Aventura Magazine June 2024

DIVINE DESIGNS

AT HOME WITH FASHION FIXTURE

JULIAN CHANG

SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND

SCARFACE AT 40

5 COCKTAILS TO BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT

50 CREATIVE COCOON

Fashion designer Julian Chang finds inspiration in his new Miami Lakes home By Paige Bowers

56 SCENES FROM SCARFACE

In honor of the film’s fortieth anniversary, press play to revisit some of Scarface’s most iconic moments—set against the backdrop of 1980s Miami By Kristen

Desmond LeFevre

62 TROPICAL HIDEAWAY

Five tiki-inspired tipples to quench your summer thirst By Jules Aron

Photography – Ian Jacob Studios

Hair/Make up – Colleen Stone

Styling – Zlata Kotmina

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

12 FROM THE EDITOR

AVENTURIST

19 AROUND TOWN

Miami’s favorite roller skating rink gets a new set of wheels

20 SPOTLIGHT

Sounding out the Miami dialect

22 LOCAL LIT

Four new books by Magic City authors

24 GUIDE

Three ways to celebrate Juneteenth

26 RETAIL

Shop local with this Miami-made merch

28 PROFILE

Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead has his eye on the ball

STYLE

31 IT LIST

Capsule collections to don this season

32 THE LOOK

Raffia, rattan, and straw, oh, my!

34 THE EDIT

Chic finds from Black-owned businesses

36 JEWELRY BOX

Cool jewels inspired by tattoos

38 BEAUTY

Long-lasting products that lend a pop of summer color

39 TRENDING

A firsthand approach to self-care JOURNEYS

41 WANDERLUST

Exploring the extremes of Chile’s Atacama Desert and Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats

44 FLORIDIANA

Tampa’s hottest hotel and restaurants

46 HIGH ROAD

Embark on surf and sand adventures in the new Beach Runner 4x4

SIP & SAVOR

69 REINVENTIONS

Leku Fish & Garden’s new menu explores the seafood-rich traditions of Spain’s Iberian region

70 LOCAL BITES

Six of our favorite ceviches, a new outpost for Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café, RHouse celebrates 10 years of fabulousness, plus three scoop-worthy ice creams

74 TRY THIS

A trio of kid-friendly cookbooks to spark a summer hobby

75 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

Celebrate National Cognac Day with this updated spin on a Sidecar

HOME

77 INTERIORS

A design team creates the perfect vacation space in a Sunny Isles Beach condo with sweeping water views

78 BY DESIGN

Elevate your interior design from the ground up with these flooring tips and trends

79 ELEMENTS

Surrealist furnishings add an artistic edge to any room

SOCIAL STUDIES

81 SEEN ON THE SCENE

Pics from Miami’s most fabulous events

LAST WORD

88 ON THE RECORD WITH...

Mitchell Kaplan, owner of Books & Books and founder of the Miami Book Fair

Editorial Director

Daphne Nikolopoulos

Editor in Chief

Kristen Desmond LeFevre

Creative Director Olga M. Gustine

Executive Editor Mary Murray

Fashion Editor

Katherine Lande

Automotive Editor Howard Walker

Travel Editor Paul Rubio

Libations Editor Jules Aron

Web Editor Abigail Duffy

DESIGN

Art Directors

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

STATEMENT LATELY?

Paige Bowers, Alena Capra, Jeanne DeLathouder, Christiana Lilly, Jesse Scott, Liza Grant Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andrea David, Emin Kadi, Gyorgy Papp, Zoltan Present

2118 N.E. 123rd St., North Miami, Florida 33181 (across the bridge from Bal Harbour Shops) Tel: 305.893.7559 fabulous clothing, handbags and jewelry.

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HOMEGROWN

The June issue of Aventura celebrates all things made in Miami-Dade. From a newly recognized Miami dialect (page 20) to must-read books by local authors (page 22) to summer-ready products made by Miamians (page 26), we’re bringing you the pulse of everything that makes us proud to call Miami home.

This issue highlights some of our favorite Magic City personalities—including those who were raised here and stayed here, and transplants who help add to the sparkle of the Magic City. Meet Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead on page 28 to get his play-by-play on his position and the team’s prospects next season. Turn to page 50 to visit the chic Miami Lakes home of designer Julian Chang, who’s using his new creative cocoon to sketch and design fabulous fashions for celebrities and regular folks alike. Or catch up with Books & Books’ founder Mitchell Kaplan in our “Last Word” on page 88 to learn about his deep love for local literacy.

X

EDITOR’S PICKS

SUN-SATIONAL SHADES

You can’t make a list of Miami-centric movies that doesn’t have the gangster flick Scarface somewhere at the top. As the film celebrates its fortieth anniversary, we take a look at some of Scarface’s most iconic, locally shot scenes through the photography of Andrea David. Turn to page 56 to see her creative homage to the famous film.

I’m loving the chic styles of sunnies from Biscayners—a line of eyewear for men, women, and kids designed in Key Biscayne (page 26).

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

Summer heat calls for cool treats, and this trio of plantbased, vegan scoops served at Michelin-starred Le Jardinier in the Design District is just what I’m craving for a bit of guilt-free goodness (page 73).

I hope this month’s issue will leave you feeling hometown proud! Please follow us on Instagram (@aventuramagazine) and subscribe to our Insider’s Guide e-newsletter at aventuramagazine.com to stay up-to-date on all things made in Dade this summer season.

Kristen Desmond LeFevre klefevre@aventuramagazine.com

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Caltech, Brown, Northwestern, Cornell, Berkeley, UCLA, Rice, NYU, Dartmouth, UNC-Chapel Hill, Carnegie Mellon Aaron Zhang Stanford, Yale, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, Carnegie Mellon, NYU Ellaheh Gohari

UPenn, Rice, Notre Dame, UNC-Chapel Hill, WashU-St. Louis, Wake Forest Jacob Federici

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AVENTURIST

THE INSIDE TRACK TO ALL THINGS NEW AND NOW IN MIAMI-DADE

AROUND TOWN

They See Us ROLLING

The future of Miami’s iconic Super Wheels (aka “Hot Wheels” or “Thunder Wheels”) was dire at the close of 2023. That is, until Pamela Mostacero and Gabriel Colon took matters into their own hands. The couple purchased the property and, at the start of this year, rechristened it as the Miami Roller Rink. While they’ve made some upgrades—like repainting the walls, steaming the rugs, changing the food vendors, and restocking the skates—it’s still got the vibe we’ve loved since 1977.

“We went to the roller rink because Pam wanted to relive our childhood experiences and share that with our kids. And they fell in love with it,” Colon says. “It became our family activity, something we would do together every Saturday.” When their two daughters got into roller skating (and eventually joined a team), the couple knew they couldn’t just watch the rink be shuttered.

“Every day, we have customers who tell us their stories— this was their first job or this was where they met their spouse,” Mostacero says. “We knew it was something bigger than us.” (miamirollerrink. com) —Christiana Lilly

Gabe Colon and Pamela Mostacero, pictured with their two daughters, are the new owners of Miami Roller Rink.

So Miami

DO YOU SPEAK MIAMI? A NEW STUDY REVEALS WHAT WE’VE KNOWN ALL ALONG: MIAMI HAS ITS OWN DIALECT.

BY CHRISTIANA LILLY

Phillip M. Carter, professor of linguistics at Florida International University

Going viral is nothing new for Miami, but it was a first when the city went viral for a university linguistics study. For his paper titled “Spanish-influenced lexical phenomena in emerging Miami English” (co-written by Kristen D’Alessandro Merii of the University at Buffalo and published in the journal English World-Wide), Phillip M. Carter, PhD, professor of linguistics at Florida International University, looked at the emergence of the Miami dialect.

“People trade words across language boundaries,” Carter says. “Words beget grammar, words bring grammar.”

For some time, the Miami dialect has often been mistaken for Spanglish or for using Cuban slang in English conversation such as “pero like” and “dale.” Rather, the dialect is when one speaks English while using Spanish rules and grammar.

“Spanish and English being in contact is not unique to Miami,” Carter explains. “There are so many people here who are primary Spanish speakers. There are many people here who

are primary English speakers. But the vast majority of people are somewhere in the middle.”

Carter moved to Miami 13 years ago from Los Angeles to study the Miami dialect. With his students, he specifically studied “calques,” a linguistic term for a word or phrase that’s borrowed from one language and literally translated into another. You may also find people who have no Spanish speakers in their home but who pick up calques from their friends at school or work.

“We formally studied those expressions and observed them not only in the speech of immigrants but also in the generation after the immigrants,” Carter says.

He notes that the Miami dialect is not only influenced by Spanish but also Haitian Creole, Black English, Southern White English, and Portuguese. Furthermore, we shouldn’t view this dialect, or any for that matter, as “bad English.”

“When it comes to language, there’s no such thing as good or bad for a linguist,” Carter explains. “No language needs a grammarian. No language needs a language teacher. No language needs a parent or [whoever] to say what’s good or bad, right or wrong. It comes naturally. It’s a part of our evolutionary inheritance to be language users.”

TALK THE TALK

“Pasar” is a particularly high-frequency Spanish verb. You may hear “I’ll pass by your office” as opposed to “stop by.” Or someone may ask you to “pass them” an object instead of “handing” it to them.

Going outside to get some sun? You might say you’re going to “take sun” instead of “sunning,” borrowed from the Spanish phrase “tomar sol.”

The common phrase “get down from the car” instead of “get out of the car” derives from the Spanish “bajar del carro.”

When a Miamian orders a “meat empanada,” it’s understood that they mean beef and not chicken thanks to a direct translation from “empanada de carne.”

How much does that cost? “$50 with 12 cents” (as opposed to “$50 and 12 cents”), at least for many who speak the Miami dialect.

Your friend Antonio is married with Carmen—or is he married to her? In Spanish, you’d say “con Carmen,” or “with Carmen.”

The study also identified unique grammar, too. The sentence “Can you recommend me a movie?” works in Spanish, but in English it would be “Can you recommend a movie to me?”

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AVENTURIST

LOCAL LIT

BOOKING It

FOUR NEW BOOKS BY MIAMI AUTHORS TO READ NOW

BY CHRISTIANA LILLY

It wasn’t until Daniela Perez Miron left Miami that she realized how special ventanitas were. When she moved to London to pursue her master’s degree, no one knew what the drive-up coffee shops were—so she decided to write a paper about them. From a partnership with O, Miami and photographer Gesi Schilling, a book was born: Ventanitas: A Window into Miami Coffee Culture. The book features interviews with ventanita owners (including those at Café Versailles), poetry by local writers, and Schilling’s moving imagery. “The more I spoke to people, I realized how special they were, and they encouraged me to keep going,” Miron says. “Leaving Miami has given me a newfound appreciation for the city. There’s nowhere really quite like it.” (omiami.org/shop/ventanitas-daniela-gesi)

left: photographer

PHOTOGRAPHER MANNY HERNANDEZ HAS BEEN A FIXTURE ON THE MIAMI SOCIAL SCENE FOR DECADES. IN HIS SECOND BOOK, CANDIDS MIAMI 2 , HE REVISITS THE RAUCOUS ’90S IN THE MAGIC CITY. “THE ’90S WERE A GREAT TIME; IT’S LIKE WHAT NEW YORK’S ’80S WERE,” HE EXPLAINS. AS A FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER, HE WAS SHOOTING ON 35MM FILM AND DROPPING OFF PRINTS TO THE MIAMI HERALD OR FEDEXING COPIES TO EDITORS. FROM RESTAURANTS AND CLUBS TO SOCIETY EVENTS, HE CAPTURED THE LIKES OF MADONNA, SYLVESTER STALLONE, THE ESTEFANS, GIANNI VERSACE, M.C. HAMMER, MICHAEL JACKSON, BILL CLINTON, THE BUSHES, DONALD TRUMP, AND MIKHAIL GORBACHEV. “THE CELEBRITIES [WERE] A LOT MORE OUT OF THEIR ELEMENT AND THAT’S WHY I NAMED THE BOOKS CANDIDS.” (WYNWOODBOOKS.COM/PRODUCT-PAGE/CANDIDS-MIAMI-2)

You probably recognize Annie Vazquez from her popular blog, The Fashion Poet. But in recent years, she’s been going back to her roots as a writer. Vazquez started a new Instagram account, @anniethealchemist, to share how she manifested her transition from a public school teacher to a fashion blogger. Her latest focus is on meditation and studying intentions. What started as an e-book of prayers has landed in hard copy form as My Little Prayer Book, which includes 75 prayers, mantras, and poems. “I teach people to ask a question, flip through the book, and see where it stops,” she says. “It’s been pretty accurate for a lot of people. I feel like that gives them faith and motivation.” (annievazquez.com)

Poetry pours out of writer Flor Ana, and in February she published The Truth About Love. “I was in a relationship for six years, and for that entire time period, I’d been collecting poetry about love and heartbreak and all of those different emotions that come with love,” she says. “Love is a beautiful thing, regardless of what type of love it is.” Even though this is her fifth book to be published, Flor Ana says there’s still a vulnerability in releasing her poetry, which she writes for herself first and foremost. However, she does write for others too; as a “poet for hire,” she composes poetry on the spot for guests at special events. (floranawrites.com/books)

From

Manny Hernadez; a photo of Ingrid Casares and Donatella Versace from Hernandez’s new book of candid photographs taken in Miami during the 1990s. Below: poet Flor Ana, author of The Truth About Love

Daniela Perez Miron

Gesi Schilling

AVENTURIST

FIND YOUR JUNETEENTH RHYTHM

WHERE TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH, A DAY THAT COMMEMORATES THE FALL OF SLAVERY IN THE UNITED STATES

BY JESSE SCOTT

Juneteenth honors June 19, 1865: a day when approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—the last group in the United States to receive news of the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued nearly two and a half years earlier)—were declared free by the U.S. Army. Today, the celebratory spirit of the day lives on, as Juneteenth became an official national holiday in 2021. Locally, a number of educational institutions, community organizations, and businesses are honoring the day with their own special touches. Because June 19 falls on a Wednesday this year, the bulk of the events are slated for the weekend before (Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16), so plan accordingly. Here are three can’t-miss local celebrations.

JUNETEENTH PARK-IN AND PARTY AT HARD ROCK STADIUM

The City of Miami Gardens will throw down for its Juneteenth celebrations at Hard Rock Stadium June 15. Expect live bands aplenty spanning the R&B, soul, and jazz spectrums, as well as local food vendors and other festivities. Last year’s event started mid-afternoon and ran until 11 p.m., so prepare to party through the night. (mgjuneteenth.com)

FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Free and open to the public, FIU’s annual celebration is now in its fourth year. It’s happening June 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Dotson Family Pavilion. The experience will feature live music and dance performances, local artisans, and food truck vendors, all with an emphasis on Black-owned businesses and artists. (go.fiu.edu/juneteenth)

BLACK ART BRUNCH AT MIZELL COMMUNITY CENTER

Two of our favorite things—art and brunch—collide at this Broward shindig, taking place at the Mizell Community Center June 15 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for general admission and go up to $60 for an all-inclusive experience with food and beverages. Entertainment highlights include South Florida’s own ThatDJChris, as well as actors from the Victory Black Box Theatre. Proceeds will benefit Noir Infusion Arts Projects’ mission to fuel more art and entertainment events from Black artists throughout South Florida. (niarts.org)

RETAIL

Shop LOCAL

STAY COOL THIS SUMMER WITH OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS BACKED BY MIAMI MAKERS

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

SUNSHINE SIDEKICK

Beach medium pouch in rainbow ($118), Sacra, sacrashop.com

TIE ONE ON

Noella espadrille sandals ($80), MIA Shoes, miashoes.com

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Glass skin starter set ($94), Olivia Umma, oliviaumma.com

MAT

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devonwindsor.com

Crossover leggings and yoga bra set ($76), Hello Day, helloday.us

THROW SHADE

Hampton Demi sunglasses ($90 each), Biscayners, biscayners.com

CHILL OUT

Chill Wands

Cryo + Thermo facial tools ($125), LilFox, lilfox.miami

EASY BREEZY

Lana top ($165) and Lacey skirt ($235), Devon Windsor,

HEART OF GOLD

Mindfulness chain necklace ($70), Ibiza Passion, shopibiza passion.com

DAINTY DROPS

Upside down diamond drop

CHIC SLEEPS

Bella shortsleeve top and boxer pajama set ($120), Cosabella, cosabella.com

Isa

Grutman Jewelry, studs ($2,280), isagrutman.com

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Entwine sandals ($695 each), Daniela Uribe, daniela-uribe.com

SWIM SIREN Croc yelllow swimsuit ($450), Ema Savahl Couture, emasavahl.com

SUMMER SCENT

After Sun eau de toilette ($60), Vacation, vacation.inc

GET GLOWING

Summer Glow

Tanning Gummies ($35 for one-month supply), FGBG, fgbglifestyle.com

PROFILE

GAME CHANGER

FIVE-TIME NFL PRO BOWLER TERRON ARMSTEAD IS READY TO MAKE WAVES ON THE DOLPHINS’ OFFENSIVE LINE AFTER BEING SIDELINED WITH INJURIES LAST SEASON

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

n professional sports, there are players who make headlines and there are players whose job it is to stay out of the limelight—because when they’re performing at their best, almost no one notices. Terron Armstead, an offensive tackle starting his third year with the Miami Dolphins this season (his twelfth

Armstead says he’s the exception to that unwritten rule, having played lineman on both sides of the ball since he was a tyke.

“It’s a challenging position. It’s mostly thankless,” he admits with a laugh. “[Offensive line players] don’t get our names called unless it’s for something negative,” he adds, referring to the pressure to avoid committing costly penalties like holding and false starts. “The objective and the goal of a good game for me is to not be called, to not be noticed. That means I’m doing pretty well out there on the offensive line.”

that’s a treasure of the game.”

Armstead’s ability to read the game and adjust his strategy on the fly has earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile, talented, and intelligent players on any field. That’s probably why he’s been selected five times as an NFL Pro Bowler—a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. It’s a record Armstead calls “a blessing” and “a dream come true.”

NFL career season), is one of those players.

“I’ve grown to love it,” Armstead says of the position he plays, noting that most other football players who grow up being coached by their dad (as Armstead was) are slotted into positions like running back, quarterback, or receiver.

Standing 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing just over 300 pounds, Armstead is a physical powerhouse. While his imposing presence on the Dolphins offensive line may strike fear into the hearts of defenders, it’s his nimble footwork, quick reflexes, and work ethic that make Armstead a true force in both run blocking and pass protection—skills he’s worked hard to develop.

“I became intrigued by the details and techniques that different successful players use,” he says. “I studied them and I realized [that] you’ve got to be so skillful to play offensive line in the NFL. It’s really one of those positions

But to play, you’ve got to be healthy. Last year, Armstead missed seven games after being sidelined by a litany of ailments involving his knee, ankle, back, and quadriceps. He says he considered retirement during the offseason, but decided he’s ready and able to take the field again for the Fins.

This year’s goal? “Every person’s goal is the Super Bowl,” Armstead admits. “That’s without question. That’s like breathing air.”

But to get to that goal will require teamwork, Armstead says. “We’re looking to lock in and have a better understanding of the system. We’re looking for more accountability to each other, and of course to perform in the big games where it really makes a difference.”

Aventura Marina | Great location, views layout & amenities | Ample outdoor space

STYLE

CURATED FINDS, LUXE ACCESSORIES, AND RUNWAY REPORTS

1 2

IT LIST

Summer Lovin’

WHETHER YOU’RE STAYING LOCAL OR JETSETTING, THESE CAPSULE COLLECTIONS WILL HAVE YOU LOOKING YOUR BEST

BY KATHERINE LANDE

1. Live in Slim Aaron’s world of “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”: Tyler Ellis x Slim Aarons Snapshot Satchel: Sunbathing by the Sea in Florida ($5,000), Tyler Ellis x Slim Aarons, tylerellis.com, 10 percent of each online sale benefits the Fashion Trust U.S. | 2. If there’s one style to embrace this summer, it’s nautical: Nautical 2024 capsule collection (prices vary), Louis Vuitton, us.louisvuitton.com | 3. Channel your inner Maxine DellacorteSimmons with a retro-style set: Summer capsule collection viscose jacquard tank ($296) and viscose jacquard shorts ($248), Tory Burch, toryburch.com | 4. Best curated edit for all your warm weather needs (including gents): Curio at Faena Bazaar, Faena District, Miami Beach, shopatcurio.com | 5. Step up your summer accessory game with the latest Toile de Jouy: Dioriviera 2024 medium Dior Book tote (price upon request), Dior, dior.com | 6. Terry cloth takes on new meaning when you elevate it with double Cs: Coco Beach beachwear set ($2,625) and crochet mules ($1,400), Chanel, chanel. com | 7. Pack a statement-making caftan that works for all island-hopping occasions: Very Vivara collection by Pucci Puccinella bag ($1,100) and Iride print caftan ($1,280), Emilio Pucci, emiliopucci.com

3 5 7 4 6

THE LOOK

PALM ROYALE

AT THE BEACH AND BEYOND, THIS SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT RAFFIA, RATTAN, AND STRAW

BY KATHERINE LANDE

FULL CIRCLE

Rattan hoop

GOLDEN GODDESS

Woven gold-tone earrings ($198), Cult Gaia, Miami, cultgaia.com

Lala natural earrings ($250), Rebecca de Ravenel, rebeccade ravenel.com

STYLE NOTES X

SLIDE ONE ON:

TOTE-ALLY AWESOME

Raffia 3.5 shoulder bag ($1,595), Dolce & Gabbana, Miami, Bal Harbour, dolcegabbana.com

JOHANNA ORTIZ

SUMMER 2024

Raffia fringe makes a statement on a bottom hem and carryall tote.

SANDS OF TIME

Interlocking G espadrille slides ($890), Gucci, multiple locations, gucci.com

RULE OF THREE

Cosmic Serpent bangles in Cacao ($395 for set of three), Johanna Ortiz, johannaortiz.com

MORE IS MORE:

Opt for ease with a slip-on slide sandal.

Layer the trend with woven accents and accessories.

BEAUTY TIP:

TAN LINES

Jeu de Fille

crochet strass

buckle bag in raffia ($1,895), Roger Vivier, Bal Harbour, rogervivier.com

Keep your face fresh and natural for day and night.

ISLAND EASE

STEP UP

Woven raffia sandals ($1,290), Prada, Miami, Bal Harbour, prada.com

HARVEST MOON

Woven raffia platform sandals ($895), Gianvito Rossi, Bal Harbour, gianvitorossi.com

Brown straw Fendigraphy handbag ($2,650), Fendi, multiple locations, fendi.com

LAST STRAW

Handmade straw shopper (starting at $150), All Things Straw, instagram.com/ allthingsstraw

The artisans at All Things Straw create one-of-a-kind bags and accessories that honor the Bahamian tradition of celebrating island culture through colorful pictures on woven straw. Each bag is handlined with fabric produced by another Blackowned business, Bahama Hand Prints. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, editor in chief

Black Owned

SUPPORT BLACK ENTREPRENEURS WITH THESE EDITOR-FAVORITE FINDS

DREAM WEAVER

Soleil quilt set ($66-$90), Jungalow by Justina Blakeney, target.com

I am obsessed with the home decor designs of L.A.-based artist, designer, and author Justina Blakeney. Her products are all about bringing “good vibes home,” and this 100percent cotton, lightweight, durable, and fashionable quilt will help me do just that.

—Mary Murray, executive editor

PRESERVE AND PROTECT

Mineral tinted face sunscreen lotion ($29), Unsun, unsuncosmetics.com

If I had to live with just one skin care product, it would be this 100-percent mineral sunscreen (SPF 30) that also acts as a primer and color corrector. Formulated for a wide range of skin tones, this vegan lotion works wonders when it comes to minimizing pores and moisturizing. —Jane E. Enos, contributing editor

BURNING DESIRE

Raíces candles ($60), Vela Negra, thevelanegra.com

The black-wax candles in Vela Negra’s Raíces series are gorgeously presented in Mexican dough bowls, but their real charm is the story behind each fragrance. The Juana, Mima, and Papi scents are each named for a beloved relative of the maker, whose roots are Guyanese and Afro-Cuban. —Daphne Nikolopoulos, editorial director

BLOWN AWAY

Colored wine stemware ($185 for set of six), Estelle Colored Glassware, estellecoloredglass.com

Founded by Stephanie Summerson Hall, this brand is an homage to Hall’s grandmother and their many antiquing missions. The duo’s favorite finds? Colored glass. Handblown by artisans at a century-old company in Poland, each heirloom-quality piece is a nod to Sunday dinners, sweet treats, and an unbreakable bond. —Abigail Duffy, web editor

Wine/Champagne carrier ($135), House of Takura, houseoftakura.com

When transporting cool beverages, I’m planning to turn up the heat by sporting House of Takura’s handcrafted-in-Kenya leather tote. While the brand’s limited-edition bags can carry many things, more importantly, they “are meant to carry opportunities into the future of work in Africa, which can only be done through empowering the youth.” —Allison Wolfe Reckson, contributing editor

SUMMER WARDROBE

White linen V-neck dress ($475), Lemlem, lemlem.com

Supermodel Liya Kebede started her Lemlem line of artisan-driven resort wear in 2007. Kebede’s casual yet chic pieces are made entirely and responsibly in Africa, with the mission of preserving the local art of weaving in her home country of Ethiopia. —Gaylene Salomons, contributing editor

THE EDIT

HOT STUFF

JEWELRY BOX

Permanent Ink

BRAND YOUR BODY (FOR A LIMITED TIME) WITH JEWELRY FEATURING POPULAR TATTOO DESIGNS

BY MARY MURRAY

1. FLY AWAY HOME Apples & Figs swallow bird earrings with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $915. (applesandfigs.com)

2. WALKING ON THE SUN Yvonne Léon sun necklace with gray diamonds and citrines set in 18-karat gold and white gold, $2,550. Kith, Miami (kith.com)

3. SAY THAT YOU LOVE ME Heavenly Vices Love Modern cartouche necklace in 14-karat gold, $1,200. (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com)

4. SNAKE ALONG Vintage Tiffany & Co. snake necklace with diamonds, emeralds, and a sapphire set in 18-karat gold, $42,500. Provident Jewelry locations (providentjewelry.com)

5. BECAUSE I’M HAPPY Sydney Evan large happy face signet ring with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $4,105. (sydneyevan.com)

6. TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART Fred Leighton antique brooch with a moonstone, rubies, and diamonds set in silver over gold, $14,000. (fredleighton.com)

7. DEAD RINGER Robinson Pelham Stud Club skull earrings with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $825 each, sold separately. (robinsonpelham.com)

8. I SAW THE SIGN Aaron Basha Veronica custom bangle with assorted charms set in 14-karat white gold, $8,200. (aaronbasha.com)

9. PEACE BE WITH YOU Sheryl Lowe Rainbow Cobblestone Confetti Pure Peace ring with gemstones set in 14-karat gold, $2,300. (sheryllowe jewelry.com)

COLOR CRAZE

Embrace the vibrant hues of summer with makeup products that go for the bold, pack a glimmering punch, and, best of all, won’t budge on the steamy days ahead: Guerlain Kiss Kiss Bee Glow Lip Oil in Poppy ($40) and Météorites Setting & Finishing Pearls of Powder in Cool / Rosé ($72, Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour, Coral Gables); Benefit Cosmetics Splashtint Moisturizing Dewy Lip Tint in Isle Style ($24) and BadGal Bang! Volumizing Mascara in Power Blue ($29, benefitcosmetics. com); Obayaty Eye Pen in Purple Haze ($33, obayaty.com); Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Multi-Glow Highlighter in Romance Light ($45, charlottetilbury.com); Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Lagune ($32, Chanel counters); Dolce & Gabbana Eye Dare You! Multi-Finish Eyes & Cheeks Palette ($89) and That’s My Line! 24-Hour Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in GTG and XOXO ($29 each, dolcegabbana.com); and Milaner The Monica Sunglasses ($195, bymilaner.com). —Abigail Duffy

TRENDING

SHOW of Hands

ADJUST YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE TO BE MORE HANDS ON WITH THESE POSH PRACTICES AND UNIQUE TECHNIQUES

BY LIZA GRANT SMITH

SLUGGING

Hand slugging has been making the rounds on TikTok, and while versions of the hydrating technique vary in terms of products used and recommended duration, the basics (and its benefits) are the same. Essentially, slugging involves adding a layer of Vaseline or moisturizer to your hands and wrapping or covering them with gloves for several hours or even overnight. The moisturizer creates a barrier that helps restore skin’s natural balance. It can also soothe irritated or inflamed skin and help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ready to try it yourself? Pair the Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment ($62) with a set of moisturizing gloves ($22) from Malcolm’s Miracle (softservices.co, malcolmsmiracle.com)

PROCEDURE PLAYS

When products aren’t getting the job done, there are nonsurgical procedures offered by med spas like Aventura Dermatology and Aesthetics Dermal fi llers like Radiesae or Restylane are noninvasive and do not require any signifi cant recovery time. Both products are an injectable hyaluronic acid gel that can restore skin’s elasticity and volume, as well as stimulate collagen production. Appointments for hand rejuvenation packages typically take half an hour or less, with results lasting anywhere from 18 months to 2 years. To address hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and age spots on hands, patients can add other nonsurgical hand treatments including chemical peels and fractional laser therapy. (aventuradermatology.com)

AS WITH MOST OTHER BEAUTY SECTORS, NAILS ARE NOT IMMUNE TO TRENDS, PARTICULARLY WHEN IT COMES TO POLISH COLORS AND MANICURE DESIGNS. WHILE GLAZED DONUT NAILS WERE SPRING’S COVETED CRAZE, THE POPULARITY CROWN HAS NOW BEEN BESTOWED UPON A NEW LOOK. THIS SUMMER, METALLIC NAILS ARE HAVING THEIR DAY. GO FOR CLASSIC CHROME FINISHES IN SHIMMERING SILVERS, RAINBOW CHROME BRIGHTS, OR PASTEL VARIATIONS LIKE THIS “FOR THE TWILL OF IT” POLISH SHADE FROM ESSIE. TOO MUCH SHINE? MIX UP YOUR METALS WITH THE FRENCH MANICURE TREND AND ADORN YOUR TIPS WITH METALLIC EDGES FOR A MANICURE THAT COMBINES TWO TRENDING LOOKS IN ONE. (ULTABEAUTY.COM)

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Extend your daily skin care routine to include your hands. Many leading companies are leaning into the hand care trend with product lines devoted to palms, digits, cuticles, and the like. Paume, for example, specializes in dedicated skin care for the hands, complete with clean formulas and a Plastic Neutral Certifi cation, meaning that every one of its products carries a net-zero plastic footprint. Get started with the Paume Age Defying Trio ($94), which comes with the Probiotic Hand Balm, Renewing Hand Serum, and All-in-One Cuticle and Nail Cream. (mypaume.com)

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE MOST FASCINATING CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

EXPLORA TRAVESÍA ATACAMA & UYUNI OPENS ONE OF EARTH’S FINAL FRONTIERS TO INTREPID TRAVELERS

BY PAUL RUBIO

Off-the-grid, experiential travel has become ever more difficult to achieve in a globalized world. One region where it still exists— even thrives—rises between the sparsely populated, untamed extremes connecting Chile’s Atacama Desert and Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flats. Here, amid forbidding climatic conditions, rust-hued mountains and snow-dusted volcanoes scrape the sky, greenery and birdlife

Explora’s Jirira lodge perches the Uyuni Salt Flats (above) while its Ramaditas lodge overlooks the snow-dusted splendor of the altiplano (inset).

from left: the living room at Ramaditas lodge; vicuñas and flamingos commune at a saltfringed lagoon; geysers emerge near the Chile-Bolivia border; the infinite polygons of the Uyuni Salt Flats; preparing for lunch on the flats.

explode around elevated wetlands, geysers bubble along Mars-like rocky outcrops, camelids frolic in the sand, and pink flamingos flock to bone-white salt mounds. It’s a rugged land of unexpected and extraordinary natural contrasts that is now accessible in style thanks to Explora Travesía Atacama & Uyuni. This one-way, week-plus, all-inclusive nomadic journey by famed South American outfitter Explora is a testament to the endurance of transformative travel and a colorful showcase of two of planet Earth’s greatest natural wonders.

The Travesía, which quietly debuted in March 2022, can be accomplished in as few as six nights and as many as 11 and in either direction, though beginning in Atacama is best for acclimatization and the adrenaline build for a salt flat climax. While each sojourn is bespoke (travelers get a private Explora guide, driver, and vehicle, and choose their own half- and full-day excursions from more than 100 options), there’s a commonality of Explora-branded accommodations along this nearly uncharted route.

The journey begins in the heart of San

Pedro de Atacama in Chile at Explora Atacama. This 42-acre desert campus includes a horse stable, four swimming pools, a private observatory, and an all-day restaurant with desert cuisine by Virgilio Martínez, whose Peruvian restaurant, Central, received top marks on the “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023” list. It then continues to three micro-lodges in uninhabited patches of the Andean highlands—Ramaditas, Chituca, and Jirira—each a similar exercise in mountain minimalism and occupying an enviable cliffside location for maximum vistas. Every day is a new discovery by foot, horseback, bicycle, and/or vehicle, investigating the ethereal natural surrounds near a lodge or traversing the unpopulated terrain in between.

My seven-night Travesía in April entailed three nights in Atacama and four across the trio of Bolivian lodges, resulting in an epic adventure that ranks as a career highlight. As a previous visitor to Explora’s Atacama outpost, I was eager to kick off the trip with some newer offerings among the lodge’s 50 excursions, which range from easy to difficult. I eased into things post-arrival with a

Clockwise

PAUL RUBIO

PAUL RUBIO

low-key horseback ride across dry riverbeds and sand dunes, savoring the luxuries of space and silence throughout the altiplano.

On day two, I trekked the moderate 3.5mile Domeyko trail, descending through imposing clay walls and the glistening red canyons of the Domeyko mountain range. By day three, under the direction of my Explora guide, I was all in on the advanced Rio Blanco expedition, following a steep and winding 5.7-mile path to the Blanco River, which is fringed by geysers and velvety llareta plants, and frequented by wild vicuñas and viscachas (imagine: chinchillas but stockier).

My return to Atacama and the first part of my Travesía reminded me of the ceaseless splendor of these painted deserts and reignited my fire for extreme exploration. Now it was time to go deeper. Next stop: Bolivia.

My four-day road trip through southwest Bolivia was one I hoped would never end. Following a Wild West–like border crossing from Chile at Hito Cajón, our 4x4 voyage commenced with a 100-mile spin around the region’s greatest lagoon hits. Each is aptly named for the water’s color, from White to Green to the most striking of the group, Red, which is tinted by beta-carotene- and plankton-rich streams, attracting three species of flamingos in cosmic numbers.

Soon after, even the dirt roads disappeared and it was time to put complete trust in the driver and guide. We set off into the infinite horizon, past towering columns of ignimbrite, entering constricted canyons and reaching

what seemed like the ends of the earth. Having not seen any signs of civilization all day, the Ramaditas lodge appeared at first as a mirage but then came into clear view as a lakeside beacon. As we sat cozy in this highdesign isolated space, sipping Bolivian wines as our guide serenaded us with his quena (a traditional Andean flute), the moment felt like

LA PAZ LAYOVER

While multiple flights daily between Santiago de Chile and Calama facilitate swift entry to the Atacama Desert, limited airlift between Uyuni and La Paz mandates an overnight in the Bolivian capital. Check into the modernist Met Hotel (metlapaz.com) for the city’s most comfortable stay and then treat yourself to a multicourse affair at the country’s top table, Gustu Restaurant (gustu.bo), which specializes in haute Bolivian cuisine.

immersive modern travel at its best.

The next day our lengthy driving route to Chituca lodge was tailored to my love for birds and landscape photography, interspersed by hikes in the high wetlands in search of Andean coots, puna teals, and blue-billed ducks. On day six, we rock climbed through cactus-speckled terrain and later ambled through fields of red and yellow quinoa grazed by curious llamas. By lunchtime, we’d arrived at the largest salt flat on Earth, a sparkling white expanse of infinity measuring roughly 3,700 square miles, hewn by immeasurable salt polygons and draped by endless sky. Optical illusions abound in both the dry and wet patches of the flats, lending to idyllic Instagram fodder in the form of tilt-shift and reflective photography. On the northern rim, Explora’s Jirira lodge delivers an unparalleled mountaintop view of the stark white glory, with easy access to nearby islands and mile after mile of salt-crusted grounds navigable by fat-tire bike, vehicle, or foot. The lodge isn’t just a gateway to this bucket-list destination—it’s part of it.

By day eight, it was hard to say goodbye to this vortex of natural extremes and isolation. The trailblazing Explora Travesía Atacama & Uyuni has enriched me with the magic and beauty of one of the planet’s final frontiers and proven that off-the-grid, experiential travel perseveres, even in modern times. (explora.com) «

Clockwise from below: desert cuisine by Virgilio Martínez at Explora Atacama lodge; flocks of flamingos at Laguna Colorada; Árbol de Piedra, a weathered volcanic rock formation, awaits high in the altiplano.

PAUL RUBIO

PAUL RUBIO

JOURNEYS

FLORIDIANA

TAMPA REBORN

BY PAUL RUBIO

Tampa seems to be on the tip of every Floridian’s tongue these days. The often-overlooked Gulf Coast city is finally having a moment, thanks largely to the growth of its Water Street neighborhood, an in-progress pocket of big-city sophistication. At the heart of this redux is The Tampa Edition (editionhotels.com/tampa), the city’s first five-star hotel, rife with swish tropical trappings and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Opened in October 2022, the Ian Schrager–backed property wows at every turn. An open-flow lobby reveals a breathtaking expanse that at once enchants and soothes, teeming with potted greenery, partitioned by 20-foot slabs of walnut, and punctuated by floor-level lanterns and earth-toned furnishings. A theatrical white marble staircase serves as a functional artistic statement and the gateway to the Edition’s secondfloor nightlife enticements: retro-chic lounge Punch Room and discothèque Arts Club, which sparkles in the reflection of 350 disco balls. Floors three through eight house 172 guest rooms and suites, each featuring a curved American black walnut entrance, marble bathrooms, and understated interiors inspired by French design legend Jean-Michel Frank. On level nine—the segue between the hotel and 16 floors of branded residences—discover a dreamy rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, cabanas cloaked in purple bougainvillea, and Azure at Edition, a coastal Greek concept by award-winning chef John Fraser. Fraser’s talents are also on display at Michelin-starred Lilac (lilacrestauranttampa.com), a gloriously green and gilded space adjacent to the lobby. An ingredients-driven menu plays out over four decadent parts, starting with a quartet of family-style hors d’oeuvres (the highlight of which is a steaming loaf of Pain Lyonnais encrusted with sweet onions) plus an optional caviar service. Next,

choose an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert from an array of droolworthy choices. Think: a tuna tartare Mont Blanc starter frosted in avocado mousse and topped with garlic meringue, and a main of local Gulf red snapper in a bubbling shellfish broth served over grits.

Beyond the Edition itself, Tampa’s cosmopolitan ascent and newfound foodie destination status is palpable across Water Street. For example, a stone’s throw away is The Pearl (thepearlrestaurant.com), chef and restaurateur Cameron Mitchell’s vibrant and inviting gastropub. Here, Southern and New England flavors commingle, as evidenced by the creamy clam chowder, N’awlinsstyle baked oysters, seafood towers, braised short rib, and fresh pies made daily. It happens to be one of six new Tampa additions to the 2024 Florida Michelin Guide and another—of many—reasons to consider the city for your next regional escape. «

Clockwise from center left: A soothing room, a stunning lobby, caviar service at Lilac, the seductive Punch Room, and bougainvillea-capped cabanas all await at The Tampa Edition.

The Pearl is one of Tampa’s many new Michelin-approved restaurants.

SETTING THE STANDARD

Palm Beach Media Group is a renowned publishing company with print publications representing a mix of proprietary titles and custom magazines, along with digital solutions, serving the entire state of Florida and more.

PUBLISHER OF: Naples Illustrated Naples Charity Register Palm Beach Illustrated Palm Beach Charity Register Naples Realtor Magazine Palm Beach Relocation Guide Vero Beach Magazine The Jewel of Palm Beach: The Mar-aLago Club Jupiter Magazine 5th Avenue South: 5th Avenue South Business Improvement District Aventura Magazine Naples 100 Stuart Magazine Community Report: Collier Community Foundation Palm Beach 100

Pinnacle: Jupiter Medical Center Foundation Vero Beach Magazine: Vero Beach Handbook art&culture: Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Time and Treasure: Guide to Better GivingFlorida Design Southwest Florida Relocation Guide Florida Design Miami Edition Florida Design Annual Sourcebook Florida Design Naples Edition Fisher Island Magazine Club Braman Magazine Advances: Tampa General Hospital Naples on the Gulf: Greater Naples Chamber Waypoints: Naples Yacht Club

BEACH BOUND

THE NEW BEACH RUNNER 4X4 FROM ECD AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN IS A BEACH LOVER’S DREAM RIDE

BY HOWARD WALKER

To quote chief Parrothead James William Buffett, aka Jimmy: “If there’s a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.”

You can bet that if Mr. B were still around, he’d be grabbing the keys to the coolest mode of beach transportation since the surfboard: the new Beach Runner 4x4 from Orlando-based ECD Automotive Design.

Yes, it looks like a classic open-top Land Rover Defender you’d expect to see in the latest Jurassic Park romp. But it’s pretty much brand new from its steel wheels up, powered by a muscly 460-horsepower Chevy V8.

Beach-ready features include racks for surfboards, paddleboards, and bikes, plus a big Yeti cooler for libations, an air compressor for pumping up beach balls, and a removable boom box. The swingout Yakima rack is perfect for mounting

a grill or carrying a set of folding beach chairs. Perhaps the pièce de résistance is the windshield that folds flat to the hood-mounted spare tire, providing a warm-wind-in-the-face, bugs-in-your-teeth, open-air feel.

Formerly known as East Coast Defenders, ECD has been rebuilding, restoring, and customizing old Land Rovers since 2013. Its current lineup includes two-door Defender 90s and 110s, the 130 pickup, the Range Rover Classic, and, most-recently, Jaguar’s E-Type. Original examples are tracked down, given a full nut-and-bolt restoration, and repowered with new GM “crate” motors or Tesla-style electric power trains. The level of fit, finish, and quality is exceptional.

For the Beach Runner, old ’80s Defender 110s are taken apart, the roofs are removed, a safety roll cage is installed,

HIGH ROAD

and that GM LT1 V8 and 8-speed automatic is squeezed under the hood. To ferry the family to the beach, there are individual bucket seats in the first and second rows, as well as four inward-facing jump seats in the back.

POWER FILE

PRICE: $249,995 ENGINE: 6.2-LITER GM LT1 V8 POWER: 455 HP TORQUE: 465 LBFT TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC 0-60: 7 SECONDS (EST.) TOP SPEED: 120 MPH LENGTH/WIDTH: 197/79 INCHES WEIGHT: 6,000 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE WE CAN’T THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO GET TO THE BEACH.

These days there aren’t too many places in Florida where you can actually drive on the sand, but just driving to the beach or a beachfront parking lot is a blast in a Beach Runner. With that big Chevy V8 sounding as throaty as Bubba Wallace’s NASCAR racer, you’re guaranteed to spin heads as well as wheels. And when pedal goes to metal, there is ferocious performance on tap—almost too much.

Personally, I prefer ECD’s terrific electric power train, which would be better suited to 35-mph cruising with the windshield lowered. While electric power is not currently being offered, I’m sure it’ll only be a matter of time. The Beach Runner should be an EV.

On the road it steers nicely, rides smoothly, and stops with gusto, though the strangely offset pedals can take a little getting used to. Because this is a true Land Rover—with full-time four-wheel drive

and high-low ratios—you’re never going to get stuck in the sand. And it’s a blast sitting up high behind the Momo wood-rimmed wheel with everything open, elbow resting on that low-cut door. If the sun gets a little too toasty you can clip on a bimini-style canvas top, but there are no side screens to keep out the elements in case of a Florida downpour. Thankfully, the leather is marine-grade, the body aluminum, and the floor waterproof.

As you might expect of a bespoke toy, ECD’s Beach Runner doesn’t come cheap. The base price is $249,995, with production limited to just 18 examples a year. But when you’re parked at the beach, flipping those cheeseburgers in paradise, keeping your fins to the left, and sipping a boat drink, a Beach Runner is hard to resist. «

Discover the bright side of senior living.

At The Sterling Aventura, you or your loved ones will receive high-quality care while soaking in the excitement of our sunny neighborhood. Our experienced staff prioritizes all-around wellness at a price that’s hard to come by anywhere else in South Florida.

2777 NE 183rd Street | Aventura, FL 33160 TheSterlingAventura.com

Assisted Living | Memory Care

Assisted Living Facility License #10117

Look on the bright side when planning for the future.

Learn more by calling Mark at 786.386.0573 or emailing MMonaghan@TheSterlingAventura.com.

Transf ming Seni Living in Aventura

When Belmont Village Senior Living, a leader in upscale senior living communities, joined forces with Turnberry, renowned developer, owner, and operator of luxury destinations, to co-develop Belmont Village Senior Living Aventura, it formed a collaborative powerhouse led by two visionary female CEOs.

e inception of Belmont Village Aventura’s vision traces back to 2019, when Patricia Will, Belmont Village Founder and CEO, was spearheading the opening of Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale, the company’s inaugural senior living community in South Florida. She crossed paths with Jackie So er, Chairman and CEO of Turnberry, who astutely identi ed the growing demand for luxury seniors housing in Aventura, a city steeped in the legacy of her father, Don So er. Patricia and Jackie discovered a shared commitment to excellence, igniting a collaborative journey. ey identi ed a perfectly located undeveloped parcel of Turnberry-owned land to create what will be a unique housing experience for Aventura. Using their rich backgrounds in development,

they are crafting world-class senior housing, distinguished by unparalleled amenities, hospitality, and care standards.

“Belmont Village Aventura signi es a transformative step in our quest to rede ne senior living within South Florida, o ering an exceptional locale, premier amenities, and award-winning programs,”

said Will. “ is collaboration will bring our vision, which is anchored in advancing the well-being of seniors, and its enriching in uence to the wider Aventura community."

Patricia and Jackie are positioned to leverage their shared vision to introduce an incomparable senior living experience to Aventura. With a focus on innovation, community engagement, and enriching lifestyles, their involvement in this collaboration promises to deliver award-winning, evidence-based programming, rede ning the standards of senior living in the community.

"Partnering with Belmont Village was a natural choice, as their reputation for excellence in senior living mirrors our own commitment to quality and attention to detail," remarked So er. "Our mutual dedication to creating exceptional environments ensures that our latest endeavor will surpass expectations, o ering residents and families an unparalleled luxury experience.”

Currently under construction and spanning an impressive almost 180,000 square feet, Belmont Village Aventura will boast timeless contemporary architecture featuring high-end interior nishes and design along with panoramic water views. e 11-story luxury community, slated for completion in early 2026, will o er independent living, assisted living, and memory care with more than 150 residences in a variety of oor plans. Many of the units o er private balconies and exclusive penthouse units are available on the 10th and 11th oor.

To learn more, visit BelmontVillage.com/Aventura.

Pictured: Patricia Will, CEO and Founder of Belmont Village, and Jackie So er, CEO of Turnberry.

CREATIVE

FASHION DESIGNER JULIAN CHANG

LEAVES THE CONFINES OF MIAMI BEACH FOR A NEW

HOME THAT’S A TRANQUIL OASIS FOR HIS ART AND LIFE

BY PAIGE BOWERS

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMIN KADI

Fashion designer Julian Chang has always been inspired by the art he sees and the creatives he meets.

breathing room and a light-filled place that would give him more flexibility and inspiration.

Online, he found a 7,000-square-foot home in a golf course community in Miami Lakes.

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZOLTAN

PRESENT

So, when Miami shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and Chang couldn’t visit museums or the Design District, he started feeling stifled and stuck in his Miami Beach condominium. For a guy whose work has been defined by the mixture of cultures and textures he has experienced, Chang felt he needed more

“It was very peaceful,” he says, recalling the first time he saw the residence. “There were trees everywhere. You could hear the birds. There were windows and wonderful views. The light was wonderful and changed

all the time throughout the day. It was just so beautiful.”

Chang bought the house, moved in immediately, and slowly decided what he wanted to change.

“I wanted to wait and have the house speak to me, which it did,” he says. “And then, very organically, I started talking to different designers and local artists and brainstormed with them about what to do.”

It took a year, but Chang collaborated with UZCA Designs and a multitude of local carpenters to craft a bespoke interior that could serve as an ever-changing canvas for his life and work. With its calming hues, warm woods, and exceptionally well-made furniture, Chang’s home is a mid-century backdrop that can be adjusted and reconfigured, depending on his needs.

“If I wanted to have a fashion show, I could do it,” he says. “If I wanted to have an event with my customers or friends, I could do it. That flexibility was part of the design.”

It’s also a common thread in Chang’s own life. Chang grew up in Peru, the second youngest of five children and the lone boy in the bunch. With a Chinese father and a Peruvian mother, he recalls how those two cultures mingled and influenced every aspect of his life, from the food he ate to the decor in his home.

“I thought everybody lived that way,” he says. “And that gave me a different way of seeing things and an appreciation of workmanship, colors, and textures that would influence my collections.”

As the owners and operators of a company that produced chemical products, Chang’s parents inspired their son’s work ethic. When his mother met with clients, she was always impeccably dressed in bespoke clothing. Chang fondly remembers going with his mother to the seamstress twice a month, where they would look through magazines and select fabrics. He recalls watching her new ladylike outfits emerge from a sewing machine.

“It would be like a date night for us, where we’d [go to the seamstress] and then go out to eat at a nice restaurant,” he says. “Those are happy memories for me.”

Looking back, Chang says that moments like these influenced his decision to become a fashion designer. Though his mother supported his dream from the beginning, he says it took a little bit more work to convince his father that he had a future in the field.

“My father wanted me to be an engineer and to go

Right: Julian Chang at home in Miami Lakes. Below: A pair of mirrors and a sleek console table welcome guests in the foyer.

Opposite page: Chang’s open-plan living space is filled with light that pours in from from the vaulted glass roof.

to engineering school in Spain,” he says. “I was terrible at math. But he said, ‘Go ahead and try [design school]. If you love it and you’re good at it, then you can continue.’”

At 17, Chang moved to Miami to attend the Miami International University of Art and Design. Almost instantly, he was captivated by the city’s cultures and was exposed to religions he had never encountered. Though Chang originally thought he’d earn his degree and return home to Peru, he began to view Miami as home.

“It’s a wonderful place to be,” he says. “And over the years, my immediate family has moved here too.”

As a student, Chang focused on learning the business and craft of the fashion industry, interning for magazines and freelancing as a designer for swimwear, as well as men’s and women’s apparel. By the time he graduated in 2001, he had three job offers to consider. He took an assistant designer position at a sportswear

"I LIKE BEAUTIFUL THINGS AROUND ME. ... I WANT TO FEEL INSPIRED. HERE, I CAN BE WORKING IN THE GARDEN OR SKETCHING OUT BACK, AND THAT WORKS FOR ME.”

company and was promoted to head designer after only eight months on the job. But Chang’s heart was in launching his own label. He wrestled with the decision to resign, but eventually realized that if he didn’t take action, he’d never accomplish his dream.

In 2007, he launched the Julian Chang label from a spare bedroom in his apartment. But it was slow going. At first, he designed for friends (and then friends of friends) before he could afford to hire his first seamstress. Then things took off. Chang began designing custom eveningwear for celebrities like Madonna, Paris Hilton, Gloria Estefan, and Janet Jackson. Now,

Above and opposite page: Chang’s backyard is the perfect oasis in which to unwind alone or entertain guests.

Left: The primary bedroom opens on to a putting green complete with a bridge.

his pieces can be purchased online as well as at high-end boutiques around the world, including his Miami store on 3rd Avenue in Little River.

Chang’s accolades include Miami Fashion Week’s Pret-a-Porter Designer of the Year, Women’s Wear Daily’s Up-and-Coming Ready-to-Wear Designer to Watch, The Ebenezer Award of Honor, Vogue LatAm’s Designer’s Choice Award, and the key to the City of Miami Beach. Known for his use of bold patterns and flowy silhouettes, he has carved a niche as a designer who understands exactly who his clients are and what they need.

“[The Julian Chang woman] is 45 years old and up, travels, and likes to be fashionable but [she] doesn’t have to be the perfect size four,” he says. “She wants to look wonderful and updated, and she’s someone who appreciates quality. Our collections are timeless. We have customers who have had a jumpsuit for 10 or 12 years.”

Though his styles change to meet the moment, Chang says his DNA hasn’t. He is just as hardworking and detail-oriented as he ever was. At press time, he had just finished work on his Spring/Summer 2024 collection and started on Fall 2024. Custom orders also

keep him in demand and busy, especially during the holidays.

It’s likely he’ll show some of these collections at his home, he says, and it doesn’t bother him to host a show in a space that is so personal. For him, the inspiration is the point.

“I like beautiful things around me,” he says. “If I am in a place, I want to feel inspired. Here, I can be working in the garden or sketching out back, and that works for me. I am very fortunate that I am able to have these wonderful spaces that I can make work for what I need. I think that really reflects who I am.” «

Scenes from SCARFACE SCARFACE

IT’S BEEN 40 YEARS SINCE SCARFACE LIT UP MOVIE SCREENS WITH ITS MIAMICENTRIC RAGS-TO-RICHES STORY OF TONY MONTANA, A CUBAN REFUGEE TURNED POWERFUL DRUG LORD. JOIN AVENTURA ON A TRIP THROUGH SOME OF THE FILM’S MOST FAMOUS MOMENTS, MANY SET RIGHT HERE IN THE MAGIC CITY.

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA DAVID, @FILMTOURISMUS

MAKING IT IN MIAMI? MAKING IT IN MIAMI?

With its combination of showy violence and celebration of drug culture set against the pastel backdrop of Miami Beach in the 1980s, Scarface became a silver-screen sensation. Forty years later it’s still considered one of the most classic gangster films of all time.

But the making of Scarface was not without controversy, including concern over how the film portrayed Cubans, particularly those who fled their homes during the Mariel boatlift from Cuba to the United States in 1980.

For that reason, Miami politicians, including City Commissioner Demetrio Perez Jr., worked to block the necessary permits required for the film crew to shoot in Miami. In the end, a compromise was struck: director Brian De Palma was granted 12 filming days in the Magic City and shot the remainder of the movie in Los Angeles.

SURROUNDED BY HIS POSSE, TONY MONTANA (PLAYED BY OSCAR WINNER AL PACINO) EXITS A GREEK REVIVAL BUILDING THAT HOUSES THE MONTANA MANAGEMENT COMPANY.

THE ADDRESS ON THE BUILDING READS 9401 BRICKELL AVENUE, BUT THIS SCENE WAS ACTUALLY SHOT IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AT 8623 SUNSET BOULEVARD.

CHAINSAW CHASE

THE DISMEMBERMENT OF ANGEL “CHI CHI” SANCHEZ (PLAYED BY PEPE SERNA) MAY BE THE FILM’S MOST FAMOUS SCENE. IT WAS SHOT AT 728 OCEAN DRIVE IN SOUTH BEACH, WHICH HOUSED THE SUN RAY APARTMENTS AT THE TIME OF FILMING. IT HAS SINCE BEEN CONVERTED INTO A CVS PHARMACY.

MOVIE MEMENTO MOVIE MEMENTO

If you stroll along Ocean Drive, just past the Art Deco–style Beacon Hotel en route to CVS, look around for a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it plaque that commemorates Scarface’s filming location.

“This is the actual staircase that was used in the filming of the 1983 classic movie Scarface starring Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio,” the plaque reads. “The scene depicts the chainsaw massacre and is a world-famous Hollywood landmark.”

FONTAINEBLEAU FOLLIES FONTAINEBLEAU FOLLIES

The pool of the famed Fontainebleau Miami Beach served as a lush backdrop for one of Scarface’s more lighthearted (and less violent) moments, when Montana schools his best friend, Manny Ribera (played by Steven Bauer), on “how to pick up chicks.”

CRUISING WITH THE CREW

IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE CHAINSAW SCENE, MONTANA AND HIS MEN CRUISE ALONG OCEAN DRIVE IN A DARK RED CHEVROLET IMPALA ON THEIR WAY TO THE SUN RAY BUILDING.

GUNFIGHT READY

MONTANA PAUSES ON OCEAN DRIVE IN A MOMENT OF REFLECTION JUST BEFORE AN ATTEMPT TO BUY DRUGS FROM A PAIR OF COLOMBIAN DEALERS IN A HOTEL ROOM GOES HORRIBLY WRONG. THE SCENE LEADS MONTANA TO UTTER ONE OF THE FILM’S MOST QUOTED LINES: “DON’T BRING A CHAINSAW TO A GUNFIGHT.” «

T pical Hideaway

BY JULES ARON PHOTOGRAPHY BY GYORGY PAPP

Tiki culture has captivated the imaginations of cocktail enthusiasts for decades. With their kitschy glassware and lavish garnishes, these tropical libations have been transporting us to a land of sunny escapades and palmfringed beaches since the 1930s. What started as a fascination with Polynesian culture and exotic escapism has sparked a second wave of modern tiki cocktails. This recent resurgence honors the original flavors while incorporating contemporary techniques and artisanal ingredients, breathing new life into a nostalgic cocktail genre made famous so many years ago by such institutions as Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic’s. Celebrate the indelible charm of tiki culture with these five recipes.

Pool Si n

With its sweet and smoky notes, this boozy blend has all the creamy and aromatic components necessary to elevate any pool day

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. smoked tea–infused Spring44 vodka (with Lapsang Souchong loose-leaf tea)

1/4 oz. dry Curaçao

1/4 oz. matcha syrup (matcha tea and simple syrup)

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 oz. coconut cream

2 dashes cardamom bitters

Matcha powder, toasted coconut, and kiwi slices for garnish

« To make the infused vodka, steep 3 tsp. looseleaf Lapsang Souchong tea in 6 oz. hot water for 3 minutes. Drain the tea and transfer the wet leaves to a glass container and fill with a 750-ml bottle of vodka. Allow the tea to steep in the spirit for 7 minutes. Drain and discard the tea leaves. Decant into a clean bottle and store in a cool, dry place.

« To make the matcha syrup, combine 1 part matcha tea and 1 part simple syrup. Shake to combine and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

« Add all ingredients to a blender with ice. Blend for 10 seconds and pour into your favorite vessel or coconut shell. Sprinkle with matcha powder and garnish with toasted coconut and kiwi slices.

Bird of Pa dise

Originally served as a welcome drink at the Aviary Bar at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the half-century-old Jungle Bird tiki drink brings together the unexpected punch of Campari, rum, and pineapple. This riff replaces the rum with a bolder bourbon that’s then softened with exotic notes of passion fruit.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 oz. Four Roses Bourbon

1 1/2 oz. fresh pineapple juice

3/4 oz. Campari

1 oz. fresh lemon juice

3/4 oz. passion fruit syrup (passion fruit purée and simple syrup) Pineapple leaves for garnish

To make the passion fruit syrup, combine 2 parts passion fruit purée and 1 part simple syrup. Shake to combine and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Add all ingredients to a mixing tin, shake with ice, then fine strain into a glass. Garnish with pineapple leaves.

Smoke and Mir rs

This smooth, luxurious drink combines the classic flavors of a piña colada with the richness of a smoked old-fashioned

INGREDIENTS

Large coconut water ice cube

2 oz. Pa'lante dark rum

1/2 oz. pineapple liqueur

3 dashes tiki bitters

Sliced grapefruit for garnish

«

Fill an extra-large ice cube tray with coconut water and freeze overnight. Add all other ingredients to a mixing glass and stir over ice. Strain into a rocks glass and add 1 large coconut water ice cube. Smoke your glass and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Passion and Sparks

Tropical juices, spicy shrub, ashen notes of mezcal, and the assertive taste of Oaxacan rum come together seamlessly in this refreshing concoction

RED LAYER INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 oz. Tso'ok Oaxacan Rum

1/4 oz. simple syrup

1 oz. raspberry juice

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

ORANGE LAYER INGREDIENTS

1/2 oz. Cuentacuentos Mezcal

1/2 oz. passion fruit liqueur

3/4 oz. mango juice

1 dash habanero shrub

FIRE SHOW INGREDIENTS

Sugar cube

1/2 oz. lemon extract

Dry lime shell

Ground cinnamon powder

Combine red layer ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a tall glass with pebbled ice. Repeat with the orange layer, topping the glass with extra pebbled ice and garnishing with a lime shell and a cherry.

For the fire show, add a sugar cube soaked in 1/2 oz. lemon extract to the dry citrus shell (pulp removed) and light with a chef’s torch. Sprinkle ground cinnamon powder over the drink for lively sparks.

Is nd

T asu

This communal play on a gimlet accentuates the bright notes of the juniper-forward Navy-strength gin

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)

8 oz. Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin, or similar Navy-strength gin

1 oz. yuzu liqueur

2 oz. green tea syrup (green tea and simple syrup)

2 oz. fresh lemon juice

4 oz. pomegranate juice

Lime zest, sliced dragon fruit, and edible flowers for garnish

To make the green tea syrup, combine 1 part green tea and 1 part simple syrup. Shake to combine and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Combine all ingredients in a container and stir to mix. Decant over ice into a tiki vessel or punch bowl of your choice. Serve with straws and garnish with freshly grated lime zest, slices of dragon fruit, and edible flowers.

SIP&SAVOR

BOLD FLAVORS, COOL COCKTAILS, AND LOCAL FAVORITES

REINVENTIONS

MUSEUM MAGIC

After three successful years celebrating the meat-centric cuisine of northern Spain’s Basque Country, Leku is now inviting Miami diners to explore the seafood-rich traditions of the Iberian region with a fresh menu, a new chef, and an updated approach. Introducing Leku Fish & Garden, a culinary fusion of Basque flavors and local Florida ingredients curated by acclaimed chef Carlos Garcia, a former recipient of “The World’s 50 Best Chefs’ Choice” award. Garcia has introduced a menu of ocean-to-table delights such as wood-fired lobster atop savory herb rice known as arroz caldoso de langosta, and the visually stunning Carlito’s Way, a whole fish prepared in four unique styles. Embracing its newfound garden identity, Leku offers an abundance of vegetable-forward options like wood-fired artichokes and coliflor de colores, a salad showcasing orange, green, and purple cauliflower with dehydrated tomatoes, pistachio pesto, and fresh herbs. Despite the updates, loyal patrons need not worry: beloved classics from previous years remain on the menu, and the restaurant’s charming garden ambience still graces the grounds of the Rubell Museum. (lekumiami.com) –Paul Rubio

DISHES

WHAT: Avra Ceviche

WHERE: Avra Miami

Packing a refreshing edge, this ceviche features the catch of the day dressed in leche de tigre, tossed with crispy chickpeas, red onion, julienned peppers, and seasonal fruit (typically watermelon), and topped with micro cilantro. (theavra group.com)

Ceviche Sensations

IN ANTICIPATION OF NATIONAL CEVICHE DAY JUNE 28, WE PRESENT SIX MAGIC CITY FAVORITES THAT MAKE FOR THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME APP OR LIGHT MEAL

BY PAUL RUBIO

WHAT: Miso Ceviche

WHERE: Osaka Nikkei

This ceviche is the epitome of Osaka’s sublime Peruvian-Japanese hybrid cuisine. A white miso–infused leche de tigre flash cures hunks of fresh yellowfin tuna, which are dusted with thinly sliced scallions, sea grapes, cucumber, and black quinoa. (osakanikkei.com)

WHAT: Lulo Yellowtail Ceviche

WHERE: Elcielo at SLS South Beach

Award-winning chef Juan Manuel Barrientos puts a creative spin on a classic with tender yellowtail blanketed in traditional leche de tigre and finished in an unlikely Champagne emulsion. (ennismore.com)

WHERE: KoKo by Bakan

Expect an explosion of flavors with freshly diced tuna bathed in tamarind-chipotle marinade, enriched by sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and soy sauce pearls, and crowned with cilantro and avocado slices. Fresh blue corn tortillas are served on the side. (kokobybakan.com)

WHAT: Coconut Ceviche

WHERE: Toro Toro

More decadent than your classic citrus-based ceviche, this dish features tuna marinated in a coconut leche de tigre, garnished with cucumber, radish, Fresno chilies, avocado, and red onion, crowned with micro mint and toasted coconut, and finally drizzled with orange blossom honey. A hearty portion of corn tortilla chips and plantain chips ensure not a drop will be left behind. (torotoromiami.com)

WHAT: Mushroom Ceviche

WHERE: Ocean Social by Chef Tristen Epps

Chef Tristen Epps delivers an allout vegan creation that swaps a seafood base for firm slices of king trumpet mushrooms—the largest in the oyster mushroom family—and hearts of palm coins, which are together seasoned and served over an almond-based leche de tigre. (edenrochotelmiami.com)

WHAT: Ceviche de Atun Fresco

All in the FAMILY

The saying “third time’s a charm” certainly rings true for Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café, the cherished South Florida–based, New York–style deli. Opened in April 2024 at Hallandale Beach’s Atlantic Village, this establishment marks the latest addition to a string of popular outposts in Fort Lauderdale and Weston. Created through the collaborative efforts of father-and-

son team Mitch and Adam Shidlofsky (who seized the opportunity during the pandemic to blend Mitch’s extensive experience in the deli industry with Adam’s entrepreneurial spirit), the café presents an expansive menu of breakfast and lunch delights made entirely from scratch.

Anchored by freshly baked bagel sandwiches and classic deli favorites, the menu boasts such highlights as The BECTA (featuring thick-cut bacon, scrambled eggs, cheddar, white truffle oil, and fresh avocado on a bagel), the Pastrami Rachel, and the whitefish salad sandwich. With 13 varieties of bagels

baked fresh daily and coffee sourced from local favorite Wells Coffee Company, patrons can indulge in a full-service dining experience in the cozy 46-seat restaurant or opt for takeout via the deli counter or Uber Eats. (mitchsdowntown.com) –P.R.

Clockwise from inset: the BECTA sandwich; father-son duo Mitch and Adam Shidlofsky; the pastrami rachel.

SIP&SAVOR

Rainbow Restaurant

Owned and operated by husbands Rocco Carulli and Owen Bale, R House has evolved into a Miami institution thanks to its weekend drag extravaganzas and flavorful Latin-forward cuisine. Every week, LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, allies, and admirers gather to let all the colors of the rainbow shine.

Ten years strong—and not without significant political pressure and backlash—Carulli and Bale have been victorious in creating a safe space for the community, where fun, acceptance, and laughter reign. “We never stopped working, no matter the challenges we’ve faced in the past 10 years, and because of it, we’ve built this magical, liberating place from the ground up that is now a huge phenomenon,” says Carulli. “Culinary, hospitality, and atmosphere are at the forefront of everything we do at R House, and I am glad we can continue to offer that to the community.”

Never ones to rest on the laurels of their powerhouse drag performers

(including Morphine Love Dion,who starred in Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race), R House revamped its interior in recent months, creating a more modern dining arena fit for the flow of performing queens on an elevated stage and the glow of myriad disco balls. Carulli has since debuted a reimagined menu with more of the Latin comfort food and inventive, Instagram-worthy cocktails that patrons love. The restaurant is open for dinner service Wednesdays and Thursdays, dinner plus drag performances Fridays and Saturdays, and two drag brunch services Saturdays and Sundays. (rhousewynwood.com) —P.R.

SWEETS

Summer Scoops

SAVE ROOM FOR HOUSE-MADE ICE CREAM DELIGHTS (TWO VEGAN, ONE TRADITIONAL) AT THESE LOCAL HOT SPOTS

LE JARDINIER MIAMI

For superlative plant-based, vegan ice cream, head to Michelin-starred Le Jardinier in the Design District. Crafted daily by the Bastion Collection’s executive pastry chef, scoops are as rich, creamy, and perfect as the restaurant’s traditional fare. Flavors include dark chocolate, pistachio, and coffee. (lejardinier-miami.com)

ABBALÉ TELAVIVIAN KITCHEN AVENTURA

It’s hard not to fill up on the apps and mains at Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen, but the tahini soft serve— which is vegan and diary-free—is worth saving room for. An idyllic balance of sweet and savory, this surprising dessert is made from date honey and olive oil, and topped with Maldon salt, orange tuile, and shredded halva. (abbaletlv.com)

KYU MIAMI

Rooted in Tahitian vanilla beans and Maker’s Mark Bourbon, KYU’s signature banana bourbon ice cream is a craveworthy creation by pastry chef Eliana Aponte. It features in the restaurant’s banana-laced dark chocolate s’mores cake, completing an exercise in chocolate and banana decadence. (kyurestaurants.com) —P.R.

COURTESY OF KYU

TRY THIS

Kids in the KITCHEN

Want to help your kids jump-start a new hobby this summer? Consider cooking. These three colorful guides are sure to inspire young eaters to channel their inner chef.

PRIYA’S KITCHEN ADVENTURES: A COOKBOOK FOR KIDS BY PRIYA KRISHNA

A New York Times best-selling author and food columnist, Priya Krishna gained legions of foodie fans with her debut cookbook, Indian-ish. Her latest release is part childhood travel journal (with stories of family adventures climbing the Great Wall of China and camping in the Amazon), part illustrated cookbook, inclusive of recipes for such global delicacies as miso ramen and crepes. (priyakrishna.me)

THE JUNETEENTH COOKBOOK: RECIPES AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES TO CELEBRATE BY

ALLIAH L. AGOSTINI

As a follow-up to her 2022 book for kids, The Juneteenth Story,author Alliah L. Agostini shares the foods and history of this important federal holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Easy recipes for dishes like Freedom Fizz, sweet potato pie bars, and calico potato salad are complemented by beautiful illustrations and educational activities. (alliahagostini.com)

KIDS CAN COOK ANYTHING! BY AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN Adult fans of ATK know that these culinary masterminds have the know-how to transform curious cooks into confident ones, as the ATK ethos goes. That thinking applies to kids, too. Geared toward readers ages 8 and up, this cookbook features dozens of easy recipes tested by 15,000 kid volunteers. (shop.americastest kitchen.com) —Mary Murray

MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST

Cheers to COGNAC

DISCOVER THE INS AND OUTS OF THIS EXCEPTIONAL FRENCH SPIRIT

BY JULES ARON

National Cognac Day is celebrated June 4, a date that also traditionally marks the start of Cognac season in France. For a distilled brandy to bear the name Cognac, it must:

• Be made from grapes from one of the six growth areas in Cognac, France: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, or Bois Ordinaires.

• Only be made from eight grape varietiess. The most popular is Ugni blanc.

• Be distilled twice in copper pot stills.

• Be aged for at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Troncais.

Many producers age their Cognac beyond the two-year minimum, resulting in four distinct grades of Cognac that correspond to the age of the youngest brandy in the blend:

• VS (Very Special): Must be aged at least two years.

• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Must be aged at least four years.

• XO (Extra Old): Must be aged at least 10 years.

• XXO or Hors d’âge (Beyond Age): Must be aged at least 14 years.

While XO and XXO are best savored on their own, the more youthful blends (i.e., VS and VSOP) are great in cocktails, such as the French 75, Vieux Carré, or the Sidecar, which comprises just three simple ingredients. The Pink Moke cocktail brightens up the original Sidecar mix with the addition of fresh grapefruit juice.

X

The Pink Moke

Ingredients

2 oz. Cognac

1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

1 oz. orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, which is made from Cognac and the distilled essence of bitter orange)

1 dash orange bitters

Slice of grapefruit and/or rosemary sprig to garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and double strain into a chilled coupe or snifter glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and/or an aromatic rosemary sprig. «

HOME

FROM CITY TO SHORE, THE FINE ART OF MIAMI LIVING

INTERIORS

RIVIERA RETREAT X

It’s easy to see why savvy world travelers would choose Sunny Isles Beach for a getaway. The area’s charm is precisely what appealed to a Central American couple who selected the exclusive Jade Signature tower for their family vacation home. With adult children and a few grandkids, they sought a space where they could all feel comfortable, share time together, and entertain friends. To bring their ideal residence to fruition, the couple enlisted the husband-and-wife design team of Susana and Jacobo Stolear of Stol Design Group

The 2,937-square-foot apartment has sweeping views of the ocean on the east and the Intracoastal on the west. The couple purchased the property decorator-ready, meaning only the cement floors and walls were in place—allowing them to customize the floor plan to their requirements.

“Privacy was an essential issue,” says Jacobo. “As the elevator opens directly onto the dining room, the owner did not like that, at any given time, the doors could open and strangers might see him having breakfast in his pajamas.”

To achieve a more private point of entry, the team created a closed elevator foyer using a screen made of wood panels and glass. “This provided an interesting backdrop for the dining area as well as reflective light for the new foyer,” says Susana. “Repositioning the entrance to one side also helped us create a larger social area by transforming one of the bedrooms into an open TV den with enough space for the whole family.”

The apartment’s water views informed the color scheme. “We were inspired by the sea and sand, and our palette became a continuation of that theme,” notes Susana.

“Working for this couple was a pleasure,” adds Jacobo. “I believe that positive energy [is what led] to the final result. When they walked into the finished space, they were ecstatic.” (stoldesigngroup.com) —Jeanne De Lathouder

BY DESIGN

GET FLOORED

WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING THE BEST FLOORING OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME, THESE TIPS WILL HAVE YOU (AND YOUR FLOORS) PERFECTLY COVERED

BY ALENA CAPRA

In home design, it’s always best to start from the ground up. That means flooring is a critical part of establishing the overall look and feel of a space. With so many options to choose from, how do you fi gure out which is best? Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular flooring choices currently on the market. (alenacapradesigns.com)

PORCELAIN TILE

One of the most popular types of flooring—especially in South Florida, given our humid climate—is porcelain tile. Not only is it easy to clean and scratch- and stain-resistant, it also is a healthy option. Since tile is made from natural ingredients, it’s free from toxic chemicals and harbors zero allergens. It is also a great flooring option to use both indoors and outdoors, blending the two seamlessly. Today’s porcelain tile can even mimic materials like wood, concrete, natural stone, terrazzo, and more in a variety of colors and textures.

CARPETING

ENGINEERED WOOD

If you are a fan of wood flooring, engineered wood is a great choice. Solid hardwood can be susceptible to damage from moisture, whereas engineered hardwood is more resistant to it. Most options will come prefinished and do not need to be sealed. They are also available in multiple finishes—including lacquered and brushed—as well as a variety of widths and lengths. We are still seeing a trend here toward wider planks in light to medium tones.

WHETHER IT’S IN A BEDROOM OR ON THE STAIRS, CONSIDER CARPETING TO SOFTEN THE FLOORING SURFACES IN YOUR HOME OR HELP WITH SOUND CONTROL. FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS, NYLON OPTIONS ARE THE MOST DURABLE AND STAIN-RESISTANT CHOICE. POLYPROPYLENE CARPET IS SOLUTION-DYED AND WON’T FADE, SO IT’S PERFECT FOR AREAS THAT GET A LOT OF SUNLIGHT OR HEAVY FOOT TRAFFIC. THOUGH TRICKIER TO CLEAN, WOOL CARPETING OFFERS A LUXURIOUS FEEL. IF WALL-TO-WALL CARPETING ISN’T YOUR PREFERENCE, TRY A PREMADE AREA RUG—OR HAVE BROADLOOM CARPET CUT AND BOUND—TO ADD TEXTURE AND A POP OF PATTERN OR COLOR TO YOUR SPACE.

Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank (referred to as LVT and LVP) are vinyl flooring options that mimic the look of natural wood or stone. Some versions of this material are waterresistant and have a solid core. LVT and LVP can be budget-friendly options, as they are easy to install and can sometimes be installed over an existing floor (although it’s always wise to check with a qualified installer to be sure).

NATURAL STONE

Materials that come from nature add an elegant and organic touch. From subtle limestones to dramatic marbles and everything in between, you can use large slabs, large formal tiles, or even a mosaic pattern. There’s a level of maintenance involved (such as applying a sealer), however, natural stone flooring can be refinished throughout its lifespan, with the option to change the finish from polished to honed, or vice versa.

ELEMENTS

STRIKINGLY Surreal

ADD A DREAMLIKE QUALITY TO YOUR HOME WITH UNEXPECTED

ELEMENTS IN VIVID HUES

an eccentric conversation starter.

Hand-beaded and adorned with gold threads, ’s Palmistry beaded pillow ($240) is Jonathan Adler, Miami (jonathanadler.com)

RUNWAY READY

Christian Lacroix’s haute couture designs and grand imagination are showcased in the Love Who You Want collection for Vista Alegre, which includes this Doña Jirafa dessert plate ($75). Fina Tavola, Miami (finatavola.com)

MOTHER KNOWS BEST

Inspired by what he deems the most influential people in our lives—our mothers—Joe Fava of Fava Design Group created a room that speaks to their amazing complexities. “The central focal point of the space is the bold art signifying the dichotomy of what it means to be a mom,” Fava says. “She must be strong, bold, and fearless, while also being loving [and] caring and providing a safe haven for her children. The bold combination of black and soft pink also informs the contrast.” Miami (favadesigngroup.com)

CHIC

NECESSITY

Safety meets swankiness in Safe-T’s line of fire extinguishers ($129) that feature cool designs like Vespas, tomato soup cans, goldfish, and more. Weibi Concept Store, Miami (weibiconcept store.com)

BE OUR GUEST

Designer Jaime Hayon first created The Guest ($435) for Lladró more than a decade ago. Its strong stance and captivating monochromatic colorways have stood the test of time. Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (shop. icamiami.org)

RISE AND SHINE

Designed by French architect Bertrand Balas for DCW Editions, the Here Comes the Sun pendant (starting at $906), when illuminated, is meant to resemble either the sun or moon rising. Design Within Reach, Miami (dwr.com)

TRUNK SHOW

IN FULL BLOOM

A hundred fine folds come together to resemble flower petals in this swivel armchair ($4,060) by Kenneth Cobonpue Judith Norman, Hollywood (judithnorman.com)

While inspired by the shape of a tree trunk, this cast aluminum cocktail table ($2,990), designed by Wood & Cane Design for Roche Bobois, is also evocative of shimmering water. Roche Bobois locations (roche-bobois.com)

CRAIG DENIS

SOCIAL STUDIES

SEEN ON THE SCENE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

STATE OF THE ART

WHO: The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami WHAT: The 365 Party WHERE: The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami HIGHLIGHTS: Celebrating its tenth anniversary, ICA Miami hosted its annual fundraising gala. The event raised more than $2.1 million—a record for the museum—with proceeds benefiting free access to art and art education.

HELEN AND ED NICOLL

RALPH AND ESTHER GINDI, RAY ELLEN YARKIN, ALEX GARTENFELD

DIANA MORRISON, ITCHKO EZRATTI

STEPHEN ROBERT, PILAR CRESPI

ALEX GARTENFELD

ERIC AND KIM MENDELSON, LARRY AND ARLENE MENDELSON, LISA AND VICTOR MENDELSON

ALYSSA SOTO, ALEJANDRO PIÑEIRO BELLO

HELENA GUINDO

IRMA BRAMAN, NORMAN BRAMAN, STEFANIE REED

EMANUEL QUIROS, EDUARDO OJEDA, JORGE STUART

SOCIAL STUDIES

FASHION MEETS PHILANTHROPY

WHO: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

WHAT: Sixteenth Annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon

WHERE: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Coral Gables

HIGHLIGHTS: Three hundred of Miami’s most fashionable philanthropists joined forces to raise funds for the continued preservation of Miami’s premier national historic landmark.

HARRY TAPIAS, REGINA WATKINS, KEN O’KEEFE, ANN POPE, SANDY DORSAINVIL

MARISA TOCCIN LUCAS, LAUREN COLEMAN

NEIMAN MARCUS MODELS

LYNN ATKINSON, ANN MCQUEEN, ANNA SORENSEN, OLGA BOTCHAROVA

NANCY MCCORMICK, ANA CRISTINA DEFORTUNA

JOEL HOFFMAN, SWANEE DIMARE

KIM WOOD, CAROL IACOVELLI

ALEXA WOLMAN, JOHN GRISHAM, SUZY BUCKLEY WOODWARD

CHRISTY MARTIN, GIGI WHITMAN, ALEXIA NEPOLA, CAROL NUGENT, PEARL BAKER KATZ

AREAS OF PRACTICE

ASYLUMS • NATURALIZATIONS

DETENTION AND REMOVAL

• EMPLOYMENT-BASED VISAS • INVESTMENT VISAS • EXTRAORDINARY ABILITIES VISAS • LABOR CERTIFICATION • STUDENT VISAS • FAMILY BASED VISAS/ ADJUSTMENTS

VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FALL INCIDENTS

VISAS FOR CRIMINAL ACTS WITNESS

AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS

DIVORCES • PATERNITY/ CUSTODY • CHILD SUPPORT/ ALIMONY

CAROLINA NAO, SONYA ROLIN, DANA SHEAR

JOSIE WANG, MARIA ROGERS, ILIANA MASON, AMANDA RODRIGUEZ, GIOCONDA BALTODANO

SONIA GIBSON, JOHN GRISHAM

JENNI COBA

STEPHANIE SAYFIE AAGAARD, KRISTA ROSENBERG, CAROL IACOVELLI

SOCIAL STUDIES

FAST AND FANCY

WHO: Miami Concours WHAT: Seventh Annual Miami Concours WHERE: Miami Design District HIGHLIGHTS: Three red carpet–lined streets showcased a curated collection of exotic, rare, and iconic vehicles from the world’s most luxurious car brands. This year’s show featured a lineup of VIP events, immersive tours, and exclusive experiences, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

DJ SNDMN

BRETT DAVID, ANTOINE TESSIER, JOHN TEMERIAN, RONNIE VOGEL, CRAIG ROBINS

GEORGES COUPET

GEORGES COUPET, RIA MICHELLE

CRAIG ROBINS

ISABELA RANGEL GRUTMAN

SOCIAL STUDIES

TENNIS, ANYONE?

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1. 2024 MIAMI OPEN PRESENTED BY ITAÚ. American Danielle Collins captured the biggest title of her career beating the No. 4 seed, Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-3 in the women’s singles final. Third time was the charm for Jannik Sinner as the Italian defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1 in the men’s singles final. The American duo of Sofia Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands captured the women’s doubles title, and India’s Rohan Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden clinched the men’s doubles title.

2. STEFANOS TSITSIPAS AT DILIDO BEACH CLUB AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, SOUTH BEACH. Tsitsipas—the highestranked tennis player in Greece’s history— kicked off the Miami Open by playing Ping-Pong with fans at DiLido Beach Club at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

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3. LE CLUB LACOSTE MIAMI. The famed brand hosted a who’s who of the Miami scene and brand ambassadors during the Miami Open. The Le Club Lacoste Lounge experience featured gourmet food and refreshments while offering premium views of the action.

4. NO.3 LONDON DRY COURTSIDE CLUB. The tournament’s official gin sponsor entertained guests with signature No.3 cocktails exclusive to the Miami Open: the Courtside Cooler and the Raspberry Rally.

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SOFIA KENIN AND BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS, WOMEN’S DOUBLES CHAMPIONS

DANIELLE COLLINS CELEBRATES AFTER DEFEATING ELENA RYBAKINA

DANIELLE COLLINS, WOMEN’S SINGLES CHAMPION

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS

JANNIK SINNER, MEN’S SINGLES CHAMPION

IVAN DODIG AND AUSTIN KRAJICEK CONGRATULATE ROHAN BOPANNA AND MATTHEW EBDEN

MATTHEW EBDEN AND ROHAN BOPANNA, MEN’S DOUBLES CHAMPIONS

TYLER CAMERON BRIANA SMITH

PAIGE LORENZE

MARIO CARBONE, CAIT BAILEY

BRIAN BENNI

JULIA LEMIGOVA

RIA MICHELLE

JULIA LEMIGOVA

LAST WORD

ON THE RECORD WITH...

MITCHELL KAPLAN

Miami native Mitchell Kaplan is a man of many words. The creator of the Miami Book Fair (the largest book festival in the United States) and the owner of independent bookstore Books & Books (boasting five Magic City locations), Kaplan began his career with a gig as a high school English teacher. Today, he’s still committed to promoting literacy and fighting censorship. To that end, Kaplan recently turned Books & Books’ programming arm—which hosts 400 events annually—into a nonprofit foundation, allowing him to expand his reach into communities of need, underserved schools, and prisons. (booksandbooks. com) —Kristen Desmond LeFevre

XMy full name is… Mitchell Alan Kaplan. I live… near the University of Miami. I grew up in… Miami Beach. My favorite childhood memory of Miami is… spending all day at Flamingo Park. When I was a kid I wanted to... be a radio sports announcer. To me, books are... what will save our democracy. I knew I would make a life out of my love of books when... I visited City Lights Bookstore [in San Francisco]. The first book I can remember reading was... The Red Balloon My favorite line from literature is... “Sometimes you have to go a long way out of your way to come back a short distance correctly,” from The Zoo Story by Edward Albee. My favorite place to sit down with a good book is... a café. My first paycheck in life was… in construction at the Orange Bowl in 1972. The idea to launch Books & Books started when... I was in law school. Independent bookstores are important because... they act as a ”third place” where community comes together. Whenever someone tells me they want to open an independent bookstore, I... know I’m in the

presence of a kindred spirit. The idea to start the Miami Book Fair (MBF) was... an act of faith. One of my favorite moments from the MBF was... when Barack Obama came as an author just a few months shy of announcing his bid for the presidency. Close to 2,000 [people] came out to show their support, and Obama knew that there was a very good chance that he’d become President just a year later. My biggest challenge has been… balancing all the wonderful opportunities life has brought me. One question I get asked a lot is… “How?” People would be surprised to know that… I have a film production company adapting books for the screen. Literacy is critical to society because... it promotes civic engagement. I work to fight censorship by... vigorously advocating for the freedom to read. When I’m not working, you’ll find me… listening to music, immersing myself in political discourse, going to the movies, watching basketball, and being with my family. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but… I’m very concerned about what the next year will bring.