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Do you remember when Revolver was in South Miami and Pop Life was at Piccadilly Garden? Ahhh memories. Some things like wine get better with age and this year the Miami New Times chose Poplife as the Best Party to Reappear in their annual Best of Miami issue.

We’re just happy PopLife is still the reigning indie favorite. All good things must come to an end but this party’s last dance is a long way off.

The Miami Herald’s Kathryn Wexler interviewed Karl Lagerfeld at the Raleigh Hotel where he will be debuting Chanel Cruise Collection later today. The best lines from the interview were:

  • “Nothing can be brought back. But you can take an inspiration and make something different of today out of it.” ~ Karl Lagerfeld
  • “My favorite line from Spinoza is: Every decision is refusal.” ~ Karl Lagerfeld

Lagerfeld was chosen as one of this year’s TIME 100 under the Builders and Titans category. Zaha Hadid wrote his feature and as many fashion followers are aware Chanel has an Mobile Art Museum designed by Hadid.

The temperatures are starting to rise and you need to take Happy Hour to the next level.

LVL 25 in the Conrad is hosting a new Friday night Happy Hour this summer.

Aside from the breathtaking views and drink specials there is also an hors d’oeuvres menu for you and your Entourage.

And besides a bar on the 25th floor…. Such Great Heights are definitely worth a cameo.

Yesterday I read on Critical Miami that Bas Fisher is closing and this morning I found more information in the Biscayne Times. It is such a shame and somewhat surprising since it was featured a few months ago in the NYT. We hope this means that Bas Fisher will find a new home in Miami, maybe in MiMo? Hopefully this is not the beginning of the exodus of artists from the Design District.

As we get closer to the debut of the Chanel Cruise Collection 2008 - 2009 at The Raleigh this week, more podcasts are becoming available.

The first podcast evoked refreshment and below are the 2nd and 3rd of 5 podcasts.

The 2nd brings to mind tranquility, getting away from it all, and enjoying time. Don’t miss the floating Chanel cloud logo. The 3rd teaser has the iconic Chanel logo magically floating above the sand and water, enchanting everything in its path.

You can subscribe to receive the podcasts directly.

Next Thursday, May 15th Miami Beach’s Raleigh Hotel welcomes the debut of Chanel Cruise Collection 2009.

You can see a clip from last year’s debut in Santa Monica, CA here.

“The concept of the Cruise Collection is based on traveling, and Miami is the ideal destination: A city that moves and has energy, with its small districts and its animated streets.” comments Karl Lagerfeld.

Below is the first of five Chanel Cruise Collection podcasts created to convey the energy of the 2008-2009 collection.

The Loose Cannons are once again having the best bike race in Miami this Wednesday, May 7 starting at Univ South Beach 100 Collins Avenue and ending at PS 14 28 NE 14 ST.

Race starts at 10p.m. sharp, checkpoint at the Venetian and as usual all bikers must drink a bear or eat a banana at the checkpoint.

Once you arrive at PS 14 all bikers enjoy $1 beers, BBQ is $5, ladies drink free 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Great photos here

Video of actual race available here

Mother’s Day is around the corner and if you still don’t know what to get for Mom, we have a few suggestions.

Sara Zamikoff, owner and creative force behind Coral Gables lifestyle shop Emporium helped us out with a few ideas, using the theme Because of all the Wonderful things Moms do for us

Because she always made sure you looked your best: Custom portrait by local artist Erin Ryan

Because she taught you how to write your name: Custom Mother of Pearl name bracelet

Because she always makes you feel warm inside: Gourmet coffees and teas

Because she carries the weight of the world: Chic handbags

Because she always reminds you to be thankful: Note cards and stationary

All items are currently available at Emporium

Emporium is located at 4710 South LeJeune Road 786.268.0689

*Photos courtesy of Miami Photo

May has arrived and we’re quickly slipping into summer. Some date you might want to reserve on the calendar:

May 8 International Red Cross Photo exhibit at Miami Woman’s Club

May 8- May 9 Rha Goddess performs Low: Meditations Trilogy Part One at Arsht Center

May 9 Bill Maher at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater

May 10 - June 16 Against the Grain at Bakehouse Art Complex

May 11 Happy Mother’s Day :) Brunch options

May 11 Afternoon Tea at Fairchild Tropical Garden

May 13 Shopping with a Purpose at The Webster Temporary

May 13 - May 18 Avenue Q at Arsht Center

May 14- May 17 49th Annual Clio Awards

May 16 Cinema 2 at The Wolfsonian featuring the film Secrets of the Dead: The Hunt for Nazi Scientists

May 16 - May 17 JVC Jazz Festival

May 18 Lincoln Road Outdoor Antique and Collectibles Market

May 20 Full Moon over Miami

May 20 Barnacle under Moonlight with Deblois performing

May 29 - June 22 Summer Shorts at the Arsht Center

May 30 - June 7 Brazilian Film Festival

May 31 - September 8 Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll Since 1967 at MOCA

Against the Grain opens this Saturday, May 10 at the Bakehouse Art Complex. The exhibit features over 15 BAC artists focusing on the impact urban development has on art and city life, sometimes the effects can be dark and these artists set out to reveal the often unheard side.

Exhibiting artist Luis Garcia-Nerey states, “In today’s landscape, our society requires a more rapid pace (and more and more space) for growth; [resulting in] an overdevelopment of [the] community which ultimately leads to the recurrence of history.”

BAC is located at 561 NW 32nd Street Miami, Florida 33127 in the Wynwood Arts District. 305.576.2828

The BAC is free and open to the public daily 12-5pm.

Yesterday NPR’s All Things Considered reported on the Miami Marine Stadium and the efforts to preserve this historical icon. The story included mention of the Marine Stadium’s shell like roof and the importance of recognizing the stadium’s relevance.

You can hear the full story online.

If you’re interested in learning more about preservation efforts to save the Miami Marine Stadium visit marinestadium.org and you can even become a member of the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium.

I drove by the Orange Bowl last week and was instantly saddened to see it being demolished, haven’t we lost enough history? There is a quickly disappearing city here and that is the Miami of yesterday sea planes, boat races, the Orange Bowl parade, etc. The Miami that created the buzz of Miami being the American riviera, the place where Jackie Gleason headlined at the Fountainbleu, where the Beatles met Muhammed Ali, where the Miss Universe pageant was held for 11 consecutive years, the city that was distinct because of its architecture and energy.

And now we’re losing it to the latest incarnation of indistinguishable strip malls and strips of skyscrapers, we’re even losing the historical names of places named after pioneers, been to the Filmore lately? A city’s architecture directly affects its character and energy.

Yes, I’m all for progress and looking towards the future but does it have to come at the price of losing our historical base, do we have to pay in preservation dollars?

Arsht Center for the Performing Arts released its Summer Calendar this week and South Floridians are in for several treats.

The most exciting show is Slava’s SnowShow which was described as a mix between the wonder of Cirque du Soleil and the interactive nature of the Blue Man Group. Slava’s SnowShow is promising Snow from July 24 - August 17. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow…..

Other events to save dates and purchase tickets for are

Summer Shorts, America’s Short Play Festival May 29 - June 22

  • Short one act plays ranging from comedy to drama. There are two programs so choose wisely or indulge in both. There is also an Undershorts late night show running from June 12-June 22 that has a more adult focus and includes adult content, language, and nudity…. it’s time Miami has more intelligent, envelope pushing, provocative late nights

Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz June 18- July 6

  • Witness 60 years in the musical life of this beloved superstar. Miami is the starting point for the worldwide tour

Miami Libre July 25 - August 17

  • Dance production by Miami’s Tiempo Libre tells the story of a musician’s search for love and liberty

There is no such thing as a free lunch but there is such thing as a free movie premiere and tomorrow night there is a movie screening compliments of Books and Books.

The movie being shown gratis is The Life Before her Eyes starring Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood. The movie starts at 8:00 p.m. and is being shown at Sunset Place.

If you’re interested in attending and who wouldn’t be then simply click here and print out the invite and head to your nearest Books and Books to redeem for one ticket for two to the premiere.

The trailer is below.

This Saturday, APRIL 19th @ SWEAT RECORDS

We are pleased as punch to invite all of you to celebrate Sweat Records‘ 3-Year Anniversary!!

Expect DJs and surprises in-store, bands next-door at Churchill’s, and of course, CUPCAKES. AND, it also happens to be NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY so we’ll have loads of *exclusive* CDs and releases by some of your favorite indie artists!! Party starts at 7pm at Sweat and continues next door at Churchill’s where the bands start at 10pm. 5505 NE 2nd Ave. www.sweatrecordsmiami.com

The Grove is the place to spend a nice night outdoors in Miami this weekend.

Friday night there is the Secrets of Coconut Grove Twilight Walking Tour. Remember to bring a flashlight.

If you love the moonlight and water mix then Saturday night (April 19th) go for a moonlight sail with Shake-a-Leg Miami.

Hmm ok keep the flashlight on you for the entire weekend.

In Style magazine is bringing the Inside In Style event to the sands of South Beach on 11th and Ocean for the fourth year in a row. Last year over 2,000 of Miami’s chicest residents attended the two day event and this year’s event promises to be even better.

The event is held in collaboration with Miami’s Junior League chapter. For over 80 years the Junior League of Miami has led the way in giving back to the community in a variety of ways from fundraisers to community projects. In Style is donating 100% of the profits to the Junior League of Miami.

This year’s In Side In Style event will once again bring the glamour and style of In Style magazine to Miami with two full days of goodies, fun, and fashion.

Katrina Szish, InStyle’s national correspondent will be on site at the In Style cabana where she will be discussing getting ready for your summer style.

Katrina says now more than ever and especially in Miami the trend is bright colors, especially in accessories. And as far as how to wear this summer’s styles Katrina mentioned this summer is going to be more sophisticated and will have a natural feel think globally inspired, tribal patterns and safari chic.

Katrina mentioned that Miami has always welcomed bright colors and now everyone else is catching on. Local fashionistas should already be out on the hunt for those bright accessories paired with sophisticated neutrals.

For more style tips and to see the latest information on designers check out Katrina’s blog Style Spy.

And of course catch her this weekend at the InStyle Miami event with fashion shows, makeover, performances, spa treatments and so much more.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 on site.

The commercial is now available at http://www.sony.co.uk/images

It doesn’t have the power of the Sony Bravia Glasgow color commercial but it’s nice and has a quiet, subtle charm.

Photo above courtesy of commercial-archive.com

A lot of people are always saying Miami should clean up its act and I guess Sony agreed and decided to help us by providing Miami with the world’s biggest bubble bath. Lately Sony has created some of the funnest commercials from bouncing balls in San Fran to a color explosion in Glasgow and now covering Miami in foam. The ad will be released tomorrow, Monday but until then you can check out previews and photos thanks to Behind the Buzz and Commercial-Archive.

You can also see various photos from the shoot at Flickr.

There are also videos on youtube below is a clip from nickspells.

The NYT’s Travel section has a piece on spending the weekend in Miami on a budget titled Miami Beach - Babylon on a Budget. As expected there is a slide show and map.

The piece mentioned how nice people were on South Beach, Wynwood’s Second SaturdaysArt + Design night in the Design District.

Sara Liss and Avery Pack will be hosting a private screening of their new film Foreign Devils. The official world premiere will be next month however, lucky for us they’re local and showing us the love. The screening will take place at Luminaire X in the Design District this Friday, March 28th.

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Fireside Fridays the monthly happy hour at Grove Isle is happening again this Friday.

And this Friday will also be extra happy as they’re celebrating Next In Line’s 4th Anniversary.

Fireside Fridays

Below are some wonderful Winter Music Conference events.

The venues are:

Click on the actual invite to enlarge. Once new window opens up, you can then click on image to enlarge further.

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Last month’s Yoga Journal featured a story on 21 gifted teachers under 40, included was Miami’s own Kino MacGregor from the Miami Life Center.

Kino practices Ashtanga Yoga, and uses her yoga teaching as an empowering, life changing tool. She also works as a life coach focusing on holistic health and natural spiritual and physical growth.

This upcoming Sunday, March 30th is the annual Celebrity 5K. The Celebrity 5K benefits the Community Partnership for Homeless (CPHI) which is a leader in helping homeless members of our community.

The 5K course follows a beautiful course with water views almost the entire course.

There will be an after party at Nikki Beach immediately following the race.

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Last week the Green Room Society and their friends got their Sham Rock on at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

The green beer was flowing and local favorite Jesse Jackson kept the crowd going. If you missed it, don’t worry you can catch the next Green Room Society event coming soon and you can catch Jesse every Tuesday night at Amendment XXI.

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As usual there are a ton of events going on this week especially with WMC and Sony Ericsson (which I still call the Lipton, but that’s for a later post) more will be written about both of those events during the week.

However, wanted to mention that Tuesday night Kimya Dawson (songstress behind many songs on Juno soundtrack) will be performing at Shake-a-Leg Miami. You can purchase tickets online at www.shakealegmiami.org/kimyadawson, at all Books and Books locations and at SWEAT records.

And as you start the week remember that Monday nights there is live jazz at Churchills.

This Sunday night, March 23rd Grass will be hosting Eden, one of the first parties of WMC and the only Caribbean rooted event within the entire conference. There will be an Easter egg hunt of sorts with eggs hidden throughout and prizes like champagne bottles hidden inside.

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The NYT has an article about the idyllic, picturesque Venetian Islands in today’s Travel section.

They have a slide show of the islands.

It’s interesting they mention these islands are starting to gain more attention… but locals have loved the Venetian Islands for a long time.

Click here to see a map of the Islands. 

It’s Spring, ….. officially since yesterday it’s Spring.

In South Florida Spring marks the slowing down of “season”, breezy days quietly diminishing, and of course the return of our wet season.

Tonight is one of those perfect nights to sit outdoors and share drinks and laughs with friends. Fortunately Miami has lots of options for great outdoor seating.

If you work in Brickell and want to stay in the area head to Segafredo located at 1421 South Miami Avenue. Segafredo opened in January this year and on the weekends has a late night lounge Spazio Nero. Segafredo has outdoor seating and allows one to enjoy an easy time with friends. Another option still in Brickell but off the usual radar is Marinheiro in the Mark building. Marinheiro has happy hour from 5-8 p.m. and has a terrace on the bay.

However, if you’re willing to take a short drive then head to the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne. The Rusty Pelican is a local landmark , a favorite for brides, and offers one of the best brunches in town nonetheless, it offers a great happy hour. Happy Hour at the Rusty Pelican is Monday through Friday from 4-7p.m. well drinks and house wines are half priced, there are complimentary h’orderves, and you can sit outside on the water and enjoy one of the best views in town.

Another local landmark the Barnacle in Coconut Grove is hosting Barnacle under Moonlight tonight Friday, March 21rst, a concert on the Barnacle’s lawn with the Alhambra Orchestra. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket. Concert starts at 7pm.

Other great local happy hour spots:

  • One Ninety
  • Brosia - half off Sangria, beautiful courtyard
  • Tobacco Road - oldest and still one of the greatest bars in Miami

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Segafredo in Brickell. Photo by Gio Alma

I don’t usually write about events six months ahead of time but with an event like this I believe it’s necessary.

Oustanding in the Field is a travelling culinary experience, in which diners have the pleasure of touring a local farm. Afterwards they sit down to dinner with the local farmers and other food artisans that prepared the five course meal they are about to enjoy.

This year on Tuesday, October 1, 2008 Outstanding in the Field is coming to Paradise Farm right here in Miami. Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine will be the guest chef.

The latest issue of Music.Art.People (MAP) magazine is out and their Music + Sound issue features

As always MAP’s website, features the latest issue and also has links to past issues. The site is interactive and appealing but nothing beats the real thing so go out there and pick up a MAP.

Yes, I said it the BEST lunch in Miami, big words to live up to and I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it and if I didn’t know that I could send anyone there and guarantee a glowing review, ok yes I’ve already sent friends there and received glowing reviews.

Drumroll please ………………….

Ladies and Gentlemen the BEST Lunch in Miami is at Whisk in Coral Gables. Fortunately, Whisk isn’t in the heart of Miracle Mile so you won’t be fighting hordes of traffic. Instead, you’ll be enjoying a quiet, small, charming restaurant, where the menu is a can’t miss and the biggest dilemma is what to choose and what to do if they run out of cupcakes. Whisk carries Misha’s cupcakes AKA the best cupcakes in town, people often use the word addicting when talking about Misha’s. If they do run out of cupcakes don’t worry try Brendan’s Famous Key Lime Pie.

As far as recommendations for lunch

First check out their daily specials then scan their lunch menu

From the lunch menu I suggest the

And the most popular

From the Daily Specials

  • The Mahi or Grouper are always amazing and FRESH

Aside from the amazing food Whisk is run by a smart, friendly staff. Last week the NYT had a piece about chic restaurants where diners often meet the chef and you have a good chance of meeting the chef at Whisk.

Whisk is one of the newest and best kept secrets in Miami however, it is small and does get busy so if you’re in a hurry your best bet is to call ahead and get it to go. If you are in the Gables or South Miami area ask about delivery.

Whisk

786.268.8350

4702 S. Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables, 33146

The best vitamin and health shop in Miami is on Miami Beach, and it’s a warm, inviting place offering the greatest vitamin, tea, and natural body health selection I’ve seen in a long time. By best I don’t mean biggest although this place isn’t small, it is simple and low key.

Vita-Life is a neighborhood, corner shop on the SE corner of Meridian and 6th Street, its off the beaten path and if you go during a weekday parking is a breeze. Vita shares the block with Uhma and the Miami Life Center. This holistically, healthy trio is staffed by helpful, well mannered staffs. Vita’s manager, Ray is a former personal trainer and a good resource for information on local gyms and great places to work out. Plus he can pick out the best snacks and teach you all about real label reading.

Vita-Life

744 6th St Miami Beach, FL 33109

(305) 672-5785

Tonight in the Design District the usual and usually hip Thursday night cocktails will be taking place at Domo Japones. However, this Thursday the party is slightly more bitter than sweet as many gather to wish Nina Arias Good Luck as she departs Miami.

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Next Tuesday, March 25th MOCA will be opening Pivot Points part 1.

Pivot Points will showcase works from MOCA’s permanent collection that mark turning points in contemporary art.

The MisShapes will be in handling the music for the opening night festivities.

Diferente, Mi Pachanga es Diferente those are the opening words to Rene Touzet’s Pachanga Diferente. If it sounds familiar you might recognize the upbeat track from Wes Anderson’s Bottle Rocket soundtrack.

Different is always an important concept to embrace, especially living in Miami, where for better or worse there is so much room for growth.

Something different in town is the performance piece by Maria Jose Arjona at Gallery Diet, thanks to David Rohn for the heads up. Maria Jose Arjona is performing the piece Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and it has been advised to be on time for the start of the piece.

Wednesday, March 19 is Wolf Pack Design Night at Luminaire X.

Design Miami’s Wava Carpenter will be leading a discussion on 20th century design.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, March 18th, Sunglass Hut is unveiling it’s new flagship store on Miami Beach, a redesigned shop that provides visitors with an experience representative of the local brand and especially its Miami Collection.

The opening will also serve as a launch event for this year’s Gen Art Fresh Faces. The event will feature collections from past Fresh Faces participants including Uli Herzner, Julian Chang, Karelle Levy, Maya and Bogosse. These talented designers will showcase collections and Danny Masterson will be providing the night’s soundtrack.

I guess plenty of people will be wearing their Sunglasses at Night.

Just Don’t mess around with the guy in shades, OH NO.

As I’ve mentioned before Gen Art’s Fresh Faces is one of my favorite events. And every year it seems to get BIGGER and BETTER!

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Next Saturday, March 22nd the Upper East Side Garden turns 1 yr old and like every first birthday they are celebrating in style!

There will be performances by

    Michelle Weinberg’s Climb Upstairs portion of her Warehouse Plays is on display, this was part of the Art on the Boulevard project co-curated by Nina Arias.

    Jacin Giordano has created a new hazard for the course.

    Of course a round of mini golf is included with the entrance fee. What is else is included for those $10.

    drinks, entertainment, and a fabulous time in the garden.

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    Unfortunately due to hectic schedules there wasn’t an opportunity to post about Carnaval on the Mile however, one of the stand outs from the many vendors was a jewelry line Trinkets by Michal, created by local designer Michal Suarez.

    Each piece is hand crafted and is named after a girl. My favorite was the Mindy necklace (seen below) I thought it would look really great with a white dress for a chic summer look. To contact the designer directly you can email
    trinketsbymichal@yahoo.com

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    St. Patrick’s is almost here and the green beer is almost ready to go.

    John Martins will be having it’s 18th Annual St. Patty’s Day, all weekend long beginning this Friday, March 14th on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

    and this year the Green Room Society will be hosting their own Green Bash at the Performing Arts Center.

    And after the Green Room’s Green Bash head over to Mike’s at Venetia.

    You can party till 3 am at Mike’s they’ll have green beer, Lamb Stew, Corned Beef & Cabbage, Guinness, and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Byron the Bag Piper will be there playing Irish tunes. And there is indoor and outdoor seating.

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    This Thursday, March 6th check out Domo Japones for dinner and the chic cocktail party Cocktails Anyone?

    And this Saturday, March 8th the Party is ON as the Design District hosts Second Saturdays.

    As usual there will be plenty to do :

      and of course you can have dinner at amazing restaurants in the neighborhood

      This week marks the first time Luminaire X will be celebrating Second Saturdays in the Design District, so stop by the coffee bar and grab an espresso, actually make it a double cause Saturday is going to be a long, fun night.

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      On your mark

      Get Set

      GO!

      It’s a bike race, actually an Alley Cat Bike Race tonight starting at 10 p.m. The race happens monthly and here is a great video from last month’s race.

      Warning if you watch the video it will increase your desire to race or at the very least put a smile on your face.

      The starting point is at The Room located at 100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

      There is a check point at the Venetian Causeway where all riders MUST down a beer or eat a banana.

      The race ends at PS 14 28 NE 14th ST, Miami, FL 33141.

      Winner gets a $50 bar tab but don’t worry there are no losers, only slow pokes and anyone who rides a bike to PS 14 (meaning even if you didn’t participate in the race) receives $1 beers from 10pm-12 am. and ladies drink free from 10pm-12 am.

      And of course as always $5 gets you all you can eat Fingerlickin good BBQ.

      See I told you there are no losers. :-)

      For more information check out Fingerlickin or email iam.villain@mac.com

      Loose Cannons

      Just a quick update that there has been a change of date and Gen Art’s Fresh Faces 2008 will take place Saturday, April 12th 8:00 p.m. at the beautiful, new Gansevoort South.

      Fresh Faces, is one of my favorite shows and it’s always a fun event in a gorgeous location.

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      Photos by Richard Patterson for Gen Art.


      I’m sorry. I just can’t take you, Fluffy.

      You’re about to hop across the pond to Barcelona for a long weekend, but have to leave your yorkie terrier at home and leaving your best friend in good hands is priority numero uno.

      What’s a jet setterina to do?

      Call Nicole Brown at Miami Pet Concierge and arrange for your pet to be pampered while you’re away. Nicole works closely with South Florida’s top vets, and is the Executive Director of the South Florida Veterinarian Foundation and Association.

      Miami Pet Concierge’s