Get Mariott's Best Rate Guarantee on Miami Hotels when booking at Marriott's official site.
Visitor Information
Car Rentals in Miami
Restaurant Reservations
Florida Directories:
Boca Raton, FL
Key West, FL
Orlando, FL
Florida Cities
> Fort Lauderdale
> Miami
> Orlando
> St. Petersburg
> West Palm Beach
Florida Hotel Specials
> Boca Raton Hotels
> Daytona Beach Hotels
> Fort Lauderdale Hotels
> Miami Hotels
> Orlando Hotels
> Pensacola Hotels
> St. Petersburg Hotels
> West Palm Beach Hotels
> Browse all Florida hotels
|
|
|
|
Miami, Florida Shopping
 Brazilian Fashion
6996 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach FL; Tel. 305.866.8888
Ever since the girl from Ipanema wore one, inspiring Antonio Carlos Jobim to compose the international hit song, the skimpy two-piece from Brazil has endured as the sexiest swimwear fashion statement there is. A variety of minimalist styles have emerged over the years -- from the tiny tanga, which consists of about an ounce of fabric, to the triangular halter and the boomerang. Each summer the new styles seem to turn more revealing. By offering maximum exposure, the Brazilian bikini has blurred the line as to what should constitute nude sunbathing. But though more skin means less fabric, in most bathing-suit boutiques, particularly those in South Beach, the Brazilian label also translates into muito dinheiro. Not at Brazilian Fashion. Quality, affordability (bikinis go for $28), and an array of styles and colors to choose from make this Brazilian-owned store stand out on the retail runway. (Review: Miami New Times)
Deco Drive Cigar
1446 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach FL; Tel. 305.672.9032
Joey B runs the fastest-growing cigar-store empire on the Beach. He and junior partner Robert, from the NYC area, started with one shop last year (1136 Collins) and quickly expanded to locations at 1650 Meridian Avenue and 1639 Washington Avenue, as well as the Ocean Drive shop. On Ocean, their Cuban roller, José Castro, working in the traditional way, can whip up a 45x6 (45 millimeters round, six inches long) corona, or a 5x50 robusto in several minutes using fine Honduran wrapper leaf and flavorful, medium-bodied Dominican filler, imported by Joey and Robert. "Rolling a cigar from scratch, without the use of presser machinery, is an art, not a craft," Robert says. "If you misuse that chaveta knife, you can ruin a cap and so ruin the smoke." Deco Drive is famous for its popularity among Italian character actors, from the movies and from the Sopranos, but under pain of nonfatal arm injuries, we've been sworn not to name them. (Review: Miami New Times)
Village of Merrick Park
358 Avenue San Lorenzo, Coral Gables FL; Tel. 305.529.0200
This is the Alhambra of local shopping malls. Village of Merrick Park could put CocoWalk in its back pocket. It is a step up from Aventura Mall, and you're outside. Located a stone's throw from South Dixie Highway and Ponce de Leon Boulevard, the Village is a three-level, open-air fortress containing 115 "designer boutiques," which means stores full of a lot of high-quality stuff that a lot of thought went into. Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom's hold down the fort. Beyond merchandise, the Village also has towering palm trees, a kid-friendly fountain, and one adult sanctuary, the Elemis Day Spa. Bring plenty of money, for shopping is nothing without money. Even if you have none, you can still feel that sense of well-being the high-rollers do here. Abundance, style, quality, and glamour abound. Maybe someone will invite you to enjoy some pricey cuisine from chef Norman Van Aken's Mundo or chef Peter Hansen's Pescado. (Review: Miami New Times)
Excerpts from the Miami New Times are ©2004 Miami New Times and republished with publisher's permission.
|
|
|
