Living the High Life in Midtown Miami

Good things come to those who wait. Wait no longer. Midtown Miami has arrived and it’s giving patient Miamians great things. Serving as our own home base of operations, Haute Living is welcoming haute hotspots to the neighborhood. And since we know luxury abides on our stomping ground, we’re bringing you a rundown of what’s haute in Midtown.

So here’s the scoop: With a development price of $2.3 billion, we wouldn’t expect anything less than high-end restaurants and shops at Midtown’s address, between 29th and 36th streets, and Midtown Boulevard. Midtown’s urban neighborhood abound with art that is attracting young, trendy, affluent individuals to its upscale restaurants and shops. The scene, with killer restaurants opening on a regular basis featuring celeb-worthy happy hours, reminds us of a little NYC, but it’s true Miami living to the core.

Derailing from its history as a former desolate railroad yard for Florida East Coast Railroad, Midtown Miami is a “pop-up” city that is here to stay. On the right track, Midtown has strongly focused on bringing unique shops and restaurants from major metropolitan markets, like New York City. Owned by New York-based Midtown Equities, Midtown Miami has attracted innovative restaurants, and organic cafes to its scintillating retail selection.

Located across from Haute Living’s luxurious abode, we’re asking for more than sugar from NYC’s SushiSamba Restaurant Group’s latest concept, Sugarcane raw bar grill. Sugarcane is the premier spot for tapas and signature cocktails. Also hailing from the Big Apple is Mercadito Midtown, Mercadito Restaurants Group fourth U.S. location. If you’re always on the lookout for gourmet Mexican (as we are), then look no further then Mercadito’s Midtown space offering an array of authentic “south of the border” dishes with Miami flair. We recommend flocking to either of the preceding restos for happy hour. Bringing some European flavor to Midtown is The Cheese Course. Only its third location, the bistro sells fresh sandwiches, salads, wines, and, of course, a variety of artisan cheese. Move from European culture to art-infused coffee culture when Angelina’s Yogurt & Coffee opens in late summer 2010.

Unleash pooch play-date-ready dogs in pet-friendly Midtown when the Dog Bar, the luxury pet boutique’s third location, opens carrying lavishly chic accessories, healthy chow, and toys for man’s best friend. Other intriguing tenants that call Midtown their home include Power Play Studio, a state-of-the-art production facility and event venue brought to Midtown by the man behind Ocean Drive Magazine, Miami fashion icon Jerry Powers, and Daniel Azoulay Art Gallery, displaying an enrapturing collection of contemporary art and photography.

Other art studios that have emerged into Midtown society are Chelsea Galleria and Dot Fifty One Gallery and Art Boutique. Art is an integral part of Midtown Miami, which hosts top contemporary satellite art fairs during Art Basel Miami Beach. Dubbed the “Midtown Miami Arts District,” the area will host art and fashion related events throughout the year, including Miami International Fashion Week 2010. This summer, expect to see a two-and-a-half-acre Art Park revealing a magnificent public garden.

If the aforementioned haute spots have incited you to move into the exciting neighborhood, then there are three residential buildings residing in this emerging retail and lifestyle destination that you could call home. Drawing more than 2,000 residents, Midtown 2, Midtown 4, and Midblock hold retail and office space in addition to its personal residences. Astounding the distressed marketplace, Midtown Miami’s properties are about 90 percent occupied.

Don’t be surprised to see famous Miamians like Shakira, the Estefans, and celebrity chef Lee Schrager checking out Midtown’s entertainment galore. For an unmatched experience with top-notch restaurants and lounges, shops, and art that are exclusive to Midtown Miami, you just can’t go anywhere else. Eat, drink, work, shop, relax, stroll, live, and breathe in Midtown Miami. Sleep easy knowing that this Miami community that never sleeps has arrived, and is bringing new luxuries every day.

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