Miami Beach Real Estate Blog

As a long-time Miami Beach resident, I enjoy recommending to our visitors the very best destinations that are regularly frequented by locals.   One of my personal favorites is Epicure Gourmet Market and Cafe, located on the western side of Miami Beach (almost the corner of Alton Rd and Lincoln Road).

Originally established in 1945, Epicure Market is an institution in South Beach featuring unique and delicious gourmet food items.  Although not cheap, this is where the elite homeowners from the surrounding neighborhoods (such as the nearby Venetian Islands,  North Bay Road Estates, and La Gorce Golf Course) often send their staff to shop for the highest quality meats, fruits, vegetables, imported cheeses, fish, and even caviar!

In 1999, Epicure’s management was taken over by the legendary owner of Jerry’s Deli (from LA) Ike Starkman, who brought in a renewed sense of service, quality,  even more unique food items, and delicacies from around the world.  For anyone visiting Miami Beach, I highly recommend taking a stroll to the western end of Lincoln Road, and checking out the unique food offerings available at Epicure, located at 1656 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

One of the key skills that a client should look for in selecting a Real Estate agent to represent them in the sale of their single family home or condominium in today’s tough market environment:

The agent should embrace today’s technology and business trends. Life today moves at a rapid pace- with banks, lawyers, title companies, South Beach property buyers, and property owners expecting a FAST response to inquiries. This has been my recent experience, most especially, during the CRITICAL moments of hammering out an agreement to purchase or sell a property. If your listing agent does not have, as an absolute minimum, a smartphone and is responding to your emails and phone calls within twelve hours, then you are NOT dealing with a tech savvy real estate agent!

A spectacular winter afternoon in Miami Beach!

Living in Miami Beach is as close as you can get to Paradise on earth in the Winter months!  We’re introducing a new video series where we share our unique perspective on living in North America’s only subtropical state.  This short introductory segment was filmed in South Pointe Park, which is located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach and recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation.  This South Beach waterfront park is especially popular with dog owners, and has many available activities for children and adults.  Outdoor yoga classes, areas dedicated to sunbathing, and social rooms for special events and even children’s parties!  Stay tuned to this blog or join our Facebook Fan page titled Miami Beach Living.

This past weekend, as I was jogging along South Beach’s Ocean Drive, I was able to witness the impressive set up for the upcoming South Beach Food and Wine Festival, which runs from February 25 – 28.  This incredible Festival just keeps getting better and more elaborate.  The 2010 Festival is expected to attract well over 40,000 visitors to the massive tents that are located right on the beach.  This star-studded food and wine extravaganza showcases chefs from around the world, and fans can attend events and seminars highlighting the latest culinary trends.  The main event occurs at the Grand Tasting tent located close to the intersections of Ocean Drive and 12th Streets.

This festival began as a simple one day event at the Biscayne Campus of Florida International University, and since 2002 has been taking place on the magnificent beachfront setting of Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive.  The Grand Tasting Village is a three block mini-city of oversized tents built right on the beach with non-stop wine tastings sponsored by local vendors and samples of the best gourmet foods that local restaurants and sponsors have to offer.

The Food & Wine Festival also consists of a week-long series of special lunch and dinner events that are held around Miami Beach.  These are invitation-only dinners that feature some of the hottest chefs from around the USA, including Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Thomas Connell, Michelle Bernstein, Sandra Lee, Laurent Tourondel, Michael Psilakis, and Paula Deen among a few of the more notable.

This wonderful Festival is also a great cause, as it is a significant fundraiser for student scholarships and facility enhancements for Florida International University.  Since its inception, the wine and food festival has raised more than $6 Million, so local students are the real winners!  As a matter of fact, along with VIP’s and notable chefs are student volunteers, who provide support and generously donate their time so that the costs of putting on the Festival are kept to a minimum.

A few of my personal favorite events to attend:

Perrier-Jouet Bubble Q- Hosted by Emeril Lagasse & Friends, Friday February 26 starting at 7PM at the Delano Beachside, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.  General Admission is $350 per person, this will be a night of bliss with a combination of barbeque and South Beach glam.  Many stations are set up in the sand with a selection of seared meats and seafood, fire roasted vegetables, and amazing desserts along with flowing Perrier-Jouet Champagne.  Many other local chefs will be on hand showcasing all of their latest culinary creations.

Dolce Brunch, Saturday February 27 starting at 11AM at The Blue Door @ Delano Hotel, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.  General Admission is $200 per person.  As a wine lover, this is one event that I look forward to all year!  Dolce wine (an amazing dessert wine) from Napa valley complements all of the food that is served, which has been selected by star chef Michelle Bernstein and gifted pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith.

Dim Sum & Disco, Saturday February 27 starting at 11:00PM at The Setai Hotel, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.  General Admission is $150 per person.  Bringing together Dim Sum and the some of the hottest local DJ’s!  Fusion forward chef Ming Tsai and Setai executive chef Jonathan Wright, chef David Munoz Rosillo of DiverXo of Madrid, chef Tom Cushman of O Ya of Boston, and Miami’s Tropical Chinese Restaurant will serve traditional small plates of dumplings and many other dim sum fare.  Due to the late night starting hour, a nap is highly recommended prior to the incredible event!