MR. C SAILS
Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani, heirs of the famous hospitality family, have opened three Mr. C boutique hotels, but only their new Coconut Grove property boasts a rooftop pool with personal cabanas and Bellini Restaurant & Bar. Widespread views of Biscayne Bay and the historic neighborhoods leafy canopy spurred the extra-special amenity. The waterside locale also suggested yacht-inspired dcor by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the superstar firm behind Harrys Bar in London, an outpost of Giuseppe Ciprianis original in Venice that started the whole story. Brilliant blue and caramel hues, buttery soft leather and glossy timber panels feel like a ship save for their permanently docked status. Arquitectonica adds its signature Florida flair as well to the 100-room nautical concept with portholes and private balconies. Like an all-inclusive cruise, guests enjoy multiple restaurants and sitting areas including romantic gardens, a fitness center and a spa suite with a sauna. At Bellini Bar, order the namesake prosecco and white peach pure drink invented at Harrys Bar in 1948, or its modern iteration with mandarin dubbed The Mr. C. Bellini Restaurant serves Italian and classic hotel cuisine. Salads (endive, pear and pecorino romano) and sandwiches, the Mr. C club being a no-brainer, are listed alongside diverse entres from a Mediterranean-style branzino with tomatoes and olives to saffron-scented tagliatelle flavored with pancetta. Il Giardino recently launched for breakfast pastries, coffee, and sunset sips.
2988 McFarlane Road; 305.800.6672; mrccoconutgrove.com
NICE CATCH
Fort Lauderdales seafood-centric Even Keel is a joint venture by regional chef restaurateur Dean Max and chefs David Maclennan and Brad Phillips. Their spacious, marine-decorated destination seats about 150 diners with a semi-open kitchen to watch raw-bar platters and wood-grilled items being prepared. But even more interesting is the pickling room, which stocks a vegetable patch of produce from string beans to okra all made in house. They plan to host pickling seminars soon, a good rainy-day activity. The menu changes daily but expect traditional fare, such as steamed lobsters, homemade smoked fish dip and a fishermans baskets of fried shrimp and oysters, mixed with more progressive pairings like octopus pizza. Beverage curator Bootleg Greg also put together a top-notch rum selection with rare picks like Wray & Nephew from his native Jamaica.
4100 North Federal Highway; 954.530.6276; evenkeel.com
RESORT READY
Just in time for Memorial Day weekend pool parties and holiday getaways from the Florida Keys to Harbour Island, a resort-friendly boutique opened at the Gardens Mall. South Moon Under, which began as a beloved surf shack on Marylands Atlantic shore, chose the luxury center for its Florida foray. Its founders, the same stylish entrepreneurs behind White House | Black Market when it was independently owned, have created another success story. Theyve assembled a great overview for mens and womens clothing, swimwear, accessories and shoes from designers like Tori Praver, For Love & Lemons, Kendra Scott, Citizens of Humanity, TravisMathew, and Amanda Uprichard, who plans to attend the grand opening party on June 15.
3101 PGA Boulevard; 561.461.8623; southmoonunder.com
BEAUTY BITES
A few of South Floridas biggest names in beauty are prime to pamper. Wynwood hair salon Junior & Hatter expanded to Miamis Little River with J&H Barbers in Imperial Moto Caf, which specializes in coffee, bespoke motorcycles and now mens haircuts and shaves. Book appointments through Instagram or simply attend its Barber-Q on May 26 from noon-5 p.m. To service South Florida snowbirds who summer in Muskoka, the Hamptons of Toronto, Gee Beauty is popping up daily from July 2-15. The Gee girls are bringing all their favorite treatments like the complexion perfecting calming facial and lash tinting as well as brands from their eponymous cosmetics collection from Dr. Sebagh skin care to Eberjey fashions. Tammy Fender, a holistic skin-care line and spa in West Palm Beach, introduced Plant Milk. The organic serums combination of white lily, mountain arnica, milk thistle and more uses whole plantsseed, root, leaf petal and fruitto soothe and nurture skin.
7299 NW Second Avenue; juniorandhatter.com. 2 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling, Ontario; geebeauty.com. 711 North Flagler Drive; 561.659.2229; tammyfender.com
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