Downtown Miami is hot: A multitude of reasons why
Downtown Miami has changed. No longer does the area shut down when the clock strikes five. The past decade has seen the area come to life with new museums and parks, performing arts spaces, restaurants and bars, condominiums, a continuously growing community college and retail/shopping outlets.
Developers have made many plans. Museum Park will replace the former Bicentennial Park space, where the Miami Art Museum and Miami Science Museum & Planetarium will share space. Construction has begun and it should open to the public in Fall 2013. The nearby Adrienne Arsht Center, with first-run Broadway spectaculars as well as quirkier performances and concerts, is another hot venue.Nearby restaurants and bars are vital to such an attraction and to keeping residents around the area. Bongo’s Cuban Cafe behind the American Airlines Arena is a favorite spot that’s a veteran of the area for both dinner and/or partying. Feeling adventurous? Try new contenders like First & First Bakery, which has great baked goods and sandwiches, or Cvi.che 105 (yes, that’s how they spell it) for delicious Peruvian cuisine in a modern setting.
In the heart of Downtown is the ever-growing Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus which recently unveiled and opened their new Culinary Institute. A continued learning resource for area residents. Their Chef’s Council is a Who’s Who of noted local chefs, many are James Beard Award Winners. The list features Michelle Bernstein ofMichy’s, Sra. Martinez and now Crumb on Parchment fame; Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, a hotbed for celebrities and a menu filled with organic and locally grown fare; and Douglas Rodriguez of De Rodriguez Cuba on South Beach.
Closeby (just over the bridge actually) is Mary Brickell Village where downtowners can party at Blue Martini orFado Irish Pub and eat great food at Rosa Mexicano orBalans, to name a few. And not part of the Village but directly across the street is the consistently goodPerricone’s Marketplace for great wines, terrific Italian food and a great gourmet market.Marquis Residences.So of course, to support such an amazing location, the buildings have to be equally spectacular. Marquis Residences, overlooking Biscayne Bay fit the profile of luxury perfectly. At 14-stories, the bay and city views are stellar and the luxurious rooftop deck pool’s a great spot for sunning and swimming. A little deeper into Downtown is One Miami with Scalina Restaurant right on site and minutes away from Miami Beach and also from the Brickell area.
