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PUBLISHED BY // JES comm, LLC
JOHN EDWARD SMITH COMMUNICATIONS © 2023-24
Published four times annually online at www.somimag.com
PUBLISHER // CREATIVE DIRECTOR // John Edward Smith
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WEB DESIGN // Six Foot 3
Contributing Writers & Article Resources
Marilyn Brown, Meg Daly, Belen Estacio, Peter B. Laird, Max Lazega, Anabel Mendes, Donna
Shelley, Roberto Suarez, Fernanda Torres, Jane Watkins
For more information, please contact the publisher: JES comm, LLC • Postal Box 431597
Miami, FL 33243-1597 • VM 305.665.2838 Email: jes@somimag.com
Creative Director & Publisher
NEW BEGINNINGS…
SOMI magazine starts its nineteenth year in showcasing the quality of life we enjoy in South Miami’s unique hometown, highlighting new beginnings in our civic and community life, and the prospect for dynamic developments in our town center.
As we see the crews and cranes transforming the Winn-Dixie site into a vibrant residential apartment building, in his State of the City address, South Miami’s mayor Javier Fernandez outlined some of the important decisions coming before the city commission: approval of the zoning changes to the Sunset Place parcel, and the prospect of redeveloping the city hall campus as well as other city-owned parcels.In this issue we introduce you to the designer who is destined to change the face of South Miami in going forward with the redevelopment of Sunset Place’s ten-acre site, South Miami’s new police chief, and the new CEO for ChamberSOUTH. For SOMI magazine we’re also fine-tuning our online presence and have published a new SOMI Guide (see www/somiguide.com), which is online and available in print.
The ground has been broken on The Underline Phase 3 of the ten-mile urban trail, which is transforming a barren landscape under the Metrorail into a vibrant recreational community connector.
SoMi’s only art gallery, The Wirtz Gallery at United Community bank, continues to host local and international artists each month. And this month, the gallery has “gone Ape” – literally! Check out the current exhibition. Congratulations to the Area Stage Company team for continuing to present outstanding critically acclaimed performances. A production of Oliver is being presented at the Adrienne Arsht Center in February.
In this issue, take a walk with me as I visit some of the new businesses investing in our community. From food to fitness, take a walk around and see what’s new in town.
As we observe our respective religious and cultural traditions, I wish you and your families a blessed and joyful holiday season.
TOWN CENTER
FAVORITES
Eccellente!
Gianfranco C., Coral Gables
In learning of the new Italian restaurant in South Miami I had to make my way over there. The spirit and enthusiasm among the staff, greeting me “Buongiorno” at the door set the stage for a memorable lunch. The one dish I always try as a determining criterion is the beef carpaccio. The presentation and flavors were just great. Verace will become a great place to host my business lunches. All the best to the team.
Verace Cucina Italiana | 7301 SW 57 Court | 305.740.8118
Just One Bite
Susanna B., South Miami
My husband and I had lunch at Craft last week. The first bite of the prosciutto sandwich served in a warm focaccia had my mouth watering. The fresh mozzarella, arugula and tomato with a balsamic glaze was delightful. Craft is a great addition to the downtown South Miami food choices.
CRAFT 5868 Sunset Drive | 786.674.2599
Winn Dixie site
WOW! Work on the redevelopment of the Winn Dixie property is going gang-busters.
Great progress is being made, with seemingly little disruption to the surrounding business, with exception to the customers of CasaCuba who used the parking lot. The new apartment complex will certainly add needed foot traffic in town to support the local businesses.
Jorge B., South Miami
Missing Art Festival
I came to South Miami to visit my family in late October hoping to catch the annual South Miami Art Festival on the first weekend of November. Much to my chagrin, I learned this popular art show was discontinued a few years ago by the organizers, the local chamber of commerce. What a shame! It was a great draw and promoted the area very nicely.
Peter J., Charlotte, NC
Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs
Many communities around South Miami have these “Stop for Pedestrians” signs at crosswalks.
We had them here as well, however, they’ve gone missing in the last several months from what I can see. While I don’t like to see a proliferation of signs, as a pedestrian and making my way around town, I have found them to be a good reminder to vehicular traffic.
Arlene D, South Miami
LET’S HEAR FROM YOU
Send your town center favorites photos and comments to the publisher at jes@somimag.com.
We’d love to hear from you.
KIDS’ MARKETPLACE
A GRAND SUCCESS
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, South Miami hosted a first Kids’ Marketplace located at The Shops at Sunset Place, featuring over 50 booths with young entrepreneurs engaging with the public from 1 to 4p to introduce their product line.
The idea of a kids’ marketplace originated with two enterprising young girls Olivia and Mariel. Their ventures went from lemonade stand, cotton candy, slime among others. The stand out product was bath bombs. All of their friends wanted the frizzy balls to relax and give a nice scent to their baths. Soon they started knocking door to door in the neighborhood and realized they were ready for a bigger audience.
The girls came to their mothers for help, which led the moms to organize the first Key Biscayne Kids’ Marketplace in 2019. Now, with the help of District 7 Commissioner, Raquel Regalado and local sponsors, Kids’ Marketplaces are hosted throughout Miami and for the first time held here in SoMi.
Children create a product or service, develop a brand, design a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. Kids are responsible for setup, sales and interacting with the customer. It is truly a complete hands-on business experience, a great educational tool and it is lots of fun.
Emphasis is on the fun part of the marketplace. Organizers want kids to be kids, to be passionate about what they create and to enjoy the experience. A Kids’ Marketplace aims to motivate young entrepreneurs ages 8 to 16 to understand the value of their ideas and turn them into action.
A rigorous application to the marketplace, which itself is a learning experience and incorporates the four basic Ps: Product, Price, Promotion and Place. The game-like registration has a cost calculator, business questions and also templates for media posts. The registration process also includes a video or picture to make certain the kids are behind each business.
The SoMi Kids’ Marketplace hosted some 50 different businesses ideas and more than 100 participants. Four awards were presented: The Most Original Idea, The Best Sales Individual or Team, The Most Creative Stand and the Most Environmental Friendly Business.
South Miami city commissioner Steve Calle, a big supporter of entrepreneurship, has been a key player in helping local businesses get involved and connecting with local schools so that the South Miami community truly benefits from this event.
The organizers are grateful that 5 years later their daughters, Olivia and Mariel still participate in the Kids’ Marketplaces; and believe that for them to be busy in a positive activity at 16 and 17 years old is one of our biggest rewards. The organizers want Miami to be known as a young entrepreneurship hub.
Thomas Heatherwick To Bring Humanizing Design to the Shops at Sunset Place
Donna Shelley
Thomas Heatherwick will be working with Midtown Development to design a completely new space for what is currently The Shops at Sunset Place, South Miami’s town center mall. Heatherwick is a British designer who has very definite beliefs about modern architecture’s role in the urban landscape and its impact on human beings. In his new book Humanize, A Maker’s Guide to Designing Our Cities, the author explains his design aesthetic as one that is opposed to the dictatorial tenets he attributes to the modernist architect, Le Corbusier. Heatherwick states that Le Corbusier’s architectural adherents continue to create buildings that are too boring, too flat, too plain, too straight, too shiny, too monotonous, too anonymous, too serious, and finally, harmful to the human spirit.
From Riviera Theatre to the Shops at Sunset Place
Plots of land in Florida often experience a number of lives and the location of Sunset Place is no different. In the early days of South Miami, the downtown was a series of two and three-story buildings used for shops, restaurants, and housing. Brothers Robert and Harold Dorn built a trio of buildings from 1925 to 1926 at the corner of what is now Sunset Drive and US 1. The buildings still stand and are among the city’s historic architectural gems. The brothers also built the Riviera Theatre at the northeast corner of SW 58TH Avenue, just south of Red Road. Opening September 4, 1926, the 1000-seat theater was doomed to failure by the hurricane that struck the Miami area from September 18-21, 1926, and the resulting economic downturn.
In October 1934, Fuchs Bakery relocated from Homestead to South Miami and was built on an enlarged site that included the Riviera property. After decades of enjoying the aroma of baking bread in the city’s downtown, Fuchs moved its operation to Medley, Florida in the early 1980s. The bakery buildings were razed and replaced by the Bakery Centre, a retail, hotel and office complex, which eventually failed. In 1994. the Resolution Trust agency sold the parcel for $11.2 million, and was demolished in 1996. In 1999, the 10-acre Shops at Sunset opened. In 2014 the mall housed Miami’s only GameTime location. Splitsville Luxury Lanes & Dinner Lounge was added in 2008. The largest tenant (about 92,000 square feet) is a 24-screen cinema operated by AMC Entertainment.
In October 2015, Simon Property Group sold the mall to Federal Realty Investment Trust, Grass River Property, and Comras Company. After a series of attempts to revitalize the ailing mall, the property was sold at a major loss for the sellers to Midtown Opportunities for $65.5m on December 31, 2020.
Something New on the Horizon
With a change in city administration came a mayor and commissioners who made the redevelopment of Sunset Place and the revitalization of our business district in South Miami a major focus of their election campaigns and administration. Needed zoning changes were made with the goal of transitioning from a moribund regional mall to a neighborhood with shops, residences, and open spaces.
“We set out to change the canvas of this twice failed project, moving away from a regional mall toward a neighborhood that becomes an integral and cohesive part of the South Miami community,” said Richard Perez, executive director of Midtown Development.
In April 2019, the South Miami City Commission unanimously approved a redevelopment plan. The goal of the plan is to reduce retail, expand office space, build residential apartments, and a hotel, and add more parking to the existing garage. Retail spaces will be designed to face outward as a way of communicating with the street. This will be a welcome change from the somewhat insular nature of the current mall with inward-facing shop entrances arranged around the central courtyard. Instead of encouraging gathering spaces inside, the new design will focus on the outdoors to encourage a greater sense of community.
Humanizing the Old Sunset Mall Site
In his book Humanize, Thomas Heatherwick begins his treatise on architecture with the two strongest influences from his life experiences on the way to becoming a world-renowned designer, not an architect, of buildings and public spaces. They were the inventive and unorthodox architecture of Antoni Gaudí (1852 to 1926) and craftmanship, especially of those objects wrought by hand, in which Heatherwick was trained. Heatherwick writes of Gaudí’s Casa Milà apartment building as “an unashamed festival of curves” that “undulate,” dance in space, and almost breathe. He believes that the human eye is most comfortable with the right combination of repetition and complexity and that this combination is essential to the proper aesthetic “tension” in architecture.
Heatherwick writes about the number of people who pass by a building in a given time as one that is much larger than those who work in or use the inside of said building. The exterior of the building will affect everyone who passes by and contribute to how they feel. To him, the “blandemic” of those straight, shiny, monotonous, and boring modernist buildings contribute to humanity’s stress, sickness, loneliness, and fear, as well as aiding division, war, and the climate crisis. The latter refers to the size of a building’s carbon footprint in the construction, maintenance, and destruction of the building when it is eventually torn down to replace it with yet another boring/unhealthy building.
The Humanize rule states that “a building should be able to hold your attention for the time it takes to pass by it.” For Heatherwick, this is all about what is happening at the street level, from the initial approach to the building to the clearly marked and celebrated entrance, to the way it relates to human beings. In praise of architectural norms from earlier periods that exist side by side in established neighborhoods, he writes that these settings are, “palaces built for ordinary people.”
“The New Heart of South Miami”
At a recent City Commission meeting the designer presented his preliminary ideas for the Sunset Place project. First and foremost, the plan will be to create or return, the downtown to a walkable neighborhood with sufficient vehicle connectivity. The City of South Miami has long needed a Town Square or Town “Green” that many other cities enjoy. Once accomplished, this should return foot traffic to the businesses in the town center. Heatherwick is concerned with designing residential real estate with great views, amenities, and an identity. All of this will contribute to his belief in humanizing architecture. The designer is also aware of the negative aspects that have an impact on South Miami’s business core, the noisy and “unfriendly” US 1, the current mall’s lack of engagement with Red Road (a main thoroughfare), and the fact that the mall ignores the surrounding street grid altogether while having fake “streets” inside the mall.
The mall’s second-floor retail arrangement does not drive customers to it. In short, Sunset Place does not feel like a real place, nor is it a real piece of the city.
Thomas Heatherwick Studio
What does the future hold for the design of the “New Heart of South Miami?” Designs by the Thomas Heatherwick Studio could provide some clues.
For More Information: heatherwick.com
NEW POLICE CHIEF SWORN IN
On Monday, November 13, 2023, dual ceremonies were held in South Miami at the Area Stage Company black box theatre at Sunset Place: The Annual State of the City presented by Mayor Javier Fernandez and the Swearing-In of South Miami’s new police chief, Reo Hatfield III by city manager Genaro “Chip” Iglesias.
Mayor Fernandez spoke of the many exciting developments in the city: the redevelopment of the Winn-Dixie site, the prospect of significant development on the Sunset Place site, and the potential redevelopment of the city hall campus. He acknowledged the work of the commission members in addressing the elderly, entrepreneurship, homeless, and parks, respectively being addressed by Vice Mayor Lisa Bonich, Comm. Steve Calle, Comm. Brian Corey and long-term Commissioner Josh Liebman. He commended the collegiality in working together to advance the agenda for the residents and business owners in South Miami.
Fulfilling a personal long-term goal to serve as a police chief in south Florida, Chief of Police Reo Hatfield comes to the city of South Miami with over 26 years’ experience with the Virginia Beach Police Department where he served as Deputy Chief of the Administrative Division since 1997. Additionally, he served in a variety of assignments including the support division, the investigative division, community policing. Hatfield was Commanding Officer of Special Investigations Bureau, Commanding Officer of the Third Precinct, Community Policing Commander, Tactical Commander, Executive Aide to the Police Chief, and SWAT Team Leader.
Upon Chief Rene Landa’s announced retirement, a national search was conducted. Forty-five individuals submitted their credentials. The list was narrowed down to three, with the offer being given to Hatfield. Virginia Beach’s police department has 1000 officers. In South Miami, Hatfield will oversee 50 officers.
Photos by AllStarPhotography.com
Chief Hatfield holds a master’s degree in public administration from Troy University, a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Saint Leo University, and a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia. Additionally, he is a graduate of the 263rd Session of the FBI National Academy,
Senior Management Institute for Police (PERF), Department of Homeland Security Leadership Academy, United States Naval War College-Command & Staff, and the Joint Forces Staff College – Joint & Combined Warfighting School.
For twenty years has been a commanding officer in the Naval Criminal Investigations Service of the U.S. Navy Reserve and also served as corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1992 to 1996. His combined Marine Corps and Navy Reserve military service includes three combat tours in the three separate theaters of operation.
Meet ChamberSOUTH’s New Executive Director, Melissa Cancio
Donna Shelley
ChamberSOUTH has a new Executive Director, Melissa Cancio. Upbeat and engaging, Melissa said that she is looking forward to “connecting people” in the community through her new position with the Chamber.
“The Chamber is a town meeting place where friends can bond and exchange ideas. My role is to make relationships happen,” said Melissa.
Born and raised in Miami, Melissa’s educational background has done much to prepare her to tackle the demands of the Chamber. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations, applied communications, and advertising from Florida International University. She earned a master’s in business administration from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, about an hour away from Chicago.
Melissa has been involved in successful fundraising events, raising over $100,000 for the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. She was appointed to Omicron Delta Kappa’s Board of Trustees for three years. According to the University of Miami, Omicron Delta Kappa is one of the oldest and most prestigious honor societies at the University of Miami recognizing outstanding members of the University community.
The new Director’s earlier experience with the Chamber was as a volunteer and as one of the first Chamber Next Young Professionals group in 2019.
Melissa knows a lot about how the Chamber operated from her time as a volunteer. As the new Director, her vision for the organization’s future can be summed up in one word, “retention.” What the Chamber plans to do to attract new members and what it is doing to keep them.
Word of mouth is one way to attract new businesses and business owners to the Chamber. Melissa passionately believes there is much more she and the Board can do together to attract and retain members. Proactive measures include planning and holding “sold out” events and an annual gala, increasing the Chamber’s revenue stream, increasing Board involvement as volunteers, speakers, etc., working closely with elected officials, and rebranding the organization.
“I believe it is important to surround yourself with those who make you better at what you do. They are a support system,” said Melissa.
ChamberSOUTH is a leading small business champion dedicated to advancing economic development and prosperity throughout South Miami, Pinecrest, Kendall, Cutler Bay, and Palmetto Bay. With a membership comprising diverse businesses and professionals, ChamberSOUTH provides advocacy, resources, and networking opportunities to support the growth and success of its members and the community. The link between our quality of life and a thriving business community is undeniable.
FMI about ChamberSOUTH, visit www.linkedin.com/chambersouth. Media Contact: Melissa Cancio, Executive Director at (305)-725-1900.
Photos by AllStarPhotography.com
THE UNDERLINE UPDATE
On September 12th, The Underline reached a major milestone: ground was broken to begin construction on the final 7+ mile segment of The Underline, spanning from SW 19th Ave to Dadeland South Metrorail Station. The organization also hosted eight public meetings to engage the community in the designing process of the park.
As founder Meg Daly would exclaim: “Can you believe it? In less than a decade, together, we have created one of the fastest moving projects of its scope in the country.”
As The Underline expands south, we’re stitching together more neighborhoods and communities. With 19 amenity areas planned throughout the 10 miles, The Underline is bringing health and wellness, community, safety and mobility, and art and tech to our urban green corridor.
La Terrazza Takes Rooftop Dining to the Next Level
By Peter B. Laird
Perched atop the swank 1515 Sunset Building in SOMI’s Town Center, La Terrazza Bar & Grill has reopened for the season. And executive chef Danny Gayem, who also helms the kitchen at Fiola Miami next door, is taking rooftop dining to the next level.
La Terrazza’s stylish rooftop space boasts panoramic views of South Miami and Coral Gables and is a popular spot for toasting South Florida’s ultra-colorful sunsets. The spacious restaurant and lounge accommodates 80 people seated and 150 standing with multiple seating areas, according to restaurant representatives, and also features a state-of-the-art retractable roof, a sound system and a full-service bar.
The venue opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. and Sunset Hour specials are offered on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., when guests can enjoy live music and specially priced drinks complemented by a variety of tasty bar bites.
Ganem, a Miami native who previously was executive chef at The Betsy on South Beach and Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, has created a special rooftop menu for La Terrazza. Sushi and starters include a tempting Yellowfin Spicy Tuna Roll with kimchi, kewpie mayonnaise, cucumber and avocado; Wagyu beef & Foie Gras Sliders with truffle aioli and French fries; and Grilled Spanish Octopus with Tiny Farms arugula and preserved lemon, to name a few.
A charcoal grill at La Terrazza sizzles with fresh seafood, steaks and chops, which guests may want to pair with sides such as Creamed Spinach, Broccolini, Mashed Potatoes or Tuscan Fries. Desserts include Copetta, Caramel Budino, Basque Cheesecake and Grand Chocolate Cake.
Representatives of La Terrazza say the restaurant will be hosting a series of collaborative dinners and special events throughout the season. And for those who are interested, La Terrazza offers a perk-filled membership that includes complimentary valet parking for both Fiola Miami and La Terrazza; member’s only seating; priority seating during peak times at both restaurants, and more.
Three el HappyBreath Techniques: Nose/Nose, Mouth/Mouth, Nose/Mouth
Roberto Suarez
Introduction
The foundation of el HappyBreath and the whole practice of breath awareness is a simple exercise called the 20-Happy Connected Breath Technique.
Just 30 seconds of breathing consciously brings fresh life energy into the mind and body. This is the way it is practiced:
- Stand, Sit or Lie down in a comfortable position.
- Close your eyes and relax your body.
- Take four short breaths in and out of your nose, mouth or nose/mouth..
- At the end of each group of short breaths, take one big breath.
- Repeat steps 3-4 four times without stopping.
The purpose of the short breaths is to emphasize the connection and merging of the inhale and the exhale into continuous circles.
The purpose of the long breaths is to fill the space you can find on the inhale and let go completely on the exhale.
Three 20-HappyBreath Techniques: Nose/Nose, Mouth/Mouth, Nose/Mouth
The 20-HappyBreath technique can be done with three different breathing patterns: nose/nose, mouth/mouth, and nose/mouth. Each technique has its own unique benefits and can be used for different purposes.
Nose/Nose Breathing
Nose/nose breathing is the most calming of the three 20-HappyBreath techniques. It is a good technique to use when you feel stressed or anxious.
Mouth/Mouth Breathing
Mouth/mouth breathing is the most energizing of the three 20-HappyBreath techniques. It is a good technique to use when you feel tired or sluggish.
Nose/Mouth Breathing
Nose/mouth breathing is a combination of nose/nose breathing and mouth/mouth breathing. It is a good technique to use when you want to balance your energy levels and improve your mood.
How to Use the 20-HappyBreath Techniques
To use the 20-HappyBreath techniques, simply choose one of the three techniques and follow the steps above. You can choose to do the technique in one round of 30 seconds or in multiple rounds of 30 seconds.
If you are new to the 20-HappyBreath techniques, start with one round of 30 seconds and gradually increase the number of rounds as you become more comfortable.
Conclusion
The 20-HappyBreath techniques are simple yet effective breathing techniques that can be used to boost your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. By practicing the 20-HappyBreath techniques regularly, you can experience a number of benefits, including reduced stress, improved focus, and better sleep quality.
Next Article we will cover Spiritual Breathing.
THE WIRTZ GALLERY is named in honor of the Wirtz family patriarch Arthur M. Wirtz of Chicago. Wirtz made his fortune in real estate and liquor distribution; he created the business in 1922. The Wirtz Corp. also owns the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team and co-owns the United Center arena— where the Blackhawks and the Chicago Bulls play. When the gallery opened, it was reportedly the first bank in the United States to have a registered gallery within the institution.
SOMI’S SINGULAR
ART GALLERY
Located in the lobby of UNITED COMMUNITY BANK (formerly First National Bank of South Miami), each month The Wirtz Gallery exhibits local and international artists.
Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 9a-4p; Friday, 9a-6p. Artist receptions are generally held on the second Friday of the month from 6-8p and are open to the public.
The bank is located at 5750 Sunset Drive, South Miami.
For the month of December, the gallery hosts an artistic group of apes – literally!
On occasion of the 30th Anniversary of rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans and chimpanzees, The Center for Great Apes presents works exhibited at The Wirtz Gallery being one of the many celebratory events.
The Center for Great Apes is a sanctuary for orangutans and chimpanzees in need, providing a safe and enriching environment for apes who have been rescued from laboratory research, the entertainment industry, and the commercial pet trade. Founder and director of the center Patti Ragan notes: “We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th anniversary. Over the years, we have witnessed the transformation of so many great apes who have come to our facility in dire need of care and rehabilitation. There’s a story behind every one of these great apes and it’s our hope the portraits and paintings tell the story of the hard work, humanity and hope.”
In January, the gallery hosts the stunning black-and-white photography of Marilyn Brown.
The exhibit “A Celebration of Natural Florida” is captured in her photographs. Brown captures and preserves environmental and historic images of Florida’s most breathtaking places.
Her art has a commitment to the care and protection of the natural environment. “Our Everglades, coastal shorelines, sunrises, and dramatic skies are all unique to Florida. “I want to preserve these sights so that others can enjoy the beauty, awe and inspiration that I see and increase awareness of Florida’s fragile and embattled environment.”
Brown has been in many exhibits and won awards. In 2020 she won First Place in Photography at the Coconut Grove Art Festival.
The amazing art of mixed media artist Max Lazega is showcased in the month of February.
His art is composed of recycled parts that he finds and removes from discarded computers and construction hardware. Some of the pieces light up with battery powered LED lights, with some pieces finished with an epoxy resin. Max also composes some of his work with construction nails. You may have suspected Max’s background is in construction and electronics.
“CAN A FELLOW BE A VILLAIN ALL HIS LIFE?”
South Miami’s Area Stage Company returns to the Adriene Arsht Center for Oliver, February 8 to 25, 2024.
The production of a new epic staging of Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist is presented by the critically acclaimed, award-winning team behind the immersive productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning show is one of the few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture and is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece by actors and audience members alike.
The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.
Tickets may be ordered at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County – Adrienne Arsht Center | Oliver!
On Sunday, November 12th, a new restaurant had its Grand Opening where Town Kitchen + Bar had served guests for some seventeen years. Enter VERACE CUCINA ITALIANA. When Town’s new owner acquired the restaurant over a year ago, being from Verona, Italy, he was keen on opening an Italian restaurant. The young, energetic, and affable Matteo Muzzolon decided to offer South Miami a new experience – living and loving the Italian Amalfi coast vibe. With new investors and a lead hospitality team of Italian nationals, six weeks were spent in renovating and creating a new lounge and dining experience in SOMI.
VERACE means “true” “authentic”. Matteo assembled a team of hospitality professionals, the chef from Napoli, general manager from Ferrara, and staff from Florence, Rome, Pompei among other locations to create a true Italian experience. Family recipes passed down for generations are incorporated into the menu.
Verace’s carefully curated menu, from the antipasti to delectable desserts, is a testament to Italy’s rich culinary heritage, prepared with the freshest ingredients and a touch of flair.
Come enjoy a culinary journey that blends the familiar with the unexpected. VERACE Cucina Italiana is open seven days a week.
7301 SW 57th Court | 305.740. 8118
Our walk takes us to the other side of town to the historic Dorn building location at US1 and Sunset, for a sit-down with Jahn Kirchoff.
Deli Lane
And Now there are three
Deli Lane, SOMI’s iconic casual eatery and entertainment hub has just grown, with the founding partners bringing on a new business partner to propel the brand for the next several decades.
Jahn Kirchoff and Mike Mailer have been at the helm of this SOMI favorite since August 1988. With the advent of outdoor dining in the 90s and the picturesque, paved brick and tree canopied Dorn Avenue, Deli Lane has been a memorable location for four decades. In December 2000 they acquired Your Father’s Moustache (remember?) and opened Sunset Tavern in January 2001.
“Interior renovations and constant upgrades from the patio to the inside have always been important to us,” notes Jahn.
“However, it is time to take a fresh new look, and bring in a younger team member.” That choice came down to Michael Altman, a long-time and much-regarded chef in the Maimi area. Mike was executive chef at Town Kitchen Bar for many years, prior to the pandemic. Altman came on board on November 3rd. He is developing a dinner menu which is anticipated to be launched in mid-January. Customer service is paramount. After the Covid-19 changes, Deli Lane/Sunset Tavern are now back to full tableside service, which is critical for an evening dining program.
The trio brings 120 years of combined hospitality experience to the SOMI icon, and we look forward to the changes as our town center undergoes its own dynamic changes.
7230 SW 59th Avenue | 786.674.2599
Walking down Sunset to head to the Red Road area, you can’t help but notice the fabulous artifacts in the windows of DAVID’S BEEN HERE located at 5832 Sunset Drive.
Meet South Miami local David Hoffmann, an eclectic bohemian adventurer – and gourmand. He started his David’s Been Here in 2008 fresh out of college, with the vision of bringing his passion for traveling the world into a full-time occupation – and he’s been in 110 countries so far. David’s Been Here is a digital media company meant to supply travel inspiration, reliable first-hand information, and entertainment.
To date, he’s hosted over 2,000 travel episodes that dive deep into the culture, history, and cuisine of thousands of unique destinations around the world. And check out his hot sauce, a delicious combination of sweet pineapple, spicy Kashmiri chili, and tropical guava in every drop. Visit the store and online at davidsbeenhere.com.
5822 Sunset Drive | davidsbeenhere.com
After traveling around the world with David, it’s now time for a sweet treat at a new destination spot on Red Road.
Churros, a Latin American favorite has taken on a new “heavenly” appearance at SOMI’s newest confectionary spot, Santo Dulce! on Red Road across from Sunset Place. The creative handcrafted presentation incorporating a halo over the ice cream was born in 2018.
In South Florida they first started in Wynwood and have a presence in the Doral Yard. With two mobile units, Santo Dulce! is being seen and enjoyed making its way around Miami. They opened in SOMI on October 5th with their first “bricks and mortar” location.
Santo Dulce! offers a menu of ice cream flavors, coffees, shakes and more.
Catering is also provided. Santo Dulce! Is open seven days, from 2-9p. Come by and try the “Santo Sundae!”
6907 Red Road | 786.858.4242 | www.santodulcechurros.com
Staying on the “Gables side” of our town center, we happened upon the Montauk Lobster House former site of Gringo’s Oyster Bar. This new SOMI restaurant is one of three locations established by founder and owner Diego Flores. His restaurants in Long Island’s Montauk and Sag Habor are popular destination restaurants.
Diego Flores, the founder and owner, started his journey in the hospitality industry as a bar back, bus boy, server, and even donned a toque. With an unwavering passion for flavor, he believes in offering an experience where every customer feels like they’ve discovered their go-to spot.
Diego invites SOMI readers to come for the lobster, stay for the atmosphere, and become a part of our story at Montauk Lobster House.
We expect to take a longer and tastier visit. Look forward to reading more about Montauk Lobster House in an upcoming issue of SOMIonline.
In this walkabout, three new fitness enterprises had opened: first on Sunset in Pulse Fitness, a Pilates studio at 5864 Sunset Drive, offering 50-minute classes which are high intensity and low impact. The second is Sweat 440 a franchise location on 73 Street on the ground street level of the Municipal Parking Garage. You can never be late again for a work-out session, as they start every ten minutes. Go Sweat….
And we just happened on the third, when visiting at M’italia and Root and Bone. It’s in this neat architectural building on US1 & 73 Street – CROW Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Crow has not recently opened; in fact, founder Rodrigo Crespo opened his studio in January 2023. It’s new to us here at SOMIonline, and thought our readers would be interested in learning more about this person’s passion and commitment.
Rodrigo is a Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under the legendary Renzo Gracie HQ in New York. He started his career in Jiu-Jitsu in 1991 at the original Carlson Gracie Academy in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro. Jiu-Jitsu became his passion since day one being born and raised in Rio and surrounded by friends who train the “Gentle Art” ”It was more than a hobby, it was and is lifestyle that brings you so many benefits in life like self-confidence, discipline, making new friends and much more.
Like the 10x World Champion Surfer, Kelly Slater used to say: ‘Put your kids in Jiu-Jitsu before any other sports.’”
At the academy, students will develop their physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills. by having an understanding of and ability to apply the martial arts, students will also develop their self-defense capability.
5958 South Dixie Hwy | 305.206.1303 | https://www.crowjiujitsu.com/
SOMI PUBLISHER HONORED IN ITALY
John Edward Smith’s name is inscribed in the book of the Knights of the Land of Asti and Monferrato.
To learn more, read the exclusive article published in Community Newspapers, South Miami News.
