Angela Birdman Shares Her Haute Guide To Miami

Photo Credit: One Thousand Museum

A Haute 100-lister and one of Haute Living‘s “Women of Innovation,” Angela Birdman is one of Miami’s most prominent philanthropic figures. Spearheading causes near and dear to her heart, like her personal event—Walk in Style for the Animals—benefitting the Humane Society of Greater Miami, Brunch for the Animals (also benefitting the Humane Society), the National YoungArts Foundation and more, Birdman is always busy giving back to others. She has a passion for animals and the arts and spends her time hosting charity events or attending events to support other causes in the city. She is the second half of the “Power Couple” on the Haute 100 list, married to developer Louis Birdman who’s currently finalizing the One Thousand Museum Residences—a masterpiece crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects. Aside from her philanthropic passions, Angela is also a major foodie—you can catch her around the city trying out the new haute openings and frequenting some of her favorites throughout the year. Here, we catch up with the power woman to get her ultimate haute secrets on the city she calls home—Miami.

Where were you born: I’m a Midwest girl—from Missouri

How long In Miami: 20 years

Neighborhood: I’ve lived in Miami Beach, Aventura, and currently, I am in the Hallandale/Hollywood area

Favorite restaurant: NOBU—chef Nobu Matsuhisa is my favorite!

Best sushi: Chef Bee’s NaiYaRa in Sunset Harbor

Best Italian: Well, I’m Italian, so I can’t just give one.  I will give you three:

Scarpetta—best spaghetti you will ever eat

Il Mulino—outstanding porcini mushroom ravioli with truffle cream sauce

Casa D’Angelo—the mushroom pappardelle is sinful

Best dessert: I didn’t earn the nickname “donut queen” for nothing and the most decadent ones—gold champagne, dark chocolate Hennessy—in town are by my friend Björn DelaCruz (@enterthroughthedonutshop) who has set up shop seasonally at the Rudolf Budja Gallery.

Best place for a romantic dinner: My very first Valentine’s dinner in Miami was at The Forge, so that place holds a special spot in my heart. They have the most amazing private dining room in their wine cellar.

Best Sunday brunch: I’m into dim sum, so Hakkasan is my spot. They also have an amazing stir fry vegetarian chicken dish I’m obsessed with. If I’m not in the mood for dim sum, Zuma has a fabulous champagne brunch.

Best place for a power lunch: Prime 112—they have a woman whose entire job is to slice and bake the bacon they put on the bar. If you eat meat, it’s a must try.

If you have out of town guests: The St. Regis Bal Harbour—it’s a magnificent property with exceptional service. I love that they do champagne sabering every day at 7 p.m. in the bar. It’s a fun way to start the night.

Favorite shopping venue: Bal Harbour Shops.

Boutique: Jessie Boutique, I like to support local businesses as much as possible.

Favorite place for jewelry/watches: Miami Design District—the Bvlgari boutique has the collaboration they did with Zaha Hadid—who designed Miami’s One Thousand Museum. and you can find names like Vhernier, with only three U.S. locations, with Miami being its largest boutique.  

Favorite charity event: Other than Walk In Style for the Animals, which is my personal event, the National YoungArts Gala is one I truly look forward to each year. It’s just good energy.

Favorite cultural event: Art Basel, it’s an electric time in Miami.

Favorite cultural institution: National Young Arts Foundation—the children are the future.

Best Steakhouse: Smith & Wollensky. If the weather is nice, sit outside on the water.

Best pizza: Mister 01. The coffee, honey, jalapeño pizza is EVERYTHING. Late-night, you can’t get a better slice than Steve’s Pizza.

Best Lunch: Estiatorio Milos. This is my favorite girls’ lunch when I want to take my time and have a glass of rosé. They do a prix-fixe three-course menu for lunch for around $35. It is literally the best deal in town.  

Best gym: I train with Carlos Ramos and I go to Om’echaye for yoga and classes, but I also like Equinox.

Best massage: The Acqualina Spa by ESPA. It’s my happy place.

Best new restaurant: Fiola in Coral Gables.

Best hidden gem: Drunken Dragon, although they do have a sign now.

Best cocktails: They make great cocktails at the bar at Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina or Bay Club in Sunset Harbor.

Best Wine list: The Forge. The Forge also does a Veuve Clicquot happy hour on Fridays.

Best Beach club: Soho Beach House

Best Museum: PAMM—its restaurant, Verde, is good too, and they do a farmers market at times.

Three words to describe Miami: Diverse, Alive, Evolving

All around favorite spot in Miami: My home with my dogs.

Best Aspect of Miami: You can’t beat the weather and the lifestyle in Miami. Being able to walk the beach every morning is a blessing. I should take advantage of that more often myself.