The Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation Inc.’s (“OLCDC”), Art of Transformation (AOT) is making a bold return to Opa-locka from December 1st - 4th, 2022, on the occasion of Miami Art Week, Art Basel Miami Beach 2022 and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Art of Black Miami, 2022. Three exceptional art exhibitions: This Here Place: Africa and the Global Diaspora, A Beautiful Human Love and The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born will greet visitors in the City’s center on Ali Baba Avenue from the Historic Train Station, the ARC, to the Hurt Building on 490 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-Locka, FL 33054. The Hurt Building on 490 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-Locka, FL 33054 The four-day, three-block event which boasts free admission to the public, connects Africa and Europe to the Americas through re-imagined, re-purposed and transformed spaces, pop-up street parties and concerts; a Culinary Trip to Africa at the Historic Train Station, and the grand finale block party with live music and performances, Miami Art Week Exodus to Opa-Locka Festival, scheduled for Sunday, December 4th, 2pm-10pm. “We are excited to be able to bring the Art of Transformation to our diverse community,” stated Willie Logan, President and CEO of OLCDC. “Our audiences deserve this type of high quality, world class programming,” continued Logan. “We strongly believe that the arts can serve as a cornerstone for economic development and they are the embodiment of a community’s structure of value, the basis of a people’s worldview and how they see themselves and their place in the universe.” For Alfonso Brooks of AFRIKIN®, the team behind The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born, “this is a unique opportunity to showcase the best of African and African Diaspora arts and cultures during Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach 2022.” Brooks concluded: “Our aim is to have people walking away saying “wow, just wow!” ARC Gallery "This Here Place: Africa and the Global Diaspora" (Tumelo) "The City of Opa-Locka is thrilled to partner with OLCDC, soon to be known as the Ten North Group, to present the Art of Transformation, a 4-day celebration of contemporary art from Africa and the African Diaspora all happening during Miami Art Week in the heart of our beautiful Moorish designed City”, commented Veronica Williams, Mayor, City of Opa-locka. “This opportunity to view the best the art world has to offer will enthrall our residents and visitors, and inspire and educate our youth, as we partner with schools to share our collective love of art with the them", added Mayor Elect John Taylor, City of Opa-locka. The Art of Transformation will also feature Special Conversations among artists, curators, scholars and collectors conceived to address issues in politics and aesthetics and their resonance in the contemporary era, including the very special Africa Becoming Panel Discussion scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the ARC, which is a featured event on the official Art Basel calendar and which includes African masters Abdoulaye Konaté from and Viyé [Vita] Diba from Senegal: Africa Becoming Panel Discussion | Opa-locka Community Development Corporation (artbasel.com). The Art of Transformation locations The Historic Opa-locka Train Station at 490 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-locka, Fl, 33054 The ARC at 675 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-locka, Fl. 33054 The Hurt Building at 490 Opa-locka Blvd, Opa-locka, FL, 33054 Maison AfriKin at 650 Ali Baba Ave, Opa-locka FL 33054 Full schedule can be found here. CONNECT WITH ART OF TRANSFORMATION Website: www.artinopalocka.com IG: @ artinopalocka FB: @ artinopalocka TW: @ artinopalocka By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Art of Transformation

Ever heard of turning beer into your career? In recent years, that's just what some brew aficionados are doing. The craft brewing industry has grown substantially over the past decade. There are over 16,486 craft beer production employees in the U.S., an increase of 5.4% on average over the last five years, according to IBISWorld. Master Brewer Academy Director of Education Todd Space In part of the industry's expansion, Miami’s first and only Master Brewer Academy (MBA) is launching a new 2023 program just in time for those looking to celebrate a “new year, new you, new brew” by either making a career change or upping their home brew game. Conveniently spread out over nights and weekends, the 11-month program starts January 5 and includes a three-week internship. Founded and led by Director of Education Todd Space, MBA’s classroom is the taproom with curriculum taught inside South Florida’s most noteworthy breweries, including Est. 33 (where Todd is head brewer), Cerveceria La Tropical, The Tank Brewing Co. and Tarpon River Brewing, and taught by their respective head brewers. "South Florida’s thriving brewing scene welcomes students to literally tap into the market and learn all phases of beer production," explains Space who boasts 20 years of experience as a brewer and professional science teacher. "From grinding malt to adjusting water chemistry and propagating yeast in the lab, MBA students will gain the knowledge and application to work toward becoming a brewer." The MBA curriculum is designed for diverse learning styles, emphasizes the need for hands-on, practical instruction and balances the art and science of brewing by covering a range of industry subjects including brewing science, field technology, equipment and the business of beer. MBA graduates have gone on to brew at breweries across Florida, the U.S. and Central and South America. The Master Brewer Academy consists of four modules containing 11 different topics. Although enrollees are encouraged to go through the entire 11 months, drop-ins are welcome, with 12 seats available per topic. The classes aren't just for novices. Current industry employees are encouraged to level up their learning by jumping into topics that will round-out their brewery skill sets. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students can enroll in the 11-month program for $7,950 (there is a 15% “pay in full” discount) and will receive a “Certificate of Completion” when all coursework and required internship hours are successfully completed. See the modules below: Module 1: The Science of Brewing - 4 topics Module 2: Brewing Equipment and Technology - 3 topics Module 3: Internship Module 4: Advanced topics - 4 topics "Master Brewer Academy strives to be a driving force in the region's emerging status as a leader in the brewing arena," said Space. “We are helping to build credibility for South Florida's craft brew community by providing locally trained people with a solid foundation in brewing science.” Written by ML Staff. Image courtesy of Master Brewer Academy. Top image courtesy of Unsplash

Local dignitaries and hospitality professionals gathered in Downtown Miami to celebrate the official grand opening of The Elser Hotel & Residences with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was officiated by Highgate, the hotel’s management company, alongside national developer PMG, Canadian real estate private equity firm Greybrook, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and Government Liaison Tomas Alcala. From Left to right: Stephanie Leger, Randy Marble, Marcos Vinas, Yaniv Packin, Veronica Gorson, Yechiel Ciment, Dan Kaplan, Ryan Shear, David Shear, Jerry Libbin, Jeff Toscano, Linsey Lovell, Michael Goldberg, Alex Carrasco, Tomas Alcala “The opening of The Elser Hotel will be a special addition to the vibrant hospitality scene here in Miami,” said Jeff Toscano, Executive Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels at Highgate. “Designed for short-term and long-term stays, The Elser hopes to set a new gold standard for guests looking to find a home in the heart of the electric Downtown neighborhood and experience everything that makes Miami a world-class destination.” The 49-story tower has 646 rooms that combine both hotel and residences, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom suites, offering panoramic views of the magnetic Biscayne Bay and surrounding areas. A destination within itself, The Elser provides its guests a robust list of programming, including personal training in the two-story, 10,200-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center and weekend entertainment on the 19,000-square-foot sun deck, which includes eight electric grills, a pool deck, bar, an outdoor plunge pool on the 10th floor and an expansive event lawn that serves as the ultimate destination for outdoor celebrations with unparalleled waterfront views. The Elser Hotel is now open for reservations with a special opening rate of $329 per night. To book visit www.theelserhotel.com, and follow along Facebook and Instagram. By ML Staff. Photo Credit: The Elser Hotel & Residences

Airbnb and Nasdaq are debuting a new public sculpture garden in Miami, just in time for one of the world’s largest art events - Art Basel. A permanent gift to Miami, the art park will be located at The Underline in Brickell transforming a section of the 10-mile linear park into a vibrant and surreal gathering area. Designed by renowned local artist Typoe, the artist weaved together modern architecture, outdoor furniture and bigger-than-life sculpture in an interactive community space, designed to represent Miami’s diversity and role as a global art capital. Curating belonging: A new public sculpture garden in Miami takes shape Key Takeaways Airbnb and Nasdaq have teamed up with beloved local Miami artist Typoe to create a new public sculpture garden on The Underline to serve as a living, breathing space for connection and belonging. Over Art Basel in 2019, Hosts in Miami collectively earned $2.4 million by welcoming nearly 12,000 guests — all art lovers and artists from around the world. The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Miami launched to empower local residents who are interested in reaping the financial benefits of hosting ahead of Miami Art Week. As artists and art aficionados flock to Art Basel, Airbnb and Nasdaq have teamed up to debut a new public sculpture garden at The Underline, transforming a section of the 10-mile linear park into a vibrant and surreal gathering area. A colorful respite from Brickell, Miami’s bustling financial district, the new permanent installation represents Miami’s diversity and role as a global art capital. Renowned local artists Typoe and EstudioLAAVA weaved together modern architecture, outdoor furniture and bigger-than-life sculpture in an interactive community space. Designed to serve as a space to spark conversation and community, the installation will offer a forum for connection and belonging for the Miami community. I can’t think of a better way to kick-off Miami Art Week than by introducing this new installation at The Underline, one that will feature Miami born-and-bred creatives and recognizes the central role that Miami plays in the art world. We are grateful to Airbnb and Nasdaq for their support of The Underline, a true gift to our Magic City, and we look forward to seeing our vibrant community enjoy Typoe and EstudioLAAVA’s creation beneath the Miami Metro.” - Miami Mayor Francis Suarez “This new space at The Underline provides an enriching way for our locals and visitors alike to come together and connect over a shared love of our beautiful natural environment, our melting pot and art. We are glad that Airbnb and Nasdaq have chosen to invest in our community through this important project.” – Vince Lago, Mayor of the City of Coral Gables “This park is my love letter to Miami. It is something I hope the entire community can come to enjoy and experience together. My dream has always been to design parks and public spaces, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to make my dream into reality with The Underline and Airbnb. As I grew up here, I have always been highly influenced by the Art Deco movement, and it’s a tradition that I wanted to keep in the city, but in a fresh modern way.” – Typoe “We are immensely grateful to Airbnb for their support of public art on The Underline with this new installation by local artist Typoe. This recent work demonstrates how art, nature, and play can enhance the connections of our community. We look forward to continuing to celebrate local talent that inspires and celebrates Miami’s diverse culture.” - Meg Daly, Founder, and CEO of Friends of The Underline One of the goals of this installation is to recognize Miami’s local artists. Airbnb has long supported the creative community: many of our Hosts identify as artists and designers themselves, as home sharing provides them with an opportunity to earn extra income to supplement their passions. Based on a survey of Hosts in the US, over 100,000 either worked in arts and entertainment, or had an artist or musician in their household.1 With the pandemic changing the way we work, live and travel, we are seeing creatives like artists, musicians, and writers seeking a much-needed change of scenery from their homes and daily routines to recharge creatively and tap into their own pursuits and passions – and they’re turning to Airbnb for these creative escapes. “Nasdaq is pleased to partner with Airbnb to bring to life this important installation to showcase Miami’s entrepreneurial spirit. Guided by our purpose to drive economic progress for all and aligned with our existing collaboration with Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academies and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, we are incredibly excited to extend our support to the vast community of entrepreneurs in the greater Miami region.” – Jailan Griffiths, Global Head of Purpose at Nasdaq and President of the Nasdaq Foundation “Public art has the power to inspire the imagination of a community and bring us together through a shared experience. With such a thriving community of Hosts and guests, Airbnb is proud to support The Underline installation which celebrates Miami’s diverse culture and artists, and contributes to the city’s cultural heritage.” - Tom Martinelli, Airbnb Regional Public Policy Lead The Economics of Art Home to premier galleries and museums, international art fairs, and iconic local art, Miami has become one of the most influential culture capitals in the world— and only grows more vibrant each year: In the build-up to Miami Art Week, and to support local residents in embracing the economic opportunities created by hosting and entrepreneurship, we launched our Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Miami – a flexible and interactive education program focused on empowering more people from diverse communities. Working with the Center for Black Innovation (CFBI), a think-tank and Black innovation ecosystem that works to cultivate great leaders, entrepreneurs, and real capital pathways, the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy included online workshops with top tips on hosting a space through Airbnb to earn extra income, and the option to connect with an experienced Superhost ahead of Miami Art Week. With Miami preparing for the return of Art Basel in a big way this year, the opportunity to earn is significant. Throughout 2021, Miami Hosts welcomed more than 710,000 guest arrivals, with a typical Host in Miami earning nearly $5,000 in the year.2 When Miami was home to Art Basel in 2019, a typical year prior to the pandemic, local Hosts collectively earned $2.4 million by opening their doors to nearly 12,000 guests — art lovers and artists from around the world.3 “The Center for Black Innovation is excited to partner with Airbnb to bring the Entrepreneurship Academy to our community. Creating economic pathways through entrepreneurship will help our community thrive and is a win for everyone involved. We look forward to working with Airbnb and continuing to grow our relationship with them to support our local community.” - Derick Pearson, Center for Black Innovation Executive Director Big events, such as the return of Art Basel during Miami Art Week, are not only a win for local Hosts but also have proven what has long been known to be true: by using existing space to absorb influxes of visitors, Hosts help small businesses and their wider community in taking advantage of the economic benefits of events. By ML Staff Images Courtesy of Airbnb + Nasdaq + Typoe

The Bristol collection by Poliform, designed by Jean-Marie Massaud adds comfort and elegance to the living space. Bristol Sofa The enveloping comfort of the cushions and the lightness of the armrests distinguish the style of Bristol, a system that offers maximum compositional versatility, between the minimalism of the design and the generous proportions. Available with simple, double, or free cushions, the Bristol sofa can be enriched with accessory elements such as the Bristol System coffee tables, headrest, and writing desk – to create relaxation areas in line with your needs and personality. Bristol System Bristol System is a collection of accessories based on a storage module that can be equipped with drawers, open compartments, and closed compartments featuring drop-leaf doors. An ideal system for the living area that can be wall-mounted or positioned in the center of the room and coordinated with the Bristol sofa and coffee table set. Bristol Coffee Tables To complete the Bristol collection there are the center coffee tables, characterized by two planes on top of each other. Metal supports intersect the upper top, becoming the signature style of the entire collection. The lower plane is available lacquered or in wood, and the upper one is in marble. DISCOVER MORE: To learn more click here. Poliform Miami showroom address and phone number: Poliform Miami 4100 NE 2nd Avenue Suite 101 - 102 Miami, FL 33137 (305) 573-9950 Connect Online: Email: info@poliformusa.com Website: www.poliform.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/PoliformUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/PoliformSpa Instagram: www.instagram.com/Poliform_official By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Poliform

The wildfires that broke out in the Florida Panhandle in early March 2022 were the nightmare fire managers had feared since the day Hurricane Michael flattened millions of trees there in 2018. It might sound odd – hurricanes helping to fuel wildfires. But Michael’s 160 mph winds left tangles of dead trees that were ready to burn. We asked University of Florida fire ecologist David Godwin, who co-leads the Southern Fire Exchange, to explain the role the hurricane played in wildfires that forced over 1,000 people to evacuate their homes. What’s fueling Florida wildfires so early in the year? March is early for large fires in this part of Florida. We’re not in extreme drought, but the weather has been warm and dry, and this area has a lot of fuel on the ground that can burn. When Hurricane Michael rolled through, it had a catastrophic impact on timber in the region. The hurricane dropped most of the standing trees into a jumbled mess that piled up on the ground. Typically, a forest’s fuel load – the total mass of burnable stuff on a site – is less than 10 tons per acre. After Hurricane Michael, surveys found over 100 tons per acre in parts of the Panhandle. That’s off the charts. Everyone involved saw this storm had tremendous potential to affect wildfire activity for years to come. Using satellites, the Florida Forest Service mapped the damage to timber in the Panhandle. Florida Forest Service In most fires within the region, only the ground cover and understory vegetation burn. Here, almost the entire forest is now on the ground – branches and trunks that normally wouldn’t be available to the fire are dead, dry and ready to burn. In the years since the hurricane, with the forest canopy gone and more sunlight reaching the forest floor, additional vegetation has also grown in, contributing additional fuels. All of those fuels are driving increased fire behavior, meaning more intense fires with longer flame lengths and additional spotting caused by blowing embers igniting new areas. How does all that debris affect firefighting? The tangle of trunks and branches make these areas hard to access and dangerous for fighting a wildfire. It means you’re climbing over, under and around trunks. Vehicles can’t get in. Firefighters often can’t use their typical bulldozers to establish fire lines. The heavy fuels can burn for a long time, harboring persistent fires that reignite later. The heavy fuels are harder to extinguish and can produce smoke that can endanger roadways and impact communities. Two images of a section of Calhoun County, Florida, about 40 miles from the coast, show the damage after Hurricane Michael.Forwarn/USDA Forest Service. Read more: The risk of 'cascading' natural disasters is on the rise Why haven’t the trees been removed? People might ask why the government didn’t clean up the damaged trees, but about 80% of the areas severely impacted by Hurricane Michael were on private lands. That limits what officials can do. A lot of this land is timber investment land, and there’s no crop insurance for trees, so people may not have the money to get a contractor in to clear out the dead trees. It’s a very rural region and low-income in many places. The Florida Forest Service has been very vocal in trying to get support for private landowners to manage fallen trees, for the reason we’re seeing now. I was at Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Florida, recently, and the difference funding can make was obvious. The base had almost a direct hit from the hurricane, and the surrounding trees were decimated. But because the Air Force had access to funds, within a year it was clearing out dead trees and chipping the material for bio energy. Workers at Tyndall Air Force Base remove trees broken and blown down by Hurricane Michael.David Godwin/Southern Fire Exchange, CC BY-ND The base is now rapidly on its way to replanting longleaf pines. Longleaf pines were the once the dominant pine trees of the South, but they were cut down when timber barons came through. While industrial forestry had better success with slash pines and loblolly pines, the longleaf pines hold up better to hurricanes, wildfire and disease. Research after Hurricane Katrina showed that longleaf pines were more resilient in the face of hurricane-force winds, with significantly less damage. They’re also more pest-resistant and a keystone species for the ecosystem. Rain that started March 9 began to help firefighters, but the forecast after that was expected to bring dry, windy conditions that could whip up fires again. [You’re smart and curious about the world. So are The Conversation’s authors and editors. You can read us daily by subscribing to our newsletter.] Words by David Godwin, Director of the Southern Fire Exchange, University of Florida. Special thanks to the Conversation for republishing rights.

Celebrating its 21st edition, SCOPE Miami Beach returns to its bespoke pavilion on the sands of Ocean Drive and 8th Street. Honoring its perpetual mission to provide a platform for discovery, SCOPE welcomes a diverse range of contemporary exhibitors featuring The New Contemporary, a genre that stands as a critical contribution to both global politics and local community engagement. Gallery: Montague Contemporary - Artist: Osborne Macharia - Title: Remember the rude boy 4 Gallery: MakersPlace - Artist: Osinachi - Title: NWA BU IHE NRITE Gallery: Christopher Cutts Gallery - Artist: Carlos and Jason Sanchez - Title: Charlottes Hallucination Returning to the SCOPE pavilion this year for its 10th anniversary is The New Contemporary, an experiential multidisciplinary program located in our expanded Atrium. The New Contemporary will feature daily programming showcasing large scale installations, music performances, and panel discussions during the day while continuing our long-standing commitment to wellness. Guests are encouraged to attend morning healing programming and guided meditation, against the backdrop of beautiful South Beach. This multi-day destination will continue to transform after-hours to a premium nightlife experience and feature world-class music talent at night. Gallery: Bahnhof - Artist: Greg Allen-Muller - Title: Hyper-realistic straight lines Hours Platinum First View November 29, 12pm - 4pm VIP + Press Preview November 29, 4pm - 8pm General Admission November 30 - December 4, 11am - 8pm Location SCOPE Miami Beach Pavillion 801 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA About SCOPE https://scope-art.com

Hermès introduces the Passifolia Collection – an homage to the foliage that protects the earth, to the colors that burst forth in song. To the power of flora, its folly, and its leaves which rustle a single word, Passifolia. Porcelain decorated pieces using chromolithography. Made in France. Passifolia Oval Platter, Medium Model - Measures 16.5” long, $680 Passifolia Round Deep Platter - Measures 14.4” diameter, $1,180 Passifolia Tart Platter - Measures 12.6” diameter, $535 Passifolia Round Platter - Measures 17.3” diameter. $2,090 Passifolia Salad Bowl, Large Model - Measures 4.5” high x 10.6” diameter, $1,260 Passifolia Creamer - Capacity 5.07 fl. oz. $330 Passifolia Sugar Bowl - Capacity 7.1 fl. oz. $525 To learn more www.hermes.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Hermès

When you’re raised in Florida, cruise ship vacays are the obvious choice due to our proximity to the cruise ports, affordability, the opportunity to visit a couple of tropical islands, and unlimited food. I had been on a handful of cruises in the past, so my attitude about cruises was, “Been there, done that.” However, when Virgin Voyages reached out, I was intrigued. Richard Branson did make flying more enticing with Virgin Atlantic, I had to experience his take on cruises. Spoiler alert: As I predicted, VV does cruises WAY better! With VV, expect more. Sailors receive a list of perks ($600 in value) aboard the adults-only (18+) cruise ship – all gratuities, Wi-Fi, essential drinks, and group fitness classes are covered in the voyage fare. On a Sunday in late September, we boarded the Scarlet Lady at PortMiami for a five-night “Mayan Sol” voyage to Costa Maya and Virgin Voyages’ signature Beach Club in Bimini. That was the plan until Hurricane Ian had us reroute to Dominican Republic and Nassau instead. No big deal, we were game for whatever and there were great excursions (aka “Shore Things”) to choose from at our destinations (we zip-lined and slid down waterfalls in Dominican Republic and snorkeled at Pearl Island in Nassau). After grabbing the requisite vacation cocktail, we retreated to our Sea Terrace room. Cabins exude a chic boutique-hotel-room vibe. Designed by a Creative Collective comprised of some of the most respected interior designers, artists and architects, including Roman and Williams, Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, Concrete Amsterdam, Softroom of London and more, rooms were outfitted in a modern decor with subtle nautical touches, a 43”+ 4K flat-screen HDTV, mini bar, glam area, wardrobe, and of course, splashes of red. Our comfy European king bed was dressed in white premium linens, and the bathroom featured a rain shower head and was stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. In support of VV’s commitment to sustainability and quest to conserve energy, the blinds close and the air conditioning adjusts to an eco-saver temperature when you leave the cabin. Cabins also feature mood lighting that automatically adjusts to enhance the time of day based on where the ship is in the world. On the terrace were two patio chairs, a mini end table, and a red single-person hammock, handwoven by artisans from Yellow Leaf, a social enterprise that fosters women’s empowerment and community transformation in rural Thailand. Each ship features 78 luxurious suites, including, but not limited to the Massive Suite, Fab Suite, Posh Suite, Gorgeous Suite; XL Sea Terrace cabins; Sea View cabins; Insider cabins; Social Insider cabins; and Solo Insider cabins. RockStar Quarters Sailors receive a few extra perks, including first dibs on entertainment, restaurant reservations and Shore Things; an exclusive VIP pathway to the ship during embarkation; are designated their own agent to assist with requests; and have exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private outdoor space to sunbathe and enjoy drinks. Suites also have a full bar and cocktail kit, with the first round on the house. The Scarlet Lady boasts 20+ eateries, exciting live shows, fitness classes, a spa, shopping, and so much more. The other thing that sets VV apart from other cruise lines is their “come as you are” motto. The VV crew are encouraged to show off their tattoos and express their individuality. And, they have the first ever tattoo studio on a cruise ship with two resident tattoo artists, and the occasional guest artist from the World Famous Tattoo Ink Pro Team. On to my favorite part about vacations – the cuisine. As a foodie, I was excited to discover that the menus onboard were created by a Michelin-starred chef collective. Here are my dining tips. Once your cruise is booked, download the VV app and check out the list of restaurants onboard. I recommend making reservations ahead of time as the earlier time slots fill up quickly (I recommend this for the live shows too!). The Wake is their most glamourous restaurant. Decked out in a mid-twentieth century vibe, this was my favorite dining spot for its view, decor, and decadent cuisine. Their impressive menu boasts steak, lobster, seafood towers (this is an extra cost), and more. They also have a raw bar, table-side drink cart service, and Champagne poured by the glass from a magnum bottle. The oysters and chilled lobster tail were so fresh and delicious, and my lamb chops were prepared perfectly – they even had mint jelly. The Test Kitchen is a must! This notable restaurant serves sailors several small “laboratory-like” courses. The presentation, flavors, ambiance, and service were top-notch. Pink Agave serves elevated Mexican; Gunbae serves Korean BBQ on specially engineered flameless grills built into each table and has sailors participating in lively drinking games; Extra Virgin serves regionally inspired, hand-crafted pasta and Italian fare; and Razzle Dazzle offers vegetarian contemporary American fare, and meat add-ons for those feeling carnivorous. If you’re seeking a more casual dining experience, The Galley Food Hall offers a myriad of eateries, including a bakery and pastry shop, a panini shop, a burger grill, a taco shack, a sushi bar with bento boxes, a noodle bar, a soup and salad stand, and a 24-hour American diner. Simply take a seat and one of the friendly servers will take your order. I suggest ordering a couple of different dishes from each place. For example, for lunch one day, I ordered the spicy pork ramen bowl and a salmon avocado sushi roll. For pizza or ice cream, or both, head to The Pizza Place and Lick Me Till…Ice Cream (seriously, how clever and naughty are these names?) on deck 7. There are so many easy, delicious, ready-to-go options at your fingertips. My favorite casual dining spot was The Dock, a beach club-inspired outdoor restaurant that serves Mediterranean-inspired small plates, dips, and mezzes on daybeds and seating on the aft of the cruise ship. Even now I am daydreaming about their refreshing watermelon and feta salad, grilled octopus, polenta skewers, and shrimp I indulged in while lounging on a daybed overlooking the sea. There are a variety of bars, lounges, and entertainment for whatever mood you’re in. The Manor nightclub allows you to let loose on the dance floor and boasts a sparkling, Insta-worthy entryway. Draught Haus offers eight beers on tap, a wide range of bottled artisanal beers…and is a casual hangout to play games. And Sip is their super posh lounge featuring a diverse curation of Champagne labels, including Moët & Chandon. They also serve afternoon high tea here. You can book The Groupie, a karaoke, gaming, and movie lounge, to belt out your favorite songs while sailing the high seas. And if you’re feeling lucky, pop by the casino to play the slots, roulette, and craps. What’s more fun than playing craps when you’re winning? As for the entertainment, it is spectacular. Scarlet Lady features six original, entertaining shows developed by some of the world’s best producers, directors, and artists, including Jenny Gersten, Randy Weiner, Sam Pinkleton, Ani Taj, PigPen Theatre Co, The 7 Fingers, Roslyn Hart and Alfredo Guenzani and the Spark Cooperative. Ships in the Night awes with their fantastic choreography coupled with cutting-edge digital projection, while Duel Reality’s modern take on Romeo & Juliet with a cirque- acrobatic twist had me on the edge of my seat as I watched the cast perform their death-defying stunts. Bravo, VV, I was entertained. For some pampering, book a day at Redemption Spa, which houses a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds, and spa treatment rooms. I indulged in a relaxing deep tissue massage here. Also onboard, Stubble and Groom barber shop and The Dry Dock for your hair care needs, and a nail salon if you want a mani and/or pedi. You’re on vacation – treat yourself. For the athletes and fitness enthusiasts who adhere to the “no days off” lifestyle, VV has you covered. The Athletic Club, inspired by 1920s New York sports clubs, is fully loaded, and features oversized outdoor gaming, an outdoor training zone with a boxing ring, strength and gymnastics equipment, gyms equipped with Technogym ARTIS, and more. And there is a standalone running track, aka The Runway, that forms a halo-like vision over the ship. The Well-being Pool features a large whirlpool, two plunge pools and MyBeast, an artistic adult playground and fitness apparatus designed by Equilibria. When I am on vacation, I prefer to lounge around, soak up some sun, and forget about my diet. Scarlet Lady has endless options for lounging, including the largest daybed at sea, numerous cabanas, tons of loungers on every level, and The Aquatic Club pool deck, where sailors can listen to the resident DJ spin energizing music as they bask in the sunshine on daybeds and chaise lounges surrounding the pool. The lively pool deck is where you could find me when I wasn’t at an exhilarating show, exploring, or eating my way around the ship. VV exceeded my expectations and made me look at cruises in a whole new light. This isn’t your parents’ cruise ship –it’s brighter, shinier, and way cooler. I see another VV cruise in my near future. Virgin Voyages Fleet Facts VV’s first fleet, known as the “Lady Ships,” (a nod to Virgin’s British heritage and a play on the term “your ladyship”) includes Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. 86% of Virgin Voyages’ cabins feature a balcony and 93% feature an ocean view. Ships can host 2,770 Sailors and 1,160 amazing crew from around the world. There are 1,330 cabins and 78 RockStar Quarters aboard VV ships. Scarlet Lady appeared on one of the earliest planes to fly for Virgin Atlantic. VV has banned single-use plastics on its ships, including straws, bottled water, other beverage bottles, condiment packets, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers and take-away coffee and teacups. Instead, VV emphasizes the use of recyclable and reusable materials across the ship. VV’s fleet of ships were designed to the latest energy-efficiency standards with state-of-the-art equipment and has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. All of the fish and seafood found in VV’s signature restaurants and eateries has been sustainably sourced, and sunscreens for sale are all reef-safe. For more information on Virgin Voyages, visit: www.virginvoyages.com Words by Vanessa Pascale Rust | Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages

Sixth Street partners and KAST Construction celebrated the topping off of 601 Miami, a major milestone in the completion of the 51-story luxury residential/hotel tower, which is set to open in late 2023. Major players involved in the building’s development attended the Veteran’s Day celebration, including, GFO Investments, Menin Hospitality, Cervera Real Estate, Arquitectonica, Urban Robot Associates, Gale Hotels and L&R Structural Corp. From Left to Right: Keith Menin, Russell Galbut, Marisa Galbut & Jared Galbut. Photo Credit: WorldRedEye The event celebrated the final pieces of the structure being added to the sky-high tower, which was decorated with a large American Flag during the ceremony. All attendees signed a beam that will be installed on the building’s center, which served as a unifying symbol, which gave thanks to the many construction employees who worked together to build the structure ahead of schedule. “We finally made it to the top,” exclaimed Russell Galbut, Chairman of the Board at GFO Investments. “In less than 64 weeks since pouring the foundation, the team at KAST Construction, L&R Structural Corp. and the many parties involved, were able to build this extraordinary structure, which will soon house Gale Port Miami Hotel, the closest hotel to the Port of Miami and the building’s new luxury residences will be one of the most unique locations to live, work and play, offering one-of-a-kind hybrid hospitality-residential experiences.” The “vertical neighborhood” will open in Downtown Miami just south of the World Center and directly west of the Freedom Tower. It’s the first tower in the heart of downtown Miami to offer condo units, a luxury hotel, Class-A offices, four restaurants with four bars and a social club with glamorous appeal and pristine views of Biscayne Bay. Upon completion, the building will have 448 residential condominium units and a 125,000 square foot office component. The building will also house a 240-room hotel, Gale Port Miami, which will feature expertly designed hotel suites, perfect for extended stays and families. The building’s residential-style accommodations will allow guests to immerse themselves in the boutique hotel brand’s locally inspired style. Like the hotel’s South Beach location, guests can expect the same level of award-winning style and comfort, along with the convenience and level of luxury that the brand is known for. Upon check in guests will be immersed in the hotel’s high-level of service, pampering and thoughtful attentiveness. “It’s amazing to finally be able to marvel at this iconic structure from the bottom to the top,” said Keith Menin, Co-Founder & Principal of Menin Hospitality. “The design of this building’s interiors will match the thoughtful architecture and craftsmanship that you see here on the exterior. The hotel and residences will be consistent with the luxury experiences that will set this building apart from others in the market. Each space will have its own unique features that guests, and residents will continue to discover and experience.” 601 Miami will also serve Miami locals, residents, and hotel guests with The Social Club, which will include a gym, spa, outdoor restaurant, indoor bar + restaurant, sushi bar, lounge, pool, office space, media room and more. The property will have over 20,000 square feet of event space, offering expansive venues for social functions, gatherings, and meetings. The ground floor will house a collection of food and beverage outlets, including a 7,100 square foot Italian restaurant, a grab-and-go concept and a Bodega Taqueria, which will open its sixth restaurant location in South Florida within the building. “As the exclusive sales firm for 601 Miami, we are thrilled to celebrate a new class of real estate in Miami” said Alicia E. Cervera of Cervera Real Estate. “During pre-construction, we were able to sell out 60 percent of the units prior to breaking ground and by last year we were sold out. We look forward to the next step in the journey, which will be welcoming our guests and residents in 2023.” Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a raffle, which included a variety of prizes, including LCD televisions, bicycles, a vacation complimentary of Norwegian Cruise Line and a future stay at one of Gale Hotel properties in South Florida. Bodega Taqueria, a brand partner and future tenant within the building, catered the event, which was attended by 500 people. The ‘Topping Off’ ceremony is a long-standing tradition in construction derived from an ancient Scandinavian builder’s rite held when the highest beam of steel is placed atop a structure during construction. 601 Miami and Gale Port Miami will open in Miami in 2023. For more information visit natiivomiami.com and galeportmiami.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Gale Port Miami

A look at Michael Kors' RTW Spring 2023 featuring electric colors and must-have silhouettes. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Michael Kors | www.michaelkors.com

Local dignitaries and hospitality professionals gathered in Downtown Miami to celebrate the official grand opening of The ElserHotel & Residences with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was officiated by Highgate, the hotel’s management company, alongside national developer PMG, Canadian real estate private equity firm Greybrook, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and Government Liaison Tomas Alcala. From Left to right: Stephanie Leger, Randy Marble, Marcos Vinas, Yaniv Packin, Veronica Gorson, Yechiel Ciment, Dan Kaplan, Ryan Shear, David Shear, Jerry Libbin, Jeff Toscano, Linsey Lovell, Michael Goldberg, Alex Carrasco, Tomas Alcala “The opening of The Elser Hotel will be a special addition to the vibrant hospitality scene here in Miami,” said Jeff Toscano, Executive Vice President of Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels at Highgate. “Designed for short-term and long-term stays, The Elser hopes to set a new gold standard for guests looking to find a home in the heart of the electric Downtown neighborhood and experience everything that makes Miami a world-class destination.” The 49-story tower has 646 rooms that combine both hotel and residences, ranging from studios to 3-bedroom suites, offering panoramic views of the magnetic Biscayne Bay and surrounding areas. A destination within itself, The Elser provides its guests a robust list of programming, including personal training in the two-story, 10,200-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center and weekend entertainment on the 19,000-square-foot sun deck, which includes eight electric grills, a pool deck, bar, an outdoor plunge pool on the 10th floor and an expansive event lawn that serves as the ultimate destination for outdoor celebrations with unparalleled waterfront views. The Elser Hotel is now open for reservations with a special opening rate of $329 per night. To book visit www.theelserhotel.com. More on The Elser Hotel & Residences The Elser Hotel & Residences is a luxury 49-story tower set in Downtown Miami, featuring 646 amenity-rich rooms, including 306 spectacular suites, with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views, luxurious bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Amenities include a double-level amenity deck spanning over 19,000 square feet overlooking Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, a 132-foot resort-style pool with private lounge areas, a 16-foot poolside LED screening wall, a grilling terrace, co-working spaces, a two-level state-of-the-art gym, a new lobby cocktail bar and restaurant by the creators of Jaguar Sun, and a coffee lounge by Cafe Domino. The property is managed by Highgate, a leading hospitality investment and management company whose portfolio includes more than 160 properties in gateway cities worldwide. By ML Staff. Images Courtesy of The Elser Hotel