It wasn’t too long ago that I went to visit my step-brother Dustin, his hubs Patrick & their pup Trixie in Miami’s South Beach (SoBe).
Miss Trixie
Unfortunately, my trip didn’t pan out the way I wanted it to and it didn’t live up to the exciting nights I had planned for myself as I was still feeling very sick from my trip to Haiti. On the flipside, I managed to still get in some QT with my family and experience a bit of MIA.
According to VICE’s thump, my (step) brother’s Sunday Night Party “Electric Sheep” at ‘Score’ was listed as a “Top 10 Most Fab Gay Dance Party” in the country, so it sucked that when I arrived earlier that day, I wasn’t yet 100% and had to make the decision to stay in.
By the next night I was feeling a bit better. They took me out for happy hour at Monty’s and I had the best stone crab legs ever! It’s crazy that I had an appetite, let alone was in the mood for seafood!
The view at Monty’s in SoBe
After dinner we headed out to Dustin’s Monday night party called “Glitter Box Mondays” at Automatic Slims. I met his friends and between drinks was treated to a rotation of drag queens showing off their latest routine. I wanna give props to my step-brother as this scene isn’t something that I get to see or experience often (at all) but he has put a lot of thought into the guest experience and has manged to curate a really good time for all to be had.
Next morning I was all about food, the beach and exploring…
We stayed at the Tradewinds Apartments not too far from Collins Ave and 23rd, which was a great long term place to stay as it has the comforts of being home but just around the corner from Aloft and a stones throw to The Setai, the Ritz-Carlton and the beach. It is also the sister hotel to The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club. I’ve stayed at the Catalina but I would never go back. I mean they have a great location, a couple of pools to choose from, free bicycles, a few restaurants to choose from and a nightly open bar for guests but the bad stuff will keep me far far away. Don’t even get me started.
The Tradewinds Apartments offers a good amount of space for a 1 bedroom, a private pool and hotel service. If you are considering staying at Tradewinds take note that it is not close to any restaurants so you have trek for a few blocks or hop in an uber to Lincoln Road Mall to satisfy any type of food craving you may have.
Patrick recommended that I eat brunch on the patio at The Front Porch Cafe which was great for people watching. Who am I to argue with a Ritz-Carlton concierge?! Just around the corner I stumbled upon a Quality Meats resto! Let me tell you…this is one of my fave (NYC) steakhouses and here it was in Miami, on the beach! I will definitely visit on my next trip.
Walking around SoBe is super easy and is so visually pleasing. I spent most of my trip walking along Collins Ave., Lincoln Rd. and of course along Ocean Drive.
Ishmael Randall-Weeks at The Bass Museum on Collins Ave.
I discovered the beautiful Art Deco Post Office that was built in 1937 at Washington and 13th Street. It was so exciting to walk into a building like this and learn that it is still functional. I’m sure the locals don’t even notice, being that they are constantly surrounded but such amazing architecture.
Post Office Ceiling detail
It was a short trip but I really tried to maximize it. I’ll be back to do the Wynwood Art Walk, catch a Dolphins game and party at Liv On Sunday (located in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach).
Peace,
Jazz
Wanna check out some of the alternative nightlife in Miami. See what my bro has curated the next time you are in Miami! Follow Dustin on Facebook or search online for:
Electric Sheep Sundays. 10 p.m. Every Sunday, at Score, 1437 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-535-1111; scorebar.net. Cover costs $1.
Glitterbox Mondays. 10pm-5am. Every Monday, at Automatic Slims, 1216 Washington Ave Miami Beach; $5.00 drinks all night. GoGo Boys.
