City Life Guru

12/07/2024

Miami Art Week is usually associated with the rich and famous, but there are many free events that have equally impressive exhibits. Every year presents a series of award winning public works but this year families have been congregating at sunset to enjoy three amazing installations that change if you see them by day or at night.

On the beach behind the hotel you will find the sails of a buried Spanish galleon “Seletega” crafted by Alaskan artist Nicholas Galanin of Alaska. His great-grandfather was a totem carver, his father a jewelry maker, he was raised in a native community of traditional artists.

Steps away is the installation created by our beloved art Guru Carlos Betancourt in collaboration with Alberto Latorre and the Miami Reef Line. “The Miami Reef Star, Star Compass” is a cluster of illuminated prototypes forming a giant star shape that highlights the relationship between the cosmos and the oceans. This is a model of the natural reef project that will be built on the ocean floor from South Beach to Bal Harbour creating one of the largest reefs in the world. At night it lights up on like stars in the sky and it is truly magical.

Just 100 yards north you will find a migrating herd of 100 life-size elephants. Crafted in the Nigiri hills of Southern India, each elephant is made with Lantana w**d and is a faithful replica of a real elephant known by name and personality by their indigenous creators.

12/06/2024

The world’s leading galleries present the highest quality of paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, digital works and more. Thanks to our membership, we were fortunate to have an invitation to the vernissage of Art Basel where we explored 286 galleries, spanning 38 countries and territories in the first edition of the show under director Bridget Finn.
This year’s trends include works that tackle issues of the day: social history and identity, gender and oppression. It was impossible to name a favorite, but the thrill of strolling through the aisles of masterpieces was only matched by the people watching. This season’s Art Basel was epic. But that was not all….
We then took our shoes off and walked 10 blocks on the beach to the exhibits behind the Faena. Stay tuned for our next post.

12/05/2024

Where else in the world can you walk on the sand and arrive at a gorgeous art fair with beautiful views of the ocean? Untitled is the quintessential contemporary art fair with interesting artists from around the world.

Originally from Poland and now living in Miami, Justyna Kisielewicz’s work at la cometa booth sold out in a few hours. Don’t miss her grand colorful depictions of colonialism and nature combined in magical settings.

No Man’s Art Gallery from Amsterdam represented Alan Hernandez from Oaxaca and his dreamlike gigantic sculptures of moths and butterflies alongside beautiful paintings from Sam Samiee from Iran.

Fountainhead Art alumnae Dach&Zephir originally from Guadaloupe and Paris had an elegant installation composed by baskets and seeds depicting the heritage of the French West Indies.

And finally we all wish we could own one of the “natural” desert landscapes by Sol Summers, an L.A. based artist debuting his first solo show this week at Untitled.

12/04/2024

Every year we look forward to visiting Design Miami and discovering award-winning objects and exhibitors. This year under Glenn Adamson’s curatorial theme, Blue Sky, the fair offers a truly global forum of design and is a celebration of imagination.
We loved the intricate tapestries at Mindy Solomon’s space and the vases at the Southern Guild from South Africa.

Guru Tip: There is a free trolley that goes around Miami Beach. You will walk enough at the fair.

12/04/2024

Art Miami is one of longest running contemporary art fairs. Over the years the galleries here have gotten less serious and more glitzy and so have the attendees, so put on your walking shoes get ready for some of the best people watching in town.

Guru tip: the building is on the waterfront so head to the back and find the outdoor bar with gorgeous views over the water.

12/04/2024

12/03/2024

We loved last night’s opening of Invisible Luggage at the Historic Hampton House. Curated by
Beth Rudin DeWoody,
Maynard Monrow, Laura Dvorkin, Zoe Lukov and Auttrianna Ward with work from over fifty artists.

If you haven’t been to the Historic Hampton House this week is the perfect opportunity. Featured in the movie One Night in Miami, segregation laws would prevent people of color from staying in Miami Beach so they would travel “over-town” to Brownsville where they were welcome. In 1964, Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston and claimed his first heavyweight title. You can see the room he stayed in that night and explore this modernist style inn. What a way to begin Miami Art Week.

At City Life Guru we go first, so you know that if we recommend these events they are worth your time and money. For more ideas and recommendations go to citylifeguru.com

11/30/2024

Welcome to Little River, the best kept secret in Miami. Here you will find a gorgeous vintage furniture store two blocks away from a swanky steakhouse with an outdoor bar under a Banyan tree. Or choose a vegetarian restaurant where grandmothers do the cooking. Shop at the most organized thrift store with its own vinyl lounge. Visit a colorful Brazilian clothing store, a store that works with a women’s cooperative in Mexico and a store that carries small brands from Latin America. Choose Vietnamese, Mexican or Argentine food for lunch and end the day at a wine bar decorated with vintage furniture while you enjoy charcuterie and cheese plates. Follow the link or go to citylifeguru.com to read our Guru Guide Little River and discover our guides to other unique neighborhoods in South Florida: Little Haiti, Upper East Side, Miami Shores, Bay Harbor Island’s, SoSo in Palm Beach and Islamorada. Our interviews with local experts give you tips to unique local finds.

11/24/2024

Downtown Miami was energized this weekend with the magic of stories. The Miami Book Fair has something for everyone. For the next six days join the fun downtown and attend panels by your favorite authors. The Stephen King talk was packed yesterday so you may want to get your tickets beforehand at miamibookfair.com

11/23/2024

Could we have better weather for the Miami Book Fair happening downtown this weekend? In Miami our book fair is actually fun and full of activities for the whole family.

This month we introduced you to Asha Elias who wrote this summer’s must read book: Pink Glass Houses. This humorous and surprisingly suspenseful “only in Miami” story reveals what it is like to climb today’s social ladder.

You can attend her panel Ladies Who Live, Love & Laugh along with Lauren Appelbaum and Zibby Owens on Nov 23 at 11 AM. Room 8201 (Building 8, 2nd Floor) 300 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL 33132

We will be attending her second panel along with Andrew
Boryga and Melissa Mogollon entitled Debuts From New Miami Stars on Nov 24 at 11 AM. The Pavilion, NE Second Ave. at NE Third St. FL 33132

You can see Asha’s complete interview at citylifeguru.com where you will also find great neighborhood guides to discover new places. Get out there and enjoy the weather.


HarperCollins
Miami New Times

🎬 .fiorentino (IG)

11/21/2024

This week we introduced you to Asha Elias who wrote this summer’s must read book: Pink Glass Houses. This humorous and surprisingly suspenseful “only in Miami” story reveals what it is like to climb today’s social ladder.

We interviewed Asha and learned she graduated in print journalism from University of Miami and is a columnist for New Times. Her literary agent sold her debut novel to HarperCollins in one day because she knew people across the country would be fascinated by this voyeuristic look at the over the top antics of its characters.

Watch our interview to learn why Asha will be part of the Miami Book Fair starting this week. Learn about her new book The Namaste Club that follows a cast of characters at a yoga retreat in Central Florida. And finally, find out Asha’s recommendations for restaurants and shops in her favorite neighborhood Sunset Harbour.

HarperCollins Miami New Times

11/17/2024

Asha Elias wrote this summer's must read book: Pink Glass Houses. In this social satire, mean moms fiercely compete with couture outfits, jewels, cars, parties and donations to see who will become PTA President at Sunset Academy. This humorous and surprisingly suspenseful "only in Miami" story reveals what it is like to climb today's social ladder.

Her debut novel, set in an ultra wealthy neighborhood in Miami Beach, kept everyone guessing if characters were based on reality.
It’s a fun and eerily familiar tale for anyone who has raised kids in South Florida - Newcomer Melody‘s continuous attempts at fitting into the Miami jet-set environment of the PTA crowd at her children's new school.

We interviewed Asha at her house in Miami Beach and learned she graduated in print journalism from University of Miami and is a columnist for New Times, but only began her first novel during Covid. "The spark that led to the characters in Pink Glass Houses was inspired by being a mother to young children. I started noticing that we were getting unnecessarily upset about things like Halloween decorations and bake sales because we were putting all of our efforts that used to be focused on careers and sales into things like the kindergarten Christmas party". We have all attended over the top children's birthday parties in Miami, but her literary agent sold the novel to HarperCollins in one day because she knew people across the country would be fascinated by this satirical, voyeuristic look at the over the top antics of the characters.

Watch our interview to learn why Asha will be part of the Miami Book Fair at the end of November. Learn about her new book The Namaste Club that follows a cast of characters at a yoga retreat in Central Florida. And finally, find out Asha's recommendations for restaurants and shops in her favorite neighborhood Sunset Harbour.

HarperCollins
Miami New Times

11/07/2024

Last week we introduced you to Jane Gilbert, the world’s first Chief Heat Officer. When Mayor Daniella Levine Cava appointed her the news was picked up by news organizations worldwide. Miami is ground zero for how quickly climate change is impacting the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. She spotlights the health risks that develop when people are exposed to extreme heat and teaches the population to be aware of how pregnant women, small children, and the elderly can quickly succumb to heat stress. We were amazed to learn that over 12,000 people die every year in the United States from heat stress.

Since implementing her Extreme Heat Action Plan, the city has doubled the trees it plants each year with a goal of achieving a canopy across 30% of Miami. A larger canopy brings shade and can lower the average temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.

Follow the link to see our interview and learn what you can do to help tackle extreme heat. Find out the places Jane recommends to experience nature and enjoy the South Florida outdoors. If you want to get involved follow and their partners Better South Florida, Dreaming Green and the Fairchild Tropical Garden.

11/05/2024

Meet Jane Gilbert, the world’s first Chief Heat Officer. When Mayor Daniella Levine Cava appointed her the news was picked up by news organizations worldwide. Miami is ground zero for how quickly climate change is impacting the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. She spotlights the health risks that develop when people are exposed to extreme heat and teaches the population to be aware of how pregnant women, small children, and the elderly can quickly succumb to heat stress. We were amazed to learn that over 12,000 people die every year in the United States from heat stress.

Since implementing her Extreme Heat Action Plan, the city has doubled the trees it plants each year with a goal of achieving a canopy across 30% of Miami. A larger canopy brings shade and can lower the average temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.

Follow the link to see our interview and learn what you can do to help tackle extreme heat. Find out the places Jane recommends to experience nature and enjoy the South Florida outdoors. If you want to get involved follow and their partners Better South Florida, Dreaming Green and the Fairchild Tropical Garden.

Miami-Dade Office of Resilience
Jane Gilbert
🎬 .fiorentino (Ig)

11/02/2024

The cooler weather has finally arrived and Miami is a hot spot destination in November. City Life Guru brings you our hand-picked Miami events and festivals.

Nov 3. Japanese Festival at Ichimura Miami - Japan Garden. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly event in Miami Beach. Watch a live tea ceremony, a sushi chef demonstration, a cosplay fashion show, create flower arrangements or take photos in traditional Japanese garments - all with live traditional Japanese music in the background.
From 10:30-4pm
📍1101 MacArthur Causeway
Friendsjapanesegarden.com

Nov 9. Frost Science Family Fun Festival. Join the fun with interactive science exhibits, live shows, local food vendors and music at the Knight Plaza on the Frost Museum campus.
From 11am-4pm

📍1101 Biscayne Blvd
frostscience.org

Nov 9-10. Country Bay Music Festival at Miami Marine Stadium. Can you say “Miami Goes Country”? Get ready for bikini-clad cowgirls line dancing along stunning views of the Biscayne Bay while listening to Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band and more. Miami delivers Southern hospitality like no place else. Don’t miss it.
Doors open at 1pm

📍3501 Rickenbacker Cswy
Countrybay.frontgatetickets.com

Nov 10. 11th Annual South Florida Seafood Festival 2024. Sample delicacies from over 30 local vendors, watch chef demonstrations, and enjoy live music and activities. Rain or shine.
11am-7pm, Tickets start $12, children under 12 free.

📍Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW 2nd Ave.
eventbrite.com

Nov 14-17. Miami Book Fair. For 3 full days, join thousands of authors and readers in Downtown Miami for the internationally renowned Miami Book Fair. Find author presentations, lectures, book signings, kids activities, evening parties, and more.
From 10am-7pm each day plus evening events. Free on 11/14; tickets $12.
(Free parking at MDC garage 500 NE 2nd Ave)

Miamibookfair.com
📍Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus

Nov 14-17. World Polo League Beach Polo World Cup. Don’t miss the largest beach polo event in the world on the sand between 21st & 22nd, with 8 international teams and over 120 horses, and apres polo parties, cocktails and dancing - all with postcard-perfect views along iconic Miami Beach.
📍Next to Collins Park, 21st & the beach
Miamipolocup.com

Nov 23. Vegandale Fest at Amelia Earhart Park. An event where major music artists, vendors, interactive artists and thousands of festival goers come together from around the world to realize a world without animal exploitation. They want us to know: "Even our newsletter is vegan”. Enjoy vegan comfort food, craft beer and wine, and music.
Vegandalefest.com/miami
📍401 E. 65th St.

Things to do in Miami - November

10/18/2024

Bay Harbor Islands is known as “the best kept secret on the water” and with good reason.

This quaint town has endless water views, luxury homes and condos, and a palm-tree-lined concourse of cafes and shops walkable to the locals.

Located steps away from Bal Harbor Shops and pristine beaches with miles of boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to stroll, shop, eat and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Download our Guru Guide Bay Harbor Islands for a scenic trip through this town’s well-appointed shops, gourmet restaurants, pilates studios, and neighborhood gems.

And we added a few don’t-miss Guru Tips just south in neighboring Surfside as well.