Soon after White Party Weekend, when the circuit boys leave Miami, an entirely new wave of gays swoops in: the artsy gays have come to town, for Art Basel Miami Beach, the largest art fair in the U.S.
Art Basel hosts a collection of art galleries from around the world, in town to sell their newest works of (very expensive) contemporary art. Numerous “satellite” art fairs have popped up around town as well, in hotels and nightclubs and any space available that can attract art lovers with big bank accounts.
For those of us who can’t afford a painting with a five-digit price tag, Art Basel is also a fabulous chance to go to parties filled with celebrities, drink free champagne, and mingle with other people who pretend to know as much about art as you do.
If you haven’t been to Miami lately, here’s a few new spots you shouldn’t miss:
Lords South Beach Hotel More than just the typical Art Deco lodging, Lords South Beach is a destination onto itself: a gay-themed hotel with a busy schedule of pool parties and nightlife events. Hopefully you can meet new friends who have rented one of the gorgeous suites with an enormous sun deck, perfect for a soirée with scandalous possibilities.
De Rodriguez Ocean Douglas Rodriguez is a local celeb chef who has brought Miami Beach’s “Nuevo Latino” cuisine to new heights, with such standouts as OLA and D. Rodriguez Cuba. This time, his newest namesake eatery highlights seafood from sustainable sources, including tuna steaks, lobster, and whole roasted fish. You MUST try the Ceviche Bar Mixtos, a sampling of raw fish prepared in the most delicious tasting assortments.
Jump! Sundays The must-not-miss nightlife event of the week is Jump! Sundays, at Lux (formerly Liquid Nightclub), hosted by nightlife royalty Edison Farrow and Omar Gonzalez. Guest performers liven the show weekly, which draws a lovely and rowdy crowd from around South Florida. Open bar ends at 11, so get there early.
