Expansion plans
Macchialina, Spring Garden, A La Folie, Montreal, best art galleries, Carolina K, OOO, Alaia Belize, Panthers tix, MORE
RESTAURANTS • First Person
Ma(c)ch 2
As a regular, I saw cause for concern in Macchialina’s expansion this spring in South Beach. The Italian restaurant has been brightening an otherwise nondescript stretch of Alton Road for a dozen years now. In taking over the former Miami Hostel next door, brother-and-sister operators Michael and Jacqueline Pirolo put the sanctity of the memories made there (not to mention the charm and ambiance) of Macchialina 1.0 at risk.
Fortunately, it was a risk worth taking.
By transforming the six-room Miami Hostel next door, the reborn Macchialina now boasts a larger dining room, a wide bar with over a dozen seats, and an open kitchen. The garden patio out back remains, though further adorned with greenery and new decor.
All the hits made the trip intact, including the creamy polenta (currently topped with sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and chives), gnocco fritto (fried puffed bread) cavatelli Macchialina, and veal Milanese. Check the specials, but don’t ever skip the tiramisu, a memorable rendition made with dulce de leche and espresso granita on top.
The entire front of house staff is so well-versed on the ins and outs of the (strictly Italian) wine list that I’ve never selected my own wine — and never been led astray. Of course, that’s after I’ve started the evening with one of their martinis (I’m partial to the Ys’awright, made with Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose, Cocchi Americano, and a lemon twist).
Next up in the machinations of Macchialina: connecting the shiny new restaurant with the original space. Given the way that three-year expansion project worked out, I like their odds. –Amber Love Bond
→ Macchialina (Miami Beach) • 820 Alton Rd • Mon-Thurs 6-11p, Fri-Sun 5-11p • Reserve.
MIAMI RESTAURANT LINKS: In Wynwood, Beaker & Gray will close permanently at the end of this month • Philadelphia restaurateur Michael Solomonov planning Aviv at 1 Hotel South Beach this fall • One of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants is popping up at Amara at Paraiso this weekend • Lost Boy & Co debuts new cocktail bar, Brother’s Keeper, in Miami Beach • Tulum Rooftop Restaurant & Bar opens at W Miami in Brickell • Homeakase? Uchi launches at-home sushi boxes.
REAL ESTATE • On the Market
Spring Garden
One of Miami’s oldest residential neighborhoods (and a historic district since 1997), Spring Garden has only seen a handful of sales above $2M in the last 12 months. One of them: This 5BR, 3100 SF house that traded at $2.05M in November which can now be rented for $20K monthly. But three new Spring Garden properties are fresh to market in the last 30 days, including two on the Sebold Canal, which juts north of the Miami River.
Here, those listings for your Thursday consideration:
→ 901 NW 7th St Rd (Spring Garden) • 3BR/3BA, 1896 SF co-op • Ask: $2.095M • 50’ of frontage on the Sebold Canal • Days on market: 1 • Agent: Emmanuel Clodic, London Foster.
→ 691 NW Seven Street Rd (Spring Garden) • 3BR/3BA house • Ask: $2.3M • also on the Sebold Canal with a pool (and some work to do; bring your plans!) • Days on market: 5 • Agent: Daeja O’Donoghue, Florida Realty of Miami Corp.
→ 842 NW 9th Ct (Spring Garden) • 4BR/3BA, 1756 SF house • Ask: $2.5M • verdant property with detached studio • Days on market: 19 • Agent: Jackson Keddell, Elliman.
MIAMI WORK AND PLAY LINKS: Slowing contracts in luxury real estate market may portend summer slowdown • 48-story mixed-use new development Midtown 1 gets the okay • Citadel signs for two more floors at 830 Brickell • In South Beach, developer buys Washington Ave site, plans seven-story hotel • Fisher Island Club brings in Pura Vida, first time in its history working with an outside restaurant operator.
WORK • Thursday Routine
Study dates
DEJHA CARRINGTON • executive director • Commissioner
Neighborhood you live in: Miami Beach
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I work mostly from my 1940s Art Deco apartment in Miami Beach. To keep things exciting, I’ll hop from the sofa to the dining table to the loveseat. On non-meeting days, I’ll treat myself to a marathon session at the nearby Standard Spa or Soho Beach House.
I’m the kid who liked group activities in school, so connecting with friends who also work remotely — and who aren’t too chatty! — for study dates is an essential motivator, and reminder of just how fortunate we are to have these options.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I’m working on a curatorial essay for the exhibition “Everything is a Spiral,” featuring 17 artists-in-residence at Oolite Arts in Miami Beach. Over the past few months, I’ve been meeting with participating artists in their studios, and together, we share texts, images, and references for inspiration and as acts of care. The challenge with writing, for me, is quieting the mind and external environment long enough to do the research, thinking, and practice that projects like this offer.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
My neighborhood spots are A La Folie, Blue Ribbon Sushi and Macchialina. Off the beach, I like B & M Bakery & West Indian, Clive’s, and Boia De.
How about a little leisure or culture?
As the executive director of an art membership program called Commissioner, I often and very deliberately take the opportunity to connect with artists and spaces that are new to me. Our work is centered on bringing people together to support artists and collect art, so it’s important to stay curious, be open, and exist in a constant space of learning.
A few weeks ago — and long overdue — I attended a dance performance by Pioneer Winter Collective. The experience has stayed with me all this time. No matter how much I think I know Miami, there’s always an invitation to explore more deeply and freely through the lens of local artists.
Any weekend getaways?
I highly recommend a drive to the Everglades for activations by Artists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) and a wet hike to the Cypress Dome. Led by a park ranger, visitors can wade through the wonder of a shady submerged forest alive with ferns, air plants, and wildlife. Alternatively, a drive or train ride to West Palm Beach to see The Bunker Artspace, the private collection of Beth Rudin de Woody, is well worth it; stop by The Norton Museum while you’re in the neighborhood.
What was your last great vacation?
My last no-Zoom vacation was in Montreal. I had the joy of spending time with my family and hosting members of Commissioner during the international jazz festival in July. Here’s the guide we created, “72 Hours in Montreal,” complete with restaurant recommendations, arts and cultural happenings, and organizations to connect with. Go!
Photo: Chantal Lawrie
CULTURE & LEISURE • The Nines
Art galleries
Fredric Snitzer Gallery (Downtown), Miami art world pioneer repping hot, young artists, including local supernova Hernan Bas
Nina Johnson (Little Haiti), ambitious program with design-forward curatorial approach; reps Miami artists Bhakti Baxter, Emmett Moore, more
Robert Fontaine Gallery (South Beach, above), contemporary gallery with international lens, recently moved to new Lincoln Road space
Emerson Dorsch (Little Haiti), longtime champion of local artists working in all mediums
Spinello Projects (Allapattah), mercurial Miami art world wunderkind; responsible for launching Agustina Woodgate
N’Namdi Contemporary Fine Arts (Little Haiti), second generation gallerist showcasing underrepresented African American Abstract Expressionist and contemporary artists
David Castillo (Design District), longtime powerhouse gallery representing emerging and mid-career artists; consistently shows at Art Basel
Dimensions Variable (Little Haiti), artist-led gallery and studio space dedicated to experimental, emerging artists
PRIMARY. (Little Haiti), founded by artists Books Bischof and TYPOE and curator Cristina Gonzalez; scope includes public and street art
Additions or subtractions? Hit reply or found@itsfoundmiami.com.
GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Shop
Pattern recognition
The first thing that caught my eye at Carolina K’s new Design District boutique: a stunning maxi-length, red crocheted dress. The tag revealed it was made by “Elena,” one of the skilled Mexican artisans with whom Carolina works closely to supplement her collections. For the past 20 years, the Miami-based designer has built a reputation for her commitment to slow fashion, sustainable materials, and exquisitely handmade items.
Opened in April, the new boutique showcases exclusive archival pieces, captivating art installations by emerging artists like Beatriz Chachamovits, and an extensive range of home goods. Naturally, Carolina’s own latest collection is also on display, with her trademark striking patterns, intricate embroidery, and botanical motifs galore. –Katelin Stecz
→ Shop: Carolina K (Design District) • 4300 NE 2nd Ave • Mon-Fri 11a-7p, Sat-Sun 12-8p.
CULTURE & LEISURE • The Cups
Uruguay vs Panama • Copa America 2024 • Hard Rock Stadium (Davie) • Sun @ 9p • section 118, $205 per
Maggie Rogers • FPL Solar Amphitheater (Bayfront Park) • Sat @ 745p • section 2, $132 per
Oilers vs Panthers, Game 7 (if necessary) • Amerant Bank Arena (Sunrise), Mon @ 8p, section 118, $3251 per
WORK • Office Life
OOO
I’m writing this from my backyard. The sun’s shining, there’s a cool breeze, and the birds are chirping. Summer Mondays on the patio, one of the many luxuries of remote work.
Another luxury work setting: the salon, reportedly the new coffee shop among a certain set. “Everybody brings their laptop and does their work, especially when they get their colour done,” a London hairdresser told the FT. [I’ve] had a couple of people do a Zoom meeting when they’re here with the camera on.”
And another: the golf course, where dealmaking on the fairway is aggressively back in vogue, per the WSJ. Weekday rounds have almost doubled since 2019, and some firms are targeting low handicaps in their recruiting efforts.
It’s a little much, maybe. (Fucking lawnmowers. I’m going inside.) It’s also likely contributing to the so-called “coordination tax,” a recycled term now being used to convey the difficulty in finding co-workers, who are almost definitely not at their desks.
At the same time, those desks used to sit atop giant computers that definitely couldn’t fit into backpacks for the commute home, nevermind load Slack.
Now if you’ll excuse me, the birds are calling. –Josh Albertson
GETAWAYS LINKS: Closed since 2017, BVI’s Peter Island Resort reopens this October • Four Seasons NYC sets September reopening • Hotel check-in/check-out times are broken.
ASK FOUND
First, a quick primer on how this works: You send us the pressing questions of the day (on dining, services, living in Miami and surrounds). We all put our heads together (us at FOUND, + you, FOUND subscribers, who are also FOUND) in search of truth and beauty.
Today, three FOUND subscriber PROMPTS for which we are seeking intel:
What’s your Restaurant of the Summer?
What is your favorite flower shop (or flower delivery service)?
I need a wardrobe update. Can you recommend the best women’s boutiques?
Got answers or more questions? Hit reply or email found@itsfoundmiami.com.