When it comes to getting your zen on in South Beach, look no further than Green Monkey on Purdy Avenue. The clean, bright studio is a favorite amongst the beach’s beautiful yogis practicing sun salutations, warrior sequences, and handstands. The atmosphere is friendly and communal with a powerhouse roster of teachers who are creative, thoughtful, and rigorous, each offering unique insights into the practice. Paul Toliuszis’ power yoga classes are perennially packed with devoted acolytes prepared for a fast-paced, sweat-soaked hour and a half. His classes come with an impromptu narrative into the spiritual side of yoga that is both approachable and profound. At the end of class, your mind and body are cleansed and reinvigorated as you exit the studio to views of Biscayne Bay.
1827 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 305-397-8566 & 2 other locations in Miami
Thank you Cre8d Design, Studio Julie, & Studio Marie-Pierre!
Before I get much farther in my Wanderlust Chameleon ramblings, I’d like to thank a few people who were instrumental in making this blog happen. First and foremost, Rachel Cunliffe of Cre8d Design in New Zealand. Rachel worked with me from the very beginning, from concept to design to the finished product. She created my logo and the website’s design. She was patient and thorough and made sure I got exactly what I wanted. Her business partner and brother, Stephen Merriman took over when it came time for coding and site functionality. They are true professionals and I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for a custom blog design.
Julie Ambos of Studio Julie in Key West did the photography for all of the header pictures on the website. Over the years, I’ve become familiar with her stunning work in the destination wedding industry in Key West. I was so impressed with her talent, I knew I had to work with her for my pictures, and I’m so pleased with the way everything turned out.
Finally, Marie-Pierre Sander of Studio Marie-Pierre did my hair and makeup for the photo shoot. She’s another amazing talent in the destination wedding industry in Key West and she’s so passionate about what she does. Marie-Pierre is also the one who gave me the Cre8d Design reference, and I’ll be forever grateful to her for that.
For an enchanting introduction to the seductive art form of flamenco, buy tickets to an evening performance at Casa de la Memoria in the Santa Cruz District. Held in the lush outdoor courtyard of an ancient Sephardi palace-house, from the moment the guitarist strums his first chord and the singer begins clapping a quiet rhythm with his hands, you’ll be rapt to the story about to unfold. Flamenco involves three elements, the guitarist, the singer, and the dancers, telling the tale of a passionate, and often tortured love affair. When the elements meld together, the whirling fever of the dance, the moaning chants of the singer, and the melody of the classical guitar, the affect is heartbreakingly palpable.
Ximenez de Enciso 28, Seville, Spain +34 954 560 670
Location is everything. Getting the right hotel in the right part of the city is critical. Fortunately, in Madrid, the Roommate Hotel group makes it simple. These modern, sleek, and modestly priced hotels are peppered throughout the best neighborhoods. Try Roommate Mario, centrally located in the Palacio Royale and close to the Opera. From the green apple waiting on the nightstand in your bright white room to the friendly concierge, you feel like someone is taking care of you while you’re far away from home. Even better, Wifi and a generous breakfast spread is included. After a long day exploring Madrid, you’ll be glad you can come home to Mario.
With a sleek and sexy aesthetic and an approachable, unpretentious vibe, Black Bottle is the perfect gathering place to meet friends for cocktails and small plates in Seattle. Billed as a gastro-tavern, the menu is divided into sections designated as meat, seafood, veggies, and flatbreads. Items are meant to be shared, so divvy up your order and enjoy beer mustard braised local sausage, seven spice shrimp, wilted baby kale with spinach pancetta goat cheese, and an arugula, tomato, and basil pesto flat bread. With a selection of signature cocktails, wine, and beer, they make a mean dirty martini if you’re in the mood.
Take advantage of Liberation Yoga’s free first class policy and attend a popular sunset vinyasa in the studio’s outdoor garden. Owner Christine Burke has quite a following amongst L.A. yogis, and she teaches a class that’s both rigorous and thoughtful, allowing you to deepen your poses as you flow. The studio offers classes for all levels, as well as a regular calendar of workshops and events. With a mission “to promote health, peace, and freedom,” it’s also a destination for massage, acupuncture, and even astrology readings.
“What’ll ya have? What’ll ya have?” the refrain echoes from behind the cash registers as the next guest in the long and always fast-moving line approaches the counter. The Varsity is an Atlanta institution that’s been goings strong since 1928 with a loyal following of locals, visitors from around the world, and even a string of U.S. presidents. It’s all retro throwback with a massive drive-in and dining room, and a menu serving signature greasy spoon selections, like chili cheeseburgers, slaw dogs, and french fries and onion rings fried in peanut oil. To drink, go for the Varsity Frosty Orange and save room for a fried peach pie with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
61 North Ave, Atlanta, GA 404-881-1706 & 6 other locations in Georgia
When it comes to having a good time in Chicago, (aside from posing for funhouse pictures at the Bean at Millennium Park) a trip to Studio Paris, the upstairs nightclub counterpart to trendy restaurant Club Paris, is in order. This is the go-to spot for Chicago’s beautiful party people looking to see and be seen and dance the night away. With billowing white curtains and palm trees, you might feel like you’re in South Beach for a second, but the exposed brick walls, picture windows, and retractable glass skylight are quick reminders that you’re in the heart of the Windy City. High energy acts like Manufactured Superstars, Moguai, and resident DJ Jerzy are headlining upcoming parties, and the club is no stranger to marquee names like DeadMau5, Avicii, and Tiësto. In the heart of the Hubbard Street nightlife district, Studio Paris is the perfect destination to kick your night up a notch.
I’m back in Miami after an eleven day trip to Key West that, for one reason or another, felt more like an eternity. Key West was home for many years, and I still make regular visits back. This time, I was there to work on the event staff of the Key West Literary Seminar. I rented a cute little cottage near the Southernmost Point and settled back into my former island lifestyle. Since I’m no longer a full time resident, I find myself trying to fill my visits with as much variety as possible. This time, however–perhaps, due to the eternal duration of my stay–I found myself returning to a few spots more than once, at first reluctantly, but then I just accepted the fact that these were my spots, and they always had been.
It made me think of one of my favorite Bob Marley songs Do It Twice because “baby, you’re so nice, I’d like to do the same thing twice.” My affection for reggae music–Bob Marley, Junior Gong, Katchafire, Fiji–definitely developed during my days in Key West. There’s something about those carefree melodies that resonate when you’re out on a boat miles from shore. So here are my Key West spots that, last week, were so nice, I had to do them twice. Press play on the video below for a little soundtrack while you read.
During one of the busier days of the seminar, I found myself concocting a plan to run to Help Yourself for a quick, healthy lunch. Having once lived just a block down the road on Margaret Street, I used to frequent Help Yourself for breakfast on my days off. They’re an all natural, organic restaurant committed to locally sourced ingredients and environmentally conscious production. They also make an amazing non-dairy coconut yogurt parfait with homemade granola and fresh fruit like kiwis, strawberries, and pineapple. For lunch that day, I opted for half a hummus wrap made with quinoa tabouli, cucumber, red onion, sprouts, and greens, along with the tropical green smoothie, a blend of pineapple, mango, banana, cucumber, cilantro, spinach, and lime. On a hot summer day in Key West, the smoothie’s lunch enough.
So what happened the next day when I wanted another quick, healthy lunch? I went back to Help Yourself to do the same thing twice. And later in the week when a friend suggested we meet there for lunch? I joined him and ordered the Key West coconut curry, a fragrant, creamy broth made with fresh coconut milk, served with brown rice and bright, fresh vegetables. To drink? I couldn’t resist the $6 local Key West coconut water. Ridiculous, I know, but worth it.
When it came time for an evening to catch up with one of my bestest and oldest girlfriends, we went where we always go, nine onefive. A two-story, sky blue Victorian mansion with a spacious wraparound porch, the menu is filled with sophisticated small plates, along with larger dishes like a crispy Thai whole yellowtail snapper. That evening, we ordered a beef carpacio, beet salad, tuna tartare, and the tuna dome–an all time favorite dish of mine consisting of sashimi tuna over crab meat with sliced avocado, lemon miso, and sriracha. We also drank plenty of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
On Friday, after the conclusion of the seminar’s evening program, where did the staff decide to eat and drink? Back at nine one five, upstairs at their speakeasy Point5. There’s a fancy cocktail menu, thin crust pizzas, and a relaxed, yet lively atmosphere that never seems to get old. We gathered around a few tables on the upstairs balcony, and I split the spicy Hawaiian pizza (crispy pancetta, pineapples, jalapeños) and the Mexican pizza (slow roasted chipotle pork, guacamole, lime creme fraiche) with a new friend. I don’t even remember what we were drinking that night, but everything was delicious. On my final night in town, starving and exhausted, I ordered the spicy Hawaiian to go.
Of all my old Key West haunts, Bad Boy Burrito is probably the one I miss most. It’s another all natural, organic, local ingredients kind of a place. I’m a lover of Mexican food and rice and beans to begin with, and I especially love a meal that’s wholly satisfying while still being healthy, and Bad Boy fits the bill. I headed over for a late lunch one afternoon and ordered the usual, a tofu burrito with basmati rice and black beans, pico de gallo, verde sauce, cabbage, queso fresco, avocado, and jalapenos. Delicious. On a busy day during the seminar when the staff ordered in from Bad Boy, I got the exact same thing. They also make an amazing taco plate with homemade soft corn tortillas filled with anything from fresh caught fish, to Key West pink shrimp, to chicken, or kobe beef.
Cafe Moka is actually a new spot for me in Key West and it’s become my pop-up office space on extended visits. After all, every writer needs a good coffee shop to call her own. It has a European patisserie feel, serving pain au chocolate, croissants, and quiche to compliment your morning cappuccino. Lunchtime is just as delicious with roast beef and cheddar cheese on a fresh baguette and other sandwiches. I must admit, I have a weakness for all things French, and croissants are at the top of that list, so it’s no wonder Cafe Moka has become a natural part of my daily routine while in Key West. On top of that, the staff is friendly and they make it a comfortable spot to linger in for a few hours in front of your laptop with your coffee. Even Bob Marley sings, “Every morning I get up, I sip my cup.”
I think I’ve always loved Do It Twice because it’s a little bittersweet, a little lonesome, and a little unrequited while also being completely joyful, and maybe that’s a good way to describe my feelings for Key West, a little complicated, but full of love. If you listened to the song once while reading this, maybe you should scroll back up and listen to it twice. It’s so nice.
The Key West Literary Seminar podium for “Writers on Writers” in the same font found at Shakespeare & Company bookstore in Paris.
The Second Session of the 31st Annual Key West Literary Seminar begins tonight with Colm ToÃbÃn delivering the John Hersey Memorial Address at the San Carlos Institute on Duval Street. Follow along on Twitter at @KeyWestLiterary and #KWLS and find highlights on Facebook at Facebook.com/KeyWestLiterarySeminar. For more stories and event coverage, including a piece I wrote on Paul Hendrickson’s reading from “Hemingway’s Boat”, visit the Seminar’s online publication Littoral.
