Welcome to My Fabulous Florida, my home state which offers locals and tourists more than a panhandle size of natural and cultural activities. The Sunshine State boasts a breadth of small-town charm, natural explorations, tantalizing and titillating cosmopolitan energy, colorful history, and so much more.

There is so much to discover around Florida. In reading the newspapers, visiting various online related sites and listening to the news on "special" rates or activities, I decided to collect all this fabulous information and share it in the most accessible way. Hence I launched this website as a clear, simple and organized guide in uncovering, the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant with great food and matching value, or that well-kept secret town with mystical charm, or natural site with wildlife or aquatic species of the animal or plant kind and the glitz and glamour of my current home city, MIAMI!

As you will notice on the LEFT hand column are THREE main sections:

1. Events Around Florida --in time this section will grow as I start to travel more
2. Link to each Florida County--to help you plan your vacation
3. Restaurant Reviews--naturally most of these reviews are for Miami, my backyard

My Fabulous Florida will share first person visits, newspaper articles, and your comments on any activity, event, attraction, hotel, and restaurant related to Florida. The website is designed to be simple and easy to follow, with minimal advertisements compared to most tourist websites which wallpaper their website with more advertisements than content. My Fabulous Florida is geared toward solid content to help you plan, discover and enjoy this fountain of youth.

About me, your blogger
Born and raised in Titusville, FL (across the Indian River from the Kennnedy Space Center), I grew up wanting to be a Jeannie, from I Dream of Jeannie, perhaps overly influenced by the imagination giant down the road--Walt Disney.

Most visitors and even some Floridians (especially those in frenetic Miami), have never heard of Titusville. Often I refer to Cocoa Beach or the Kennedy Space Center for placement on the map.

Growing up I visited Disney World yearly, when it was the ONLY attraction in Orlando aside from Sea World, but my family also ventured to unique attractions like Cypress Gardens, Weekee Watchee (I also wanted to be a mermaid) or bravely went swimming in freezing temperatures of spring waters. I even remember St. Augustine before the tourist traps were developed. As an adult, the city retains its historical charm and has collaborated with businesses, artists, philanthropists to offer a stream of activities for all ages and little to no cost. Now this is the ideal city.

Yes I love my homestate of Florida. There is so much to discover, absorb, relish, and remember. This year 2009, in a less than glowing economy, most likely I will not take any vacations abroad or even out of state. Rather I yearn for absorbing more rays of the Sunshine State from various cities, small town, and islands. Staycation is my mantra this year. Miami, my home is simply marvelous so naturally a lot of focus will spotlight my backyard.

I welcome your stories and experiences. Just email me at christine.michaels@yahoo.com

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As any vacationer knows, South Florida bubbles with "bests." Check out any list of haute hotels, beckoning beaches, memorable meals, and South Florida's lodgings, attractions, restaurants will be there.

But nobody knows this place better than those of us who live here. Below is a list "The Best of South Florida", chosen by the readers of The Miami Herald and Miami.com.
Here are the top three vote-getters in each category, listed in order plus my commentary in parentheses and italic font.

HOTELS with BEST VIEW
1. Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, Coconut Grove
2. Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale
3. Epic Hotel, Miami

HOTELS with BEST POOL
1. Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
2. Delano, Miami Beach
3. Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood

BEST PARTY SCENE
1. Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
2. Tuesday at the Delano, Miami Beach
3. Plunge Bar atop the Gansevoort South, Miami Beach

BEST HOTEL BAR
1. Bleu Bar at the Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
2. Mondrian, Miami Beach
3. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Fort Lauderdale

HOTELS with BEST KIDS PROGRAM
1. Hawks Cay, Florida Keys
2. Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
3. Westin Diplomat, Hollywood

BEST FAMILY GETAWAY
1. Hawks Cay, Florida Keys
2. Moorings Village, Islamorada
3. Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

HOTELS with BEST VALUE
1. Cadillac/Courtyard by Marriott, Miami Beach
2. Rose Lane Villas, Key West
3. TIED Indian Creek Hotel and Townhouse Hotel, both in Miami Beach

BEST ROMANTIC GETAWAY
1. Little Palm Island, Florida Keys
2. Mandarin Oriental, Miami
3. Marquesa Hotel, Key West

BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT
1. Azul, Mandarin Oriental
2. Palme d'Or, Biltmore Hotel
3. Scarpetta, Fontainebleau

BEST-KEPT SECRET HOTEL
1. Kona Kai Resort and Gallery, Key Largo
2. Mutiny Hotel, Coconut Grove
3. Circa 39 Hotel, Miami Beach

BEST HOTEL SPA
1. Mandarin Oriental, Miami
2. Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
3. Canyon Ranch Spa, Miami Beach

BEST URBAN HOTEL
1. Mandarin Oriental, Miami
2. Four Seasons, Miami
3. Epic Hotel, Miami

BEST BEACHFRONT RESORT
1. Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
2. Casa Marina, Key West
3. Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

BEST HOTEL BRUNCH
1. Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
2. Pier Top at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Fort Lauderdale
3. Ritz-Carlton, Miami Beach

SAVVIEST DESIGN
1. Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
2. Setai, Miami Beach
3. Mondrian, Miami Beach

RESTAURANTS BEST FOOD
1. Michael's Genuine, Miami
2. Michy's, Miami [On my "Top 10 list of Restaurants To Try" in Miami]
3. Palm d'Or, Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

BEST SEAFOOD
1. Joe's Stone Crab, Miami Beach [The fried green tomatoes are the best!]
2. Captain's Tavern, South Dade
3. Blue Moon Fish Co., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

BEST STEAK
1. Shula's, Miami Lakes
2. Prime 112, Miami Beach [the hottest restaurant to eat and people watch; unless you're a rich regular or celebrity, wait time is 2-3 hours on Fridays and Saturday; but a drink at the bar offers plenty of spectator sport]
3. Manny's, Miami

BEST EXPENSE-ACCOUNT DINNER
1. Nobu, Miami Beach
2. Palm d'Or, Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
3. A Tie between: Setai Restaurant (Setai Hotel) and Blue Door (Delano Hotel), both in Miami Beach

BEST FOR QUIET CONVERSATION
1. Ruth's Chris, Coral Gables
2. Joe Allen, Miami Beach
3. Aizia at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood

BEST VIEW
1. Smith & Wollensky, Miami Beach
2. Pier Top at Pier 66, Fort Lauderdale
3. Wahoo's Bar & Grill, Whale Harbor, Florida Keys

MOST ROMANTIC
1. The Dining Room, Little Palm Island, Florida Keys
2. Azul, Mandarin Oriental, Miami
3. Baleen, Grove Isle, Coconut Grove

BEST WITH KIDS
1. Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor, Dania Beach
2. Big Pink, Miami Beach
3. Morada Bay, Islamorada

DISTINCTLY SOUTH FLORIDA
1. Joe's Stone Crab, Miami Beach
2. Blue Heaven, Key West
3. Nikki Beach, Miami Beach

BEST WATERSIDE RESTAURANT - FOOD
1. Louie's Backyard, Key West
2. Ocean Grill, Black Point Marina, South Dade
3. Calypso's, Key Largo

BEST WATERSIDE RESTAURANT - AMBIENCE
1. Morada Bay, Islamorada
2. Scotty's Landing, Coconut Grove
3. Blue Moon, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

BEST CHEAP EAT (UNDER $20)
1. Islas Canarias, Miami [never heard of it; my curiosity is burning]
2. Rosita's Mexican, Homestead
3. Georgia Pig, Fort Lauderdale
Christine's Pick: POLLO TROPICAL

BEST CUBAN
1. Versailles, Miami [I was not impressed; food very bland; La Carretta is better]
2. Havana Harry's, Coral Gables
3. Habana Vieja, Miami

BEST ASIAN
1. Café Sambal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Miami
2. Sushi Samba Dromo, Miami Beach
3. Matsuri, Miami

BEST ETHNIC (OTHER)
1. Daily Bread (Middle Eastern), Miami
2. Paquito's (Mexican), North Miami Beach
3. George's (French), Coconut Grove

BEST VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY
1. Sublime, Fort Lauderdale
2. Green Gables, Coral Gables
3. Gourmet Carrot, Miami Beach

BEST PIZZA
1. Anthony's Coal Fired, Dade and Broward
2. Big Cheese, South Dade
3. Pizza Rustica, Miami Beach and Broward

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD EATERY
1. Two Chefs, South Dade
2. John Martin's, Coral Gables
3. Berries, Coconut Grove (yes, a local favorite of mine; and you can bring your friendly canines)

BEST BURGER
1. Le Tub, Fort Lauderdale
2. One Burger, Coral Gables
3. 8 oz. Burger Bar, Miami Beach

ATTRACTIONS BEST MUSEUM
1. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Coconut Grove
2. Fort Lauderdale Museum of Science and Discovery
3. Miami Museum of Science

BEST HISTORIC ATTRACTION
1. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Coconut Grove
2. Deering Estate, South Dade
3. Pigeon Key, Marathon

BEST WITH KIDS
1. Miami Metrozoo, South Dade
2. Jungle Island, Miami
3. Seaquarium, Key Biscayne

BEST WITH GRANDPARENTS [agreed for all three!]
1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables
2. Conch Tour Train, Key West
3. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Coconut Grove

BEST OUTDOOR ATTRACTION
1. Miami Metrozoo, South Dade
2. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables
3. Everglades National Park

NIGHT SCENE BEST BAR SCENE
1. Tobacco Road, downtown Miami
2. Blue Martini, downtown Miami
3. Martini Bar, South Miami

BEST DANCE SPOT
1. Mansion, Miami Beach
2. LIV, Fontainebleau, Miami Beach
3. SET Nightclub, Miami Beach

BEST DJ
1. DJ Irie
2. Oscar G
3. Jessico Who?

BEST LATE-NIGHT BAR/CLUB
1. Pangea, Seminole Hard Rock, Hollywood
2. Club Space, downtown Miami
3. Mokai Lounge, Miami Beach

BEST LOUNGE
1. Florida Room, Delano hotel, Miami Beach
2. Segafredo Brickell, downtown Miami
3. Sunset Lounge, Miami Beach

BEST CELEB-SPOTTING
1. Florida Room, Delano hotel, Miami Beach
2. LIV at the Fontainebleu, Miami Beach
3. Seminole Paradise, Seminole Hard Rock, Hollywood

BEST VIP AREA
1. Mansion, Miami Beach
2. LIV at the Fontainebleu, Miami Beach
3. Karu & Y, downtown Miami

BEST UNDERGROUND SCENE
1. Purdy Lounge, Miami Beach
2. The Vagabond, downtown Miami
3. TIED: Buck 15, Miami Beach, and The Poor House, downtown Fort Lauderdale

BEST GAY BAR
1. Twist, Miami Beach
2. 801 Bourbon Street, Key West
3. Pearl's Patio for Women, Key West

This Weekend in St. Augustine , Ponte Vedra & The Beaches

Friday: August 14

COUNTING CROWS PERFORM AT THE ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE
Enjoy an evening of incredible musical entertainment when multi-platinum artists Counting Crows perform with special guests Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana. In addition to playing their own sets, the three bands will perform together to provide a completely different concert experience. The show takes place at 7 p.m. at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Florida ’s newest outdoor performing arts venue, located on Anastasia Island at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine . Tickets are $39.50 to $59.50 and can be purchased at the Amphitheatre Box Office, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from noon to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and on-line at www.Ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800.745.3000. For more information, about the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and the upcoming concert schedule, visit www.StAugAmphitheatre.com.

IN GARB PUB CRAWL
Get historical and hysterical on St. Augustine ’s second-Friday of the month In Garb Pub Crawl! Put on your 16th -19th Century finery and amble along to four different pubs while engaging in spirited camaraderie, storytelling, singing and drinking. The fun lasts from 7 to 11 p.m. and tickets are $5 for those In Garb and $10 for those in 20th or 21st century duds. Purchase tickets at 6 p.m. at Pirate Portraits N Treasures, 100 St. George Street . No weapons or swords allowed. For more information, contact Tiger Lee, 858.752.0964, www.pirateportraitsntreasures.com.


Friday and Saturday: August 14 & 15

PRO RODEO AT ST. JOHNS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Dust off your boots and head out to the Pro Rodeo at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds. This Western-inspired event will feature professional rodeo performers from across the Sou the ast providing entertainment for all ages. Events include bull fighters, rodeo clowns, team and calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Local youth are invited to compete in youth barrel racing and roping competitions. The action starts at 8 p.m. and ticket prices are just $12 for ages 12 and older and $7 for students ages 6 to 11. St. Johns County Fairgrounds is located approximately 7 miles west of I-95 on SR. 207 in Elkton. For tickets and more information, call 904.353.3309 or log on to www.StAugAmphitheatre.com/fairgrounds.


WILD DREAMS – DISCOVERING HENRY FLAGLER
See Henry Flagler brought to life in this critically-acclaimed performance by Paul Jellinek. In Wild Dreams, Henry Flagler tells the story of his development of St. Augustine as a world class resort destination, his work with John D. Rockefeller, the expansion of his empire to the Keys – even the story of his three marriages. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. at the San Marco Theater across from Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in St. Augustine . Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 children – but Friday night’s performance is a special “buy one ticket, get one free” promotion. For more information, call 904.429.0280.


Saturday: August 15

JUDAS PRIEST & WHITESNAKE IN CONCERT
Rock out at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre as two of the most popular heavy metal bands of the 80’s and 90’s celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the album “British Steele’ by performing it in its entirety live on stage along with other old favorites. Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Florida ’s newest outdoor concert venue, is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine . For more information call 904.471.1965 or visit www.StAugAmphitheatre.com

GTM RESEARCH RESERVE BEACH WALK
Join GTM Research Reserve Volunteer Rick Edwards for this “Beaches 101” experience; an informative and fun walk-and-learn about the sand, the importance of the dunes, and the animals that call the beach their home. The walk takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. and departs from the Guana South Beach lot located approximately 2 miles north of the GTM Environmental Education Center off A1A in Ponte Vedra South. Reservations are required. Parking admission fee is $3 per vehicle. For more information call 904.823.4500.


Saturday and Sunday: August 15 & 16

NATIONAL MONUMENTS FREE WEEKEND AT CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS
Come explore the Castillo de San Marcos for free! The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees on both Saturday and Sunday. . Throughout the weekend, NPS staff and volunteers will present historic weapon firing demonstrations and living history programs about the culture of an eighteenth century Spanish garrison. The weapons demonstrations are offered at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 on both days, weather and staffing permitting. Ranger-led programs are presented every hour daily. Summer hours are 8:45 am until 7:15 pm. The Castillo de San Marcos is located on Avenida Menendez on St. Augustine ’s Bayfront. For more information, call 904.829.6506 or visit www.nps.gov/casa .


Sunday: August 16

ELVIS TRIBUTE CONCERT
Dust off your blue suede shoes and head over to the Flagler College Auditorium for this special Loving Memories of Elvis Memorial Tribute Concert on the 32nd anniversary of the King’s death. Starring Randy “Elvis” Walker and his Legendaires Band, this exciting and colorful tribute to the King of Rock and Roll will also serve as a fundraiser for the St. Augustine Record’s Newspapers In Education program. Plus, Vickie Lee will perform her Memories of Patsy Cline. The Flagler College Auditorium is located in St. Augustine at 14 Granada Street . The show begins at 7 p.m. Reserved seating tickets range from $25-$40 and are available online at http://store.staugustine.com/elvis , in person at the front desk of The Record at the corner of Rt. 207 and Rt. 312, or by calling 904.819.3446.

PELLICER CREEK AQUATIC PRESERVE KAYAK TOUR
Enjoy beautiful views of the Princess Place Preserve while a Florida Master Naturalist interprets local ecology, history, folklore, and proper kayaking technique. The tour leaves from Faver-Dykes State Park for a 3-hour paddling eco-tour through one of the best natural estuaries in Florida . Faver-Dykes State Park is located off US1 South at I-95 Exit 298 in St. Augustine . The tour is from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $50 per person and includes park admission, kayaking equipment, guided tour and photos. For more information or to reserve your space, call 904.347.1565 or visit www.RippleEffectEcoTours.com.

Jungle Island in Miami is offering half the price for admission to Miami-Dade and Broward county residents through Sunday, August 16.

$14.95 for adults and $11.95 for children (ages 3 to 10). Proof of residency in Miami-Dade and Broward counties is required. Prices do not include tax.

Take advantage of this offer to spectate the monkeys, and other island jungle creatures!

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Last night was a "fabulous" event at Avant Gallery. A free event open to the public, the soiree was a sampling of the fab in Fabulous Miami events to come. Tonight combined breathtaking art, a magnet for bringing together the growing number of attendes and an easy conversation piece. Or Fabiola Castro, brainchild and founder of Fabulous Miami, readily made introductions to connect all Fabulous Miami members and potential members. Smart lady!

Located in the design district of midtown Miami, Avant Gallery is quintessential avant garde in the artistic design of these furniture and decorative home pieces. Gazing, admiring, and dreaming of owning such fabulous artwork, conversations ignited over red wine and appetizers courtesy of Puntino Downtown. I fell in love with an aged, white Louis XIV chair frame with acrylic seat and backing painted with pink pansies. A handsome $1,995 price tag to match. I want that chair for my bedroom!




Walking into the gallery, I entered a surreal world of pop art and architecture. The focal point was the massive painting of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, inspired by artist Leonardo Hidalgo. Too big for my two-bedroom condo. But that black barstool in the picture above with encased red rose petals would have been great for my kitchen tabletop.


Apart from meeting and shaking hands with illustrious artists, I had the opportunity to meet and network with a number of professionals. The future looks bright for the economy when in a roomful of talented, ambitious professionals. My plans for this website are growing by the day, so are the number of hits!

Friday: August 7

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over 20 participating galleries. At 6 p.m., Schola Cantorae, the St. Augustine women’s Gregorian chant choir will present a free concert at the Cathedral Basilica. Tours begin at Rembrandtz American Craft Gallery, 131 King Street . Galleries are open from 5 to 9 p.m. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer attendees a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every 30 minutes. For more information, call 904.829.0065 or visit www.artgalleriesofstaugustine.com .

JACKSON BROWN IN CONCERT AT ST. AUGUSTINE AMPITHEATRE
Experience the talents of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Brown as he performs at Florida ’s newest outdoor performing arts venue, the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Brown will perform many of his classic unflinchingly sensitive works that in the 70’s provided a touchstone for a generation of baby boomers coming to terms with adulthood. The show begins at 8 p.m. For more information and tickets, call 904.471.1965 or visit www.StAugAmphitheatre.com.

FAVER-DYKES STATE PARK KAYAK TOUR
Explore the beautiful Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve by kayak and uncover what native Florida really looks like – including great birding and possible appearances by dolphins, otters and manatees. This professionally-guided tour is from noon to 3 p.m. and departs from Faver-Dykes State Park , located off US1 South at I-95 Exit 298 in St. Augustine . The $50 cost includes park admission, kayaking equipment, guided tour and photos. For more information or to reserve your space, call 904.347.1565 or visit www.RippleEffectEcoTours.com.


Saturday: August 8

2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL MARINA DAY
Come celebrate the important role that marinas play in waterfront communities across the nation. The festivities are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor located at 3070 Harbor Drive in St. Augustine . Enjoy educational displays, contests, games and a raffle in which all proceeds benefit St. Johns Riverkeeper. Admission is free. For more information, call 904.829.5676.

Sunday: August 9

BIRTHDAY PARTY ON THE PIER
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the City of St. Augustine Beach when the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division presents an evening of live music at the pier. Featured performers include local Reggae artist Scholar’s World, Southern rockers Red River Band and Ocala ’s Delta blues legend Willie Green. Plus, the event will include a live sand sculpture along with local craft, food, and beverage vendors. The party is 4-9 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call Dan Larson, 904.209.0366.

Guided Bird Walk at Fort Mose Historic State Park
Enjoy a fun and informative guided bird walk through Fort Mose State Park . The walk takes place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Admission to the park is $3 per vehicle and $1 for walk-ins. Fort Mose is located at 15 Fort Mose Trail, off US 1 North in St. Augustine . For more information, call 904.823.2232 or visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/FortMoseHistoricStatePark.

PRINCESS PLACE PRESERVE KAYAK TOUR
Enjoy beautiful views of the Princess Place Preserve while a Florida Master Naturalist interprets local ecology, history, folklore, and proper kayaking technique. The cost is $50 per person and includes park admission, kayaking equipment, guided tour and photos. The tour is from 9 a.m. to noon and departs from Faver-Dykes State Park , located off US1 South at I-95 Exit 298 in St. Augustine . No experience required! For more information and to make reservations, call 904.347.1565 or visit www.RippleEffectEcotours.com

My plan was to visit the Wolfsonian Museum after 6pm (free admission on Friday's after 6pm) so I had some time to spare. After concluding my tour at the Essex Hotel, I refreshed in the ladies room and then sat down for a drink at the Essex House hotel bar. Happy Hour specials abound throughout Miami. So why not take advantage of the price break and great weather. On this bright, hot day, it was nice to relax in a cherished deco hotel in the cool air condition. It appears so did my clients.

A bar full of people with loud music beseiging my eardrums is not my idea of relaxing, so this quiet time (it was only 5pm) with bay windows and view of 10th Street and Collins was just perfect. After ordering a Cosmo, I sat with my clients for some great conversation. Don't you love it when you're at a venue and meet the most interesting people. I learn I shared a lot with my clients--a love for cats and passion for reading and the desire to visit Chicago and Oak Park to witness the houses of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.


The Happy Hour Special for drinks includes half price on beer (reduced to $3.25) and well liquors ($4.25 for one shot) and is offered both weekdays and weekends from 5pm-8pm.Appetizers are a delectable $5.00 on weekdays.



So take a break from the routine and head down to South Beach to unwind and relax with these great specials. Where else can you soak in Deco architecture and history, sip a signature cocktail, and watch the most eclectic group of people on earth? Only in Miami Beach!

THE LAUNCH
The official launch was held in downtown Miami at the newly-minted, upscale EPIC hotel. It was well promoted online, in print ad in Brickell magazine and through forwarded emails. The hype and allure of name brand promoters including Mercedes Benz lent an air of exclusivity and an event not to be missed.

Upon arriving at 6:30pm, half hour after the slated 6pm kickoff, the bar was already crowded. My first time at the EPIC, I scanned the room and noticed it was downtown small, hence the bulging crowd at the entrance attracted curious passerbys.

While the venue was aesthetically ideal for this "see and be seen" event, it was an overpacked happy hour. Tight on space, soon I felt transported to my 20's at a local nightclub where elbow room was precious. Drinks were at our expense and there was finger food if you were willing to snake through the crowd to reach the food stations outside. But the view was picture perfect--boats, yachts streaming north and south along the Miami River. I had the opportunity to meet quality people. Actually these individuals didn't even know about the event. They just happened to visit for happy hour.

Later in the evening were the highly touted prize giveaways. The emcee struggled to speak over the din of happy hour to announce the winners. There were numerous prizes but the presentation was a bit chaotic and anticlimatic for a "premiere, exclusive" club. However there were many lucky winners of dance classes at Arthur Murray, and even a trip anywhere to Europe courtesy of Air Berlin.

The gift bags? Black eco-friendly textured bags with Mercedes Benz logo in white lettering left us in suspense. Opening and rifling through the Mercedes-Benz bags, the contents were mostly promotional brochures, no gifts except one $50 gift card to a beauty clinic. Nice touch. Not that we were expecting a free dinner certificate at the EPIC hotel. Maybe one small but memorable token to remind us that we're fabulous!

The asking price to join this new "exclusive" club--$250.00 is the number I heard at the event but nowhere is it listed on the website.

What does membership include? Not sure. The website (http://www.fabulousmiami.com/) lists the daily, weekly, and weekend events for which I'm sure each person must foot the bill, at least when it comes to dinner. Let's see there's "Mix Dancing" at Arthur Murray this Friday night, "Feng Shui" and "Pole Dancing" on August 10, and "Dinner at the Viceroy Hotel" on August 14. Yes I did write Pole Dancing. Indeed a healthy mix of Miami cultural activities!

Is it worth joining? I'm sure like many, it's a "wait and see" game. Wait to see if fabulous Miamians join this new club.

So what does the $250.00 get you? Stay tuned and I'll keep you "posted"! Let's hope this new club lives up to its hype and namesake. Best of luck to the organizers, Fabiola and crew!

Did you attend the event? Share you comments below!

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