Where I Stayed in Miami Beach and What we Did on the First Night
Note: Due to technical difficulties this blog was posted late in the day and therefore, will run for another 24 hours. Thank you for your patience and understanding and please, feel free to comment again if you already have. I enjoy all of your comments!
Yesterday, I blogged about what I did on my second day in Miami, where I went to attend the annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I love reading each and every one of them! Backing up to last Friday, my makeup artist, Daisy Schwartzberg and I flew from New York and landed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida around 2:30 in the afternoon. After a 30-minute drive, we arrived at the spectacular Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach, where we were invited guests during our stay in Florida. My ocean view suite was simply lovely and I was treated some amazing and relaxing spa sessions, including a Deep Tissue Massage, a Sensitive Skin Facial, an Ocean Salt Glow Conditioning Body Scrub, and a Thai Massage.
Later that evening, we drove to the famous Fontainebleau Hotel to attend the Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best Sponsored by Bank of America. This exciting event features the best new chefs and pairs their dishes with the best wines rated 90-points, or higher, on Wine Spectator’s scale. Needless to say, there was so much great food and so much terrific wine!
1 The Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa on Collins Avenue in South Beach. It is the nation’s first luxury wellness hotel and residential community. The complex houses a 70,000-square-foot Wellness Spa, the largest in Florida.
2 This beautiful and modern facility is housed in the newly restored Carillon Hotel, a 1950s landmark of Miami style. After falling into disrepair, the Carillon was amazingly redesigned by the renowned David Rockwell.
3 Established in 1979, Canyon Ranch was founded by Mel Zuckerman who turned his own health around at the age of 50 and felt it was his duty to create a place where others could do the same.
4 Canyon Ranch also has resorts in Tucson, Arizona, and in Lenox, Massachusetts. The spa offers many luxurious treatments, including various facials, massages, and body scrubs. I graciously enjoyed being pampered during my stay.
5 Canyon Ranch emphasizes health and wellness on every level and they have a staff of physicians, exercise physiologists, and other health specialists. Many rooms have floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the view.
6 The high tech fitness equipment monitors and records your personal performance every time you use it. There are also large dance and yoga studios.
7 The early morning stretch class was an especially great way to start a busy day!
8 There are many types of group classes to choose from and personal fitness sessions, if you so wish.
9 The hotel features three restaurants, all serving healthy gourmet cuisine. The menus include nutritional information for all items and nutrition experts are staffed for additional information.
10 All of the rooms in the hotel are suites, featuring tranquil decor and ocean views. It's little wonder that Canyon Ranch is one of the most respected and admired destination resort spas in the world.
11 Later that evening - Arriving at the historic Fontainebleau Hotel, which opened in 1954 and was designed by Morris Lapidus. This 1504-room is also located on Collins Avenue and fronts the Atlantic Ocean.
12 Here I am in the Chateau Lobby. The Fontainebleau has a rich film, television, and music history.
13 My makeup artist, Daisy Schwartzberg, looked tres chic
14 As did my friend and publicist, Susan Magrino
15 Posing with Susan, who is also the publicist for the Fontainebleau.
16 The very colorful lobby bar
17 Upon entering the Best of the Best, you picked up a complimentary Riedel glass for wine tasting.
18 Only proprietors and wine-makers from a winery were asked to pour their varietals at this event, and they were thrilled to take time to speak to attendees about their individual grape squeezing processes.
19 Vougeot Clos du Prieure Monopole - For the first 680 years of this vineyard’s history, it was tended by the monks of Cîteaux, who planted the Clos de Vougeot and the majority of the neighbouring plots at the start of the 12th century.
20 Corton-Charlemagne Corton-Charlemagne is a great white Burgundy wine from the hilltop region of Montrachet and Meursault in France.
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22 As we began wandering around the event, we came upon Chef Alfred Portale of Gotham Steak, located in the Fountainebleau.
23 Chef Portale served Short Rib of Beef with Carrot Saffron Purée, Vegetable Slaw, Horseradish, and Smoked Salt.
24 And also Grilled Mayan Prawns with Spiced Mango, Pineapple, Avocado, and Jalapeño Lime Emulsion
25 This is Chef Seamus Mullen of Tertulia, a casual Spanish gastropub in New York City.
26 He made Ensalada de Sepia y Guisantes, a Salad of Marinated Sepia, Spring Peas, Apple and Aged Balsamic Vinegar.
27 He garnished his salads with gorgeous edible flowers. His new book is called Seamus Mullen's Hero Food - How Cooking With Delicious Things Can Make us Feel Better.
28 Chef Tim Cushman of O-Ya in Boston, MA, photographed with wife, Nancy
29 Tim Cushman served Hamachi Sashimi with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin and Ceviche Dressing.
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31 Many, many people attended.
32 Chef Viet Pham of Forage in Salt Lake City, UT made Smoked Potato Cream, Toasted Grains, and Wild Steelhead Roe.
33 Chef Jian Heng Loo of Hakkasan at Fountenbleau in MIami Beach made these beautiful Steamed Pumpkin Dumplings with Zucchini, Carrot and Lotus Root.
34 The dumplings were served with Char Sui Puff with BBQ Pork, Sesame, Onion, and Oyster Sauce.
35 Chef Makoto Okuwa of Makoto at the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami, served Short Robata with Truffle Miso.
36 A photo with Chef Chris Miracolo of Max's Harvest in Delray Beach, FL
37 Chef Miracolo prepared Braised Rabbit Loin with Local Ricotta Gnocchi, Salsify, Chanterelles, Fennel, Leek, and Poached Garlic Emulsion.
38 This is Chef Luis Pous of The DIning Room at LIttle Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key, Florida.
39 Chef Luis Pous prepared Prime Vaca Frita with Black Bean Risotto and Avocado Ceviche.
40 Chef Dan Silverman of The Standard Grill in New York City has previously won Food & Wine Magazine's 'Best New Chef' award.
41 Posing with Dan Silverman
42 He made a Yellowtail Hamachi Crudo with Castelvetrano Olives, Celery, and Golden Raisins.
43 Chef Charles Phan of The Slanted Door in San Francisco made Lemongrass Beef Roll with Thai Basil and Roasted Peanuts
44 Chef Hugh Acheson shmoozing
45 Music for the evening was provided by the Jacob Jeffries Band.
46 I said hello to Chef Jean-Luc Grabowski of Restaurant des Pêcheurs at Le Sereno in St. Barths.
47 Chef Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen, New York served Roasted rib eye, mashed potatoes, and hot sauce butter. It was available in whole rib or small, manageable slices.
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49 Posing with Chef Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen in New York
50 And a photo with Mel Dick, senior vice president of Southern Wine and Spirits of America and President of the company's Wine Division
51 With Mel Dick's wife, Bobbi
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Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
I am always amazed that under any circumstances or places you are visiting you always look terrific in a photo.
The food looks yummy, too.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Carol Delaney | February 29th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
The Canyon Ranch looks like a fabulous place to rest and rejuvenate! The pool looks so inviting. I have to say Martha, you look stunning in the tangerine dress accessorized with turquoise jewlery you wore to the Best of the Best at the historic Fountainebleau Hotel! I'm sure you turned many a head that night! As one who naturally likes to dress in black, I am inspired now to experiment with color.
Posted by: Cindy F | February 29th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Hi Martha, Love your photos. Amazing and relaxing place. Wow the dishes and the presentation looks beautiful and delicious. Thank you for sharing
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | February 29th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Hi Martha,
I rarely make it down to Miami but I remember the old hotels back in the day when we first moved to Florida. It was always a thrill to see and dine at “Where the Boys Are” was filmed or where Frank Sinatra and other stars performed. We even went to a few of the dance clubs which were always packed to the rafters. Now the farthest south I go is Pompano Beach, although I did drive to Miami when you were there at the Book Fair a few years ago. It was hotter than Hades that day and I really just wanted to get back to Boca. After 34 years of Florida, the beach sites become old hat. You looked great in your outfit and I the think the guy in picture #14 agrees! The Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa looks like a nice place to spend a vacation. I’ll mention it to some of my snowbird friends. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 29th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
This has got to be the best of the best blog.I am going to go to Canyon Ranch spa as soon as possible. WOW, you look great in orange, the color of celebration.Leap day is the best day to celebrate.
Posted by: ann | February 29th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
I am new to the blog scene. So new, that I just started yesterday putting together a craft room that Martha, you would be proud of. It is still in progress and I hope you will view it. http://www.scraftology101.blogspot.com because I did add you to the blogs I follow. I am enjoying reading your blogs, as well as your shows. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Marinelle Blanchette | February 29th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Hi Martha, OMG! This is a fantastic blog post today and I am so happy that it finally appeared and I thank you so much! WOW! The Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa sure is a fantastic place to stay while you are in Miami and the things they provide are spectacular! You, Daisy and Susan must have had a fabulous time! Your photos are stunning and all 3 of you look so happy and lovely! Sure would love to be there! All of the wine sponsorers and the chefs from all over the country are absolutely brilliant and so great at what they do! The wines look very inspiring and the foods look so delicious! That had to be the best place to go on a winter weekend! Thanks so much for sharing this terrific tour! Hope you have another great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 29th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Martha, your outfit ROCKED!!!!!!!
Posted by: Yolanda | February 29th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Ohhh, Miami! It's nearly March, but here in Seattle we were still battling driving snow for the morning commute. *sigh. It must've been so nice to get some sunshine and eat some warm-weather flavors. I think this post has inspired me to go home and grill tonight- snow be darned! And perhaps I'll take another cue from South Florida and use some of this awesome citrus rub from our local spice shop here. I'm sure someone has turned you on to World Spice Merchants by now- it's where all serious foodies get their loot- but if you haven't tried this in-house blend http://www.worldspice.com/blends/biscayne-citrus-rub you haven't lived! It'll help you bring some of that Miami sun home to New England with you.
Posted by: legastronaut | February 29th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
The color the outfit you wore to the Fountainbleu event looked stunning on you. Also liked your statementjewelry - turquoise???
Posted by: Mary Ellen | February 29th, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Hi Martha
You are wearing an amazing outfit. Love the orange dress with turquoise jewelry. Would love to know the designer of your dress. Thanks for sharing such a great time!
Posted by: Debbie S | February 29th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Martha, Thank you so much for sharing all your adventures. I really enjoy all your beautiful pictures....you always look so pretty and happy. Daisy is very lucky that she gets to go to such neat places while working! I just started following your blog and really enjoy it. It's the only one that I look at every day!
Posted by: Deborah | February 29th, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Martha, Thanks for sharing the deliciousness of this event! Also, you look lovely- what a fabulous dress! Xo Dani
Posted by: Dani Fiori | February 29th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Martha, you looked absolutely stunning in your orange dress. Its a gorgeous color on you.
Thanks for sharing the photos of the Canyon Ranch Hotel and Spa. Looks like a fabulous place and something I'll have to explore when I get the chance to go to Miami again.
--Nanc
Posted by: Nancy Closson | February 29th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Thank you Martha, I enjoy these posts and your photos. It's lovely that you are able to take these trips. (Sharing them with all of us is a real gift too.) I also love watching your daily show, I feel I learn so much from you and your show. Agree that your orange outfit was stunning. Keep on keeping on Martha!
Posted by: Carol S | February 29th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Martha..Miami is nice...but your farm photos give me Peace.. I will need another dose soon!
Greg
Posted by: Greg | March 1st, 2012 at 12:27 am
wow! this brings back so many memories! as a child who grew up in NYC, each summer my parents & I went to Miami Beach for a couple of weeks vacation. but it wasn't known as "South Beach" back then, that I recall, lol. we also stayed on Collins Ave. but further downtown at the Shelborne Hotel! same place every time. it was the home of the Miss Universe and Miss America contestants and my parents used to take me to the pageants. Bob Barker was the host. in the front of the hotel, the winners had their prints (hands or feet, I can't remember now). wonder if that is still there. oh, wow - bringing back so many memories! thank you for sharing, Martha.
Posted by: Michele VO | March 1st, 2012 at 1:25 am
Martha,
You look beautiful in your tangerine colored dress. I am so use to seeing you in pants! You should wear dresses more often. You were stunning!
Posted by: dididdle | March 1st, 2012 at 7:50 am
3 words for you...
LOVE THAT DRESS!!!!!!!
Posted by: Vicki Powell | March 1st, 2012 at 9:10 am
Hi Martha, Thanks so much for explaining that there were technical difficulties in posting your blog yesterday! I'm so glad that you and Laura were able to post this fantastic blog about that delightful trip to Miami! Like I said yesterday this was a super blog with with such stunning photos and marvelous comments- I love viewing it again! I had been having trouble with my computer and I changed to a new browser which corrected all the problems I was experiencing and when this happened I really got worried. Thank God we are back to normal! I couldn't even comment earlier yesterday on The Daily Wag or Kevin Sharkey's blog! Thanks to my friend Trish I was able to comment later in the afternoon when she sent me a tweet telling me you were back online! Sure hope March starts out like a lamb for all of us! Have another great day, Martha! Thanks for all you do for us! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 1st, 2012 at 10:09 am
The lighting in photographs 7 and 12 looks almost surreal! Such a lovely place! And you look fab-u-lous in orange, Martha!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | March 1st, 2012 at 10:16 am
Everything looks fabulous, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Susan | March 1st, 2012 at 11:03 am
Martha,
Thanks for clarifying what happened with the blog yesterday. I thought you guys were taking the day off of leap day, so I didn't check back. Glad to be able to comment.
`
Nice hotel. Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | March 1st, 2012 at 11:18 am
Hi Martha,
It seems to be a small world among chefs or at least for the ones who attend the same events. I thought of that yesterday when I noticed pictured #24 with Chef Alfred Portale. I remember him from your TV show so I looked it up. He was there for the Summer Session back in July of /07. He was also one I remember from your Living show whose presentations always looked like a work of art as he built upward upon the plate as in your pictures here. Everything is neatly in the center with the meat, no runny puree or slaw over to the sides and then very carefully he places his garnish on the top. So neat! With the crispy soft-shelled crabs he cooked in 07, he cut one in half and stood it up on the plate. I wouldn’t mind tasting one of his meals! BTW, yesterday I pinned picture #14 on Pinterest where others also liked you in your orange/tangerine dress. Here’s a link: http://pinterest.com/pin/100064422940634371/ Have a great day and thanks again for an interesting blog. Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 1st, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Hello,
I am a total foodie! I love to cook & bake & have several of your books.
I'm trying to be more tech savvy & I would love to start blogging. I'm just not sure how to get started so I thought I would ask you. I read a lot of your blogs & also your daughters. I'd like to be able to incorporate pictures & other likes & such in my blogs. Is there a special place to look so I can get going? Your input & ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance,
Judy Chilson
Port Angeles, WA
Posted by: Judy Chilson | March 1st, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Loved the photos, Martha, and am so glad you had a great time in my birth city! Sorry your excellent vinegar got confiscated at the airport-guess that's the time for Fed-Ex! The hotel and food pix were beautiful!
Posted by: Sophia with Marilyn in TX | March 1st, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Beautiful people...beautiful everything!
Posted by: sherey | March 1st, 2012 at 7:13 pm
That is the color combo for you - red orange and aqua jewelry. Beautiful! The place and the food looked fabulous. Relaxing going to South Florida always..the weather and the landscape combined!!
Posted by: E. Teresa Touey | March 1st, 2012 at 9:21 pm
PLEASE tell us about your dress! I would love to get one for myself. You look AMAZING! Spill the beans? WHO are you wearing?
Posted by: Gen | March 2nd, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Martha, you and your friends looked amazing. I love that colour on you. The jewelry was a great choice too. My alltime favourite look you have done, is the new Macy's ad. The one where you are wearing the gold leggings holding the pots and pans. You look amazing. The photo had so much energy to it, youthful and fun. A departure from the usual, and it really paid off. Not sure what's going on with you, but you look better as time goes by. Keep it up.
Posted by: Glen Nyhus | March 4th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Love that dashing roue' in the Panama and red bowtie. You almost NEVER see such iconic flair like that in wintertime Seattle. Here everyone muffles up in black as if in mourning.
Posted by: r steven page | March 6th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Dear Martha-
I always like to comment on the Cuban cuisine angle of things. I hope it is not minded. Vaca Frita was served in one of the pictures. It is a Cuban original literally meaning "Fried Cow". Members of my ethnic community will unknowingly think that the humurous name stems from the love that Cubans have of wordplay hence assigning a funny name to a dish (there are many-the famous "Ropa Vieja" (OLS CLOTHES) is one. However, the name comes from from pre-1800s Spain when most "cow" dishes were simply named "Cow this or cow that". I have seen the recipes from Spain in the archives of old cookbooks. Since Cuba's population is approximately half Spaniard the explanation for the dishes name.
Posted by: Teri | January 27th, 2013 at 9:04 pm