Local Insights: Bal Harbour | Fall 2012

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Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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Local Insights

Chef Concierge Brian Bean shares sophisticated fall experiences awaiting guests in and around The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.

By Caroline Hatano

Many years of concierge experience have given Brian Bean insider knowledge of all the best places to unwind in Miami Beach. Here are his recommendations for where to find the latest cuisine, world-class salons and glamorous couture this fall.

 Fresh BitesTo experience one of the Miami food scene’s newest contenders, Brian Bean suggests a visit to JUVIA, a lively restaurant that has skyrocketed to local fame. Executive chefs Laurent Cantineaux, who honed his skills in Venezuela, and Sunny Oh, a longtime fisherman with a penchant for “fresh-caught dishes,” have designed a menu as diverse as it is tasty, combining Japanese, French and Peruvian influences. After dinner, let Executive Pastry Chef Gregory Gourreau court your taste buds with pastries made using French techniques and Floridian twists while enjoying the penthouse view. (1111 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 305-763-8272; juviamiami.com)KATSUYA has already won a host of awards, including the Los Angeles Times Readers’ Choice award for Best Sushi Restaurant, but South Beach-goers are just now being let in on the secret. Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi captivates customers with his innovative take on the traditional Japanese fare, with signature dishes like yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and miso-marinated black cod. If you make the trip, don’t miss Katsuya’s award-winning signature cocktails in the Dragon Room. (1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-455-2995; sbe.com/katsuya)Another of Bean’s favorite new restaurants is MILOS, which was created with the belief that food is best in its most natural state. Its goal is to allow diners to taste each ingredient’s “distinct flavor and nutritional value.” With locations around the world, including one in Athens, Greece, Milos takes its Mediterranean cuisine seriously. The menu at Milos Miami is simplicity at its best, with a focus on fish—raw and cooked—and Mediterranean classics, like tzatziki and baklava. (730 First St., Miami; 305-604-6800; milos.ca)

 
Locks of Love

For an elevated salon experience, Bean recommends PRIVÉ SALON inside the Remède Spa for guests to obtain a beautiful mane of glossy hair. The menu ranges from women’s haircuts and a 60-minute intensive Privé mask with a polished blow-dry to hair extensions and bridal hair. (305-993-0600; stregisbalharbour.com/remede-spa)

For a truly extravagant and one-of-a-kind salon, Bean directs guests to the fantastical 1160 HAIR. Owner Wendy Kahn wanted to create a fairytale experience accompanied by top stylists, educators and beauty specialists. The salon offers a number of food-themed pedicures involving chocolate, peppermint or strawberry cream. (1160 Kane Concourse, Bay Harbor Islands; 305-868-8210; 1160hair.com)

Upscale Style

Recently opened and conveniently located within The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, THE SHOPPE offers a wide selection of items to meet a guest’s every need, including high end gifts and sundries. The boutique also offers a collection of beautiful apparel and accessories for men and women, including resort attire and chic evening wear from brands such as Raquel Allegra, Hartford, Persol, Dita, Onia and Majestic. (9703 Collins Ave.; 305-993-3342)

Down the street is one of Bean’s favorite couture stores, STELLA MCCARTNEY. Stella McCartney’s sharp tailoring and delicate femininity have earned her numerous awards and international fame. In addition to offering some of the most sought-after clothing designs, the store also carries Stella’s eyewear, fragrances and handbags. (9700 Collins Ave.; 305-864-2218; stellamccartney.com)

Outfit yourself for cooler weather with a signature quilted jacket from Moncler, recently opened at the Bal Harbour Shops. Find elegant winter wear featuring goose down jackets and feminine touches of fur at this chic and sporty boutique, which carries the complete men’s women’s, Moncler Grenoble and Moncler S collections. (9700 Collins Ave.; 786-477-5343; moncler.com)

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