One of the most chic and popular hotels with locals and out-of-town guests in South Beach and one of my favorites) has launched a new restaurant, Habitat, to replace the 170- seat room that formerly housed Beachcraft.

Regular guests and visitors to this hotel are familiar with the hotel's eco-conscious ethos. In keeping with this tradition to support local farmers while innovating new dishes from traditional recipes, Habitat applies modern techniques to create a new flavor profile that draws from Spanish, Latin and Asian traditions.

WHO IS THE CHEF?
Owners tapped Michelin-starred Spanish chef Angel Palacios to helm the culinary team with the title "Chef de Cuisine". Habitat’s menu will embrace all of the excitement and innovation that has fueled Spain’s culinary ascendancy while at the same time taking into account what it means to be a Miami Beach mainstay.

The launch sneak preview was sponsored by Ocean Drive magazine on November 9 on the second level or loft area of the restaurant.


You may recognize Camila Alves McConaughey (wife of actor Matthew McConaughey) on the cover who also attended the event that evening.


Appetizer sampling for the event included mini spring raw salads, to the center case of fresh oysters glistened atop bed of crush ice, and the fine shaving of Iberica ham slices with slices of toasted garlic bread.

THE INSPIRATION
“Miami is the crossroads,” shares Juan Ayora, CEO and President. “For Habitat, we want to create something that embraces the region’s internationalism but is very much of this place and time. Flavors, hospitality, service and comfort will be the foundation of it all.”

[Photo by Juan Ayora]

NEW MEANING OF "HEALTH FOOD"
Habitat delivers a new meaning to the concept of “health food.” An open fire and wood-baked cookery will be the cornerstone of all hot dishes with an abundant raw selection encompassing everything from ceviches, tartares, tiraditos and shellfish from across the globe as well as vegetables and salads. The extensive raw menu is designed to complement the grilled items.

Along those lines a special feature of the restaurant is a "salad sommelier". In true old-fashion style, a wooden cart filled with fresh greens makes the rounds so guests may create a custom salad tableside.

I am particularly enamored with Habitat’s design which reflects both the parent restaurant brand and 1 Hotel's commitment to sustainability with all-natural materials and craftmanship. The feeling is both comfortable and unpretentious, soft blues and browns evoke the sea with hand dyed textiles, natural woods, stone and warm lighting. In the image below, real grass grows from the framed art on the wall.

Christine Michaels sits in lobby of 1 Hotel

I'm looking forward to exploring this new genre-defying concept in South Beach. With recent visits to the Costa del Sol (south coast of Spain) and Paris where oysters and mussels are king, expectations are set high.



Habitat
2395 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL  33139
305-604-6700

Christine Michaels sports her newest swimwear in celebration of Swim Miami

Milan and New York City may be synonymous with fashion but no city capitalizes wet, wild, sensual swim fashion as Miami. 

Miami Swim Fashion Week is here and it's Christmas in July. Swim Miami is the most prestigious collection of runway shows running parallel with the swimwear industry's largest tradeshow.



Hotels in South Beach and downtown Miami and other venues will host runway shows and cocktails  for familiar brands like Luli Fama to Indah to Revel Rey. Trendy restaurants are joining the feverish event such as Kiki's on the Miami River in downtown Miami. 

 

Gold Warrior Princess Photo credit: Brigitte Grosjean

Photo credit: Brigitte Grosjean

Bikinis, coverups, and accessories from sunglasses to beach hats are all showcased either on the catwalk in the evening for a glamorous night; or outdoors around a pool deck for a more casual fun filled day. Be ready to enjoy plenty of cocktails too. 

Funkshion Photo credit: Brigitte Grosjean

Simply Google Swim Week Miami 2018 or Swim Miami 2018 to choose which runway show, party, or venue interests you. Why 2018? Well the swimwear presented are not available for purchase in retail outlets until 2018 however some events may sell them in advance. Be the first! 

Photo credit: Brigitte Grosjean

Some of the events I hope to check out: 
 
Thursday, July 20: Sports Illustrated hosts kickoff of Swim Miami
W Hotel South Beach, Wet Deck
7pm-11pm

Friday, July 21: Rose Runway- Bubbles, Bites & Bikinis
Brickell City Center: 88 SW 7th Street
6:30pm Cocktail
7:30pm Runway

Saturday, July 22, Planet Fashion features presentations from Hot Miami Styles, Just Bones Boardwear, Art Hearts Fashion
SLS Hotel & Hyde Beach 
7:30pm

Saturday, July 22, Minimale Animale
One Night Club
10pm

Below is a video showcasing Revel Rey from last year's show. This is so Miami!

The morning of July 15, 1997 would rock the fashion world and the history of Miami Beach. Italian designer Gianni Versace was shot to death on the front steps of his villa formally known as "Casa Casuarina" on Ocean Drive, part of the Art Deco historic district,  in South Beach, Florida.

Gianni Versace in his mansion in South Beach

This may be a somber note to start with for this fabulous blog, but Versace was influential in the transformation of South Beach.

"Versace propelled South Beach to a whole new stratosphere, one that attracted artists, celebrities and the super wealthy," shares Christine Michaels resident and founder/owner of the Art Deco Tours.

Versace moved to Miami in 1992 and purchased the dilapidated villa, originally built in 1930, and added his flair of design in every single room. This was his third home at the time and interesting enough he stayed during the hottest months of Miami, July and August.  It is also the least crowded in South Beach.

Ceiling in upstairs den of Versace villa in Miami

It remains the only house on Ocean Drive and unless visitors read beforehand about what to find on Ocean Drive, few know it was the home of the legendary designer who was killed at the ripe age of 50. When they do stumble upon the villa, one is drawn to the beautiful "elephant" on Art Deco row.  It is the most photographed building in Miami, mostly for morbid reasons. Tragically, Versace was shot to death on his front step by spree killer, Andrew Cunanan.

Versace mansion on Ocean Drive known as "Casa Casuarina"

 "I used to see Versace regularly walking on the sidewalk, no bodyguards, especially on Saturday nights to come outside, steps from his home, to hear Alex Fox play Spanish guitar for a free public performance. To add to the flair and Latin theme, Alex's wife danced flamenco. It was a lively show, and therefore it drew crowds and Versace blended in. No one noticed or knew," continues Michaels." But everyone knew his 'over-the-top' designs."

Versace revolutionized the catwalk with his brash use of color and sexuality.  This spilled over into the design of his home but also respected the traditional history of cultural details as seen below in the Middle Eastern inspired shower.

Christine Michaels stands in the shower nearest the pool area

With regards to fashion, he was inspired by the punk era and incorporated neon colors, graffiti and metal mesh into his sartorial showcases and ushered in the concept of  "street style" haute couture and glamour, now a garden variety on the red carpet.



Visitors to South Beach are fascinated by the Versace villa and all its glorious stories.  Today the Versace villa is a boutique hotel with ten guestrooms, including Versace's room, and a restaurant.  Only those with a hotel or restaurant reservation may enter. However, to learn more about the entire history since it was built, the purchase by Versace in 1992, the renovations/additions, storied parties and events inside, the day he was killed and aftermath, and the auction of the building,  then you'll want to take the Art Deco Walking Tour or Art Deco Cocktail tour. While the tour may not enter, tour guides can fill you in on factual history leading up to current events and share exclusive photos of the interior. James Cubby, a professional guide for the tour company, once worked as a nightlife reporter for ten years during the Versace Miami years. The mansion still holds many surprises and secrets in terms of both architecture and occurrences.

Modeling new swimsuit line presented at the Versace villa pool area, July 2015

Between Christine Michaels and James Cubby, no two people know more about the entire history of this building, the architecture, the design, the people, and the salacious happenings, says Norma Fischer, a native resident. "Cubby's eyewitness stories are what movies are made of."

This past week I enjoyed the Memorial Day holiday weekend in St. Michaels, Maryland.  Yes same surname as mine, Michaels, but no historical blood ties. This port side town is not only charming but also holds fascinating history and some famous nearby residents. It was a wonderful escape from the heat and city scene of bustling haze of Miami. It was also a great opportunity to revisit early American history.


Maryland is one of the original thirteen colonies of early American settlers escaping England in the 1600s hence the rich history and British influence in names.  This town's name was derived from the Episcopal church established in 1677.  The nickname was recorded a century later and was recounted that when the British wanted to target the town with cannonballs from their seaside ships to prevent a militia from forming, the town dimmed their lights and hung lanterns in the trees beyond the town. The cannonballs would overshoot and the town was spared.

Historic home in St. Michaels, Maryland

St. Michaels is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, two hours east of Baltimore.  Like Miami it is surrounded by lots of water--the bay, creeks, the ocean. Boating, yachting and water events are popular activities along with waterfront dining. With its close proximity to the nation's capital, famous politicians own homes in the St. Michaels area (Easton, Royal Oak are nearby cities). They include Donald Rumsfeld and former Vice President Dick Chaney.  Given its prominent location along the water, Talbot county consists of mostly wealthy families. Many residents are either business owners or have retired to the quiet life by the bay.

Standing on a major bridge I could see land across the bay. Ahoy there! Sure enough I learned that ferries are another mode of transportation to cross the bay to reach another port instead of driving the 45 minutes to connect to land.  One day I took the Oxford Bellevue ferry to visit Oxford, a town of 600 residents. The cost was a mere $5.00 round trip.

A 15 minute ride from port of Easton to Oxford

The first sign to welcome me to Oxford

 One does not need a car to get around. Riding a bicycle or even walking, one can cover most of the small city. A marina, restaurants, and small homes fill up the tiny island. I loved to see the old homes with the white picket fence and the flower gardens. So many colorful geraniums filled flower pots and rose bushes throughout the island. A slice of Americana.

Home with white picket fence, colorful garden beds and American flag

The allure of this small, quiet town compelled me to slow down and take the time to smell the roses. A grand opportunity for reflection. Just the relaxing vacation that I needed.

Christine smells the red roses

 After walking about and absorbing this historical chapter of American history, it was time to take the ferry back to Easton.

For dinner we visited the historic main streets of Easton and dined at Scossa Italian restaurant.  Across the street was the old courthouse. In the center are American flags, lined with wooden benches. On the right side of the lawn is a statue of  Frederick Douglass, one of my favorite heroes in American history.  

Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey in Talbot County, Maryland he was a major figure in the abolition movement and the first African American to hold a high U.S. government rank. Born a slave, Douglass learned that reading and writing well were powerful. His tenacity and creative solutions to learn to read enabled him to discover the meaning of "abolition" upon buying his first anthology at age 12. 



After escaping slavery, he took the name "Douglass" after a character in the poem The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott. He became an excellent orator and his fiery speeches and writing skills made him the most prominent African American abolitionist. He met President Lincoln three times and was a Republican. Douglass did not support radical abolitionists like William Garrison and John Brown. When Brown wanted to plan an armed slave rebellion, Douglass disapproved of it and distanced himself from activities regarding the extremists.  Through speech and writing he was powerful in a major movement in American history. I'm reminded of the saying "the pen is mightier than the sword". 

Frederick Douglass in his 30s

In 1872 the Equal Rights Party nominated Douglass for Vice President of the U.S. Though he was nominated without his knowledge and did not campaign, this made Douglass the first African American to be nominated for the post.

Easton is a great city for raising a family or family vacations. There is something for everyone. Sailing, jet skiing, taking a ferry, crabbing, fishing--you name it.




For lunchtime we headed to historic St. Michaels along the waterfront.


Foxy's is a favorite casual place for bar bites and beer and drinks.  It also has the best outdoor seating. The Lighthouse restaurant next door is newly renovated and under new management. The large windows overlooking the bay often make it the safer option without the worry of the unpredictable weather pattern. Same view without the cold or rain.

Seafood, especially oysters is the major industry for St. Michaels. By the late 19th century, most households had at least one person working in fishery, either tonging oysters or working in shucking houses.


Plenty of restaurants to choose from that offer oysters and great seafood such as lobster ravioli, crab, mussels and more.  The most popular is Crab Claw restaurant on the waterfront. I did not try it yet. There is also Hunter's Tavern at Tidewater Inn (loved the Lobster in zesty lemon risotto). My favorite restaurant to date is Limoncello, a (relatively new-opened Nov 2016) fine upscale Italian restaurant. While not on the water, the food, service and ambiance were excellent!


Easton, Royal Oak and St. Michaels are approximately an hour and a half away from Baltimore-Washington International airport (BWI) in Hanover, Maryland, without traffic.  Avoid driving there Friday after 3pm and returning Sundays.  Everyone heads to the east coast on weekends and traffic is very heavy. 

Stop at St. Michaels for a quiet, relaxing getaway with water views and activities all around you and enjoy fine dining, as well as a slice of history.

by Christine Michaels
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