Winning Super (Bowl) Party Strategies
By Suzanne Corbett
All-Star week in St. Louis, with the NHL has us pumped and ready to kept the party rolling. We’ve caught our breathe and are ready to keep the momentum for Super Bowl weekend.
Get ready now and plan to keep your hungry fans happy by planning a great defense – a menu that’s simple. Scratch overly complicated recipes with long cook times by opting for finger foods and handheld snacks that allow for more pregame prep and less cleanup after the final whistle.
For example, setting up a chili bar allows for convenient eating throughout the game as it’s easy to keep warm for hours. Chili is the all-star winner. The ultimate comfort food, chili is an ideal watch-party snack: easy to prepare, stays warm in a slow cooker and can be personalized by guests with a wide variety of toppings. Consider adorning your bowl with a combination of these add-ons such as Shredded cheese, Sour cream, Hot sauce, Jalapenos, green onions o even bacon.
As a fun handheld snack, score Big with little potatoes. For a familiar spin on a football watching favorite, try Pigskin Potatoes: a classic combination of little potatoes and melted cheese wrapped with bacon. Made with small poetese such as Creamer potatoes from The Little Potato Company,
Pigskin Potatoes
Servings: 8
1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) Dynamic Duo or Terrific Trio Little Potatoes
6 ounces plain cream cheese at room temperature
1/3 cup finely shredded orange cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
1pound thinly sliced bacon, rashers cut in half
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Boil potatoes until fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Cut in half and allow to cool. In bowl, use spatula to combine cream cheese, cheddar, chives, salt, pepper and jalapeno, if desired. Once chilled, spread cream cheese on half of cut potatoes and sandwich each with other halves. Wrap each potato using half rasher of bacon around cut middle to ensure cheese doesn’t escape. Bake on middle rack 10 minutes. Flip and bake 10 minutes.
Turn oven to broil. Broil 2 minutes, turn once and broil 2 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispiness.
Tip: Boil potatoes 2 days ahead. Fill and wrap potatoes 1 day ahead then bake and serve on game day.
A Sweet-Heat Snack
Finger foods and watch parties go hand-in-hand, which is why these baby back ribs are ideal for grabbing a couple (or more) and heading to your favorite spot on the couch. Glazed with a mixture of honey, chipotle peppers and mangoes for some sweet heat, they’re cooked low and slow for fall-off-the-bone flavor.
Just wrap the ribs and sauce in aluminum foil, place over low indirect heat and let your grill do the work. To help simplify game day, try cooking a day in advance and warm in the oven a couple hours prior to kickoff.
Baby Back Ribs with Honey, Chipotle and Mango Glaze
Servings: 8
2 racks baby back ribs
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
4 ripe mangoes, cubed
1 cup honey
Remove ribs from package; rinse and pat dry. Remove membrane. Place in shallow pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside. In small saucepan over medium heat, cook chipotle peppers, mangoes and honey, stirring constantly, until cooked down and thick enough to coat back of spoon. Heat grill to 225-240 degrees. Wrap ribs and 2/3 of sauce mixture tightly in aluminum foil and place over indirect heat. Close lid. After 2 hours, flip ribs and cook 2 hours. Open aluminum and remove ribs, place directly on grill and brush with remaining sauce. Cook 30 minutes. Remove from grill and serve hot. (Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board)
——-For those Going To Miami:
Where to Stay, Dine and Be Seen for Super Bowl LIV
South Beach: Wet Willie’s. Wet Willie’s bills itself as a “lively, brick-walled chain bar known for its rainbow of frozen drinks, plus offbeat pub fare.”
“For anybody watching Fox News (FS1)..they are broadcasting live in front of Wet Willies for the next week in the morning,” said General Manager Tim Tucker, who is originally from St. Louis (Lindbergh High School) “The shot where you see a white two-story building with a balcony and blue and yellow umbrellas….that’s me!”
Tucker, who has been with Wet Willies for 19 years, took a picture of the Fox News Crew (shown right) from his view at Wet Willie’s.
“Wet Willies has been on South Beach since 1992,” said Tucker “We will be celebrating our 28th anniversary this Valentines Day. We are one of the top five locations on South Beach. We always have celebrities coming and enjoying our Daiquiris.”
He says the celebrities are anyone from musicians to pro athletes, and that’s on a regular day. Super Bowl will probably bring in more.
“As long as they are 21 of course,” he adds. “We sell thousands of Daiquiris a week.”
If in the area be sure to stop by Wet Willies and say hello to Tim Tucker. Tell him you heard about Wet Willie’s from Rob Rains.
Ariete: Set in idyllic Coconut Grove, Chef/Owner Michael Beltran’s Ariete has established a name for itself as one Miami’s most dynamic restaurants, offering a contemporary menu of New American cuisine with Latin, particularly Cuban, influences. A favorite among locals and visitors alike since opening in 2016, the eatery has garnered rave reviews and collected impressive accolades like Eater’s “Restaurant of the Year,” Miami New Times “Best New Restaurant” and a feature in Bon Appetit magazine. Offering a cozy ambiance with a full-service bar, Ariete is located at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. https://arietemiami.com/.
Beaker & Gray: A Wynwood must-visit, Beaker & Gray is centrally located to every Miami neighborhood and has established itself as a year-round local hotspot since its opening in 2015. Conceptualized by chef/owner Brian Nasajon and bar manager/owner Ben Potts, the restaurant is a 120-seat eatery with a playful, globally-inspired menu and vibrant after-hours bar where innovative food and drinks go hand in hand. Beaker & Gray is located at 2637 North Miami Avenue in Wynwood. http://beakerandgray.com/.
Boia De: Boia De, a new neighborhood restaurant from chef couple Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer, is located just outside Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. The funky, intimate eatery boasts a retro-modern style, comfortably chic furnishings and modern American menu with touch of Italian influence. Dishes such as Crispy Potato Skins, make it is a must try during this year’s art week. Boia De located at 5205 Northeast Second Avenue. www.boiaderestaurant.com
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Enjoy Game Day at Miami’s most upscale resorts. From a watch party at Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina to lux cabana packages, if you want to be a true baller Fontainebleau Miami Beach is the place to be on Sunday, February 2nd. Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located at 4441 Collins Avenue. For reservations, call (877) 326-7412 or visit https://www.fontainebleau.com/thebiggame.
PIZZA & BURGER WATCH PARTY | Offerings Are All Day (Noon-Midnight)
- Half Yard Special – Order two, get one free – ($17 each)
- Super Burger for Two priced at $60
- $100 minimum for table service, $60 per person, Kids minimum $25
CABANA PACKAGES | Maximum 8 People
- SAFETY PACKAGE | One pitcher of Mojito and two orders of chips & salsa
$450 for the game | 6PM – 11 PM
$650 for the day & game | 9 AM – 11 PM - TOUCHDOWN PACKAGE | One bottle of Grey Goose, three buckets of Heineken and unlimited chips & salsa
$600 for the game | 6PM – 11 PM
$950 for the day & game | 9 AM – 11 PM - MVP PACKAGE | One bottle of Grey Goose Magnum and a six-pack of Red Bull, six Voss waters
$700 for the game | 6PM – 11 PM
$1,500 for the day & game | 9 AM – 11 PM
Gianni’s at The Former Versace Mansion: The acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant Gianni’s, provides guests an inspiring dining experience by Italian Chef Valter Mancini, in an unapologetically opulent setting. With a nod to its previous iteration as the late Gianni Versace’s home, the restaurant boasts several extravagant dining areas including the Garden Dining Room, the Roman Room decorated with romantic statues and the iconic courtyard, enclosed with a canopy overlooking the mosaic-filled pool and garden. The restaurant recently began lunch service, introducing at an approachable $39 prix fixe lunch menu. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, it is also available for private events. www.vmmiamibeach.com/gianni/
Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden/The Commodore
The Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove, Miami is offering a full weekend of specials available Thursday, January 30th – Sunday, February 2nd:
- Bucket of Beer-5 local beers ($20)
- Loaded in the Grove Nachos-Tortilla chips, pulled chicken, ranchero sauce, jalapeño, guacamole, salsas, tri-power cheese sauce ($17)
- Pabst Blue Ribbon Shrimp-Beer Battered Jumbo Shrimp, Garlic Aioli, Sidewinder Fries ($22)
- Grilled Kielbasa Flatbread-Gruyere Cheese, Spiced Mustard, Caramelized Onions ($20)
- Buffalo Chicken Wrap-Crisp Chicken, Hot Sauce, Blue Cheese, Iceberg ($15)
- BBQ Pork Po’ Boi-Pulled Pork, Slaw, Pickles, Hoagie Bread, Tater Tots ($15)
- The Ritz Dog-Footlong Kobe Beef Hot Dog, Sauerkraut, Pickles, Mustard, Brioche Bun ($20)
- Sidewinder Cheese Fries- Sidewinder fries, three cheese sauce ($12)
Isabelle’s Grill Room and Garden and The Commodore are located at 3300 SW 27th Avenue at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. Telephone: (305) 400-0562; www.isabellescoconutgrove.com; www.thecommodorecg.com.
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon: With locations around the world in cities including Paris, Tokyo, and New York, the South Florida outpost of Chef Joël Robuchon’s groundbreaking concept, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, opened on August 28, 2019, making it a hot new destination in Miami’s Design District. The restaurant offers diners modern French cuisine served at a signature 34-seat dining counter that faces directly into the open kitchen. The menu in Miami features several of L’Atelier’s iconic signature dishes—including the famed pommes purée—alongside new, ever-changing seasonal creations utilizing local ingredients. The format of the menu at L’Atelier allows diners the flexibility to create their own experience by ordering a la carte or one of the various tasting menu options. www.LAtelier-miami.com.
Images: L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Le Jardinier: Le Jardinier, a modern vegetable-driven restaurant rooted in classic French technique opened August 16, 2019. The casually sophisticated concept was created by Michelin-Starred Chef and Culinary Director Alain Verzeroli, who worked with Mr. Robuchon for 21 years. Plants play a prominent role on the menu at Le Jardinier, where local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs and greens are complemented by wild and sustainable fish, meat and poultry. Located on the first floor of the bi-level plaza (with L’Atelier located upstairs), the restaurant features a lush outdoor dining area and offers lunch, dinner and Happy Hour. www.Lejardinier-miami.com.
KUSH: In honor of The Big Game, Wynwood’s burger and beer hotspot, KUSH, will host a not-to-be-missed party on Saturday, February 1, 2020 – Please Forgive Us Ray Finkle – an homage to the movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (which was shot in Miami). In the film, Miami’s team mascot and players, including Dan Marino, are abducted by a crazy former player, Ray Finkle, who blames Marino for the downfall of his career. At 3:05PM on February 1st, KUSH will be honoring Finkle, hoping that he reverses the curse he has laid upon the “Dolfans” (Miami Dolphins Fans). This is a fun, FREE event on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 3PM-6PM. The performance takes place at 3:05PM and reservations can be made on Eventbrite. www.kushwynwood.com
Lona Cocina Y Tequileria: On Sunday, February 2, 2020 football and margarita lovers will enjoy a day full of food, football and fun and the chance to win a one-year bar tab at Lona Cocina Y Tequileria on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Start the day with an enhanced brunch sponsored by Volcan Tequila. From 11:30AM – 3PM brunch-goers will have a plethora of game day themed margaritas to choose from as well as the opportunity to spin their way to the perfect frozen margarita on the Volcan Margarita Bike. Brunch is $40 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and includes a build-your-own-taco station, build-your-own salad/bowl station live breakfast station featuring made-to-order chilaquiles, omelets, eggs cooked any style and waffles with assorted toppings and refreshing free-flowing libations that include handcrafted margaritas, Bloody Marys and mimosas. Keep the party going all day with food and beverage specials from 3PM – 11PM. Featured drinks will include game day themed margaritas and buckets of beer. In addition to the a la carte menu, specials will include:
Featured Salsa $3
Poblano Pepper Dip $10 – cream cheese, chicharron
Buffalo Wings $12 – (8) Wings per Order with house-made buffalo sauce and ranch dressing
Alitas $14 – (8) Wings per Order with guajillo sauce and cilantro ranch dressing
Wing Flight $25 – (8) Buffalo wings and (8) Alitas served with cilantro ranch and blue cheese
No matter how much you love J-Lo and Shakira, you may want to skip out on the half-time show for a chance to win a one-year bar tab at Lona. Any guest who is interested can join the Lona team on the beach for the Punt, Pass and Drink contest. Only two guests can win; whoever has the longest pass and whoever has the furthest punt – but you must drink a Margarita first! The winners will receive a daily $50 bar tab for the remainder of 2020. The tab cannot be rolled over or gifted. If you do not use it, you will lose it, but it’s a great deal; game on! Lona is located at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort at 321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Telephone: (954) 245-3069; lonarestaurant.com.
Lure Fishbar: In December 2013, New York City restaurateurs Josh Pickard, John McDonald and Chef/Partner Josh Capon opened Lure Fishbar, the Miami Beach outpost of their critically-acclaimed New York City restaurant at the iconic Loews Miami Beach Hotel. A treasure trove of fresh, creative dishes with a bustling bar scene and elegant atmosphere, Lure has become a staple for seafoodies as well as a haven for Miami locals. The menu includes impressive selection of raw bar, crudo, and sushi bar offerings; shucked oysters and fresh shellfish are plentiful, in addition to entrees complete with surf & turf and composed plates. An eclectic bar menu includes an assortment of signature libations with cleverly crafted, nautical-themed names. Inspired by maritime relics of the Queen Mary, the design elements at Lure Fishbar feature a commemorative yet posh, seafaring motif complete with hardwood floors, blue-plaid banquettes and shelves lined with nautical knickknacks. Lure Fishbar is located in the historic St. Moritz Tower at Loews Miami Beach Hotel – 1601 Collins Avenue. Happy Hour is available seven days a week from 6PM-7:30PM. Open for dinner nightly at 6PM. Telephone: (305) 695-4550; www.lurefishbar.com
Navé: Open since November 2019, Navé is the brainchild of Chefs Michael Beltran (Ariete, Chug’s) and Justin Flit (Proof Miami). Italian by definition, coastal Mediterranean in spirit, Navé features a simple yet sophisticated, seafood-centric menu and an extensive libations program served in a casual yet stunning indoor/outdoor space. Navé embodies the blending of each chef’s unique style and culinary approach. Beltran’s refined fine dining capabilities and inclinations are at home here, at play with Flit’s more rustic, robust American and Italian cookery. Located next to Beltran’s award-winning Ariete, Navé is sure to leave its mark on Miami’s ever-evolving food scene. Navé is located at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday, 6PM to 10PM and Friday and Saturday, 6PM to 11PM. Telephone: (786) 615-3747; https://navemiami.com/
Nativo Kitchen & Bar: Nativo Kitchen & Bar, the vibrant new restaurant in Downtown Brickell, is helmed by Executive Chef and rising culinary star Pablo Lamon, showcases Miami cuisine, which is flavorful, diverse, colorful, and impacted by Latin American influences. The beautiful new space is a convivial gathering spot for Brickell residents and denizens of Downtown Miami, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as daily Happy Hour at its stunning new lounge offering views of the cityscape and sparkling Biscayne Bay. Nativo Kitchen & Bar is located at 1395 Brickell Ave 25th floor, Miami, FL 33131 For reservations please visit OpenTable or call (305) 503-6529. Instagram @NativoKitchenBar
Regent Cocktail Club: In December 2019, the iconic Regent Cocktail Club relaunched at the Gale South Beach, moving into the larger, former Rec Room space. Since opening in 2012, the trendsetting bar and lounge helped catapult the region into the national spotlight as a serious destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Its mix of Miami style, sophistication, service and impeccable pours made it, inarguably, one of the city’s and country’s top cocktail spots. Featuring a new small plates menu and a revitalized cocktail list created in collaboration with none other than Miami cocktail connoisseurs, Bar Lab, the Regent Cocktail Club has returned as an iconic Miami institution. The cocktail lounge, inspired by warm Havana nights, is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings with a lively music lineup through the weekend featuring local artists and DJs. Drawing inspiration from its tropical surroundings, the plush space has a capacity of 175 guests and offers a semi-private lounge for parties up to 25. The bar & lounge can be accessed through a staircase behind the host stand of Dolce Italian restaurant. The Regent Cocktail Club is open Wednesday through Thursday and Sunday from 6PM to 1AM; Friday and Saturday from 6PM to 3AM. It is located in the Gale South Beach, 1690 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach and can be accessed through Dolce Italian. Telephone: (786) 975-2550; www.regentcocktailclub.com.
The Restaurant at W South Beach (RWSB): The Restaurant at W South Beach (RWSB), owned and operated by Miami’s acclaimed KNR Hospitality Group, officially opened May 2019. The 200-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant accommodates a range of seating options—from an intimate dinner party for 12 to a larger affair for up to 70 guests on the lush outdoor patio, Irma’s – named after the 2017 Hurricane that toppled some of the trees that were used to build the bespoke bar that now stands there. RWSB is located inside W South Beach Hotel & Residences, 2201 Collins Avenue, in Miami Beach. www.rwsbmiami.com
Sushi By Bou: Tucked away on the second floor of The Villa Casa Casuarina, within Gianni Versace’s former suite, resides Sushi by Bou, an exclusive sushi bar bringing experiential omakase to South Beach. The popular New York City concept is the brainchild of Michael Sinensky and Erika London of Simple Venue; a hospitality company which focuses on finding underutilized spaces within existing hotels and transforming them into unique experiential culinary concepts. Guests can choose between a 30 or 60-minute omakase dine in the expanded suite which houses two, four-seat sushi bars with a modern neoclassic style that honors the mansion’s existing architecture and original design. Diners are encouraged to arrive early, or stay late, for private access to the G-Lounge which boasts a personal bartender serving up a selection of fine Japanese Whiskeys and craft sake cocktails in the pre-dining space complete with emerald couches and a fireplace. The 60-minute omakase experience includes 17 courses for $125 inclusive of tax and gratuity, while the 30-minute option includes 12 courses for $65 exclusive of tax and gratuity. Additionally, the suite is equipped with an ‘instagrammable’ self-service sake vending machine where guests can select their choice of three sakes for $40 or add a sake pairing to the experience at an additional cost. Reservations must be made online via www.SushibyBou.com or OpenTable and paid at the time of booking. Seats are released one month in advance. Sushi By Bou is located at The Villa Casa Casuarina on 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. www.sushibybou.com
Toro Toro Restaurant & Bar: Toro Toro Restaurant & Bar, is an inventive concept by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, known for his highly-regarded restaurants around the world. Located inside the InterContinenal Miami, steps away from Super Bowl Village in the heart of Downtown Miami, Toro Toro is a Pan-Latin interpretation of a contemporary steakhouse that celebrates Latin American flavors through a menu of shareable plates, craft cocktails and a sexy ambiance both inside the restaurant and at the bar/lounge area. The restaurant will be offering a specialty pre-game day lunch buffet ($21++ per person) on Saturday, February 1 featuring game-day foods such as wings, nachos, onion rings and more along with beer bucket specials. Toro Toro is located at 100 Chopin Plaza. www.torotoromiami.com.
Taste of the NFL Party with a Purpose: Super Bowl LIV has finally arrived in South Florida and for its 29th year the iconic Party with a Purpose® by Taste of the NFL is taking place on the eve of the Super Bowl on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The annual star-studded strolling wine and food event brings together exceptional cuisine, over 40 prominent chefs from around the country, NFL players, coaches, legends, celebrities, and more, all to support the fight against hunger. The team of national guest hosts for 2020 includes the legendary Coach Don Shula serving as the National Honorary Chair; Chef Andrew Zimmern – National Culinary Host; Chef Adam Richman – Florida Culinary Host; and Ben Leber as the National Player Host. Tickets for the national fundraiser include food, beverage, auction access, merchandise opportunities for autographs and photos, and access to the After Party with live celebrity entertainment. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit food banks in each NFL city, including Feeding South Florida. For more ticket and sponsor information, please visit: tasteofthenfl.com.
For a full event menu please visit https://www.tasteofthenfl.com/event-menu.
Press Materials can be found here Taste of the NFL Press Materials
The Betsy-South Beach: Executive Chef Danny Ganem and The Betsy team have created an action-packed day, perfect for enjoying the Big Game:
- The Alley (open until midnight): Lunch Special – 1 Pizza and bottomless Betsy Rosa Beer ($34).
- The rooftop pool: Beer bucket ($35); Guacamole and chips with beer bucket ($55).
- Carlton Room: Watch the game with bottomless Betsy Rosa Beer ($49); BBQ in the Atrium (a la carte menu items); and a fun game room with arcade games.
- The Lounge/Lobby Bar (open until 1AM):Watch the game with bottomless Betsy Rosa Beer and chicken wings ($49).
The Betsy Hotel is located at 1440 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. www.thebetsyhotel.com/dine
WHERE TO STAY & BE SEEN
Conrad Miami: Towering over Brickell Avenue, Conrad Miami offers the ultimate in luxury accommodations, a serene rooftop pool, sprawling vistas of the bay, a brand-new restaurant Nativo Kitchen & bar helmed by Top Chef alum Pablo Lamon, and easy access to elegant entertainment and dining in Brickell and Downtown Miami. The newly renovated Conrad Miami showcases the heartbeat of downtown with the playfulness of Miami Beach. The hotel’s central location within the financial district and nearby the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Port of Miami Cruise terminal and the Miami International Airport make it an ideal chose for transient and group accommodation needs. The Conrad Miami is located at 1395 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131. For more information and to book your next stay, please visit the website at www.ConradMiami.com. Instagram @ConradMiami and Facebook @ConradMiami.
The Setai, Miami Beach: Serene and intimate, The Setai, Miami Beach is in a category of its own when it comes to hospitality. Three distinct dining venues, Jaya, the Setai’s signature modern Asian restaurant, Bar & Courtyard, the tranquil awning-enhanced outdoor venue and the poolside Ocean Grill offers diners a myriad of options for artful dining. Jaya, helmed by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena showcases traditional culinary techniques from wok stations to tandoor ovens and offers bold, unique flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, India, China and Japan. Dishes are served family-style for a lively and approachable dining experience; and guests also have the option of either dining indoors or in the Hotel’s Bar & Courtyard. Their wildly popular Sunday Jazz Brunch features a lavish buffet of culinary delights; and guests can indulge with limitless Louis Roederer Champagne and Bloody Mary’s while listening to the sounds of live jazz. Also, at The Setai is The Ocean Grill, featuring a poolside bar and a menu filled with flavors of the Mediterranean-inspired menu which can be enjoyed by hotel guests and locals alike. The Setai is located at 2001 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. dining@thesetaihotel.com.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach: In November 2008 – following a $1 billion expansion and renovation – the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a revered Miami Beach landmark since the 1950s, re-emerged as one of the country’s most sought-after beachfront resorts. Set on more than 20 sprawling oceanfront acres and boasting 1,504 guest rooms and suites and a 40,000 square foot luxury spa, the iconic playground for celebrities and entertainers ranging from Elvis Presley to Frank Sinatra, is a spectacular blend of Miami’s glamorous golden era and today’s modern style. The resort features luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art amenities, including suites outfitted with iMacs®, two dynamic nightlife venues, and multiple food & beverage outlets including signature nationally-acclaimed restaurants all overseen by the hotel’s talented Executive Chef Thomas Connell. Located at 4441 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. www.fontainebleau.com.
The Villa Casa Casuarina at The Former Versace Mansion: One of South Beach’s most storied locations, Villa Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 and modeled on the mansion in Santo Domingo that was built in 1510 by Christopher Columbus’ son. The property was a dilapidated apartment building when it caught the eye of the late designer Gianni Versace in 1992 who purchased it as his residence, lavishly remodeling and expanding it. Today, the Villa is a luxury boutique hotel, encompassing 10 lavish suites; the signature restaurant Gianni’s, Onyx Bar, Sushi by Bou omakase restaurant experience, and several unique event spaces. The three-story villa has been completely preserved – among its extravagant accommodations available to guests is Gianni’s former bedroom. The restaurant and bar overlook a 54-foot long pool lined with 24-karat gold, showcasing Versace’s notorious Medusa logo comprised of more than one million Italian mosaic tiles. Additional amenities include the open-air courtyard, a rooftop oasis, an observatory, and more. The Villa is located at 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. www.vmmiamibeach.com
Hotel Victor: The Hotel Victor is a 91-room hotel boasting a tropical beach house aesthetic with the ultimate expression of Miami Beach’s beautiful Art Deco design. Welcoming guests to Miami Beach for generations, the hotel was originally designed by famed architect L. Murray Dixon in 1937 and most recently renovated by noted designer Yabu Pushelberg in 2014. The property features a vast selection of suites and bungalows with ocean facing views and two spacious penthouse suites – one with a garden terrace, the other with direct ocean views. The hotel features neutral beach tones and sleek wooden floors throughout; one of the only rooftop pools in the area complete with white-cushioned cabanas; Ocean Drive’s only full fitness center; in room mini bar and amenities; complimentary bicycles and beach chairs, extensive event and meeting space; business center; and room service and dining at the celebrity-filled Sugar Factory. Hotel Victor is located at 1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. www.hotelvictorsouthbeach.com
The Breakwater: A trendy boutique hotel, The Breakwater is located on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive – the perfect location for guests who want to be in the center of the action in the lively Art Deco District. The 99-room hotel boasts two historic towers with direct ocean views and eclectic design. The colorful property features a variety of stylish rooms and suites ranging in size from 350 to 450 square-feet in addition to recently renovated spacious penthouse suites with their own private pools. There is also a rooftop pool with plush daybeds perfect for people watching – overlooking the ocean and action on Ocean Drive. The hotel is home to Miami Beach mainstay Havana1957 restaurant and bar, featuring Cuban cuisine just off the hotel lobby. Guests at the Breakwater receive access to all of the amenities at the nearby Hotel Victor, located steps away. The Breakwater is located at 940 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. www.breakwatersouthbeach.com
Hotel Ocean: Located steps away from the sand, Hotel Ocean offers guests a beachside oasis in the epicenter of South Beach’s most iconic neighborhood including newly renovated areas and rooms at approachable prices. Direct beach access is just across the street as are Ocean Drive’s lively restaurants. With a total of 36 rooms, The Ocean Hotel boasts a mix of modern and classic-style suites complete with natural wood finishes, gold accents and light color palette. Like the other properties in the group, guests are welcome to use all of the amenities at the Hotel Victor and have access to complimentary bicycles and beach backpack chairs. Hotel Ocean is located at 1238 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. www.hotelocean.com
Hotel Casa Victoria Orchid: Located on legendary Espanola Way, Hotel Casa Victoria Orchid is a charming, European-inspired escape from the hustle and bustle of South Beach but just a few blocks from the ocean. Originally built in the 1930’s, the value-priced Mediterranean revival-style property offers guests 22-rooms complete with kitchenettes and living rooms; bicycle program; direct views of Espanola Way and its charming cafes and car free walkway; and use of the amenities at Hotel Victor on Ocean Drive. Casa Victoria Orchid is located at 507 Espanola Way, Miami Beach. www.casavictoriaorchid.com
