Where were you born: Miami Beach, Florida
How long in Miami: I lived in Miami until the age of 10, then I lived in Europe and the Middle East from 10 to the age of 25. I have lived in Miami ever since.
Neighborhood: Miami Beach
Occupation: Formerly (for 28 years), I was the president of Irene Marie Model Management, a model/talent/artist agency and management company.
I am currently a consultant for the fashion and entertainment industry and for businesses in the Miami Beach area. I also am a speaker on a wide variety of topics ranging from the model industry, to the dos and don’ts of business, to beauty and fashion advice for mature women.
Favorite restaurant: Meat Market
Best steakhouse: Morton’s
Best sushi: Sushi Samba
Best ethnic food: Indomania
Best Italian: Sosta
Best pizza: Andiamos on Biscayne Boulevard at the 55th Street Station
Best lunch: Icebox
Best place for late night dining: Meat Market!
Best place for a romantic date: LOL. I don’t do much of that but I have been told that Creek 28 is the place!
Best Sunday brunch: The Rusty Pelican on the Rickenbacker Causeway on the way to Key Biscayne.
Hautest club and/or lounge: MI-VI. It is the new club at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino complex, adjacent to the casino. It is owned by Gerry Kelly, the icon of the club business in Miami Beach. He is a class act and so are his clubs. This new club is phenomenal.
Best place for a power business meeting: I like to meet at my office on Ocean Drive and walk down to Caffé Milano. It is quiet inside with good food, and has worked really well for me.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Raleigh
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Collins Avenue between 5th and 10th. It’s right around the corner with a lot of great stores.
Best place to buy jewelry/watches: If you want to have fun and feel like you are in a candy store of jewelry, go to Art Connection on 16th between Collins and Washington. The owner, Gabi, is a gifted jewelry stylist and I love to bring in a wardrobe piece, whether it is for an evening event or a T.V. or public appearance, and she styles the jewelry for me. She has quality fashion jewelry as well as modern gold, silver, and steel pieces. You can find everything there.
Best spa: The Strand
Best gym/athletic facility: Power Plates at Gold’s Gym on Alton Road
Best massage: Elizabeth Chaffordot. She comes to your home and is the best masseuse in the world!
Favorite charity event: Women of Tomorrow annual ball
Favorite cultural event: Art Basel Miami Beach
Favorite cultural institution: Locust Projects
Best museum/exhibit: MOCA
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: I still like to visit Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, even if I have been there a dozen times. It is a step back in time to old Miami grandeur. Beautiful and peaceful.
All-around favorite locale in Miami, whether a neighborhood, restaurant, venue, or other: Lincoln Road on the beach.
Best aspect of Miami: It’s cultural diversity.
To get full access to all Haute Secrets, click here to become an exclusive member.
Haute Time
February 3, 2010For a Pirate’s Ransom
