TAPAS TWIST
Valentino chef-owner Giovanni Rocchio expanded next door with a global tapas and cocktails concept. Unlike his fine-dining Italian restaurant, One Door East focuses on casual bites in a relaxed, softly lit setting that diners can frequent several nights a week. He visited San Sebastin for inspiration but doesnt limit himself to classic Spanish tapas like gazpacho with white beans and grilled octopus with a hint of peppery smoke. For example, a duck salad features hoisin sauce and scallions as if it were any upscale Chinese joint only far superior under his watch. Other Asian-influenced dishes are fried wontons, shrimp kabobs to dip in sweet chili sauce, and tuna poke and hijiki seaweed doused with tosazu sauce. He also studied barbecue techniques for plates such as burnt ends, pictured.
- 620 South Federal Highway; 954.368.6902; onedooreast.com
CAMP KARLA
By now, you may have read about local event and catering queen Karla Dascals determination to control her weight and diabetes through holistic living. Rather than keep all that hard-earned enlightenment to herself, she gifted Miami with the Sacred Space. Architect Rene Gonzalez designed the stunning, multimillion-dollar compound in Wynwood, with a raw-foods restaurant, Plant Food + Wine, and un-cooking school by Matthew Kenney; various spaces for mindful events, and expansive gardens to relax and meditate. Co-founder and director Chira Cassel brings years of experience in yoga and integrative nutrition. The wellness hub offers conscious programming of every kindsound healing and Prayerdanse are just a couple of the workshopsas well as lectures and even childrens activities. The onsite Flow boutique carries their picks for wellness meet luxury wares.
- 105 NE 24th Street; 786.621.5006; thesacredspacemiami.com
MINDFUL MEETUP
To see what the Sacred Space is all about, theres no better time than the citys inaugural Modern Life Mindfulness Festival on October 15 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Morning, afternoon or all-day passes are available, the latter including the private grand opening party. Select which of the 20+ workshops youd like to attend, whether plant-based cooking, corporate mindfulness or overcoming anxiety, led by luminaries from around the world. Alyson Charles, a TV personality and healer known as the rockstar shaman, and Andrea Brook, a performance artist and yoga teacher who invented the Sonic Butterfly, a long-string harp with LED-projection wings (pictured), plan to attend. The Sacred Space partnered with Modern M, a lifestyle brand from the same founder as the green monkey yoga studios in South Florida, to produce the event.
- 105 NE 24th Street; 786.621.5006; thesacredspacemiami.com; modernlifefest.com
WET & SWEAT
Remember water aerobics? Aqua-biking has arrived in Miami, but it isnt your grandmothers pool performance. Check it out at Waterbiking Studios grand opening tonight at 6 p.m. Attendees can try demo bikes and mingle with instructors after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first question that probably comes to every Floridians mind is whether the pool is heated. Youll be glad to know its hot enough that one can jump in but cold enough that one doesnt overheat during intense cycling. Participants will also be providing warmth since each class burns as much as 800 calories. Next question: What do I wear? Sporty swimsuits are fine (no Brazilian bikinis, please) but why not don the chic, waterproof athleisure gear thats all the rage now? Bring water shoes, too, or use theirs.
- 59 Merrick Way; 786.577.8927; waterbikingstudio.com
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