Miami (South Beach) recommendations

stonemonkts · July-2nd-2008, 01:31 AM

I'm turning 50 in October, so I've decided to do something unusual (for me).

Going to Miami for a long weekend in December, and will probably splurge and stay at The Raleigh Hotel (private beach, etc...).

I'm open to suggestions, ideas, warnings...anything would help!

Jesse · July-2nd-2008, 01:40 AM

I'm stuck on you're turning 50. I thought, given you've been comfortably retired as long as I've known you, you were really fucking old.

stonemonkts · July-2nd-2008, 01:45 AM

Not too fucking old yet!

Jesse · July-2nd-2008, 01:47 AM

Despite being born in Miami Beach, Pat, I know zilch about your destination.
Are you going solo, or accompanied by the lovely mrs?

stonemonkts · July-2nd-2008, 01:56 AM

I'll be going solo, but trying to avoid Death In Venice scenarios.

Jesse · July-2nd-2008, 02:04 AM

"I am from Pennsylvania, Tadzio-why do you ask?"

stonemonkts · July-2nd-2008, 02:10 AM

Haha.

This is the hotel:

groover · July-2nd-2008, 09:55 AM

I was there in 1998 for a conference, and stayed at the Fontainebleau.

Be very careful if you have any contraband. The Miami heat can be intense, and I'm not just talking about the weather. Even the hotel security can be heavy. I noticed a lot of tall well-dressed guys at the Fontainebleau with odd bulges on one side of their chest, some posing as maintenance men. Of course, you may be grateful they're there, at some point, as long as they're not after you.

Don't drive too far into the city if you don't know where you're going. There are a lot of predators lurking, besides the sharks and alligators.

The private beach is well worth it, the public beaches also attract predators. Anything of value left unattended on a public beach will disappear quickly.

Even walking down South Beach, I spotted a likely pick-pocket following me and a friend down the crowded strip. He was a scruffy looking older male, and he tailed us closely for several blocks while we were weaving quickly through heavy crowds. The way he stopped and seemed confused after we ducked into a side-street led me to conclude his motive was less than benign.

Those caveats aside, have a great time! The water is a beautiful aquamarine and the sand is near white, just like the tropics. Bring plenty of sunscreen and don't forget the shades, so you can discretely ogle the topless babes on the beach to your heart's delight.

Chris D · July-2nd-2008, 10:11 AM

Leave the thong at home.

stonemonkts · July-3rd-2008, 08:17 AM

Groover,

Thanks for your advice. I looked at the Fountainbleau and only decided on The Raleigh because the private beach was attached to the hotel, while for the former you had to walk a block or two (seems absurdly nitpicky perhaps, but this is really a one time excursion for me, and I want it just so).

I found a cafe online called Puerto Sagua, which I'm looking forward to for authentic Cuban eats.

Other than that, I was hoping someone (Pete?) could steer me to other restaurants.

There's a casino 25 miles out on an Indian reservation which claims to have 42 poker tables, so that's also part of my itinerary as well (for the evening). I'm not the night club type, which I gather from reading reviews on Trip Advisor is the thing to do for many who stay in South Beach.

Anyway, thanks again.

Pat

Jimmy Cantiello · July-3rd-2008, 08:47 AM

On my one visit to South Beach several years ago I had a wonderful lunch at a joint called Caffe' Milano right on Ocean Drive across from the beach. I started out with a nice carpaccio. Then I enjoyed the best gnocchi I ever had, before and since. They were so light they almost floated off the plate.

Scott Dolan · July-3rd-2008, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stoner

There's a casino 25 miles out on an Indian reservation which claims to have 42 poker tables

You must be talking about the one on the Miccosukee Indian Reservation in the Everglades. Although 25 miles doesn't sound right. It's a long and boring drive from Miami.

Do you have any plans to go to Key West while you're there? I love Key West, but hate South Beach. I lived on the opposite coast for 32 years and visited South Beach once and could not figure out what people saw in it.

But, have a good time. Better you than me.

Just make sure you get your sorry ass to Chicago in August!

tippy · July-3rd-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groover

Be very careful if you have any contraband. The Miami heat can be intense, and I'm not just talking about the weather. Even the hotel security can be heavy. I noticed a lot of tall well-dressed guys at the Fontainebleau with odd bulges on one side of their chest, some posing as maintenance men. Of course, you may be grateful they're there, at some point, as long as they're not after you.

oh they'll be after him.

I don't want to offer premature congratulations on the golden anniversary of your nativity, stone, but I am sincerely hoping that you make it.

groover · July-3rd-2008, 11:08 AM

I agree with Scott on South Beach, I couldn't see the attraction, either.

It's a lot like South Street here in Philly in the summer, but with palm trees, and probably less variety in the restaurant choices.

There are probably some good Cuban places there, but the only place I was able to get to when I was there was the Fontainebleau's own upscale restaurant, which was quite expensive but exquisite.

I've never been to Key West, but I'd like to get there some day. I'm sure it's a nicer place to hang out than Miami. Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.

Scott Dolan · July-3rd-2008, 11:29 AM

Crawling up and down Duval Street in Key West is one of the greatest adventures one could ever have. Lots of alcohol, street performers, music, noise, a representative of every type of human being on the planet, wild chickens, the occassional naked person (sometimes dancing on top of a car)...

FAR more interesting than all the "look at me" preening of supermodel and stud wannabes in South Beach.

tippy · July-3rd-2008, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

Crawling up and down Duval Street in Key West is one of the greatest adventures one could ever have. Lots of alcohol, street performers, music, noise, a representative of every type of human being on the planet, wild chickens, the occassional naked person (sometimes dancing on top of a car)...

FAR more interesting than all the "look at me" preening of supermodel and stud wannabes in South Beach.

Have you ever wondered what the experience might be like upright on 2 legs?

Scott Dolan · July-3rd-2008, 12:43 PM

That part of the experience only lasts through the first two bars.

tippy · July-3rd-2008, 01:41 PM

Hey that you're walking to the second bar shows discipline.

Scott Dolan · July-3rd-2008, 01:48 PM

"Walking" may not be entirely accurate.

stonemonkts · July-4th-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Cantiello

On my one visit to South Beach several years ago I had a wonderful lunch at a joint called Caffe' Milano right on Ocean Drive across from the beach. I started out with a nice carpaccio. Then I enjoyed the best gnocchi I ever had, before and since. They were so light they almost floated off the plate.

Jimmy, Thanks for the tip.

Scott - Thanks for your advice.

Yeah, I was looking at the Miccosukee Indian Reservation, but after more reflection I won't bother. I'm not renting a car, so the idea wasn't valid anyway. I just want to go to one place (the hotel) and only venture out for dining. I looked into Key West and that is something for another, different sort of trip.

I haven't been to a beach for decades. I grew up in New Jersey and went to the shore every summer for weeks, but since adulthood I've rarely been. So my entire notion about Miami was go to one spot with a beautiful beach, warm turquoise waters, and splurge on swank hotel amenities. Then return to my mountain and pick up where I left off living like a hermit.

Check out the pool

stonemonkts · July-4th-2008, 10:45 AM

Here is a description of Puerto Sagua which I will be checking out for authentic Cuban fare (nothing fancy).

Pete! You must've been to Miami. Whenever you get a chance, please add your two cents.

stonemonkts · July-9th-2008, 07:32 PM

Up, in case Pete missed this (and if he didn't, hopefully he'll let me know that too).