Back in December we discovered Radio Bar, a pop-up bar a few blocks away in the South of Fifth “SoFi” neighborhood. We instantly fell in love with the place, and of course, their signature drinks: The Commander and The Derby. Next time you go, order either. Trust us on this one!
 
The only problem? It was a pop-up bar – so its existence was obviously fleeting. Until recently. Radio Bar owners Paulo Cardoso, Flip Falca and Tatanka Guerrero know what they’re doing and the neighborhood has spoken: Radio Bar is here to stay. Read on for more.

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Now that we’ve given you the skinny on the best way to take advantage of Miami’s culinary melting pot, don’t think we left out those who still like to enjoy a nice “vacation home cooked meal” and stretch their budget without sacrificing taste.

This week’s guest blogger, Bridget Sandorford of www.culinaryschools.com has the perfect quick meal ideas for dining in while on vacation. Read on for a collection Bridget’s favorite five-ingredient or less recipes including cumin spiced chicken with chunky tomato salsa, Mexican grilled corn with cilantro, crunchy baked flounder, red curry-glazed salmon, slow-cooked lamb with onions and thyme, and easy risotto with bacon and peas. 

                  

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The best part of any vacation? Food. It’s when your diet goes on hiatus, your wallet doesn’t mind and your inner glutton shines. When you are in a hub of culture, like that you find on Miami Beach, you are cheating yourself if you don’t get adventurous with your palate.
 
With several hundred restaurants on picturesque South Beach you might be wondering where to start. You could ask the concierge, but hotels tend to have partnerships with restaurants and biased opinions. You could ask your uncle Fred who went to Miami once, but let’s face it Fred doesn’t know the difference between gastronomical genius and Olive Garden. You could wing it but you’re likely to dine at a tourist trap. So now you’re stuck and worse – hungry.

Read on for more from our guest blogger, Grace Della of Miami Culinary Tours.

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We’re starting a new blog series titled Miami Weekend Guide, check out our suggestions of what to do this Friday through Sunday below:
 

• Ultra Music Festival Weekend 2, Bayfront Park: If you were lucky enough to score tickets to the ultimate electronic music festival before they sold out, the 2^nd and last weekend of UMF is happening this week.
•  Alicia Keys and Miguel, AmericanAirlines Arena: If electronic music and large festivals aren’t your thing R&B stars Alicia Keys and breakthrough artist Miguel will be playing Saturday night. Tickets are $70-120
•  3^rd Annual Brickell Food & Wine Festival, Miami Circle: A much different festival atmosphere here starts on Saturday and continues through Sunday and there is something for everyone. An international concert, wine and spirits tasting, car show, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations and wine education sessions. Some of the town’s hottest restaurants will be featured including Oceanaire Seafood Room, Rosa Mexicano, The Atrio at Conrad, Taverna Opa and several others. General admission is $10 or $15 for two days with food and beverage sample tickets ranging from $1-$8. You can experience the festival in VIP style for one-day tickets at $125 or a 2-day pass for $200. 

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If  you are still on the fence about whether to manage your second home as a vacation rental yourself or not, consider this lengthy checklist of necessary items and make sure you have the time and energy to manage your rental property. We have a lengthy To Do list for you to review.

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Do you have a second home in a popular vacation area?  If so, and you would like to turn the time its sits empty into some extra income, then renting out a vacation property can be a great way to generate additional revenue.  There are a few things to consider before you take the plunge, generally it’s not as easy as finding a renter and cashing in.

There are taxes, fees and payments, insurance, inquiries and bookings, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, and other administrative tasks involved. Overwhelmed yet?

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We had a great time at ADW. We were out and about all weekend long and are just getting back into the swing of things. If you haven’t heard of Miami’s Art Deco Weekend before, we encourage you to read up on the festival and Miami’s historic Arts District.

Chris at the Art Deco VIP Gala

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Starting our year out with looking better (our new website), we’re planning on feeling better too. We thought about joining a gym, but they’re packed in the beginning of the year with everyone planning on looking and feeling better, too. And who wants to be cooped up in a gym in beautiful, sunny Miami Beach? The problem is yoga tends to run on the pricy side of things.
 

The answer: $5 yoga in Miami Beach! Where else can you practice your sirsasana (ok, maybe we’re only good at downward dog or child’s pose right now – but we’re working on it!) with a beautiful view of the turquoise water? Classes are a minimum $5 donation, and we’re trading in one of our daily vanilla lattes for a class at least once a week. Read on for our favorite spots.

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• Space, space, and more space!  Cramped hotel rooms are overrated.
• Privacy. You will not be disturbed during your stay... unless you choose to be!
• Great for families.  Separate bedrooms just like home.  Washers and dryers if babies/toddlers get their clothes dirty.
• Enjoy a fully-stocked kitchen.  You can also shop locally and prepare your own meals.
• Great for groups. The perfect set-up for those who want to stay together yet have plenty of personal space.
• Excellent value. Spend less and get much more!!!