More and more of Miami’s long-time restaurants are closing. But I am in shock that one of our most beloved restaurants is permanently closing. Miami comes alive with culture on May 16. Art collectors are salivating over the auction of Miami’s De la Cruz Collection, including the one featured here. And tomorrow is your chance to meet over 75 local artists up some of Miami’s up and coming areas— Little Haiti, Little River and North Miami. And wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Dau.

Famous, Long Time Miami Restaurants Are Closing, One By One!

I’m afraid to open the Miami Herald these days. I’m used to reading about gun shootings, robberies and even murders. It’s pathetic. However, the one thing I am totally unprepared for is the closing of long-time popular restaurants that were the legends in Miami. It hurts.

There was something about these Miami restaurants that made you feel that you made the right decision to move from New York to Miami.  Eliot and I didn’t need any reassurance when we left our coop of 40 years on 62nd and Second Avenue for the land of sunshine and beaches. However, we did love to frequent certain Miami restaurants that made us feel like we really belonged in our new home. They almost all had New York personalities.

A few of the most popular ones that departed are Wolfie’s, Rascal House, Prime Fish, (as I recently mentioned), The Forge, Jerry’s Deli and Ciga. Now we just heard that one of Miami’s most beloved restaurants is permanently closing. It was a shock to everyone. Perricone’s Marketplace & Cafe is shutting its doors. The last day of service, May 16, will close a long chapter in Miami history.

Steven J. Perricone, owner, told the Miami Herald that he turns 70 in September — “Finally decided to wrap things up. It was a very, very tough decision. Short-term plans include spending more time with my family and basically doing whatever I want. I can pick up and travel and do things spontaneously. I was building and maintaining a business, so I’ve said ‘no’ quite a bit over the years. Now I’ve got time.”

Perricone added, “Everyone thought I was crazy when I bought a lot of land in 1997 in what is now known as Mary Brickell Village for $775,000. Friends warned me that I would lose my shirt on this venture. Somehow, in my heart, I knew that a sense of community was growing in Brickell.”

The Herald said his instincts were spot on. “With its charmingly rustic decor and Italian comfort food faves, Perricone’s was the ‘It’ destination for countless date nights, after-work gatherings and milestone events. Eventually, Perricone sold the 11,000-square-foot lot for $16.18 million to citizenM hotels. But the native New Yorker wasn’t ready to give up the ship. The forward thinker ended up purchasing a 5,400-square-foot building for a new space in The Roads, at 1700 SW Third Ave., about a half-mile away.

“Perricone’s Marketplace and Café had a rebirth in a new, modern space. Like the original, it included a large cafe and marketplace, full of cheeses, baked goods and gourmet delicacies, with a full bar and outdoor seating.”

The Miami Herald noted that Perricone can bow out pleased with his incredible legacy as a pioneer: “He took a shot on a town way before everyone, and their mother had moved here.”

Perricone added, “When I came to Brickell, it was very seasonal, with visitors from out of town. Now look what happened. It just keeps growing. It’s crazy, but amazing.”

May 16. Miami’s Culture Crawl

The City of Miami Beach is working alongside some of the world’s best cultural institutions to provide a night of free, unique and unforgettable experiences. Every third Thursday of the month, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Miami Beach comes alive with culture as various institutions and buildings open their doors to give you just a taste of what they have to offer. From backstage tours, exhibition openings, and free film screenings in the park, there will be something for everyone. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

The majority of the programming is accessible by foot and by bike, but Miami also offers dedicated free trolleys that will drop you off and pick you up at participating locations.

Culture Crawl stops – check out the monthly map to find your closest stop. Start where you would like and explore at your own leisure!

Let’s hit the street and get our monthly dose of culture! GET THE DETAILS.

May 14. Christie’s De La Cruz Auction

 I never thought this day would come, but the Rosa de la Cruz Collection, valued at $30 million goes on sale at Christies. Rosa de la Cruz, and her husband Carlos, had one of the most important art collections in the world. They housed all of the art in their Key Biscayne home and their private museum in Miami. When Rosa, 81,  died last February after a long illness, her husband decided to auction off their $30 million collection.

Everyone I know who is involved in the art world has a different opinion about what the family should have done with the collection. Many feel it should have donated, or sold, as one collection so the world could continue to see Rosa’s personal picks forever. She was a very forward-thinking collector.

I have no problem with the auction. Something tells me that she and Carlos discussed the fate of the collection many times. The auction option is a wonderful way to allow fans to own a treasure from Rosa.

While I promised Eliot that I was on an art diet for the next few months, I am absolutely going to look for a Rosa keepsake. I’ve never kept to a diet for more than a few days. Now is not the time to start. GET THE DETAILS.

May 11.  Meet Over 75 Local Artists in Their Studios

I have been waiting for this event for months. This is everyone’s big chance to see big name personalities in the Miami area. Everyone shows up for this multi- stop driving destination event because it’s a great way to learn about these up-and-coming areas of Miami— Little Haiti, Little River and North Miami —and meet new friends. Don’t complain to me if you are still sitting home alone with nothing to do. You don’t have to collect art to have a great social life. Just show up.

Still thinking about how to organize your day? Explore our totally interactive artist directory to get started planning. Click each artist’s name to access a Google Map to their studio, and see the work on their website and social media profiles. RSVP.