marketing strategy. In those early days back in March, they produced pizzas for friends and family, hoping just for feedback. Those friends and family posted the pizzas on Instagram, and overnight, it was like every single person in Miami wanted one. “We were just doing it to stay ahead and pay rent, you know?” Tetzner says.
Within a month, their Instagram page grew from 200 to 5,000 followers. Richie created a spreadsheet sign-up and used a gameshow-style spinning wheel to pick 15 random winners a week, a pizza lottery that just upped the interest. It was the beginning of the stay-at-home mandates, and maybe those handsome square pizzas were just what Miami needed. “People kept telling us that it was the only thing they had to look forward to during lockdown,” Richie says. A NEW HOME FOR OLD GREG Top Miami chef Brad Kilgore reached out and asked if he could reserve a pizza for his birthday. Next thing you know Tetzner had arranged to use the kitchen at Kilgore’s Japanese
speakeasy Kaido in the Design District. It didn’t have a pizza oven, but it helped to up Tetzner’s piemaking to 92 a day. To increase that number, they began shopping for an Old Greg’s brick-and-mortar location, maybe two. The goal for that first one: 700 pies a day. Will that meet the demand for Old Greg’s? Maybe. Tetzner says pizza-making doesn’t allow him the time to ponder his newly found success. He’s been doing 15-hour days since this began in March and hasn’t taken a day off yet. “It’s all a blur now,” he says. “I really haven’t thought about how big it’s gotten. I hope to stop and think about it sometime. Hopefully that’s going to happen soon.” oldgregspizza.com. WORDS BY ERIC BARTON / PORTRAIT BY FELIPE CUEVAS
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the life {RECIPE}
Spanish Lessons
The flavors of Spain’s rustic northern region can be found in the intricately curated menu at Leku. WORDS BY ERIC BARTON / PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELIPE CUEVAS
Leku’s chef de cuisine Aitor Garate Berasaluze and executive chef Mikel Goikolea.
LEKU’S “TRADITIONAL” PULPO A LA GALLEGA (Serves two)
INGREDIENTS 2 uncooked octopus tentacles, 7 ounces each 1 ounce butter 3 baked potatoes 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil Pimentón de la Vera (Spanish smoked sweet paprika)
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ou might know Mikel Goikolea these days as possibly Miami’s hottest chef of the moment, running the kitchen at Leku with a flop of chestnut hair and a week-old-stubble beard that makes him look more like a garage rock bassist. Picture him now instead at 10 or 12 years old, back in Spain, his family taking a road trip from their home in the Basque Country to a friend’s house in Galicia. They’d go during the summers, and the friend that put them up spent all day out to sea as a tugboat captain. The Goikolea family would get sun at the beach and soak in the iodine smell of the ocean at the harborfront home. Then the captain would return. He had spent the day tugging ships into the harbor, and he’d show up with whatever the boats caught that
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day. Sometimes he’d have octopus, and they’d boil it until tender and serve on slices of boiled potato, like crackers, a sprinkle of the smokysweet pimentón de la Vera pepper over the top. DIVING INTO A DELICACY That Galician octopus is the inspiration for the dish here, something Goikolea says reminds him of those summer days spent smelling the salty sea air. It took Goikolea a few tries to perfect, working especially on the spoonclinging consistency and undeniable taste of the sea in the sauce. He achieves it, and so can you, by cooking the octopus in a sealed plastic bag at exactly 203 degrees, capturing the juices that’ll later be used to make the potato cream. At Leku — the stunning open-air restaurant in the Rubell Museum
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with dishes as pretty as the artwork nearby — Goikolea serves his pulpo in a gambas al ajillo-style shallow clay serving vessel. The dish has been all over Instagram these days, looking like a Michelin-starred cousin to that simple Galician version from Goikolea’s childhood. But it’s lighter, more refined, a texture in the sauce that’s original, full of the collagen from the octopus. Ethereal? Cloudlike? Perhaps more akin to the foamy sea that washes up on shore? “If you follow the recipe,” Goikolea says in Basque-accented castellano, “it is simple to make, even though we make it with a lot of love and passion.” Perhaps you didn’t spend your summers on the Galician coast, eating the octopus brought to shore that morning. But maybe this dish, once you make it yourself especially, will make it seem like you did.
1. Slice octopus into ½-inch rounds and place inside two plastic bags, one for each tentacle. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to each bag and a pinch of salt. Vacuum seal bags and steam-cook, or sous vide, for 1 hour 5 minutes at 200 degrees. 2. Stop the cooking process by chilling bags in iced water, breaking down muscle fiber and making octopus more tender. Unseal bags and keep octopus in its juices. 3. Peel baked potatoes while hot and blend vigorously in a high-powered blender for 2 minutes with 2 tablespoons of octopus juices, 1 ounce butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon white pepper and pinch of salt. Keep potato cream warm in a double broiler at low heat. 4. To plate, pour half potato cream in a shallow “Cazuela" bowl, arrange room temperature octopus rounds artistically and dust with pimentón de la Vera.
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the life LOCATION: Ariete DRINK: Dirty Martini This take on a dirty martini spotlights one key ingredient and that’s a special olive brine that has a distinctive bold, salty and slightly bitter flavor. Although it’s a variation of the original gin martini, this dirty martini has also become a staple cocktail, but with one slight tweak. It’s not mixed with vermouth, but instead it’s simply rinsed through the glass and poured out so that the martini has just a hint of it — perfect for those looking for a bone dry martini.
{POUR}
A TOAST TO A
CLASSIC A crisp martini has a coquettish aura that draws us in and makes us feel swanky with a daring hint of mystery. WORDS BY CHRISTIE GALEANO-DEMOTT
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or all its straightforward simplicity, the martini is a drink with secrets. Its origin is a veiled enigma with some stories claiming it came from Martinez, California, while others stating it was in fact created in San Francisco. Wherever it came from, the martini has been cemented in history with devoted fans like Winston Churchill, Alfred Hitchcock, Ernest Hemingway and James Bond, not to mention television’s favorite New York fashion girl, Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw. Our Fall 2020 project? Sipping and savoring to bring you the very best Magic City martinis.
LOCATION: Toscana Divino DRINK: Watermelon Martini
LOCATION: 1-800 Lucky DRINK: Tea Time
This refreshing tropical drink tops the list thanks to its fresh ingredients and balanced flavor. In true Italian fashion, sweet watermelon is muddled with basil, not mint, and then vodka, a touch of simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lemon juice are shaken in. At home, whether you’re stirring or shaking your martini, make sure all your ingredients are as cold as possible. Pro tip: Double strain to remove all impurities from the watermelon.
Keeping with the traditional martini base, 1-800 Lucky veteran bartender Ben Angel created this cocktail with lychee liqueur and matcha tea reduction to honor Lucky’s Asian roots. This gin-forward cocktail’s tropical notes and herbal flavors make it a fun, refreshing drink to sip outside in the courtyard now that the food hall has reopened. Pro tip: At home, pick a gin that’s not too assertive. It shouldn’t be too floral or too dry.
INGREDIENTS 1½ ounces of watermelon juice 1½ ounces of vodka ¾ ounce of lemon juice ¾ ounce of simple syrup 2 basil leaves, muddled In a separate glass, muddle basil leaves. This helps to release the flavors of the fresh ingredients. Shake until blended well. Double strain into Martini glass. Garnish with basil leaf and enjoy. toscanadivino.com.
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INGREDIENTS Vermouth Bianco 2½ ounces of vodka ½ ounce of olive brine 3 olives stuffed with bleu cheese Ice Rinse martini glass in vermouth bianco (pour out). Pour 2½ ounces of vodka into a stirring glass with ½ ounce of olive brine. Add ice and stir for 20 seconds. Strain into rinsed martini glass. Serve with 3 bleu cheese or gorgonzola stuffed olives. arietecoconutgrove.com.
INGREDIENTS 1 ounce of New Amsterdam gin ½ ounce of lychee liqueur ¼ ounce of Dolin dry vermouth ¾ ounce of matcha tea reduction Combine all the ingredients in a mixing vessel, stir for 20 seconds, strain and pour into a chilled Nick and Nora glass with dehydrated lime wheel garnish. 1800lucky.com.
LOCATION: Jaguar Sun’s popup Sonny’s Someday Steakhouse DRINK: Fino Martini When the pandemic shut down bars across the city, Jaguar Sun’s owners decided to open up a Little River open-air steakhouse popup. With this new chophouse vibe, co-owner Will Thompson debuted a lavish martini menu featuring creative takes on traditional libations including a martini pitcher, a martini improved with absinthe and this Fino Martini, a tropical take on a classic martini that has dry sherry in lieu of vermouth. INGREDIENTS 2 ounces of London dry gin ¾ ounce of fino sherry ½ ounce of clarified passionfruit
LOCATION: Casa D’Angelo DRINK: Espresso Martini
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass, stir for 20-30 seconds, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and serve. jaguarsunmia.com.
LOCATION: LPM Restaurant & Bar DRINK: Tomatini The brand’s signature cocktail is a blend of simplicity and unique flavors. Think of it as an elevated adaptation of a Bloody Mary made with sweet Campari tomatoes. While traditional martinis are made with gin, this drink is made with vodka because according to bar manager Barna Jeremias it’s a neutral spirit that speaks to a global audience and works better with the flavor profile of the Tomatini. Pro tip: Don’t forget the secret ingredient: Fernando Pensato three-year aged balsamic vinegar.
ADAM DELGUIDICE (FINO MARTINI); GIOVANNA ELIA (ESPRESSO MARTINI)
LOCATION: Bourbon Steak DRINK: Casa Rosada Martini Heralded as the next evolution of the martini, this drink is approachable with familiar flavors but made with mezcal. Don’t be put off by the thought of the mezcal’s typical smoky flavor because when it’s combined with a hint of spice from the jalapeños and citrus from the grapefruit, this martini will shoot up to the top of your favorites. It’ll be up to you to decide if this mezcal twist is a true martini or not. Pro tip: Expressing a fresh grapefruit peel over the drink will combat the spiciness. INGREDIENTS 1½ ounces of Del Maguey mezcal ¾ ounce of St. Germain liqueur 1 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice ¼ ounce of fresh lime juice 2-3 slices of jalapeños 1 long grapefruit peel for garnish
Pour the mezcal into a cocktail shaker, add the jalapeño slices and muddle. Add the rest of the ingredients except the grapefruit peel. Add ice and shake hard, double strain into a coupe or martini glass. bourbonsteakmia.com.
INGREDIENTS 2 fresh Campari tomatoes 2 pinches of salt and cracked black pepper 2 bar spoons of simple syrup 3 bar spoons of 3-year-old balsamic vinegar 2 ounces of Ketel One vodka Muddle the Campari tomatoes with all ingredients. Shake vigorously with ice. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with cherry tomatoes rolled in salt and fresh black pepper. lpmrestaurants.com/miami.
Vanilla from the vodka blends nicely with the richness of the Demerara syrup in this drink, while the herbaceous chicory liqueur and espresso rum add depth and a unique flavor profile that creates a well-balanced, easy-to-drink cocktail. According to bartender Andres Gutierrez, that’s the secret to making a great martini — introducing elements that go well together. Pro tip: Use fresh espresso or boldflavored coffee. INGREDIENTS 2 ounces of Stolichnaya vanilla vodka 1 ounce of fresh espresso ½ ounce of Demerara syrup ½ ounce of Grind Espresso rum ½ ounce of Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur Combine the ingredients in a Boston shaker. Fill with ice. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Strain to pour. Garnish with espresso grinds. casa-d-angelo.com.
the life
#FOLLOWINDULGETO Road trips are the new normal of 2020, and if you’ve marked off many of Florida’s popular staycation spots, we’ve handpicked 3 under-the-radar gems. If you go, tag #FollowIndulgeTo! WORDS BY ANGELA CARAWAY-CARLTON
ROOM FOR MORE. The biggest staycation requirement these days is plenty of space, and the Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa in Palm Beach offers every guest the chance to live the suite life. The all-suite, oceanfront resort boasts one- and two-bedroom suites that resemble coastal-chic condos with fully stocked kitchens, separate living areas and private balconies. In addition to two pools — one with a waterslide — a spa with a new blow-dry bar called Aire and indulgent treatments starring pumpkin for fall, the biggest draw is the area’s private beach and crystal-clear water with a natural reef meant for snorkeling. palmbeachmarriottresort.com. 30-YAY! For extended vacays, it’s worth the long drive to beloved 30A in Rosemary Beach, a slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast with emerald green waters and dreamy beaches that you’ll often have to yourself in the fall. Stay at The Pearl Hotel, a luxe 55-room boutique property with Old WorldEuropean architecture and rooms that present views of the Gulf or the town’s Main Street below. Each guest is made to feel special with a welcome amenity like their house-made pimento cheese spread, or a turndown treat with a handwritten note. Wake up to views of Caribbean-like waters and then set off on complimentary bikes to explore the charming West Indiesstyle community sprinkled with boutiques, art galleries and surprisingly good restaurants. thepearlrb.com.
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FALL STRATEGY? WINE & OYSTER PAIRINGS #FollowIndulgeTo special alfresco dinners with a view. Mignonette co-owner Ryan Roman and GARDEN DISTANCING. 83-acres? That’s a lot of room for proper social distancing at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Make reservations for the Garden’s new outdoor dinner series “Eat. Drink. Garden.” the last Saturday of every month. Soak up views of the starstudded sky and tropical beauty while dining on a four-course meal prepared by some of Miami’s best chefs (often using fresh ingredients from Fairchild’s farm in the Redlands) and paired with wine or beer. There are two seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m. fairchildgarden.org. SUSHI BOAT. One of the most unique things we’ve done during the pandemic is a private dinner cruise with Riverfront Gondola Tours in Fort Lauderdale. We suggest ordering ahead with neighboring Casa Sensei restaurant — go for their delicious sushi rolls and cocktails that will be served on the boat upon arrival. Hop aboard the small boat (no more than six people) to cruise the area’s beautiful waterways for a 90-minute tour filled with mansion-peeping, yacht-spotting and local lore. It will be the best night of 2020. riverfrontgondolatours.com; casasensei.com.
ST. JOE HOSPITALITY (THE PEARL HOTEL)
STREAMING SPORTS. Sports addicts and those seeking true isolation to commune with nature should weekend at Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, a 3.5-hour drive from Miami. Remote by design, the architecturally rich resort is perched on 16,000 acres featuring dramatic topography including lakes and streams and towering dunes carved out of former mining land. While hitting the links-style courses is a priority here — there are 3 courses where no holes are alike and every cart gets its own caddy — there’s also bass fishing, sporting clays, archery, a lakeside infinity pool and a grotto-style spa for spoiling. You’re in the middle of nowhere, which is just where you’ll want to be. streamsongresort.com.
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UNDER ITS SPELL
Talk about a comeback — the newly revived Little Palm Island Resort & Spa enchants visitors with an elegantly exotic vibe.
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s the motor yacht regally cuts through the flawless blue-green water that makes the Florida Keys so special, I grip my Gumby Slumber — a welcome cocktail spiked with spiced rum — and let the wind and salt air wash over me. Heading for a private island only reachable by boat or seaplane, I vowed to leave the worries of 2020 on the mainland, if only for the weekend. Soon, a sliver of iconic Little Palm Island Resort & Spa comes into view, and as the boat slows, an old, familiar feeling of excitement builds. Maybe it was the tropical concoction taking effect, but I knew I was in for something special.
MAGICAL MOMENTS Little Palm’s fantastical powers cast a spell the moment you set foot onto the four-acre island situated 20-plus miles north of Key West. The beloved luxury resort that’s played host to presidents and many of Miami’s special celebrations was brought back to life with a new aesthetic in March after being destroyed by
Hurricane Irma in 2017. Covered in lush tropical plants and trees, where paper-thin white butterflies and dragonflies dance about, a little magic is everywhere. Void of televisions, buzzing cellphones and children, disconnecting is effortless; hemmed by water on every side, the emphasis is on complete relaxation and wildlife
that will often surprise and delight. Walks along the surrounding docks reveal tropical fish and giant tarpon, along with wading birds stalking their next meal. Our first morning sipping tea in the meditation garden, where white Ibises dip their beaks into the pool dressed in bright water lilies, a Key deer suddenly appeared. Tucked beside purple flowers, the deer with its velvety antlers and wide-eyed gaze looked like a woodland creature from a storybook. Again, magic.
Lauded as one of the top luxury resorts in the Florida Keys, Little Palm Island provides lodgers unmatched privacy and exclusive amenities, along with idle moments of repose by the pool.
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the life From top to bottom: New corners of the resort for guests to discover include renovated Premier suites, the property’s spa and Monkey Room bar, and private ocean-side views by the Romance Suite; (far right) careful diners looking to socially distance themselves can opt for an intimate sunset dinner on the water.
The best part of being “stranded” on a private island is determining how to spend your day. Doze in a hammock overlooking the ocean after sipping a Gumby Slumber, appropriately named by a bartender for this exact leisure. Perch in new poolside cabanas fixed with beautiful chandeliers, or camp out in a chair in the water that calmly wraps around the island (although it’s not the most inviting water for swimming). When you’re ready to explore the surrounding flats, hop on a paddle board, kayak or sailboat; or try your hand at fishing. One of my favorite activities of the weekend was taking off on a complimentary Boston Whaler to anchor at a nearby sandbar, splashing around in the shallows for hours. The new two-story SpaTerre, which looks like it was ripped from a brochure touting Bali, offers an extravagant indoor-outdoor oasis meant for Balinese and Thai-inspired treatments along with anti-aging facials using coveted Biologique Recherche products. VIEWS ON VIEWS For me, the most anticipated part of each day was dinner — that’s when the real enchantment happens. Tables in the sand are beautifully arranged with delicate seashells at each place setting and positioned so that diners can watch the sun sink into the water. Chef Danny Ganem, formerly of Miami’s Betsy Hotel, wows guests with appetizers like foie gras coconut crème brûlée and local fish simply cooked to perfection. Each night as the tiki torches flickered and piano music wafted from the Monkey Hut Lounge, I would kick off my shoes and dig my toes deep into the sand. You’ll be lost in the moment, before heading up to the lounge to spend the rest of the night by the fire pits.
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REMOTE RENDEZVOUS At a time when isolation is everything, Little Palm over-delivers with 30 new or reimagined thatched-roof villas sprinkled along crushed seashell paths. (With around 60 people on the island at a time, it never feels crowded.) The new aesthetic gives off modern-West Indies inspiration, with vaulted bamboo ceilings, ultra-plush sofas and chairs, vintage rugs, and four-post canopy beds so high that you’ll feel like a child climbing into a cloud. Every bungalow has a private sundeck, and after a sublime day in the sun, rinsing off in the outdoor shower surrounded by foliage feels like a luxury. Upgrading to Island Romance Suites means copper soaking tubs on the deck, and the new Island Premier Suites boast the most space on the island and an exclusive beach area. I suggest popping a bottle of bubbly from the rattan bar, and star-gazing on your deck. During a year when magical moments have dimmed, a retreat to Little Palm Island offers the fantasy we all need. littlepalmisland.com. WORDS BY ANGELA CARAWAY-CARLTON
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Mountain MINDSET
VISIT TELLURIDE/ RYAN BONNEAU; VISIT TELLURIDE/ TONY DEMIN. TELLURIDE SKI RESORT.
Flip the switch on your winter bucket list and make the trek to the power paradise of Telluride.
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ocals in Telluride like to throw around the catchphrase, “People go to Aspen to be seen. People come to Telluride to escape the scene.” Every time someone said some version of the phrase during my visit to the remote town in southwestern Colorado, it resonated with me. Not because of the vastly different personalities of the two mountain towns, but because after five months of being grounded, I had finally escaped the suffocating scene of South Florida. Healthy, and searching for the same promises of an off-the-grid, one-withthe-great-outdoors experience that lure people to Telluride year-round, I braved two plane rides — hardly recognizable in a face mask and a plastic face shield, while executing more glove changes than a surgeon — to Montrose Airport and drove the hour to Telluride.
The Rocky Mountains provide an impactful and majestic backdrop in Telluride, whether you are enjoying an active day cycling through snowy paths or taking in the powdery views on the gondolas.
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the life Après ski dining and breathtaking surroundings at Allred’s Restaurant inside the Telluride Ski Resort; sip on the town’s unofficial cocktail, the Flatliner, at the New Sheridan Bar; savor an organic dinner after a picturesque horse-drawn carriage ride led by Telluride Sleighs and Wagons.
I’ll admit the rugged, small mountain town wasn’t on my radar, until one of my close friends in Miami returned from spending much of the pandemic in her new vacation home there. She was hooked on the peaceful isolation and desperate to go back to the place that excelled at social distancing activities before that was ever a mandate. As quickly as I ripped off my clothes from the plane, my mood swung from anxious to relaxed. Maybe, it was due to the fresh alpine air, crystalline blue skies, and jaw-dropping scenery filled with mountain peaks and impromptu elk and deer sightings. Or, maybe it’s that while everyone is following tight safety protocols, the heaviness of the pandemic seems much lighter there. Whatever it was, my mountain reset had begun.
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ALPINE BLISS Stepping foot into downtown Telluride, breathtakingly hugged on all sides by the San Juan Mountains, it’s like you’ve been dropped in the middle of an Old West postcard. Only instead of horses, everyone is walking a cute dog, or three. The historic town has managed to preserve its former mining town aesthetic, while lodging modern-day shops and restaurants run by entrepreneurs who had former big careers somewhere else but found totally new pursuits in order to permanently live there. The result is a mix of on-trend and mountain apparel boutiques, eclectic jewelry makers, handcrafted home goods, and art galleries, one run by a photographer mentored by Ansel Adams. Yet, the understated
vibe shifts with a swoosh of the gondola up the hill to European-style Mountain Village, where lavish dwellings and upscale ski-in, ski-out resorts prevail. Even there, no one is hyper-focused on how you’re dressed — there’s no shame in sipping expensive Champagne while wearing Patagonia — as everyone is in their own blissed-out world, caught up in the scenery or chatting about the day’s adventures. That special balance of natural ruggedness, laidback luxury and privacy seems to be the reason that celebs like Oprah, Hilary Swank and Ralph Lauren own homes on the outskirts of town. Fun fact: the hour-drive from Montrose Airport to Telluride spans about 20-minutes past Lauren’s sprawling ranch. (Yes, I timed it.) While my first few days were spent breathlessly hiking up Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest waterfall, paddle boarding on pristine Trout Lake dramatically edged by towering pine trees and mountain peaks, I was lucky enough to experience the town’s first, unexpected snowfall of the notyet season in September. However, my wallet wasn’t as fortunate, when I had to go on a coldweather clothing shopping spree. As fluffy flakes somersaulted from the sky, my attention focused on yet another one of Telluride’s biggest draws — the enchantment of winter. Formerly green trees were now dressed in thick winter-white coats, the gondola felt more like a fairytale journey instead of mere transportation, and restaurant fire pits were cranked up for roasting s’mores and sipping warm drinks. I had come for the tail-end of summer, but Telluride began building a case for a winter visit.
History meets rustic splendor in downtown Telluride; locals and famished visitors alike know to head to The Butcher & the Baker for hearty cups of soup and warm, buttery pastries. POWDER GAMES There’s a reason that Telluride is gaining attention as a top ski destination in North America. It’s a powder lovers’ paradise with near-perfect terrain and softly packed snow; dependable sunny days that often cut the bitter chill; and with 148 runs, plenty of skiing for everyone on slopes that never feel crowded. Whether you’re a never-ever skier, or an adrenaline junkie who wants to be dropped by helicopter on an exhilarating summit to swish down deep bowls, there’s an adventure for every skill set. Rookies aren’t banished to the bottom of the mountain on monotonous runs with gaggles of ski school kids — beginner skiers can access the thirdhighest lift for a long green run, which affords the opportunity to soak up those stellar views for which Telluride is famous. Telluride Ski Resort is forging ahead with their traditional opening on Thanksgiving Day, but expect to be appropriately spaced out on chairlift lines and to ride with your group. There are sanitization stations everywhere from the gondolas to the lifts, you’ll be covered in ski gear from head to toe, so think of it as organic PPE.
The season also brings more adrenalinepumping action like snowmobiling with Telluride Outfitters, where tour guides whisk riders to Alta Lakes, a trio of stunning turquoise lakes, to cut loose on snow-packed trailheads and explore the remains of the well-preserved ghost town of Alta. In summer, Telluride is a mountain biking mecca where scads of adventurers howl as they barrel down white-knuckle hills; but in winter, you can hop on a fat-tire bike from Boot Doctors to plow through well-groomed or tougher trails for a picturesque workout through frosted trees. People who simply want to soak up the dreamy scenery should make a reservation with Telluride Sleighs and Wagons, where you’ll take a horse-drawn sleigh or wagon ride to a fifth-generation sheep ranch for dinner in a whimsical yurt that comes with killer views of the twinkling towns below. MOUNTAIN DIGS Indulge in the ski-in, ski-out lifestyle at the Madeline Hotel & Residences, a posh Auberge property primely planted in the middle of Mountain Village and boasting large, cushy suites that will tempt you to stay indoors by the fireplace. After a
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the life Race down the hills with heart-thumping snowmobile rides in the small ghost town of Alta, inside Telluride; (second and third from top) take a break surrounded by luxury at the Madeline Hotel & Residences, an Auberge property that includes a heated pool for unforgettable evening swims.
full day of alpine activities, head straight to their rooftop for a dip in the heated pool and bubbling hot tub that offers a top-notch vantage point of 14,000-foot Wilson Peak, which gleams blue and icy white when it snows and is famously featured on a Coors beer can. Gather around one of the flickering fire tables or firepits at Black Iron Kitchen & Bar for their creative cocktails (like a smoking drink made of Mezcal infused with mushrooms), order a s’mores kit to roast marshmallows, and then take a spin on the property’s ice skating rink as live musicians play. By December, the hotel’s lobby and guest rooms will have a new look, transformed from a heavy and dark mountain-lodge aesthetic to a lighter, contemporary-chic look that better jives with the Auberge brand. ALWAYS APRÈS The high-energy dining scene solidifies Telluride’s spot as the whole-package vacation. Lunch at always-packed The Butcher & the Baker for decadent pastries, piping-hot homemade soups, and artisanal breads layered with organic goodness; join the line at Taco del Gnar to load up on chef-driven tacos stuffed with everything from tempura avocado to Korean short ribs; and at least one dinner should be had at 221 South Oak bistro. Chef Eliza Gavin, a former contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef”, prioritizes fresh ingredients and a hearty vegetable menu with items like pillowy ravioli bursting with surprising ingredients such as pickled peppers and strawberry, or beets and horseradish — all just as delicious as her Colorado meat dishes from elk T-bones to bison short ribs with edamame and corn succotash. It’s easy to alternate après ski dates between Downtown Telluride and Mountain Village thanks to the free gondola that generously runs until midnight every day. (At the San Sophia Station, you can’t miss the now-famous print entitled “Gondogula” by local artist Mary Kenez, featuring adorable dogs riding the gondola — her gallery filled with cheeky, fun art is also a must-stop.) For an elevated experience with a cozy atmosphere and breathtaking views, especially at sunset, stop at Allred’s, where expansive windows present the chance to watch the snow fall while staying nice and toasty. For a blast into Telluride’s past, head to the Historic Bar at the New Sheridan Hotel in downtown; it’s been around since the 1890s and offers the feel of a saloon where a mix of locals and visitors mingle while sipping $5 Jack Daniel’s. When it was time to head back home, I was already planning a return visit in winter. This time, armed with a suitcase filled with clothes fitting of a snow bunny — in high-low fashion, of course — just the way Telluride likes it. WORDS BY ANGELA CARAWAY-CARLTON
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The Gift of Generosity As our lives adjust to the continuous changes brought about by a year that has seen as many challenges as it has moments of appreciation, one thing remains true — there is no greater feeling than knowing that someone’s life is better because of you. Whether it’s through volunteer work, donations, community involvement, industry-changing initiatives, or simple acts of kindness, we celebrate the idea that it is always the right season to give back.
When a person’s passions include changing the way things are done in their chosen industry and community, life’s work goes beyond philanthropy to innovation. You may not have known their names before, but this group of South Florida locals (including Dr. Tameka Hobbs, left) are powerhouse influencers who are revolutionizing our world in both big and small ways.
GAME-
CHANGERS Rising local power players Dr. Tameka Hobbs, Maghan Morin, Jeanine Suah, Joe Deitch and Alex Ness are advancing the South Florida community through activism, education, business and medical technology. WORDS BY SHAYNE BENOWITZ / PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GARCIA
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THE ACTIVIST HISTORIAN For Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs, it was an African American history course as an undergraduate at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee that changed the course of her life. “I was riveted,” says Hobbs, a native of Suwannee on Florida’s northern Gulf coast. “It filled in so many blanks and answered questions that I’d always had.” Growing up in post-segregation Florida, she remembers noticing the unevenness of resources in her Black community. She swiftly changed her major from business to history, igniting a passion that would guide her career as a historian, educator and activist. This fall, as associate provost of Florida Memorial University, South Florida’s only historically Black university, Hobbs launched the Social Justice Institute, a solutions-focused think tank and research center examining racial disparities and injustice in MiamiDade County and across Florida. It was founded, in part, as a direct response to the nation’s reckoning with its legacy of systemic racism after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in late spring — but it was also a vision years in the making. A year after Hobbs joined the faculty of FMU in 2011, she was confronted with another historical flashpoint of racial violence when 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed by a neighborhood watchman in Sanford, Florida, sparking the Black Lives Matter movement. At the time, Hobbs was deep into the writing and research of what would become her 2016 award-winning book, Democracy Abroad, Lynching at Home: Racial Violence in Florida, centering around the oral histories of four 1940s Florida lynchings, including 15-year-old Willie James Howard, who was from her hometown and a contemporary of her grandfather’s. She juxtaposes these acts of local violence with the country’s growing global reputation as a bastion of democracy during the World War II era. As the mother of two young boys, troubled by the sense of history repeating itself, Hobbs had an epiphany that would plant the seed for the Social Justice Institute: “Your scholarship, your writing and reading, is not enough.” She traveled to Sanford with 150 FMU students for a teachable moment in activism. When she later discovered that Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton was an alumnus of FMU, they worked together to house the Trayvon Martin Foundation at the campus library in 2014. “There’s more we can do here to solve these problems,” says Hobbs. “We can leverage the intellect of our faculty, galvanize our students and work with the community to create change.” The Social Justice Institute will focus its energies on eight key areas, including systemic racism, economic and environmental justice, and civic engagement. This fall, their campus welcomed activist and organizer Valencia Gunder as their first “advocate in residence.” “We are Black Lives Matter University,” says Hobbs. “We had to respond by creating something with long-lasting impact.”
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THE HEALTH TECH VISIONARY For entrepreneur Alex Ness, the 2008 recession came as a serious reckoning for his wealth advisory group. “It was like a big bucket of ice cold water,” says Ness of the precipitous loss of assets many of his clients suffered. “It changed my perspective about business. I decided I no longer wanted to work in the energy of money, especially managing other people’s money.” He used the crisis to regroup, turning to meditation to find himself and to his network to seek support. After a yearlong sabbatical in Bali with his family, Ness emerged with the idea to create his own fund One Eleven Group — named for a sacred number signaling new beginnings in the Hindu tradition — which would invest in purpose-driven companies dedicated to the social good. A chance meeting in 2014 with a tech company in Singapore would be the catalyst to founding Welwaze Medical, headquartered in Miami. After years of development, their first product, Celbrea TMD, a breast health monitoring device and app, is set to go to market in October as an FDA 510(k) cleared device. “It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve done in my life,” says Ness, a Barcelona native who’s called Miami home for 20 years. “It’s been a journey of humility.” The safe, noninvasive 15-minute test detects changes in breast temperature as a preventative and diagnostic tool in breast cancer screenings. With the launch of Celbrea TMD, Welwaze plans to continue to innovate in the women’s health space. “There’s a paradigm shift from treating disease to treating health,” says Ness. “We can leverage technology to gather data and personalize recommendations for you to live a healthy life.”
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THE WORKSPACE PIONEERS February 2020 would seem like an inopportune time to launch a small business, but Maghan Morin and Jeanine Suah, founders of Thynk Global, a co-working and event space in Little River, persevered. Dedicated to empowering and connecting people of color, women and their allies, Thynk Global offers a variety of memberships (including remote and virtual) at an accessible price point, starting at $87 for use of the shared space. The global coronavirus pandemic would force them to close their doors for two months just after opening them. “We quickly pivoted,” said Morin. “We reached out to our members to ask them what they needed.” During the mandatory closure, they promoted their members in the retail space with an online pop-up shop. Thynk has since welcomed their 40 members back with a new set of safety protocols, including temperature checks, frequent cleaning and social distancing markers, and members are required to wear masks. “People are ready to get back to in-person connections,” says Morin. She and Suah, both Florida natives who met while working at a co-working space in St. Petersburg, were intentional about opening their space in Little River, a neighborhood historically home to Miami’s Haitian and Caribbean diaspora — and the next frontier, after Wynwood and the Design District, for developers. “Gentrification is not necessarily a bad thing,” says Morin. “It’s only a problem when developers don’t understand the community they’re entering.” To that end, they’ve created a relationship with Metro 1, one of the neighborhood’s major developers and commercial real estate brokerages, who rent office space at Thynk. “I want to walk down the block and see a Black-owned business, a Latino-owned business, an Asian-owned business that came from Thynk,” says Morin of her vision for the neighborhood. “Our being here will allow for that to happen.” “It all goes back to understanding our why,” adds Morin. This mission-driven way of thinking is the reason Thynk is spelled with a “y.” Both Morin and Suah have distilled their “why” into a succinct and pragmatic mission: to help Black and brown people, and women, build generational wealth. “Economic disparities have historically given Black people a disadvantage,” says Suah. “And Black women are doubly disadvantaged. When you create wealth by investing in real estate or building a small business, you can pass that down to the next generation. You own something that’s not controlled by other people. That’s a beautiful thing and I’m here for it.”
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THE ENTREPRENEURIAL PHILANTHROPIST
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOSEPH DEITCH
Entrepreneur Joseph Deitch was enamored with prizes. From the Nobel Prize to the National Book Award, he was drawn to the sizzle of the spotlight that these awards and their recipients would garner every year. “Prizes are sexier,” says Deitch, who’s lived in Miami for nearly a decade. “They attract more attention than a grant does.” That guiding principle informed the structure of the Elevate Prize Foundation, which Deitch launched in 2019 and will award $5 million to an inaugural cohort of ten finalists in October. Recognizing social entrepreneurs, innovators, activists and problem solvers across every sector and industry, from healthcare to the environment, education, poverty, inequality, racial justice and the arts, Deitch’s ambitious vision for the annual Elevate Prize is to “elevate humanity on a global scale.” Ten finalists will be awarded a minimum prize of $300,000 and a two-year incubator program with access to a world-class network of mentors and advisors aimed to amplify their work and their causes. They’ve partnered with MIT Solve’s Global Challenge on Health Security and Pandemics to award at least one finalist committed to help solve the COVID-19 crisis. Deitch, the founder and chairman of Commonwealth Financial Network, which has $200 billion in assets under management, tapped into his deep network to spread the word about the inaugural prize and recruit a star-studded panel of judges, including chef and activist José Andrés, retired Disney World executive Lee Cockrell and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The prize attracted more than 1,300 applicants from around the world with 500 nominations from such luminaries as Al Gore, Julianne Moore and Harvard psychology professor and award-winning author Steven Pinker. Of his “issue agnostic” Elevate Prize Foundation, Deitch says, “Our north star, our mission, is to awaken the hero in all of us.”
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Seasonal Hunt LET INDULGE GUIDE THE WAY TO HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT THEY WILL LOVE YEAR-ROUND. To start the holidays on an inspiring note, INDULGE staff members present our favorite gifts for every personality in your life (Is there anything possibly more uplifting than shopping for your favorite people? We didn't think so.) Ranging from the personal to the stylish, the heartwarming to the outrageous, these graciously curated suggestions help to wrap up the year in the most thoughtful of ways. 80
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Jenny Starr Perez,
Editor in Chief
“One of my favorite holiday events is hosted by dear friends who invite a group of us over to their home the weekend after Thanksgiving to decorate their latest enormous Christmas tree. Festive music is played, cocktails are sipped and merriment is had by all. While we will certainly continue adhering to safety precautions, the idea of gathering together to enjoy the festivities of those precious last few weeks of the year is indeed exciting to me.”
“Having a competitive spirit allows me to always be ready and willing to partake in a good game. After months of finding creative ways to entertain myself at home, I’ve realized the value and flexibility of having a deck of cards on hand. Refreshed with luxurious materials and Tiffany & Co.’s signature wit, these monogrammed classic playing cards will make what would seem like an ordinary gift truly extraordinary.” Tiffany & Co. metallic playing cards in a Tiffany Blue® box, $100. Available at tiffany.com.
“A beautiful watch is a no-brainer gift for any man. Whether his style is sleek or sporty, opt for a timepiece he can dress up or down, like the Rolex Tudor — a hit with family, best friends and romantic partners alike. Even if he shows up late, he’ll think of you every minute.” Tudor watch by Rolex, price upon request. Available at Kirk Jewelers at Brickell City Centre, 701 South Miami Avenue, Suite 327-A (Level 3) and kirkjewelers.com.
“As the saying goes ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ In this case, the necessity is a bar-quality cocktail without actually having to depend on the talents of a bartender, if someone prefers to sip at home. Enter The Drinkworks® Home Bar by Keurig®. The Drinkmaker device prepares cocktails, brews, and more than 30 options of proprietary Drinkworks® Pods. The best part? At the end of the night, the bill is on the house.” The Drinkworks® Home Bar by Keurig®, $299.99. Available at drinkworks.com.
“My ‘fur child’ (a 16 year-old pug-chihuahua mix named Rocky) is beyond spoiled and that’s the way we both like it. From adorable food and water bowls to cute rugs made to keep your floors safe, Peace Love World’s pet collection features stylish selections fit for furry family members that deserve nothing less than the best.” Prices vary. Available via peaceloveworld.com.
“When looking for quick gift options (or last minute ones, let’s be honest) skip the trip to the gift card aisle at the supermarket. Instead, purchase ones from South Florida restaurants or donate in someone’s name to not-for-profit organizations like Adopt a Family Miami or Lotus House that continue to need the help of the community to ensure a more prosperous 2021.” Follow Adopt a Family and Lotus House on Instagram at @adopt.afamilymiami and @lotushouse1.
Lesley DeCanio,
“Living in a subtropical climate means that swim season is year-round. Add a splash of fun into the poolside wardrobe of the man in your life with a colorful pair of Orlebar Brown swim trunks. My favorite looks come from the Orlebar Brown + 007 collection, for the guy with secret agent aspirations, and a not-to-secret sense of style.” Orlebar Brown Bulldog 007 Moonraker Mid Length Swim Shorts, $395. Available at Orlebar Brown at Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, and orlebarbrown.com.
Publisher and Vice-President of Advertising
“I don't follow the weather much of the year, but when it comes to the holidays I check the weather app frequently in hopes for seasonally cool breezes so we can take our celebrations outdoors. Inspired by the British comedy drama series The Durrells in Corfu, I'm challenging myself to recreate a corner of our backyard nestled under a large oak tree and set a table to host several fêtes. A new tradition has begun!”
“If I could choose one holiday wish for everyone, it would be the opportunity to travel again. As I extend this wish to my friends and co-workers, I'm inclined to gift them a new passport holder and luggage tags from the Rifle Paper Co. for Anthropology. Take this gift to the next level by including a thoughtfully planned out itinerary and a copy of confirmed first class seats. Bon Voyage!” Rifle Paper Co. for Anthropologie Bon Voyage Passport Holder, $22.00. Available at anthropology.com.
"These days, while spending more time at home, many of us have reimagined everything from our foyers to home offices. While I sought out a little help from a professional designer, I personally enjoy the art of design and have recently purchased a handful of coffee table books on the subject, like Kelly Wearstler Evocative Style. They make beautiful gifts, you can select the one that is likely to inspire a friend to take on a house project of their own.” Kelly Wearstler Evocative Style by Rizzoli, $55. Available at kellywearstler.com.
“Your trip to Paris was postponed? Don’t fret. Gift yourself a scented candle from Rose et Marius' exclusive fragrances, created by Haute Parfumerie masters in Grasse. Continue to enjoy the elegant Limoges porcelain tumbler beyond the life of the candle wick. I use mine to collect my makeup brushes. Precious refillable candle collection by Rose et Marius, $150. Available at roseetmarius.com.
“Give a gift that will boost South Florida's hard-hit hospitality industry by joining in with the United Way of Miami-Dade for their exclusive Back of the House series, where guests can enjoy intimate hospitality experiences in the most 2020 of ways — virtually. The exciting three-month series kicks off with a three-course dinner by one of INDULGE’s favorite Miami chefs, Michael Schwartz.” Register at unitedwaymiami.org.
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Erin Michell Newberg,
Beauty Editor
“We all use some bright, happy times with our loved ones, right? I plan on participating in the usual important Jewish traditions with my family, like dinner together and lighting candles. With a focus on gratitude for my health, loved ones, friendships and a thriving work life I enjoy, my hope is to close out this year by engaging in the most heartwarming and inspiring thing I can do: simply saying thank you.” “A spray of Atlantide by Tiziana Terenzi gives an empowering boost, like the feeling of buying success in a bottle. Plus, the heady fragrance transports the wearer to a glamorous vacation in the sun somewhere exotic and far away.” Atlantide by Tiziana Terenzi, $725. Available at so-avant-garde.com.
“Since Michael Beltran started his crazy Monday night chef tasting menus this summer at Ariete they’ve sold out just hours after the dates were announced. The menu? It’s whatever the chef is feeling. Be on the lookout for upcoming dinners, which would make a fine gift for those who like to see what happens when a talented chef has free reign.” For more information, visit arietecoconutgrove.com
Eric Barton,
Contributing Food and Features Writer
“You know what I want more than anything this year? Holiday parties, events, being double-booked. Let’s put on tacky holiday sweaters and just hang again, please.” “They may be two of my best friends, but the designers behind Christian Roth also happen to create the best frames ever. Perfect for every kind of personal style and skin tone, this cat-eye clear and gold pair is luxe enough to make any fashionista purr with joy.” Christian Roth sunglasses, $350. Available at Framed,1656 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach.
“The Lucid Air has the kind of numbers that’ll make Tesla owners drool: up to 503 miles of range and enough horsepower, 1,080 in total, to make it a drag race king. The carmaker’s first Florida showroom soon drops at the Brickell City Centre, where you can see the $80,000 starter model. But the one you should put the big red bow on this year? The aptly named Dream Edition. The Lucid Air Dream Edition, $169,000. Available at Lucid Motors, Brickell City Centre. 701 South Miami Avenue, Miami.
“Personally, I would love to ring in the holidays in this pave Spinelli Kilcollin rose gold masterpiece. Please ship this one in a size 7.25 and help me add to my collection of the jewelry brand’s traffic stopping baubles.” Venus stacked ring in rose gold by Spinelli Kilcollin, $13,200. Available at spinellikilcollin.com. “When shopping for the woman who has it all, it’s not an understatement to say that you can never go wrong with anything by Roger Vivier — especially these bright yellow super fancy mules.” Broche Vivier Strass Mule Yellow by Roger Vivier, $1,395. Available at Roger Vivier at Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour.
“The second I smelled this and felt it on my skin, I became obsessed with the product. The intoxicating scent of roses explodes out of this jar of the mask by Julisis, refreshing the skin and keeping it glowing.” Rose Pearl Hydra Mask by Julisis, $195. Available at julisis.com.
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“Perhaps the best trend that came out of 2020 was the pandemic puppy (go ahead and put a hashtag before that phrase and search away). Many of us are spending more time at home these days, the kids doing schoolwork from the same laptop where you file TPS reports. All of it is better when there’s a pup curled up at your feet. Find the perfect rescue with a heart of gold at MiamiDade Animal Services.” Find your new friend at miamidade.gov/adoptapet.
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“Here you go, the keys to a three-hundred-grand sports car, a Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4, to be exact. Let’s just unlock the gate to the track at Homestead for you. Go crazy, do three laps at the top speed, 201 mph. The price of the aptly named Supercar Xperience, a lifetime goal for many car nuts, starts at $199, although that Lambo will run $349k. The bad news: you will need to return the keys.” Supercar Xperience, $199. Available at thextremexperience.com.
“Remember how we used to meet, just randomly on a Tuesday afternoon, just as it felt like one more email could not be possibly sent, for a quick cafecito? If you want to give a gift this holiday season, let’s do that again. Masks on, six feet apart. How’s Tuesday?” An order of Cuban cafecito can range from approximately $1.50 to $3.00. The opportunity to spend time with friends in person remains priceless.
Angela Caraway-Carlton,
Travel Editor
“2020 will not break my holiday spirit. Presents will be wrapped, Christmas movies will be binged, and my annual ‘Pancakes and Pajamas’ brunch will still take place in some capacity, even if it’s just a few PJ-clad girlfriends gathered at a safely spaced table outdoors. Most importantly, I plan to support my favorite local makers when gifting, while sprinkling in travel inspiration and items that spark joy wherever I can.”
“I want every single one of Assouline’s collection of travel books ($95 each) to adorn shelves, nooks and tables in my home. Authored by different travel writers and experts, these vibrant books whisk readers away to idyllic places like cultural-gem Marrakech and beachy-chic Tulum — and the newly released, canary-yellow Miami book is a staple for everyone in the 305.” Marrakech Flair by Assouline, $95. Available at assouline.com.
“Gray Malin, my favorite travel photographer who dangles out of helicopters to snap photos of epic landscapes and high-society playgrounds, recently launched acrylic trays featuring some of his most popular snaps, along with a glass-blown ornament inspired by his best-selling photo of a balloon-toting elephant at the Parker Palm Springs.” Gray Malin trays ($295-$335) and ornament ($55). Available at graymalin.com.
“The all-female run, handcrafted-in-Miami jewelry company taudrey by owner/designer Tiffany Dominguez features bold and gold pieces for the holidays, and I’m coveting (the appropriately named) Glimmer of Hoop earrings ($38) and thick, gold necklaces like the Link Together choker ($58) or Super Girl necklace ($78).” Available at taudrey.com.
“Marie-Claire Chabat of The Soaperie Bar acquires beautiful artisanal products from Marseille like crushed rose-petal soaps and olive oil pump soaps, along with salt scrubs and linen sprays that she makes herself using lavender oil from the South of France. She’ll create a dreamy custom gift basket that’ll make the home-for-theholidays crowd swoon.” Prices vary. For more information, please visit thesoaperiebar.com.
“Remember how we didn’t carry a handbag for months? Make up for lost time with local designer Candy Woolley’s new line of artful Window bags made of genuine leather and calf hair dashed in bright colors that are effortless to carry.” Candy Woolley bags start at $430. Available at candywoolley.com.
Alona Abbady Martinez,
“If you want to make it on a foodie’s nice list, head straight to Garcia-Nevett Chocolates — an exquisite chocolate shop run by two sisters who know their way around a cacao bean. To get a sampling of their artistry, try the ‘Experience Box’ ($120) — truffles, hot chocolate mix, a caramel sauce and three more bags with chocolate discs. There’s also the adorable ‘Santa's Boot Filled with Coal’ ($40) — a chocolate boot brimming with dark chocolate hand-rolled truffles. Can I get a ho-ho-ho?” Garcia-Nevett Chocolates, prices vary. Available at 7312 Red Road, Miami or www.garcianevett.com.
Contributor
ICZA AVILA AT WWW.KARMICCULTURE.COM; COURTESY OF ASSOULINE.
“We all know that 2020 is going down in the books as one of the most surreal moments in history, but that won’t stop the copious amounts of food being produced at my house. We celebrate Hanukkah, which means eight days of feasting. Latkes — fried potato pancakes — are the most coveted (and consumed) dish, followed by souvganiot (Israeli-style jelly donuts) as well as the random appearance of empanadas, tequeños and arepas, because...South Florida! “Each luxury shoe by Alepel begins as a blank canvas which is then hand-painted by a Miami artist, transforming the final product into a oneof-a-kind, wearable art piece, which, by the way, happens to be super comfortable. Alepel also offers complimentary monograms on every order.” Alepel hand-painted shoes, prices vary. Available at www.alepel.com.
“Whether he’s an old-school watch enthusiast or favors the App-forward ethos of a smart watch, this classy timepiece speaks to both traditional and technological tastes. The Hermès/Apple watch combines craftsmanship and functionality in a smart, timeless piece that has a single tour band in Fawn Barenia calfskin.” Hermes/Apple Watch, Series 6, $1,299. Available at Hermès, 163 Northeast 39th Street, Miami and at www.hermes.com.
“There’s something about savoring a crisp, bubbly pizza made at home that hits the love button each and every time. If your home-built backyard pizza oven is still on that honeydew list on the fridge, opt for Ooni’s portable pizza oven which reaches the sweet spot of 900 degrees rendering a crisp, Neapolitan pie in minutes.” Ooni Pro Multi-fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven, $599. Available at www.ooni.com.
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WHAT WE WOULD HAVE
WORN While the exciting events of Miami’s high season may be on hold, the covetable fashion ensembles that would have stolen the spotlight live on in our hearts. These locals let INDULGE in on the social happenings they miss and the head-to-toe looks they dream of wearing someday soon.
In a year that found us resorting to a wardrobe that was more norm-core and less off-the-runway, fantasizing about the looks that could have been offers a certain bittersweet satisfaction. It also fills us with inspiration for the times ahead. INDULGE reached out to a group of local philanthropists known for their style as much as for their attention to causes that matter, posing the question: To an anticipated event that may be on hiatus until 2021, or perhaps one that looked different this year (read: virtual), what would you have worn?
Words by Jenny Starr Perez / Produced by Elysze Held / Photos by Michael Russell/Russell Film Company
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ALEXA & ADAM WOLMAN Occupation: General Counsel (Alexa) and General Partner (Adam) of Compiler.VC, a venture capital fund focused on healthcare and retail holdings. Claim to philanthropic fame: Alexa is a Trustee of the Pérez Art Museum Miami and The Fountainhead Artist's Residency. Together, she and husband Adam recently co-chaired the 2019 Vizcaya Ball.
Tell us about your outfit. Alexa: “My dress, shoes, fan and handcuff are by Gucci. My earrings and necklace are by Ryan Storer. My hat is from Miami-based Shapoh (shapoh.com). Adam is wearing a Gucci tuxedo, Ralph Lauren Polo bowtie with bulldogs, and sneakers from Reunion Shoe Company.” What event would you have worn it to? Alexa: In a perfect world, we would be wearing these ensembles to the Vizcaya Ball, sponsored by Chanel Fine Jewelry and Gucci (as it was last year) in late November. Another event we’re sad to be missing (and would be totally overdressed for) is the PAMM Kids Jam in early November, which debuted last year to benefit educational programming at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. What charities are you currently involved in? Adam: I am primarily involved with Vizcaya at this time. Vizcaya has great historical and cultural significance, and it is important for us to preserve the property for future Miami generations. Vizcaya’s founder, James Deering, tackled urban landscape issues, such as food production and climate change, that are as important as ever in our world. Alexa: PAMM has special significance in that it is a social and cultural bellwether in its mission to highlight Miami’s diverse population and showcase African diaspora, as well as Latin and Caribbean art and artists. The museum does a tremendous amount of outreach to the surrounding community through programming focused on inclusion, so that all people can participate in the culturally relevant conversations that art inspires. What have you missed the most during the era of COVID-19? Alexa: Mostly, I miss the sense of freedom to experience life in person: hugging family, seeing friends, traveling and viewing art. We’re so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place during this precarious time, so things could certainly be worse. But I’d be lying if I didn’t also admit that I miss dressing up to attend events in support of our community. What are you most looking forward to in 2021? Adam: Chinese food in New York. Alexa: I think the events of 2020 have emphasized the importance of our local landscape in the larger world, and I hope that we can continue to enhance what’s best about Miami in 2021.
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FLAVIA LOWENSTEIN Occupation: Interior Design Director; Member of the Board of Directors of Lionstone Development (owner of The Ritz-Carlton South Beach and The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour hotels), as well as all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean; founder and Creative Director for FLOWEN, a luxury, sculptural jewelry and objets d'art collection featured in the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Claim to philanthropic fame: Committee member for Art in Public Places for the City of Miami Beach, and founding Junior Host Committee for Art Basel.
Tell us about your outfit. It certainly feels great to get dressed up again, even if it’s just pretend! I am wearing a multi-colored sequin halter dress from pre-fall 2020 by The Attico, which is one of the pieces I recently fell in love with and bought online from Brown’s in London, and red velvet booties by Giuseppe Zanotti. The diamond and gold rings and hoop earrings and clutch are by my own collection of sculptural jewelry sold at FLOWEN. What event would you have worn it to? The Human Rights Watch Annual Dinner at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. I’d be stopping by Ritz-Carlton South Beach for drinks with friends before we set off to the dinner, of course.
What charities do you currently support? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, UNICEF and Human Rights Watch. I’m also introducing my children Luna (22), Mia (20), and Felix (17) to the importance of involvement in charitable efforts so that their generation can continue with its efforts to make a change. What have you missed most during the era of COVID-19? Visiting art exhibits. I have always been an avid art enthusiast, and attended many global art exhibits and fairs. However, it has been enriching spending quality time with my family at home and finding comfort in the small things. What are you most looking forward to in 2021? Living in a healthy, more united world in which we all return to normality.
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EDUARDO MARTURET Occupation: Latin Grammy-nominated Music Director and Conductor of the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO). Claim to philanthropic fame: Bringing music to the masses through MISO’s monthly free concert series in the Miami Design District’s Palm Court, an event produced by Emilio Estefan. Marturet was also inducted into the Genius 100 Visions Group, an active community of 100 exceptionally imaginative and impactful human beings including the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, architect Frank Gehry and other luminaries.
Tell us about your outfit. The mandarin collar jacket and matching trousers designed by my friend, Miami-based GreekVenezuelan Anastasios Giannoutsos, is a perfect substitute to the traditional conductor’s tails suit. It maintains the elegant stage presence, while adding a classy modern style. What event would you have worn it to? The Miami Symphony Orchestra classical series at the Arsht Center and our exclusive avant-garde series at the Moore Building of the Miami Design District. I usually dress more casually for our outdoor concerts, but this suit is lightweight enough to be worn outside for our Friday night concerts at the Palm Court. What have you missed most during the era of COVID-19? I miss the interaction with our audience and working closely with my beloved MISO musicians. The importance of actual human interaction is something which we were not aware of until it was taken away from us during the pandemic. This is even more relevant to symphony musicians whose instruments are 100% acoustic, not electronic, and a physical stage is vital. What are you most looking forward to in 2021? I can’t wait to make great music again for the fabulous audience which for the last three years has been attending our series at the Palm Court. The world might never be the same, but now we have the opportunity to make it even better than before!
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IVA KOSOVIC-DUVIN Occupation: Philanthropy Consultant at Duvin Collaborative. Claim to philanthropic fame: Prior to launching Duvin Collaborative, a full-service philanthropy and CSR consulting agency, Kosovic-Duvin served as the Vice President of Advancement and Community Engagement at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and wore many hats during a decade-long tenure at the New World Symphony (NWS). She has served on committees for several local non-profit organizations including Miami City Ballet, Coconut Grove Cares and No More Tears.
Tell us about your outfit. I am wearing head-to-toe Thom Browne, in my opinion the most exciting and cerebral American designer of our day. The jacket is the centerpiece, with its corseted structure reminiscent of 18th century silhouettes. The bag is Sanreve’s Maestra, a modern-day briefcase which is beautifully constructed and fits everything one may need to get through a busy day. What event would you have worn this to? SAVE’s Presidential Election Watch Party. I would need an outfit that takes me from early morning to late night. This ensemble does the trick, while packing a healthy dose of stand-out style and acknowledging the poignancy of the moment. What charities are you involved in? Having built my career in philanthropy, I look for causes that speak to my values and where I feel my expertise can make the most impact. Currently I am excited to be lending a hand to Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, a contemporary ballet company dedicated to presenting works that mirror the cultural diversity of our city. What have you missed most during the era of COVID-19? Cultural events like live performances. It breaks my heart to see so many talented artists, especially those who thrive in large ensemble settings and whose work is fueled by the energy from the audience, having to dramatically readjust their practice. What are you most looking forward to in 2021? This has been such a challenging year across the board. I hope we can emerge from it with fresh perspectives, less fragmented and with a better sense of collective well-being.
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ABIGAIL POLLAK Occupation: Celebrated philanthropist with two law degrees. Claim to philanthropic fame: She and her late husband, Frederick John “FJ” Pollak, collaborated with the organization Maestro Cares to build orphanages in Peru, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Colombia. Pollack also serves on the commission that studies the feasibility of building the First National Museum for the American Latino, a Presidential Appointment by President Barack Obama.
Tell us about your outfit. I’m wearing a look from Balmain’s latest Fall/Winter collection. The dress embodies the archival Jolie Madame silhouette made famous by the iconic French house and its founder Pierre Balmain. The usage of the soft and hard fabrics, military buttons and flared sleeves is the perfect juxtaposition to exuding femininity, confidence and power. I paired the dress with the label’s glitter suede pump with metallic heel. What event would you have worn this to? Because of its simplicity, color and fabrics, I would have worn it to a dinner or cocktail party given by friends, either in New York or Miami. What charities are you involved in? A charity that is dear to my heart is Maestro Cares. Founded by Marc Anthony and Henry Cardenas, the funds raised help to build orphanages throughout Latin America. I chaired the annual gala for five years until I resigned to spend more time with my family. What have you missed most during the era of COVID-19? I miss being at the spectacle that is Paris Fashion Week. It’s my favorite of all the events, charity or otherwise, that I attend every year. I miss the parties, styling my outfits for the shows, and the intimate contacts that I have with all of the behind the scenes people that make it the magic happen. They have become my friends. What are you most looking forward to in 2021? Just to end this pandemic in good health. I look forward to being able to travel to Peru with my children, so we can see my parents and be able to give them a big hug. I wish the same for all those who haven’t seen their families for a long time.
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indulgence By Claudia Miyar
B
y all accounts, Jean Schlumberger was a designer, née man, who appreciated the miracle of jewels. “For him, they are the ways and means to the realization of his dreams,” said his friend, the legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland. Renowned for his fantastical creations infused with wit and curiosity, the visionary jewelry designer got his start in fashion by designing buttons for Elsa Schiaparelli. It was’t long before he was creating treasures for Tiffany & Co. and adorning high profile clients such as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Gloria Vanderbilt, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor. His storied career with Tiffany’s lasted until his retirement decades later. This year, Tiffany & Co. celebrates the designer’s gift for reimagining nature’s wonders into objects of mesmerizing beauty. The Extraordinary Tiffany collection showcases his magnificent jewels, the designs exemplifying the American luxury brand’s longstanding legacy of visionary artistry and consummate craftsmanship. Intricate and imaginative, Schlumberger’s creations are as vibrant today as when he first created them, and that’s something to marvel over.
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Leaves necklace in platinum and 18k yellow gold with round brilliant diamonds, price upon request.
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