Miami Beach’s cultural life has grown exponentially since I first moved here in 1992. The latest cultural expansion has been the brand new Frank Gehry-designed New World Center campus, which recently opened just North of Lincoln Road.

I saw many long-time Miami Beach Homeowners and Residents enjoying an incredible architectural masterpiece on the rooftop in a pre-performance rooftop cocktail party. Last night, I ran into many Miami Beach residents listening to world-class musical performances in the heart of South Beach. I highly recommend attending the monthly “PULSE” show at The New World Symphony Center. This amazing musical extravaganza combines various multimedia elements- music, a live DJ, visuals displayed on three huge displays, and the live New World Symphony performing a combination of contemporary and classical music.

This is just one more example of the incredible evolution, and rich variety of cultural events, available in Miami Beach’s incredibly diverse community.  Click this link for more information on the New World Symphony and the Frank Gehry designed New World Center.

Miami Beach New World Symphony

Famous son, singer, and longtime Miami Beach Palm Island Resident Enrique Iglesias has been a long-time soccer fan.  Spain’s World Cup victory was celebrated this past week with a flash – literally!  Enrique recently declared that if “Spain wins, I’m going to get drunk and ski naked in Biscayne Bay”.  True to his word, many Palm, Star, Hibiscus and many Miami Beach waterfront home residents on Biscayne Bay have been keeping their eyes open.

It is rumored that Mr. Iglesias will be water skiing naked on the East side of Palm Island (between Palm and Downtown Miami) later this week.  By the way, these are considered premium waterfront homes – as everyone loves the view!

I’m often asked when traveling, what makes Miami Beach so special? The answer can be seen in the picture below- it really does speak a thousand words!

As the signs of a national bottom in housing continue to increase (along with expectations of a gradual recovery), Miami Beach’s waterfront housing market is already well on the way to gradual price appreciation.  As the inventory levels of unsold homes decrease, we are witnessing slight price APPRECIATION for select waterfront island communities with luxury homes in Miami Beach. In the coming weeks, I’ll be highlighting specific examples from the nearby island communities for our readers. In the meantime, enjoy the view!

Whether you make it here during the day or at night- the views of the Atlantic Ocean, the cruise ships heading out of the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, and the downtown Miami skyline are exhilarating.    One of my favorite activities is to jog along “cruise ship alley” right around dusk time. I enjoy jogging alongside the cruiseships as they leave the port of Miami for the Atlantic Ocean.

A great jog is to start in front of The Apogee condo building (the southernmost point of Miami Beach) and to go due East until you reach the Ocean, and then head North along the Beach.  One of the great attractions in South Beach is the wide beach with hard sand, which is ideal for joggers!

Living in Miami Beach is as close as you can get to Paradise on earth in the Winter months!  We’re introducing a new video series where we share our unique perspective on living in North America’s only subtropical state.  This short introductory segment was filmed in South Pointe Park, which is located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach and recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation.  This South Beach waterfront park is especially popular with dog owners, and has many available activities for children and adults.  Outdoor yoga classes, areas dedicated to sunbathing, and social rooms for special events and even children’s parties!  Stay tuned to this blog or join our Facebook Fan page titled Miami Beach Living.

This past weekend, as I was jogging along South Beach’s Ocean Drive, I was able to witness the impressive set up for the upcoming South Beach Food and Wine Festival, which runs from February 25 – 28.  This incredible Festival just keeps getting better and more elaborate.  The 2010 Festival is expected to attract well over 40,000 visitors to the massive tents that are located right on the beach.  This star-studded food and wine extravaganza showcases chefs from around the world, and fans can attend events and seminars highlighting the latest culinary trends.  The main event occurs at the Grand Tasting tent located close to the intersections of Ocean Drive and 12th Streets.

This festival began as a simple one day event at the Biscayne Campus of Florida International University, and since 2002 has been taking place on the magnificent beachfront setting of Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive.  The Grand Tasting Village is a three block mini-city of oversized tents built right on the beach with non-stop wine tastings sponsored by local vendors and samples of the best gourmet foods that local restaurants and sponsors have to offer.

The Food & Wine Festival also consists of a week-long series of special lunch and dinner events that are held around Miami Beach.  These are invitation-only dinners that feature some of the hottest chefs from around the USA, including Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Thomas Connell, Michelle Bernstein, Sandra Lee, Laurent Tourondel, Michael Psilakis, and Paula Deen among a few of the more notable.

This wonderful Festival is also a great cause, as it is a significant fundraiser for student scholarships and facility enhancements for Florida International University.  Since its inception, the wine and food festival has raised more than $6 Million, so local students are the real winners!  As a matter of fact, along with VIP’s and notable chefs are student volunteers, who provide support and generously donate their time so that the costs of putting on the Festival are kept to a minimum.

A few of my personal favorite events to attend:

Perrier-Jouet Bubble Q- Hosted by Emeril Lagasse & Friends, Friday February 26 starting at 7PM at the Delano Beachside, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.  General Admission is $350 per person, this will be a night of bliss with a combination of barbeque and South Beach glam.  Many stations are set up in the sand with a selection of seared meats and seafood, fire roasted vegetables, and amazing desserts along with flowing Perrier-Jouet Champagne.  Many other local chefs will be on hand showcasing all of their latest culinary creations.

Dolce Brunch, Saturday February 27 starting at 11AM at The Blue Door @ Delano Hotel, 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.  General Admission is $200 per person.  As a wine lover, this is one event that I look forward to all year!  Dolce wine (an amazing dessert wine) from Napa valley complements all of the food that is served, which has been selected by star chef Michelle Bernstein and gifted pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith.

Dim Sum & Disco, Saturday February 27 starting at 11:00PM at The Setai Hotel, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach.  General Admission is $150 per person.  Bringing together Dim Sum and the some of the hottest local DJ’s!  Fusion forward chef Ming Tsai and Setai executive chef Jonathan Wright, chef David Munoz Rosillo of DiverXo of Madrid, chef Tom Cushman of O Ya of Boston, and Miami’s Tropical Chinese Restaurant will serve traditional small plates of dumplings and many other dim sum fare.  Due to the late night starting hour, a nap is highly recommended prior to the incredible event!

South Beach condo residents should be especially happy around this time of year now that the summer season is closing in. What does that mean? More time sunbathing on the glistening sands of Miami Beach, having lunch at al fresco cafes on Ocean Drive and checking out the upcoming and regularly held events in the city and nearby.

At the Jackie Gleason Theater, none other than political satirist Bill Maher brings his signature brand of often controversial humor to the venue on May 6. Anyone who enjoyed his shows â¬SPolitically Incorrect⬝ and his HBO show â¬SReal Time with Bill Maher⬝ will want to check out his upcoming performance.

Some people may not be aware of it but every Friday at The Fifth, the 400 Club party takes place and is usually frequented by individuals both young and still youthful looking for something to do in South Beach when the workday is over and the weekend begins. The party is known to be frequented by several prominent athletes and big name celebs.

Mother⬔s day is just around the corner. Have you decided what you⬔re going to do yet? The Brazilian steakhouse of Texas de Brazil will be having a special one day only menu to celebrate the occasion, be sure to reserve a table now if you⬔re interested.

For music aficionados, the JVC Jazz Music Festival will be taking place at the Raleigh Hotel Restaurant on the sixteenth and seventeenth of May, featuring both established and up and coming artists like DJ Rainer Truby and Yoruba Soul Orchestra.

Whether you decide to venture beyond the perimeter of Miami Beach to explore the host of activities and events taking place in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and downtown Miami, rest assured that the upcoming summer season will bring plenty to see and do close to your South Beach home.