Checking Out The South Beach Scene

I took some time off a couple of weeks ago and headed down to South Beach (Miami).  After a cool and rainy summer in New York, I got my dose of hot and steamy weather for the season all in one week.  The temperatures were in the high 80's every day, but combined with the humidity, it was enough for me to start anticipating the autumn leaf tour I've been wanting to take in New England.  

While the deco architecture is not my personal favorite, I enjoy taking it in and the cool colors that are so typical of that style works so well in the hot climate and tropical sun.   My time off quickly became an eating tour and it seemed I was planning my next meal before I was done with the one I was eating.  There were two terrific restaurants that I thought I would share; one was in the old Versace Mansion on Ocean Avenue.

The house is used as a small boutique hotel and restaurant now.  The food was really excellent and the service was stellar, but most importantly, I was able to satisfy my curiosity about the mansion that seems so closed from the street.  It was really fun to sit in the interior courtyard and imagine the parties Versace must have had in the house. 

The other was a restaurant called Prime Italian that's part of a group of restaurants owned by the Myles restaurant group.   The food, energy and atmosphere were really great!   We didn't have a reservation so we ended up sitting at the bar and had a great time watching all the action.

If you are ever in the Miami area, be sure to check these out.