Places that are closed/closing:
- PS14. Closing permanently after Halloween weekend. Not a bad thing. They were the example of a dive bar done wrong.
- Wine 69. Closed. Good wine and food at an affordable price-- I'm sad to see them go.
- Badrutt's Place. Already closed, supposedly for a month and a half of renovations. Usually "renovations" means permanent closure in Miami. Only time will tell.
Places that are open/opening:
- DRB (The Democratic Republic of Beer). Open right across from the Arsht center. They boast an impressive beer menu with 400 different beers from around the world; a modest but varied wine and champagne menu; and a food menu with samplings from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. Oh, and they're open 7 days a week from 11AM-5AM. Haven't been yet, but sounds good. I'll keep you updated.
- Bar 721. A no-BS style bar set to open the first week of November. Theme is moderately priced drinks and a vintage "I'm sitting in my comfy living room" feel. Seeing is believing so I'll let you know what it's like upon opening.
- Mokai. The space has been acquired by The Opium Group. No word yet on the new venue name or an opening date, but rumor has it they should open it with the next 2-3 months. Keep you posted.
- Klutch. Set to open in the old Prive and Opium Gardens space. The opening date is unknown, as they where supposed to already have opened in August. Word has it that they should be open in about 6-8 weeks though.
That's the gossip. See you in the morning.
Daniel Maughan: Saving The Opium Group one party at a time
Anyone who knows me knows that I have a love-hate relationship with The Opium Group. It’s usually a love the venue but hate the service kind of deal. From snooty bouncers on power-trips, to waitresses that never seem to have enough time for their own tables-- The Opium Group has managed to leave a bad taste in my mouth. I understand that they’re trying to run a business, but their customer service sure leaves a lot to be desired. There’s no excuse for treating your customers like crap. After some time though, one comes to accept that this is the way things are. The Opium Group clubs treat you like crap, and so you just don’t go to them anymore. Then I met Danny.
Daniel Maughan is the unassuming type. As opposed to most promoters today, he isn’t flashy or on an ego-trip. He doesn’t need to be-- he’s got his sh!# on lock. No kidding. Danny, or the savior of Opium as I jokingly call him, is probably one of the best assets The Opium Group has. He isn’t just a promoter who oh-so-kindly allows you to use his name to get through the door, not at all. He goes a step further and becomes one of the best party hosts I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Me and the girls with Danny
Having a problem at the door? He’s got it. Can’t find the waitress? He’s got it. Thirsty? He’s got it. Danny goes out of his way to make sure you have a good time. The formula is simple: treat the people that make you money well and they’ll keep on coming back to make you more money. Brilliant. Now, why hasn’t the rest of The Opium Group gotten with the program? It’s beyond me, but thankfully Danny’s around to make things better.
So next time you plan on going to an Opium Group venue, or simply would like your faith renewed, give Danny a call. I GUARANTEE you a good time. Here's the 411:
His schedule:
Tuesdays at Louis, Wednesdays at Mansion, Thursdays and Fridays at Louis, Saturdays at Mansion, and Sundays at SET.
His number:
(305) 297-5561
His FaceBook page:
Click here
Trust me when I say you’ll thank me in the morning.
Daniel Maughan is the unassuming type. As opposed to most promoters today, he isn’t flashy or on an ego-trip. He doesn’t need to be-- he’s got his sh!# on lock. No kidding. Danny, or the savior of Opium as I jokingly call him, is probably one of the best assets The Opium Group has. He isn’t just a promoter who oh-so-kindly allows you to use his name to get through the door, not at all. He goes a step further and becomes one of the best party hosts I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Me and the girls with Danny
Having a problem at the door? He’s got it. Can’t find the waitress? He’s got it. Thirsty? He’s got it. Danny goes out of his way to make sure you have a good time. The formula is simple: treat the people that make you money well and they’ll keep on coming back to make you more money. Brilliant. Now, why hasn’t the rest of The Opium Group gotten with the program? It’s beyond me, but thankfully Danny’s around to make things better.
So next time you plan on going to an Opium Group venue, or simply would like your faith renewed, give Danny a call. I GUARANTEE you a good time. Here's the 411:
His schedule:
Tuesdays at Louis, Wednesdays at Mansion, Thursdays and Fridays at Louis, Saturdays at Mansion, and Sundays at SET.
His number:
(305) 297-5561
His FaceBook page:
Click here
Trust me when I say you’ll thank me in the morning.
The Wall: Ushering back in an era long forgotten
Located at the W South Beach Hotel, The Wall Lounge is the newest attraction on South Beach. It is the latest venture of Eric and Francis Milon of The Opium Group, and Karim Masri and Nicola Siervo who have brought us such venues as Mynt and Mokai.
It is not a large venue, and it doesn’t want to be. The theme at The Wall is that it doesn’t need a VIP section, it is the VIP section. It doesn’t hurt that it looks like a million bucks either. The boutique lounge is divided into two sections: a small bar with black lacquered walls right as you walk in, and the main room decorated in a black-and-gold motif with mirrored walls. Completely contemporary in design, from the moment you walk in there is an air of luxury and sophistication that is hard to find in today’s South Beach nightclub scene.
Without any of the usual promotions typical to South Beach nightclubs, The Wall has already built an extraordinary base crowd. With every visit I found the venue to be filled to the brim with crème de la crème. The elitist attitude carried here is reminiscent to a time when getting in meant either being VIP or looking VIP. That being so it has already put together one of the best-looking crowds I’ve seen on South Beach in a very long time.
True to form with the W’s standards, the service was impeccable from the doorman to the bartenders. This goes to prove that you can run an exclusive South Beach club with none of the attitude. To top off this exquisite package, The Wall has the sounds of Ross One on Fridays and Stephan Luke on Saturdays to keep you dancing till you drop.
With gorgeous people and local as well as not-so-local celebrities already making this their regular haunt, The Wall is slowly but surely ushering back in that “it” factor missing from South Beach weekends for so long. This intimate venue, with its luxurious look and sophisticated style is sure to please everyone. So put on those Louboutin stilettos or that Armani jacket you’ve been waiting to wear, and get ready to party like a rock star.
It is not a large venue, and it doesn’t want to be. The theme at The Wall is that it doesn’t need a VIP section, it is the VIP section. It doesn’t hurt that it looks like a million bucks either. The boutique lounge is divided into two sections: a small bar with black lacquered walls right as you walk in, and the main room decorated in a black-and-gold motif with mirrored walls. Completely contemporary in design, from the moment you walk in there is an air of luxury and sophistication that is hard to find in today’s South Beach nightclub scene. Without any of the usual promotions typical to South Beach nightclubs, The Wall has already built an extraordinary base crowd. With every visit I found the venue to be filled to the brim with crème de la crème. The elitist attitude carried here is reminiscent to a time when getting in meant either being VIP or looking VIP. That being so it has already put together one of the best-looking crowds I’ve seen on South Beach in a very long time.
True to form with the W’s standards, the service was impeccable from the doorman to the bartenders. This goes to prove that you can run an exclusive South Beach club with none of the attitude. To top off this exquisite package, The Wall has the sounds of Ross One on Fridays and Stephan Luke on Saturdays to keep you dancing till you drop. With gorgeous people and local as well as not-so-local celebrities already making this their regular haunt, The Wall is slowly but surely ushering back in that “it” factor missing from South Beach weekends for so long. This intimate venue, with its luxurious look and sophisticated style is sure to please everyone. So put on those Louboutin stilettos or that Armani jacket you’ve been waiting to wear, and get ready to party like a rock star.
MIA Biscayne: Try Harder
Barely open for a month, MIA has already created quite the buzz. Located in downtown Miami, on the corner of Flagler and Biscayne, this new restaurant by day and club by night venue comes to us decked out and ready to party.
The first thing you’ll notice upon stepping inside is that this place definitely has its swag on. You’ll find yourself surrounded by ultra-modern furniture dressed in rich jewel-toned fabrics, glass bars with color-changing LED backlighting, and embellished chandeliers in almost every corner of the space. MIA is also the first to incorporate the iBar and iWall technologies into its décor in the United States. This interactive technology, which reacts to the touch, puts the icing on the cake for the oh-so-swank setting.
Unfortunately, besides aesthetics, the experience at MIA leaves something to be desired. The crowd was, to say it nicely, a bit subpar. Honestly, who really wants to party next to a bunch of people in oversized t-shirts, big gold chains and sneakers? Or with girls in clothing 3 sizes too small that leave nothing to the imagination? The crowd wasn’t exactly full of beautiful people if you know what I mean. Though there was a better dressed clientele there, they were definitely a minority.
The service isn’t exactly 5-star material either. Apparently, more than one MIA bartender seems to be in the practice of conveniently forgetting to mention that the gratuity is included in your total. So if you’re paying cash and don’t specifically ask for a receipt, chances are you’ll be double-tipping. Something which will definitely burn a whole in your wallet as the drinks are already overpriced even for South Beach standards, and even more so for downtown standards.
To make things worse, the bathrooms are unisex. This isn’t a mall, so unless the venue plans on letting in little children in need of changing in a family restroom I don’t see the point; unless, of course, the goal is to make many a woman uncomfortable. Call me old school, but something about having some random drunk guy give you the eye as you step out of a bathroom stall is just creepy.
I would say that the only highlight to my experience there was the amazing music. Friday resident DJ Bruno tore up the turntables with some seriously good beats. Besides that though, the venue has serious potential but still needs a lot of work. I wouldn’t give up all hope on MIA just yet, after all they’ve just opened and there’s an adjustment period. Hopefully, with a little more time MIA can clean up its act and live up to its potential. You'll thank me in the morning.
The first thing you’ll notice upon stepping inside is that this place definitely has its swag on. You’ll find yourself surrounded by ultra-modern furniture dressed in rich jewel-toned fabrics, glass bars with color-changing LED backlighting, and embellished chandeliers in almost every corner of the space. MIA is also the first to incorporate the iBar and iWall technologies into its décor in the United States. This interactive technology, which reacts to the touch, puts the icing on the cake for the oh-so-swank setting.
Unfortunately, besides aesthetics, the experience at MIA leaves something to be desired. The crowd was, to say it nicely, a bit subpar. Honestly, who really wants to party next to a bunch of people in oversized t-shirts, big gold chains and sneakers? Or with girls in clothing 3 sizes too small that leave nothing to the imagination? The crowd wasn’t exactly full of beautiful people if you know what I mean. Though there was a better dressed clientele there, they were definitely a minority.
The service isn’t exactly 5-star material either. Apparently, more than one MIA bartender seems to be in the practice of conveniently forgetting to mention that the gratuity is included in your total. So if you’re paying cash and don’t specifically ask for a receipt, chances are you’ll be double-tipping. Something which will definitely burn a whole in your wallet as the drinks are already overpriced even for South Beach standards, and even more so for downtown standards.
To make things worse, the bathrooms are unisex. This isn’t a mall, so unless the venue plans on letting in little children in need of changing in a family restroom I don’t see the point; unless, of course, the goal is to make many a woman uncomfortable. Call me old school, but something about having some random drunk guy give you the eye as you step out of a bathroom stall is just creepy.
I would say that the only highlight to my experience there was the amazing music. Friday resident DJ Bruno tore up the turntables with some seriously good beats. Besides that though, the venue has serious potential but still needs a lot of work. I wouldn’t give up all hope on MIA just yet, after all they’ve just opened and there’s an adjustment period. Hopefully, with a little more time MIA can clean up its act and live up to its potential. You'll thank me in the morning.
Club 50: In A Class Of Its Own
High atop the 50th floor of the Viceroy Hotel you’ll find Club 50. A hidden jewel at the zenith of a modern day castle, to enter it is to fall under its spell. The checkered marble floors are reminiscent of opulent halls of the old world’s aristocracy, and the antique-finish golden mirrors alongside beautiful stone ornamentations make walking into the space seem like a dream— or perhaps more like a dream come true.
The intimate venue is comprised of the main lounge and poolside bar area. It boasts a stunning 360 degree view of the city the likes of which you have to see to believe. The luxe furnishings and impeccably styled décor make this space not only a true credit to modern elegance, but also a new playground for the bourgeoisie. Oh, and play they will.
Club 50 is the latest and greatest as far where to be seen, and Lotus Saturdays is when you want to be there. The main room plays open format, and you soon find out what all the hype is about: the energy this party has is simply amazing. Everyone is dancing, laughing, and having the time of their lives. You can’t help but be infected by the fun that seems to be everywhere. It’s almost as if there’s something in the air. If you feel more like lounging about or having a conversation, make your way outside to the poolside bar area. There you can grab a seat and relax while listening to laid-back house beats.
Should you need anything, Club 50’s exceptional staff is happy to oblige. I can honestly say that I have never, I mean never, come across a more professional staff. From the moment I arrived at the door the level of service was phenomenal. It was all business, but with a smile. You will find no pretension or rudeness as you do at so many other doors. Once inside, go to David at the main bar for a drink. I don’t often suggest bartenders by name and the other bartenders where good, but I found David’s service truly outstanding. When it comes cocktails he is not only extremely knowledgeable, but his recommendations are made with the best of discerning tastes.
Club 50 is a semi-private lounge. This means it is open to building residents, hotel guests, or by invitation only. Showing up at the door uninvited is something to do at your own risk. If you would like to give it a shot, my advice would be to go very early and dress to the nines. You could also try dining early at the hotel’s restaurant and then trying your luck with the maître d’.
The party is an early one as far as Miami standards are concerned. It starts at 9:30PM and ends at 3:00AM. Girls, definitely wear your hair up since the only complaint I have about Club 50 is that it gets way too warm in there when the crowd is at its peak. Everywhere you look you though, you’ll find beautiful people as this party brings out Miami’s most prominent movers and shakers. Whether its models, young professionals, or something in between, you’ll find the company will keep you pleasantly entertained. Classically elegant and surprisingly high-energy, this party is a guaranteed good time. You'll thank me in the morning.
The intimate venue is comprised of the main lounge and poolside bar area. It boasts a stunning 360 degree view of the city the likes of which you have to see to believe. The luxe furnishings and impeccably styled décor make this space not only a true credit to modern elegance, but also a new playground for the bourgeoisie. Oh, and play they will.Club 50 is the latest and greatest as far where to be seen, and Lotus Saturdays is when you want to be there. The main room plays open format, and you soon find out what all the hype is about: the energy this party has is simply amazing. Everyone is dancing, laughing, and having the time of their lives. You can’t help but be infected by the fun that seems to be everywhere. It’s almost as if there’s something in the air. If you feel more like lounging about or having a conversation, make your way outside to the poolside bar area. There you can grab a seat and relax while listening to laid-back house beats.
Should you need anything, Club 50’s exceptional staff is happy to oblige. I can honestly say that I have never, I mean never, come across a more professional staff. From the moment I arrived at the door the level of service was phenomenal. It was all business, but with a smile. You will find no pretension or rudeness as you do at so many other doors. Once inside, go to David at the main bar for a drink. I don’t often suggest bartenders by name and the other bartenders where good, but I found David’s service truly outstanding. When it comes cocktails he is not only extremely knowledgeable, but his recommendations are made with the best of discerning tastes.Club 50 is a semi-private lounge. This means it is open to building residents, hotel guests, or by invitation only. Showing up at the door uninvited is something to do at your own risk. If you would like to give it a shot, my advice would be to go very early and dress to the nines. You could also try dining early at the hotel’s restaurant and then trying your luck with the maître d’.
The party is an early one as far as Miami standards are concerned. It starts at 9:30PM and ends at 3:00AM. Girls, definitely wear your hair up since the only complaint I have about Club 50 is that it gets way too warm in there when the crowd is at its peak. Everywhere you look you though, you’ll find beautiful people as this party brings out Miami’s most prominent movers and shakers. Whether its models, young professionals, or something in between, you’ll find the company will keep you pleasantly entertained. Classically elegant and surprisingly high-energy, this party is a guaranteed good time. You'll thank me in the morning.
Back Seat Betty: A Guilty Pleasure
We all like a change of pace every now and then. If you’re in no mood for a posh affair, let me suggest Back Seat Betty. The newest production by Mykel Stevens, it will definitely give you a break from the typical Miami social scene.
Mykel Stevens, as you may remember, was the originator of the infamous Back Door Bamby party. Back Door Bamby now rests in the hands of Stevens’ previous business partner and owner of the Vagabond, Carmel Ophir. That being so, Stevens felt it was time for a new project— one with a bit more edge.
Back Seat Betty is the new dirty girl in town. Hosted on Mondays nights at LOVEHATE, from the moment you walk in you realize it isn’t your typical night at the bar. While LOVEHATE normally provides the classic underground bar feel, Back Seat Betty definitely gives it an extra punch. This crowd isn’t your ordinary bar scene because this night is a bit different.
The dress is laid-back, but still sexy. The crowd isn’t just sitting around having a couple of beers; instead everyone is up and dancing to rock ‘n’ roll mash-ups and dirty house beats. Go-go dancers dressed in racy lingerie entice and entertain in the background, and the energy in the air is that of reckless abandon. Suddenly, the red-lit room feels like something out of a lusty film noir.
The festivities start at 10:00PM, and drinks are half-priced until midnight. For more information on Back Seat Betty, or to RSVP, contact Mykel Stevens at (786) 478-8431.
This is definitely the kind of night you visit if you want to have a naughty good time without it getting distastefully raunchy. Everyone likes a little break from the chic South Beach scene every now and again, and who doesn’t like to misbehave just a bit? Sinfully seductive, you may find yourself taking advantage of this guilty pleasure more often than not. You'll thank me in the morning.
Mykel Stevens, as you may remember, was the originator of the infamous Back Door Bamby party. Back Door Bamby now rests in the hands of Stevens’ previous business partner and owner of the Vagabond, Carmel Ophir. That being so, Stevens felt it was time for a new project— one with a bit more edge.
Back Seat Betty is the new dirty girl in town. Hosted on Mondays nights at LOVEHATE, from the moment you walk in you realize it isn’t your typical night at the bar. While LOVEHATE normally provides the classic underground bar feel, Back Seat Betty definitely gives it an extra punch. This crowd isn’t your ordinary bar scene because this night is a bit different. The dress is laid-back, but still sexy. The crowd isn’t just sitting around having a couple of beers; instead everyone is up and dancing to rock ‘n’ roll mash-ups and dirty house beats. Go-go dancers dressed in racy lingerie entice and entertain in the background, and the energy in the air is that of reckless abandon. Suddenly, the red-lit room feels like something out of a lusty film noir.
The festivities start at 10:00PM, and drinks are half-priced until midnight. For more information on Back Seat Betty, or to RSVP, contact Mykel Stevens at (786) 478-8431.
This is definitely the kind of night you visit if you want to have a naughty good time without it getting distastefully raunchy. Everyone likes a little break from the chic South Beach scene every now and again, and who doesn’t like to misbehave just a bit? Sinfully seductive, you may find yourself taking advantage of this guilty pleasure more often than not. You'll thank me in the morning.
Vantage Magazine VIP Launch Party
As many of you may already know, the concept behind my blog has been picked up as a monthly column in Vantage Magazine.
Please join me for the official launch party tonight at SET Nightclub. The event starts at 10PM and later turns into the regularly scheduled Saturday for the club.
This is a private event, so to get in you MUST RSVP with first and last name to blog@propartygirl.com.
Hope to see you there!!
Please join me for the official launch party tonight at SET Nightclub. The event starts at 10PM and later turns into the regularly scheduled Saturday for the club.
This is a private event, so to get in you MUST RSVP with first and last name to blog@propartygirl.com.
Hope to see you there!!
Area 31 @ the Epic Hotel: You’re better off with a home cooked meal
The Epic Hotel is a shiny new thing, and we Miamians sure love shiny new things. Located in the downtown Brickell area, it’s conveniently in the middle of pretty much everything. South Beach, Bayside, Mary Brickell and the Arsht Center all being just minutes away, to name a few. You’ll find it where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay, and once there the gorgeous city panorama that surrounds you will steal your heart away.
Area 31 is the hotel’s restaurant and takes its name from where it sources most of its seafood-- Fishing Area 31. Designated by the United Nations, Fishing Area 31 spans the waters of the western central Atlantic, Central America and northern South America. This area is dedicated to being an economically sound sustainable seafood source, and the fact that the restaurant sources most of its seafood from there is an admirable eco-friendly practice.
Located on the 16th floor, the aesthetics are truly beautiful. The rich woods displayed in a neo-contemporary design and dim lighting give the setting a sense of casual elegance. Unfortunately, that feeling is cheapened shortly thereafter by hotel guests walking around in jean shorts and flip-flops through the restaurant. All of a sudden you feel like you’ve walked into an Olive Garden, and honestly I think I may have had better food and service should I have gone there instead.
The service left a lot to be desired. While the staff was very personable and friendly, having to wait 30 minutes for a glass of Chardonnay when the restaurant is half empty is completely unacceptable. I was hoping that the food would make up for the service, unfortunately it did not. The food was by no means bad, quite the contrary, it was in fact good. Therein lies the problem though—it was just good. There was nothing catching or extraordinary about these dishes, and even the presentation was a bit boring. The general consensus around the table was that while the food may have been good, it was certainly not worth the hype this restaurant has built up.
The prices would generally be considered reasonable, if it weren’t for the tiny portions. Seriously, when a salad appetizer is literally 3 times larger than the entrée, you’re doing something wrong. It’s common practice to have smaller portions when dealing with exceptional quality dishes, but you can’t get away with that when you’re serving food I’d consider average at best. Thank goodness for the good company I was with, as it was the only redeeming quality of my visit there.
Honestly, even though the locale itself is beautiful with its modern décor and stunning city views, I wouldn’t pay Area 31 another visit. In these economic times if you do spend the money you look for a real bang for your buck. Stay home and make yourself a home-cooked meal on this one—you’ll find better food and service that way. You’ll thank me in the morning.
Area 31 is the hotel’s restaurant and takes its name from where it sources most of its seafood-- Fishing Area 31. Designated by the United Nations, Fishing Area 31 spans the waters of the western central Atlantic, Central America and northern South America. This area is dedicated to being an economically sound sustainable seafood source, and the fact that the restaurant sources most of its seafood from there is an admirable eco-friendly practice.
Located on the 16th floor, the aesthetics are truly beautiful. The rich woods displayed in a neo-contemporary design and dim lighting give the setting a sense of casual elegance. Unfortunately, that feeling is cheapened shortly thereafter by hotel guests walking around in jean shorts and flip-flops through the restaurant. All of a sudden you feel like you’ve walked into an Olive Garden, and honestly I think I may have had better food and service should I have gone there instead.
The service left a lot to be desired. While the staff was very personable and friendly, having to wait 30 minutes for a glass of Chardonnay when the restaurant is half empty is completely unacceptable. I was hoping that the food would make up for the service, unfortunately it did not. The food was by no means bad, quite the contrary, it was in fact good. Therein lies the problem though—it was just good. There was nothing catching or extraordinary about these dishes, and even the presentation was a bit boring. The general consensus around the table was that while the food may have been good, it was certainly not worth the hype this restaurant has built up.
The prices would generally be considered reasonable, if it weren’t for the tiny portions. Seriously, when a salad appetizer is literally 3 times larger than the entrée, you’re doing something wrong. It’s common practice to have smaller portions when dealing with exceptional quality dishes, but you can’t get away with that when you’re serving food I’d consider average at best. Thank goodness for the good company I was with, as it was the only redeeming quality of my visit there.
Honestly, even though the locale itself is beautiful with its modern décor and stunning city views, I wouldn’t pay Area 31 another visit. In these economic times if you do spend the money you look for a real bang for your buck. Stay home and make yourself a home-cooked meal on this one—you’ll find better food and service that way. You’ll thank me in the morning.
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