Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The area stretching in a 10-block radius around 71st Ave and Collins Ave may be one of
the best places outside Mendoza to people-watch with a
cortada
(Argentine espresso) be-
fore digging into traditional pasta and steak dishes. With that said, today the Argentines
compete with their neighbors the Uruguayans, their rivals the Brazilians, and even a big
crop of Colombians, for first place in the Normandy Isle ethnic-enclave stakes. Not that
there's tension; this is as prosperous and pleasant as Miami gets. On Saturday mornings
the small village green hosts a lovely farmers market.
Fontainebleau
HISTORIC BUILDING
As you proceed north on Collins, the condos and apartment buildings grow in grandeur
and embellishment until you enter an area nicknamed Millionaire's Row. The most fantast-
ic jewel in this glittering crown is the Fontainebleau hotel. The hotel - mainly the pool,
which has since been renovated - features in Brian de Palma's classic
Scarface
. This icon-
ic 1954 leviathan is a brainchild of the great Miami Beach architect Morris Lapidus and
has undergone many renovations; in some ways, it is utterly different from its original
form, but it retains that early glamour.
Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach
HISTORIC BUILDING
The Eden Roc Resort was the second groundbreaking resort from Morris Lapidus, and it's
a fine example of the architecture known as MiMo (Miami Modern). It was the hangout
for the 1960s Rat Pack - Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and crew. Extensive
renovation has eclipsed some of Lapidus' style, but with that said, the building is still an
iconic piece of Miami Beach architecture, and an exemplar of the brash beauty of Million-
aire's Row.
Haulover Beach Park
PARK
$4;
h
sunrise-sunset;
p
)
Where are all those tanned men in gold chains and Speedos going? That would be the
clothing-optional beach in this 40-acre park hidden from condos, highways and prying
eyes by vegetation. There's more to do here than get in the buff, though; most of the beach
