Notable locals share some of their favorite places and things

stylish alignment

As the director of communications for Roche Bobois Paris, Julien Bigan’s style cadence is off the charts. Not one to think inside the box, his professional and sartorial cues extends way beyond convention. Behold his favorite things.

BY CHARLOTTE TRATTNER

Favorite meal? Antipasto di Mare Crudo, the seafood platter at Sapore di Mare in Coconut Grove. It reminds me of Italy. Best place to shop? Europann Saint-Tropez for the men’s resortwear. It feels like you are in one of those beach boutiques in Saint-Tropez. Preferred activities? That is easy: playing tennis with my family. My wife is a professional tennis player, and my children play every day. We are a tennis family. Mustread book? The Idiot by Dostoevsky; it’s the second-degree humor. You can’t always take yourself too seriously. Miami’s best-kept secret? Mamma Leone Bakery in Midtown. In my opinion, the best thing on the menu is the Italian toast. On your travel agenda? Milan. I lived there for 20 years before coming to Miami. I miss it all the time and have plans to travel there soon. Favorite interior design tips? You must look for alignment. Consider all your furniture aligning to the walls and windows, and you can’t forget the tiles. Consider placing a sofa in the middle, try to take a mathematical approach. This will provide visual satisfaction; it’s all about symmetry.

heeled and ready

It takes a top realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty and a Miami native to know a finer thing when she sees it. With 30 years of real estate experience and quite the fashion prowess, Ashley Cusack champions refined living. Here is where she finds it.

BY CHARLOTTE TRATTNER

Favorite homeware fix? I love to browse Country French in South Miami. I can’t resist beautiful dinnerware. On your travel agenda? I love traveling to Europe, but I don’t go often enough. The Italian countryside is magnificent, and I love the food and wine. My family also spends a lot of time in Key West and the Bahamas boating and spearfishing, so those places are special. Dining picks? I love Whisk and Frenchies Diner. Both are intimate and have wonderful food. As I said earlier, I love Italy, and Bellini in the Grove gives a sense of being there. “In the Know” spot? There are so many answers to this, but I grew up going to Stiltsville. While there are less homes there now, I still believe it is one of the coolest places in Miami. You can sit out there and watch a storm pass by; it’s just beautiful. Favorite ways to give back? I am very involved in my church, St. Thomas. I also love Shake-a-leg, Breakthrough Miami, The Junior League and Beaux Arts. They all do amazing work for the community! Best shoes to wear to a listing? I am a Jimmy Choo fanatic! On your nightstand? Love is the Way by Bishop Michael Curry and The Year of Dangerous Days: Riots, Refugees and Cocaine in Miami 1980 by Nicholas Griffin. I love to read, so I probably answer this question differently every month.