Miami Life: Billionaire Row, Brunch, T-Day, Friends
Exciting changes are coming to Miami! Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, once known as the old folks’ strip, is set to become “Billionaire Beach” by 2027. Everyone is thrilled that Lilikoi, a beloved South Beach organic brunch spot famous for its all-day breakfast, is reopening. Check out “Secret Miami’s” six best things to do in Miami for Thanksgiving. And if you’re looking to expand your social circle, Miami offers countless clubs, organizations, and activities. Don’t miss out on the Lunch Club—I’ve got your invite!
Miami Beach’s Billionaire Row
Collins Avenue in Miami Beach used to be known as the old folks’ strip where elderly people spent the last years of their life waiting to die. They were thrilled to be there sitting on the front porch of their rooming board homes for hours watching the young tourists go by. It was a great life for them because they were away from the cold winter months in the north and they were among hundreds of other contemporaries who would all reminisce about the good ole days.
Like everything else in the world that lifestyle changed when assisted living facilities emerged all over Florida or people were able to travel on senior designated tours and cruises. Today Collins Avenue is going through a newer transformation. According to Bloomberg News, Collins Avenue, from Lincoln Road to 21st Street, is slated to be Miami’s “Billionaire Beach” by 2027. Now you can live on Billionaires’ Row on 57th Street in NYC in the summer or chum around with your very rich friends in this new very wealthy Miami destination.
Remember Miami has sunshine all year long. Bloomberg News just reported that “with over $2.5 billion in development, led by The Witkoff Group and other prominent developers, this area will become home to some of the world’s most exclusive residences, paired with top-tier hotels. Originally the seat of Miami’s glamorous luxury tourism of the late 1930s, the district’s iconic buildings—such as the Raleigh, Shore Club, and Delano—are being revitalized, blending historical charm with modern opulence. High-end hotels are incorporating multimillion-dollar residences, catering to Miami’s growing billionaire clientele who demand the utmost in quality and exclusivity.”
Zach Belil, one of the leading real estate agents in all of Miami said, “These are not properties you will find advertised in Ocean Drive; they are sold quietly and discreetly. As Miami’s cultural and commercial profile continues to rise, “Billionaires’ Beach” will solidify the city’s status as a global luxury hub, offering the world’s elite a new standard of sophisticated living. Welcome to America’s Monaco.” LEARN MORE HERE.
South Beach’s Organic Brunch Spot Reopens
It’s back to the future. I can’t believe that Lilikoi, a popular South Beach organic brunch spot known for its all-day breakfast, is actually opening again. Located in the center of South Pointe Drive, the down-to-earth, very casual restaurant, will be owned by Lilikoi cofounder Silvana Raballo and Garry Kanfer, owner of Kissaki, the Japanese restaurant next door.
Everyone I spoke to in the neighborhood is absolutely thrilled. It’s so great to have an eatery that offers great tasting comfort food at affordable pricing. Lilikoi has always been a hang out for active people who would stop in for a healthy nosh. You could always depend on seeing the most trendy outfits on the most perfect bodies.
Kanfer said his Japanese restaurant was being constructed at the time when Lilikoi was closing. So many of his patrons complained that their breakfast place closed so he decided to do something about it. He loved that his clients cared so much. Both owners will be offering fan-favorites items plus some exciting new dishes with a Kissaki Japanese flair.
The signature Lilikoi breakfast and brunch menu is available all day with dishes that include oatmeal made with kombucha-fermented oats, sunflower seeds, dates, bananas, and blueberries; a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, kale, housemade aioli, black beans, and chicken; a vegan kale caesar salad tossed with kale, tahini soy, nori flakes, nutritional yeast; a mahi mahi burger topped with tomato, coleslaw, housemade tartar sauce served on whole wheat bread or a gluten-free bun; and a vegetable egg frittata baked with eggs, portobello mushrooms, goat cheese, onions, and spinach.
The indoor dining room will be open in mid-November. Lilikoi Organic Living. 500 South Pointe Dr., Ste. 180, Miami Beach; lilikoiorganicliving.com.
Happy Thanksgiving, Miami
Secret Miami, the ultra-shareable online guide to news, events, and things to do in Miami, just came out with the six best things to do on Thanksgiving in Miami this year.
- Watch North Miami’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
The City of North Miami’s 49th annual WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to march down NE 125 Street again this year with all sorts of bands, dance groups and floats! The route will run from NE 6 Ave to NE 10 Ave and begins at 10 a.m. When: Thursday, November 28
Nikki Beach. Everyone knows how much preparation goes into cooking a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, so we figured we’d help out the best way we can! We’ve gathered some of the best Miami restaurants open on the big day, serving incredible feasts and specials to feed the whole family. Check out our picks here.
Luminosa Miami. Jungle Island is welcoming back the enchanting Luminosa festival, where hand-crafted lanterns and a million LED lights will transform 1.35 miles of the park into an awe-inspiring illuminated adventure. Stroll through stunning displays, live acrobatic performances, traditional Chinese vendors and more. Get tickets to Luminosa: A World of Enchantment here.
Fairchild’s Night at the Garden. South Florida’s smash-hit holiday tradition is back to transform Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with lighting effects, outdoor holograms, projections, music and more! Marvel at unique sculptures, interact with the talking tree and join a Fairy Quest among other activities. Snag tickets to Fairchild’s Night at the Garden here.
Paradox Museum. This Thanksgiving weekend, head to Wynwood’s Paradox Museum for mind-bending fun! There are over 70 immersive paradoxes — all of which play tricks on your eyes and defy your perception of reality — from the Paradox Piano to the Zero-Gravity Room, which is exactly what it sounds like. Grab tickets to Paradox Museum Miami now.
- Participate in a Turkey Trot
No matter your walking or running experience, the tradition of participating in a “turkey trot” on Thanksgiving morning is a fun one and the Life Time Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K & Kids Race is the perfect plan! It will return to Tropical Park and there’s still time to register! When: November 28, starting at 7 a.m
You’re Invited to the Lunch Club
My mother was a people person. I am a people person. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. However, that doesn’t mean I love everyone I meet. In fact, I have very little tolerance for many idiosyncrasies that I come across when I know someone for many years. I’m sure they feel the same way about me.
I found a cure in my senior years. Instead of hanging out with the same clique day after day, I broadened my reach by getting involved with all kinds of groups that now keeps life very active and exciting.
I don’t have to hear the same conversations from friends over and over and they don’t have to hear them from me. Now when we get together with new friends we talk about the parts of life that brought us together: art, travel, books, sports, philanthropies, health, exercise, restaurant hopping, etc.
The interesting aspect of this new journey is that our friends are married, single, young, older, richer, poorer, fat, thin, and come in every color and religious background and from cities and countries I may have never hear of. The interesting aspect is that when there is a common denominator between two people you only focus on the common traits that make you happy.
Miami is loaded with all kinds of clubs, organizations, and public social activities. It’s easy to do what I am suggesting. For those of you who think the groups I am talking about are not true friends but rather “good -time Charlies,” let me say when someone truly enjoys your company, he or she holds on to you. Your friendships becomes important fast.
I am not saying that you shouldn’t hold on to old friends. All I am saying is mix it up and live a much interesting life. Email: Emily Wang ewang@thebass.org to join the Lunch Club event.
