Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating it with that special someone or your favorite girlfriends, the Miami Design District has plenty of spots where you can wine, dine and shop for the big day.
Shopping for your man? At MDD, it’s always #ManCrushMonday. And because every man needs accessories, we have two that are guaranteed to put a smile on his face. First, Christian Louboutin’s “Louis Flat” are made of rugged denim and supple white leather, and – for an added punch of style – have an orange trim on the back and a textured black sobek leather trim in the front. If his shoe closet is already overflowing, then go for a belt. The Saint Laurent crocodile-embossed Western black leather belt comes with an antique silver metal buckle and is not your ordinary “I don’t know what to get him” belt.
For the leading lady in your life, go for something special that will make her stand out in the crowd, like Prada’s signature galleria bag made with pale rose Saffiano leather and embellished with bronze star and moon appliqués that give the bag a dazzling touch. Want to give her something extra sweet? Get her a box of Ladurée’s famous macaroons – the La Parisienne Gift Box lets you mix any twelve of the maison’s tasty treats. Finally, nothing says “I love you” like a ring, and the Miami Design District has plenty of stunners that are sure to make her say “yes.” Sevan Bicakci has some of the most intricate and one-of-a-kind sparklers on the block, but a classic rock from Tiffany’s, in that adorable little blue box, might get your point (er, question) across just fine.
The Miami Design District is also the perfect neighborhood for a romantic night out with your love. For Valentine's Day, Cypress Tavern is hosting a three-course, prix fixe dinner that includes appetizers, dinner, dessert and a half bottle of Champagne per couple. For something a little more exotic, head to the dimly lit Mandolin Aegean Bistro. Set in a charming 1940’s house, the Mediterranean restaurant’s whitewashed frame, blue-tinged windows, sprawling bougainvillea, towering oaks and romantic atmosphere transports guests right to the heart of romantic Greece. Finally, chef Dena Marino’s Italian spot, MC Kitchen, serves up authentic, made-from-scratch fare in an intimate restaurant. Order a glass of wine, and start your Italian feast with a Black Mission Fig Pizzetta with cippolini marmalade, Parma prosciutto, fontina cheese, arugula and Saba. It’s perfect for two and, trust us, you want it. It’s Marino’s most popular dish.
Don’t have a Valentine? Don’t stress – Galentine’s Day is just as fun. On February 14th, round up the ladies and have lunch at one of MDD’s delicious cafés and eateries. The brainchild of Miami nightlife guru David Grutman and the team behind NYC’s The Smile, the casual-chic OTL has a small but poignant menu of made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads and toasts like the curry chicken or grilled cheese-onion marmalade sandwich, kale Caesar salad, avocado toast or the favorite, Superseed Butter toast. The artisanal Italian café, Mercato, has fresh croissants, scones, bread, cookies, salads and sandwiches, while famed chef Michelle Bernstein's cozy bakery and café, Crumb on Parchment, has a mix of light and heavy options. Her menu has a little bit of everything, from Kale and Quinoa salad and a hearty chorizo pizza, to “Michelle’s Favorite” Tuscan salami sandwich, towering cakes, and because it’s Galentine’s Day, wine.
