Lionheart’s Gigi Ganatra-Duff Shares Her Best of Miami

Gigi Ganatra-Duff may have just moved back to the Magic City after Starwood Hotels stole her away to New York City to be their Senior Director of Global Communications in 2009. She got a a little closer after decamping to St. Petersburg, where she was the Vice President of HSNi, now she’s back as Lionheart Capital’s Chief Marketing Officer. Fortunately Ganatra-Duff returned without skipping a beat—frequent visits back certainly helped. So she was quite ready to tell us her favorites when Haute Living asked her to share. Here are her Haute Secrets…

Where were you born: Tokyo Japan, my father was head of General Motors Japan so we moved around a lot during my childhood

How long in Miami:  I first came to Miami in 2002 and was here until 2009 before returning to NY.  I returned three months ago and am thrilled to be back.  I feel as though I’ve come home.

Neighborhood: Miami Beach

Occupation: Chief Marketing Officer for Lionheart Capital

Favorite Restaurant: Mandolin, it’s authentic, delicious and the ambience is perfect!

Best Sushi: Japanese Market on 79th or Myumi

Best Italian: Scarpetta – the Bolognese is to die for.

Best dessert:  Bunnie Cakes

Best place for a romantic date: Klima – the garden in the back is beautiful and very romantic.  It’s not on everyone’s radar so you don’t run into the typical south beach crowd.  The food is tapas authentic from Barcelona. 

Best Sunday brunch: Cecconi’s – perfect for catching up with friends and family.

Best place for a power business meeting: Los Fuegos at Faena – I always run into friends from NY.

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Faena or The Raleigh classic Miami Beach and the service at the Faena is excellent.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: The Webster, it has the best collection of European brands I’ve found anywhere.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Turchin and Ivana Berendika – the jewelry is beautiful and unique.  I always get asked about it when I wear it.

Best Spa: Tierra Santa at Faena – the hamman and steam room are amazing.

Favorite Charity Event: Wine Women & Shoes and Miso at the Bass

Favorite Cultural Event: Art Basel

Favorite Cultural Institution:  Miami City Ballet and Miami City Orchestra

Best Steakhouse:  The Palm

Best Pizza: Lucali

Best Gym/Athletic Facility:  The Carillon

Best Museum/Exhibit:  The Bass Museum

Describe your city in three words:  Beach, International, Design & Art (guess that’s four!)

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:  Fairchild Gardens

All-around favorite spot in Miami:  Smith and Wollensky for sunset cocktails.

Best Aspect of Miami:  Beach & Culture

Best Blow Dry: Glam Squad

Favorite Designer: Red Carter and Eberjey