ITS ALL GREEK TO MIAMI
Ever since Mandolin opened, Miamians have been crazy for Greek fare. Now they can further sate cravings for the simple, fresh cuisine at Kiki on the River. Partners including nightlife impresario Roman Jones and a former manager of Philippe Chow combine their talents for a fun, romantic setting reminiscent of lingering repasts in the Greek Isles. The indoor/outdoor eaterys prime position on the historic river offers views to take in the boat traffic and natural beauty. Milos regulars may recognize the executive chef and general manager, both of whom are alums of the Miami Beach haunt. Grilled-to-order proteins such as whole sea bass and lamb chops, as well as tasty spreads like carp roe and roasted eggplant transport diners to the Mediterranean. The prix-fixe power lunch cant be beat either.
450 NW North River Drive; 786.502.3243; kikiontheriver.com
FRANCE IN FLORIDA
Stylish Francophiles are celebrating Isabel Marants first Florida store in the Miami Design District. The 2,000+-square-foot boutique marks the Parisian designers fifth location in the U.S., and the only one in the country outside New York and California. Architect Laurent Deroos concept is as forward as her womens wear and accessories. Lava stone terrazzo floors, concrete totems for display racks, and a fabric and cork ceiling borrow from the French brutalist movement of the Fifties and Sixties. A groovy, white raw-wool sofa seems plucked from the objects as artworks at DesignMiami/. She also tapped her go-to window dresser, sculptor Arnold Goron, for a spring flower-themed installation. Since launching jewelry in 1994, the line has expanded with a main clothing collection, the more casual toile, and a full range of accessories.
175 NE 40th Street; 305.576.7180; isabelmarant.fr
SAND ART
Some spectacular cultural events are taking place steps from the surf this weekend. The Longines Global Champions Tour returns to Miami Beach from April 13-15. Elite equestrians like Olympic gold medalist Scott Brash and bronze medalist Cian OConnor compete in show jumping on the sand between 21st and 22nd streets, with the winner claiming the Champion of Champions title. The worldwide tour is known for its unique settings and mix of Olympic, World and National champions all hoping to win as much of seasons $24 million in prizes. The Faena District hosts the Biennale of Moving Images foray in North America from April 13-30 (Wednesdays through Sundays). Founded by the Centre dArt Contemporain in Genve, the event focuses on new works (films, documentaries, video art, performances), complemented by talks.
globalchampionstour.com. 3201 Collins Avenue; 305.534.8800; faena.com; faenaart.org
SPRING BREAK STAYS
Once the spring break capital, Fort Lauderdale revisits its past with new beachy boutique hotels along A1A with a retro vibe. The 163-room Plunge Beach Hotel (pictured) opened in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a quaint neighborhood known for diving thanks to its proximity to a coral reef. Some accommodations feature kitchenettes and furnished balconies, while everyone can enjoy the 24-hour fitness centeror grab a bikeand dining like Backflip Beach Bar (Bean & Barnacle coffee shop and Octopus lobby bar launch June). They also provide activities from snorkeling to beach volleyball. South on the strip, the Gzella Collection renovated a midcentury-modern property as Ikona Hotel. Its 24 rooms include two penthouse suites overlooking the pool and leafy garden. Though there isnt an onsite restaurant, guests receive complimentary WiFi and parking.
4660 El Mar Drive; 754.200.3346; plungebeachhotel.com. 3030 Bayshore Drive; 954.467.0568; gzellacollection.com
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