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Journalist José Díaz-Balart is on a mission to make TV news meaningful for both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences
By Linda MarxThanksgiving goes next-level at a chic celebration at Petra Levin’s artfilled home
By Daphne NikolopoulosOur can’t-miss primer on everything new and now on the Magic City art scene
By Nicole MartinezMiami City Ballet dancers sashay into season with bewitching fall fashion
Photography by Gabor Jurina
Art enthusiast and philanthropist Petra Levin hosts a stylish Thanksgiving at home. Her impressive art collection includes Wagon Wheel by Greg Lotus.
20 FROM THE EDITOR
AVENTURIST
27 THE MIX
Needlework know-how in North Miami Beach, three ways to give back this holiday season, Miami Design District’s most Instagrammable spots, Chanel on the runway in Miami, and more
Five family-friendly outings not to miss this month
Find your own festive aesthetic with chic holiday tablescape ideas
38 LIVING COLOR
Think pink at three local hot spots
40 POWER HOUSE
All’s fair in love and war for political power couple Ana Navarro and Al Cárdenas
44 ART BEAT
Artwork does the talking for an autistic Aventura teen
46 SPOTLIGHT
Try out tarot with intuitive Cardsy B
50 WEALTH
Understanding the role of the Federal Reserve
52 LIVING WITH IVEY
All about the intuitive eating trend
STYLE
55 THE LOOK
Covetable coffee-table books and gala-season-ready retro accessories and dresses
58 THE EDIT
Editors’ picks for lipsticks that never quit
60 JEWELRY BOX
Luxe leather jewelry
62 BEAUTY BEAT
The buzz about haute and healing honey products
64 GOOD NATURE
The calming properties of ylang-ylang
66 REAL TALK WITH...
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz
JOURNEYS
71 WANDERLUST
Explore Zimbabwe’s stunning safari secrets
76 STAYCATIONS
A weekend at the reimagined W South Beach
78 HIGH ROAD
Cadillac’s new all-electric Celestiq
80 HIGH SEAS
Fratelli Aprea’s handcrafted gozzo cruisers
Metro Miami’s premier dental experts
131 NEW ON THE SCENE
All that glitters at El Secreto Omakase
Side dishes to wow your Thanksgiving crew, new-to-market beverages from local makers, a total transformation at Bal Harbour’s Makoto, and Läderach’s new vegan chocolate collection
136 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST
Fix festive Floridian spiced wine for friends
HOME
Form meets function in a former NFL player’s newly designed Plantation pad
140 ELEMENTS
Metallic accents mix and merge with home decor
Create mood-inducing rooms with color psychology
SEEN ON THE SCENE
Pics from Miami’s most fabulous events
Art, electronic music, and wellness at Art With Me
ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER:
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Craig
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Kent
Jules
Meyer,
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Publisher Terry Duffy
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Libby Lekach Roffe, lroffe@aventuramagazine.com
Elizabeth Hackney
Production Director
Selene M. Ceballo Production Manager
Kayla Earle
Digital Pre-Press Specialist
George Davis Advertising Design Coordinators
Anaely J. Perez Vargas, Jeffrey Rey Production Coordinator
Ileana Caban
Chief Operating Officer
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Judy Heflin Circulation Manager
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Shawn is a 4th generation art dealer that brings decades of experience to our Worth Avenue gallery. He takes pride in helping clients whether they are building their collection or divesting of pieces they no longer desire.
gallery always has exquisite works for those with diverse and discerning tastes. Pieces include 19th & 20th century French and American Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Modernism and Contemporary works, always vetted for quality and condition.
Shawn embodies Provident Fine Arts’ passion for exemplary customer service and placing beautiful art into our customers lives.
or visit the gallery and allow Shawn to help you with all your fine art needs.
In this month’s Power Plays–themed issue, we’re homing in on the things that move us here in Miami—from the power of giving back to local nonprofi ts with your time and talents (page 28) to the power of intuition with tarot reader Cardsy B (page 46). And don’t miss our profile of Ana Navarro and Al Cárdenas for a peek into how they balance their marriage with their high-profile careers as political consultants (including Navarro’s new hosting gig on ABC’s The View ) in “Power House” on page 40.
This month’s cover features José Díaz-Balart, who understands the place of power he holds as a journalist serving both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Whether you’ve seen him report in English on his MSNBC weekday show, anchor the Saturday evening news on NBC, or host Noticias Telemundo in Spanish, Díaz-Balart is revered by viewers and industry insiders alike for his journalistic integrity and community-minded focus. With elections (and their eventual results)
upon us this month, journalists like DíazBalart play a key role in helping voters access the facts they need to make an informed decision at the ballot booth. Read more about Díaz-Balart’s storied career in Linda Marx’s story, “Reporting for Duty” on page 84.
As the end-of-year holidays approach, you’re probably in one of two camps: those who eagerly await the onslaught of decor and celebrations, or those who feel like they could use another month or two to prepare. Either way, we’ve got you covered. From tablescaping tips from the expert behind Pialisa (page 36) to Daphne Nikolopoulos’ piece (page 90) on an absolutely inspo-worthy Thanksgiving gathering of family and friends hosted by philanthropist Petra Levin in her art-filled Miami Beach home, our stories are sure to have you feeling festive.
Miami Art Week kicks off at the tail end of this month (continuing into early December), so we’re taking a moment to pay tribute to local art and culture. For autistic Aventura teenager Viktor “Vichy” Bevanda, art offers a form of expression that verbal communication can’t. Turn to page 44 for his colorful story. Beginning on page 98, “unchARTed Territory” by Nicole Martinez is a primer on what’s new and now in Miami’s vibrant visual art world—including artists to know, galleries to visit, trends to spot, and exhibits to view. Fashion and dance collide in Katherine Lande’s feature story, “Turning Pointe,” on page 106, showcasing the dancers of the Miami City Ballet decked out in looks from the likes of Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Dior, among other sartorial stars.
I hope you enjoy our truly powerful pages this month. Cheers to the power of all things Magic City!
There’s nothing like being treated to a tour of Miami’s Telemundo Studios—especially when your tour guide is veteran journalist José Díaz-Balart, MSNBC host and anchor of NBC Nightly
News Saturday. The massive building (it’s the size of seven soccer fields) houses state-of-the-art production for programming from telenovelas to sports to hard news—and everything in between.
Kristen Desmond LeFevre klefevre@aventuramagazine.com
Treat yourself and a special someone to the perks of a PREMIUM fare.
Start the night off right. Toast to your adventures ahead with cocktails on board and in-station with premium lounge access. Book in advance and let one of our Brightline Teslas sweep you off your feet and bring you to and from the station, with pick up and drop off available within 5 miles.
See where Brightline can take you. Scan the QR code to book your next ride.
David Rosemberg’s clients hire him because he gets the job done. He’s a litigator who helps individuals and businesses resolve their disputes, and he’s ready to take a tough case aggressively to court if necessary to achieve his clients’ goals. If you need a warrior on your side, you need David Rosemberg. Call David at 305.602.2008.
in the City of Aventura
of Biscayne
Shana Benhayoun never intended to fall in love with needlepoint, let alone open a store dedicated to it. Growing up, this type of embroidered canvas work was something her grandmother, mother, and aunts did. But she decided to try it during college and soon began working at needlepoint boutiques before creating her own Etsy shop. She’s since gar nered a devout following on social media for her creations and online classes.
Last summer, Benhayoun took her craft to the next level and opened SBT Stitches in North Miami Beach. “I think people are so sick of being on their phones that they want to do something with their hands, and they want to be creative,” she says. “Everybody needs a creative outlet.”
Benhayoun is known for her custom work and contem porary needlepoint pieces. Some of her bestsellers feature snarky sayings like “Beach Please” and “Bougie AF.” She sells the hand-painted canvases to crafters, who use silk thread to stitch the designs. Then, Benhayoun sends the completed canvases to professional “finishers” who turn them into pillows, acrylic trays, makeup cases, and more. An array of classes, crafting meetups, and girls’ nights are in the works. (sbtstitches.com)
—Christiana Lilly
GET INVOLVED
WHILE ALL NONPROFITS APPRECIATE A MONETARY DONATION, THERE’S ALWAYS A NEED FOR IN-PERSON VOLUNTEERS. CHECK OUT THESE TANGIBLE WAYS THAT YOU CAN GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
BY CHRISTIANA LILLY
The Overtown shelter has been help ing women and children experienc ing homelessness since 2006, serving more than 1,500 people annually. Lotus House is always in need of help with administrative and outdoor tasks, meal prep and serv ing, hosting recreational programs, after-school homework help, managing the thrift store, and community distribution days, one of which is scheduled for December 17. (lotushouse.org)
Animal lovers will be pleased to know that this no-kill shelter in North Miami Beach needs their help. Based on your experience, opportunities at the Humane Society of Greater Miami include administrative support, clinic assistance, dog walking, customer service, helping with the foster department, and light duties throughout the shelter. Take your volunteer skills a step further by becoming a foster parent to animals who need some extra love before they become ready for adoption. (humanesocietymiami.org)
Founded in the 1980s, Pridelines is an allencompassing community center serving the LGBTQ community—youth and adults— through advocacy, support groups, HIV testing, and more. There’s plenty of ways that volunteers can get involved, including facilitating support groups and HIV test ing/counseling, organizing special events, and helping with day-to-day operations at Pridelines’ Miami center. (pridelines.org)
SUNNY ISLES BEACH RECENTLY WEL COMED A PLACE FOR EVERYONE, THE GATEWAY CENTER . A $6 MILLION PROJECT, THE 17,000-SQUARE-FOOT SPACE WAS TRANSFORMED FROM A CONCRETE PARKING GARAGE INTO A BUZZING COM MUNITY CENTER, WHICH WAS DESIGNED USING NON-VOC AND PVC-FREE PROD UCTS, CARBON-NEUTRAL OR NET-ZEROCARBON FURNITURE, AND LED FIXTURES. HERE, LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN PARTAKE IN FITNESS CLASSES, GAMES IN THE “SOCIAL ALLEY,” AND SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE BANQUET HALL, IN ADDITION TO UTILIZING WORKSPACES, A LIBRARY, A CATERING AND TEACHING KITCHEN, AND FREE WIFI. (SIBFL.NET/CCS/PARKS/ GATEWAYCENTER)
THE MIAMI DESIGN DIS TRICT (MDD) HAS GAINED A REPUTATION BEYOND BEING A DESTINATION FOR WELL-HEELED SHOPPERS. FOR OWNER CRAIG ROBINS, IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ART AT EVERY CORNER. FROM MURALS AND SCULPTURES TO RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS, HERE ARE SOME OF MDD’S MOST PHOTOGENIC SPACES. (MIAMI DESIGNDISTRICT.NET)
BY CHRISTIANA LILLY
Part of a series of playgroundinspired installations designed for the annual MDD commission, this swing set by Chilean design firm gt2p was so well received that it’s become a perma nent fixture in the neighborhood.
The fashion house’s Toile de Jouy print has been splashed across dresses, so why not the sculptures and floors of the Dior Café? The first come, first served rooftop lounge features a fortress of greenery protecting tigers, bears, and giraffes.
Memories of the late Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh are sprinkled throughout the plazas, including this sculpture of a Sunoco gas pump with prices we can only dream about today. This Ablohdesigned sculpture showcases “a window into the artist’s study and research of the effect of advertising on the impressionable,” per MDD.
You won’t be able to resist passing through the trio of arches that make up Jade Alley, which doubles as a canvas for Amani Lewis’ Baltimore’s Finest mural. At the end opposite the street, you’ll find a sculpture by the late Virgil Abloh.
This is perhaps one of the most iconic pieces associated with the Miami Design District. Robins acquired the “autonomous dwelling machine,” as the late artist called it, in 2011, making it one of the first sculptures to call the district home.
Five artists amped up this garage at Northeast Forty-First Street. And instead of working together, the goal was to have each of their facades stand out independently.
VEILHAN
French artist Xavier Veilhan created this polygonal fiberglass sculpture of Swiss architect Le Corbusier using a computer and digital scanner. It lives near Fly’s Eye Dome in the Palm Court.
Take a seat: This collection of 24 hang ing chairs invites passersby to sit and rock their worries away. Together, the web creates a six-point star.
At Jungle Plaza, this larger-than-life mural by Brazilian artist Criola show cases Black beauty and elements of the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé religion.
Pray for mornings with no deliver ies, because that’s when April Bey’s painting (located on the bay doors to the left of the new Ralph Lauren store) reveals itself.
X
There are few things more iconic than in some luxe tweed and a seaside location, and you’re set for season. On November 3, Chanel will present its 2022/23 Cruise collection in Miami, where last year it opened a new boutique designed by architect Peter Marino. The collection is inspired by the lauded lifestyle found along the French Riviera and the iconography that defines Monte Carlo. Think: mornings at sea, afternoons at the racetrack, evenings at the ballet, and late nights in the casino. com) –Mary Murray
. Add at sea, afternoons at (chanel.
tion
Chanel’s 2022/23 Cruise collecfun minaudières
Carlo,
LUXE LINKS Golfing downtown? Absolutely! This month, Puttshack—a popular “par-tee” place in Atlanta, Chicago, and London—is bringing its brand of upscale, tech-infused mini golf to Brickell (above the Luna Park Food Hall). The new location is the largest yet, with two stories, 29,000 square feet of fun, and three neon-infused nine-hole courses. Forget those pencils and cards for keeping score; Puttshack’s techy golf balls track your every move, recording how many times they’ve been hit and how far they’ve traveled. The results are automatically uploaded to a leaderboard so you can see how well you’ve done in comparison to your own crew and the other golfers on the course—because a little friendly competition never hurt anybody. (puttshack.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevreLeFevrevre
Miami-based author and twotime Pulitzer Prize finalist Russell Banks’ long-awaited new novel, The Magic Kingdom, drops this month. When a writer comes across a box of waterlogged audiotapes, he finds himself on a journey through the Sunshine State’s ever-changing landscape across a 50-year span. It’s a story of the search for an American utopia—especially poignant in our state’s palm-studded paradise. (penguinrandomhouse.com) —K.D.L.
Ready for everyone from teens to tots to take a break from the screens and streaming services this month? We’ve got five great ways to get kids off the couch and into an IRL experience sure to please, no matter their interests.
BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE
What: Disney Princess: The Concert
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County When: November 12 Dress to the nines in your best royal attire for an evening filled with Disney music. An acclaimed cast—Christy Altomare (Broad way’s Anya in Anastasia), Isabelle McCalla
(Broadway’s Jasmine in Aladdin), Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, and Broadway’s Belle in Beauty and the Beast), and Syndee Winters (Broad way’s Nala in The Lion King)—will perform classic Disney songs, including “Let it Go,” “A Whole New World,” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” among other favorites. (disneyconcerts.com/princess)
What: Baptist Health Turkey Trot
Where: Tropical Park
When: November 24
What: Ultimate Dinosaurs: Meet a New Breed of Beast
Where: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
When: Now through April 23
Practice your paleontology and uncover some of the most significant dinosaur discoveries from the Southern Hemisphere over the last two decades in this new hands-on, interactive exhibition. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, dino-lovers of all ages will be able to not only view rarely seen specimens but also explore how dinosaurs lived and interacted with their surroundings. (frostscience.org)
What: PAMM Free Second Saturdays
Where: Pérez Art Museum Miami
When: November 12
Brush up on art-friendly fun for children and adults with free guided tours, guest artists, films, performances, and other activities that help families make art together. Led by experienced, multilingual teaching artists, you’ll explore artwork in new and engaging ways. (pamm.org/en/learn/ pamm-free-second-saturdays)
What: Family Fest in the Park: Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra
Where: Gwen Cherry Park
When: November 5 Celebrate Hip-Hop History Month and the fiftieth anniversary of hip-
A family who runs together stays together at this yearly event offering a 5K and a 10K for participants 10 and older (and adults pushing tinier trotters in stroll ers), plus a Turkey Trot Kids’ Race for runners aged 2-9. Cross the finish line, don your participant medal, and enjoy a Thanksgiving-themed festival with games, entertainment, face-painting, and photo opportunities. (turkeytrotmiami.com)
hop with this exciting genre-blending orchestra. Combining the raw energy and passion of hip-hop with the classic sounds of an orchestra, The Illharmonic features strings, horns, and piano, plus a party-rocking DJ, a soul-stirring female vocalist, and a fire-breathing MC. (arshtcenter.org)
If the table is a place to come together, then a tablescape takes the experience to the next level. For Alisa Chirdaris, founder of Miami-based Pialisa Designs, chic tablescapes are a way of life. But it all started when she was a wedding photographer.
“I would get so excited to photograph the tablescape because it’s something I just really loved,” she recalls. “I would arrive at the tablescapes and feel deflated because I just wasn’t inspired by what I was seeing. I said to myself, ‘I can either complain about it or I can do something about it.’ And that’s what I did.”
When it comes to setting a holiday table, Chirdaris encourages folks to think outside the traditional norms and be inspired by things they love, like travel or nature. Here, we highlight three table trends, and Chirdaris offers tips for how to curate your own special spread this holiday season. (pialisa.com)
METALLICS ARE MAJOR Gold and silver are ubiqui tous any time of year, but Chirdaris says they’re espe cially festive during the holi days. “Robert Ferrer of Petra Flower design came up with these covered pumpkins for the centerpieces,” she notes. “They’re artificial, so it isn’t as wasteful as buying flowers.” Plus, she adds, “with the metallic colors, it’s so versatile and chic. You could use them from Halloween through to Thanksgiving.”
Take a page from Chirdaris for the key components needed to assemble your own chic tablescapes, for the holidays and beyond.
Home Plate: “Start with any sort of basic plate that you have, even basic white plates.”
“We wanted to really feel the Fall mood with this setting,” Chirdaris says, pointing to the deep hues of black and plum that are brightened up with hints of tangerine and green, and the pop of the white plates. She notes that the use of dried or silk florals, twigs, and berries is not only economical (since you can use them year after year), but they bring muchneeded texture and interest to the tablescape.
Chirdaris says this palette of French blue and soft pink is “hugely popular right now.” But, she says, it’s also “a classic you can use for really any event or even a holiday.” Make it modern, she advises, by incorporating an unexpected placemat for texture. “For me, those placemats make this setting. They’re made from palm fiber and hand woven by artisans in Colombia.”
Cut from the Cloth: “I really enjoy dressing the table up with linens. And you don’t always have to go for a traditional holiday look or spend a lot of money. I recently used some Indian blockprint tablecloths that I purchased off Amazon. Etsy is another great source. For napkins, Crate and Barrel offers monogrammed options that add a nice touch to any setting.”
Add an Accent: “Don’t be afraid to dress things up and have fun with it. Add color, shine, or texture with placemats or napkin holders—even tying napkins with a simple piece of ribbon.”
Front and Center: “Centerpieces don’t have to be flowers. Fresh fruit—like a bowl of lemons or limes—is another way to dress up your table.”
THESE THREE STYLISH SPOTS WILL HAVE YOU SEEING THE MAGIC CITY THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES.
Clockwise from above: Pink vibes at the Goodtime Hotel, Big Pink, and Lolita Dessert Club.
Part bakery, part experience, this superInstagrammable spot in North Miami Beach serves up desserts and pastries—but it’s also a tearoom, offering daily tea service by reservation. Don’t miss the signature Crepe Cones in a trio of flavors: crepe brûlée, Nutella, and cheesecake. Pink power is on display in everything from Lolita’s exterior and interior to its florals, decor, bags, and sweets and beverages like pink bonbons (chocolate-covered merengue over a thin wafer base), pink raspberry macarons, pink candied donuts, and pink boba tea.
“The pink is meant to give not only a playful and cute feel but also a sense of serenity,” says Becky Morel, Lolita’s general manager and event coordinator, “because who doesn’t love pink?” (lolitadessertclub.com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre
Aesthetic pleasure takes on a new meaning at this hotel nestled along Washington Avenue in South Beach. The brainchild of superstar Pharrell Williams and hospitality guru David Grutman, the hotel channels a reimagined Art Deco vibe, visible in the details designer Ken Fulk incorporated into the property—from the leopard-print lobby to the wicker furniture on the pool deck and the pink hues that adorn almost every nook and cranny. The hotel’s mantra is to have a good time, which is easy to achieve moments after checking in. The 266 rooms and suites boast playful touches like pastel pink rotary phones and pink-and-green animal-print robes. A stunning library decked out in more animal prints, pretty pastels, and objets d’art makes for an ideal photo opp for the ‘gram. And let’s not forget about Strawberry Moon, a restaurant and 30,000-square-foot pool club that is the ultimate #SundayFunday destina tion, complete with Champagne showers. When not cooling off with a tasty tipple under a pink cabana, head inside for a divine spread by the culinary team, whose Mediterranean cuisine alone is reason enough to book another resy for some more good times. (thegoodtimehotel.com)
—Melissa Puppo
BIG PINK With its bubblegum-inspired paint job, you can’t miss this pink palace on Collins Avenue in South Beach. The heavenly hued retro spot is famous for its TV dinners: daily specials served on a vintage-vibed steel tray. Slide into a pink booth to brunch on chicken and waffles or a massive plate of Nutella-laden french toast. Or stop by for a latenight bite after hitting the clubs (Big Pink is open until 5:30 a.m. on weekends) and ward off a hangover with a Double Donut Wagyu Cheeseburger, which is basically two donuts with meat patties, cheese, and bacon in between. Pro tip: No matter when you visit, save room for a slice of Big Pink’s famous seven-layer birthday cake. You can thank us later. (mylesrestaurantgroup.com/big-pink)
—K.D.L.
For Ana Navarro and Al Cárdenas, all is fair in love and war. The longtime Miami-based Republican strategists have known each other since the 1990s, back when Na varro was a “snot-nosed activist” advocating for Nicara guans during the Sandinista revolution, she says, and Cárdenas was an “established name and successful lawyer.”
Nearly 30 years later, Navarro and Cárdenas married at a picturesque waterfront ceremony in Miami Beach, attended by actress Eva Longo ria, singer Gloria Estefan, Navarro’s co-anchors on The View, CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon, and senators Mitt Romney and Bob Menendez. But, back in 2008, the two were in opposing political trenches: Navarro was the Hispanic chair for John McCain’s presiden tial campaign, and Cárdenas was Romney’s Florida chairman.
“We were at war,” Navarro recalls. “We got into some pretty heated televised debates. I always took advantage of Al because he was so chivalrous and would never throw the blows I would.”
“In those days, we didn’t live together,” Cárdenas says. “If we had different opinions or she wouldn’t speak to me, it was [still] good and I was always okay with [her]. Now that we live under the same roof and have been in love for a long time, I’m not going to get into a spiff with my wife over politics that’ll ruin our marriage. We might disagree, but it’s not a huge deal.”
These days, the couple rarely brings up politics, and their Miami home is neutral ground. Cárdenas, who is a lobbyist and lawyer, was the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida for two terms, an ad viser to U.S. Republican presidents, and previously appointed as the special ambassador to Caribbean islands St. Kitts and Nevis. Navarro, who worked on national and state races in Republican politics, is a commentator on CNN, CNN en Español, and Telemundo. In August, Navarro was named as a permanent co-host of ABC’s daytime talk show The View. Though filming takes place in New York City, Navarro didn’t move for the gig, instead opting to take two round-trip flights a week so she can stay based in the Magic City.
“Miami is home,” Navarro says. “For both of us, it’s such a special treat to be home and sleep in our beds and play with our dog. When we are together with our 5-pound poodle, ChaCha, it’s okay because we’re home.”
Cárdenas and Navarro are often jet-setting across the country— sometimes in opposite directions. When their schedules align, they relish the simple pleasure of being at home together.
“We talk a lot more about our schedules than we do about politics at home,” Navarro says. “Getting them to coordinate and figuring out where he is going to be on any given week or where I’m going to be can be very challenging.”
When time allows, this power couple is big on date night, regu larly sharing articles and posts they’ve come across about new Miami restaurants. They’re always on the hunt for Middle Eastern eateries, a nod to Cárdenas’ Cuban-Lebanese ancestry; a current favorite is Amal, a modern restaurant by a Beirut-born restaurateur in Coconut Grove. Whenever they travel, museums are always at the top of their list, which explains why they’re both fans of Leku, an eatery at the Rubell Museum in Allapattah that is inspired by Spain’s Basque re gion and saturated with contemporary art. When ChaCha tags along, the couple opts for Italian restaurant Luca Osteria or Greek eatery Calista Taverna, both with alfresco dining on the pedestrian-only
Giralda Avenue in Coral Gables. They also enjoy attending concerts and Miami Heat basketball games at FTX arena.
“For a while we lived in downtown Miami, and it was very fun to just go across the street,” Navarro says. “We both really liked going to basketball games. It’s the only sport I will go with him to. It’s airconditioned, the seats are padded. It’s a nightclub where there just happens to be a basketball game going on.”
Admittedly, Navarro and Cárdenas are two very different people. On the weekends, Cárdenas likes to play golf at the Indian Creek Country Club, and Navarro appreciates when he does because it gives her the opportunity to catch up with friends.
“We’re definitely not two peas in a pod,” Navarro says. “He is far more nice, far more polite, and far more gracious than I am. He watches endless hours of football. I watch endless hours of Real Housewives and The Great British Bake Off.”
While they might disagree on which candidate to bubble in on their Republican primary ballots, by November, the two are often in sync. They credit their shared immigrant experience as the founda tion of their relationship: In the 1960s, Cárdenas fled Cuba with his family during the revolution. Two de cades later, Navarro’s family did the same, except they fled Nicaragua when the Sandinista regime came to power.
“That’s what brings us together, having the sad, com mon experience of fleeing communism and, from one day to the other, losing everything,” Navarro says. “We have independent activities and independent sched ules and lives, but we share values, common experi ences, a common culture, and a common love of our hometown of Miami.” «
“ MIAMI IS HOME. FOR BOTH OF US, IT’S SUCH A SPECIAL TREAT TO BE HOME AND SLEEP IN OUR BEDS AND PLAY WITH OUR DOG.” —ANA NAVARRO
from Southern California, Dr. Martin brings his extensive knowledge in biohacking for beauty and body optimization. His Total Body Biohack program starts from the inside with monthly NAD+ infusions and plant-based treatments to detox your body. He offers Emsculpt Neo, an award-winning, FDA cleared technology to transform your body by building 25% more abs, glutes, arms, and legs, while simultaneously burning excess fat in those areas. He was recently awarded 2022 Best Clinical Outcomes in the United States for Emsculpt Neo. For beauty seekers, he is Florida’s Top Doctor for skin rejuvenation using collagen threads to naturally rejuvenate the face and body.
BY JESS SWANSON
At his easel overlooking a window in his parents’ Aventura home, Viktor “Vichy” Bevan da clutches a green oil pastel in a tight fist and rubs it vigorously onto a canvas as if he were grating cheese. The 14-year-old’s movements appear fervent and chaotic but, in a few hours, the bright emerald and turquoise hues will come together as a colorful Pop Art iguana.
“Some artists have told me that it’s very dif ficult to hold the pastels with a fist and mix the colors,” explains Viktor’s mother, Andrea Bevanda, as she peers over her son’s shoul der. “Viktor is self-taught. He’d draw with cray ons before, and then we realized he was really good and found oil pastels for him.”
When Viktor was 5 years old, he was diag nosed with autism. It was around this time that his family noticed his extraordinary ability to draw and incorporate colors in ways that far surpassed other children his age. Nine years later, his mother believes her son is a savant, a rare phenomenon among people with devel opmental disorders who reveal an exceptional and unexplained talent or skill.
Viktor doesn’t like loud noises and often wears headphones in public to tune them out. He is nonverbal, but his mother stresses that doesn’t mean he can’t communicate. She points to her son’s paintings, which depict the soulful eyes of a dog, the powerful growl of a hippo, and the shy glance of a horse.
“He is not independent in other things, but he is amazing at drawing and painting,” Andrea says. “With art, he can show his true feelings and express himself without words.”
In 2018, the Bevanda family moved to Aventura from Serbia. Andrea is a former marketing executive; her husband, Boris, founded Bevanda Tennis and offers private tennis lessons to rising athletes. Two years ago, in the midst of homeschooling her chil
dren during COVID-19, Andrea began post ing her son’s artworks on Instagram and Tik Tok, where he has amassed millions of likes and thousands of followers under the handle @Vichys_Art. By popular demand, the family launched a website to sell prints of Viktor’s works to fans and supporters as far away as Japan and New Zealand.
Viktor recently began accepting custom orders, and an art teacher is introducing the young artist to other mediums besides oil pas tels. If Viktor’s passion for art continues, his family hopes galleries and curators will help advance his career.
“Viktor’s really joyful and has a really good and bright energy that most people don’t see because sometimes he likes to be alone and closes himself in his own world,” says Vik tor’s older brother, Boris Jr. “A lot of people see what Viktor can’t do, not what he can do.” (vichysart.com)
«
BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE
hen Cardsy B (aka Rebecca Szymc zak) appears on my Zoom screen, she’s only got one AirPod in.
Szymczak is an “intuitive tarot reader and energy alchemist.” As a person who “leans to ward clairvoyance,” she is using her AirPodless ear to listen for the sorts of things other folks don’t hear.
“I get a lot of my signs through hearing,” she says. “I only wear one AirPod so I can keep my receiving ear open to guidance.”
We’re doing a virtual tarot reading, which Szymczak says “can guide you into your own inner knowing and healing abilities.” Even over Zoom? “Absolutely,” she says. “I use the cards as a roadmap to organize what’s coming
through from the spiritual realm—and I can do that whether you are in the room with me in Miami or you’re on-screen.”
Szymczak found tarot as a kid. “I’d save my allowance to buy tarot decks,” she says. But by high school, she paused her pursuits to “fit in with the cool kids.”
As an adult, Szymczak worked in the fash ion industry, designing for brands like Nike, Donna Karan, and Playboy. But in 2017, what she calls “a dark night of the soul” hit her hard. “I lost everything,” she says. “My mar riage ended, my mentor passed away, my high-powered career was gone.”
She battled with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. That’s when she rediscov ered tarot. “I began pulling a card a day for
myself, then reading for friends,” she recalls. “Tarot saved my life.”
A friend came up with the Cardsy B moniker (a play on the stage name of rap artist Cardi B), and it stuck.
She now reads for celebrities, C-suite execs, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyone in between. She’s legendary among those looking for guid ance on timing (think: finance bros). “I predict the most probable timing in which things will play out,” she says. Still, she advises that nothing in the universe is set in stone. “Things can always shift, but I see the timeline with the highest probability.”
To further spread her magic, Szymczak hosts the Hex and the City podcast, offering cosmic
insights. She has also illustrated and produced her own tarot deck. Instead of a crowned figure holding scales and a sword adorning the Justice card or the Eight of Wands card showing an im age of sticks traversing a blue sky, Szymczak’s Badass Bitches deck features Ruth Bader Gins burg and RuPaul, respectively. “The original decks can be spooky to some people,” she says. “A lot of modern decks feature things like fair ies and goddesses and angels. I wanted one that was made up of really empowered females.”
If Szymczak’s life sounds like something out of the pages of a book, well, she’s one step ahead of you (which is maybe not surprising, given her occupation). Her recently released Saturn Dia ries chronicles her journey. “It’s part memoir and part spellbook,” she says. “It’s for anyone seeking to access their inner magic, which is something we all have inside of us.” (cardsyb.com) «
Cardsy B’s cosmic forecast for what to expect through the end of 2022.
“We’re in the heart of Scorpio season. That’s a massive time of change and transformation. In the tarot, Scorpio rules the Death card. It’s a card that has a tough reputation, but I love it because it’s all about death and rebirth.”
“When we think about the sign of Scorpio, we picture the scorpion. It’s a creature that has a shell. When it outgrows that shell, it molts out of it and literally comes into a new, larger shell that suits where it is at that point in its lifecycle. At this time in the year, we’re preparing for winter. But we’re also shedding all of the things that we’ve moved through in 2022.”
“We’re kind of settling down before we move into the rebirth of spring. And as we do this, we can ask our selves, ‘What is it that I’ve moved through that no longer serves me?’ And also, ‘What is it that I want to consciously take forward with me?’”
“We’re coming out of some tough retrogrades. In November, a lot of those planets (Saturn and Mercury, for example) go direct. This means clearer communication—with others and with ourselves. Things that were feeling [like] karmic lessons that may have been popping up throughout the fall are going to come into focus. We’ll be better positioned to understand why they happened, which can help us move past them with more ease.”
When the economy gets out of whack, all eyes turn to the Federal Reserve. Officially, the Fed’s mission is to control monetary policy. But what does that mean and how effective is it?
“The Federal Reserve’s primary role is to manage the supply of money in order to meet two key objectives: keep prices stable and promote maximum employment,” says Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting at the University of Central Florida.
Composed of three entities, the Federal Reserve System is this country’s central bank. It includes the board of governors, the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks, and the Federal Open Market Com mittee. Located around the country, the regional banks clear checks and act as the eyes and ears for the board. Presidents of each bank cycle through the Federal Open Market Committee as voting mem bers who decide whether or not to raise interest rates. The board of governors, chaired by Jerome Powell, is made up of seven members representing different sectors of the economy who are appointed by the president of the United States. Its role is to oversee the banks and implement monetary policy.
So just how does the Fed manage the supply and flow of money?
One of the most effective methods is to manipulate interest rates, says Snaith. When rates are lower, as they were for a decade leading up to 2022, it stimulates spending among consumers and business es because the cost of borrowing money is less, especially on bigticket items such as cars, homes, commercial buildings, and large appliances, but also on credit card purchases. In turn, there is an increased need for businesses to hire because the items in demand have to be built, produced, and shipped.
At the other end of the spectrum, higher rates make it more expen sive to borrow money, and that’s where we find ourselves in 2022. “In our current inflationary environment, the economy has over heated because the government shut it down for two months in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Snaith. Once the shutdown lifted, pent-up demand overwhelmed the supply chain and put a strain on companies that were scrambling to get workers back. “We opened the birdcage and everyone came out flying and looking to spend. The economy just exploded.”
In response to higher prices for nearly everything, the Fed began raising rates to try to bring inflation (the rate at which prices rise)
back to its target 2 percent annual average, rather than the 8 percent and more we reached during this past year. That helps slow spending, giving employment and the supply chain a chance to catch up to demand while prices stabilize or drop.
This strategy works well in this economic environment, says Snaith. “Monetary policy has a powerful effect over time because it impacts spending behavior,” he explains. “Especially when it comes to controlling infl ation, the Fed is the tip of the spear, if not the entire spear.”
When the Fed’s actions are not sufficient, there are some additional tools to help stabilize the economy. During Congressional hearings this year, Federal Reserve Board Chair Powell has been asking the government to do more, but Snaith says there aren’t many options on the table.
“Congress can either cut government spending, raise taxes, or do both at the same time,” he notes. Higher taxes cut into consumers’ discretionary spending money, while a reduction in government spending translates into money that won’t be pumped into the economy, resulting in less demand. Heading into mid-term elections, Snaith doesn’t see the government taking any action. “I think the Fed
will have to go it alone,” he says.
The final thought on the current economy is a word people don’t like to utter: recession. It’s always a possibility in an inflationary environment, Snaith says, but the silver lining is that it’s actually another tool to help the Fed in its mission, by bringing spending back in line and the economy back into balance. “Recession may be the bitter pill we have to swallow.” «
BY IVEY LEIDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENT ANDERSON
ne of the first things I tell my health coach clients is that everyone is different; what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for the next.
There seems to be a new diet trend every year, and most of us have tried at least one. Some enforce ridiculous rules, like banning beans (one of the healthiest foods on the planet) or certain vegetables and fruits, such as bananas or eggplant. This can lead us to not only judge specific foods as “good” or
“bad,” but also ourselves when we fall short. The more we demonize foods and forbid them, the more it leads to food obsessions and bingeing.
The good news is there is a new trend on the rise: intuitive eating, a radically different “un-diet” that encourages you to listen to your body, trust your hunger cues and cravings, and enjoy food again without the heaviness of rules. Focusing on how certain foods make you feel can be a guide for mindful eating; identifying those that don’t agree with you and those that fuel your body might be the secret to effective weight loss, positive body image, and a healthy relationship with food.
Letting go of rules might feel like a terrifying free fall, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of us innately know which foods make us feel our best and when our body truly is hungry—we just need to start listening to ourselves, jump off the roller coaster of dieting, and embrace the joy of eating.
OPTIONS: Instead of giving yourself restrictions, give yourself options. When you feel hungry, take a moment to notice your cravings. What is your energy level like? Would fruit for breakfast feel good or does your body need something more substantial like protein-rich eggs?
LISTEN: Just because your friend has lost weight cutting out carbohydrates doesn’t mean that approach will work for you. Each of us has a different metabolism and different nutritional needs. Remember to take note of which foods make you feel good, energized, and fueled and which foods are hard for you to digest and make you feel sluggish. Let these become your individualized “rules.” If you notice beans are hard to digest or if common irritants like corn, soy, dairy, or gluten upset your stomach or cause joint pain, listen to your body’s red flags. Replace dairy, corn, soy, and wheat with alternatives, or consider soaked, sprouted beans that are easier to digest.
KINDNESS: Be kind to yourself. When you stop demonizing food, you give yourself permission to eat. Let’s say you’re craving M&Ms. By allowing yourself to have the M&Ms, you eliminate the feeling of being prisoner to your cravings. And guess what happens? You can have a few M&Ms and move on without eating the entire bag. What a sense of
X relief that provides—and a feeling of
INGREDIENTS»
2 frozen bananas
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 date
2 tbsp. cacao nibs
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
» Combine all ingredients
a
blender
blend until
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 sweet potato, peeled and spiralized
1 cup cashews (either soaked in cold water overnight in the fridge or soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes and drained)
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 grated garlic clove
The juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. tahini
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup hot water to thin
» Add all cheez ingredients, except water, to a high-speed blender. Blend to combine, adding the water last and gradually until a sauce forms. Set aside.
» Using a cast-iron skillet, add the olive oil. Add spiralized sweet potato noodles and sauté for 4 minutes, until slightly golden and soft.
» Combine the noodles with the cheez sauce. Transfer to a plate and garnish with fresh basil leaf.
LOOK
RETRO ACCESSORIES AND DRESSES MAKE A CHIC COMEBACK FOR GALA SEASON
BY KATHERINE LANDE
TIED UP Kim bow in patent leather ($118), Lelet NY, leletny.com
X
SILVER BULLET
I Love Vivier bow strass silver pumps in PVC ($3,350), Roger Vivier, Miami, rogervivier.com
Full-skirt ballgowns in exuberant colors and patterns look fresh.
Mini bow crystal necklace ($870), Oscar de la Renta, Miami, oscardela renta.com
Opt for a chain-strap shoulder bag
for glamorous nights out.
PUT A BOW ON IT: Wear accessories embellished with bows.
LAYER UP: Add long gloves to your look for extra charm and drama.
DISCO INFERNO VLogo signature minaudière with Swarovski crystals (price upon request), Valentino, Miami, valentino.com
BACK TO BLACK
Ornamental long gloves (price upon request), Dior, Miami, dior.com
Rosie crystal-embellished satin pumps ($1,435), Amina Muaddi, modaoperandi.com
ORANGE CRUSH
Gucci High Jewelry Collection Hortus Deliciarum earrings with imperial topazes, fancy tourmalines, and diamonds set in 18-karat gold (price upon request), Gucci, Miami, gucci.com
SMALL WONDER
Mini handbag with chain strap ($1,825), Chanel, Miami, chanel.com
Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick in Pleased ($25),
urbandecay.com
I’ve recently become a fan of Urban Decay’s Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipsticks. My favorite is Pleased, a nude that leans more apricot in hue and gives my lips an instant shine. It’s virtually smudge-proof, so the color stays pigmented after sips and everything in between. —Melissa Puppo, managing editor
NARS Fast Ride ($26), NARS, narscosmetics.com
Pillow Talk Luscious Lip Kit ($80), Charlotte Tilbury, charlottetilbury.com
I’m not ashamed to admit it: The number of lip color products I own qualifies me as borderline obsessive. But my go-to lippy for everyday wear is a perfect nude I discovered on a trip across the pond. This trio of matched Pillow Talk products is a staple in my makeup drawer, car, and purse.
—Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief
Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Bold ($20), Rare Beauty, rarebeauty.com
Let your daily affirmations carry into your beauty routine. The Kind Words Matte Lipstick in the shade Bold is just that—a showstopping, deep berry rose that commands attention, looks incredible on all skin tones, and stays put all day. —Abigail Duffy, web editor
Satin Lipstick in Twig ($21), MAC Cosmetics, maccosmetics.com
I picked up this lipstick to wear at my sister’s 2018 wedding and have never looked back. The brownish-pink hue is perfect for my peaches-and-cream complexion and adds just the right amount of allure to my day or night. —Mary Murray, executive editor
This sheer mulberry shade has never been accused of being demure! It makes a dramatic statement in the evening and looks great with everything from a sleek black gown to a moto —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director
Signature Lip in Cabo ($26), Merit, meritbeauty.com
I consider a red lip an added accessory to any outfit, and my new go-to is Merit Signature Lip in Cabo. The formula is light and hydrating, but I especially love the sheer finish, which allows you to build up layers of color from day to night. Bonus: It’s clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. —Katherine Lande, fashion editor
Rouge Coco in 444 Gabrielle ($42), Chanel, saksfifthavenue.com
A classic red lip remains a favorite of mine for day or night, especially during the holiday season. Chanel’s Rouge Coco in 444 Gabrielle provides the perfect pop of color and shine, plus it’s ultra-hydrating and long-lasting.
—Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editor
DRESSED UP OR DOWN, THIS TIMELESS MATERIAL KNOWS NO BOUNDS
1. ONCE YOU POP Bea Bongiasca Pop choker with a turquoise leather cord, octagon-cut topaz, yellow enamel, silver, and gold, $900. (beabongiasca.com)
2. TRUE BLUE Jenna Blake Nautical link bracelet on navy leather with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $19,600. (jennablake.com)
3. FLOWER CHILD Tamara Comolli India large leaf pendant on leather with mother of pearl and 18-karat gold, $1,250. (us.tamaracomolli.com)
4. GOLDEN TOUCH Provident Jewelry bracelet with leather, diamonds, and 18-karat gold, $7,950. (providentjewelry.com)
5. SLIDE BY Leigh Maxwell gray leather cord with a diamond slider in 18-karat gold, $1,950. (leigh maxwell.com)
6. LEARN TO FLY Mignonne Gavigan Madeline earrings in ivory and rose gold with glass micro seed beads, hand-cut sequins, and leather, $250. (mignonnegavigan.com)
7. RED ALERT Louis Vuitton Daily Confidential bracelet with leather, monogram canvas, and brass, $335. Louis Vuitton locations (us.louisvuitton.com)
8. SQUAD GOALS Moritz Glik buckle rings with leather and diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $1,500 each, special order. (moritzglik.com)
BY TAMMY FENDER
In South Florida, we’re surrounded by so much natural beauty that we can almost take it for granted. Recently, my husband, Marc, and I were taking a stroll when a ylang-ylang tree stopped us in our tracks with its mesmerizing scent. That moment alone was a gift. But, because of the tree’s long, cyclical blooming, ylang-ylang has been the lucky aroma for a number of our most cherished moments, whether giving our youngest daughter a roller-skating lesson or joining our son as he walks the dogs. After a recent family trip to Portugal, the tropical perfume of the ylang-ylang’s sunny blossoms was the scent we came home to.
The plant world beckons to our senses, creating connections through its beauty, but also through a long legacy of healing. So many powerful medicines are derived from plants, including aspirin, which has its roots in willow, and the compounds used in chemotherapy, some of which come from the yew tree. As a holistic practitioner, I believe the aesthetic splendor of the plant kingdom is not separate from its healing strength. While working in my apothecary, I rely on plant extracts and essences to create transformative skin care formulas. And so many of nature’s most potent wonders can be found right here in South Florida.
Native to tropical Asia and used in many traditional healing cultures, the ylang-ylang tree features graceful, draping branches that bloom with star-like flowers. While perfumers treasure ylang-ylang for its lightly fruity and sweet aroma (it’s a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5), it can also help to tone and balance the skin as well as alleviate stress. My clients share a range of emotions in the treatment room, and
ylang-ylang is the essence I recommend in times of grief or anxiety. Though science has yet to uncover precisely which bioactive molecules in the plant’s composition reduce anxiety, there is evidence that applying this essential oil to the skin helps to calm the nervous system, lowering blood pressure and one’s pulse rate.
As a wife, mother, daughter, and business owner, I have often turned to ylang-ylang when I’ve felt overwhelmed. I can recall one day in particular when I was dropping our son off at college, which is always emotional for me. As I was driving away, the phone rang with news of a family emergency, followed by a reminder of a pressing need at work—all while being stuck in morning traffic. Thankfully, I always have a little bottle of ylangylang essential oil close by. Even just one quick inhale brings restoration. «
Since I was a little girl, I was influ enced by my mom’s fabrics from her interior design projects, pieces of arts, the beauty of color, Colombian biodiversity, traveling, and discover ing the diverse strong women from around the globe. I have always been very visually sensitive, and I knew that through fashion design I was going to be able to express that exuberance that filled my soul, to mix different cultures, and to share their magic and the Latin flair with women around the world.
Your designs go beyond fashion. Describe your 360-degree approach when creating a collection.
I design with heart, and my clothes are born with purpose. ... In the creative process, I always start with color. Then comes the mood and inspiration. The print illustra tions are a crucial element. Then come silhouettes. ... We prioritize [repurposing] our deadstock, and we always take into account our Indigenous communities or artisanal associations to create our accesso ries [via] hand-in-hand collaboration with them.
Our vertically integrated business model implies that 90 percent of the production is done in-house in my hometown of Cali, Colombia, translating into many stories and development opportunities behind each dress. Being able to bring a positive impact to the lives of the 436 people (78 percent women) who work at Johanna Ortiz is definitely our major achievement.
We truly believe in the value of doing the right thing and having eth ics at the center of everything we do. We honor our JO family every day and give them the tools to transform their realities through education, housing, recreation, health, and mental health support. We are committed to making our products locally, generating social inclusion, and building capacities, [while] also recognizing and enhancing our tra
ditional handcrafts and techniques. Furthermore, we work in harmony with the environment. We value our biodiversity as our endless source of inspiration and are [committed] to preserving it. That’s why, for example, we are planting more than 2,000 trees in the Amazon in partner ship with the native communities.
Expect to travel to the most magi cal Colombian towns through our home collection. The respect and appreciation for local communities’ ancestral crafts and knowledge is a crucial part of the social purpose of the company and one of the most relevant attributes in our pieces, which are hand-in-hand creations with 23 Indigenous communities and artisanal associations around Colombia, where we impact more than 260 women.
BY KATHERINE LANDE
The silhouettes this season are easy but sophisticated. They are festive through playful necklines, plunging back-lines, sensuous cut outs, and joyful mini dresses. As part of the Johanna Ortiz DNA, versatility and sustainability are present.
As always, the Johanna Ortiz prints are the perfect melting pot of cultures. Exuberant landscapes of the Colombian Orinoco Moriche palm trees and regal Yarumo me dicinal trees set the mood for this collection—a fascinating balance alongside Ankaran wax prints and Japanese-inspired kimonos and tu nics that come to life in tropical fall ing leaves and Kasuri ikat patterns.
In our continued effort to be more sustainable, responsible, and respectful every day, the materi als include organic pima cotton knitwear, printed eco-friendly cot tons, linens, and viscose jacquards. There is also the more traditional silk crepe de chine and charmeuse, both in solids and prints. For the evening elements, [we] introduced printed velvet and glowing paillette textures that, when playfully paired with feathers, give a sense of tex ture, movement, and shine.
Dr. Mendelsohn is a pioneer of the five-minute laser cataract surgery and recognized by physicians as a preeminent expert in eye laser surgery. Laser cataract surgery provides far better visual results and safety compared to traditional cataract surgery. Cataract surgery previously was highly invasive, whereby the patient had a shot to the eye and a large incision closed with numerous sutures at the conclusion of the procedure. A laser can now perform 90 percent of the procedure flawlessly in about 30 seconds. This painless procedure takes only five minutes from start to finish, which includes the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). There are no shots, no stitches, nor any patches! The patient can resume normal activities the next day, including driving, working, and exercising. The quality of vision is outstanding for driving, viewing a computer, and reading, including all the focal lengths in between.
For decades, South Florida physicians have called Dr. Mendelsohn “The physician’s physician.” He has had the honor and privilege to serve as the ophthalmologist to several hundred doctors (and their family members) in South Florida. The physicians in the area know which physicians have areas of expertise and utilize this inside knowledge to seek out the best of the best medical and surgical care for themselves and their family members. Additionally, he has physicians, including fellow ophthalmologists, come statewide to seek his care at Eye Surgeons & Consultants, especially for laser cataract surgery and laser glaucoma surgery.
D. MENDELSOHN, M.D., F.A.C.S.
4651 Sheridan St., Suite 100, Hollywood
For more information: 954.894.1500 or myeyesurgeons.com
Leonard J. Pianko, MD, is the founder and medical director of the Aventura Cardiovascular Center. He is board-certified in cardiology and internal medicine, with special expertise in cardiovascular disease, preventive cardiology, and non-invasive treatment options, including echocardiogram and nuclear stress testing.
A native of New York, Dr. Pianko earned his medical degree at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He completed his residency in internal medicine and his fellowship in cardiology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
As a private practitioner in South Florida for more than 30 years, Dr. Pianko strives to combine his expertise as a seasoned cardiologist with the personalized approach of a primary physician. Central to his Aventura practice is an unwavering commitment to compassionate and quality care, supporting patients and their families throughout their medical decision-making process. Loved by his patients, his goal is to improve the quality of their lives by actively listening and customizing health strategies so they can live longer and better.
In partnership with his staff, Dr. Pianko puts his patients first, acting as an advocate, treating them with respect, accommodating last-minute appointments when feasible, and referring them to specialists when needed.
CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER
21097 NE 27th Court, Suite 110, Aventura
For more information: 305.384.4720 or leonardpiankomd.com
THE NATION OF ZIMBABWE IS ONE OF AFRICA’S BEST-KEPT SAFARI SECRETS. HERE, WE SHARE EXPERT INSIGHT INTO HOW TO BEST IMMERSE YOURSELF WITHIN THE COUNTRY’S EXTENSIVE NATURAL TREASURES AND SWEEPING CON SERVATION INITIATIVES.
BY PAUL RUBIOFronted by the Zambezi River, Zimba bwe’s Mana Pools National Park comprises 2,612 square miles of unspoiled mahoganyand baobab-studded forests, river islands, channels, and lakes. This exquisite patch work of woodlands and waterways fosters a riveting safari experience that’s equal parts land and water.
To fully appreciate the duality, stay at Wil derness Safaris’ Ruckomechi Camp, where mornings spent spotting lions and buffalo by Land Rover rival afternoons watching hippos and birds by motorized boat. Float past sunbathing crocodiles, preening bee-
eaters, and boisterous elephants, admiring the undulating mountains of the Rift Valley in the horizon. Ruckomechi’s enviable river front location and prolific ana (acacia) trees also make it a preferred spot for elephants and hippos to feed, sleep, and cavort— meaning the safari often unfolds in camp. One afternoon, I even saw a baby elephant stumble on my terrace, with mom sternly redirecting him shortly thereafter.
In terms of design, the 10-suite, tented camp is unfussy and effortlessly chic, min gling earth-toned wood furnishings with sapphire-hued soft goods. It’s truly an idyllic spot for immersing in the magic of Mana Pools. (wilderness-safaris.com)
Less than 10 miles upstream from Victoria Falls—the largest and arguably most spectacu lar waterfall on the planet—intimate waterfront lodge Mpala Jena beautifully commingles Tulum style and safari sensibility. Situated on a sparkling white-sand beach along the Zambezi, the lodge captures a toes-in-the-sand vibe and boho-chic look more commonly associated with trendy oceanic destinations. An interior color scheme of light blues, creams, and earth tones complements transitional indoor-outdoor spaces defined by unfinished wood, straw, and ropework. Meanwhile, Instagram-perfect swings, hammocks, beanbags, and poolside loungers abound, promoting languid, cocktailfilled afternoons in the sun.
But unlike Tulum, this isn’t just a fabulous beach destination. It’s also a safari experience in the heart of Zambezi National Park, where baboons frolic in the sand and trees, elephants charge through camp, and riotous hippos are
natural deterrents to entering the water. Five swoon-worthy suites channel ultra-luxury un der canvas, each flanked by a massive terrace with a private canopied daybed for connecting with nature and stargazing. The juxtaposition of wildlife and beach is truly surreal.
Of course, the initial draw to Mpala Jena is a visit to Victoria Falls, which can be done by foot, boat, bungee cord, helicopter, and more. However, you’ll soon realize Mpala Jena is a secret slice of wild beachfront heaven that’s far more than a home base for waterfall rapture. (greatplainsconservation.com)
On the edge of Mana Pools National Park, conservation-led outfit Great Plains and its eponymous foundation have embarked on an ambitious initiative to return a 280,000-acre swathe of former hunting grounds to its natural state, inclusive of the wildlife that once freely roamed the land. In creating Sapi Private Reserve, the visionaries behind Great Plains, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, have transformed a private hunting concession into a protected area with an intimate safari camp, Tembo Plains, at its core. Now Great Plains is in the process of relocating more than 3,000 animals from Savé Valley Conservancy in southern
Witnessing the rewilding experience is just one aspect of a stay at Tembo Plains Camp. The other is luxuriating on and along the Zambezi River—and unapologetically so. A total of five tented suites, generously spaced apart, boast prime waterfront positions. Each is a hybrid of canvas and stone, alternating between zipped panels, local stone walls, and Zanzibari embellishments like hand-carved wooden doors. Each suite has its own outdoor shower, plunge pool, and viewing deck with loungers and chairs.
Tembo Plains also has the distinction of being the sole Zimbabwean property within the Relais & Châteaux collection. Like others in this es teemed portfolio, its excellence extends to food and wine. Guests can browse the nearly 100 wines in the enormous cellar, trying as many as they’d like, before and after feasting on multicourse gourmet meals.
Leisure activities center on the Zambezi itself. Enjoy sundowners on a sandbank, try your hand at catching the piranha-like tigerfish, float down the river on a scenic cruise, or get closer to river-crossing elephants by canoe. Overall, Tembo Plains Camp presents a more relaxed pace to safari’s traditional “go, go, go” fervor, a chance to simply admire nature and Zimbabwe’s luxury of space instead of obsessing over your wildlife checklist. (greatplainsconservation.com)
Zimbabwe to Sapi, saving them from a governmentproposed cull in the name of wildlife management.
Launched in Summer 2022, the multiyear Project Rewild Zambezi will see more than 400 elephants and other such iconic species as lions, buffalo, painted dogs, and eland transferred to Sapi and the national park (the lack of fences means animals can move freely between the two). Guests at Tembo Plains have the rare chance to observe this massive conservation effort in action, learning how naturalists accomplish such a relocation. This process typically takes several weeks per animal and includes carefully introducing them to their new environment within a shielded paddock, allowing them to assimilate, and then releasing them. (greatplainsconservation.com)
A secret of top bird photographers is shooting from a bird hide or blind, a well-camouflaged shelter that facilitates viewing at close quarters. At Little Makalolo in Hwange National Park, this concept has been upsized—way upsized—to create an equivalent for access to the elephants that frequent a permanent water hole near
camp. The so-called “log pile” (an open-air stickwork structure that fits four to six comfortably) is as close as you’ll ever get to these pachyderms in the wild.
Skilled guides know how to take full advantage of this one-of-akind theater. First, sneak in before the elephants arrive in the early afternoon. Then, watch them drink, bathe, play, and wrestle, all at eye-level, often for hours. Considering about half of Zimbabwe’s elephant population resides in Hwange—a number that currently hovers around 43,000—encounters are typically epic. One day, I lost count at 200.
Back in the Land Rover, anticipate lion sightings aplenty—this is prime real estate for the big cats—and other famed members of The Lion King cast, plus herds of gorgeous sable antelope. The camp itself is comfortable and unpretentious, yet the true luxury here is the wildlife-rich location and immediate animal access. (wilderness-safaris.com) «
Jaime Landman, MD • Zevy Landman, MD • Philip C. Mirmelli, MD
Kfir Shamir, MD • Barry J. Mark, MD • Stacy M. Nassau, MD
Ornella Papadias Feria, MD • Jose E. Rojas Camayo, MD
The reimagined W South Beach presents an array of chic leisure options including (clockwise from far left) renovated suite accommodations, lounging on the pool deck, the Away Spa, and daily fitness classes on The Lawn.
BY PAUL RUBIO
Friday afternoon: Check in and get acquainted with your Instagram-worthy lair. The all-suite W South Beach was reimagined in December 2020 with beach house–style millwork and furnishings in coral and teal, creating an idyllic abode for a Miami vacation. Take in the ocean breeze and the dreamy vistas from your balcony—every suite has one.
Friday night: Dine at one of South Beach’s top restaurants (we recommend Mila for the scene or Michelin-starred Stubborn Seed for a more romantic affair), followed by a nightcap or two at W’s Liv ing Room Bar, where DJs spin from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.
Saturday morning: Detox by partaking in the hotel’s complimentary daily fitness class, held outdoors from 10 to 11 a.m. on a grassy swath dubbed The Lawn. Sessions range from yoga classes by Ahana Yoga Studio to HIIT-style training by Barry’s.
Saturday afternoon: Grab a poolside lounger or upgrade to a cabana and drink away as DJs fuel an afternoon of fun. Alternatively–or additionally–hang at W’s
beach club, Sand, just beyond the prop erty gates.
Saturday night: Dine alfresco at W’s Tuscan-inspired restaurant RWSB, where must-try dishes include the cacio e pepe and the branzino livornese . Continue with a cocktail at neighboring outdoor tropical bar Irma’s, and then experience Miami’s world-class nightlife scene, either on the beach or in Wynwood.
Sunday morning: After coffee, take a self-guided tour through the lobby’s $100 million worth of museum-quality modern art, including an impressive 21 works by Andy Warhol.
Sunday afternoon: Treat yourself to a massage at the 9,540-square-foot Away Spa, where specialty treatments range from deep muscle, to detoxifying and energiz ing, to stress-releasing decompression.
Sunday evening: End your weekend on The Lawn with a classic movie under the stars ( Jaws , anyone?), with complimentary popcorn in one hand and Prosecco in the other. (marriott.com) «
Some trumpet fanfare is in order. Perhaps even a rousing rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner by Gaga. An enthusiastic round of applause, at least.
The reason for all this jubilation? Cadillac is making moves to once again become the “standard of the world,” this time with a hand-built, all-electric flagship that’ll start at $300,000.
The all-new Celestiq will be the most expensive, most technically advanced, most exclusive Cadillac ever. How exclusive? When it goes on sale toward the end of next year, it will go head-to-head with the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach. Fewer than 500 will be built annually.
Cadillac pulled the wraps off a prototype version of its new flagship at a swanky private event during August’s Monterey Car Week in California, to which we got a coveted invite.
General Motors CEO Mary Barra was there to watch the reveal. Lobster was for dinner.
While Cadillac had been teasing the car’s design since mid-summer, nothing prepared us
for the visual drama of gazing at it for the first time. It’s huge, almost as long as a long-wheelbase Escalade ESV. Up front, the styling is influenced by the automaker’s recently launched all-electric Lyriq crossover and dominated by a patterned grille flanked by vertically stacked LED lights. There’s also a clamshell-style hood and a usable “frunk” with luggage space.
Glass is a big feature of the new Celestiq, with a high-lifting, wraparound, all-glass tail-
gate and a panoramic glass roof made up of four panels, one above each of the seats. Using SPD (suspended particle device) technology, passengers can lighten or darken their own space at the touch of a button.
The cabin showcases Cadillac’s tech innovations, with a dose of bespoke craftsmanship.
The fascia, for example, boasts a full-width, 55-inch LED display, while the polished-metal, two-spoke steering wheel could have come
out of a 1950s Eldorado. There’s also a retro theme with the seats, which, on the prototype, are trimmed in what looks like trombone-case red velour with red leather side panels. Caddyloving Elvis would have approved.
Things get even more exciting underneath the bodywork. The car will be built on GM’s flexible Ultium EV platform, similar to the one used in the Lyriq and the new electric Hummer. With high-output electric motors on both axles to give all-wheel drive and Ultium battery power possibly as high as 200 kWh, range
should be around 300-plus miles, with zeroto-60-mph acceleration in under 3 seconds.
For Cadillac to command such a lofty price tag and have any hope of attracting the attention of customers who might have a RollsRoyce or Bentley on their shopping list, the whole buying experience is going to have to be above and beyond. Which is why Cadillac is spending $81 million to develop a boutique manufacturing facility within its mid-century modern Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, designed by famed Finnish architect
Eero Saarinen. It’ll include a commissioning studio where owners can personalize their Celestiq, picking from a multitude of exterior colors, wood veneers, and leathers.
Of course, the million-dollar question is whether super-luxury sedan buyers will fork over $300,000 and up for a Cadillac instead of an upcoming electric Rolls-Royce Spectre or Bentley EV. It’s not out of the question. Remember that back in 1957 Cadillac sold the hand-built Eldorado Brougham that bristled with groundbreaking technology and cost more than a Rolls.
I think that for many American buyers, there’s a deep-rooted love for Cadillac and a powerful desire for the brand to succeed. Count me among them. «
Ah, bella Sorrento. Home of limoncello, gateway to Italy’s spectacular Amalfi Coast, and embarkation point for a quick ferry ride to the romantic island of Capri.
If you have been and are nautically inclined, chances are you’ve stood at the city’s walls and gazed down longingly at the fleet of brightly colored Sorrentino gozzo fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbor. Their design dates back to the nineteenth century, when they used oars and sails for power. Now their broad beams, stout wooden construction, trade mark rounded transoms, and putt-putt engines have become synonymous with aquatic life along the Mediterranean.
In Sorrento, most of the gozzos tied to the docks will likely have been built by the Aprea family at their Fratelli Aprea shipyard in Marina Grande. Founded in 1890 by Cataldo Aprea, the yard is still turning out traditional gozzos for local fisherfolk.
In the late ’90s, however, the Apreas answered the call from families wanting a boat with the same seakeeping gozzo qualities but with a few more creature comforts. Think: a small cabin for post pasta-e-vino napping. The 26foot, tiller-steered Fratelli Aprea 780 was born.
The builder has since expanded its offerings to include a number of handcrafted, fiberglass-hulled cruisers rang ing from a 25-foot center-console dayboat to a luxurious 50-footer. All are custom-built and each is assembled with a single-minded focus on quality and craftsmanship. And all are guaranteed to spin heads, drop jaws, and have onlookers burst into spontaneous applause at their very sight. That tall, beautifully flared bow, the ring of varnished planking around the hull, and that distinctive rounded stern with its oversize teak swim platform—these vessels all but definitively prove the notion that life’s too short to own an ugly boat.
Until now, Fratelli Apreas have only been available to Euro pean boaters. But after a toe-in-the water display at this year’s Palm Beach International Boat Show, the builder decided to bring its bespoke boats to the United States, operating out of a new HQ on Lake Charlevoix in Boyne City, Michigan.
Currently, the U.S. lineup kicks off with the truly gorgeous and family-friendly 25-foot Sorrento 7.50 center console. Featuring wraparound stern seating, a huge foredeck with a giant sunpad, and a compact cabin with a shower, head, and V-berth for overnighting, it’s a masterpiece of space and versatility. And in these days when so many boats look like floating Clorox bottles, the 7.50 is a poster child for la dolce
vita, with its acres of mirrorvarnished mahogany, sparkling stainless steel, and salty teak decks. Power comes from either single or twin 125hp Yanmar diesels—bigger, if you want—pushing the semidisplacement-hulled 7.50 to an 18-knot cruise speed or 22 flat out.
Need more space? Any one of Fratelli Aprea’s trio of 32-footers is perfect for big groups. Take your pick from the center-consoled 32 Open Cruise, the 32 Semi-Cabinatto with its wide foredeck sofa, or the 32 Semi-Cabinatto Hardtop with its protected-fromthe-elements enclosed steering. These all come with twin 320-hp Volvo D4 turbo-diesels on straight shafts that give a 26-knot top speed with 22-knot cruising.
The Aprea family’s latest offering in the U.S. is the Sorrento 36 Hardtop, which made its North American debut at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The big appeal here are the below-deck accommodations.
There’s a forward master with a walk-around queen bed, a guest cabin with twin stacked bunks, and a drop-down salon table with cushions for an occasional double. With the 36, you can take your pick of Volvo-Penta, Yanmar, or MAN diesel power, with typical twin 590-hp motors giving around 30 knots and easy 24-knot cruising.
The gozzo look won’t be for everyone, nor will the time commitment required to maintain all that varnished teak. But for lovers of classic Italian style, these Fratelli Apreas are unmatched. Plus, outside of Sorrento, there’s no better place to quaff a glass of frosty limoncello. «
PRICE: FROM $1.1 MILLION
FOR 36 HARDTOP LENGTH:
FEET, 7 INCHES BEAM: 14
FEET, 6 INCHES ENGINES: 2
YANMAR DIESELS POWER:
X 590 HP TOP SPEED: 30
KNOTS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF CRUISING THE AMALFI COAST.
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Tania Yumbla’s personal and professional journey is the epitome of the American dream. Born and raised in a small town in Ecuador, she relocated to New York City, where she started her career in the mattress industry. While living in Manhattan, she worked for one of the most prominent mattress companies in the country, which taught her to have a strong work ethic and a professional attitude toward her clients.
Tania’s success rests in her outgoing yet genuine personality, constantly thinking positively and giving back to her community. Tania makes the buying experience easy and practical to ensure that every client at Aventura Mattress receives a customized and luxurious experience. Aventura Mattress offers the ultimate hand-picked selection from only the best manufacturers in the industry.
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For JOSÉ DÍAZ-BALART, journalism is at its most powerful when it gives a voice to the silent and the silenced
BY LINDA MARX PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON NUTTLEWhether he’s reporting for MSNBC, NBC News, or Noticias Telemundo, José Díaz-Balart is a groundbreaking Latino journalist. But before he was a household name, Díaz-Balart says he was just an inquisitive kid.
“I have always been curious about the world around us,” he says. “I think the more one knows, the more one realizes that one doesn’t know a lot.”
It was curiosity that led a 23-year-old Díaz-Balart to show up unannounced to United Press International’s (UPI) Miami offices in the 1980s. After asking the bureau chief for a tour, he decided to take a writing test for a job. He passed and was later hired as editor of “rip and read,” a way of taking news off of the wire and often condensing or expanding it into a story. In 1984, he was assigned to cover riots in the Dominican Republic.
“Because I was the only Spanish-speaking correspondent in the Southeast, I was sent to the scene,” Díaz-Balart says.
When he arrived, he encountered people rioting on the streets and buses burning. “There were machine guns, people running and dropping,” he recalls. “It was a violent situation. I heard bullets and ran, barging into a metal zinc door leading to a one-room house with three generations of mostly women.”
As Díaz-Balart took cover, he conversed with an elderly woman sheltering alongside him. She cupped his
face with her hands and told him that all of her life she had prayed that sometime, somewhere she could have someone know that she existed.
“She said, ‘God is answering my question and I can die in peace,’” he re calls. “It was like a punch, an affirmation of what one can do as a journalist.”
Díaz-Balart says the chance encounter has defined his career. “That mo ment is seared in my memory and in my soul,” he says. “It’s not about me. It’s about the extraordinary privilege of being a journalist and of what journal ism can do. Speak to power, but also to shine a light on those who are often in the darkness. Give a microphone to those who are silent or silenced.”
Today, Díaz-Balart does just that as the host of José Díaz-Balart Reports, his English-language show on MSNBC that airs weekdays at 10 a.m. to more than 3 million viewers each week. Come the weekend, he is the anchor of NBC’s Nightly News Saturday. But one language isn’t enough for Díaz-Balart; he also reports to viewers in Spanish, regularly contributing to the Noticias Telemundo Network, where he anchored the nightly weekday newscast for a dozen years. (Fun fact: Díaz-Balart is the only journalist to regularly anchor two nightly newscasts in Spanish and English for national networks.)
“José is one of the most trusted names in journalism, and his keen ability to connect with viewers through storytelling is unmatched,” says Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC. “He brings humanity to every story he covers and elevates important issues affecting communities of color on all plat forms—whether it’s NBC News, MSNBC, or Noticias Telemundo.”
Over the years, Díaz-Balart has reported at the scene of historic events and power meetings. He has interviewed prominent figures from around the world, including every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan. But he’s also covered stories of or dinary people doing extraordinary things.
“It is the privilege of my professional life to be able to do what I am doing now in my career,” says Díaz-Balart, who has won seven Emmy Awards, the George Peabody Award, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, among other prestigious journalism accolades.
Curiosity is just one factor in DíazBalart’s success; his appreciation for the way politics can shape individual lives has also played a key role.
Díaz-Balart’s family tree has deep roots in public service. His grandfather was the mayor of the Cuban town of Banes. His father served in the Cuban house of repre sentatives, was Deputy Secretary of the In terior, and later founded La Rosa Blanca, the first anti-Castro organization. (The law school building at Miami’s Florida Interna tional University is named for him.)
When Fidel Castro and his allies overthrew
It’s not about me. It’s about the extraordinary privilege of being a journalist and of what journalism can do. Speak to power, but also shine a light on those who are often in the darkness.”
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President Fulgencio Batista’s government in 1959, the Díaz-Balart family’s home was looted and burned. As political refugees, his par ents fled to Madrid, Spain (and later to Miami) to start new lives.
But even as Díaz-Balart branched away from the family political tradition, he says he’s taken lessons from all of it. “What happens in Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Broward County, or Miami-Dade, from federal to state to local, has a direct impact on every person’s life,” he says. “There has never been a more important time to be involved and informed about politics. The days of people thinking that politics don’t have a relationship with their personal existence are over.”
For Díaz-Balart—whether he’s reporting on politics or profiles— his parents’ sage advice has served as a guiding force in his life and
career: “Only through the exchange of different ideas can the light of knowledge begin to emerge.”
As a student, promoting the exchange of different ideas intrigued Díaz-Balart. He got his first taste of broadcasting at Sarasota’s New College of Florida, where he was frequently tapped to speak about international affairs and Latino issues on-air at WQSA-AM radio sta tion.
After graduation, he was hired to work the station’s morning shift. “This job changed my life in the sense that if something happened in Afghanistan, all of a sudden it appeared in my local radio closet,”
There has never been a more important time to be involved and informed about politics. The days of people thinking that politics don’t have a relationship with their personal existence are over.”
he says. “I wondered how that worked, which was the spark for me to become a journalist.”
That fascination with newsgathering lead him to his visit to UPI, setting in motion the path to his career and passion. “It was during that coverage [in the Dominican Republic] that I realized the importance of journalism,” he says. “It [is] what I was meant to do.”
By late 1984, the Spanish International Network (SIN)—now Univision—had hired Díaz-Balart to run its Central American bureau. He moved to El Salvador to cover everything from civil wars to earthquakes to elections.
After returning to Miami two years later, Díaz-Balart was one of a handful of journalists who left SIN to found the then-startup Telemundo Network in 1987. He eventually took a reporting gig with WTVJ in Miami. But in 1996, he made the jump from local to national news when he was named anchor of CBS News’ This Morning—making him the first Cuban-American to helm a network news broadcast.
Whether the coverage is local, national, or interna tional, Díaz-Balart is focused on community. “I serve all of the communities in the same way, with respect, pas sion, and compassion,” he says. “I am always conscious of giving voice to those who are silent or have been silenced, voices that are often in the shadows.”
In 2000, he returned to Tel emundo, hosting programs including Etta Mañana, Hoy en el Mundo, and Enfoque con José Díaz-Balart, before an choring the network’s nightly news in 2009. Since Telemundo is owned by NBC Universal, Díaz-Balart was often asked to do fill-in reporting for NBC and MSNBC—eventually tak ing over The Daily Rundown on MSNBC in 2014 and being named anchor of the Saturday edition of NBC Nightly News
In 2016, Díaz-Balart was tapped to moderate a Demo cratic presidential town hall fea turing Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Three years later, he was a co-moderator for the first Democratic presidential primary debate on NBC and Telemundo.
With all those gigs, something had to give. So in 2021, Díaz-Balart stepped down from anchoring the weeknight editions of Noticias Telemundo, though he continues to cover breaking news, report on special events, and host monthly specials for the network.
“José is a former colleague and a dear friend who continues to be a model broadcast anchor to all in the industry,” says Maria Elviva Salazar, a 30-year journalist for Telemundo in Miami and now the U.S. Representa tive for Florida’s twenty-seventh district. “While I was a journalist, I looked up to him as a role model. He has made major contributions to both English and Spanish news media and is a symbol of pride for Miami’s CubanAmerican exile population. Our community and nation are better because of his contributions, both on televi sion and for the cause of liberty.”
Díaz-Balart says he’s fortunate to have served so many diverse communities of people during his career.
“I can speak two languages, I think in two languages, I dream in two languages, and I exist in two worlds,” he says. “Sometimes I say, ‘Gosh, I’m living in another world that is so different from the other world that I get a chance to live in.’ And to be able to actually profes sionally have that experience is only because of NBC Universal. I am the luckiest guy in the world.” «
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Surrounded by family, Petra Levin mounts a dual celebration full of good food and great vibes
BY DAPHNE NIKOLOPOULOS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY RABINOWITZ
It’s 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, and Petra Levin is already in the kitchen. But instead of stuffing a turkey, she’s grinding espresso beans, scrambling eggs, folding smoked salmon into little rosettes, and arrang ing balloons around the breakfast table. The elaborate spread is a ritual Levin has been up holding every Thanksgiving since her daugh ter, Davina Dresbach, was born, on November 24. Because the birthday falls so close to—or, like this year, right on—the holiday, Levin didn’t want one event to overshadow the other. So, every year she makes a big deal of both.
“We have a double celebration every Thanks giving,” she says. “A little more work for me, but it makes me very happy.”
Levin, a German-born philanthropist and art collector who calls Miami Beach home, is hap piest when celebrating life’s special moments surrounded by family and friends. Today, she beams brightest. Despite the hours of cooking
and scene-setting, all of which she does herself, she is full of energy and anticipation. Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. “I come from a family that always celebrated Sunday dinners,” says Levin. “Thanksgiving reminds me of those family celebrations in Germany, when everybody came together over a meal. There was always such warmth in the room, and gratitude.”
The breakfast plates are barely cleared when Levin goes into Thanks giving mode. Since a lot of the prep was done the day before, she starts with the birds. (Yes, birds. Why have one when you can have three?) In the spirit of a multicultural celebra tion, she roasts not only a turkey but also a duck and a goose, the idea being to please every palate. “I love the American tradition, but I also have to bring in the German culture,” she says. “That’s why we have all the birds and German tra ditions like the red cabbage kraut and the dumplings.”
Not a Norman Rockwell Thanks giving, perhaps, but it works.
While the birds are in the oven, Levin goes to work on the dining table. She combines a 3D silicone Join Bubble placemat by Finell with an asymmetrical leather mat by Lind DNA, then adds Manufacture Rock plates by Villeroy & Boch and glass ware by FFerrone. She keeps the flowers smaller in scale so people can talk to each other across the table, and she adds an unexpected conversation piece: My New Flame LED candles, designed by Ingo Maurer and Moritz Waldemeyer.
Clockwise from above: Untitled (Flats), a triptych by Alex Israel, anchors the dining room; Mickalene Thomas’ Portrait of Quanikah claims a spot in a hallway; Levin’s contempo rary Thanksgiving table.
“
Thanksgiving reminds me of [our] family celebrations in Germany, when everybody came together over a meal. There was always such warmth in the room, and gratitude.”
Levin surrounds herself with art, such as KAWS Chair Pink by KAWS and Estudio Campana, and plenty of opportunities for fun, including stylized billiards and foosball tables.
Though Levin’s tablescapes are never the same, they tend to lean modern with an artistic vibe, in harmony with the surround ings. An art collector for more than 20 years, she has amassed a thrilling mix of contemporary pieces that range from sculpture to street art, and from figurative to abstract. Skulls are a recur ring theme. The Skull Beneath the Skin by Damien Hirst, hang ing over the sectional in the liv ing room, is the most imposing
of the lot. The skull it depicts feels so alive that you can’t help but wonder whose
skin once encased that perfect bone structure, gaping orbital cavity, and super-white teeth.
That, in fact, is what Levin loves about it. “A lot of people are afraid of looking at skulls,” she says. “To me, they are a re minder that we are all equal. We can dress ourselves up or down, we can make ourselves prettier, more exciting or less exciting. But underneath, we are all the same.”
Though serious, Levin’s col lection is displayed with a sense
of humor that suggests the lady of the house is spirited and a whole lot of fun. Next to the din ing room table, for example, the paintbrush-wielding Bronze Rat by Banksy stares sideways at din ers, as if it was distracted mid-tag by some lovely aroma. And in the middle of the great room sits Untitled (Robots AMAZE) by Bar ry McGee, a life-size sculpture of three graffiti artists sitting on each other’s shoulders, bombing a column.
Also front and center in the great room: a glass foosball table by Teckell and a glass billiards table by Calma e Gesso, both testaments to the fact that form
Putting a German spin on Thanksgiving is part of the fun at Levin’s gathering. Here, she sculpts the knödel, German potato dumplings, before poaching them in hot water.
doesn’t necessarily follow func tion. The game tables are liter ally the first things you see when the front door opens. “That was intentional,” Levin says of the transitional space. “People walk in and are instantly in a good mood.”
That is certainly the case on Thanksgiving. Her children, with whom she is very close, arrive two hours before “ludi”—Levin’s invented portmanteau of lunch and dinner—to finish the meal together, which is code for get ting the party started early. “We put on music and dance through out the day and just have a really good time together,” Davina says.
“Plus, this is a really special meal that I look forward to all year.”
The birthday girl prepares maple ba con brussels sprouts and sausage stuff ing while the hostess puts the finishing touches on the rotkraut, a pickled red cabbage dish that’s popular in Germany, and popular in this house, too. “I always make a huge pot, for leftovers,” Levin says. “But there’s never any left over.”
Her son, Daniel Dresbach, arrives with armloads of sweets—Saint Honoré cake from Sant Ambroeus, donuts from The Salty Donut, and a trio of pies from Fireman Derek’s. Every year, Daniel is assigned dessert, and he takes his job very seriously. “I like to get an assort ment of pies and seasonal cakes—pecan and pumpkin are always Thanksgiving favorites—and an assortment of do nuts or pastries,” he says. “I like having a greater variety of smaller cakes rather than a few larger ones.”
Friends file in from near and far, and soon the atmosphere is charged with laughter and warmth. Some gather out side to sip Champagne by the dock, others congregate by the kitchen coun ter, and a couple take up a friendly game of pool under the watchful gaze of Cavern with the Eroded Melpomene by Daniel Arsham and Wagon Wheel by Miami photographer Greg Lotus. Every
Clockwise from above: Elisabeth Kohn, Victoria Shusterman, Malinda Krantz, and Joanne Rosen sip poolside; Krantz, Marissa Matthews, Jill Herzberg, and Shusterman mingle before dinner; Saint Honoré cake from Sant Ambroeus; Davina Dresbach and Leah De Ment Caso play a game of pool.
space is occupied by happy people, which is just the way Levin likes it.
She watches the activity from the kitchen while she makes the knödel—her favorite part of the meal. These traditional German potato dumplings are lighter and fluffier than mashed potatoes, so they serve as the obligatory starch. Levin dips into the batter and rolls a tennis ball–sized sphere between her hands, getting it nice and smooth. Then she carefully tucks a buttery crouton in the center, as if hiding a treasure. “The se cret is, the crouton makes the dough softer,” she says. “When you put it on the plate, it literally falls open and you can pour the gravy into it.”
When the knödel are done, that’s everyone’s cue that dinner is served. After enjoying butternut squash soup at the table, guests go to the buffet table and serve themselves a bit of everything. It isn’t Thanksgiving if
FLORALS:
Jared Tuchinsky, Perak Floral Boutique, Miami Beacwh (@perak_florist)
GLASSWARE: FFerrone Design, Milan, Italy (@fferronedesign)
LED CANDLES: Luminaire, Coral Gables (@luminaire)
PLACEMATS: Lind DNA, Aarhus, Denmark (@linddna)
PLATES: Villeroy & Boch (@villeroyboch)
BREADS AND PASTRIES: True Loaf Bakery, Miami Beach (@trueloaf)
DUCK, TURKEY, GOOSE: Bush Brothers Provision Company, West Palm Beach (@bushbros)
CAKES: Sant Ambroeus, Palm Beach (@santambroeus) ; The Cheesecake Factory (@cheesecakefactory)
BREAKFAST PASTRIES: The Salty Donut, Miami (@thesaltydonut)
PIES: Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, Miami (@fdpies)
KNÖDEL MIX: Pfanni Teig für KlöBe (pfanni.de)
plates aren’t overflowing. And the “ludi,” which starts around 4 p.m., continues well into the night.
Levin and her children wrap up the evening with a game of Uno—one of the traditions Davina cher ishes most. “We’re a very competitive family so the games get very intense,” she says. “My brother and I sit on either side of my mom so we can gang up on her, because she will ruthlessly give us ‘Draw 4’ [cards].”
It’s all part of the good vibes of the holiday, for which Davina credits her mother. “She is the light of the day,” she says. “Her excitement is conta gious.”
For Levin, it’s the simple things that make the cel ebration: family, friends, and good food. “The day is super relaxed and all about togetherness,” she says. “How can you not feel grateful?” «
BY NICOLE MARTINEZ
Since Art Basel debuted in Miami Beach 20 years ago, the city’s star has been steadily on the rise. While many might have discarded Miami as a cultural wasteland years ago, the arrival of the fairs—along with the addition of world-class museums like the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, plus the opportunity to access some of the best private collections in the world including the Rubell Museum and the de la Cruz Collection—has put Miami on the map. And while the headlining events and institutions may have attracted the global art world in the first place, Miami’s home grown contemporary artists, galleries, and exhibition spaces are what make the city so compelling. Here’s what’s new and now in the Miami art world.
According to UBS and Arts Economics’ new report, The Role of Cities in the U.S. Art Ecosystem, by cultural economist Clare McAndrew, Miami stands out as the only city where emerging female artists were more likely to be exhibited for the first time over their male peers in both museums and commercial galleries. In particular, The Bass Museum of Art on Mi-
ami Beach (thebass.org) has amplified local women artists over the last several years. In 2021, the museum launched its public artwork initiative, “New Monuments,” with Your Momma’s Voice in the Back of Your Head by Najja Moon; in 2022 the project was awarded to Charo Oquet. Also in 2022, The Bass debuted Cara Despain’s solo exhibition, “Specter.”
“The Bass is committed to presenting international con temporary art of excellence, and the women artists we have shown represent some of the best and brightest in the field,” says Leilani Lynch, curator at The Bass. “We are proud to be a platform for artists who reflect the vibrant diversity and strong artistic perspectives within our community.”
The Harvest (2021), Cornelius Tulloch
In a city recently named ground zero for climate change by the Biden administration, it’s not surprising that a number of local artists have its impact front of mind. Many of the Miami artists unpacking this topic are considering how their work can help to identify solutions and also galvanizing action among the population at-large by making public engagement a primary focus of their art.
The art world generally seems to be having a moment with figurative painting, and that certainly reigns true in Miami as well. Hyperrealist portraiture remains one of the most sought-after types of work globally, and Miami painters such as Cornelius Tulloch and Thomas Bils put their own spin on this timeless
From top: Chelle and Bea (2020), Bernadette Despujols; Goopy Bones (2022), Thomas Bils.
genre. Artists like Bernadette Despujols and Jared McGriff also lean into the figurative realm, mixing in their singular approaches to portraiture with dreamlike strokes and elements of abstraction.
“Climate change has and continues to be an important topic for many local artists who see how it is directly affecting their surrounding landscape and most proximal communities, especially those of color,” says Laura Novoa, assistant director of programs and community engagement at the Bakehouse Art Complex (bacfl.org) where she has curated numerous shows related to the climate crisis. “For artists in Miami who are
witnessing the ecological, political, and social aspects of environmental degradation, sea level rise, and climate gentrification right before their eyes, making art and sharing it with a larger audience becomes both a cathartic exercise and a call to action.”
Artist Lauren Shapiro (laurenshapiroart.com) invites the public to help create coral molds for her large-scale ceramic sculptures, which
HOW TO: Oh, look at me (2021), GeoVanna Gonzalez
MIAMI DOESN’T COME UP SHORT ON TALENT. IN THE PAST, MANY LOCAL ARTISTS OFTEN FELT A NEED TO LEAVE MIAMI IN ORDER TO FIND CAREER SUCCESS—BUT THAT’S INCREASINGLY WORKING IN REVERSE: THE CITY HAS CONTINUOUSLY ATTRACTED ARTISTS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY OR EVEN THE WORLD WHO COME TO MIAMI TO ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES LIKE GRANTS, PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS, AND EAGER NEW COLLECTORS.
lic and private realms sculptural works that
A fairly recent Miami transplant, Los Angeles–born GeoVanna Gonzalez pushes the boundaries of the public and private realms and examines gender and identity with sculptural works that are activated through film, performance, and dance. Gonzalez’s work was recently exhibited at the ICA Miami, The Bass Museum, and Locust Projects, and she keeps a studio at the Bakehouse Art Complex. (geo-vanna.com)
resemble canyons of coral, flora, and fauna that will eventually decay. Lee Pivnik asks followers to comment on his Instagram account (@symbiotic. house) with the climate-resilient structure of their dreams—suggestions he inputs into an AI illustrator to create visual representations of crowdsourced ideas for ways to weather climate change and Miami’s perilous housing market.
After relocating to Miami in 2021 and settling in a large and luminous Miami studio, Cuban artist Alejandro Piñeiro Bello has been working on a series of surrealist paintings inspired by the writings of Christopher Columbus and his initial landing in the Americas. Through his work, Piñeiro Bello hopes to reflect on how the Americas were fetishized and ravaged by the horrors of colonialism. (alejandro pineirobello.cargo.site)
La Niña, La Pinta, y La Santa María Reapareciendo en La Historia (2022), Alejandro Piñeiro Bello
from
Fountainhead years represented by N’namdi Contemporary. With an historical
uses it as his primary material, integrating grinds, (stephenarboite.com)
Originally from New York, Haitian American artist Stephen Arboite has worked out of Little Haiti’s Fountainhead Studios for many years and is represented by N’namdi Contemporary. With an emphasis on the historical significance of coffee in the Caribbean and Atlantic slave trade, Arboite uses it as his primary material, integrating grinds, stained filters, and brewed remains into large-scale works that depict scenes from his own dreams. For Arboite, art is a path to collective healing and a journey into personal identity. (stephenarboite.com)
Untitled, Stephen Arboite
IT’S ALMOST DAUNTING TO IMAGINE HITTING EVERY SINGLE EXHIBITION OR EVENT MIAMI ART WEEK HAS TO OFFER; BEING SELECTIVE IS THE ONLY WAY TO SURVIVE THE WEEK’S FESTIVITIES. WHILE GOING TO THE FAIRS MIGHT BE YOUR TOP PRIORITY, DON’T MISS A FEW SENSATIONAL SHOWS HAPPENING AT MUSEUMS AROUND TOWN.
X
“LIMINAL” AT THE PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI
Organized by guest curator Dan Cameron, “Liminal” is a showcase of Argentine artist Leandro Erlich’s interactive, monographic works. Comprising 16 playful installations, the exhibition invites viewers to submerge themselves in the artist’s large-scale swimming pool, travel through the floor in his fantastical elevator, or have their hair snipped at the beauty salon; Erlich simulates these experiences in a way that’s both ironic and starkly personal to his Argentine heritage. The show will be on view November 29 to September 4. (pamm.org)
Miami-raised artist Didier William will present his first comprehensive survey at North Miami’s MOCA. Didier’s large-scale works weave printmaking, etching, and lowrelief sculpture onto wood to figuratively express his experience as a Haitian immigrant in America. Perhaps one of William’s most striking artistic signatures is the way in which he carves thousands of eyes directly into his work, an allusion to the negative attention often placed on Black bodies. The exhibit, which features both new paintings and earlier works, opens November 2 and will be on display until April 16. (mocanomi.org)
Debuting November 29 and on display through April 30, “Hervé Télémaque: 1959-1964” focuses on the Haitian-born artist’s first five years of art production. It was during this period of time that Télémaque—who would become one of the leading painters of the postwar era—was acclimating to life in New York City and being confronted with racial segregation in a way he had yet to experience, a reality that is present in many of his early abstract paintings. After he
relocated to Paris in 1961, he began to infuse his signature abstraction with a politicized grotesqueness, utilizing it as the visual vocabulary to depict the colonialism he had faced in the U.S. Toward the end of this era, Télémaque began to flirt with the principles of Pop Art, which would permeate his later work. (icamiami.org)
“1959-1964” AT THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART, MIAMIFrom left: Untitled (1964), Hervé Télémaque; Confidence (1965), Hervé Télémaque. Broken Skies Te A Mi (2019), Didier William
Since its founding in the early 1990s, Emer son Dorsch has committed to showcasing work by mid-career Miami-based artists. The gallery specifically chooses to work with artists who have some exhibition history and are eager to put forth new ideas into the local vernacular. Its artist roster includes Karen Rifas, who creates largescale geometric abstractions in boldly colored hues; Brookhart Jonquil, whose glass-and-mirror sculptures utilize light to create sensational optical
illusions; and Philip Lique, whose multidisci plinary practice spans installation, drawing, and sculpture with unmistakable wit. Originally based in Wynwood, the gallery decamped to Little Haiti some years ago, and it continues to exhibit work by Miami artists alongside exhibitions featur ing artists from other parts of the country. This year, the gallery will once again participate in the Untitled Art fair from November 29 to December 3. (emersondorsch.com)
Founded in 2005 and situated in the Mi ami Design District, David Castillo is one of the city’s most venerated galleries, with its eponymous founder at the helm. Castillo’s primary focus is to place the artists he rep resents in major museums and collections around the world, infiltrating cultural and critical spaces with dynamic new aesthet ics and ideas. A graduate of Yale Univer sity, Castillo has a penchant for sourcing up-and-coming talent from his alma mater.
His program also includes minted art stars like the late Belkis Ayôn (whose work was most recently featured in “The Milk of Dreams,” the headline exhibition at this year’s Venice Biennale) alongside younger artists such as Vaughn Spann, Xaviera Sim mons, Jillian Mayer and Kalup Linzy. David Castillo is one of just two Miami galleries invited to exhibit at Art Basel year after year. Be sure to check out his booth at the 2022 fair. (davidcastillogallery.com)
This Allapattah gallery run by Anthony Spinello focuses on uplifting its mostly local artists. Spinello was one of the first gallerists to exhibit Agustina Woodgate, an Argentine artist whose work has been featured in collaborations with Art Basel and was part of the 2019 Whitney Biennial. Spinello also represents Reginald O’Neal, a local painter whose sensitive, Goya-esque portraits of family and loved ones have been on display at the Rubell Museum since Miami Art Week 2021. As an innovative platform also presenting sitespecific and nomadic projects, Spinello’s “Fair.” (an initiative he ran in the Brickell City Center for two consecutive years) showcased work by female artists who did not have commercial gallery representation. In 2022, Spinello Projects will participate in Art Basel’s Nova section. (spinelloprojects.com)
1When: December 1-3
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center
Celebrating its twentieth year in Miami Beach, Art Basel 2022 will include 283 of the world’s leading galleries, making it the largest ABMB to date. Highlights include the Positions sector, which will feature 19 solo presentations from the likes of Tonia Nneji, Leslie Martinez, and Ishi Glinsky. The fair will also mount special anniversary highlights to be announced soon. (artbasel.com/miami-beach)
When: November 30 to December 4
Where: Art Miami Pavilion, 1 Herald Plaza at N.E. 14th Street
For six days, Art Miami will showcase works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, culled from more than 155 galleries and created by more than 600 acclaimed artists.
When: November 30 to December 4
To discover emerging, mid-career, and cutting-edge artists, mosey over to the event’s sister fair, (artmiami. com, contextartmiami.com)
Context Art Miami. com, contextartmiami.com)
Where: Pride Park, Miami Beach Decor and design lovers flock to this fair for its curated global collection of twentieth and twenty-first century furniture, lighting, and objets d’art. Themed around “The Golden Age: Looking to the Future,” Design Miami/ 2022 will welcome 50 galleries and exhibitors in its main booths and Curio program. (shop.designmiami.com) «
Photography by Gabor Jurina Shot by Aventura on location at Miami City Ballet, Miami
For buying information, turn to page 144.
Fashion editor: Katherine Lande
Gucci gown; Dior earrings.
Opposite page: Alexander McQueen top, trousers, necklace, ear cuff
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Alexander McQueen dress, cuff
Opposite page: Tory Burch tulle dress; Dior earrings.
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Silvia Tcherassi dress; Dior choker.
Opposite page: Chanel dress, jump suit, belt, earrings
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Badgley Mischka dress, gown; Dior earrings, choker.
Opposite page: Louis Vuitton dress, sweater
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Adrienne Carter, Andrei Chagas, Mayumi Enokibara, Shimon Ito, Madison McDonough, Chase Swatosh
Makeup artist: Heather Blaine, Creative Management, Miami Digital tech: Tony Lai Fashion assistant: Roxy Rooney, Honey Communications
Aventura would like to extend a special thanks to the Miami City Ballet, which will perform Romeo and Juliet at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale November 5-6. (miamicityballet.org)
What makes a boutique stand out from all others? Personalized service that goes above and beyond. You walk into Statements as a customer and leave with a hug and a long-lasting friendship. Since 1987, Lisa Krutchik Jaffe and her late mother, Susan Reiner, have dressed Miami’s finest clientele. Fashion is her passion, and you will notice that the minute you step into Statements. Offering the latest in beautiful fashions and accessories from all over the world. What sets Statements apart from competitors and contributed to their longevity is honesty. Lisa will never let you walk out of her store unless you look perfect. It’s not about making the sale but gaining a long-standing client and friend. One of Lisa’s talents is sometimes redesigning an outfit for you with her meticulous attention to detail. Word-of-mouth referrals from her loyal customers have allowed Statements to grow and gain new customers. Today, with highly competitive online shopping, Statements offers personalized attention that is unavailable online. There is a definitive reason Lisa has such a loyal following. They trust her knowledge of fashion, warmth in personality, and stellar reputation that has allowed Statements success for the last thirty-five years. Lisa’s dedication to the world of international fashion will continue with her unique special vision for the future and her affection for her fabulous clients.
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Aventura Magazine partnered with the firm Professional Research Services, which asked licensed Miami-Dade County dentists who they would recommend in the area for dental care. Dentists were allowed to name up to three colleagues in each specialty. Nominees were then evaluated on the basis of the survey results, the status of their licenses, and their standing with the Florida Board of Dentistry. Qualifying dentists who received the highest number of votes are reflected on the following list.
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Dr. Myriam Berrahil North Miami Beach 305-940-5157 drberrahil.com
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Maria Bravo Bravo Dental North Miami Beach 305-945-9333 bravo-dental.com
Julie Alter DMD; Alan Burch DDS Aventura 305-931-8255 myaventuradentist.com
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C & C Dental, Inc. North Miami Beach 305-493-9371
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Miami Beach Smiles Miami Beach 305-534-2526 dentistmiamibeachfl.com
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LEARN MORE ON PAGE 119
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LEARN MORE ON PAGE 121
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Cymer & Cymer DDS Miami 305-652-7333
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Mark Dennis
Mark R. Dennis, D.D.S., P.A. North Miami Beach 305-944-4301
Dr. Jessica Cismas joined the Aventura Dental Group family in 2017. She received her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry in 2005 and completed a general practice residency in 2006 from the University of Montreal and McGill University. In 2006, she moved to New York City and worked at a wide variety of dental offices for 12 years. Dr. Cismas uses her extensive training to deliver the highest level of dental care in a warm, gentle manner. She participates in dental group studies on a weekly basis and completes more than double the necessary continuing education courses.
For more than 40 years, Aventura Dental Group has centered on giving patients high-quality dental work. Dr. Cismas’ focus is to deliver minimally invasive, restorative dentistry. Traditional crowns result in root
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In her spare time, Dr. Cismas enjoys spending quality time with her husband and five kids. She also loves giving back to many beautiful organizations, painting, and playing sports.
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Rosenstein and Gartner Dentistry, PLLC Aventura 786-648-5238 theaventuradentists.com
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Dr. Marco Contreras began his dental career in the early 1990’s at Venezuela’s Central University (Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela), the country’s leading educational facility for medical dentistry. He furthered his studies in the U.S. at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital in the oral surgery department.
He has practiced all phases of implant dentistry as well as cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Being active and proactive in continuing education courses and keeping abreast of the latest innovations makes him a versatile professional in his field. His passion and dedication has earned him the trust and admiration of his community. Dr Marco
Contreras is an active provider of Angels for Humanity, which allows him to visit other countries and perform dental services at no cost to those in need. He is also known for his outstanding reputation in the media and with local celebrities.
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Dr. Tomas Frankel received his dental training in Boston at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine followed by his specialty degree in prosthetic dentistry at Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry. He was also a member of the teaching faculty at BU Dental School.
Dr. Frankel started his practice in Boston and opened a second office in Miami to accommodate a growing number of international patients who seek out his meticulous work.
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Dr. Frankel maintains a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend appointments to accommodate his patients. He limits his treatment schedule to one or two patients a day to give each one his undivided attention without time restrictions. “There is nothing more satisfying for me than when my patients leave my office with a beautiful smile feeling and looking more youthful,” says Dr. Frankel.
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Edwin Smith
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Juan Lopez
Oral Facial Reconstruction and Implant Center Aventura 305-932-4955 oralfacial.com
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Adela Haratz has been changing people’s lives one smile at a time. Her devotion and commitment to her patients makes her a one-of-a-kind dentist. She is constantly working on obtaining more knowledge and being on top of the latest technology to provide her patients with the absolute best care.
Dr. Haratz began her journey in the dental field in Venezuela in 1982. She then opened her own practice, which was very successful and wellrecognized. However, she wanted to pursue her career in the United States and graduated from the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine University of Miami in 2009. She then opened her own private dental practice in Aventura in 2010. Dr. Haratz has always participated in her community and is recognized by those around her. In addition, she is an active member of the American Dental Association, in which she is
constantly attentive to following proper guidelines and standards of care for her patients. Her path in dentistry has not been easy, but Dr. Haratz always has strived for what she is passionate about.
While visiting the dentist is usually not a pleasant experience for many, Dr. Haratz is known for making her patients feel comfortable and at ease during each visit. Dr. Haratz is also very well known for her serenity and the attention she gives to each individual patient. It is vitally important to Dr. Haratz and her team that each patient has an unforgettable experience, which separates her and her practice from the rest. They are always determined to provide excellent customer service and an extraordinary experience for anyone who steps into her office. Dr. Haratz has built her office with a strong foundation of trust and love for each patient.
perfect smile
Richard Mufson
Richard A. Mufson, DDS
Bay Harbor Islands 305-935-7501 mufsondds.com
Eduardo Nicolaievsky
Blum-Nico Oral-Facial Surgery Associates
Aventura 305-936-5974 blumnico.com
Brett Paredes
Margo Brilliant
Brilliant/Rothenberg/Meister
Orthodontics
Aventura 786-563-9412 brilliantortho.com
Raj Gohill
Gohill Orthodontics
Miami 305-990-0174 gohillorthodontics.com
Jordan Jones
Esteem Braces & Aligners
At Garazi Periodontics and Dental Implants,
David Garazi and Dr. Isaac Garazi, our board certi ed periodontists with advanced certi cations in periodontics and dental implants, are trained in current technologies and laser
They perform routine and advanced, quality dental
and gum treatments.
includes
Laser
Kendall Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Miami 305-595-4122 kendalloralsurgery.com
Hal Richman
HJ Richman DDS PA
Aventura 305-931-4284
Yoh Sawatari
University of Miami Health System Miami 305-689-6725 doctors.umiamihealth.org
Miami 786-744-1570 esteembracesandaligners.com
Luis Rodriguez
Rodriguez Orthodontics
Hialeah 305-825-8888 rodriguezorthodontics.com
Jeff Rothenberg
Brilliant/Rothenberg/Meister
Orthodontics
Aventura 786-563-9412 brilliantortho.com
Scott Spencer
The Dental Care Group
Aventura 305-935-2797 dentalcaregroupkids.com
Dr. Rick Mars might be known as an expert on modern dentistry and Invisalign, but he wants to be known as the doctor who always puts his patients first. He strives to provide the best care for each patient and wants them to be informed and empowered so they can make the best decisions about their treatment. He cares about his patients’ wellbeing, and it shows in everything that he does in and out of his office.
Dr. Mars was born and raised in North Miami Beach. He attended Emory University and Georgetown University School of Dentistry and returned to Miami in 1988 to join The Dental Care Group, where he has been practicing ever since.
Dr. Mars is passionate about giving back to his community and has coached hundreds of local youth in baseball and basketball. He was two-time president of Beth Torah and a board member of Michael Ann Russel JCC and Greater Miami Jewish Federation. He and his wife Alison co-founded a Solomon Schecter Day School, later known
as Hochberg Prep. During the pandemic, they also started Feeding Friends, a charity designed to help feed needy families. He is currently on the Board of Trustees at Aventura Hospital. As the president of the Dental Care Group, he initiated Dentistry from Our Hearts in 2012, an annual free day of dentistry that has provided over $1.5 million in free dental treatment for those in need in South Florida.
He is an award-winning international speaker who was voted Speaker of the Year for Invisalign in 2019. He was also voted one of America’s Top Dentists for Invisalign, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. In 2020, he released his first book, The Big Smile: The Principles of Modern Dentistry for Dentists and Patients
With all his accomplishments, he is proudest of his family. Married to Alison for 32 years and being the father to Zachary, Blake, and Cory are his greatest accomplishment and joy.
Dr. Herrera is a Root Canal specialist practicing in Brickell-Downtown Miami. He
Dalia Rosenfeld
The Dental Care Group
Aventura 305-935-2797 dentalcaregroupkids.com
Dana Storch
Brody Pediatric Dentistry
Aventura 305-682-0045 brodypediatricdentistry.com
Eli Abbo
Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry
North Miami Beach
305-945-0909 drabbo.com
David Garazi Garazi Periodontics & Dental Implants Miami 786-833-9864 garazidmd.com
Isaac Garazi Garazi Periodontics & Dental Implants Aventura 786-833-9864 garazidmd.com
Mario Iraheta
Biscayne Dental Center North Miami Beach 305-945-7745 biscaynedentalcenter.com
Irene Marron-Tarrazzi
Brickell Periodontics
Brickell 305-646-1524 brickellperio.com
Kristian Poventud
Periodontal Solutions of South Florida South Miami 786-686-3524 periosolutions.net
Bill Abbo
Dr. Abbo Advanced Dentistry North Miami Beach 305-945-0909 drabbo.com
David Herskowich
South Florida Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Aventura 305-466-5555
Eduardo Merino
My Smile Miami Miami 305-697-6453 mysmilemiami.com
Tal Morr
TM Prosthodontics Aventura 305-935-6066 tmprosthodontics.com
Dr. Sydney Sher Segall of Sher Dental is honored to be one of the top dentists of 2022. Her approach to transforming and improving her patient’s dental health positions her as one of the leading doctors of general and cosmetic dentistry in South Florida.
Born and raised in Miami, she is thrilled to serve her home community. Dr. Sher attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and later returned home to earn a dental degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Sher is passionate about precision and perfection and cares about helping her patients. Her large following enjoys her gentle touch, vibrant personality, and vast knowledge of the field of dentistry.
Dr. Sher helps her patients transform their smiles using the latest technology and techniques to deliver top-of-the-line treatment. Veneers are one of her passions. The demand for the perfect smile has grown with the popularity of social media and selfies. Providing patients
with the opportunity to have a smile they have always dreamed about is one of her top priorities.
“I love being able to change the lives of my patients by improving their smiles,” says Dr. Sher. “It brings me so much joy to hear the amazing stories of how their newfound confidence has allowed them to open up new and exciting opportunities like going after that new job or finding their significant other. One of the key reasons I became a healthcare provider was to improve the quality of life for my patients.”
Sher Dental provides a wide range of dental services, from routine dental check-ups to implants and complex surgical and restorative procedures for adults and children.
Dr. Sher, her staff, and her associates are very welcoming. They treat every patient like family. Make an appointment with Dr. Sher or one of her associates and let them help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you and your family deserve.
Tiny Paws is an upscale puppy boutique specializing in teacup and toy breeds and is the first boutique to carry the extremely rare Fluffy French Bulldog. Tiny Paws also offers the most exclusive designer dog accessories and clothing.
Founder Keren Edelsburg has been raising and caring for the tiniest and most unique puppies for nearly two decades. Keren’s extensive experience and knowledge qualifies her a leader in the exotic puppy industry. With that in mind, the safety and well-being of the puppies is Tiny Paws’ No. 1 concern; their goal has always been to provide the absolute best care possible! They are very selective about which breeders they will work with and under no circumstance associate with puppy mills.
Available puppies are raised in homes (mainly in the Florida area) where they are treated as family and with unlimited love. Tiny Paws chooses their clients carefully to ensure they can provide a suitable home. They often use matchmaking to ensure the right puppy goes to an amazing home. Open seven days a week, you must come visit Tiny Paws to experience the unconditional love and happiness these fur-babies bring to each home.
18545 W. Dixie Hwy., Aventura
For more information: 305.934.7889 or tinypawsteacuppuppyboutique.com
The Faena Hotel Miami Beach is acclaimed for its celebrity chef restaurants and riveting entertain ment, and now a new by-word-of-mouth omakase experience combines the best of both. Say hello to El Secreto Omakase , a tantalizing, two-hour experience of edible performance art, curated by James Beard Award–winning chef Paul Qui.
This omakase spectacular is presented along and be hind an intimate U-shaped table, framed by onyx black walls and festooned in intricate gilded artworks by re nowned artists Juan Gatti and Amaya Bouquet. Here, a maximum of six guests interact with Qui’s prodigies as they handcraft a 15-course tasting menu, underscored by Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki.
Expect plates that capture the robust flavors and textures of top Japanese seafood, such as the buttery sea urchin from Hokkaido (flown in daily) and prime
cuts of meat like the Sanuki Olive Wagyu from Kagawa Prefecture. Meanwhile, a dedicated beverage special ist ensures your gold-trimmed glassware remains full with small-batch sake, Champagne, or wines specially selected to match the night’s courses. Pro tip: Reserve your seat at the table well in advance for either a 6:30 p.m. or 9 p.m. seating, Wednesday through Sunday. (faena.com) –Paul Rubio
TRY THIS
A PERFECT TURKEY IS KEY TO THANKSGIVING, BUT SO ARE THE SIDE DISHES. LIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAY
TABLE WITH TWO RECIPES THAT GO BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL FARE.
BY PAUL RUBIO
Chef Scott Linquist shares his simple yet scrumptious recipe for street corn, served at his fast casual institution, Coyo Taco. (coyo-taco.com)
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
4 fresh whole corn cobs
Sprinkle of salt
1 whole jalapeño pepper
8 oz. chipotle aioli (available at most grocery stores)
4 oz. cotija cheese
2 limes, halved
1 oz. of Tajin or chili powder
Peel and clean fresh corn, removing as much excess silk as possible. With a knife, cut off corn kernels from the cob. In a saucepan, cover kernels with water and boil for 5 minutes, with a little salt and 1 whole jalapeño pepper. Strain kernels and remove jalapeño. Swirl in chipotle aioli, then sprinkle cotija cheese to cover. Squeeze lime over the top, sprinkle with Tajin (or chili powder), and serve.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
6 russet potatoes
3 oz. chopped rosemary
6 oz. kosher salt
6 oz. canola oil (divided)
2 oz. grated Parmigiano Reggiano
1 tsp. chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wash russet potatoes under running water, then pat dry.
Combine chopped rosemary and kosher salt and set aside. Toss potatoes in 3 oz. canola oil until evenly coated. Then, season the outside of
the potatoes with the rosemary and salt.
Place potatoes on a large baking tray and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes (or until the potatoes are fork tender). Let them cool, then peel the skin off. Cut potatoes down into smaller pieces, roughly half an inch thick.
For a healthier option, coat the pieces in 3
oz. of canola oil. Place them back in the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Alternatively, for a more caloric endeavor, which requires an at-home deep fryer, fry at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes. In either case, once golden brown, toss them with grated cheese and chopped parsley, and serve.
Three thirtysomething, Miamibased entrepreneurs are the gents behind Bido, a sexual health sup plement with natural ingredients that can boost libido. After bond ing over, uh, various performance issues in the bedroom, the trio collaborated with nutritionists and medical professionals to develop a nonprescriptive way to increase sexual potential. The result: a fruity and flavorful, sexually charged, 2.5-ounce shot, either “For Him” or “For Her,” both featuring plant-based ingredients such as cortisol-reducing ashwagandha and Muira Puama, a medicinal plant from the Amazon that is thought to increase blood flow to the pelvic area. (itsbido.com)
Haig Club partner and Miami resident David Beckham is behind two new ready-to-drink cocktails that are rooted in his love affair with the Magic City, spiked with his signature whiskey, and packaged in a multidi mensional electric blue can that mimics the whiskey’s bottle design. The cocktails channel Miami’s endless summer, keeping things light and refreshing—and delightfully intoxicating. Try either the Ginger Lime and Soda or the Citrus Yuzu and Soda by the beach, by the pool, or during your favorite sporting event. Hello, Inter MiamiCF matches! (haigclub.com) —P.R.
Fans of Stephen Starr’s Makoto have yet another reason to visit the Japanese gem thanks to its total transformation. Now located on the third floor of Bal Harbour Shops, the new outpost boasts an indoor-outdoor concept designed by the world-renowned India Mahdavi, who combined a French brasserie, a Japanese restaurant, and an American diner under one roof. Shades of coral, saffron, and sandalwood dotted with floral motifs set the scene inside, while the outdoors exude 1930s vibes with funky, patterned furniture. Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi and signature spicy tuna crispy rice are still the stars of the menu, but save room for other must-trys like the short rib yaki noodles bathed in tamarind soy with ginger aioli. Clean yet bold flavors come alive at the ro bata grill, with options ranging from tiger prawns with nuoc mam, Japanese eggplant with niku chicken miso, and Wagyu short rib in a chili sesame ponzu. Wash it all down with a flavorful cocktail such as the Tatsu, made with Cuentacuentos Mezcal, passion fruit, hibiscus, and Hellfire Bitters. (makoto-restaurant.com) —Melissa Puppo
Since its grand debut across Florida in 2021, familyowned Swiss chocolate company Läderach has impressed chocolate devotees with its heavenly FrischSchoggi (large slabs of fresh bark), mouthwatering confectionery specialties, must-try seasonal creations, and more. Now, in its latest step toward Swiss chocolate domination, the brand has introduced a premium vegan collection, comprising 22 fresh chocolate selections, ranging from fruit-laced, pure dark cocoa bars to creamy delights rich in cashew milk and coconut blossom sugar. Elias Läderach, the offi cial reigning World Chocolate Master, is the mastermind behind the tasty, non-dairy items. Highlights of the new collection include FrischSchoggi Vegan Cashew Bark and Creamy Cashew Vegan Popcorn (caramelized popcorn enrobed in vegan dark chocolate and
creamy cashew milk) as well the Praline Pavé and FrischSchoggi Blackberry Dark. The vegan sweets are available online and in-store at 40 locations, including the Aventura Mall, Dadeland Mall, and Sawgrass Mills Mall. (laderach.com) –P.R.
BY JULES ARON
The first documented consumption of mulled wine dates as far back as ancient Egypt, when spiced wine was used for medicinal purposes and considered to be an elixir of the afterlife. Typically made with red wine, this robust drink is now a favorite during the holiday season and into the colder months.
Considering our mild temperatures, I’ve brightened up this classic concoction by switching out the red wine for a lighter white wine. Notes of citrus, ginger, and vanilla also serve to warm and uplift. Finally, the crimson pomegranate seeds add a burst of familiar holiday flavor to this delightful sipper.
Mulled Mystic
Ingredients (makes about 1 quart)
3 whole cloves
Zest from 1 small lemon
1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled
1/2 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise and seeds scraped out
1 750-ml bottle medium-bodied dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/4 cup elderflower liqueur
Extra lemon twists and pomegranate seeds for garnish
Stick the cloves into the strips of lemon zest. In a mediumsize, nonreactive saucepan, combine the ginger, vanilla bean (both the pod and seeds), and about 2/3 of the lemon zest strips, including the clove-studded pieces, and cover partially. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fragrant and thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and pineapple juice, cover partially, and simmer until the wine is infused, at least an hour (do not allow to boil). Remove from heat and discard the ginger, vanilla bean, cloves, and lemon peel. Add the elderflower liqueur. Stir well and serve in a heat-tempered wineglass or glass mug, garnished with lemon twists and pomegranate seeds.
Colombian-born Ivan Ramirez and Monica Sarmiento are a husband-and-wife power couple. They are professional agents with over 30 years of combined experience and part of the Top Producer Circle at One Sotheby’s International Realty.
Monica is an ethical, results-driven business professional and charismatic woman living in the beautiful city of Aventura. She joined ONE Sotheby’s International Realty in 2016, accepting the opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing luxury real estate brokerage firm in South Florida. She won the title of Top Producer and ranked 22 from over 900 realtors in three different counties and more than 15 offices.
Ivan Ramirez is a seasoned sales executive with over 21 years of sales experience in the United States real estate market and recently served as vice president of sales at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. With exceptional talent in sales, Ivan has a wealth of valuable experience and demonstrates a strategic vision to achieve successful bottom-line results.
They joined forces in 2020 and founded The RS Team, where they provide a team of specialists in the legal and financial area for your residential or commercial real estate. Their goal is to have their clients feel they can confide in their specific goals and requirements, so they can best guide them throughout their real estate process and meet, if not exceed, all their objectives.
THE RS TEAM –
3301 NE 183rd St., Apt. 1505, Aventura
For more information: 305.935.0300 or thersteam.com
When it came time to design his Plantation home, former NFL quarterback Erik Rodriguez “E.J.” Manuel (who has passed the pigskin for such teams as the Buf falo Bills, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs) wasn’t about to let just anyone call the plays. Now an analyst for the Atlantic Coast Confer ence Network (ACCN) and ESPN, Manuel tapped Eilyn Jimenez, founder and creative director of Sire Design, to tackle his 4,500-square-foot, six-bedroom home. Tasked with creating a modern, masculine, and sexy space, Jimenez (whose work can be seen on Netflix’s Designing Miami) used deep tones and pops of burgundy, burnt orange, and black throughout.
“If this home could be described in one word, it would be ‘sexy,’” says Jimenez. “With rich textures and deep moody colors, we de signed a home that feels grown, masculine yet refined.”
The home features a wine cellar, billiard room with custom pool table, theater room, and full office equipped for filming, so Manuel can offer his analysis on any game, at any time from the comfort of his newly designed pad.
“I was filming for ACCN during the COVID season and needed some sort of window treatment to help block light shining in,” Manuel recalls. “I called Eilyn, and within the week I had the windows treated so I could do my job without the hot South Florida sun barreling in or compromising the shot. I also love the wine display. As I’ve expanded my travels, my wife and I always bring home a bottle of wine from Italy or France to add to the collection. It adds a fun, personal touch to the home.” (siredesign.com) –Kristen Desmond LeFevre
BY LIZA GRANT SMITH
The unique geometric pattern and warm and cool tones of the frame on Arteriors’ Callen mirror ($2,160) create a reflective tortoiseshell appearance that
conveys depth and dimension. Farrey’s Lighting & Bath, Coconut Grove, North Miami (farreys.com)
Play ball by incorporating this John-Richard set of two silver balls ($2,010) anywhere your decor needs a little pickme-up. Mantra Furnishings, Dania Beach (mantra furnishings.com)
The petals on Kim Seybert’s Flores napkin rings ($120 for set of four) are hand-cast to create a stunning floral display and add movement and energy to any place setting.
Loom Luxury Linens, Dania Beach (loomlux.com)
Aerin’s glamorous Arabelle hanging shade ($1,789), a curvy, gilded pendant with a deco feel, truly raises the gold standard of illumination. Aerin, Miami (aerin.com)
Adorned with a hand-painted honeycomb pattern and 24-karat gold rims, Williams Sonoma’s Honeycomb double old-fashioned glasses ($17 each) deserve to be put on your glassware honey-do list. Williams Sonoma locations (williams-sonoma.com)
RISE AND SHINE Designer Meredith Marlow of Meredith Marlow Interiors imbued this posh bedroom with plenty of substance and shine thanks to metallic artwork and carefully chosen accents. “My client wanted a neutral palette for this bedroom,” Marlow says. “We used metallics to bring light and reflection into the space. By layering and mixing metals, we created a more sophisticated and interesting space.” Hollywood (meredithmarlow.com)
A tropically fabulous sofa inhabitant, this John Robshaw Anila pillow ($150) is handblock-printed with a golden palm print. A La Mer, Fort Lauderdale (alamer.com)
WORTH ROOTING FOR Cast to resemble a piece of harvested wood and finished in silver leafing, the Square Root console table ($2,700) from Phillips Collection proves that natural beauties can be truly breathtaking. Wasser’s Exclusive Furniture & Interiors, Hallandale Beach (wassersfurniture.com)
We’re sure we can spark your imagination and bring your dream projects to life. We know your projects require more than just a come in and buy approach, which is why we tailor our services to assist you, understanding that the sale doesn’t end with the purchase. We’ve been helping our customers through the ever-changing complexities of the products we sell for over 95 years. Come and see why.
The color blue has become the little black dress of coastal design—a proven go-to that always delivers. Just like its wardrobe equivalent, blue is flattering to all shapes and sizes of interiors, can be dressed up or down depending on how it is styled, and creates a timeless look. More than that, blue evokes feelings of calm, peace, and serenity. But blue is not alone in generating a psychological response. Color psychology purports that all colors trigger emotions and can be used to create a certain atmospheric mood. With that in mind, perhaps it’s time to stop only singing the blues and discover what melodies other colors can compose.
Evocative of nature, the color green helps reduce anxiety and balances the mind and mood. Similar to the proven benefits of spending time outdoors, green reinforces feelings of restoration, well-being, and peacefulness. Green’s calming effect may be due to the fact that the color lies in the middle of the visible spectrum, meaning the human eye sees it better than any other color. With less strain to perceive the color, our nervous system relaxes when processing it. As an added bonus, studies have shown that green allows us to think more creatively and enhances cognitive performance.
A hybrid of cool, calming blue and warm, energizing red, purple can have very different effects based on its shade. Purple in its darkest tones, such as a deep plum, is sophisticated, rich, and dramatic. In contrast, lighter hues like lavender can be restful, cozy, and sometimes lighthearted. Purple is the color of an introvert, used to encourage creativity and contemplation, and communicate luxury.
Softer purples can add a welcoming and friendly vibe to a hallway, an entry area, or even a communal space like a living room. Deeper purple can be used as an accent or main design attraction to elevate a space with richness or add drama to an architecturally simple room.
Green is well-suited for virtually every space in a home. This is one color to consider going all-in on with regard to the amount used and the variety of shades combined. Given its cognitive boost, consider it for a home office.
Yellow is an energizing color linked to feelings of happiness, optimism, and spontaneity. Studies have shown that the vibrant hue can also increase mental activity and muscle energy. The key to capturing its positive and uplifting nature is choosing a yellow that is not too bright (which can spark agitation) or too dull (which can cause feelings of illness).
Yellow works as a sun substitute in spaces that have a lack of natural light and looks good in a kitchen or bathroom. However, yellow is a mercurial beast. Too much yellow exposure can lead to loss of focus, forgetfulness, and may even overstimulate the brain. For maximum positive impact, try yellow in small doses, such as well-chosen accessories or statement furniture pieces.
Studies have shown that pink can have a calming effect on the nerves and inspire feelings of warmth and comfort. Pink walls radiate a subtle glow that flatters both people and furnishings, making them appear brighter. In recent years, pink’s popularity has skyrocketed with the birth of—and subsequent obsession with—“millennial pink,” a gender-neutral family of colors that includes everything from pinkish beige to muted salmon.
Given its calming properties, pink is a welcome addition to bedrooms, whether on walls or in bedding and decorative accents. However, it can also add glamour to a dining or living room when thoughtfully incorporated. Or consider it for a primary bathroom: Not only will you be relaxed while getting ready for the day, but its glow will mean you look great while doing so.
Are you in need of a legitimate beauty rest? Look no further than Aventura Mattress, a one-stop-shop for all your sleeping needs, from custom options that are created just for you to a vast selection of products that were hand-picked by its founder, sleep expert extraordinaire Tania Yumbla.
When you have a health issue, you go to a doctor. So, when you need a great night’s sleep, you must go to an expert who has twenty years under her belt.
Working with interior designers, health providers, chiropractors, etc. Tania explained the benefits and the importance of a good night sleep to prevent any health issues. Many people care only about exercising and diet, without knowing that to achieve a healthy lifestyle, you must have the 3 pillars “sleep, diet and exercise.”
PAGES 106-107
Chiffon dress (price upon request), earrings (price upon request), Dior Jardin d’Hiver fan (price upon request), Dior, Miami Design District, dior.com
PAGE 108
Top ($990), trousers ($1,960), necklace ($1,290), ear cuff ($420), Alexander McQueen, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, alexandermcqueen.com
PAGE 109
Silk viscose velvet turtleneck gown with puffed sleeves and embroidery ($83,000), Gucci, Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, gucci.com; earrings (price upon request), Dior, Miami Design District, dior.com
PAGE 110
Color-blocked tulle dress ($1,698), Tory Burch, Aventura Mall, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, toryburch.com; earrings (price upon request), Dior, Miami Design District, dior.com
PAGE 111
Dress ($2,900), cuff ($250), Alexander McQueen, Bal Harbour Shops, Miami Design District, alexandermcqueen.com
PAGE 112
Glittered muslin dress (price upon request), silk muslin jumpsuit ($3,600), belt ($1,075), earrings ($800), Chanel, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, chanel.com
PAGE 113
Navy sequin dress ($3,900), Silvia Tcherassi, Coral Gables, silviatcherassi.com; pearl choker (price upon request), Dior, Miami Design District, dior.com
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Dress ($440), gown ($990), Badgley Mischka, badgleymischka.com; earrings (price upon request), pearl choker (price upon request), Dior, Miami Design District, dior.com.
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Embroidered dress (price upon request), embroidered sweater (price upon request), Louis Vuitton, Aventura Mall, Miami Design District, us.louisvuitton.com
WHO: Ksubi WHAT: Grand Opening Celebration
WHERE: Ksubi, Miami HIGHLIGHTS: Global streetwear brand Ksubi, a favorite of rappers and celebrities, celebrated its Miami grand opening alongside a mix of artists, creatives, and VIPs.
WHO: Dezer Development WHAT: Supercar Saturdays Florida Private Event WHERE: Bentley Residences sales gallery, Sunny Isles Beach HIGH LIGHTS: Gil Dezer, president of Dezer Development, hosted a Supercar Saturdays Florida event at the Bentley Residences sales gallery, welcoming VIPs to peruse more than 60 exotic and luxury cars.
WHO: KAR Properties WHAT: VIP Broker Cocktail Event WHERE: 2000 Ocean, Hallandale Beach HIGHLIGHTS: KAR Properties, led by Shahab Karmely, hosted an event for a selection of top brokers at the newly completed residential enclave, 2000 Ocean, to give them a first look at the project.
Graduate of Mount Sinai Medical School.
Voted “Best Doctor” by Castle Connolly.
Board Certified in Internal Medicine &
disease.
Best of VIP care.
calls, nursing home
assisted living visits.
Stress, Ultrasound
What first began as a festival founded by David Graziano in Tulum in 2018 will touch down on Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park for its second iteration November 26-27. Art With Me promises a weekend of art, electronic music, and wellness activities for the entire family. The two-day event will feature large-scale art installations and performances from some of the world’s finest electronic and live musicians across several stages (including Moderat, Big Wild, Apache, and DJ Seinfeld). When not enjoying vibe-heavy beats, peruse vendors ranging from organic cooking to ethically sourced textiles and jewelry. Yoga and dance classes, breathing and mindfulness workshops, and children’s activities round out the festivities. (artwithme.org) —Melissa Puppo
The holidays are the time for miracles, but here at Jackson Health System they happen every day, all year long. Your donation to our Miracle Fund helps patients get what they want and need most: health. Even when the odds are against them.
At 19 weeks pregnant, Yelsi Consuelo Sosa learned that her baby’s heart had not formed properly and was leaking. She was told he may not survive. “My world was falling apart,” she said. A team of pediatric cardiologists at the UHealth Jackson Children’s Care Congenital Heart Center at Holtz Children’s Hospital began closely monitoring Sosa’s pregnancy. Following an emergency C-section, the baby, David Sosa, underwent several procedures — and Sosa never lost faith in the medical team treating her son. After months of treatment, David was able to go home. Sosa cherishes every moment with him. “Thank you God to all the Jackson doctors — they were able to be there and save his life.”
Sometimes a doctor needs a doctor. And that was the case after Lloyd Henry, MD, a talented surgeon, collapsed while performing surgery due to a tear in his aorta and a leaking valve. Flown from St. Croix to Miami to receive medical care at Jackson, he was met by Romualdo Segurola, MD, FACS, Jackson Health System’s chief of cardiac surgery and director of the Jackson Heart Institute, who performed multiple surgeries before Dr. Henry could return back home safely. Now, back to treating his own patients, Dr. Henry offers this diagnosis: “Jackson is like the major leagues.”
Elementary school teacher Tyra Starnes was shocked to learn she had chronic kidney disease. Until then, a healthy 25-yearold. But as the disease progressed, she found herself at the Miami Transplant Institute and then on the national organ transplant waiting list. Loved ones stepped up hoping to be a donor - and one was the perfect match: her great-aunt and godmother, Lesley Anderson. “I was meant to be her donor,” said Anderson. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” The kidney transplant surgeries at Jackson Memorial Hospital were a success. Every year on their transplant anniversary, Starnes and Anderson plan to celebrate together.
