BASEL OUT - MIAMI ART WEEK

The most exciting week of the year is almost here! 

For many, Art Basel is the BEST event in Miami. Since 1970, Art Basel has connected the world's premier galleries and their patrons and serves as a meeting point for the international art world. During this time, the vibe of the city changes. Art takes over the streets, parks, restaurants, and you can literally get inspiration from every corner in the city.

Get it right! BAH-SEL

Art Basel takes it's name from it's place of origin in Basel, Switzerland. Here, in our beautiful Magic City, we Miamians understand the importance of showing a good time to all of the international guests coming to town to see and be seen. Art Basel gives local businesses the opportunity to showcase their merchandise and up and coming artists can become mainstream sellers literally overnight if they make the right moves during Basel.

Graffiti artist working on the streets during Art Basel 

As a seasoned Art Basel attendee, I came up with my own list to better navigate the city during this fabulous week. Each area of Miami has it's charm, fair share of parties, and installations; from the VIP entrance at the Convention Center, to the opening night in Art Miami and the not-to-be-missed Wynwood, Design District and Miami Beach. Where should you begin? Which areas should you focus on? There is so much to do that it is easy to get lost in the beautiful bustle. 

Tips on how to navigate the city during ART BASEL

For a better system, it is important to divide your time between the actual art of Art Basel, the after parties, and the private events. The key here is to find the exquisite, unique events which are open to the public. These events can truly take your breath away and are a refreshing contrast to the endless dime a dozen parties. Grab your flats and BASEL ON!!!!

SUNDAY 27th

Why wait until the official opening if you can have the best pre-party in place? Start early with the most exciting event of the season - Faena Forum - Grand Opening will take place this Sunday from 3pm - 6pm. Enjoy the vision of Alan Faena - a district where culture takes center stage. A neighborhood that would serve as platform for art, music and dance. A growing movement in Miami Beach and from Miami Beach to the world. Don't miss it!

The Grand Opening of Faena Forum is open to the public

This Sunday kick off party is the beginning of many events planned by the Urban Alchemists. The Argentinian developer promised a week of magic, filled with live art installations, music, culture and a fair share of celebrities. The main event at Faena takes place Thursday December 1st for the Malawi foundation charity dinner with MADONA. Tickets starting at $5K (tax deductible).

MONDAY 28th

Besides the private receptions and silent options throughout the city, I have my eyes on Audemars Piguet preview of the Chinese artist SunXun large scale multimedia installation "Reconstruction of the universe", Created for the second Audemars Piguet Art Commission. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC from 9pm - 11pm Oceanfront (between 21st & 22nd street).

Sun Xun is considered China's most talented new artist 

Sun Xun's artistic practice combines meticulous craftsmanship with stylistic experimentation not limited to any one medium. Blurring the lines between drawing, painting, animation, and installation, his work incorporates a wide array of materials. Painting, woodcuts, traditional Chinese ink and charcoal drawings are often combined to create the foundation of impressionistic. stop-motion animated films. 

Monday should also be a day to enjoy what's happening in the city before all the chaos of the main events hit the streets. This should be a relaxing, easy going day to really take it all in. Before all the traffic, endless lines and visitors take over the Magic City, you should plan to spend Monday soaking in everything Art Week has to offer.

TUESDAY 29th

So many VIP preview and kick off parties happening this day! In my opinion, plan to stay all evening in Design district. The VIP preview of Art Miami opens at 5:30pm. There are several tents included in the VIP pass. You can easily take a few hours to navigate all the best spots.

Art Miami Fairs in Design District 

If you still have some energy left and don't want to go home early - Miami Art Week Opening Night After-Party. With Psychic TV. 10 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, at ICA Miami, 4040 NE Second Ave., Miami. ICA Miami members, select art fair VIP cardholders, and invited guests only.

Wynwood never disappoints 

Or if you are looking for a more casual vibe this day, head to Wynwood for an amazing block party!

Rum & Bass Block Party. With Walshy Fire and friends. 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, at Coyo Taco, 2300 NW Second Ave., Miami; 305-573-8228; coyo-taco.com. Tickets cost $20 to $30 via eventbrite.com.

WEDNESDAY 30th

The madness is starting! Did I mention we also have great DJs in town?

III Points presents James Blake, Airhead, and others. 10 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, at Magic City Studios, 6301 NE Fourth Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $25 to $40 via showclix.com.

Hive Pop-Up Lounge. 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, at Mana Wynwood, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami; hivewynwood.com. Admission is free. This same day at night you have a huge party in this venue. The InList anniversary bash is happening this night. Prepare for a lot of traffic and more music than art this day. Wednesday is probably a good day to just stay in one area for the rest of the day. Access in and out of Design District will be very difficult.

 The Peter Tunney Experience is a MUST

If you are looking for some serious art seeing head to the Convention Center in Miami Beach. This is the day where Art Basel officially opens to the public. Other exhibitions under the radar are: The Margulies Collection at the warehouse, De La Cruz Collection "Progressive Praxis", Rubell Family Collection "High Anxiety" & "12 Brazilians".

Nicholas Baume, Director and Chief Curator of Public Art Fund, New York, presents ‘Ground Control’, featuring outdoor and site-specific installations in Collins Park. The Public sector of Art Basel is produced in collaboration with The Bass Museum of Art and supported by MGM Resorts Art & Culture.

THURSDAY 1st

PAMM and Poplife present Cashmere Cat, Jillionaire, Uncle Luke, and others. 9 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Open to PAMM Sustaining and above level members as well as Art Basel Miami Beach, Design Miami, and Art Miami VIP cardholders.

 PAMM's exclusive Basel bash will feature Cashmere Cat, Jillionaire, and more.

By this day, all the galleries, tents and installations have officially opened. Weather you decide to stay in Miami Beach, Wynwood or Design District, you will enjoy Art Basel in full effect. There will be something happening in every corner. My advice is to grab a friend and continue Baseling throughout the weekend.

Other cool parties happening Thursday:

Seventh Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Finale. Hosted Russell Simmons and Danny Simmons. With Jermaine Dupri. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at 1111 Lincoln Road, 7th Floor Garage, Miami Beach. By invitation only.

Moschino. 10 p.m. Thursday, December 1, Delano Beach Club; 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. By invitation only.

UNICO 20°87° Pop-Up. 12 p.m. Thursday, December 1, at Nobu Eden Roc Miami Beach, 4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Admission is free.

Art Basel Film Library at the convention center is also a great alternative if you are a movies fanatic. Open all day

FRIDAY 2nd

If you are a aspiring art aficionado, Friday is for Art Talks:

Aqua Art Miami - Unconscious Bias and the Art World Panel Discussion at 10am.

Context Art Miami - From object to Idea: New Ways of collecting contemporary Art at 3pm.

Context Art Miami - Korean Pop Arts vs. American Pop Art at 4pm.

Context Art Miami - Art Connect at 5pm.

Networking receptions throughout the day in the Art Miami Fairs

Something interesting happening Friday - MoMA PS1 Event. Friday December 2, Delano Beach Club; 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. By invitation only.

SATURDAY 3rd

Still have some energy left? It's not over yet...

If you already got all your art intake for the week, Saturday could be the perfect day to enjoy the endless DJs in town. Nightclubs host celebrity splashed soirees and pop-up clubs from South Beach to Wynwood. Just pick a place a party on!

During Art Week, Miami is home to more than 20 pop up festivals. Here is a complete guide for you to enjoy this weekend:

Art Basel Miami Beach

When: Dec. 1 - 4, 2016

Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach

$50 day ticket; $105 permanent pass (if purchased online in advance)

Aqua Art Miami

When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 4, 2016

Where: Aqua Hotel, 1530 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach

Tickets: $20 one-day pass; $90 multi-day pass (multi-day pass includes access to Art Miami and Context)

Design Miami

When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 4, 2016

Where: Meridian Avenue and 19th Street, Miami Beach Convention Center

Tickets: $25 one-day pass; $65 combo ticket

Ink Miami Art Fair
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 4, 2016
Where: Suites of Dorchester, 1850 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach
Tickets: Admission is free

Lingerie Francaise
When: Nov. 28 - Dec. 6, 2016
Where: The Sagamore Hotel, 1671 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach
Tickets: Admission is free

NADA Art Fair Miami Beach
When: Dec. 1 - 4, 2016
Where: Deauville Beach Resort, 6701 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach
Tickets: $20 single day; $40 run of show 

Pulse Miami Beach
When: Dec. 1 - 4, 2016
Where: Indian Beach Park, 4601 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach
Tickets: $25 one-day pass; $40 multi-day pass

Scope Miami Beach
When: Nov. 29 - Dec. 4, 2016
Where: Scope Pavilion, 801 Ocean Drive on Miami Beach
Tickets: $35 general admission; $100 VIP

Untitled Art Fair
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 4, 2016
Where: Ocean Drive and 12th Street on Miami Beach
Tickets: $30 general admission

Miami Project
When: Dec. 1 - 4, 2016
Where: 6625 Indian Creek Drive on Miami Beach
Tickets: $20 one-day pass; $35 multi-day pass

SUNDAY 4th

By today you should have made all the right connections and found yourself an awesome closing party! I will leave this day up to your imagination. Typically, I will keep it as a low key day to avoid insane traffic and endless lines. Sunday is the prefect day to grab a relaxing brunch at Verde in the PAMM, Michael's in Design district or meet with your friends somewhere with a view. Reflect on the beautiful experience of Art Week in Miami. Basel on friends!! THE END....

Picture taken at PAMM in a calm "winter" day

Best Happy Hours in Miami

Hello friends! It's been a while since I wrote my last post. Life has been happening pretty fast and I'm adjusting to some changes. Anyway, as I aim to get into bed at a decent time these days, I thought timing could not be better for this post.

If you are like me and can't pull the all nighters anymore, I found out that happy hours are the next best thing! You don't have to work the 9 to 5 to enjoy these options. Just have the desire to unwind after a hard day, well (at work?).

Happy hours in Miami can have a different meaning.... Many people don't work regular hours or could go to their job wearing flip flops. You could be a boat captain, a flight attendant or even a supermodel. Either way, there is a little piece of paradise waiting for you from 4 to 7 (in most places).

Give your wallet a break ( Miami can be expensive), have a good time and be back home for your beauty sleep.  Take these tips from a local. You will not find your classic tourist traps below :)

1) Smith and Wollesnky:

Even thou they don't run a discount on drinks for happy hour time, this is an absolute must if you are looking for  breathtaking waterfront seating, the right amount of locals and good cocktails. The bartenders here run a pretty tight show! They have their regulars but continue to serve killer drinks to the snow birds as well. If the weather is nice you will be rewarded with amazing people watching from sporty yogis to jet skies and cruise ships. Really one of the most lively cocktail hours in all of Miami. Love, love this spot.

*Outside seating is first come, first serve bases (they don't take reservations) but a little tip to the host can bump you to the front of the list).

2)Mandarin Oriental:

Did I say all you can eat sushi?? YES, Every Tuesday the happy hour at the chic MO Bar includes all you can eat sushi from 5pm to 8pm. This is one of Miami's best kept secrets and the location is just so private and romantic that can be compared to any island in the south of Spain. Many friends have told me that Brickell Key (where the Mandarin is located) reminds them of Majorca. This is a little piece of heaven in the middle of the city (yes in the middle of noisy Downtown Miami). Step into the lobby bar and you will find local islanders, politicians, I even saw Justin Bieber here once (but no wanabes because of it's private access). The food, cocktails and service are always on point! One of my favorite spots that never disappoints at happy hour time.

*Order the acevichado roll - a fusion sushi roll with Peruvian flavor. Reminds me of the authentic one back in my country PERU :)

3)Monty's South Beach:
Pina coladas with a floater of grand manier.... Relax, enjoy the breeze, let your hair down and feel transported to a Caribbean island... Oh wait, I'm still in Miami Beach.  Can't believe it, This area is not like any other part of the beach, this is prime real estate where many people pay top dollars to buy a home. One of the best neighborhoods in Miami. Enjoy cocktails with marina views. Many times boat captains come here after a long day at sea, needless to say the stories they have are very entertaining. Monty's offers a casual vibe, great selection of seafood while exotic tunes play in the background. Lovely place for casual dinning among regulars. Many times the patrons in this venue could be considered citizens of the world. It's truly delightful to hear all the stories about their travels and adventures. No need to dress up! Wear your bikini and sandals for a more comfortable Miami experience.

4)The Rusty Pelican:

This place is definitely  worth the drive! Situated right on the rickenbacker Marina (on the way to Key Biscayne), the waterfront views of Miami are unmatchable. This plantation style building is surrounded by water, yet protected by glass so you can enjoy a bright atmosphere and luscious landscape. This happy hour brings guests a true taste of Miami. Exotic Latin inspired menu with the freshest local sea food will keep you coming back for more. Prices are incredible!

I particularly enjoy the Rusty Pelican ambiance with family and my husband. The setting is quite enchanted so a table for 2 is most recommended. Find your peace while watching crystal clear waters or taste the delicious bites while watching the boats pass by. Great spot for a relaxing experience. True Miami staple. 

5)SUGAR at the East Hotel:

In my opinion, one of the prettiest roof tops I've ever been to (and I've seen a lot). Sugar's outside bar and garden offers cocktails and Asian tapas. Relax and watch day turn into night as you take in the panoramic view overlooking the downtown Miami skyline and surrounding waterways below. This 40th floor venue is filled with top notch professionals from the Brickell/Downtown area. Many movers and shakers come to this sanctuary after a long day at work. The vibe is upscale Miami chic, no price reduction for the cocktails but guaranteed a good crow to network and socialize (so bring your business cards).

Other places I love for happy hour are:

The Lido Bar at The Standard Hotel - This private sanctuary offers a great selection of healthy bites, innovative drinks and unbelievable views.

River Yacht Club - If you are looking to explore the Miami river this is the place for you. Make it a more exciting outing by arriving in a stylish Von Dutch. Great option for sunset cocktails, jazzy tunes or Sunday Funday.

Area 31 - Above the Kipton hotel, you will find a jam packed executive happy hour. This place gets busy so come early to grab a table. Good discounted drinks and an opportunity to network with the young professionals in the area.

So there you have it! The keys to my city... I have come to appreciate this cocktail hour after work. I feel we have more time and peace to actually have a conversation with people. I gave you a couple options in each area. Depending of what you are looking for, these spots should cover your happy hour curiosity. Enjoy :)