Life's the Beach

A little piece of heaven

2012-01-28T11:08:00.000-05:00

The Nutcracker Ballet in Miami

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Attending performances of The Nutcracker ballet is one of my favorite childhood Christmas memories. I have taken my children to see it, but not consistently every year. Now that they are older and can appreciate and understand it better, I plan to take them and hopefully continue the tradition that is so dear to me.

The Nutcracker performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center are limited. They will be taking place from December 15th through December 18th, 2011.

Visit the Adrienne Arsht Center website for information and tickets.

Miami City Ballet presentsGeorge Balanchine's The Nutcracker™

ZIFF BALLET OPERA HOUSE

Thursday, December 15, 2011, 7:30pm

The Nutcracker is a magical treat for young and old. Ours is the exciting George Balanchine version, complete with beautiful sets, lavish costumes, dazzling special effects and glorious music. A large cast of talented children accompanies our international ballet stars.

* Image and information from: www.arshtcenter.org

Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau

2011-11-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to roam around the website for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau. They have a lot of useful and informative information about Miami and vacation planning in the area.

They offer planning guides, lists of attractions, travel advisors, restaurants, spas and golf course, etc. They even have apps with local information.

This may be a good resource in addition to this blog, of course, for information about Miami and the beaches.

I hope you find everything you are looking for and hope you have a terrific vacation!

Come back and post your comments. Let us know what you like to do while in South Florida on vacation.

Whisk Gourmet Restaurant and Catering

2011-11-16T22:35:00.001-05:00

Whisk Gourmet Restaurant and Catering

After twenty minutes of searching for parking and walking practically four blocks to the restaurant (in Miami we are not used to walking too much), we finally arrived. My foul mood lifted almost immediately...
The vibe in the restaurant is chic and trendy. We went for lunch and found a mix of executives and housewives. Although the restaurant is almost unassuming, it has a certain "je ne sais quoi".
I really enjoyed just being there.

The menu was different from most I've seen in Miami. Yet, from the selections I could almost guess what the meals would look and taste like.

Once we received our meal, my husband immediately commented that this restaurant was similar to "Justine's Kitchen" in Charleston, SC. I argued and said "No way, you are crazy!!!" I continued by adding that Justine's was a very southern, home-like restaurant, almost like eating at a southern neighbor's home. I even added that Whisk was too chic to be like Justine's.

Lunch was fabulous! We shared a house salad (WHISK House Salad w/ Organic Mixed Greens, Raisins, Gorgonzola, Brown Butter Walnuts, Fresh Tomato & Cider Vinaigrette) and then each had a half of two different sandwiches. We ordered the Pimiento Cheese & Fried Green Tomato Sandwich w/ Hydroponic Arugula, 3 Fried Green Tomatoes, Pecanwood Smoked Bacon and the Turkey Avocado Lettuce & Tomato w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Mayo & Dijon. The first was better than the second, however, if you request the raspberry mayo, the turkey sandwich gets a whole lot better.

So while we had coffee and my husband ate a cookie for dessert, our server came over and my husband interrogated her (as he loves to do). It turns out we were both right. The owner is from the south, and wanted to introduce Miami to gourmet southern cuisine.

I think he hit it right on!!! This place is great. You can even look past the horrible parking, because it truly is a special place.

Drop in, you certainly won't be disappointed!

Vizcaya Part 1

2011-10-10T08:00:00.009-04:00

Every visitor to Miami must visit Vizcaya. It is an amazing place to visit. It was built in 1916 by agricultural industrialist James Deering. Its interesting to walk through the home and listen to its history and how its inhabitants lived back in the day. Vizcaya features a main house and ten acres of gardens.

An added bonus is that it has some of the nicest views in the entire city. Many brides and "quinceaneras" use the gardens as the setting for their precious photographs.

I have so many beautiful photographs, I've decided to divide the photos into several posts. My next few posts will include all the photos.

Take the family for a visit you will truly enjoy!

Real Estate Services

2011-10-06T08:00:00.005-04:00

As a realtor in South Florida and particularly Miami Beach, I specialize in short or long term rentals.

Some of the real estate services include:
• Matching property owners with tenants
• Finding or providing properties available for corporate housing, vacation rentals, or long term rentals
• Finding or providing quality accommodations at competitive prices
• Professional, friendly staff eager to help with your housing needs
• Easy payment methods

COMPETITIVE RATES
We can often save you more than the cost of our service alone. Why not call us today?
Ana Gonzalez, Realtor, Avanti Way Real Estate
Phone (305)761-5700
Fax (305) 271-9895
lifesthebeachfl@gmail.com

AVAILABLE SERVICES for Property Owners
• Rental services
• Assistance with professionally furnishing units for rentals*
• Management of rentals and property for absentee owners*
*Note: Additional fees charged for these services

LET US HELP YOU MAKE MONEY
• Invest in rental properties and we’ll rent them out for you **
• Take advantage of our vast database of prospective tenants
• Mundane tasks associated with the rental property are a thing of the past. You have more free time for your work or pleasure.
*** With the assistance of qualified licensed Florida real estate agents we can help you find vacation or income properties to purchase

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES

We pride ourselves with locating quality properties in South Florida
Properties are located throughout Miami-Dade County in centrally located and desirable neighborhoods such as Aventura, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, and more
Studios, one, two, three bedroom condominium units, single family homes and town homes available for lease
Properties are furnished and equipped with all the comforts of home
Properties are available with amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, beachfront, or beach access, fitness centers, and more

Tenants
• Top quality properties available in highly sought-after areas throughout Miami-Dade County
• View photos of the properties on our website or have photos emailed to you
• Special requests may be accommodated*
• Have reliable company do your leg work for you, then just move in when you arrive
• Assistance with locating the ideal home for your vacation or business visit
• Assistance with short or long-term rentals
• Assistance with local visitor information
• Easy payment methods
*Note: Additional fee(s) charged for these services

Broadway in Miami 2011...Take 2

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am re-posting a previous entry to remind all of you that this is still available...

Wow! Broadway in Miami...sounds great! I am looking into purchasing a subscription for this year's season. Visit the Adrienne Arsht Center website and purchase your subscription.

You can purchase tickets for individual performances or for the entire Broadway series.

Come back and post your comments on your experience(s).

The Addams
Family

October 25 - 30, 2011

Shrek,
The Musical

December 6 - 11, 2011

Million Dollar
Quartet

Dec. 27 - Jan. 1, 2012

Come
Fly Away

March 20 - 25, 2012

Disney's
The Lion King

May 15 - June 10, 2012

**Images and information from Adrienne Arsht Center website

October is Everyone's A Kid Month

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

I came across this bit of information while I was researching things to do in Miami. I never knew about this...

I will definitely check out some of the activites and come back and report to all of you...




		Miami Attractions Month—Everyone's a Kid


	Other great opportunities...	Miami Attractions Month will return... October 1 - 31, 2011! Attractions that offer countless choices — from historic to adventuresome, natural to man-made. Attractions so exotic they beckon to be explored. Old World-style villas. Animal and botanical sanctuaries. Glass-bottom boats. A River of Grass. Places that capture the imagination and stir the soul. Just imagine swimming with dolphins, penguins in the sun and hand-feeding giraffes — just a few of many jaw dropping sights and experiences that makeup our kaleidoscope of attractions. Amazing Miami Attractions ... Miami is known for its amazing attractions. For more attractions, please click here. For comprehensive information including dining, shopping, 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 Attractions Month experience was memorable, if you would like to share any comments or concerns with us please send an email toMiamiAttractions@gmcvb.com. Miami Attractions Month is organized: As part of our Local Program... \| Home \| Participants \| Special Offers \| Sponsors \|
***Images and information from the Greater Miami and the Beaches website: www.everyonesAKid.com

Frozen Yogurt Craze

2011-09-12T08:00:00.002-04:00

If you've been to South Florida lately, you surely have noticed the large amount of frozen yogurt shops. There are many different yogurt places throughout Miami, but they all feature about the same product...a self-serve frozen yogurt (usually 10 flavors to pick from) and toppings bar.

Basically, it works like this...
you walk in and make your way to the back of the shop. Usually the back is lined with ten different flavors of frozen yogurt you can serve yourself. You can mix and match flavors or just pick your favorite. (Tiny little cups are provided for tasting the variety of flavors.)

Once you've decided on the flavor(s) of the day, you move on to the toppings bar. Toppings usually range from several fresh fruit to fruit in syrup, nuts, granola, a variety of crushed chocolate bars, cookie dough, candy, etc, etc, etc...I seriously could go on for a long time.

In addition, most shops provide sauces to top your creation. Nutella, hot fudge, caramel and/or strawberry syrup to name a few.

These places are a family favorite at our house. We do have a "favorite shop" but most are very similar. I think we are just partial because it was the first one that arrived in town.

We enjoy our frozen yogurt escapades tremendously. But I must warn you, you should probably go there in lieu of a regular meal. If you get carried away like we do, the creation becomes way too big to be considered dessert, it moves straight up to entire meal category.

Enjoy!!!

**Image from Tutti Frutti website: http://www.tfyogurt.com/

Miami Spice, 2011...Take 3

2011-09-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

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...

**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

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

**IMages and information from:

Home

Restaurants

Events

Offers

Sponsors

.

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.

Sunset at Seacoast

2011-09-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Seacoast Views from the Pool

2011-09-05T04:32:00.006-04:00

Nature at Seacoast

2011-09-03T08:00:00.015-04:00

Real Estate Services

2011-09-01T08:00:00.004-04:00

As a realtor in South Florida and particularly Miami Beach, I specialize in short or long term rentals.

Some of the real estate services include:
• Matching property owners with tenants
• Finding or providing properties available for corporate housing, vacation rentals, or long term rentals
• Finding or providing quality accommodations at competitive prices
• Professional, friendly staff eager to help with your housing needs
• Easy payment methods

COMPETITIVE RATES
We can often save you more than the cost of our service alone. Why not call us today?
Ana Gonzalez, Realtor, Suncoast Beach Realty
Phone (305)761-5700
Fax (305) 271-9895
lifesthebeachfl@gmail.com

AVAILABLE SERVICES for Property Owners
• Rental services
• Assistance with professionally furnishing units for rentals*
• Management of rentals and property for absentee owners*
*Note: Additional fees charged for these services

LET US HELP YOU MAKE MONEY
• Invest in rental properties and we’ll rent them out for you **
• Take advantage of our vast database of prospective tenants
• Mundane tasks associated with the rental property are a thing of the past. You have more free time for your work or pleasure.
*** With the assistance of qualified licensed Florida real estate agents we can help you find vacation or income properties to purchase

EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTIES

We pride ourselves with locating quality properties in South Florida
Properties are located throughout Miami-Dade County in centrally located and desirable neighborhoods such as Aventura, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, and more
Studios, one, two, three bedroom condominium units, single family homes and town homes available for lease
Properties are furnished and equipped with all the comforts of home
Properties are available with amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, beachfront, or beach access, fitness centers, and more

Tenants
• Top quality properties available in highly sought-after areas throughout Miami-Dade County
• View photos of the properties on our website or have photos emailed to you
• Special requests may be accommodated*
• Have reliable company do your leg work for you, then just move in when you arrive
• Assistance with locating the ideal home for your vacation or business visit
• Assistance with short or long-term rentals
• Assistance with local visitor information
• Easy payment methods

*Note: Additional fee(s) charged for these services

Seacoast Grounds

2011-08-31T08:00:00.002-04:00

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.

Morning Views from the Balcony of Seacoast Condo

2011-08-29T08:00:00.005-04:00

Art Center/South Florida

2011-08-26T08:00:00.027-04:00

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/

Soundscape Park in the Evening

2011-08-24T08:00:00.016-04:00

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.

What Do You Think?

2011-08-22T08:00:00.014-04:00

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?

New Marlins Stadium is Bittersweet for me

2011-08-21T11:06:00.000-04:00

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 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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.

Miami Spice, 2011...Take 2

2011-08-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

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...

**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.

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 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

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

**IMages and information from:

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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

Lincoln Road

2011-08-17T08:00:00.006-04:00

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...

The Sunset from Our Window

2011-08-15T08:00:00.008-04:00

I took these pictures of the sunset after a very stormy day in Miami Beach.

This was the view from the balcony of our condo.

Seacoast

2011-08-12T08:00:00.057-04:00

I love Seacoast. We've had an apartment or two here for about fourteen years. I never get tired of the building, in fact, I love it more each time I come. Yes, there are newer buildings, but this building has character and it is beautiful. Not to mention, it has one of the largest and widest beaches in all of South Florida.

Seacoast Condominium was designed and built in 1966 by world-renowned architect Morris Lapidus. It is a resort-like building with many amenities. Seacoast was very popular with international celebrities for many years. In 1995, European developers renovated the building and common areas. New furnishings are purchased periodically and the building and grounds are always kept up to the highest standards.

Another Beautiful Day on the Beach at Seacoast

2011-08-10T08:00:00.012-04:00

These photos were taken at my favorite time of the day on the beach. My family loves this time of the day on the beach. Even though we love being there at any time and many days we go out in the morning and stay all day. Our absolute favorite is late afternoon after 4:00pm. We can stay out until 7:30pm or 8:00 pm and have a wonderful time.

The beach is not as busy and not as full at this time. The sun is not as strong, therefore the temperature is more tolerable and pleasant.

We have more freedom to explore, play, run and do as we please at this time.

Try it out, I'm sure you will love it too!

Enjoy your evenings at the beach...