Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Seacoast Grounds



The grounds at Seacoast are impressive and always in pristine condition.

We have an excellent board of directors and owners and staff who are vigilant and always hard at work to maintain the building and the grounds looking as beautiful as possible.

















Monday, August 29, 2011

Morning Views from the Balcony of Seacoast Condo














Friday, August 26, 2011

Art Center/South Florida


The Art Center/South Florida (ACSF) is a non-profit exhibition center located on Lincoln Road.

The exhibitions focus on contemporary media, community awareness and current aesthetic issues.

Art classes, lecture series, and children's workshops are also available at the center.

"The mission of the center is to advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts and culture in South Florida through education, exhibition and public outreach programming and to provide affordable work-space for outstanding visual artists in all stages of career development."








Drop in and enjoy the work of talented local artists...

Information from:  http://www.artcentersf.org/

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Soundscape Park in the Evening



We recently spent some time exploring the new Soundscape Park by Lincoln Road adjacent
 to the New World Center. 
This is a city-owned space on 2.5 acres. It was not designed to feel exactly like a park, but rather an open area with tropical plants and steel pergolas, adorned with colorful bougainvillea flowers. Pathways lead you to explore all the areas of the space.

SoundScape features a 7,500 sq. ft. projection wall with a world class sound system. This will provide a perfect setting for concerts, video art and films.

In addition to cultural, musical sound and art events, the park is also available for sit-down or cocktail celebrations.















For fun facts about Soundscape visit: www.newworldcenter.com/WallParkFunFacts.aspx
Be one of the first to experience the newest destination of Miami Beach.



Monday, August 22, 2011

What Do You Think?


This boat is docked along Millionaire's Row on the Intracoastal.  You can't help but notice it every time you drive on Collins Ave close to the Fountainbleu hotel. 
My husband and I joke about the name, and try to come up with ideas of why that name was chosen.

I think it's because the husband was probably involved in an indiscretion and did it as a way to ask for forgiveness.  My husband says no.  He says the husband named it that because he truly loves the wife and if he had a boat he would name it the same thing (yeah, right!!!!!)

Anyway, I think it's funny...

Why do you think they chose that name?










Sunday, August 21, 2011

New Marlins Stadium is Bittersweet for me

New Marlins Stadium is Bittersweet for me

Model of new stadium
It's an exciting time in the history of the Florida Marlins and baseball in Miami.  With all of it's controversy on how it got approved, funding, political "arroz con mango," etc., it is the newest addition to the revived Miami River district just south of Downtown Miami.  I will first tell you the bitter part for me:

Orange Bowl, outside of west endzone
  1. Orange Bowl had to be demolished:  This is a structure that was built in 1937 and a fixture in Miami for decades.  The Orange Bowl was the home of the NFL's only perfect season for the Miami Dolphins in 1972 who also went on to win the Super Bowl, where Jim Morrison flashed the world and got arrested, and where UM Football played its games after the Dolphins moved north. 
  2. Concert memories:  I attended many concerts at the Orange Bowl and just have fond memories:  U2's Joshua Tree tour in the rain, right upfront, David Bowie's Glass Spider tour, Madonna's Who's That Girl tour, Jackson Victory tour (the one he did in the 80s with all of this brothers), and Genesis.  I also attended a political rally just after Fidel Castro had two Brothers to the Rescue planes shot down.
  3. They could have saved it somehow: With it's outdated and dilapidated facilities, the Orange Bowl needed an extreme makeover, but why didn't they just do that, kept it for UM games, and built the new Marlins stadium next to the American Airlines Arena (where the Miami Heat plays) right on the water?   We live in a city where the ocean is all around us and we don't take advantage of creating some fond memories for people watching the game from their boats waiting for a home run to be hit in the water?  San Francisco has both of their stadiums on the water.
Now, for the sweet part:
  1. Location:  Located in the revived Miami River district just south of the other revived area of Downtown Miami, this is a short drive for many.  With the current stadium being located on the border of Broward country, many die-hard baseball fans (usually the older, Latin crowd) refuse to drive up so far and enjoy watching it on T.V. plus it's so damn hot.  Also, weekday games will be easier to attend.  This new location opens up their fan base and will fill more seats as it's smaller than the current stadium.
  2. A/C environment:  It's a beautiful, ROOFTOP stadium with state-of-the-art everything including air conditioning!  In Miami, one cannot live without A/C and why deny baseball fans.  That is the best idea ever and it works out well when it rains.
  3. New traditions:  This is going to be the start of some new traditions that I can pass on to my son as he grows older and has kids of his own.  My plan is to attend opening day with him, my father, my father-in-law, brother, and brother-in-law.  Not all may attend, but I will work hard to make that happen.
I had the pleasure of attending a sneak preview event at the new stadium location.  In the end, their goal is to sell you season tickets, but it was not aggressive in any way. I invited some family and friends and when we arrived, we were greeted by a cocktail  reception with open bar and appetizers.  We had to put on some hardhats, ride in golf carts, and tour the construction site. 




One of the most impressive things is the view from where we were standing, which is up high on first base line.  In the picture above, you can see the bright light, which is the sun coming in through glass panels that open and close.  The view is a perfect view of Downtown Miami.  The stadium doesn't really have a bad seat, but the view from this particular area is special. 

I have all intentions of attending some games, but season tickets are not cheap.  All of the perks related to meal vouchers and parking sound great, but I do not see myself attending EVERY single game.  I can split the cost between two or three friends and this is something that I am considering to allow us to take advantage of some of the perks.

Check out their web site and look at some of the pictures I took from the sneak preview event.

Hope you enjoyed my post,
ALEX

 **Please feel free to comment.  Thank you.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Miami Spice, 2011...Take 2








I am re-posting this entry again, to remind all my followers to take advantage of the terrific pricing at otherwise pricier restaurants.
Miami Spice has been around for a few years.  I always enjoy going and trying new restaurants with my hubby, family or friends.  I look forward to finding some new gems this year...





Miami Spice has been around for a few years.  I always enjoy going and trying new restaurants with my hubby, family or friends.  I look forward to finding some new gems this year...

**The information below and images have been copied from:  www.ilovemiamispice.com


Miami Spice will run from August 1- September 30, 2011 with even more rave reviews! 

Miami Spice 2011 is a mouth-watering summer restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine.
During August and September, Miami’s top restaurants offer three-course meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discover the tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully out of the ordinary. An epicure’s paradise awaits you in Greater Miami and the Beaches! 

For more on these restaurants and fine dining in Miam
For comprehensive information including attractions, events, clubs, accommodations and much more visit the Greater Miami Convention & Bureau's online Miami tourism guide at www.MiamiandBeaches.com.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) hopes your Miami Spice experience is memorable, if you would like to share any comments or concerns with us please send an email toMiamiSpice@gmcvb.com 

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to present an impressive lineup of participating Miami Spice restaurants! Please check back periodically for updates. Days offered
and menus to come...
Miami Beach/South Beach
660 at The Angler's
1500°
Ago Restaurant
A Fish Called Avalon
Asia De Cuba at Mondrian
Baires Grill Resto
Bistro One LR
Blade at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
BLT Steak at The Betsy
Blue Door Fish at Delano
Blue Sea at Delano
Bond Street Lounge
Cabana
Canyon Ranch Grill
China Grill Miami Beach
Deco Grill
The Dining Room
Eden South Beach
Essensia Restaurant & Lounge
Fogo de Chão Churrascaria
The Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar
Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi
La Marea at The Tides South Beach
Meat Market
Morton's The Steakhouse, Miami Beach
Mr. Chow
OLA Restaurant
Pelican Cafe
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana
Quinn's South Beach
Red, The Steakhouse
The Restaurant at The National
The Restaurant at The Setai
Rosa Mexicano
The Royal
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Shula's Steak House at The Alexander Hotel
Smith & Wollensky
Solea
SUSHISAMBA dromo
Sushi SoBe
Tantra Restaurant & Lounge
Tudor House
Vita Restaurant & Lounge
Wish
Yuca

Mainland—North
(Airport Area, Aventura, Design District, Doral, Miami Lakes, Midtown, Morningside,
North Miami, North Miami Beach)
94th Aero Squadron
Armillary Grill Restaurant
Bourbon Steak
Catch Grill & Bar
City Hall the Restaurant
Graziano's Restaurant—Hialeah
La Riviera
Mercadito Midtown
Mesazul Steakhouse
Michy's
Morton's The Steakhouse, North Miami Beach 
Palm Restaurant
Petit Rouge
Shula's Steak House—The Original
Sra. Martinez
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill
Sustain Restaurant & Bar
Tuna's Raw Bar & Grille

Mainland—South
(Brickell/Downtown, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami)
Anacapri on Ponce
Area 31
Atrio Restaurant & Wine Bar
Azul
Bizcaya
Cafe Sambal
Caffe Abbracci
Caffe Portofino
The Capital Grille
Chart House Miami
Christy's Restaurant
db Bistro Moderne
Eos
Fontana at The Biltmore Hotel
Gibraltar
Graziano's Restaurant—Bird Road
Graziano's Restaurant—Brickell
Graziano's Restaurant—Coral Gables
La Cofradia Restaurant
La Palma Ristorante & Bar
Le Provencal Restuarant
Loulou "Le Petit Bistro"
Morton's The Steakhouse, Coral Gables
Morton's The Steakhouse Miami
Novecento—Brickell
Novecento—Key Biscayne
Old Lisbon Restaurant
Ortanique on the Mile
Palme d'Or at The Biltmore Hotel
Pascal's on Ponce
Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge
Red Fish Grill
Red Koi Lounge
Rincon Argentino Steakhouse
Rincon Argentino Steakhouse No. 2
Rosa Mexicano
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Shula's 347 Grill
Tony Chan's Water Club
The Trapiche Room
Truluck's
Two Chefs Restaurant
Whitney's

Northern Beaches 
(Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach)
The H Restaurant
Il Mulino New York
Mister Collins
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) hopes your Miami Spice experience is memorable. If you would like to share any comments or concerns with us, please send an email toMiamiSpice@gmcvb.com 

For more information on these restaurants visit: www.ilovemiamispice.com

**IMages and information from:  




The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to present an impressive lineup of participating Miami Spice restaurants! Please check back periodically for updates. Days offered
and menus to come...
Miami Beach/South Beach
660 at The Angler's
1500°
Ago Restaurant
A Fish Called Avalon
Asia De Cuba at Mondrian
Baires Grill Resto
Bistro One LR
Blade at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
BLT Steak at The Betsy
Blue Door Fish at Delano
Blue Sea at Delano
Bond Street Lounge
Cabana
Canyon Ranch Grill
China Grill Miami Beach
Deco Grill
The Dining Room
Eden South Beach
Essensia Restaurant & Lounge
Fogo de Chão Churrascaria
The Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar
Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi
La Marea at The Tides South Beach
Meat Market
Morton's The Steakhouse, Miami Beach
Mr. Chow
OLA Restaurant
Pelican Cafe
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana
Quinn's South Beach
Red, The Steakhouse
The Restaurant at The National
The Restaurant at The Setai
Rosa Mexicano
The Royal
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante
Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Shula's Steak House at The Alexander Hotel
Smith & Wollensky
Solea
SUSHISAMBA dromo
Sushi SoBe
Tantra Restaurant & Lounge
Tudor House
Vita Restaurant & Lounge
Wish
Yuca

Mainland—North
(Airport Area, Aventura, Design District, Doral, Miami Lakes, Midtown, Morningside,
North Miami, North Miami Beach)
94th Aero Squadron
Armillary Grill Restaurant
Bourbon Steak
Catch Grill & Bar
City Hall the Restaurant
Graziano's Restaurant—Hialeah
La Riviera
Mercadito Midtown
Mesazul Steakhouse
Michy's
Morton's The Steakhouse, North Miami Beach 
Palm Restaurant
Petit Rouge
Shula's Steak House—The Original
Sra. Martinez
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill
Sustain Restaurant & Bar
Tuna's Raw Bar & Grille

Mainland—South
(Brickell/Downtown, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami)
Anacapri on Ponce
Area 31
Atrio Restaurant & Wine Bar
Azul
Bizcaya
Cafe Sambal
Caffe Abbracci
Caffe Portofino
The Capital Grille
Chart House Miami
Christy's Restaurant
db Bistro Moderne
Eos
Fontana at The Biltmore Hotel
Gibraltar
Graziano's Restaurant—Bird Road
Graziano's Restaurant—Brickell
Graziano's Restaurant—Coral Gables
La Cofradia Restaurant
La Palma Ristorante & Bar
Le Provencal Restuarant
Loulou "Le Petit Bistro"
Morton's The Steakhouse, Coral Gables
Morton's The Steakhouse Miami
Novecento—Brickell
Novecento—Key Biscayne
Old Lisbon Restaurant
Ortanique on the Mile
Palme d'Or at The Biltmore Hotel
Pascal's on Ponce
Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge
Red Fish Grill
Red Koi Lounge
Rincon Argentino Steakhouse
Rincon Argentino Steakhouse No. 2
Rosa Mexicano
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Shula's 347 Grill
Tony Chan's Water Club
The Trapiche Room
Truluck's
Two Chefs Restaurant
Whitney's

Northern Beaches 
(Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach)
The H Restaurant
Il Mulino New York
Mister Collins
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) hopes your Miami Spice experience is memorable. If you would like to share any comments or concerns with us, please send an email toMiamiSpice@gmcvb.com 

Miami is known for its world-class fine dining experience. In addition to participating Miami Spice restaurants, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau touts a plethora of unique restaurants. For additional restaurants, please click here

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Lincoln Road

I've written about Lincoln Road many times, and there's always something new to write about or pictures to share.

In this post, I simply want to share photographs I took while strolling along one evening...