Lee Brian Schrager’s Haute Secrets To Miami

Lee Brian Schrager is the Vice President of Corporate Communications & National Events for Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. He is widely recognized for his creation of both the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals and released the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Cookbook (Clarkson Potter) in November 2010. Schrager’s second cookbook, Fried & True (Clarkson Potter), was released in May 2014 and America’s Best Breakfasts (Clarkson Potter) is due out in April 2016. He is a regular contributor for Ocean Drive magazine and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Pérez Art Museum Miami and Board of Directors for Food Bank For New York City.

Where were you born: Massapequa, NY

How long have you been in Miami: 30+ years

Neighborhood: Previously the Design District for 20 years – now the French Village of Coral Gables

Occupation: Vice President of Corporate Communications & National Events, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Founder & Director, Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals

Favorite Restaurant: Depends entirely on what I’m in the mood for!

Best Sushi: Nobu, 4525 Collins Ave

Best Italian: Il Gabbiano, 335 S Biscayne Blvd

Best dessert: Anything from Cindy Lou at Panther Coffee, 2390 NW 2nd Ave

Best place for a romantic date: The Forge, 432 W 41st St

Best Sunday brunch: Zuma, 270 Biscayne Blvd Way

Best place for a power business meeting: SoHo Beach House, 4385 Collins Ave

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? It would really be impossible to pick just one, with so many great ones here and new places popping up. A few include – Loews Miami Beach, W South Beach, The EDITION, The Raleigh.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Palm Court Plaza in the Design District

Best Spa: Biltmore 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables

Favorite Charity Event: Aside from the Festival, the Make-A-Wish Gala

Favorite Cultural Event: Art Basel Miami Beach

Favorite Cultural Institution: Vizcaya

Best Steakhouse: Bourbon Steak at Turnberry Isle Resort, 19999 W Country Club Dr

Best Pizza: Lucali, 1930 Bay Rd

Best Lunch: Joe’s Stone Crab take-away – fried chicken! 11 Washington Ave

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Sadly, not something I’m familiar with!

Best Massage: Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Dr

Best Limousine/Driving Service: My dear friends at The Collection always have a back-up for me when needed, plus Uber.

Best Museum/Exhibit: Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd

Describe your city in three words: City never sleeps.

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Pinecrest Farmers Market

All-around favorite spot in Miami: Coconut Grove dog park

Best Aspect of Miami: It’s a melting pot of cultural influences from around the world.