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Kamal Hotchandani serves as the CEO of Haute Media Group, including Haute Living, Haute Time, Haute Residence, Tot Living and various social channels covering the luxury industry and the finer things in life. Hotchandani and co-founder Seth Semilof have positioned the brand to connect their elite platform audience with the leading luxury brands of the world through key events and partnerships in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and more cities throughout the U.S. and abroad. The media company deals with all luxury elements in the watches, auto, fashion, real estate, culinary, spirits, yachting and aviation industries, plus so much more. Users can find out more through the web, social and app-based platforms, as well as Hotchandani’s personal Instagram account, @kamal.
The Belizean-born and Miami-based entrepreneur takes us through one of his favorite cities—Miami—to share his ultimate haute guide, including his favorite spots to dine, drink, stay, visit, exercise and more including some of Miami’s most famous and also most under-the-radar destinations. Here are his Haute Secrets to the Magic City:
Where were you born: Belize
How long in Miami: 20 years
Neighborhood: Downtown Miami
Occupation: CEO of Haute Media Group
Favorite Restaurant: Fifi’s Place for casual dining and The Forge for fine dining
Best Sushi: Hiden
Best Italian: Randazzo’s Italian Seafood & Classics for American Italian and Cipriani for traditional Italian
Best dessert: Vanilla cake at Cipriani
Best place for a romantic date: Wine Cellar at The Forge or Marion in Brickell
Best Sunday brunch: Zuma in Downtown or Nautilus in Miami Beach
Best place for a power business meeting: Mandolin in the Miami Design District or Estiatorio Milos in Miami beach
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The Fontainebleau for fun and Faena Hotel for luxury.
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Miami Design District
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Hublot in the Miami Design District or Westime in the Brickell City Centre
Best Spa: Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau on the beach or Exhale Spa at the Epic Hotel downtown
Favorite Charity Event: The Intercontinental Miami Make-A-Wish Gala hosted by Shareef Malnik
Favorite Cultural Event: Art Basel Miami Beach
Favorite Cultural Institution: The Pérez Art Museum Miami
Best Steakhouse: The Forge
Best Pizza: Lucali
Best Lunch: Casa Tua Cucina
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Personal training by Suichi Take or Anatomy at 1220
Best Massage: Nicole Hakiledes
Best new restaurant: Novikov Miami
Best hidden gem: Fifi’s Place
Best cocktails: The Regent Cocktail Club at the Gale Hotel
Best wine list: The Forge
Best beach club: Delano Beach Club
Best Museum/Exhibit: PAMM
Describe your city in three words: Magic, Magic, Magic
All-around favorite spot in Miami: The Wynwood Walls
Best Aspect of Miami: The melting pot of people, great weather, great food, better taxes
