MetroMiami November Issue

Wynwood

WWW.METROMIAMI.NET

YEAR 01, VOL. 01 | NOVEMBER 09, 2012

In stark contrast to the brilliant white Miami landscape, colors and images pop up unexpectedly along the 1-95 corridor.

... Pg. 6

Message from Miami City Mayor In an economy that has hit every city in the nation, balancing the budget is a monumental task.

... Pg. 13

Keep it Green

Jordan Wolfe, 33, forgoes the typical South Beach up-all-night-sleep-all-day lifestyle in favor of

... Pg. 27

Photo by Jaime Millan

INSIDE

Model

Boricua in the house ... Pg. 16

Fashion

In New York and Madrid ... Pg. 24

What’s Hot on Broadway ... Pg. 28

2 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 3

4 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROSTAFF

Letter from the

Editor

ear Readers: Thank you for picking up our irst issue of MetroMiami, the city’s newest alternative newspaper. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished! Our writers, editors and photographers – sometimes one in the same – hail from around the globe. By the time you’ve read our irst issue, you’ll know why we love Miami, its rhythms and its pulses, its culture and its people.

Each month we’ll bring you what we’ve uncovered in world of art, fashion, travel, business, and culture both locally and internationally. We feel we have developed a unique strategy to engage the cosmopolitan reader.

We will represent Miami as we see it - an ever-culturally-changing city.

And we will alert readers to cultural, business and travel opportunities abroad.

Be sure to be on the look out for our sister publication, Nocturno Miami, a sleek, glossy and sexy alternative magazine, due out by the end of November.

Staff Wilson Pacateque Publisher

wilson@metromiami.net

Charlotte Miller Editor

Pedro Lazaro Editorial

charlotte@metromiami.net

info@metromiami.net

JJuan Orta

JJaime Millan

Natalia Millan

Writer

Creative Director C

Art Director

info@metromiami.net

Ernesto Gomez Ad dministration

ernesto@metromiami.net

jaime@metromiami.net

Ana Maria ia Gomez Accounting

accounting@metromiami.net

METROMIAMI is not responsible for damage or injury arising from content of advertisements in this publication. The views expressed in the articles re lect only the view of the authors.

METROMIAMI is a newspaper that circulates monthly and is distributed in more af luent areas of the metropolitan area.

natalia@metromiami.net

Eva E Garzón Marketing/Sales

eva@metromiami.net

Editorial Of ices Administrative and Sales 1582 NW 108 Ave. Miami FL. 33172 1.800.913.0424 info@metromiami.net www.metromiami.net

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 5

6 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROSPOT

Wynwood’s Transformation

By Charlotte Miller

I

n stark contrast to the brilliant white Miami landscape, colors and images pop up unexpectedly along the 1-95 corridor. Once a classic illustration of urban blight, characterized by abandoned and decaying warehouses, Wynwood has become a world-class art destination and a mecca for emerging and recognized street artists.

Credit entrepreneur and visionary Tony Goldman. Goldman who died in September at age 69, envisioned thriving and architecturally appealing neighborhoods when others only saw desolation and neglect. Largely responsible for revitalizing New York City’s SoHo and parts of the city’s financial district, and Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, Goldman bought about two

dozen buildings, white-washed them, and invited prominent street artists like Shepard Fairey, Logan Hicks, Kenny Scharf, Os Gemeos and others to make art.

To the many Wynwood artists who had been making artful graffiti illegally, the idea of preservation was remarkable. By inviting them to be part of the project was a way of reaching more people while offering outdoor museum space.

Goldman was not just another deep-pocketed developer, but a visionary with a super-refined business sense. Goldman’s creation not only changed the visual landscape of Miami, it changed its cultural and economic structure.

What happening here is something huge.

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 7

8 |

METROSPOT

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

2

nd

Saturday Art Walk

Photo by Jaime Millan

Photo by Wilson Pacateque

By Charlotte Miller

W

e knew parking would be at a premium and driving – well – it’s Miami, so we parked well out of the Wynwood Art District, put on our walking shoes and headed to the super-popular 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

We’re glad we did.

Wynwood Art District is officially bordered by I-95 on the west, Biscayne Boulevard on the East, and spills over just north

of downtown where it mingles with fashion, architecture, art and design at its margins. The treasures outskirting the district are vast. We zigzagged past random art galleries tucked in between houses and sprawling murals on walls adjacent to a tire store.

Right away, the festive vibe of the night seduced our senses in the press a steamy Miami night.

We had been handed a map – in fact several -

Photo by Wilson Pacateque

but planning a route was futile.

Instead we surrendered and settled into the groove; we were totally cool being swept into the layers of art, food and music.

The 2nd Saturday Wynwood Art Walk is MetroMiami in all its outlandishness and systemized chaos.

Squat the District, an artsy co-op type warehouse, gave space to more

METROSPOT

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 9

Photo by Wilson Pacateque

Photo by Wilson Pacateque

Photo by Wilson Pacateque Photo by Jaime Millan

than 40 designers, artists and entrepreneurs offering downright affordable goods - jewelry, clothing, purses and an unusual selection of imports. Random video installations, live DJ sounds, specialty bites and cocktails could have kept us right there.

Hardcore Art Contemporary Space shows the work of local and international artists who use innovative and provocative mediums. We loved the layout of this space with its ease and comfort in moving through the art and video installations, and easy in-out access.

At the core of the district, tribal jams, tropical grooves, a cowboy hat-wearing three-piece gold-dust band, house DJs and every so often, a lone minstrel played within in steps of one another.

Marvel after painted-warehouse-wall marvel until we hit the food court, a marvel in its own right. We didn’t count, but we estimate at least

30 food truck vendors selling everything from Latin taco burgers to neon yogurt bowls. Both of which, by the way, were delicious and not too pricey.

We wandered into Peter Tunney’s exhibit, a perfect cog in the Wynwood art wheel. Tunney probes our culture by mining images and words from news sources and reinterpreting them through his own perspective, often making his own news headline with whimsy. We were reminded, thanks to Tunney, The Time Is Always Now. We could have stayed an hour or two longer in Kenny Scharf’s tripped out Airstream trailer and the Wynwood Walls made us want to sit and stare at the intricacies of once illegal street art brought to life in this outdoor museum of the senses.

The gallery attendants at O Ascanio Gallery overdid the bored indifference bit, but the ex-

Photo by Charlotte Miller

hibit, Concrete Perspectives by Hester Esquenazi, is stunning. The warehouse wall-sized photos depict some of South Florida’s most recognizable landmarks – Marlins Park and Herzog & deMeuron’s architecturally splendid parking garage at 1111 Lincoln Road – photographed as solitary sculptures.

The work of a self-proclaimed round peg in square hole – the creative misfit at EVL World sparked our mischievous side. Here old-school graffiti meets naughty boy pop artist in a bright, noisy, colorful, thumping, raving cartoon gallery. Erni Vales’ gun-toting bunny-rabbits, stitched and pinned teddy bears, sushied cats, and dizzying erotica gave us a jolt and then queasy laugh, which is what you want from an artist called EVL. People watching hits prime here, and check out the EVL World merchandise.

Directly next door to EVL World, and in such

stark contrast we felt like we stepped off the crazy train on to a feather bed, is A. Dale Nally’s Studio. Nally’s work is subtle and intriguing.

Best known for his rich surface textures and sophisticated use of color, his work invites us to slow down, go deep, get serene, introspect, stop thinking and expand our consciousness. Of special note is Nally’s stark and stunning Safe Passage Series. The pace and rhythm of the night didn’t allow for much introspection. We promised ourselves we’d be back.

We didn’t hit it all. We couldn’t possibly do so. But 2nd Saturday happens, well, every second Saturday of the month; the next is November 10. Shift your standards, settle in, enjoy.

No need to wait, however, until the next walk.

Wynwood is wide awake all week and most galleries, studios, restaurants and shops are open daily.

10 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METRODINING Photo by Mark Roskams

Wynwood Kitchen and Bar terrace

Wynwood

Kitchen and Bar

By Charlotte Miller

I

Photo by Andrew Meade

Pan-seared Snapper Photo by Andrew Meade

Vacafrita

t’s the perfect blend of cutting edge art and really good food.

Located in the heart of Miami’s hippest neighborhood, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar stands for what the ‘hood is all about.

Let’s begin with first impressions. Excellent!

No neon signs signaled our arrival at WKB, but we knew. We looked for the stand-alone warehouse structure, whose massive outside walls are stunningly decorated with the best of urban street art murals by twin Brazilian artists Os Gemeos, the American collaborative Dearraindrop and renowned artist Kenny Scharf.

Impression ratings continued beyond our expectations. On our Monday mid-day visit we were first greeted by a young hostess with an I love-my-job smile. We chose indoor seating, but outdoor was available.

Outdoor dining faces Goldman Properties’ art park, Wynwood Walls, which encompasses a series of breathtaking murals by leading international urban street artists.

Our server was immediately tableside to take our drink order and inform us of the specials of the day. In a city where lots of restaurants are closed on Monday, we were pleased to hear an abundance of choices.

The interior of WKB is as striking as its exterior. Surrounding the dining area are 20-foot

Wynwood Kitchen and Bar interior

canvases of explosive abstract art by German artist Christian Awe. Over the massive bar, an original Shepard Fairey collage created in his signature palette of red, black and gold. An 11foot striped sculpture by artist David Benjamin Sherry hangs in a corner floor-to-ceiling window and is also visible from the street.

The creators kept the warehouse design, but incorporated a laid-back groove – part industrial, part organic. The balance of exploding color and concepts with neutral elements of driftwood, dark oak, leather works extremely well.

The food is “innovative global-Latino cuisine.” Each dish was creatively presented and everything we ordered was unusually good.

WKB showcases an array of small plates offerings created by Chef Miguel Aguilar, who uses exquisitely simple, farm fresh, local and organic ingredients. Aguilar is formerly of Alma de Cuba and was catering chef for restaurateur Stephen Starr, Philadelphia.

Plate size and cost encourage mix and match dining. Bacon wrapped dates, chicken ropa vieja empanadas, pork rillette with roasted tomatillo sauce, pan-seared Florida fish left us with enough room to share molten cake and coconut upside down cake.

Mixologists get whimsical and offer a full

Photo by Mark Roskams

array of WKB artists inspired drinks. Beer and wine enthusiasts will find 40 of the best international handcrafted beers, six beers on draft, 20 superb wines by the glass, and a comprehensive wine list with a choice of 70 reasonably priced vintages.

Grammy Award-winning flautist Nestor Torres curates a weekly music series, seeking out local musicians, singers and songwriters. Torres, while making regular appearances, also collaborates with the acts.

Considered one of the coolest and most visually striking restaurants in the nation, visionary and CEO of Goldman Properties Tony Goldman and his partner and daughter Jessica Goldman Srebnick opened WKB during the world famous Art Basel weekend in 2010. It was an immediate success and ramped up expectations for the booming arts district. The elder Goldman died in September You need to know: Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, located at 2550 NW 2nd Avenue, is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, with live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 305-7228959 or by visiting www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com. There is ample street parking and valet service available.

METROHONOR

Wynwood Walls will honor founder Tony Goldman during Art Basel

A

rt Basel, one of the most prestigious international art shows anywhere, is set at the Miami Beach Convention Center December 6 through 9. The show is a stunning and almost overwhelming collection of more than 250 representing galleries showcasing more than 2,000 artists.

But Art Basel has also become an important weekend for satellite fairs around Magic City, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Wynwood Art District.

In 2009, visionary and entrepreneur Tony Goldman and visual arts guru Jeffrey Deitch collaborated to create Wynwood Walls, Miami’s open-air museum of the streets. Since then the walls have become a focal point of the Wynwood arts community, and a world-renowned attraction. Right now, the art park showcases more than 40 dazzling, cutting-edge murals created by respected street artists.

Under the direction of CEO Jessica Goldman Srebnick, and in collaboration with Goldman Properties’ arts manager Meghan Coleman, Wyn-

wood will honor Tony Goldman during Art Basel.

A new exhibition of commissioned works entitled Time Evaporates, Emotion Elevates; the debut of the Augmented Reality App at Wynwood Walls; The Shop at the Walls; a new Shepard Fairey mural incorporating the image of Tony Goldman, and a garden created by artist and personal friend of Goldman’s, Kenny Scharf, are all part of the Art Basel programming. Each of these pieces form an artistic journey giving visitors a chance to “Come and Dream” in the world of Tony Goldman.

Goldman died in September at age 69.

Time Evaporates, Emotion Elevates, a curated exhibit featuring specially commissioned lenticular lightbox paintings by selected artists of the Wynwood Walls, will be installed within the new Nicewalk Gallery space. The exhibit takes its name from a quote of Goldman’s relating to the concept of emotion being stronger than time. The list of participating artists is still being finalized, but of those confirmed, all had an especially close relationship with Goldman who encouraged their work. The exhibition will also include

a projection platform displaying the web series of Here Comes the Neighborhood. Monitors will also display video footage Goldman silently greeting guests and wandering through the Wynwood Walls.

The Shop At the Walls will offer a curated collection of limited art editions, inspired and created by the artists of Wynwood Walls. As part of “Come and Dream” visitors can take part in the creative life. Available for purchase and crafted by the artists are Go-Kits that encourage would-be artists to Go-Paint, for example. The Go-Paint kit contains large format art paper, spray paint and artists’ stencils giving tools to create spontaneously. Other Go-Kits and artist-designed products will be available.

The Art Basel debut of the Augmented Reality App, available for download on Android and iPhone, will allow visitors to see an “augmented reality of the murals” created in coordination with the artists. The first of several will debut for Art Basel; the rest will be released throughout the year.

The app also provided a tour of pre-mural and

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 11

Photo by Mia Nuñez

BY CHARLOTTE MILLER

early-mural Wynwood.

Kenny Scharf’s Memorial Garden for Tony Goldman, complete with fountain, landscaping, lighting and an additional mural will be installed and dedicated at the site of Scharf’s mural at 2219 NW Second Avenue. Scharf will also relocate his famed 1960s tripped out, psychedelic Airstream trailer to the site.

Shepard Fairey is redoing his large iconic mural outside Wynwood Kitchen & Bar to incorporated an image of Goldman.

In the heart of it all, where Goldman will surely be present in spirit form, are the Wynwood Walls murals with stunning works by street artists Shepard Fairey, Faile, Retna, The Date Farmers, How and Nosm, Saner and Sego, Liqen, Kenny Scharf, and others.

You need to know: The Wynwood Walls sit between Joey’s Italian Café and Wynwood Kitchen and Bar on NW Second Avenue, between 25th and 26th streets. Free and open to the public year-round, parking is ample and valet is available.

12 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROEVENTS

Art Center/South Florida opening of 101 Dresses

David Zalban, Resident Artist and Antonia Wright.

3 of Adriana Carvalhos 101 Dresses

Kathy Kissik, Resident Artist, MerleWeiss, Art Center Member/South Florida Board, Adriana Carvalho, 101 Dresses and creator and resident Artist, Ena Marrero, Resident Artist.

Visitors to 101 Dresses at AC/SF opening.

For third year in a row Miami balances the budget METROCITY’S VOICE

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 13

By Tomas Regalado City of Miami Mayor

I

n an economy that has hit every city in the nation, balancing the budget is a monumental task. For the third year in a row we have dealt with workers’ unions to have them help us cutting almost everywhere to fill the gap in the budget. Property taxes, the main source of income to the city, is beginning to recover, but not yet enough to get us back out of the red line.

In order to have an idea of what we have done to equilibrate Miami’s finances, look at the deficits we have coped with in the last three years: 2010-$118 million; 2011-$62 million; and 2012-$40 million. They were really scaring! And maybe as importantly, we balanced them without raising taxes to the resi-

dents, a usual practice of politicians, and keeping the same amount and quality of services to the residents. Our policy has been to cut superfluous expenses, consolidate departments, eliminate non-basic executive positions, and restructure the wage and pension systems.

When I took office, 84% of the city income was dedicated to wages, benefits and pensions of employees. In three years we have reduced them 10%.

I know that past politicians predicted that Miami would go bankrupt and even some of them dared to suggest “a State intervention to heal our finances.” But, the facts prevailed and there is the record of a balanced budgets and our responsible work to strengthen the re-

serves of the city. In 2003 the reserves of Miami amounted to $141 million, but when I took over the city, at the end of 2009, they had been consumed to a meager $13 million. In spite of the economic hard times, we have been able to raise the reserves to close to $20 million plus what we may add up this year. We know how important it is to the city and its finances to have available a strong reserve.

I also want to remark that the federal government reduced this year a 33% of the funds we used to receive for community development. I need not to elaborate on the economic impact to the city and our finances. However, we have managed to keep providing what the most vulnerable sectors of our community

need most: the program of meals for elderly people, daycare for the kids of worker mothers of low income, and affordable housing for residents in need.

In spite of the economic hard times, we have managed to organize a trolleybus service to strengthen the public transportation network.

The new trolleybus line, which is free of charge, will join the main bus lines with the hospital sector of the city around Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the Miami Marlins stadium.

We are hopeful that the new fiscal year shall be better and we will enjoy an economic recovery that, eventually, allow us to provide better services and move Miami up in the rank of the most attractive cities of the nation.

14 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROEVENTS

Art Center/South Florida new art space opening at 924 Lincoln Road

Regina Jestrow, resident and performance artist

Performance artist Project 924 at AC/SF

Doris Rodriguez, resident artist, Ena Marrero resident artist, Merle Weiss, AC/SF board member, and Cherese Crockett, AC/SF exhibitions and artists relations manager

Performance artist Project 924 at AC/SF

Regina Jestrow, resident and performance artist

Resident artists Lisette Schaeffer and Regina Jestrow

Visitors to Project 924 at AC/SF

METROART HOUSE

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

REEL REVIEW: The Coral Gables Art Cinema By: Juan Orta

I

had made up my mind; a one day, 460-mile roundtrip to Orlando and back in order to watch a limited release screening of an independent film I had been highly anticipating for over a year, Samsara.

Upon it’s initial release, it was limited to—not surprisingly—New York and Los Angeles. A few weeks later when I heard the release was expanding, I became hopeful. When I saw that it was playing in Orlando I thought, Perfect! That’s just two hundred thirty miles away! I don’t even have to stay there! In case you haven’t noticed by now, I am pretty serious about movies; I’ll spare you my initial plans for attending the New York release.

Exactly one day before my cinematic pilgrimage, I received a text message from a friend inviting me to watch Samsara at the Coral Gables Art Cinema the following night. I read the message again to make sure I had it right. Coral Gables Art Cinema; a one-screen haven for those of us who’ve grown weary of the multiplexes and their commonplace selections. New York and Los Angeles are percolating with these kinds of venues and with the opening of this new theatre, we may very well be witnessing the beginning of the end of the stranglehold these two cities hold over the distribution and showcasing of art cinema.

The next night, I arrived at the theatre along with two other cinephile chums of mine to help support the venue, because the way I see it, the theatre unwittingly did me a great service in selecting Samsara for a screening, otherwise I would’ve been spending a lot more money on gas than on tickets and popcorn. The theatre how-

ever, wasn’t finished with me yet; it saved one final sparkling cherry for me to find upon my arrival at the concession stand. Beer. They sell… beer. And I mean the good kind! Delicious, frosty imports. I had never had beer in a movie theatre before and now that I have, multiplexes are going to have to seriously step up their game for my patronage because one thing is for sure, I’ll be steering as many of my friends as I can to this little charmer. It has a small museum of sorts on its second floor in which many different cameras, some as old as 80 years, can be found on display.

It all added to a delightfully vintage atmosphere.

So far, everything had been going so well that I was sure I was going to find something about it that I didn’t like perhaps in snobby film geek staff members who’d stare down their noses at you if you don’t know the meaning of cinema verite.

That final worry of mine drowned in an ocean of friendliness, professionalism and product knowledge possessed by every staff member I engaged.

The Coral Gables Art Cinema opened its doors for the first time in 2010 and has been slowly but surely getting more and more attention and, after having gone there for two different nights in a row, I can definitely see why.

What you need to know: The Coral Gables Art Cinema is located at 260 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134, across the street from Books & Books and the Coral Gables Art Museum making this spot a small artistic and cultural hub, for shows and show times, call 786-385-9689 or visit www.gablescinema.com

Brickell Bay Office Tower 1001 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 2908 • FL 33131

| 15

16 |

Block

Boricua on the

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROMODEL

METROMODEL

Photographer: Yoel Parrilla Model: Gretshen Capo " Epic Models" Hair and Make uo: Lio Maldonado Stylist: Javier Scalley Digital Retoching Walter Leonard

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 17

16 |

Block

Boricua on the

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROMODEL

METROMODEL

Photographer: Yoel Parrilla Model: Gretshen Capo " Epic Models" Hair and Make uo: Lio Maldonado Stylist: Javier Scalley Digital Retoching Walter Leonard

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 17

18 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROMODEL

METROMODEL Photographer: Yoel Parrilla Model: Gretshen Capo " Epic Models" Hair and Make uo: Lio Maldonado Stylist: Javier Scalley Digital Retoching Walter Leonard

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 19

20 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METRO ON THE MOVE

Juliana Rojas and J Alina Arboleda

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 21

Photo by Ferenc Nagy

By: Juliana Rojas

uliana Rojas a n d Alina Arboleda, two young Colombian entrepreneurs, who live in Miami, are getting to be well-known in Metro Miami through the different businesses they both run.

Their unique personalities, special talents and vision have taken them to a level where commitment, responsibility and success are part of their list every day.

At the moment, these professional women are the founders of iPRyou, a public relations company based in Miami that specializes in marketing tailored events. They are also the founders of the sophisticated fashion brand GABBITA a truly unique line of evening and swimwear, inspired by the traditional arti-

sans from the far-reaches of Colombia. Now with their great success on what they have done, and the extended network, they created an advanced marketing company called META SWISS that specializes in creating advanced marketing concepts for brands, hotels and big companies. Between that and their role as mothers keep them very busy.

Alina Arboleda has over ten years of sales, marketing, and public relations experience in both national and international markets.

She began her career in sales for a number of multinational companies, where she gained invaluable experience and became one of the top sales agents in the United States, three years in a row.

Alina created iPRyou to assist businesses with marketing, networking and managing client relationships. She has an extensive network established within South Florida. She is always building and maintaining relationships to produce the best results for iPRyou clients. She is an expert in planning and marketing events for businesses.

Juliana , born a designer, created the fashion brand GABBITA which is now nationally recognized for the unique hand made crochet techniques and the one-of-a-kind designs.

Over the years, Juliana has earned top recognition for her artistic talents as a fashion designer. Her work has walked runways throughout the United States and has been featured in places like Miami International Fashion Week, L.A. Fashion Week , the MTV Movie Awards, and has supported important charity events in California such as Michael Bolton’s charities, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s events, and many more significant and exclusive events around the country.

These two Colombian women chose Miami to be the home of their multiple business ventures. From sophisticated eveningwear lines to a booming public relations firm, and a great marketing company Juliana and Alina are but a pair of the many professional women who aren’t afraid to pursue their dreams.

22 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROCOUNTRY

Puerto Rico:

Nightlife

El Moro of El Viejo San Juan

Convention Center

Milla de Oro Hato Rey

I

f you’ve never been to Puerto Rico, your impressions might be along the lines of hohum…nice people, nice beaches, kick-ass rum and a nice vacation spot. You’d remember your geography and picture Puerto Rico as an island somewhere in the chain - Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Aruba, Curacao. You would be right, but you would also be lacking.

Big surprises await the first-time visitor.

Step off the plane at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and pass through the United State Immigration, you are welcomed by applause. You immediately get the sensation you have crossed into another realm.

It’s hot, dry and breezy; the skies are dazzling blue. Just a short cab ride headed to San Juan, through gold and sapphire-colored mountains, jade rivers and lush valleys, and the metropolis begins to take shape. The to-

pography of the country has it all, including some of the best beaches in the world. The city streets are clean, the buildings whitewashed and sleek. US influence is evident here with fast-food restaurants and newer model cars, but San Juan’s social origins remain charmingly Latin.

Tourism, not surprisingly, is San Juan’s key industry. There’s the proximity of the airport.

Condado Beach district houses a number of luxury hotels and historical locations. El Morro, Old San Juan, El Cuartel de Ballaja are promoted in tourism campaigns. Old San Juan’s conservation of its churches and other structures is remarkable. It’s been said that in Old San Juan is where the magic happens, and visitors really get the feel of the Caribbean culture in Old San Juan.

The Hato Rey district contains a corporate

La Isla del Encanto

METROCOUNTRY

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

The bioluminecent waters of Mosquito Bay Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera

Coqui indiginous to Puerto Rico

Beaches

Luxury

Fighter Miguel Coto Singer Ricky Martin sector La Milla de Oro, often referred to as the Wall Street of the Caribbean. It serves as the headquarters of local and international banks.

Puerto Rico’s attractions range from the adventurous underground caves at Rio Camuy Cave Park, to the historic 500-year-old El Morro Fort and plenty of options for beaches. Sunbathers and surfers head to the western beaches Rincón. Snorkelers will enjoy Vieques’ bioluminescent Mosquito Bay. Highest per capita income in the Caribbean and Latin America, a modern infrastructure, and a well-educated labor force and no federal income tax requirements make this area a global, trendsetting destination.

It’s a small country but Puerto Rico has the largest shopping centers in the islands with awesome deals at many of the outlets. It also produces some of the world’s most well-

known actors, singers, artists, fashion designers and athletes. Miss Universe calls Puerto Rico “home.” Island inhabitant celebrates the “holiday season” beginning with Thanksgiving and party on through January.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated United States territory and subject to US jurisdiction.

It’s the best of both worlds: Latin culture with the power of the United States.

They say the best Puerto Ricans live in Puerto Rico. “They are so happy to be Puerto Ricans,” a recent visitor told us. “It’s the land of happy people.” A warm smile, a caring look, a generous gesture, a desire to comfort are all part of the local tradition here.

What you need to know: Puerto Rico is 1,000 miles from Miami.

Non-stop flights leave Miami International Airport daily. Once on the island

Actor Benecio del Toro

| 23

FASHION FROM 2 CORNERS 24 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROFASHION

By: Pedro Lazaro

W

hat lays ahead for summer fashion 2013? During their respective fashion weeks, Madrid & New York revealed what the next season is all about.

In Spain designers don’t go down the beaten track of Andalucia. Instead they presented modern silhouettes. Names such as Devoto & Lomba and Jesus del Pozo revealed colorful fabrics in audacious hues and a seductive edge that made this fashion week worth the time to watch and enjoy. Agatha Ruiz de la Prada is the Spanish designer with shops around the world who has made the graphic pop dress part of a runway that at times turns into an installation of fun objects.

On the other hand New York fashion week delivered the goods with an array of proposals in feminine dresses in classic cuts and the ever presence of the vintage ingredient inffused into most of the looks that rode the runway. Carolina Herrera was at her best for the summer season while Custo Barcelona took the runway by storm with beach hip, graphic and luxurious fabrics designed especially for the Custo look which shouts out to the young VIP rebel. Project Runway brought together a new crop of designers who were not able to outshine the celebrity judges, who took more time on the runway than the young collections. I guess its really about Klum, Kors Hudson and Garcia, Oh! the fashion world...

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Custo Barcelona

Carolina Herrera

Custo Barcelona Custo Barcelona

Custo Barcelona

Custo Barcelona

Carolina Herrera

METROFASHION Custo Barcelona

Custo Barcelona

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 25

26 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROOPINION

By Charlotte Miller

“Instant Karma’s gonna’ get you/it’s gonna’ knock you right in the head.

Better get yourself together/pretty

soon you’re gonna’ be dead…”

K

[John Lennon “Instant Karma”]

arma - we hope it comes with a vengeance to the ones who broke our hearts, hurt our friends, glommed the last parking spot, or got our last nerve at the end of a torturous day. And because we live in a culture where we want what we want when we want it, karma can’t come fast enough. We expect some cosmic reward when we are right and when we are wronged. And if karma is kind, we just might get a chance to see her in action.

We blame karma when bad things happen, or use is as an excuse for our own bad behavior. If we blame karma, we can avoid all personal responsibility. We can say we have no power over our own destiny because it’s karma. If everything is pre-planned by some karmic force, why bother “paying it forward?” We’ll get ours and they’ll get

theirs.

It doesn’t matter what religion we practice, or if we practice at all, we don’t want to carry around the burden of acquiring more karmic debt. All major religions have some version of what majorly ticks off God. Maybe being accountable for what we create, and for whom we allow in our lives will relieve us of victimhood.

Maybe by examining our motives will help us avoid certain hurtful actions. Maybe we can balance the ledger with more acts of kindness and fewer grabs.

Follow one simple rule – the golden one. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In the end, that’s all that matters. That way, when we hear “what goes around, comes around,” or “we reap what we sow,” we won’t be looking over our shoulder for that bitch called karma.

Eat it raw

METROHEALTH

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 27

By Charlotte Miller

Cruciferous Salad

Jordan Wolfe picks up trash on Miami Beach as part of Whole Foods Green Mission.

J

ordan Wolfe, 33, forgoes the typical South Beach up-all-night-sleep-all-day lifestyle in favor of another form of feel-good – healthy eating.

We caught up with Wolfe as he was coming out of the pounding surf the day after Tropical Storm Sandy left “the best waves EVER” in his 20 years of surfing on South Beach. Wolfe was on an extended lunch break from his gig at Whole Foods where he teaches healthy eating classes. “I couldn’t pass on these waves. Just awesome!”

Wolfe walks his eat healthy talk to the fullest. He has never ingested beef, chicken, eggs or fish - never in his life. Instead, he eats

raw foods and cooked grains. It’s the way he was raised. His parents, he says, met on a spiritual path that included eating whole and nutritious foods. He veered off the path in his younger years to party hard, but “I’m back in line now.” With the help of his employer Wolfe is a graduate of Institute of Integrated Nutrition. “I am super-grateful.”

“It takes a lot of preparation and planning to eat this way,” said Wolfe. “But so worth it.

Wolfe kick-starts his diet by going completely green and raw for a few months, then slowly introduces quinoa and lentils back into his diet. As a result, he has more energy and feels more sustained throughout the day. Wolfe

eats no oil, dairy or refined foods. “I am feeling the internal bliss,” he said.

At the end of this workday, Wolfe will be heading up a Whole Foods-sponsored Green Mission walk to the ocean where he and others will pick up beach trash. He does this twice a month. He will stay on after the beachclean up to participate in a sunset moonrise yoga session, which he expects to be “pretty bad-ass.”

Wolfe shared two of his favorite creations with MetroMiami. “They are simple, tasty and uber-nutrient dense,” he said. “I don’t eat anything unless it is healthy and delicious.” As with any recipe, adjust to your personal taste.

1/4 head red cabbage(green works too) 1/2 bunch kale 1 avocado 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill 1 lemon-squeezed for juice 1 tsp curry powder 1 tsp fresh garlic-crushed 1/2 cup hemp seeds coconut aminos to taste Combine ingredients in a bowl and massage with hands until consistent!

Lemon Basil Quinoa

2 cups cooked quinoa 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 1 lemon-squeezed for juice 1/2 cup pine nuts pinch of sea salt Mix in a bowl and serve with salad.

Whats hot on

28 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROPERFORMANCE

BROADWAY? By: Pedro Lazaro

NEWSIES

Set in New York City at the turn of the century, 2012 Tony Award Winner for Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charisbest original score and best matic newsboy and choreography leader of a ragged band of teenaged “newsies,” who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right.

NETHERLANDER THEATER. 208 W 41st St New York, NY 10036. http://NewsiesTheMusical.com

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

“Big Daddy” Pollitt (Ciarán Hinds), the richest cotton planter in the Mississippi Delta, is about to celebrate his 65th birthday. He is distressed by the rocky relationship between his beloved son Brick (Benjamin Walker), an aging football hero who has turned to drink, and his beautiful and feisty wife Maggie (Scarlett Johansson). As the hot summer evening unfolds, the veneer of Southern gentility slips away as unpleasant truths emerge and greed, lies and suppressed sexuality reach a boiling point.

Richard Rodgers Theatre.

226 W 46th St New York, NY 10036 http://www.CanOnAHotTinRoofBroadway.com

CHAPLIN

From the slums of London to the heights of Hollywood, Chaplin is the showbiz Broadway musical about the silent film legend the world couldn’t stop talking about - Charlie Chaplin. This brand new musical reveals the man behind the legend, the undeniable genius that forever changed the way America went to the movies.

Barrymore Theatre 243 W 47th St New York, NY 10036 http://www.ChaplinBroadway.com

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 29

Art.Music.Culture November

30 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

METROCULTURE

Girls vs Boys, a new musical in collaboration with University of Miami’s Department of Theatre Arts and Adrienne Arsht Center, 7:30 p.m.

November 1 through 18, at Carnival Studio Theatre in Ziff Ballet and Opera House at Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

George Benson, Freddy Cole and Miami’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra present Unforgetable: A Tribute to Nat King Cole, 8 p.m. November 2 at Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

Coconut Grove Annual Thighs and Pies pie contest hosted by Slow Food Miami, a local nonprofit that supports local, sustainable and seasonal foods, noon, Saturday, November 3 at Barnacle Historic State Park. Entries judged by Lee Brian Schrager, founder of South Beach Wine and Food Festival; Hedy Goldsmith, executive pastry chef at Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink; Ariana Klempis, president of Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami, and Victora Pesce Elliot, Miami Herald Food and Wine section.

Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project presented by Ballet Austin at Adrienne Arsht Ziff Ballet and Opera House, 8 p.m. November 3 and, 7 p.m. November 4, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

Art Center/South Florida Studio Crawl, 7 – 10 p.m. at AC/SF artists’ studios at 800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. 305-6748278.

Carmina Burana bridges classical and rock and roll, at Adrienne Arsht Knight Concert Hall, 4 p.m. November 4, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

MTV Music award winner Macy Gray at LIVE at Knight concert series, 8:30 p.m. November 8, Adrienne Arsht Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

LIVE Raffle of more than 70 local artists’ works, most of them residents of the Bakehouse Art Complex at Wynwood, 561 NW 32nd Street, 7 – 11:30 p.m. November 9. www.bacfl.org.

305-576-2828.

Wynwood Second Saturday Art Walk throughout Wynwood Art District, 7 to 10 p.m.

November 10. (See our coverage of last month’s walk in this issue)

Theater Gates: Soul Manufacturing Corporation Locust Projects, 3852 North Miami Avenue in the Design District, November 10.

305-576-8570.

Reflections Across Time: Seminole Portraits.

Frost Art Museum at Florida International University, 10975 SW 17th Street, November 17 through January 2. 305-348-2890.

Drumline LIVE: Battle of the high school marching bands, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. November 11, Adrienne Arsht Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

La’boheme opening night, 7 p.m. November 17 at Adrienne Arsht Ziff Ballet and Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

Trading Places II at Museum of Contemporary Art, 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami ongoing through November 11. 305-893-6211.

Miami International Book Fair takes place November 11 though 18 with its street Fair, 16 through 18. Most events take place on MiamiDade College Wolfson Campus, downtown Miami.

Diego El Cigala’s bolero, Argentine tango, Latin jazz and flamenco at LIVE at Knight, 8:30 p.m.

November 10, Adrienne Arsht Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

Postcards of the Weiner Werstatte: Selections from the Leonard A. Lauder Collection, November 15 through March 31, Wolfsonian – Florida International University Museum, 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, 305-5311001.

Jon Davis: The Relativist opening 7 p.m. November 10 at Kavachnina Contemporary Gallery, 46 NW 36th Street through January 8.

305-448-2060.

Ivan Navarro: Florescent Light Sculpures.

Frost Art Museum at Florida International University, 10975 SW 17th Street, November 17 through January 2. 305-348-2890.

Abel Barroso: Un pais; una illusion (a country, an illusion) opening at Pan American Art Projects, 2450 NW 2nd Avenue, 7 p.m. November 10 through January 5. 305-573-2400.

The Cleveland Orchestra performs at 8 p.m.

November 16 and 17 at Adrienne Arsht Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

BRAD Art Walk Third Saturdays in the Bird Road Art District, Miami. 7 – 10 p.m. November 17. 305-476-6819.

Josiah McElheny, The Light Club of Vizcaya: A Woman’s Picture, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue, November 19 through March 18.

Florida Grand Opera’s La’boheme 8 p.m. November 21, 24, 27 and 30 at Adrienne Arsht Ziff Ballet and Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

New Work Miami 2013, Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler, November 21 through May 12. 305-375-3000.

The Nutcracker: A Magical New Play, November 29 through December 30, Carnival Studio Theatre in Adrienne Arsht Ziff Ballet and Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

Idena Menzel performs at 8 p.m., November 30 at Adrienne Arsht Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, 305-949-6722, www.arshtcenter.org.

METROCOUPONS

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

| 31

32 |

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

A LIMITED EDITION SERIES OF UNIQUELLY Y DESIGNED AND NUMBERED BOTTLES IMPORTED BY B. FERNANDEZ & HNOS., INC. SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

ENJOY WITH ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®. ABSOLUT® VODKA. PRODUCT OF SWEDEN. 40% ALC./VOL. DISTILLED FROM GRAIN. ©2012 PERNOD RICARD ARD AMERICAS TRA AVEL VEL RETTAIL, AIL, FORRTT LAUDERDALE, FL