My fantasy Miami beach house style & my 10 fave places to eat in South Beach {Staycation Style #7}

I love Miami.

In fact I love America full spot. I can’t help it. I am slightly obsessed by the U. S. of A – the lifestyle, traditions and yes, I admit it some of the glamour too.

I first visited Miami when I was about 14 – it was part of a day trip as I was on a family holiday to Orlando. At the time I remember thinking how colourful, fascinating and exciting it all seemed.

It was many years before I went again when I was working on WOMAN magazine. Miami was a fashion trip destination where we went to shoot summer fashion stories in the actual sunshine (because it’s Winter time in the UK when this needs to be done).

I think it also holds a special place in my heart as one of my first ever fashions stories on location was shot there. I think my story was a day to night special – clothes that could be worn in the day and then your added a few extra pieces and accessories to wear them again in the evening.

A typical capsule holiday-wardrobe style story that we did at the time at WOMAN magazine – I was so excited to shoot in the day around the infamous avenues and landmarks (RIP Burdines) and then again at night when Miami really comes alive with the neon lights and Art Deco signs. In fact I should hunt out my Polaroid book…

I’ve been lucky enough to go many times, stay in some great hotels and eat in some amazing places all while working – and believe me it is work! Long days shooting on the beach or streets, late nights out with your crew, model castings, constant clothes steaming and packing/repacking of cases umpteen times.

But, it was the best FUN too!

One visit saw me staying at The Sagamore Hotel – a classy Art Deco all-suite hotel on the fashionable Collins Avenue. The suites are sleek, modern and stylish – and as much as a get the look would have been super cool….

When I think of Miami I think of all the kitsch things I love – flamingos, palm trees and coral hues. So, I decided to do this interiors round-up based of my romantic vision of living in a typical Miami house like this one…(which would have a pool too, of course!)

 

Resin Coral Branch £55 Kelly Hoppen

Maison La Bougie Miami Flamingo Scented Candle £35 Selfridges

Cushion £25 John Lewis

Luxe Round Bamboo Drinks Trolley £395 Oliver Bonas

Ro Palm Orangery Bench £297 Oliver Bonas

Banana Potted Plant £8.50 Ikea

 

Sunnylife Flamingo Drinks Holder £15 John Lewis

Kikkerland Mojito Glass set and muddler £13.99 Cotswold Trading

In the Spirit of Miami Beach Book by David Leddick published by Assouline

Beach Umbrella £57.99 Wayfair

Adirondack Beach Chair from £179 Adirondack

Towel from a selection at H&M

 

Boutique Hotel Jewellery Box from £20 John Lewis

White Palm Tree Photo Frame £20 Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams

Ceramic Crocodile £119 Luisaviaroma

Palmeral Wallpaper £165 a roll House of Hackney

Schiap Plate £6 Oka

Boutique Hotel Magazine Rack £65 John Lewis

**10 PLACES TO EAT & DRINK IN MIAMI**

I also wanted to share my favourite places to eat. Although the turnover of what’s hip and cool in Miami is fast – as with anywhere – these are the classic restaurants that sum up Miami eating for me and whenever I go are top of my list.

I really hope they never close down…as I’m not sure when I will be able to visit again (i.e not soon enough!)

PUERTO SAGUA
700 Collins Avenue, open 7am-2am
The fact that this restaurant doesn’t have a website could easily put you off – but you’ll be missing a Miami institution. This no-frills Cuban restaurant has been serving up inexpensive comfort food like roast chicken, rice, beans and fried plantains, cuban sandwiches and shots of blacker-than-black coffee for over 50 years. Don’t miss it (or the house dressing on the green salad…simply delicious!)

NEXXT CAFE
700 Lincoln Road, open 11.30am-11pm
What started as a family-run coffee house is now a massive part of the Lincoln Road shopping experience. With a vast outside area this is the place for people watching, cocktails and large portions of American favourites. The fish tacos, made-to-order guacamole and mac’n’cheese are all top notch.

PIZZA RUSTICA
667 Lincoln Road/863 Washington Avenue, open 11am-2am/4am
A local chain serving up counter pizza by the pie or slice. The Roman-style rectangular pizzas are, well rustic – cheap, cheerful and open till late.

11th STREET DINER
1065 Washington Avenue, open 8am-12am, 24 hrs at weekend
If there is one place I always suggest anyone visits it’s here. Not only is it a retro diner housed in a railroad-style car (which I love) – it serves the best comfort food, bottomless hazelnut coffee and the biggest salads I’ve ever had (umm… ranch dressing!). The Southern fired chicken has been voted the best in Miami – which I can vouch for – and is best served with the home-made mash, sautéed spinach and gravy.

JOHNNY ROCKETS
728 Ocean Drive, open 11am-11pm
Yes, it may be a chain and originally first opened up in LA. But, no Americana experience would be complete without an classic all-American Burger, fries and shake. And, it doesn’t get much better than Johnny’s. I also love the 1950’s style decor – it reminds me of the diner in Happy Days.

JOE’S STONE CRAB
11 Washington Avenue, open 6pm-11pm
No visit to South Beach would be complete without a stop at this more than 100 year old multi generation family-run ‘lunch counter’. Maine lobster rolls, New England Fish fry, and of course, stone crabs served with mustard sauce are a specially. But, leave room for the infamous key lime pie. Pure vintage Miami.

NEWS CAFE
800 Ocean Drive, corner of 8th St., open 24 hrs
This mainly outdoor, all-day side-walk cafe is iconic due to the fact it’s steps away form the home of the late Gianni Versace. A prime location for people watching as it overlooks the beach – and famed for its relaxed and casual atmosphere. The inside is small but worth a look for the largest selection of local and international newspapers and magazines.

EL RANCHO GRANDE
1626 Pennsylvannia Avenue, open 11am-10pm
A relaxed, family friendly mexican restaurant serving up supersize Margaritas and bottomless bowls of home-made tortillas chips and salsa. Order light as you will fill up on these! The taco carnitas, mexican corn (with chipotle cream) and classic fajitas are all worth a mention too.

OSTETRIA DEL TEATRO
1443 Washington Avenue at Enspanola Way, 6pm-11pm/12am on weekends
A much more formal affair here – and advisable to book ahead. As this intimate corner restaurant has been serving home-made Italian food for over 25 years – and feels like a hidden secret. Yummy fresh pasta, seafood and out of this world dessert specials.

ICE BOX CAFE
1855 Purdy Avenue, open 9am-10pm/11pm on weekends
A über fashionable and healthy place for a spot of lunch or a light bite. Amazing salads and not-to-be-missed cakes (it started life as a cake shop so stands to reason) – so, much so that they offer an Ice-Box sample of cakes (3 or 5 half portions) for those who cannot decide.

** PIN IT for later**