One of the great things about living in Miami is how easy it is to travel abroad. Today I am leaving for Quito, Ecuador which is just a 4 hour and 20 minute flight from Miami. Although this country has been in the news of late due to Edward Snowden and is a bit testy toward the U.S., Ecuador is a huge exporter of goods and services to the U.S. and we gain a lot from trading with them. Some of the main exports to the U.S. are shrimp, bananas, brocoli, coffee and chocolate.
There are many exotic, fun, and expensive cars in Miami. Audi R 8, Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, are all fairly common here. If you do not own one and still want the heart pounding experience that driving one of these cars brings from the moment you hear the engine roar, consider the Miami Exotic Auto Car Racing experience at the Homestead Speedway. You get to choose between the Audi R 8, Ferrari 430, Lamborghini, or you can drive all three for the ultimate thrill.
My husband was skeptical when we gave him the gift certificate for Christmas, but was convinced it was the real deal when they hit 100 miles an hour in the Audi 4S during the “test” run with a driver showing him the course.
My brother had told me about this restaurant when it first opened, but I hadn’t made it by. After it was written up in the Herald a couple of weeks ago, I decided to go by for a late lunch after showing properties on Miami Beach.
The casual atmosphere, tasty food, and great service make this a must visit restaurant.
I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate, so I am thrilled that the first ever Miami Fine Chocolate and Food Show is coming to Pinecrest Gardens this weekend. One of my favorite chocolate stores, Romanicos on Coral Way, will be there as well as Valor chocolates from Spain. Romanicos’ chocolates are pure artistry from their Tropical Collection, with painted fish motiffs, to their Nostalgia Habanera, with chocolates filled with dulce de leche and guava paste. My favorite from Valor is their 70% dark chocolate bar with banana. Pair any of these with red wine and…heaven!
I am looking forward to tasting chocolate from all of the chocolatiers that I don’t know yet and adding to my current stash.
You know what they say about real estate, location, location, location, and boy does 1542 Drexel Avenue #205 have it. Location: 2 blocks from Lincoln Road. Location: 1 block from Espanola. Location: 3 blocks to the Ocean. In the heart of Miami Beach, yet on a quiet, low traffic street, this fully furnished unit is the perfect Miami Beach Pied-A-Terre. Rarely available one bedroom. The last one bedroom for sale in this boutique building was in 2011!
If you are looking for an investment property instead of a weekend get-a-way, the last fully furnished unit that rented in this building was a studio that rented for $1500 per month! Listed for sale, fully furnished (minus the art work) for $170,000.
Several recent articles have highlighted the issue of preservation vs private property rights. I want to clarify that I am for historic preservation of relevant buildings but I think if it is done retroactively, it infringes on private property rights.
A home in north Gables on Minorca and another in Miami Beach on Star Island are further examples of preservation boards trying to designate properties as historic when new owners purchased the property and applied for demolition permits.
If a property is designated as historic, it cannot be torn down and there are restrictions on the amount and type of renovations that can be done. You can check with local preservation boards to see if the property you are purchasing is on their list prior to purchasing, but if it is not on the list should a local board be able to designate it when you apply for permits to demolish or refurbish? To protect your investment, if you are planning to purchase a property built in the 1920’s-1960’s (Old Spanish, Art Deco and MiMo architectural styles) and want to renovate or demolish it, contact the local historic preservation board during your due diligence/inspection period.
In case your activity calendar hasn’t been full enough with the boat show, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Art Wynwood, SoBe Wine and Food Festival, you can add to it with all of the events coming in March.
Okay, I have to admit that although I love my husband, family, friends, clients, south Florida, referrals, wine and dark chocolate, but am not a big fan of Valentine’s Day. As my husband said early on in our dating, every day should be Valentine’s Day, not just a day where flower prices sky rocket, restaurant reservations are scarce, and Hallmark cashes in. So instead of celebrating just one day, go out and celebrate all weekend! There is so much to do between the boat show and Coconut Grove Art Festival that you will find plenty of reasons to love living in, or visiting, south Florida.
