Haute Secrets: Irene Marie’s Guide to Miami

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.

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