SOMImag Apr/May 2010 by SOMImag

APRIL / MAY 2010

SOMI’S SWEET TOOTH 19

A World of Sweets in the Heart of Town

SUSTAINABLE SOMI 10

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

A FIRST ENCOUNTER 24

Medical Worker’s Journey to Haiti

now online at somimag.com

Spring makes its entrance slowly. Make yours in full flower. AMC 24 Sunset Place with IMAX, Barnes & Noble, Dan Marino’s, Gameworks, Niketown, Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Dinner Lounge, Z-Gallerie, Aeropostale, Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, dELiA*s, Forever XXI, Gap/Gap Kids, Hollister, Pottery Barn, Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret and many more specialty retailers. Located at US1 and Red Road/SW 57th Avenue in South Miami. Shopping Line® 305.663.0873.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

what’s on the cover

John Edward Smith

As this issue went to press, the international movement “Lights Out 2010” focused awareness on the need for global action for change. Reportedly 3,100 cities in 121 countries on all seven continents confirmed to turn off their lights on Saturday, March 27th at 8:30p local time.

Also recently, the magazine paired up with Splitsville Luxury Lanes to present the second annual “King Pins Challenge.” The event brings together our elected officials, civic leaders and business owners in a fun evening to benefit the South Miami Drug-Free Coalition.

April typically is recognized as the “green month,” with Earth Day celebrations and other focused events. SoMiMAG continues to present a periodic series we call “Sustainable SoMi,” and we’ve also spoken to business owners and residents about certain green initiatives as reported in this issue. We certainly welcome your comments and household/ business suggestions to make our community more sustainable.

And in response to the needs of the Haitian community, the Red/Sunset Merchants Association organized a “SoMi for Haiti” day. Donations of money and supplies were gathered to assist in this relief effort. And, on a personal note, this dad couldn’t be any more proud than to witness my daughter’s commitment to assist in the medical relief effort as a member of Medishare. Ashley reports on her first visit to Haiti in this issue of the magazine, and since has made additional trips to the ravaged area.

SHOP 14 spring pop fashion:

Enjoy the spring, and spring in to SoMi.

bright colors, artistic references

PLAY 18 resistance training:

town center FAVORITES

building block of fitness

EAT 22 dessert wines

NEW PLACE FOR RIBS > you say it. we print it.

Stan W. Coral Gables

Each Saturday I head on over to the farmers’ market in Coral Gables. Has anyone given thought to starting a market here in South Miami? As I recall, you all had one a few years ago.

Smoke’t BBQ 1450 South Dixie Highway

< CALAMARI Iliette O. South Miami “New restaurant concept, but Juan & Vani have kept their culinary edge. The calamari is the best around.” 72 BAR + GRILL 5861 Sunset Drive

Janet W. Pinecrest South Miami is really coming into its own. Just in the last few months, I’ve taken in a couple of the new restaurants – Smoke’t and Casa Toscana. I’m looking forward to dining at Old Lisbon and checking out the new 72nd Grill on Sunset. And I can’t wait for Segafreddo to open – seems like its been over a year that they’ve been working on it. Daniel B. High Pines

J’AIME LA MUSIQUE > Micheline B. Pinecrest “What a great way to spend the evening with friends at Pastis. Great food and wine with everyone singing French songs at the tables. European charm here in South Miami.” Café Pastis 7310 Red Road

In the weekday afternoon, the intersection at US1 and Sunset is jammed up. Last week, I waited two lights to get through to go east bound. Where are the police to enforce “no blocking the intersection”? Peter O. Coral Gables

If you’d like to receive Volume V issues via USPS, please send your check or money order in amount of $15.00 made payable to TCMC, Inc. and mail to Postal Box 431597, Miami, FL 33243-1597. Your copy will be sent to you via First Class Mail.

If you want to submit your own comments, email speakup@somimag.com

“Shorty’s may be celebrating their 60th anniversary, but the new bbq joint in town wins hands down for service, atmosphere and grub. Great job!”

DIRECTORY

LIVE sustainable somi: greening tips for home & office

NEWS

Over the past couple of months, we’ve also seen some other changes in town, with new restaurant openings and new businesses establishing themselves in our community. It’s a hopeful sign that in some way the economic downturn which did dramatic damage is beginning to abate. And the best way you can help our locally owned businesses is to patronize them.

EAT

Art Night South Miami continues to blossom as an event to promote our area businesses while enjoying a leisurely walk through town to see local artists’ work on display. SoMi ARTWALK© finishes up its second season this May. I’d like to acknowledge the businesses that have participated in the event since October, our ArtNight Ambassadors who assist visitors to the community, and the artists which have shared their talent with us. It’s a great night in town – come join us.

what’s inside PLAY

Even in South Florida we begin to see lush colors emerging as we enjoy our subtle seasonal changes. Spring is the season of dramatic change and creates a renewed sense of awareness and appreciation of our surroundings.

Tam Oliver

SHOP

Welcome Spring!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY //

LIVE

In this issue, our senses are also awakened to the sweet tastes you’ll find in SoMi, as reported both in our cover feature and the Chef’s Table. Here we explore some of the international flavors you can appreciate as you dine and enjoy our hometown.

SOMI SWEETS // a chocolate lover’s dream

You may also visit us online at

somimag.com

NEWS 24 first encounter : a somi native’s experience in Haiti

DIRECTORY 29 go•to•guide : everything local

somi mag PUBLISHED BY // TCMC, Inc.

(Town Center Marketing Concepts) JOHN EDWARD SMITH COMMUNICATIONS Published 6 times annually, Distributed to 20,000 businesses & residents, and in guest rooms/services at area hotels. PUBLISHER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR // John Edward Smith VOLUME V CREATIVE CONSULTANTS // Reac+ive Designs ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR // Mia Almaguer PRODUCTION / SENIOR ART DIRECTOR // José Roque ASSISTANT DESIGNER // Saul Angeles COPY EDITORS // Gregory Guess, Margaret Sotham FASHION CONTRIBUTING EDITOR // Giancarlo Martell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & ARTICLE RESEARCH // Scott Baumann, Sebastian Eilert, Mary Jane Mark, Donna Shelley, Ashley Waters Smith, Christian Torok For more information, please contact the Publisher: TCMC, Inc. Postal Box 431597 • Miami, FL 33243-1597 T 305-665-2838 • Email: jes_somi@att.net ©2010 John Edward Smith Communications/ TCMC, Inc (Town Center Marketing Concepts)

LIVE

somi mag

april // may

State Representative Julio Robaina’s staff at the lanes.

Among the bowlers on Commissioner Gimenez’s lane were Coral Gables Mayoral candidate Tom Korge, with wife Debbie, Informed Families V.P. ; School Board Member Dr. Marta Perez, with fiancee Chris Wolfe, South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard and architect Pedro Goicouria and wife.

Former South Miami mayors Dr. Anna Price and Mary Scott Russell taking in the fun.

South Miami Hospital won The King Pins Challenge II Trophy for the highest pin pledges and the High Rollers Trophy (highest score) went to the SoMi Business Team. Joining Tim Hardaway, event Co-Presenters SoMiMAG Publisher and Splitsville’s Manager, were members of the teams and Margaret Sotham, Director, Drug-Free Coalition.

Tim Hardaway interviews some kids at the Lanes.

* rolling out another success

Red Sunset MerchantsAssn. Team Members

On Sunday, March 21, elected officials, civic and business leaders did battle for The King Pins Challenge trophy at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. For the second year “the challenge” brought the community leadership together in a fun-filled evening for family, friends and colleagues in support of the South Miami Drug-Free Coalition, a project of Informed Families. For three hours, on all thirteen lanes, over seventy bowlers of varying skill levels raised funds for the coalition’s work here in South Miami. An estimated $22,000 was raised this year. Photos provided by Steckley Photography. For information on the work of the South Miami Drug-Free Coalition, please call 305.856.4886.

portugal ON SUNSET A new eatery in town and occupying the space vacated by Alta Cocina on Sunset Drive, Carlos Silva hosted a friends and family night on February 11 (which coincided with his teenage daughter’s birthday) to celebrate the opening of the second location of Old Lisbon.

taking on THE ROLE A political novice, university professor and scientist Philip K. Stoddard was swept in as City of South Miami Mayor, handily defeating two-term mayor Horace G. Feliu. Elections were on Tuesday, February 9, Swearing-In was the next night, and by Saturday, February 13, he was waving to the sidelines at the Black History Month Celebration.

& Corina Silva RIGHT: Carlos Silva visiting with some of his dinner guests.

LEFT : Carlos

His celebrity doesn’t stop there – when not doing battle with FPL, the new mayor was inducted as the “new kingpin in town” at The King Pins Challenge II, shown here with event producer John Edward Smith, Tim Hardaway with daughter and Coalition Director Margaret Sotham.

now online at somimag.com

april // may

now online at somimag.com

people in somi HEARING FROM

presents

Ladies Night

Wednesdays 4pm to close 1/2 off Martinis 1/2 off Wines by the glass 1/2 off Appetizers in bar/lounge Free Champagne (4-7pm)

Live Music

Thursdays - “unplugged” Saturdays - “wired” ABE NG, owner //

CHRISTOPHER COOKE-YARBOROUGH

MARILU DIBILDOX, co-owner //

Sushi Maki

architect //

The Green House

For three South Miami business people, commitment to green practices extends to both the workplace and the home. Marilu Dibildox of the Green House, Abe Ng of Sushi Maki and architect Christopher Cooke-Yarborough employ earth-friendly tactics as part of their daily public and private lives. The Green House located at 7388 SW 56th Avenue, opened its doors a few months ago, but Marilu Dibildox and Loreto Doucet’s shop is already having an impact on South Miami’s backyard gardeners. A gardening store where you can find all the supplies needed to grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs the Green House is now offering a service to help customers set up raised beds (a great idea in our maddeningly rocky soil). Their staff will also advise you on the best methods to achieve success for a chemical-free garden. Growing your own brings a spate of positives that include saving money, developing a rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by the entire family, spending time outdoors, and literally consuming the fruits of your labors.

Abe Ng brings his business philosophy of creating an approachable, neighborhood, and family- friendly atmosphere to his restaurant Sushi Maki located at 5812 Sunset Drive. He also brings a healthy dose of social responsibility based in good stewardship for the planet Earth. This is borne-out by practices such as using as little packaging as possible and when necessary using recyclable materials; using plumbing fixtures with low-water consumption; recycling vegetable oil; getting fish from environmentally sustainable sources; providing employees training materials that rely on electronic delivery instead of reams of paper; using energy efficient appliances; and working with Whole Foods markets. When asked if going green costs more, Abe said, “The initial, up-front cost can be as much as 10 to 20 percent, however, in less than 10 years, you can begin to realize substantial savings that exceeds the extra expense, along with a measurable reduction in the business’ carbon dioxide emissions.”

Architecture has been Christopher Cooke-Yarborough’s profession for many years. When he first moved to Miami in 1978, he was working for large firms; by the 1980s, he was working for himself. A resident of South Miami since 1982, Christopher specializes in design for both new and existing structures and landscape design. He has served on City of South Miami boards and was recognized in 1999 by TREEmendous Miami for his volunteer environmental achievements. Recently, he was recognized by the Dade Heritage Trust for his restoration work on the home once owned by U.S. Conressman and Senator Claude Pepper (1900-1989) in Coral Gables.

1450 South Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, Fl. 33143 ph: 305-669-8338 www.smoketbbq.com

While discussing the greening of architectural projects here in the tropics, Christopher expressed his adherence to the idea of bringing the outside to the inside. “Not only does a large wall of windows or French doors overlooking some portion of your yard help to attain a feeling of nature as a part of your daily life, it also gives the sense of more space within the house. A homeowner can benefit greatly from a relatively minor change, such as adding more windows instead of engaging in an expensive large-scale addition. This helps to keep the home’s carbon footprint small while allowing the homeowner to enjoy the beauties of nature.” Christopher has taken what some would consider a rather Spartan approach and lives without air-conditioning and cable television as ways to reduce his carbon footprint. He also believes that consumerism is the biggest issue facing eco-friendliness and would like to see more people refresh, repaint and recycle what they already own. “The greenest thing anyone can do is to buy the highest quality products available and use them as long as possible,” he said. Marilu and Abe’s respective home-style greening includes composting, recycling, and replacing energy-sapping light bulbs, among other practices. But they were keen to add that their children are involved as well, helping in the vegetable garden and separating items for recycling. “My young children are learning important values about good stewardship for the Earth,” said Abe. “They need to know that is the responsible thing to do and we want them to carry this message with them into adulthood.” DONNA SHELLEY

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AD COURTESY OF SOMI MAG

personal training session new clients only. limited time offer.

Happy Hour

1/2 off draft beer, 1/2 off wines by glass 1/2 off liquor Monday thru Sunday from 4pm-7pm 10pm-Close Follow us on

DESIGN BY REAC+IVE DESIGNS SPACE CONTRIBUTED BY SOMI MAG

“Because green IS the core of our business, we want people to go back to the basics and enjoy a great pastime like gardening. People can plant food that they are certain has not come into contact with chemical fertilizers and pesticides while getting the best tasting vegetables and fruits as they reduce their carbon footprint,” says Marilu.

now online at somimag.com

april // may

SUSTAINABLE SOMI AN ENVIRO-SERIES FULL OF EARTH-FRIENDLY SUGGESTIONS Previously, we proffered some simple, straight-forward and inexpensive ideas for greater Earth-friendliness, such as making (or buying) rain barrels to capture water for the garden, replacing water and chemical-loving grass with native vegetation, and composting to reduce waste in landfills and provide an inexpensive source of fertilizer. In this issue, we would like to address buildings, one of the heavy-hitters in the greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) line-up. In the United States, 82 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions due to human activity is energyrelated carbon dioxide. Buildings (residential and commercial) emit 35 percent of energy-related carbon, more than either the industrial or the transportation sectors. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, carbon dioxide emissions from buildings are predicted to grow faster than any other GHG sector over the next 25 years. While the ideal building would be one that is entirely carbon-neutral, we can begin to reduce emissions by employing some of these suggestions gathered from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others (check out the websites accompanying this article). One place to start is with an energy audit of your home or business. Energy audits will differ greatly in price, depending upon the size and complexity of the site. You can contract with a professional energy auditing company or do it yourself. Additionally, contact your utility providers to see what they offer. Among the most critical thing to be evaluated will be the amount of air leaking from the building. Identifying the amount and locations of escaping cooled or heated air is essential in a program of reduced energy consumption. Likely candidates will be roofs, attics, walls, windows, baseboards, pipes, and electrical outlets. The potential energy savings from tightening up and/or insulating these areas can range from 5 to 30 percent a year. In addition to an energy audit, annual inspections of the heating and cooling equipment and regular cleanings and replacement of filters should be a part of maintenance and continued care for HVAC systems. If the heating and cooling equipment is older than 10 years, you may wish to consider purchasing a newer, more energy-efficient system. Even if you don’t spring for an energy audit, there are a number of solutions that will help the environment and return some measurable financial savings to your pocket. By sealing and insulating ductwork, insulating attics, replacing or caulking windows, installing ceiling fans, and caulking cracks, gaps and joints you can potentially save about $1,700 per year for a 2,500 square foot home. Recovering the initial cash outlay for these solutions will take an average of about six years. Other green answers include switching to LED lights (light-emitting diode) that generate negligible amounts of heat and compact fluorescent light bulbs; installing dimmers and a digital, programmable thermostat; and installing water-saving toilets and a tankless water heater (which will also free up a lot of space once occupied by the water heater). Purchasing energy-saving appliances as your old energywasters expire will make it easier on your monthly budget.

11 Book signing after the presentation

Sustainable Somi explores a wide variety of potential solutions to go green in order to reduce greenhouse gases, shrink the size of our carbon footprint and wean ourselves off our insatiable thirst for petroleum.

online RESOURCES www.eartheasy.com www.greenzer.com Both sites offer greening tips and good discussions about the pros and cons of CFL and LED lighting

www.buildinggreen.com A wealth of information concerning emissions and their causes lives here

www.carbonfootprint.com This is a British website with easy to understand information about greening your home (sorry, you’ll have to convert those British Pounds to USD)

Attending a reception prior to the speech were: (L-R) Simone Brown of Informed Families, Sec. Califano, Mrs. Colombia Bush, SMPD Detective Henry Guzman, former Governor Jeb Bush, Informed Families Founder and President Peggy Sapp, South Miami Senior HS Principal Gilberto Bonce, and South Miami Drug-Free Coalition Director Margaret Sotham.

Greeting South Miami Drug-Free Coalition Chair, Baptist Health’s Javier Hernandez-Lichtl and Margaret Sotham.

www.buildings.com Read “Four Ways to Shrink Your Building’s Carbon Footprint,” which is an article with some essential facts about the role buildings play in CO2 emissions

www.energysavers.gov/your_home/ energy_audits/ This is the U.S. Department of Energy’s very useful and informative site

www.usgbc.org This is the US Green Building Council, a site full of information regarding, well, green building

* by the book Joseph A. Califano, Jr., former Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare (1977-79), who now Chairs the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, recently spoke to about 300 educators, parents, and community leaders about trends in youth drug use and how to keep kids substance free. Califano reported on the research conducted by CASA and presented in his new book How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid. The event was hosted by Informed Families and former Governor Jeb Bush, and sponsored by Baptist Health, SMH Addiction Treatment Center and AvMed Health Plans.

somi FOR HAITI

health EXPO

Spearheaded by local businessman and developer Brandon Lurie, the Red/ Sunset Merchants Assn., together with many community sponsors, hosted a “SoMi for Haiti” day on Saturday, March 13, an event to raise money and collect needed supplies.

The Shops at Sunset Place recently hosted their second annual Health & Fitness Expo. On hand for the event were some of SoMi’s fitness gurus.

www.sebastianeilert.com Local Miami architect Sebastian Eilert provides tips and pointers for a greener home or business

Finally, to see what can happen when just one major structure decides to reduce its carbon footprint, consider the recent successful $550 million restoration of New York City’s Empire State Building. Built just as America was entering the Great Depression, this 102-story building with 2.8 million square feet of leasable office space is one of the most famous landmarks in the city’s skyline. The owners went to work with the goals of reviving the Art Deco elements of the interiors and to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. By upgrading the ventilation system, windows, and chiller plant, among several other things, they will reduce energy consumption by 38 percent, decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 105,000 metric tons over a 15-year span, and yield a projected annual savings of $4.4 million. With results like these, it seems the mission to make our planet greener and healthier is attainable.

DONNA SHELLEY

TOP LEFT : Blu Daze performing as their contribution to the event. TOP RIGHT: At the SoMi for Haiti Volunteer tent were: (L-R) Mike Cassel, Kelly Arison, William Prusner, Ashley Waters Smith, Brandon Lurie and Amy Donner. BOTTOM LEFT: Laboratory Technologist Ashley Smith shows the photos she had taken in Haiti to Chamber President Mary Scott Russell and Brandon Lurie. To read Ashley‚s journal of her first trip to Haiti, go to page 24. BOTTOM RIGHT: Brandon Lurie helping Randy & Karla Fisher deliver supplies.

Pictured here are Scott Baumann and trainer from Fitness Together and Andrea & Rebeca Cruz with staff from M Cycle Gym.

SHOP

somi mag

G P O N I P R P S

february april // march // may

now online at somimag.com

ARTISTIC TRENDS THAT YOU SHOULD SPRING TOWARD

FASHION

Its SPRING TIME again in the Magic City! This season we take our fashion kicks back to the pop contemporary color plays of Roy Liechtenstein, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. It’s a palette that suits our city quite well, with vivid blues, pinks, oranges, and all the shades of vibrant colors that adorn our Art Deco district and reflect the colors of the spring flowers. With the incandescent sun behind its ever-striking color, orange makes a profound comeback this season. A striking departure from the burnt shades from last fall, this year’s orange hues embody the ripened pigments of tropical fruits bringing forth their fire and life. Bright, vibrant and full of energy, these tones are fun, playful and easily manageable, especially when the inspiration comes from the luscious melon, a fresh fruit par excellence.

“

Seasonal urban looks are finding orange tones on deconstructed dresses that take their cues from the plasticity of Pol Chambost and the colors of Pierre Paulin. The houses of Galliano, Jil Sander, Missoni, Celine, and Raf Simons have created an array of collections to suit every girl’s desire.

”

Jewelry pieces lighten up the skin with pink-melon colored pieces layered and toned down with subtle grays and natural wood colors. For the romantic and magically enchanted, ultra-feminine handbags with ruches and piped seams have been created by the hands of Valentino and Hermes. Playing along with this color palette, long necklaces and cuff bracelets in orange with wood and other multi-colored stones complement the summer’s fashions. This season, blue is the new black. Whether it is rich, dark navy or playful, bright pastel, blue opens the doors to a whole new sense of chic. It inspired Picasso, creates intimacy and conjures the rhythmic poetry of the ocean waves. Revealing all its precious magnetism in sapphire, turquoise, topaz, and aquamarine, blue finds its way into necklaces, rings, and bracelets with a feel-good vibe that pairs well with sparkling diamond pave and light, airy, white-gold tones. This elegant color adorns the designs of Gucci, ETRO, Versace and Blumarine, gracing sexy gowns, tunics, and handbags, and revealing its most elegant side in pumps by Roger Vivier and open-toe shoes by Miu Miu. Pink-magenta, best described by the Oxford dictionary as a color of “light mauvish crimson,” is a complicated hue that adores the fashion limelight. What isn’t complicated is the way it is used in this season’s collections by Viktor & Rolf, Louis Vuitton, and Top Shop. A fun, invigorating color, you’ll find it painted across sexy cocktail dresses, floor-length

maxis, and sky-high wedges, pumps, and glittered peep-toes. Inspired by artist Jeff Koons’s “Balloon Flower Magenta,” this season’s hipmeets-retro trend takes on a steely yet organic feel while staying true to the spring palette. Accordingly, pink pearls and pink sapphires are making a big comeback. This season’s pinks, blues, and oranges are all the rage in the south of France and along the Mediterranean, and find their niche here in a city defined by Deco hues and tropical tones. Staying true to Miami’s bright and ritzy way of life, this color spectrum plays up our famed lavish lifestyle, the soft glow of neon lights and our worldwide reputation as the Mecca for nouvelle fashion and an all-around party town.

* future fashion insight FROM SPRING INTO SUMMER // Miami sheds its layers but not the glitz and glam that makes our city famous. Chic, light and airy colors bring forth the opulence of our city in the sun. In a place where our style stays true to the climate and wearing less is more, this season’s color spectrum allows us to dress up and still have that provocative Miami vibe.

5829 SW 73rd Street #9 South Miami (305) 668-4440 www.shoptdr.com Open 7 days

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somi mag

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april // may

fundamental TRAINING

Fairchild Palms Board member Greg Pawley (R) with guests Maggy Pons and Karl Hansen

“ Resistance training is a vital component to any fitness program.” Event chair Mary Scott Russell with guests.

Pumping iron. Weight lifting. Resistance training. Strength training. Bodybuilding. There are many terms to describe one of the most basic and fundamental forms of exercise that I will refer to as resistance or strength training. While the modern methods of resistance training have come a long way from the weightlifting days of the “strongmen,” resistance training is a vital component to any fitness program. When most people think of exercising, they think of something “cardiovascular” in nature. Perhaps they think of going for a jog or a bike ride, taking a walk or joining an aerobics class. Strength training is often thought to be reserved for the high school football team and wanna-be bodybuilders. Fear of accidentally becoming musclebound and looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger has kept many people from discovering the numerous benefits of one of the world’s most effective forms of exercise. Think of how limiting your life can be if you don’t feel strong and confident in your physical abilities or can no longer play the sports or be involved in the activities you enjoyed before. Strength training can change all that without creating the old stereotypes of musclebound men and masculine women. SCOTT BAUMANN OPERATING PARTNER

Fitness Together www.fitnesstogethermiami. com

Proper resistance training can improve your quality of life in more ways than you may have ever imagined. Have you found yourself in any of the following situations?

* another great party

Have you: • Had trouble carrying a heavy

The Fairchild Palms recently held one of their known soirees. Under the light of a full moon, the non-profit group of young professionals who raise funds for the Fairchild Challenge, hosted “Fine Wines at Fairchild.” The event goes to support the highly acclaimed educational program at Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Over three hundred guests enjoyed foods prepared by area restaurants and samplings of great domestic and imported wines. Guests bid on a silent auction and enjoyed the sounds of jazz recording artist Nicole Henry (Right).

box or suitcase up a flight of stairs?

• Had a child on one hip and

For additional information and other upcoming events, log on to www.fairchildpalms.org.

dropped your keys? Did you worry about your back and your knees as you knelt to pick up the keys?

when everyone’s IRISH SoMi’s Irish Times hosted their annual St. Patricks Day street party on Wednesday, March 17th. Music, corn beef sandwiches, Guinness stout and generally recognized Irish revelry were on tap for the event which ran from lunchtime to late into the night.

• Had a hard time putting that slightly oversized carry-on item into the overhead compartment on an airplane?

celebrating HISTORY Marching groups, music, food and fun were the order of the day as the South Miami Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee presented the annual February Black History Celebration in the community and on the grounds of the Bethel-Gibson Community Center.

• Thrown out your back while rearranging the furniture in the living room?

• Had to say no to your child or grandchild who wanted you to pick him up, carry him or play with him because you were too tired or too weak? Maybe worried about hurting yourself?

PHOTOGRAPH BY:Patryk

FITNESS TOGETHER 5829 SW 73 Street Suite 2 | 305.446.3665 | www.fitnesstogethermiami.com LA FITNESS 5701 Sunset Drive | 305.665.7846 | www.lafitness.com M CYCLE 6114 South Dixie Hwy. | 305.665.1618 | www.mcyclegym.com Metropolis Fitness & Spa 1430 Madruga Ave | 305.772.6009 | www.metropolisfitnessandspa.com PHYSIO-CORE 1565 Sunset South Dixie Hwy. | 305.668.9108 | www.physiocore.com SOUTH MIAMI BOOT CAMP 5800 SW 68 St. | 305.613.9920 | www.edsbootcamp.com

Costa

* working out around somi

Of Cuban heritage, the “O’Gomez” first cousins come to The Irish Times each year to celebrate. All the cousins were born and raised in Miami, and enjoy the cross-cultural fun.

TOP : Mays Middle School Drum Major, Fernando Chery, 14. member MIDDLE RIGHT: Levy Kelly with his famous BBQ ribs.

MIDDLE LEFT:

Sunshine Junkanoo

PLAY

somi mag

april // may

CULTURE

^ ART NIGHT SOUTH MIAMI finishes its second season With May comes the end of the 2009-10 SOMI Artwalk© program. Held on the second Friday of the month from October through May, Art Night South Miami offers the opportunity to appreciate art while appreciating the uniqueness of the shops in our town center. Retail businesses from US1 & Sunset to the east side of Red Road provide a delightful way to experience art night and enjoy our hometown. Join us from 6-9p. Stroll around town, enjoy jazz at the Art Night Headquarters located at 5750 Sunset Drive; and after, dine at our area restaurants. Special Art Night discounted parking is available at the PLAZA 57 Garage and the surface lots at the First National Bank of South Miami. Both are located on 73 Street. You can download a parking coupon, by logging on to ARTNIGHTSOUTHMIAMI.COM. Babysitting services are also available at MindWorks Learning Center, 7250 SW 57 Avenue. For reservations, call 305.669.8383.

showcased. The program serves children who have been diagnosed with cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening illnesses. The Children’s Cancer Fund is located at the University of Miami/Holtz Children’s Hospital at JMH.

TOP AND LEFT Shown at Isabel’s were samples of artwork created by young patients receiving treatment in the Pediatric/Hematology/Oncology Clinic. RIGHT Cathy Block of the Children’s Cancer Foundation discusses the program with art night visitors.

Enjoy some LIVE THEATER at the Area Stage Company, located in the Riviera Plaza, 1560 South Dixie Hwy. Upcoming productions, gallery exhibitions and other programs: Saturday April 3rd, GALLERY OPENING “I Altus” by Enrique Sendra, 8:00 PM Friday April 16th, ROCK CONCERT New World School of the Arts Rock and Acoustic Bands Friday May 7th, from New York City Comedy Show MIRANDA SINGS IN MIAMI. May 21st, 22nd and 23rd CABARET, a Conservatory Production

SOMI Artwalk© is a Red Sunset Merchants Association special event.

> Call 305.666.2078 formore information.

For additional information log on to ARTNIGHTSOUTHMIAMI.COM.

< CHILDREN’S ART SHOWCASED Two exceptional exhibitions of children’s art were showcased during a recent Art Night South Miami. At The Wirtz Gallery, which is located in the lobby at the First National Bank of South Miami, art from the South Miami K-8 Center Expressive Arts Magnet was exhibited. Over ten students had their works shown.

Check out the Mexican Cultural Center

for their April and May exhibitions. Located near the South Miami Metrorail Station at 5975 Sunset Drive, the cultural center offers programs, exhibits and special events showcasing the richness and diversity of the Mexican culture. Hours: Monday – Friday, 9a-2p, 3p-6p. Admission is without charge.

* The Epiphany Music Series

presents a program of concerts which are free and open to the public. The Church of the Epiphany is located at 8235 SW 57 Avenue (Red Road). For more information regarding the remaining offerings of the Music at Epiphany 2009/10 series, please call 305.667.4911 or email to: epiphanyconcerts@gmail.com .

AREA GALLERIES Artzee Boutique 1430 S. Dixie Hwy. Suite 107 305.740.5453 La Galleria del Teatro 1560 S. Dixie Hwy. 305.666.2078

Angelo Cirello (9), Vicente Rovira (9), Ana Martinez (9), Caridad Bedla (9), Faith Barfield (10), Sabrina Linares (11), Alejandra Martinez (11), Christopher Abella (10) with art teachers Laurie Russel and Josieworks Pinkcombe. At Isabel Interiors, by children in the Arts in Medicine Program were

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Mexican Cultural Center 5975 Sunset Drive 305.268.4910

Sunset Gallery & Framing 5864 Sunset Drive 305.667.0925 The Wirtz Gallery First National Bank of South Miami 5750 Sunset Drive 305.662.5414

IT’S MORE FUN IN THE RA. Serving fresh sushi, Japanese-fusion cuisine and signature dishes so good that you can’t stop thinking about next time. Great food and casual fun–perfectly mixed. We’ll show you a good time. Come see why it’s more fun in the RA.

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sweet tooth

FOR SEVERAL YEARS bicycling interests have pushed to have mountain bike trails as part of the City of Miami Virginia Key Master Plan. City Commission Chair Marc Sarnoff and County Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez, who are both cyclists, are spearheading efforts to have the trails laid out in a few months. Recently, key groups in the Virginia Key restoration efforts met on the proposed site of the mountain bike trails. ABOVE RIGHT South Miami’s Mack Cycle & Fitness owner Mary Jane Mark addresses her concerns during the walk through on the key. ABOVE LEFT Mary Jane Mark with Ron Nelson, Chief of Staff for Commissioner Mark Sarnoff; Collin Worth, City of Miami Bicycle Coordinator, and Ryan Alexander, of Commissioner Sarnoff’s staff.

The University of Miami Triathlon Team was on hand for a Mack Cycle & Fitness special autograph session with some of the best known US and International Triathletes. Among the top triathletes attending the event were Matty Reed, Sarah Haskins, Sara McLarty, Mary Beth Ellis, Brian Fleischmann and Omar Nour.

upcoming EVENTS weekend, apr. 17-18 MS 150 Ride

For Information: www.mackcycleandfitness.com

saturday, apr. 24 Summer Expo

The Shops at Sunset Place 305.663.0482

apr. 9 & may 14, 6-9 p SOMI Art Walk

www.artnightsouthmiami.com

sunday, june 6 5K Twilight Run

funding THE GREY GHOSTS

Coldwell Banker Cares presented a $1,500 check to the South Miami Grey Ghosts for team equipment and uniforms. Realtors Patricia Klock Parker and Brian D. Beasley, a South Miami Commissioner, presented the check to the team.

www.teamfootworks.org

spotted IN TOWN Chillin’ out at Splitsville on a recent Sunday afternoon were upand -coming vocalist and former American Idol Hollywood contestant Troy Mons (R) and Damian Jones, local hip-hop choreographer. Taking in the conversation was waitress Angela Baita.

A WORLD OF SWEETS IN THE HEART OF TOWN

Town Kitchen & Bar : Cobbler. Blackberries, golden delicious apples and nectarines baked to gooey, oozy perfection topped with the butteriest, crunchiest cinnamon crumble topping and finished off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

* bike trails coming to virginia key

meeting THE BEST

The word dessert is derived from the French term desservir, meaning to clear the table, indicating that this is the part of the meal that seals most memorable culinary experiences. Although the point during the meal at which sweets are consumed has changed with time and is different in many cultures, what is certain is that desserts weren’t a common feature for most people until relatively recent times. The first desserts consisted of fruits and possibly nuts rolled together and covered in honey, only much later evolving into the panoply of insulin-shocking delicacies we consume today. For most of human history, fruits were available only in season and honey wasn’t easily obtained, making these treats expensive and available only to a lucky few. Most of the desserts we know today, however, are made with sugar. Sugarcane comes from India, where its juice was consumed and its fibrous pulp chewed for its natural sweetness. In its unprocessed form, however, sugar is unstable and spoils quickly. Around 300 AD, with the advent of a process for turning sugar into crystals, its popularity and importance began to spread throughout the world. While the Muslim world was the first to develop mass sugar production, the techniques were known throughout Asia by the 600s. Muslim expansion into Europe brought sugar along with it, and soon Europe was hooked. Once they expanded their colonies west, sugarcane plantations spread like wildfire, especially under the direction of the Portuguese. With larger-scale production lowering the price of sugar and making it available to everyone, industrious entrepreneurs and chefs soon capitalized on the innate human desire for sweets and the rest, as they say, is history. Every culture has added its twists to the culinary art of the dessert, and the dishes reflect numberless currents and traditions that would be too numerous to encapsulate in a single article. Fortunately for the SoMi-ite, he or she is able to experience a slice of the world’s desserts just by spending a night on the town. So, let’s go restaurant hopping and experience all the sweetness our town has to offer. Miami is known as a Latin American melting pot, a place where the cultures of all the regions south of the border intermingle like nowhere else in the world. One dessert that can be found in many, if not all Latin countries – with some local variations, of course – is arroz con leche, or rice pudding. Rice pudding is not a Latin invention per se, but here in Miami, along with flan, arroz con leche is by far the most popular dessert at Latin American restaurants. Casa Larios in SoMi serves up a killer arroz con leche, made with condensed milk and sugar and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. This is one of the

richest arroces con leche in town, unctuous, nottoo-sweet and toothsome, just like arroz con leche should be. Larios’s flan de mamey, a flan flavored with the tropical, intensely pink mamey fruit, is another local can’t-miss. Now let’s hop to the Middle East, with it’s two premier SoMi representatives, Khoury’s and Marhaba. While baklava, the classic phyllo pastry filled with nuts and honey, is available at both restaurants, Khoury’s also offers other varieties of pastries, including ‘mini roses’, petal-shaped bitesized phyllo filled with honey and cashews, and the delicate ‘lady fingers’, a long and slender pastry filled with pine nuts and honey. The items on the dessert menu that get the staff most fired-up at both restaurants, however, are the Sahlab and the Knafy. Marhaba offers the Sahlab as its specialty, a fresh milk pudding that contains no eggs or custard and is flavored with orange blossom, rose water and cinnamon, finished off with pistachios and a drizzle of honey. It is similar to flan in texture, but is lighter and has a very complex yet subtle flavor. Khoury’s is proud to offer Knafy, a traditional Lebanese cheese-based dish that can be consumed at any time of day. Knafy consists of a soft, homemade cheese flavored with rose water and drizzled with pistachios, syrup and honey, and served warm. This dish is warming and satisfying, and in Lebanon is often consumed for breakfast. Both of these desserts are soft, creamy, delicious and a true taste of the Middle East.

Khoury’s : Sahlab as its specialty, a fresh milk pudding that contains no eggs or custard and is flavored with orange blossom, rose water and cinnamon, finished off with pistachios and a drizzle of honey.

Buttercream Cupcakes : Top sellers include the classic vanilla and chocolate as well as chocolate chip and the ever-popular red velvet, all covered in a variety of frostings such as butter cream, ganache, vanilla, cappuccino and more.

Café Pastis: Tarte Tatin is an apple tart, made by cooking apple wedges in a skillet with caramelized sugar and butter, and allowing the juices to reduce and the apples to caramelize as well.

Casa Toscana : Italian zabaglione. This dessert is pure heaven, and sweet wine, whipped into a frenzy of texture and flavor,

Europe’s culinary innovations and traditions are also on display at the Town Center. Café Pastis brings the classic flavors of France, Emilio’s Casa Toscana the Italian gusto, and Old Lisbon the old world charm of Portugal. The cozy Café Pastis is a SoMi favorite and serves up several classic French desserts. Their Tarte Tatin, however, is not only delicious, but has a curious story as well. Chef Thierry makes his Tarte Tatin following a recipe his mother got from the desmoiselles who invented it. It turns out his family comes from the same town as the sisters who created this great dessert (most likely by accident) at the Hotel Tatin. Tarte Tatin is an apple tart, made by cooking apple wedges in a skillet with caramelized sugar and butter, and allowing the juices to reduce and the apples to caramelize as well. Once the apples are ready, a layer of puff pastry is laid on top and the whole skillet is put in the oven. After the pastry is cooked, the pan is flipped, and the result is one of the simplest, yet most delicious apple pies made anywhere! Emilio’s Casa Toscana is an intimate Italian eatery with white tablecloths and an attentive and crisp staff. On offer here are several delectable desserts, but the standout is the classic Italian zabaglione. This dessert is pure heaven, made with a combination of sugar (lots!), egg yolks and sweet wine, whipped into a frenzy of texture and flavor, resulting in a light custard that is both airy and intense, and served at Casa Toscana with strawberries. This is not a dessert that is as widely known here as other Italian creations, but it certainly stands out as one of the best. And last but not least we have Old Lisbon. This Portuguese eatery just became a great new addition to the SoMi family. Their list of desserts is tantalizing because of its uniqueness as well as its taste. The highlight of the menu is the Delicia de Fátima. This is one of the best desserts in town: egg yolk custard with crumbled Maria cookies (a type of biscuit) cov-

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made with a combination of sugar (lots!), egg yolks resulting in a light custard that is both airy and intense.

Jake’s Gastropub: Signature Brownie Sunday, a large platter topped with five slices of fresh brownie, six scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and cherries.

ered with home made whipped cream. Few ingredients but amazing flavor and texture. The dessert is named after the famous pilgrimage town of Fátima, where it originated. Now a quick trip to Asia. While such Asian desserts as tempura ice cream (or bananas, or cheese cake!), Thai doughnuts, green tea ice cream, etc., have become classics in their own right, the most unique – although not necessarily traditional – treats are found at RA Sushi. Their menu is over-the-top in all areas, and their desserts are no exception. The Banana Split Maki is the most impressive and original. Thick round slices of fried banana are arranged on a plate like pieces of a sushi roll, then deftly topped with a slices of kiwi, tangerine orange, whipped cream and strawberries. As if that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is drizzled with raspberry and chocolate sauces. Wow! We don’t need a plane ticket for the next stop on our tour. ‘Bold, sweet and rich’ certainly describes the American-style desserts on offer all over SoMi. With so many amazing, bigger-than-life dessertin’ going on around here, it’s surprising sugar hasn’t become illegal yet! Why not start with what may be the most addictive bite-size indulgence anywhere in town: cupcakes. These little, personal size treats have burst onto the scene over the last few years to become the darlings of the dessert world. Stores dedicated to cupcakes alone are now a common occurrence all over town (and the country), and if it is difficult to understand why the furor, a taste is all it takes to get it. These little morsels of unbridled indulgence roll everything a dessert should be into a single bite: moist, sweet, topped with a creamy dollop of icing – betcha can’t eat just one! Here in SoMi we have three outstanding cupcake shops, each with their own individual ideas of what the ideal cupcake should be. Misha’s Cupcakes has become an institution in Miami and can be found at dozens of locations, but their main storefront is just a short distance from the Town Center on US 1. On offer is a dazzling array of cupcakes in neat little rows. Top sellers include the classic vanilla and chocolate as well as chocolate chip and the ever-popular red velvet, all covered in a variety of frostings such as butter cream, ganache, vanilla, cappuccino and more. It is not uncommon to walk into Misha’s and see school kids right alongside businessmen and women all waiting to indulge their craving for these moist, perfect little treats. LA Sweets at Sunset Place is another outstanding cupcake shop that has given their selections some

original touches. All the different types of cupcake imaginable are available here, but their best seller is something quite unique. Emulating the classic Cuban combo of guayaba y queso (guava and cream cheese), LA Sweets has created a cupcake that is a true original. The cupcake is flavored with guava and the frosting is made with cream cheese and topped with a little square of guava paste – the whole thing melts in the mouth in such a way that the classic pastelito boasting the same combination should be scared it will lose its hallowed place alongside café con leches everywhere! Buttercream Cupcakes & Coffee is a tiny shop on Sunset with big flavor. Their most requested item is the Red Velvet cupcake, an intensely red cake topped with incredibly rich cream cheese butter cream and topped with a big red heart. Also to try here is the fabulous coffee selection. OK, let’s hope there’s still some room for a little more dessert! The Gastropub at Jake’s and Town Kitchen & Bar both offer great interpretations of classic American desserts. These will be our final indulgence, so pick up your spoons. Jake’s grandest dessert is the Signature Brownie Sunday, a large platter topped with five slices of fresh brownie, six scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and cherries. Just describing it does it no justice; this thing must be seen and tasted to be believed! Town Kitchen & Bar offers another decadent beauty, the Cobbler. Blackberries, golden delicious apples and nectarines baked to gooey, oozy perfection topped with the butteriest, crunchiest cinnamon crumble topping and finished off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Another one to try at Town is the Two-Chocolate Bread Pudding, a firm pudding packed with chocolate chips and white chocolate chunks and drizzled with a vanilla bourbon crème anglaise. Both of these desserts are warming and filling, down-home dessert fare! This completes our jet-setting tour of the world of desserts in SoMi. Imagine all the money saved on airfare! Come out and visit all these wonderful local spots, and don’t forget to bring your sweet tooth with you! CHRISTIAN TOROK t

Pictured on page 5 as our delicious teaser image is the RA Sushi Banana Split Maki. Thick round slices of fried banana are arranged on a plate like pieces of a sushi roll, then deftly topped with a slices of kiwi, tangerine orange, whipped cream and strawberries.

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A DESSERT WINE SAMPLER To go with our feature on SoMi’s dessert scene, here are some wines that’ll keep the sweetness coming. Although it may be stating the obvious, the one characteristic that unites all dessert wines is sweetness in the form of unfermented grape sugars. Wine is defined by fermentation, a process during which sugars in grape juice are turned into alcohol. In order to retain some sugar at the end of the process the action of the yeast must be arrested using specific techniques. Also, dessert wines often start out as grapes that are sweeter than those used to produce regular dry wines. With those things in mind, lets get into the specific wines and the peculiarities of their production. Broad categories of dessert wines include botrytized wines, late harvest wines, ice wines and fortified wines. Most are made with white grapes but not all. Botrytized wines get their name from Botrytis Cinerea a type of mold that attacks the grapes. Under the wrong conditions, this mold, or Noble Rot, can be devastating, but when everything is just right it creates some of the most soughtafter and expensive dessert wines in the world. As the mold attacks the grape skins it creates tiny punctures that allow the grapes’ watery inside to evaporate slowly, concentrating the sugar and flavor to dizzying degrees. By the time these grapes are ready to be picked they are barely recognizable as grapes, having turned into a grey mush. Once pressed the elixir is vinified and the sugar content tends to be so high that it is toxic even to the sugar-loving yeasts. . Once alcohol reaches around 13% by volume, yeasts die off and the excess sugar makes these some of the most unctuous -- yet refreshing -- wines out there. The best come from France, particularly the Bordeaux region of Sauternes, and from Germany. Late harvest wines are just that -- wines that are made in regions where the risk of rain during harvest is low so the grapes can hang on the vine for an additional period, shriveling slowly and concentrating the sugar content of the grapes. The best of these types of wine are made in more areas since these conditions are more common than those needed for successful Botrytized wine production. France, primarily Alsace, Germany, the US, and pretty much every wine-producing country make a version of a late harvest wine. Ice Wines are a category that elicits much interest, not only because these are delicious nectary wines of pristine purity, but also because of the process involved in producing them. Ice wines are made by allowing the grapes to freeze on the vine. The grapes are then picked under these icy conditions and crushed frozen, thus discarding much of the water in the form of ice and leaving behind only the essence of the grapes themselves – flavor, sugar and acidity. When well made, ice wines are notable for their clean, chiseled structure and aromas that show off the purest of the grapes’ aroma elements. The best come from Germany, Austria and Canada, where the wines are only made from grapes frozen on the vine. Elsewhere, ice wine can be made by freezing grapes in freezers, which yields less consistent results and often produces wines lacking balance that are rather cloying. Fortified wines include the noteworthy ports and cream sherries, made by adding spirit to arrest the fermentation and thus yielding wines with elevated alcohol contents. There are many other great fortified dessert wines besides the two classics, particularly Banyuls, from Southern France, which is made from red grapes and a great variety of wines made from the muscat grape both in Europe and the New World. Other wines combine some of these techniques to produce late harvest fortified wines that are often allowed to oxidize to produce amazing tastes, such as Vin Santo from Italy, Madeira from Portugal and Rutherglen Muscat from Australia. The variety is great when it comes to dessert wines, so ask your local sommelier or wine expert for recommendations. Enjoy!

chef’s TABLE CHEF pablo melgarejo RESTAURANT Pikkolo Mondo FACT Argentinean born. Prior experience in Miami as Chef Tourne at Mundo with Chef Norman VanAiken, and chef at Monisaco with Chef Jordy Valles and Chef Angel Palacios at Le Broche.

SOMI kitchens

ter Chefs Recipes from our Town Cen

MONDO PANNA COTTA PIKKOLO IONS SERVES: 6

DIRECT

sit about small bowl, stir and let mixture 1) Pour milk and gelatin into a cotta 5 min. g to a INGREDIENTS for panna heavy cream and sugar and brin 2) In a sauce pan, combine the 1/2 cup milk full boil over medium heat. pletely atin boiling cream, stirring until com 1 tablespoon unflavored gel 3) Add milk and gelatin to the stirring constantly. dissolved. Cook for one minute, 1/2 cup sugar the vanilla extract. in stir and t, hea from am ove cre 4) Rem tinin 2-1/2 cups heavy idual dishes (you ca use mar indiv of n ctio 5) Pour into your sele 1 shot rum (1-1/4 oz.) ). r dish glasses,wine glasses or any othe igerfor about an hour, cover and refr 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 6) Let cool at room temperature ate for at least another 4 hours. sugar and water in a sauce pan bine strawberries, vanilla extract, Com 1) ce sau rry wbe stra INGREDIENTS for over medium heat. r has rries and simmer until the suga 1 quart fresh strawberries 2) While cooking, crush strawbe d. t dissolved and sauce has thickene 2 teaspoons vanilla extrac e over ated. Spoon strawberry sauc iger refr keep and n dow l ar 3) Coo 1/4 cup white sug ENJOY! Panna Cotta when served and

1.4 cup water

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My First

ENCOUNTWEithRHaiti “hasSminactteeIrecadnmremember, what

Me at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de L’Assomption in Port-au-Prince.

kowski Radtke M.D., Clara Mili Ashley Smith M.T., Jay the Medishare lab. in . M.T ez Per lene M.D. and Mar

ti, where ently returned from Hai Ashley Waters Smith rec of the massive earthquake that she worked with victims-Prince region on January 12, devastated the Port-au 0 people. Ms. Smith grew up ,00 2010, killing about 200 nded West Lab and South Miami atte she mi; Mia th Sou degree in in Schools. Ashley has a Middle and Senior High microbiology and is currently purmedical technology and . This is a firsthand account of her suing her medical degree experiences in Haiti.

ost to me is not money or succe ss, but to have the opportunity to change people s’ lives for the be tter through medical aid, vo lunteer work or just simply by b eing there to plant a seed .

”

~ Ashley Water

s Smith

Exactly 38 days

from the date of the earthquake that tion; something most people in the United States never experience. devastated an already suffering nation, l left for Haiti. Although not on I wanted to cry, to rush over and take her pain away, but I had other a mission to save the world, relieving suffering in any way possible is patients, ones who still had a chance. In this circumstance it is not calwhat I want to do for the rest of my life. This journey would allow me to lousness. It is reality. As I returned to my work, a new noise, an overexperience it firsthand. Yet, in my first mission, fear of failing gnawed whelmingly melancholic chorus of patients and loved ones, grew in the at me, not knowing how I would react and being unable to take it. Ter- background. rified, my overwhelming need to do all that I could for people less forMy first day was long and although I was working tunate than me held me steady on this journey, a jourhard, I felt I was not doing enough. It was imposney that has changed my perspective ed worker m sible to keep hold of my bearings, but I kept on r he ot and my life drastically in a short time. d an nt. an Penn an hospital te re Here with Se because that was the only option. The day slowly ha is ed In a space of seven days, I witnessed inthe M Jeremy at faded to night, and the suffering cries turned credible beauty and immense pain. The into song. It was a prayer and although not very Haitian people are strong, resilient and religious, I found this song had great power and proud. They have an amazing ability to the Haitians great strength. A ripple of emomaintain hope and humanity in the midst tion flowed through me as I shut down the lab. of utter tragedy. I realized that no test, no medication, and no surgery could heal like the sound of these On my first day I walked into a large white voices blended together and embracing each tent filled with cots and various medical other. These were beautiful yet alien sounds. instruments. People in scrubs hurried by, and even in the confusion and panic, I was greeted with smiles filled with love and eyes bathed in warmth. The hope was palpable. I began to familiarize myself with the work area and set to work processing a multitude of specimens, when I heard a strange noise. Unlike any noise I’d ever heard, it was caused by pain of a magnitude that I have never before witnessed. A beautiful but defeated woman fell to the floor waving her hands in the air as if trying to find some sort of anchor to keep her from blowing away. She was crying and screaming. The sound she made can only come from someone who has lost the most precious gift anyone can receive. She had lost her daughter. Several people, nurses and fellow patients, crowded around, trying to take away a tiny piece of this mourning mother’s pain. Nothing can soothe a wound so deep and so sudden. Her child died of malnutri-

I left the lab and hung out with Jay, one of my closest friends and the pathologist who was teamed up with me. Fatigue set in, and we headed to our tents to catch a few hours of sleep before a new day would begin. The days continued along, unbearably hot in midday, followed by a merciful wind, cooling us at night. Sometimes we would catch a ride out to the UN headquarters tent for a hamburger or a beer, when we could no longer stand to eat another military MRE (meal ready-to-eat). I met so many incredible people on this trip and formed friendships that will last forever. My first medical relief mission is all part of me now - the joy and pain, the beauty and horror, and I truly look forward to my medical career in service to others.

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For many years in Miami, there was only one great Portuguese restaurant, located on Coral Way and 17 Avenue. As of mid-February, there are now two – and both have the same name. For nineteen years, Old Lisbon has been the mainstay for fine Portuguese dining. A native of Porto, Carlos Silva had frequented the restaurant for some years as an appreciative customer. Ten years ago, he established himself as the owner. An astute businessman, Carlos received his marketing degree from St. Thomas University and subsequently worked with Visa International, Latin America division.

A local resident, when the opportunity arose to take the space formerly occupied by Alta Cocina, he moved on it quickly and secured the deal Chefs Carlos Araujo and Nelson Gomes with owner Carlos in one week. In addition to running both restauSilva and manager Rui Martins rants, he also attends to his home care business and routinely returns to Portugal where he also attends to his family’s building materials business. At Old Lisbon, customers appreciate authentic regional Portuguese cuisine. Ingredients are fresh and homemade. The famed codfish is flown in from Norway and prepared by native chefs. OLD LISBON 5837 Sunset Drive | 305.662.7435

72 BAR+GRILL 5861 Sunset Drive | 786.369.1671 Another new entry into the dining scene in SoMi is 72 Bar + Grill. Although the venue is new, customers will appreciate the careful culinary attention given by Chef/Owners Juan & Vani Mata, who enjoyed a great following at their former Alta Cocina restaurant. With the Great Recession of 2009, they realized the fine dining scene had limited appeal. At 72 Bar + Grill, the scene is more casual, and the menu is broader to include the great Caribbean cuisine offered at Alta Cocina, along with some of the best comfort food: pizza, Kobe burgers, pastas, seafood, grilled meats, and great sides. - really something for everyone.

RUSH 5822 SW 71 Street

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| 786.454.6974

At 32, Jose Cossio decided to open his own business to appeal to the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) explosion coming into the mainstream sports culture. He has been practicing martial arts since age 7, and further developed his interest at Palmetto High School (1996). Beginning in 2001, and for several years thereafter he trained in Japan at Bujinkan Dojo, where he received his certification. He is a Godan level trained martial artist, which is equivalent to the Nidan level. At Rush, which is one of only two local MA supply stores, customers will find supplies, apparel, weapons and media. Jose also teaches one-on-one to young and old and has developed a women’s self-defense class based on Japanese influenced selfdefense techniques.

Master Agon with children: Andre and Nicole

Trattoria Sole INFINITY WAXING Owner & principal designer Ann Marie Lloro (r) with Office Manager Jenniver Martinez.

IN HOUSE DESIGN 5830 SW 73 Street | 305.446.0486

Inhouse Design Resources has recently relocated its design studio to South Miami, bringing a talented group of designers to the SoMi locale. Owner Ann Marie Lloro has been in the interior design field for the past ten years servicing a diverse group of commercial and residential clients. The inhouse team is devoted to yielding timeless design solutions for projects within any style, timeframe, and budget. 5.446.0486

The Shops at Sunset Place | 2nd Floor | 305.665.0646

Opening at The Shops at Sunset Place in February, husband and wife Jose Villegas and Sanra Gaona, offer a personalized, non-franchise approach to body waxing. Open seven days from 11a-9p., they provide both men and women a more competitive and less expensive waxing treatment service. At Infinity Waxing, the cosmetologists use only quality hard wax products, and do not recycle wax to reuse on other clients. Services by appointment and walk-ins.

The ever popular Italian corner eatery at the Sunset Drive entrance to SoMi has taken on a whole new look. Maurizio Farinelli, a native of Torino, first opened Trattoria Sole in 1997. Over the past few months, Maurizio, with classic Italian design sense, has undertaken the first major renovation since first opening thirteen years ago. In January, the bar area was completed and in March, the restaurant was redone. Next up is Pizzeria Blu. Maurizio wanted a “fresh, young look with a New York style” for his cozy restaurant. With four decades of family photos lining the walls, old and new customers will appreciate the updated décor. Along with the design changes, Maurizio is unveiling a new menu and offering hand-crafted beers.

location for Master Al Agon’s Perfect Balance studio. However, over that time he was in the process of finalizing a franchise agreement with Mile High Karate. With the deal completed, in February 2010, the City approved a new sign to go on the historic building. Mile High Karate builds a strong foundation for kids and families to grow upon, by emphasizing character education and life skills through fundamentals of Martial Arts training.

ORIGIN ASIAN BISTRO Origin Asian Bistro is in the process of moving their restaurant to the former Poblano location across from the entrance to the Municipal Garage. Opening for “Chef Joe” and family is late April.

MILE HIGH KARATE For some three years, a “Grand Opening” sign was at the corner of Sunset Drive and US1. This was the

vive LA FRANCE

COLOR ME MINE The Shops at Sunset Place | 305.665.0646

SoMi’s French community now enjoys some additions in the health field, grooming and, of course, dining.

In mid-February, Color Me Mine opened at The Shops at Sunset Place in the space formerly occupied by Mayors Jewelers. With two other locations in Miami-Dade County, franchise owner Belensky Ulysse and his sister, moved from their Coconut Grove location to SoMi. Color Me Mine is a “paint your own ceramic studio” where budding artists select their ceramic art object from among over 400 different pieces to paint in ten different categories from Kid’s to Dinnerware, Garden/ Pets to Interior Decor. Whether you’re 5, 25, 55 or 75, they can help bring out the artist in you!

Left :Kury Bustamante (7) with her mom. Right: Owner

PREEMO 5815 SW 68 Street |

Valerie Nedjar moved from Paris with her children almost a year ago to be the manager of the JeanClaude Beguine salon here in South Miami. After the salon closed, Valerie immediately found work at Nikita Paris where she is among other

305.669.6049

A milestone for any new business owner in a depressed economy, Ivan Mladenovic celebrated his first year in business this February. A UM graduate (2006), Ivan has been repairing computers since age 12. He had his own “business” working on neighbors’ tech equipment during his teen years. At Preemo, he offers premium computer tech service – providing clients with solutions to their computer needs. Ivan’s focus is on high-end residential customers and small businesses, providing IT consulting, website development and on-line marketing services.

top French trained stylists. NIKITA PARIS 5832 Sunset Drive | 305.662.9200 Veronique & Ahmed Youbi first opened La Crepe Bistro on Red Road in 2006. They have now expanded their delicious offerings of pastries, cakes, sandwiches, soups and coffees to a second location on US1 and 62 Avenue. Opening in mid-January, Café Bon Jour is open six days a week (MonSat) from 7a – 5p. The café is right on US1 with convenient parking – it makes a great stop on the daily commute to come in for some great treats. CAFÉ BONJOUR 6222 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.661.4714

Didier Libessart recently opened a street level physical therapy treatment facility on Sunset Drive. Coming to SoMi from Lille (north of Paris), Doctor Libessart has been servicing clients for twenty years. He holds a Master of Physical Therapy diploma and is a Doctor of Ostheopathy. While focusing on the use of hands in his therapeutic treatments, the other equipment he uses cannot be found outside of Switzerland and France. Doctor Libessart selected South Miami to establish his first USA practice for its good demographic and being the “center of the area.” He moved to Miami with his wife, who is also a physical therapist, and three children. He continues to maintain his practice in Lille as well. DIDIER LIBESSART 5825 Sunset Drive | 786.326.4077

now online at somimag.com South Miami Community Center

SW 66 Street

Red Road Commons

RED ROAD

Enjoy our fine boutiques and great dining. SOMI TOWN welcomes you.

DIRECTORY on

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Library

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San Remo Ave.

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Shops at Sunset Place

SW 71 Street

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SW 73 Street

South Miami Hosp.

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“South Miami Town Center” defines our singularly unique shopping and dining district on the east side of US#1, with our civic area, Metro Transit, Hospital Zone, Public Library and hotel on the west side of US 1. The entire area is comprised of the City of South Miami and our bordering City of Coral Gables and Miami-Dade County east of Red Road. This is the recommended designation by the Mayor’s Marketing Task Force (1996). Visitors to our area will find convenient on-street parking, Centralized Valet Parking on Sunset Drive and a centrally located Municipal Garage. Public transit is directly accessible at the South Miami Metrorail Station. The best way to enjoy our “hometown” district is to walk our tree-lined streets or park your bicycle at one of the many bike stands.

Centralized Valet Parking

General Parking

FASHION

SW 58 Ave.

SW 59 Ave.

SW 74 Street

COME TO KNOW SOUTH MIAMI TOWN CENTER

SOMI MAG courtesy advertisement In support of the members of the Red/Sunset Merchants Association and Chamber South.

i am n Mi tatio h ut l S So rorai t e M

ENJOY the South Florida weather as you WALK our tree-lined streets, VISIT and SHOP in our charming boutiques, DINE in our fine restaurants, and enjoy our FUN times!

RED ROAD

SW 61 Ave.

SW 61 Ct.

City Hall

Spring in to SoMi

SW 72 STREET

SW 61 Ct.

SW 62 AVENUE

SW 71 Street

SW 59 Ct.

SW 62 PL.

SW 59 PL.

S M H

SW 57 Ct.

Larkin Hospital

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SW 58 Ct.

Best Miami Hotel

Venera Ave.

SW 56 Ave.

Valencia

SW 57 AVENUE

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Zayas

Mermaids Boutique

6939 Red Road | 305.662.5757

7308 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.667.5175

Ladies

Nikki’s Beachhouse Boutique 30

At Ease

5746 Sunset Drive | 305.669.4551

5844 Sunset Drive | 305.662.1022

Bella Donna Collection

5825 Sunset Drive | 305.663.2175

Men & Women Edward Beiner Eyewear

5817 Sunset Drive | 305.661.1205 Designer eyewear to help create the perfect impression. www.edwardbeiner.com

Bella Sole Bhoom Shanti

5828 Sunset Drive | 305.661.6620

Basil’s Tailor & Men’s Shop 10

5784 Sunset Drive | 305.663.7337

Capretto Shoes

An old-fashioned full service shoe salon.

Natasha Leratti

6001 S.W. 70 Street | 305.968.1700

Pat’s Bridals

6108 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.661.6889 34

5829 Sunset Drive | 305.663.6110 30

5700 Sunset Drive | 305.667.3101 30

5740 Sunset Drive | 305.665.7353 Full selection of men’s business, casual and formal wear.

Find cute accessories that you can afford and meet puppy Pepper at this new boutique . Mon-Sat 10:00a - 7:00p www.facebook.com/misspepperboutique

Praia Beach Boutique

6001 S.W. 70 St #C-103 | 305.666.9570

Sirvanti

7308 Red Road | 305.668.8282

5822 Sunset Drive | 305.661.7767

Men

Lanes

5830 Sunset Drive | 305.668.8881

Blush Boutique Peace - Love -World

5828 Sunset Drive | 305.668.0662

Miss Pepper

Jenna White

Brazilian, European and American cut bikinis, cover-ups, hats and bags collection of fine semi-precious stone jewelry.

7301 S.W. 57 Court | 305.669.5940

Kristine Michael

7271 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.665.7717

Lucy Agnes

5738 Sunset Drive | 305.667.2585

28 5842 Sunset Drive | 305.667.1692

Simons + Green

DIRECTORY

somi mag 25

SoMi So U

7388 SW 57 Ave | 305.740.8008

Jacadi

5872 Sunset Drive | 305.663.1407

Affordably priced chic fashions.

Little Feet and more...

RESTAURANTS & NIGHT LIFE

Cervezas

SoMi Café

5833 Sunset Dr | 305.397.8125

Crepe Cuisine

7210 Red Road | 305.666.9655

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

5904 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.669.2580

Splitsville is an upscale dinner lounge with 13 full service luxury lanes.

5814 Sunset Drive | 305.666.0748 A defining innovative fashion resource. www.grouplx.com

7241 S.W. 57 Court | 305.668.9563

The Backroom at Vigi’s

5731 S.W. 73 Street | 305.662.1842 28

The Dressing Room 5829 SW 73 St. | Ste 9 305.668.4440

Pili Carerra

7301 S.W. 57 Court | 305.665.6588

The Red Apple

72nd Bar + Grill

5861 Sunset Dr | 786.369.1671

Gifts and clothing for boys and girls, newborn to pre-teen. Toys & accessories. Personalized gift wrapping. | Open 7 days.

Akashi

5830 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.665.6261

Blu Pizzeria

Vamp Boutique

7227 SW 57 Court | 305.667.3544

VIGI Miami

7230-A SW 57 Ave | 305.661.7419 Beautiful clothing and accessories for hip moms and daughters who want the latest looks, the best quality and friendly service. | Open: Mon - Sat www.vigimiami.com

Beverlee Kagan Antique Jewelry Thousands of unique items from Mom’s jewelry box in all price ranges. Repairs, too. www.kaganjewelry.com

5800 Sunset Drive | 305.667.5556 Timely and imaginative gifts.

Young Adults American Apparel

5855 Sunset Drive | 786.268.0531

Just LX

5826 Sunset Drive | 305.666.9831 Diva emporium.

Children Benini Bug

Zagat Highlights: “Formidable!” “Fantasic” maison with “Stand-out” Provencal dishes, Bouillabaisse, Mussels …so close to Marseille. Open for Lunch & Dinner (Closed Sundays) Reservations Suggested. www.cafepastis.com

A chic children’s boutique offering hip, unique apparel, accessories, and gifts for newborns to 6 year- olds.

A South Miami landmark, open 7 days for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Late night menu at Sunset Tavern. Tavern open to 3am | Sun-Thurs; 5am www.delilane.com

Fox’s Sherron Inn

6030 So. Dixie Hwy. | 305.666.2230

Irish Times Great neighborhood pub with great food. www.irishtimesmiami.com

South Miami Jewelers

Carrabba’s

5829 S.W. 73 Street | 305.661.2426

Casa Larios

Cavas Wine Cafe

5829 S.W. 73 Street | 305.665.8499 37

5835 Sunset Drive | 305.397.8125

Xotica Designs

7209 SW 57 Court | 305.663.5537 Handcrafted & Custom designs

Chef Emilio’s Casa Toscana 37 1569 Sunset Dr | 305.740.5844 The best of Italian cuisine with the most sophisticated flavors. Open 7 days.

Thai. Vietnamese. Malaysian. Japanese 2006 Zagat Rated Excellent. Open for Lunch &

Sushi Maki

5812 Sunset Drive | 305.667.7677 Top 50 Sushi restaurants Wall Street Journal survey.

Open 7 days for lunch & dinner. Take-out menu & delivery available. www.sushimakirestaurants.com

Titanic Restaurant & Brewery

Khoury’s

Kyojin Japanese Buffet

Le Crepe BISTRO

Town Kitchen & Bar

7301 SW 57 Court | 305.740.8118 A full service restaurant & bar, featuring global comfort foods and a full liquor lounge.

Two Chefs 28

An unconventional dining concept, blends fresh sushi, hip music and contemporary décor all rolled up into one flavorful experience. Open 7 days for Lunch & Dinner. Bar open daily until 1am or later. Happy Hour: Mon - Sat 3pm-7pm Flying Fish Lounge - Sun 8pm-12am www.rasushi.com

Other Eats & Treats Bakeries Buttercream

1411 Sunset Drive | 305.669.8181

Einstein Brothers Bagels

5946 So. Dixie Hwy. | 305.668.4567

European Corner

Authentic Mediterranean Lebanese kitchen. Open for Lunch & Dinner.

Smoke T

Key Lime Pie Factory

Swenson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream

1586 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.661.7658 41 Wendy’s US#1 & Red Road

Whip ‘n Dip

Johnny Rockets

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.663.1004

McDonald’s

Mojito Grill

US#1 & SW 62 Avenue

Papa John’s

1596 So. Dixie Hwy. | 305.668.8484 15

Qdoba

5748 Sunset Drive | 305.668.3770

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.663.4222 The Shops at Sunset Place offers a sensational line-up of family entertainment, including AMC 24 movie theater with stadium seating, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Gameworks, Cool-de Sac Play Café, and is the home to some of South Florida’s most exclusive retailers, such as Z Gallerie, Armani Exchange, Mayors Jewelers, Origins, Pottery Barn, Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic, Gap/Gap Kids, American Eagle Outfitters and Hollister.

Late Night Entertainment Bougainvillea Old Florida Tavern

7221 S.W. 58 Avenue | 305.669.8577

BT Gentlemen’s Club

5922 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.663.4567

SALONS & SPAS

Unique flavors and inventive taste combinations. Fresh, greattasting food.

5889 S.W. 73 St. | 305.667.8872

Marhaba

Quick Bites

5800 Red Road | 305.740.6464 37 Quiznos 16

Sun Juice Smoothies

1405 Sunset Dr | 305.667.1555

The Shops at Sunset Place 36

Pizza Rustica

Weekend Breakfast. Open 7 days.

5796 Sunset Dr | 786.268.8126

Family Entertainment

7318 Red Road | 305.661.3663

8287 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.663.2100

7340 Red Road | 305.665.8778

5701 Sunset Drive | 305.740.5880

Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

1540 So Dixie Hwy | 305.740.5972 27

Starbucks

1407 Sunset Dr | 305.665.2565

6907 S.W. 57 Ave. | 305.661.8868

5829 S.W. 73 St | 305.341.0092

salads, pizza & panini.

Five Guys

5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd 305.667.2537

Open for Lunch & Dinner, 7 Days.

RA Sushi

5868 Sunset Dr | 305.667.9333

Serving Mediterranean & Italian Cuisine. Restaurant Bar & Lounge

7315 S.W. 57 Ave. | 305.669.0099

Open 7 days.

5887 S.W. 73 St | 305.720.4224 The finest in Mediterranean & Lebanese Cuisine. Open 7 Days for lunch & dinner.

Morning Call

Award-winning Italian eatery, serving lunch and dinner.

1548 So. Dixie Hwy. | 786.200.6153

Chicken Kitchen

5894 Sunset Dr | 305.666.9392

5960 SW 70 Street | 305.668.6363 37

Misha’s Cupcakes

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.667.6760 Fresh bread daily. Sandwiches &

Trattoria Sole

Dinner, 7 Days.

Pikkolo Mondo

6212 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.772.1888

www.beninibug.com

5829 S.W. 73 St | 305.665.8499

5859 S.W. 73 Street | 305.662.5656

7214 S.W. 57 Avenue | 305.667.1898 Meeting all your jewelry and watch needs since 1983.

5837 Sunset Drive | 305.662.7435

Outback Steakhouse

Giancarlo Designs

5794 Sunset Drive | 305.661.6121 Original designs to accessorize today’s fashion.

Old Lisbon

7370 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.665.6671

Panera Bread

5850 Sunset Drive | 305.667.4114

6901 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.662.8632

Cervezas

7320 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.668.8210

Deli Lane & Sunset Tavern 26 7230 S.W. 59 Ave | 305.665.0606

5840 Sunset Drive | 305.667.3208

Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 5pm. Closed Sundays.

Best gourmet Chinese restaurant in South Gables, South Miami, Pinecrest & Palmetto Bay. | Open 7 days.

Jake’s

Miami’s famed Cuban cuisine family restaurant. Live entertainment Friday & Saturday nights. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

5881 Sunset Drive | 305.662.1755

Bri Bri

Cafe Bon Jour Café Pastis

5958 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.662.5650

Le Royal French Bakery

www.splitsvillelanes.com

5850-B Sunset Drive | 305.668.8205

7310 Red Road | 305.665.3322

Five Golden Rings

New Chinatown

Origin Asian Bistro

6222 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.665.6261

Mon-Thurs 4pm – 2am; Fri & Sat: 11am – 5am; Sun: 11am – 2am

5844 S.W. 73 Street | 305.663.7166

5831 Sunset Drive | 305.663.1937

Elements of Time

Miyako Japanese Restaurant

Traditional Italian pizza and more. Open 7 days.

Jewelry

Martini Bar

5701 Sunset Drive | 305.665.3052

7201 S.W. 59 Ave | 305.666.9285

Inventive recipes, a cosmopolitan decor, and a seasoned staff ensure a first-class dinning experience. Fine foods, wines & spirits. Open for Lunch & Dinner 7 days.

Everything for everybody is pretty much 72’s culinary philosophy. Mon-Sat: 12 - close; Sun. 4:30p - close www.72grill.com

7283 Red Road | 305.669.6899

We are a chic, trendy and unique boutique that won’t hurt your pocket book! | Open 7 days. www.shoptdr.com

5701 Sunset Drive | 305.661.6763

Petit Amie

5701 Sunset Drive St. | 305.665.5263

Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm

Studio LX

5800 SW 73 St. | Opening April

Fitting South Miami kids since 1981.

Dan Marino’s

DIRECTORY

now online at somimag.com

april // may

1450 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.669.8338

6022 So. Dixie Hwy. | 305.661.2744

Southern kitchen & tap. A neighborhood bbq joint. Mon - Sat: Lunch & Dinner; Sun: Dinner www.smoketbbq.com

LA Sweets

The Shops at Sunset Place (across from Urban Outfitters) | 305.665.5288

Smoothielicious

6102 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.403.1700

Power Pizza

7400 S.W. 57 Ave. | 305.661.7388 Low carb, high protein pizza, salads, wraps, and pastas. Dine-in, Take-out. www.powerpizza.net

Bonaparte

5893 S.W. 73 Street | 305.661.3008 31 Chics Hair Salon 7386 S.W. 56 Avenue | 305.661.8886

South Beach Smoothie

Hair Stylists | Salons

7222 Red Road | 305.666.2153

Christy’s

7364 S.W. 57 Avenue | 305.663.3186

DIRECTORY Classic Barber Shop

6226 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.666.5554

Creations Hair

7240 S.W. 56 Ave | 305.661.9990

D & L Hair Salon

Salons & Spas Beach Club Salon & Spa

6929 Red Road | 305.740.6070

Jireh Salon

5718 Sunset Dr | 305.666.2917

Bellezza Spa

7245 S.W. 57 Ct. | 305.284.0669

7301 S.W. 57 Court | 305.205.4803

Detlev Hair + Color

Nail Spas

Bliss

5910 S.W. 73 St | 305.662.2944

Imagos

6340 Sunset Dr | 305.271.0710

7400 S.W. 57 Court | 305.665.4247

JV Hair Designer

5975 Sunset Dr #108 | 305.665.6652

Larry’s

1413 Sunset Dr | 305.667.2256

Magpie

5900 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.669.0520 New location for long established salon, and offering new spa services for our clients.

5848 S.W. 73 St | 305.666.2549 Hair designers for men and women.

Closed Sunday & Monday.

7287 S.W. 57 Ave. | 305.667.7282

5838 S.W. 73 Street | 305.668.4659 Boutique-like setting offering excellence in hair and nails. Customer service at its best.

28 5832 Sunset Dr | 305.662.9200

Nikita Paris

Full Services Salon - A team of professionals from France and USA will pamper you in a very relaxing atmosphere. Mon - Sat 9am - 7pm

Lyons Spa & Salon

7209 SW 58th Ct | 5832 Sunset Dr 305.666.5222

Rainbow Nails

Other Services Asian Massage

5851 Sunset Dr | 305.665.6055

Boca Tanning Club

Massage Envy

7313 S.W. 59 Court | 305.661.2381 Full service hair salon, day spa and movement center offering South Miami head to toe beauty.

6927 Red Road | 305.662.2622 34

BeautyFul Days

Niketown

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.740.0121

Racquet World

6112 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.661.7901

RUSH

5607 S.W. 74 St | 305.669.1339

Uni.K.Wax

5875 Sunset Dr | 305.663.8383 Unique herbal wax and expert professional services, with a variety of facial and body waxing services for men and women. | Open 7 days.

1565 Sunset Dr | 305.668.9108 Therapy driven. Pilates inspired. www.physiocore.com

Ohana Spa

Strictly Tennis

5887 Sunset Dr | 305.663.1402

VIDA Day Spa 28

7211 S.W. 58 Ct. | 305.665.8440

Swim, Bike & Run

5950 So Dixie Hwy | 305.668.5650

South Miami Boot Camp

5800 S.W. 66 Ave | 305.613.992

The Body Shop

5850 Commerce Lane 305.663.7933

Expert Shoe Fitters for 35 years. Shoes and technical clothing for all your workout needs.

1561 1/2 Sunset Dr | 305.665.2992 29

5806 Sunset Dr | 305.667.9986 29

5604 Red Road | 305.662.6066

Med Spas 39 Dr. Jhonny Salomon 6705 Red Road | 305.270.1361

Spa 57 7600 SW 57 Ave., Ste. 201 305.668.2857

LA Fitness

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.665.7846 17

1430 Madruga Ave | 305.772.6009

Miami Fencing Club

5900 Sunset Dr | 305.669.8445

Foot Solutions

7301 S.W. 57 Court #140 | 305.668.6620

Oneness Center for Pilates

5879 Sunset Dr #2,3 | 305.663.1990

5851 Sunset Dr “B” | 305.661.6129

Specialty Foods

HOME & DESIGN

34 5805 Sunset Dr | 305.662.2663

7325 Red Road | 305.662.8579

Ace Kitchen & Bath

Margaux Interiors

Home furnishings and accessories from around the world. Design Services. www.margauxhome.com

Pacific White Fine Linens

Design showroom of bath and kitchen fixtures and finishes; decorative door locks and accessories.

Furnishings & Accessories Art of the Knot

5893 Sunset Dr | 305.667.2000

Artzee Boutique

1430 So. Dixie Hwy ., Ste. 107 305.740.5453

Country French

East Pottery Imports

5900 S.W. 73 St | 305.668.5718

Fine Art Framing

7236 S.W. 56 Ave | 305.661.6635

Furniture Exchange

6020 So Dixie Hwy | 305.665.5553

Royal Oriental Carpet

1542 So Dixie Hwy | 305.661.6500

4225 Ponce de Leon Blvd 305.445.2332

Interior Plants • Baskets Pots • Bronze Statues www.eastpottery.com

Z Gallerie

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.667.4877

Z Mattress

Mariner Seafood

7304 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.667.4141 39

Personal Services Shoe Repair 31 Sunset Cobbler 5610 Sunset Dr | 305.665.7065 31 5721 S.W. 73 Street | 305.665.1541

Clothing Care Garden Gate

5872-B Sunset Dr | 305.661.0605

Floral arrangement designs with orchids and bromeliads in elegant pots and containers from Portugal, Bali, India, Thailand and US designers.

Chantres DeLuxe Cleaners

30 7227 S.W. 57 Ct | 305.661.5525

44 5616 Sunset Dr | 305.662.3737

Devon Cleaners

31 1401 Sunset Dr | 305.667.0721

Dryclean USA Lottus Floral Design

1515 Sunset Dr | 305.666.4200 Flowers for all occasions.

37 Express Ironing 1575 Sunset Dr | 305.666.8200

MacDonald’s Imperial Cleaners

34 5840 So Dixie Hwy | 305.661.5831

5820 So Dixie Hwy | 305.668.3114

Architectural Design

7301 Red Road | 305.667.9953

Gem Shoe Repair

5864 Sunset Dr | 305.667.0925

6701 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.421.9421

Plants & Floral Arrangements

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.740.0772

Sunset Gallery & Framing

7259 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.661.0159

Fast Frame

Pottery Barn

Gardner’s Markets

Whole Foods

5880 Sunset Dr | 305.668.0882

Orchid Island

6104 So Dixie Hwy | 305.979.1448

Castillo Architecture & Planning, LLC

Home Services

Residential, Commercial Industrial, Land Planning and Space Planning

31 Ace Home Center 7825 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.662.8579

786.253.5530

Kitchen & Bath

5780 Sunset Dr | 305.661.2356

Mile High Karate

Home Entertainment

6138 South Dixie Hwy | 305.665.6262

South Miami Middle School 6750 SW 60 St. | 305.992.1946

Open 7 Days www.footworksmiami.com

Kreativa for Kids

Nadeau

Metropolis Fitness & Spa

5724 Sunset Dr | 305.661.3008

25 7334 S.W. 57 Avenue | 305.667.7497

1430 So. Dixie Hwy., Ste. 102-4 305.284.0525

5830 Sunset Dr | 305.668.8881

FootWorks

7240 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.662.2887

Isabel Fine Home Accessories

786.556.3118

LEED Sustainable Architecture, Space Planning and Interior Design Services. Current practice focuses on South Florida and the Caribbean markets. www.sebastianeilert.com

5792 Sunset Dr | 305.979.4554

Bhoom Shanti

5830 SW 73 St. | 305.446.0486

Mattress One

6114 So Dixie Hwy | 305.665.1618 Train for Life. | Open Seven days. www.mcyclegym.com

Sporting Goods

www.myvidaspa.com

In House Design Resources

Sebastian Eilert Architecture

AbiNader Home Theater

SPECIALTY STORES, RETAIL & SERVICES

Open Mon - Sat 10am-5pm

The Green Monkey

Sparkling Pools

House & Paper

www.BodyShopMiami.com

5829 SW 73rd St. Ste 2 305.446.3665

Gracia Barra Self-Defense Academy

www.juan@cdg-cap.com

7090 S.W. 59 Place | 305.661.1210

An ever changing collection of thoughtful creative gifts and unusual and distinctive accessories for your home.

DIRECTORY

5863 Sunset Dr | 305.662.1846

A private fitness studio just for you. Cutting edge equipment, on-site parking, no contracts, elite trainers. By appointment only.

Exceptional personal service in elegant setting.

5823 Sunset Dr | 305.661.8545

7306 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.666.6067

M Cycle Gym

Gables Oriental Rugs

5822 SW 71 Street | 786.454.6974

Upscale private fitness studio for those who want something more exclusive than the gym scene. Sat: 6am-3pm | Sun-closed www.scottbaumannfitness.com www.fitnesstogethermiami.com

5845 Sunset Dr | 305.665.9636

Robert Perry Image Designers

The Hair Station

5850 So Dixie Hwy | 305.667.6888

South Beach Body Waxing

7800 Red Road #119 | 305.662.8888

The Green Apple Haircutter

Miami Golf

Fitness Together

HEALTH & FITNESS

7230 S.W. 56 Ave | 305.661.9181

Talu Hair & Skin

Physio-Core Pilates & Rehab

6600 SW 62 Ave | 786.525.7802

6136 So Dixie Hwy | 305.666.5255

Super Cuts

www.mackcycleandfitness.com

Fitness

www.miamispa.com

Day Spas

Once Upon Sunset

Top 100 USA bicycle retailer and voted “Miami’s Best” | Open 7 Days

5851 Sunset Dr | Suite C (2nd Floor) 305.662.9201

Nuova Donna Salon

5995 Sunset Dr | 305.661.8363

5849 Sunset Dr | 305.663.8922

Personal Touch Body Waxing & Tanning

7500 S.W. 61 Ave | 305.663.1777

Myra & Company

Kimmy’s Nails

Shops at Sunset Place (2nd FL) | 305.722.6467

Mr. Robert’s Beauty Salon

5712 Sunset Drive | 305.662.7650

Infinity Waxing Center

LVS Salon Group

Mack Cycle & Fitness

5600 Sunset Dr | 305.722.2TAN

1566 So Dixie Hwy. | 305.661.9050

Mazzei’s

Isabella Salon

DK Nails

now online at somimag.com

april // may

somi mag

34 Marios 5828 S.W. 71 St | 305.661.1530 Dry Cleaning & Custom Tailoring since 1980

DIRECTORY

somi mag

40 Oxxo Care Cleaners 1540 Venera Ave | 305.661.6126 Eco - Friendly Dry Cleaning, 24 hour ATM style access. FREE Pick up & Delivery Service. No PERC!

Mon-Fri: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (24 hr. access) Sun: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (24 hr. access) (next to Whole Foods Market)

Hookah Lounge

Printing Digital Copy & Signs

1554 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.661.6525

Miami Conversatory Dance Studio

Professional Services

5818 S.W. 73 St | 305.667.5543 42

7390 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.661.3005

Rey’s Cleaners

Serving the South Miami & Coral Gables area since 1980. Self - service copies to full digital printing. Excellent customer service.

1545 Sunset Dr | 305.668.0880

Vilar Cigars

1555 Sunset Drive | 305.662.2990

Tutorial Services

Telecommunications AT&T Wireless

Sylvan Learning

1556 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.668.7855

Basil’s Tailor & Men’s Shop 10

Just-In Wireless

6001 S.W. 70 Street #C-103 305.666.9570

7209 S.W. 57 Ct | 305.662.2727

30 Mindworks 7250 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.669.8383

5609 S.W. 74 Street | 305.667.8768

Aquamart

7322 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.740.4940 37

6917 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.740.4476 17

6104 So Dixie Hwy | 305.661.6905

Dog Charm

Teleboro Wireless

T- Mobile

Pet Care & More

Travel Services Harris Travel

5884 Sunset Drive | 305.666.3907

Doggy Studio & Boutique

Nuevo Mundo Travel

5824 S.W. 73 St | 305.722.8800

5891 S.W. 73 St | 305.667.4440

South Miami Animal Clinic 17

Barnes & Nobles

6100 So. Dixie Hwy | 305.667.7238

5701 Sunset Dr | 305.662.4770

The Dog From Ipanema

7230 Red Road | 305.663.1712 World famous hair salon for pets. | Open 7 Days www.thedogfromipanema.com

Every effort has been made to provide accurate directory information. We regret any error. Please inform us of any error or omission. For information about advertising in the directory please send an email to: SUBJECT: Directory

The FIRST choice for

small business loans

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans are designed to help growing businesses maximize cash flow and keep pace with market demands.

5975 Sunset Dr #107 | 305.670.0800

Other Specialty Retail & Services

Kuts Pet Grooming

DIRECTORY

jes_somi@att.net

1562 So Dixie Hwy | 305.667.8284

*MANY PACKAGES TO CHOOSE FROM STARTING @ $450

Tailoring

NEW DESIGN PACKAGES* AVAILABLE!

5885 S.W. 73 Street | 305.665.9226

John the Tailor

5910 Sunset Drive | 305.663.1818

Vision Unlimited Eye Care

5829 S.W. 73 St | 305.666.7711

Tysunn Dry Cleaning

Paper Boutique

now online at somimag.com

7346 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.661.1449

5833 Ponce de Leon 305.666.8066

Puritan Cleaners

7400 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.668.3331

Sunset Quickprint

april // may

Safe at First!

36 5820 Sunset Dr | 305.669.9220 A glamorous apothecary boutique. Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm

Cream

SBA loans have become more important than ever in this current critical economic environment. Fortunately, the Federal government recognizes the importance of small and medium-size businesses. The SBA Program is dedicated to helping businesses become more productive and competitive. South Miami Office 5750 Sunset Drive South Miami, FL 33143 305.667.5511

www.creambeauty.com

Kendall Office 7887 North Kendall Drive Miami, FL 33156 305.412.5511

Photographic Services Clau Photography

5879 Sunset Dr #4 | 305.665.1445

Fine Arts Photography

7070 S.W. 59 Place | 305.661.1685

Crown Wine & Spirits

1590 So. Dixie Hwy | 786.621.WINE

Eye Care Optical

The Falls Coming in 2010

7300 S.W. 57 Ave | 305.665.2353

www.fnbsm.com Steve Moynahan, SVP,Senior Lending Officer Luis Vanegas, VP, Commercial Lender