South Florida and Miami Limo Rental Blog
Best First Date Spots in Miami
Best First Date Spots in Miami
By Nick Jurkowski
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Everyone knows that first dates are the hardest. You don't really know the person yet; their likes, dislikes, tastes, and neuroses are all pretty much unknown at this time. Naturally, you need to pick the right location for the evening, lest the engagement be a distaster from the get-go. You need a place that is fun, somewhat romantic, and not too cheap. A place like Tantra might be great forestablished couples, but for first dates, I have a feeling that the erotic decour and heady scents might be a bit too much, and could scare off a potential companion. The key to all this is to pick a place that, from your limited knowledge of them, they would approve of - not an easy task. To help, I have compiled a couple of my favorites so that even if you have no ideas, you won't have to pick at random.
My favorite date restaurant is a sushi place called Doraku. The sushi is the some of the freshest you've ever had, the ambiance is intimate but not stifling, the menu is very flexible (even vegans can find something to enjoy), and the price is reasonable, but neither cheap nor ultra- expensive. All in all, this is a fantastic location (as long as you like sushi.)
My other staple first-date location is a bit more "hip," and as such usually suggest it if my potential date seems to be more into the swanky South Beach scene. The Blue Door is certainly more pricey than Doraku, but the food is definitely worth it, and it shows your date that you aren't stingy. The wait-staff is always very acommodating, and the ambiance is just perfect for a first date. If you have a little money to burn in South Beach, you won't find a better value or experience than the Blue Door.
These two restaurants have served as my emergency first date backup plans for some time, and have never done me wrong. I hope you are successful in all your romantic endeavors. Good luck, and don't be afraid to stick your date with the check if it isn't going well.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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Everyone knows that first dates are the hardest. You don't really know the person yet; their likes, dislikes, tastes, and neuroses are all pretty much unknown at this time. Naturally, you need to pick the right location for the evening, lest the engagement be a distaster from the get-go. You need a place that is fun, somewhat romantic, and not too cheap. A place like Tantra might be great forestablished couples, but for first dates, I have a feeling that the erotic decour and heady scents might be a bit too much, and could scare off a potential companion. The key to all this is to pick a place that, from your limited knowledge of them, they would approve of - not an easy task. To help, I have compiled a couple of my favorites so that even if you have no ideas, you won't have to pick at random.
My favorite date restaurant is a sushi place called Doraku. The sushi is the some of the freshest you've ever had, the ambiance is intimate but not stifling, the menu is very flexible (even vegans can find something to enjoy), and the price is reasonable, but neither cheap nor ultra- expensive. All in all, this is a fantastic location (as long as you like sushi.)
My other staple first-date location is a bit more "hip," and as such usually suggest it if my potential date seems to be more into the swanky South Beach scene. The Blue Door is certainly more pricey than Doraku, but the food is definitely worth it, and it shows your date that you aren't stingy. The wait-staff is always very acommodating, and the ambiance is just perfect for a first date. If you have a little money to burn in South Beach, you won't find a better value or experience than the Blue Door.
These two restaurants have served as my emergency first date backup plans for some time, and have never done me wrong. I hope you are successful in all your romantic endeavors. Good luck, and don't be afraid to stick your date with the check if it isn't going well.
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Spotlight on Miami: Miami Beach
Spotlight on Miami: Miami Beach
By Nick Jurkowski
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Nothing represents the quintessence of Miami quite as well as Miami Beach. The throngs of bikini-clad beach-goers (most of whom are strategically placed by the Miami Beach Board of Tourism), the glitzy nightclubs, and the constant excitement – what could better represent Southern Florida? As I have already talked about South Beach, I will spend this post discussing the rest of Miami Beach. It shall not disappoint.
Replete with (surprise, surprise) beaches and shops for entertainment during the day, at night, Miami Beach becomes the benchmark to which nightlife destinations around the world are compared. The only drawback is that you can't take the Metrorail system to the island, so you'll probably need a designated driver, cab-fare, or a limo reservation (a place like Millenium Limo would be good to look up) in order to safely get to and from Miami Beach.
While there are fantastic bars, restaurants, and nightclubs on Miami Beach, one of the most unique parts of this island are the near constant special events that are always happening. If you find yourself in Florida in early March, be sure to check out the Winter Party Festival. It's a week long event that starts the first of March, and is filled with events, celebrity DJs, and huge beach parties. Also on the docket for early March, the Miami Beach Oscar Night America 2006. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while watching the Oscars, with all the proceeds going to charity. The cocktails and hors d'oeuvres should be good anyway.
As far as fun "anytime" destinations, you might like the Crobar for drinks and dancing. Celebrities like Harrison Ford, of all people, can often be seen frequenting this dance Mecca that features huge, sweeping architecture and strikingly stylish décor. Playing dance music of every stripe, Crobar is not to be missed by those who want to experience the true nightlife of Miami Beach.
I hope this is enough to get you started on Miami Beach. Happy travels, and happy eating/drinking/dancing/debauchery.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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Nothing represents the quintessence of Miami quite as well as Miami Beach. The throngs of bikini-clad beach-goers (most of whom are strategically placed by the Miami Beach Board of Tourism), the glitzy nightclubs, and the constant excitement – what could better represent Southern Florida? As I have already talked about South Beach, I will spend this post discussing the rest of Miami Beach. It shall not disappoint.
Replete with (surprise, surprise) beaches and shops for entertainment during the day, at night, Miami Beach becomes the benchmark to which nightlife destinations around the world are compared. The only drawback is that you can't take the Metrorail system to the island, so you'll probably need a designated driver, cab-fare, or a limo reservation (a place like Millenium Limo would be good to look up) in order to safely get to and from Miami Beach.
While there are fantastic bars, restaurants, and nightclubs on Miami Beach, one of the most unique parts of this island are the near constant special events that are always happening. If you find yourself in Florida in early March, be sure to check out the Winter Party Festival. It's a week long event that starts the first of March, and is filled with events, celebrity DJs, and huge beach parties. Also on the docket for early March, the Miami Beach Oscar Night America 2006. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while watching the Oscars, with all the proceeds going to charity. The cocktails and hors d'oeuvres should be good anyway.
As far as fun "anytime" destinations, you might like the Crobar for drinks and dancing. Celebrities like Harrison Ford, of all people, can often be seen frequenting this dance Mecca that features huge, sweeping architecture and strikingly stylish décor. Playing dance music of every stripe, Crobar is not to be missed by those who want to experience the true nightlife of Miami Beach.
I hope this is enough to get you started on Miami Beach. Happy travels, and happy eating/drinking/dancing/debauchery.
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Fort Lauderdale Clubbing and Bar Hopping
Fort Lauderdale Clubbing and Bar Hopping
By Nick Jurkowski
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Today I tackle the town that has heretofore been unfairly regarded as something Miami's unattractive cousin. That's right, I'm talking about Fort Lauderdale. You may be surprised to learn that there are destinations in this not-actually-a-fort that rival those of Miami herself! Luckily, Millenium Limo also services this area, making it that much easier to get from here to there. If you know the right places, Fort Lauderdale can be one of the most enjoyable towns out there. Luckily, I know the right places. So lets get down to brass tacks and talk about the bar scene.
There are bars in Fort Lauderdale to fit any taste in ambiance, from the bewilderingly upscale to the jaw-droppingly base. Both are good in the right context, and I'll go over some of them here.
* In the category of the latter, check out Elbo Room. Kind of a run- down spring break locale that features cheap drinks and unholy din. For whatever reason, it is one of the most enjoyable places I have ever had the pleasure of patronizing, and I'd recommend it to anyone. It always has a great crowd, and you can wear your swimming suit. What more could you ask for?
* Howl at the Moon is the only piano bar (at least that I've found) in town, and has an interesting ambiance that varies from racous and wild to quite subdued. They get some great piano players (mostly jazz) that are fantastic to listen to, if you like that kind of thing (and you should).
* The Parrot is a great not-so-touristy bar that has good drinks and equally good food. It's a little off the main strip of bars and clubs, but is full of locals and people who want a little of the authentic taste of Fort Lauderdale.
Next up, some of the clubs. While not quite of the cailiber of South Beach, THe club scene boasted by Fort Lauderdale is still one of the best. Check out Christopher's, a nice spot that often features nights where ladies drink free (check the schedule). Depending on the night, you'll hear hip-hop, salsa, or disco. It's been around for 25 years, and has proven to be one of the hottest spots in Fort Lauderdale. Beyond that, just cruise around the downtown area - you're bound to find something that strikes your fancy.
Alright, that's all for now. Happy travels, and happy eating/drinking/ dancing/debauchery.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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Today I tackle the town that has heretofore been unfairly regarded as something Miami's unattractive cousin. That's right, I'm talking about Fort Lauderdale. You may be surprised to learn that there are destinations in this not-actually-a-fort that rival those of Miami herself! Luckily, Millenium Limo also services this area, making it that much easier to get from here to there. If you know the right places, Fort Lauderdale can be one of the most enjoyable towns out there. Luckily, I know the right places. So lets get down to brass tacks and talk about the bar scene.
There are bars in Fort Lauderdale to fit any taste in ambiance, from the bewilderingly upscale to the jaw-droppingly base. Both are good in the right context, and I'll go over some of them here.
* In the category of the latter, check out Elbo Room. Kind of a run- down spring break locale that features cheap drinks and unholy din. For whatever reason, it is one of the most enjoyable places I have ever had the pleasure of patronizing, and I'd recommend it to anyone. It always has a great crowd, and you can wear your swimming suit. What more could you ask for?
* Howl at the Moon is the only piano bar (at least that I've found) in town, and has an interesting ambiance that varies from racous and wild to quite subdued. They get some great piano players (mostly jazz) that are fantastic to listen to, if you like that kind of thing (and you should).
* The Parrot is a great not-so-touristy bar that has good drinks and equally good food. It's a little off the main strip of bars and clubs, but is full of locals and people who want a little of the authentic taste of Fort Lauderdale.
Next up, some of the clubs. While not quite of the cailiber of South Beach, THe club scene boasted by Fort Lauderdale is still one of the best. Check out Christopher's, a nice spot that often features nights where ladies drink free (check the schedule). Depending on the night, you'll hear hip-hop, salsa, or disco. It's been around for 25 years, and has proven to be one of the hottest spots in Fort Lauderdale. Beyond that, just cruise around the downtown area - you're bound to find something that strikes your fancy.
Alright, that's all for now. Happy travels, and happy eating/drinking/ dancing/debauchery.
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Palm Beach Nightlife
Palm Beach Nightlife
By Nick Jurkowski
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I don't make it up to Palm Beach as often as I would like – my usual haunts for nightlife are in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. It's a bit of a shame, because the attractions that can be found in the Palm Beach area are have an entirely unique feel while at the same time sporting nearly identical scantily clad beach-goers.
Palm Beach has a bit more history as a party destination for the upwardly mobile than South Beach or Key West, catering to the likes of the Kennedy's and Rockefellers in the days when South Beach was just a beach. As such, the ambiance has a bit more of an "old-money" feel to it, focusing more on expensive restaurants than on bars or nightclubs. That being said, it isn't all smoking jackets, brandy snifters, and serfs vying for their lord's attention (though if you want it, it's there...) – if you want good old-fashioned hedonism, you can find it. Here are some destinations to get you started:
If you're up for a little blue-blood type entertainment, head to the Blue Martini in West Palm Beach. They have a whole mess of exotic, delicious, and expensive martinis, as well as tapas (everyone loves a tapa, so why don't you?) For something a little less expensive (especially during happy hour on Thursdays), try the Brazilian Court. It's located on Palm Beach proper, and has a young crowd and live jazz (always a plus). For lower-key libations, West Palm Beach might be more your scene. It has a good supply of saloons and Irish pubs, and fewer Rockefellers.
On to dance!
There aren't all that many true nightclubs on the island of Palm Beach, but the few they have are quite adequate. The two to look for would be Club Y and 251. Club Y is fairly new, but already has quite a reputation. It is definitely meant for the upper-echelons of society, what with its fancy jacket requirement and overall exclusivity. That being said, it still isn't that difficult to get into – just look the part and give yourself plenty of time. 251 is a more of a locals hotspot – kind of mediocre all told, but not without its charm.
Well, have fun in Palm Beach. Maybe you'll meet a Kennedy. Happy travels, and happy eating/drinking/dancing/debauchery.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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I don't make it up to Palm Beach as often as I would like – my usual haunts for nightlife are in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. It's a bit of a shame, because the attractions that can be found in the Palm Beach area are have an entirely unique feel while at the same time sporting nearly identical scantily clad beach-goers.
Palm Beach has a bit more history as a party destination for the upwardly mobile than South Beach or Key West, catering to the likes of the Kennedy's and Rockefellers in the days when South Beach was just a beach. As such, the ambiance has a bit more of an "old-money" feel to it, focusing more on expensive restaurants than on bars or nightclubs. That being said, it isn't all smoking jackets, brandy snifters, and serfs vying for their lord's attention (though if you want it, it's there...) – if you want good old-fashioned hedonism, you can find it. Here are some destinations to get you started:
If you're up for a little blue-blood type entertainment, head to the Blue Martini in West Palm Beach. They have a whole mess of exotic, delicious, and expensive martinis, as well as tapas (everyone loves a tapa, so why don't you?) For something a little less expensive (especially during happy hour on Thursdays), try the Brazilian Court. It's located on Palm Beach proper, and has a young crowd and live jazz (always a plus). For lower-key libations, West Palm Beach might be more your scene. It has a good supply of saloons and Irish pubs, and fewer Rockefellers.
On to dance!
There aren't all that many true nightclubs on the island of Palm Beach, but the few they have are quite adequate. The two to look for would be Club Y and 251. Club Y is fairly new, but already has quite a reputation. It is definitely meant for the upper-echelons of society, what with its fancy jacket requirement and overall exclusivity. That being said, it still isn't that difficult to get into – just look the part and give yourself plenty of time. 251 is a more of a locals hotspot – kind of mediocre all told, but not without its charm.
Well, have fun in Palm Beach. Maybe you'll meet a Kennedy. Happy travels, and happy eating/drinking/dancing/debauchery.
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Spotlight on nightclubs: Bonds in West Palm Beach
Spotlight on nightclubs: Bonds in West Palm Beach
By Nick Jurkowski
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Generally, I'm not that big a fan of combination nightclub/restaurants. In trying to do both, often these clubs end up doing neither very well. In West Palm Beach, you will find a very noticeable exception to this rule in the form of
Bonds Restaurant and Nightclub.
Bonds is the brainchild of two British entrepreneurs, Craig and Derren Pinches, who started their restaurant career in England with great success, and moved on to the ultracompetative world of south Florida. The restaurant has (surprise, surprise) a strong James Bond theme, for the décor to the theme nights (Ms. Moneypennies Wednesdays – ladies drink free). Bonds has an interesting interior; they are clearly trying to capture some of the elegance of British high society (or at least, Ian Fleming's vision of it) in the dining room, while at the same time creating a friendly, less overtly formal feel for the dance floor. While many clubs attempt this type of dichotomy with limited effectiveness, it feels genuinely successful in Bonds.
The food at Bonds is a fusion of British and American cuisines. As you might imagine, the food isn't particularly original or exotic, but it is well prepared and very tasty. The prices for their lunch menu are just what you'd expect, and are great deals. The dinner menu is naturally more expensive, to the point of being just a bit overpriced. The sweet potato crusted snapper is highly recommended.
After 10:00pm on most nights, Bonds transforms into a nightclub, playing all manner of music and featuring DJs from the US and UK. Often the fare is disco-y, but they offer a fair mix music, depending on the day of the week. The dress code is not too severe, but you should endeavor (as always, hopefully) to look nice. All in all, it is a fairly standard club, but the clientele and the staff help to always make patronizing it an enjoyable experience.
What makes Bonds unique is the competence at which they carry out both the role of restaurant and the role of nightclub. To fully appreciate Bonds, you really have to enjoy it under both its guises. If you're in West Palm Beach, it's definitely worth a look.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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Generally, I'm not that big a fan of combination nightclub/restaurants. In trying to do both, often these clubs end up doing neither very well. In West Palm Beach, you will find a very noticeable exception to this rule in the form of
Bonds Restaurant and Nightclub.
Bonds is the brainchild of two British entrepreneurs, Craig and Derren Pinches, who started their restaurant career in England with great success, and moved on to the ultracompetative world of south Florida. The restaurant has (surprise, surprise) a strong James Bond theme, for the décor to the theme nights (Ms. Moneypennies Wednesdays – ladies drink free). Bonds has an interesting interior; they are clearly trying to capture some of the elegance of British high society (or at least, Ian Fleming's vision of it) in the dining room, while at the same time creating a friendly, less overtly formal feel for the dance floor. While many clubs attempt this type of dichotomy with limited effectiveness, it feels genuinely successful in Bonds.
The food at Bonds is a fusion of British and American cuisines. As you might imagine, the food isn't particularly original or exotic, but it is well prepared and very tasty. The prices for their lunch menu are just what you'd expect, and are great deals. The dinner menu is naturally more expensive, to the point of being just a bit overpriced. The sweet potato crusted snapper is highly recommended.
After 10:00pm on most nights, Bonds transforms into a nightclub, playing all manner of music and featuring DJs from the US and UK. Often the fare is disco-y, but they offer a fair mix music, depending on the day of the week. The dress code is not too severe, but you should endeavor (as always, hopefully) to look nice. All in all, it is a fairly standard club, but the clientele and the staff help to always make patronizing it an enjoyable experience.
What makes Bonds unique is the competence at which they carry out both the role of restaurant and the role of nightclub. To fully appreciate Bonds, you really have to enjoy it under both its guises. If you're in West Palm Beach, it's definitely worth a look.
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Bowling in Style
Bowling in Style
By Nick Jurkowski
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The story I'm about to relate to you proves without a doubt that there is no end to the creative ways you can use limousines. There are really very few occassions that aren't in some way enhanced by large luxury vehicles.
One of my good friends is an amateur bowler in an intermediate bowling league, and his team had reached the finals. They were all fairly excited about it, and wanted both to celebrate and intimidate the other team into making mistakes. To that end, my friend called me to see if I could get him a break on a limousine.
Arriving at your bowling championship with your entire team in a limo was just too fantastic a mental image to pass up, so I did my best to get them a good deal at Millenium for a Hummer H2 limousine. They made their entrance spectacularly, showing up a mere 30 seconds before their match was set to begin (they even went to the trouble of synchronizing their watches with the bowling alley‘s clock), with the giant stereo thumping away. As they hadn't shown up yet, people were a little curious, and the limousine definitely had the desired effect. They piled out of the vehicle, wearing their light-blue uniforms and toting their bowling balls. The amount of work that had gone into their entrance dazzled and amused everyone, and the match got off to a rollicking good start.
They ended up losing, but not by much. I think they still had a moral and spiritual victory (from creative use of a limousine).
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By Nick Jurkowski
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The story I'm about to relate to you proves without a doubt that there is no end to the creative ways you can use limousines. There are really very few occassions that aren't in some way enhanced by large luxury vehicles.
One of my good friends is an amateur bowler in an intermediate bowling league, and his team had reached the finals. They were all fairly excited about it, and wanted both to celebrate and intimidate the other team into making mistakes. To that end, my friend called me to see if I could get him a break on a limousine.
Arriving at your bowling championship with your entire team in a limo was just too fantastic a mental image to pass up, so I did my best to get them a good deal at Millenium for a Hummer H2 limousine. They made their entrance spectacularly, showing up a mere 30 seconds before their match was set to begin (they even went to the trouble of synchronizing their watches with the bowling alley‘s clock), with the giant stereo thumping away. As they hadn't shown up yet, people were a little curious, and the limousine definitely had the desired effect. They piled out of the vehicle, wearing their light-blue uniforms and toting their bowling balls. The amount of work that had gone into their entrance dazzled and amused everyone, and the match got off to a rollicking good start.
They ended up losing, but not by much. I think they still had a moral and spiritual victory (from creative use of a limousine).
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Jackson's Steakhouse: Ft. Lauderdale
Jackson's Steakhouse: Ft. Lauderdale
By Nick Jurkowski
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It has come to my attention that people in Fort Lauderdale want to dine out occasionally. While I am mainly concerned with matters relating to Miami, the attractions in Fort Lauderdale do sometimes tempt me to the point that I spend some time there, forcing me to take time off from my prestigious position as senior editor for Millenium Limo. The point of this rambling, borderline incoherent little passage is that today I am going to talk about one of my favorite restaurants (for dates, company functions, or just because I want food) in Fort Lauderdale.
It's probably no surprise to you that my favorite date spots are restaurants. In the right restaurant, the food and drink will be excellent, and you have plenty of time to get to know the person sitting across from you. For first dates, this is doubly important, as I generally like to know if my date has any bizarre hang-ups or outstanding warrants. Dinner is the perfect place to find these things out. A good restaurant is, naturally, the perfect spot for any other significant occasion, so adequate attention should always be paid to them.
My favorite steakhouse in the entire world is found right in Fort Lauderdale. Steak is not the be-all-end-all meal for me that is seems to be for so many others, but even so, there are times when I just really want a New York strip or sirloin. When the mood hits, Jackson's Steakhouse is the place to go. The ambiance is warm and grants a feeling of exclusivity (with velvet drapes, etched glass decorations, and plenty of mahogany), and the food is simply fantastic. My favorite is the rib-chop: very tender and beautifully marbled. The desserts they offer are equally exquisite, the offerings including a large number of freshly made dessert soufflés. The price isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny. Jackson's is the place to go for a steak.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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It has come to my attention that people in Fort Lauderdale want to dine out occasionally. While I am mainly concerned with matters relating to Miami, the attractions in Fort Lauderdale do sometimes tempt me to the point that I spend some time there, forcing me to take time off from my prestigious position as senior editor for Millenium Limo. The point of this rambling, borderline incoherent little passage is that today I am going to talk about one of my favorite restaurants (for dates, company functions, or just because I want food) in Fort Lauderdale.
It's probably no surprise to you that my favorite date spots are restaurants. In the right restaurant, the food and drink will be excellent, and you have plenty of time to get to know the person sitting across from you. For first dates, this is doubly important, as I generally like to know if my date has any bizarre hang-ups or outstanding warrants. Dinner is the perfect place to find these things out. A good restaurant is, naturally, the perfect spot for any other significant occasion, so adequate attention should always be paid to them.
My favorite steakhouse in the entire world is found right in Fort Lauderdale. Steak is not the be-all-end-all meal for me that is seems to be for so many others, but even so, there are times when I just really want a New York strip or sirloin. When the mood hits, Jackson's Steakhouse is the place to go. The ambiance is warm and grants a feeling of exclusivity (with velvet drapes, etched glass decorations, and plenty of mahogany), and the food is simply fantastic. My favorite is the rib-chop: very tender and beautifully marbled. The desserts they offer are equally exquisite, the offerings including a large number of freshly made dessert soufflés. The price isn't cheap, but it's worth every penny. Jackson's is the place to go for a steak.
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Finding a Bar to Call Home in Miami
Finding a Bar to Call Home in Miami
By Nick Jurkowski
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Naturally, much of Miami's charm lies in its glitzy, fast-paced nightclub environment. It can be quite a rush to stagger into one club or bar after another, filling up you senses with thumping music, flashing lights, post-modern décor, and the smell of dancing humanity. Even so, sometimes it's nice to have a neighborhood bar to go to – somewhere where the music isn't loud, the decorations are subdued, and most of the people don't look like genetic experiments. Though I don't really like the "Cheers" archetype of this (having everybody know your name would be a bit creepy for me), the idea is a solid one: you should find a bar to go to when you want a break from the flash. Luckily, there are a few places still like this in Miami, and I'll go over a few of them.
Fox's Sherron Inn
One of my favorites is a bar in South Miami called Fox's Sherron Inn. This is a very interesting little place that, I gather, really hasn't changed since 1946 (it hasn't changed in the years I've been here, anyway). It looks like a bar should look: dark woods and subdued lighting. I wouldn't necessarily call it a dive bar, but some of the features are definitely there. My favorite part of this place are the frequent two-for-one specials. They have excellent cocktails, though I've seen better beer selections. The food they serve is great for pub-fare (without loosing any of its pubby character). Highly recommended.
Abbey Brewing Company
Another good little place, located right on Miami Beach, is the Abbey Brewing Company. The best part of this place is without a doubt the beer selection. For those of you who like their beer (contrary to popular belief, not everyone on South Beach loves cocktails that taste like candy) the Abbey's selection cannot be beat. They feature a large number of microbrews and European imports, as well as well as their own brews (most of which are perfectly serviceable). All in all, a great place to have a beer.
the Tavern in the Grove
Last up, a little place in Coconut Grove that is becoming semi-trendy (still a nice, honest place, though): the Tavern in the Grove. Located in (surprise, surprise) Coconut Grove, it features stiff drinks and cheap prices (order by the pitcher for maximum booze for your buck), which naturally makes it a gathering spot for kids from the University of Miami . They feature pool and darts as well, and they have a good juke-box selection to boot. It can be a little crowded here (especially on weekends), but it isn't the same crowd that you find in a South Beach club. All in all, this is a great place to go if you aren't afraid of crowds, and you just want a bar without the glitz and a stiff drink.
While they aren't as numerous, it's perfectly easy to find a "regular bar" in Miami. If you don't like my selections, there are plenty more, nestled in tiny oases of normalcy – sheltered from the vast, glitzy, desert of clubs and bars that induce sensory overload. I wish you all the best in your quest to get loaded in a place you can call your own.
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By Nick Jurkowski
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Naturally, much of Miami's charm lies in its glitzy, fast-paced nightclub environment. It can be quite a rush to stagger into one club or bar after another, filling up you senses with thumping music, flashing lights, post-modern décor, and the smell of dancing humanity. Even so, sometimes it's nice to have a neighborhood bar to go to – somewhere where the music isn't loud, the decorations are subdued, and most of the people don't look like genetic experiments. Though I don't really like the "Cheers" archetype of this (having everybody know your name would be a bit creepy for me), the idea is a solid one: you should find a bar to go to when you want a break from the flash. Luckily, there are a few places still like this in Miami, and I'll go over a few of them.
Fox's Sherron Inn
One of my favorites is a bar in South Miami called Fox's Sherron Inn. This is a very interesting little place that, I gather, really hasn't changed since 1946 (it hasn't changed in the years I've been here, anyway). It looks like a bar should look: dark woods and subdued lighting. I wouldn't necessarily call it a dive bar, but some of the features are definitely there. My favorite part of this place are the frequent two-for-one specials. They have excellent cocktails, though I've seen better beer selections. The food they serve is great for pub-fare (without loosing any of its pubby character). Highly recommended.
Abbey Brewing Company
Another good little place, located right on Miami Beach, is the Abbey Brewing Company. The best part of this place is without a doubt the beer selection. For those of you who like their beer (contrary to popular belief, not everyone on South Beach loves cocktails that taste like candy) the Abbey's selection cannot be beat. They feature a large number of microbrews and European imports, as well as well as their own brews (most of which are perfectly serviceable). All in all, a great place to have a beer.
the Tavern in the Grove
Last up, a little place in Coconut Grove that is becoming semi-trendy (still a nice, honest place, though): the Tavern in the Grove. Located in (surprise, surprise) Coconut Grove, it features stiff drinks and cheap prices (order by the pitcher for maximum booze for your buck), which naturally makes it a gathering spot for kids from the University of Miami . They feature pool and darts as well, and they have a good juke-box selection to boot. It can be a little crowded here (especially on weekends), but it isn't the same crowd that you find in a South Beach club. All in all, this is a great place to go if you aren't afraid of crowds, and you just want a bar without the glitz and a stiff drink.
While they aren't as numerous, it's perfectly easy to find a "regular bar" in Miami. If you don't like my selections, there are plenty more, nestled in tiny oases of normalcy – sheltered from the vast, glitzy, desert of clubs and bars that induce sensory overload. I wish you all the best in your quest to get loaded in a place you can call your own.
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Take Your Prom to the Next Level
Take Your Prom to the Next Level
By Nick Jurkowski
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The other day, I was enjoying a night out at one of my favorite restaurants, Blue Door, with my girlfriend, when I noticed a raucous group of well dressed youths sitting at a large table across from us. Naturally, this could only mean one thing: prom season. I reflected back on my proms of yore, nervously dancing with a girl while wearing the tux I wore for youth symphony concerts, wondering where I could get away with putting my hands. I was awakened from my nostalgic reverie by the more humiliating memories of the time, which need not be discussed here.
We enjoyed our meal, and enjoyed watching the carefree youths marvel at their place settings even more (two forks with a meal? But why?!) We left at about the same time, and as we exited I saw them all climb into a very large limousine, one thing that I had wished I had for my prom. I picked my date up in a 1979 Honda Accord, and, suffice it to say, no one was impressed. I always figured that getting together with friends in a limousine would be fantastic. Prom can be one of the most entertaining nights of the high school experience, and a limousine helps ensure.
I don't even have to say this, but here goes: Millenium Limousine offers the widest selection of exotic limos in the Miami area, so you prom-goers should check them out. Nothing says 'fun" like rolling up to prom in a Hummer limousine, and if, God-forbid, you should find yourself drinking (a minor? On prom? NEVER.) - you won't be driving under the influence, which we all agree is bad. Happy prom season, all you hormone-addled partiers!
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By Nick Jurkowski
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The other day, I was enjoying a night out at one of my favorite restaurants, Blue Door, with my girlfriend, when I noticed a raucous group of well dressed youths sitting at a large table across from us. Naturally, this could only mean one thing: prom season. I reflected back on my proms of yore, nervously dancing with a girl while wearing the tux I wore for youth symphony concerts, wondering where I could get away with putting my hands. I was awakened from my nostalgic reverie by the more humiliating memories of the time, which need not be discussed here.
We enjoyed our meal, and enjoyed watching the carefree youths marvel at their place settings even more (two forks with a meal? But why?!) We left at about the same time, and as we exited I saw them all climb into a very large limousine, one thing that I had wished I had for my prom. I picked my date up in a 1979 Honda Accord, and, suffice it to say, no one was impressed. I always figured that getting together with friends in a limousine would be fantastic. Prom can be one of the most entertaining nights of the high school experience, and a limousine helps ensure.
I don't even have to say this, but here goes: Millenium Limousine offers the widest selection of exotic limos in the Miami area, so you prom-goers should check them out. Nothing says 'fun" like rolling up to prom in a Hummer limousine, and if, God-forbid, you should find yourself drinking (a minor? On prom? NEVER.) - you won't be driving under the influence, which we all agree is bad. Happy prom season, all you hormone-addled partiers!
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Memories of a Bar Mitzvah
Memories of a Bar Mitzvah
As a boy, growing up, I never had exposure to Jewish culture - this meant that when I was invited to my best friend Jeremy's bar mitzvah when I was 14, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew that my friend was a Reform Jew, so there wouldn't be a lot of Chassidic-style black suits and hats. Beyond that, I didn't know what my friend's becoming a bar mitzvah would entail...
"Reception to follow." I didn't really even think about the words on the bottom of the invitation. We went to the synagogue Saturday morning, and watched as my friend read from the Torah while I fiddled with my loaner yarmulke. To be honest, the service was a little alien to me and I don't remember that much of it. What I do remember, however, was the reception.
Immediately following the service, we piled into the car to go to the location, a small assembly hall the family had rented. We had a little trouble finding the place, but when we arrived, Jeremy was surreptitiously absent. All of a sudden, the largest car that I had ever seen pulled up, and Jeremy stepped out. It had to be the best entrance I had ever seen at that tender age, and I cheered with all of Jeremy's friends as the sauntered into the hall.
The party was pretty entertaining after that, and things got even better after the party was over. "Wanna take her for a spin?" Jeremy said with a grin, pointing at the limousine. I, Jeremy, and all our friends piled into the wonderous vehicle, which promptly took us around the blocks a few times. The interior was wonderful, with an amazing sound system and built in TVs with brand new Sony Playstation X's included (hey, it was only 1995). This car was one of my fondest party memories, and the whole day was so entertaining, considered converting to Judaism. The message is clear, for a fantastic Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, rent a limousine (preferably, from Millenium Limo!)
As a boy, growing up, I never had exposure to Jewish culture - this meant that when I was invited to my best friend Jeremy's bar mitzvah when I was 14, I didn't really know what to expect. I knew that my friend was a Reform Jew, so there wouldn't be a lot of Chassidic-style black suits and hats. Beyond that, I didn't know what my friend's becoming a bar mitzvah would entail...
"Reception to follow." I didn't really even think about the words on the bottom of the invitation. We went to the synagogue Saturday morning, and watched as my friend read from the Torah while I fiddled with my loaner yarmulke. To be honest, the service was a little alien to me and I don't remember that much of it. What I do remember, however, was the reception.
Immediately following the service, we piled into the car to go to the location, a small assembly hall the family had rented. We had a little trouble finding the place, but when we arrived, Jeremy was surreptitiously absent. All of a sudden, the largest car that I had ever seen pulled up, and Jeremy stepped out. It had to be the best entrance I had ever seen at that tender age, and I cheered with all of Jeremy's friends as the sauntered into the hall.
The party was pretty entertaining after that, and things got even better after the party was over. "Wanna take her for a spin?" Jeremy said with a grin, pointing at the limousine. I, Jeremy, and all our friends piled into the wonderous vehicle, which promptly took us around the blocks a few times. The interior was wonderful, with an amazing sound system and built in TVs with brand new Sony Playstation X's included (hey, it was only 1995). This car was one of my fondest party memories, and the whole day was so entertaining, considered converting to Judaism. The message is clear, for a fantastic Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, rent a limousine (preferably, from Millenium Limo!)