Happy New Year!

Well, we are 9 days into 2011 and I continue to be pumped and excited to be part of the South Florida community.  I LOVE LIVING IN MIAMI!  Need I say more?

December was packed with learning and travel; after attending a two-day seminar, I became a member of the Luxury Home Marketing Institute.  Don't have the designation yet - I must sell two properties valued at a total of $1.2M (actually they must exceed $600K each) before it is official, and I am up for the challenge.

I really had no vacation this year - ran to Texas a couple of times to check on my brother and his wife and went back Dec. 17th to attend my best friend's holiday dinner for her 7 close friends - a sit-down feast, everything prepared by Doris' hands - thank you Doris, it was a lovely evening.  Of course, I took the time to visit all my peeps.  There are two places I love to hit when I got to Houston: the breakfast klub (3711 Travis St. 713.528-8561), had to have some chicken and waffles.  Now if you re there over a Saturday, that morning you must go to Cafe 4212  (4212 Almeda Road - 10am - 2pm) for their Zydeco brunch.  Order fried catfish and grits and dance your butt off.  Six of my cousins (hey Barbara, Justin, Linda, Jimmy, Ann & Leo) met me there and we had a mini family reunion.

On the 29th my "road-dog", Antonia ("Toni") took off for Phoenix to visit our girl, Geneva Spigner and her family.  We enjoyed our lovely 2-story suite at the Scottsdale Plaza, just down the street from the Spigner Paradise Valley home.  Let's say Arizona is NOT Florida!  Not talking about the desert terrain, I am talking the cold "a" weather!  Evenings dropped to 26/27/28 degrees.  Dr. Spigner (Geneva's loving hubby) wanted to take us to see the Grand Canyon (yes, that's correct, I have been to 48 states but never seen the GC) but it was snowing...  I thought this was some kind of common occurrence, was I wrong.  We met and made tons of new friends and truly got our butts whipped playing Bid Whist with Dr. Larry Leverett, blindfolded, yes, he covered his eyes and we needed his services as a plastic surgeon after that butt whippin'.  We met Sandy and Jim Reynolds, founders of Loop Capital Markets; these Chicago snowbirds and their friends, from the Windy City, enjoyed evenings of fun and games and my favorite beverage, Vueve Clicquot.  Toni and I spent a week taking in the town, visits to the famous Biltmore (A Waldorf Astoria property), spa services and lunch at the fabulous Phoenician.

Now I am back to work; got back Wednesday night and hit the bricks first thing Thursday morning.  I have a wonderful opportunity if you are looking for a great home in Morningside (a lovely urban community on Biscayne Bay just east of Biscayne Blvd.).  The owner is being relocated and the price of this 4/3, 2-story, pool home has been reduced by $50K, to $499K - Open House Sunday, Jan 16 - 2-4:30 PM.

To top off my stories, must add an update to all - my grandbaby, Genae' Marie (stage name, FrankiBelle) is a back-up singer for janelle monae, they opened for Prince at Madison Square Garden.  As we speak, they are in Brazil (Florianopolis, Rio, Recife and Sao Paulo) opening for Amy Winehouse (actually, reports say Amy is making a comeback working with janelle - hmmmm).

Well, this is my first blog of 2011; I am committed to keeping this up and current.  My next blog will cover my favorite things - I "stole" this from Oprah a couple of years ago.  When you admire someone, the greatest form of flattery is to "steal shameless, learned that from a former boss; thanks Lee Carroll.

Need to reach me?  Call: 305.528.8557

Until then: dine well.
Robbie
Don't forget to tune-in to Join Us at the Table every Saturday morning, 9:30-10:30AM on BlogTalkRadio.

Luxury Property Drops Prices 51%

Everyone wants to know what the deals are for South Florida, well, let me tell you, ICON Brickell, one of the most recent Downtown Miami projects has taken a major hit; they are simply tired of empty condos - this luxury space has 1793 condos in three towers and they have finally adjusted their pricing, at least in one of the towers (Tower Two): prices are down 51%! That is a huge drop from the original intent of the developer, Jorge Perez. The new offerings are strictly for cash deals only - yes, prices are slashed 50% but you must come with cash on your mind. ICON is located at the entrance to the hubbub of the Brickell area known as Miami's financial district.

I have visited ICON's Tower One, at least 3-times in the past 15-months, this is a luxury property, designed by Phillipe Stark, now offering "affordable" pricing (okay, I admit, that is certainly a relative term). According to CondoVultures (Miami Herald, 02/02/10) prices have been slashed to a low of $261 a square foot. Now that's doable, of course, if you get the right view.

The ICON complex has 3-towers including the Viceroy Hotel, a fabulous spa, the largest lap pool (300') and largest jacuzzi in the entire state of Florida, fantastic restaurants - okay, what more could one ask for? This is THE place to live if you want to be in the know.

Today I made another trip to ICONBRICKELL as they open Tower II; all in the name of love - as your "urban lifestyle specialist" I love keeping my clients abreast of what's happening in the Miami market. On a side note, downtown Miami over the last 7 years has added at least 22,000 condo units - there are many opportunities here and I am looking forward to helping you find the right spot in the sun.

Tips for using your home for short term rental

Channel 10 reporter, Ben Kennedy spoke to me on the subject of renting ones home for the upcoming Super Bowl. Our chat was brief as most interviews are so I am taking advantage of this opportunity to share my thoughts on what you should do if you are considering renting your home during this time.

Tips for renting your home for short term rental during Super & Pro Bowls in Miami

Owner's prospective:
Think about whom you want in your house; are you really a “candidate” to do this? Making the money is great – but do you really want someone you do not know having 'full access' to your home. Will you take folk who travel with pets – what about smokers? Many people believe their home will be trashed but that’s not necessarily so. If you do decide it’s okay, then think through these following steps:
1. Decide what is fair market value for your home (search the internet to see what other comparable properties are asking) and establish what your fee, duration of time for rental and deposit requirements are. Typically deposits can run 50% of the price you charge up, to 100% of your rental fee.
2. Establish your rules – write out your own list of do’s and don’ts - will you leave them a computer to have access to the internet – this is certainly a selling feature.
3. Application – you need as much information as you can get on the prospective tenant. You should be able to locate application to fit your needs on line.
4. First/foremost: screen the applicant: do background search, pay the fee, it is pretty nominal – include it in your costs of doing business. You can search the internet for tenant screening and find several on-line vendors.
5. Be sure to check your home-owner’s policy to see what it covers – these are not guests, they are now tenants.

6. If you are a condo owner, don't forget you have to know your rules and regulations. Is short term leaseing permitted? If so, how many times a year can you rent your unit. Some rules only permit once a year, others 3 times a year and I know one building in Miami permits renting for 1-day.
7. Be sure to have an agreement with damage property clause
8. Consider having a cleaning service come-in a few times during your tenant visit. This way you have eyes to "see" and it serves as an “added value” in the sales process. Add this charge to rental fee, making it "all inclusive".
9. Remember, you will need to make space in your frig and your closet for your tenant.

If you are set on doing this, I trust you have all your personal files/bank statements/bills/medical records, etc. in a box you can pick up and take with you, or somewhere in the house you can put under lock and key. Not that folk will look with purpose, but if you leave things out, creatures of habit read.

After you have assessed everything above, review your "fair market price", think about if it is really worth it. Remember, no one treats your home like you do; this is not like leaving your place for your cousins to stay while you are off on “playcation”, so think long and hard about having strangers access your home.

Of course, if you have a place that is not your primary residence (your getaway spot), then renting out, providing your condo rules/regs permit, could be the no-brainer. Just remember, you need to leave linens for your guests to use.

Marketing your place:

Unless large dollars are involved, most realtors* do not really want to get involved in short-term leases. You are your best marketing tool; create a flyer and send to all your friends and ask them to forward; word-of-mouth is the best tool and hopefully you will garner a tenant that is a RESPONSIBLE "friend of a friend".

Renter's Prospective

Your needs:

1. Consider the primary rule of real estate: Location, Location, Location!
2. Size of unit you need based on number of folk sharing and the budget.
3. Bath/shower
4. Bed configuration (number/size
5. Linens and fully stocked kitchen (dishes/flatware/glassware, etc.)
6. Is there television?
7. What about access to the internet? Do you need to bring your laptop?
8. Will you be able to use building amenities if in a condo?
9. What appliances do they have – if you don’t want to cook, is there microwave to nuke stuff?
10. Is there parking available; if so, will there be an additional fee?
11. Pets - this is trickie; do you have allergies that could flair up if living in a pet friendly house? or do you want to bring your pet?

About that deposit:
1. What does the deposit cover
2. What is the process for getting your money back?
3. When is it refundable (immediately, 7-days, next month)?
4. Get the cancellation policy IN WRITING.
5. All terms and conditions, including the fees should be spelled out in writing.

I trust you'll find these tips helpful and I certainly would appreciate your feedback on your decisions to "do" or not "do" the short term thing.

I love selling and renting real estate - I am an urban lifestyle specialist so if you live in South Florida or are thinking of moving here or having a getaway spot, just GoToRobbieBell.

Robbie@GoToRobbieBell.Inf (305.528.8557)

Miami Real Estate Deals

Friends,
I think many of you know that I sell real estate and am affiliated with EWM (Esslinger Wooten Maxwell which is owned by Warren Buffet) as is Minnie Lauderdale. I have been showing property in the downtown/Design District/Brickell area and just want you to know if you, or you have friends, who are interested in having a 2nd home in Miami, call me. This past few weeks I have shown condos from $78-138K that are 2-bedroom/2-bath and are so priced below market value it is nuts. I am sending this message because one of the 2/2's is in my building and has been completely remodeled - is larger than my unit and is listed at $79,900.00 - this market is crazy. Things are moving fast, no sooner than I showed the latter unit, it's status changed to a pending sale.

I am not saying that everything is a fire sale, but there are major deals to be had. If you are interested, just let me know. I look forward to showing out-of-towners around.

Thanks,
Robbie
305.528.8557

What was I thinking?

I have apparently lost my mind. Today I let my flight to Washington, D.C. take off without me. Several of my girlfriends, Antonia, Dawn, Loretta, Debra - who knows who else was riding the American skies at 9:45 this morning. I keep going over in my head - why are you not at the airport?

Well, let me see... let's try my pocket book (yes, that is a thing women use) was a tad too light to hit the road. Yes, it would have been a business trip but the coffers were looking a little sad this past week, so I opted, for the first time ever in my life, to keep my happy "a.." home. Be a sensible "girl" and miss one of the most important events in my life history - the inauguration of the first black president. For me, this is a historic moment; yes, I really do have a ticket and a place to stay, I have just opted to work on my business plan.

With that said, I need to find out what all is going on here on the home front that may be palatable to those of us who, for whatever reason, did not take the journey to D.C.

The Adrienne Arsht Center presents a Television Simulcast of the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. So if you are not headed to D.C., join me and our neighbors to view this historic event which is free to our community - for details visit ArshtCenter.org

I would be remiss if I failed to let you know the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau has brought back Miami Spice - this time it is Winter Style - over 50 restaurants have signed up to engage your dining senses - please support your local restaurants, 3-course meals are running $23 for lunch and $36 for dinner - what a great way to spend an evening - on a budget, enjoying the company of friends and family. Visit I Love Miami Spice for a listing of participating spots.
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The Sound Scene

Jan. 22nd
Wynton Marsalis - 8 pm
Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall
Call 305.949.6722 - Select above link for ticket info.

Jan. 23 – Arsht Center
The Four Tops and The Temptations
for ticket information visit: ArshtCenter.Org

Feb. 20 –
Tribute to Ella & Basie featuring the Count Basie Orchestra & Patti Austin - 8 pm
Arsht Center’s Knight Concert Hall
The exciting Jazz Roots series produced by Larry Rosen continues to charm Miami audiences.
www.ArshtCenter.Org/Basie

Feb. 14
Nicole Henry - 8 pm
10th Annual "Moonlight & Music Valentine's Day Concert
The Deering Estate invites you to hear the lovely sounds of Nicole Henry will delight guests with a mix of jazz and romantic classics. Tickets are $20; you may bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. No coolers are permitted. Limited refreshments and food will be available for an additional fee. Gate opens at 7:00 pm, concert begins at 8:00 pm.
Call 305-235-1668 ext. 233. Valentine's Day Concert
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Community Connections
Jan. 24
The 20th Annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival
Featuring Morris Day & The Time
Eatonville (Orange County), Florida
For more info, visit: ZoraNealeHurstonFestival

Feb. 14 – 7-11 pm
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., invites you to Rubies & Pearls – A Night of Hidden Treasures on Sun Dream Yacht Charters, Catalina
Tickets - $85. Call 954.522.2840; email redandwhite09@gmail.com
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Weekly Happenings

Sundays
Miami
Mahogany Grille - 7-11pm
Blues with These Nuts and Them Bones

Hollywood
Re-coup Sundays – 3-10 pm
Nikki Marina, 3660 South Ocean Drive
Cabana reservations: 305.761.2929

Tuesdays – 7 -10 pm
Weston
Wine Me Down – a Louis Oliver production
Libation Wine Bar, 1722 Main St., Weston Town Center

Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays
Ft. Lauderdale
Christine’s – Live Jazz 6-11 pm
2671 East Oakland Park, 954.566.1919

Fridays/Saturdays
Aventura
Donna Allen with pianist/vocalist
Mike Vidovich – 8 pm
Prezzo’s Restaurant & Martini Bar
Loehmann’s Shopping Plaza, 18831 Biscayne Blvd
305.931.5775

I love watching Oprah when she talks about her favorite things; I like that show so much, I said why not go with the highest form of flattery? Copy Oprah! So today, we have Robbie's favorite things. This list is one of things to buy, do or, of course, eat.

Things to lift your spirits:
I'm having a Grammy moment: "First, giving honor to God..." I want to give praise to my spiritual leader, the Rev. Dr. Mary Tumpkin and the Universal Truth Center; if you need your spirits lifted, this is the place to be; if you really want to work on you, this is the place to be. This is the place that has helped me become me. I invite you to get a spirit lift, not just for the holiday but everyday, visit www.utruthcenter.org. Be sure to tell Rev. Mary that Robbie sent you.

Things to soothe your body:
Run, don't walk, to Yellow Moon Day Spa. While Dominque and Shantelle take care of your manicure needs, the Foot Master (and that is truly what they call him and it speaks volumes to to what he does), Rick Spence will do his magic on your feet. I have no words for the magic this man can work; you walk out feeling better, lighter and pampered.

Rick is offering a mani/pedi special (normally $45 & $15) to GoToRobbieBell fans for $50. Just tell him Robbie sent you.

The Arts - things to do and buy:
*A gift certificate or membership to Diaspora Vibe Gallery- over the next few days Curator Rosie Gordon-Wallace has made big plans to offer you the fine jewelry and great art at wonderful prices. What a treat to go holiday shopping in an art gallery.
*Always a great gift to give is a membership to the Miami Art Museum (MAM).
Get invited to all the great things the gallery and the museum have to offer during the year

Shopping
Bagua - my absolute favorite place to shop for gifts for my "birthday club" members or just beautiful things for any occassion, including things for me.
So-Mi (2775 Northeast 187th Street, suite 2)- a lovely little boutique tucked away in Aventura. The owner, Miriam, aims to please; do tell her that Robbie sent you - I see a Go To Robbie Bell event at So-Mi in the very near future, stay tuned.

Things to buy and eat:
Catering by Maribel creates my favorite cake, Honey's Luscious Lemon pound cake - when I tell you it is "Scrumpterou®" trust me, it is simply delish! Call Maribel Fernandez-Dillon at 954-931-4555 or write Maribel@CateringbyMaribel.net.
Kimesha Wing is the woman behind the scenes at Taylor Made Cookies and these things take over where Lays left off - I bet you can't eat just one, go ahead, try it. My favorite: red velvet cookie sandwich, chocolate chip, Mexican wedding cookie (with pistachio & cranberries) and upon request the chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips. Call Kimesha at 786.252.3563 or write sales@taylormadecookies.com

Okay, so you are out shopping and you need to stop and replenish yourself, where do you go?

Chez Porky's Restaurant (BBQ & Louisiana Kitchen) - I don't know where you live but this is so worth the ride - Tom Douglas makes the best barbecued shrimp ever!!! Chez Porky's is in Pompano Beach, and I have been eating there for more than 10-years. All my friends know that I drive for food when the food is serious - make that seriously good. I have submitted Tom's place to Guy's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, and hope Guy Fieri makes his way there; like I said, it is so worth the drive. 105 Southwest 6th St., Pompano Beach, 954.946.5590.

Since I started north I am just going to drive you back down south, stopping along the way at my favorite food spots. You don't have to travel to far from Tom's place to hit Christine's (2671 E. Oakland Park Blvd. 954-566-1919) a Ft. Lauderdale supper club and one of the few places to catch jazz while enjoying a lovely evening. Feel the need to get closer to Miami? head to Aventura: you cannot go wrong with Prezzo's. (Loehmann's Shopping Plaza). It is a great watering hole, dining venue and weekend entertainment spot. One of my favorite people, and chef is Kal Abdala, because he consistently serves up good food and solid entertainment having Donna Allen making soulful sounds on the weekends. Okay, get back on I-95 and head to Miami's Design District - you already know where I am sending you: Michael's Genuine (Chef Michael Schwartz - 130 NE 40th St. - 305.573.5550) my favorite to-die-for dish? Pork belly served on a bed of kimchee -- need I say more? Well, one more very important thing: Michael's they serve til 12. Buena Vista Bistro (Callie & Claude, 4582 NE 2nd Ave. 305-456-5909). These two establishments are as different as night and day in ambiance, food and style; one upscale, chic but still affordable and the other, a neighborhood place that you are welcome when you "come as you are". You can't go wrong with either. You say you live south? Then head on over to Jamaica Kitchen. I can't promise you can eat in (tiny counter space) but I guarantee you will enjoy fabulous Jamaican Chinese food - be sure to try the curried goat! (8736 SW 72nd St., Mia - 305.596.2585).

Every place I have named above, relevant to food, is definitely on "The Scrumpterou Report"

Sad Day in Miami's Design District

It's the holiday season, and I am not so datgum cherry. My favorite spot, restaurant/watering hole, shut down. Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant closed its doors Monday night. I had a lengthy conversation with owner Ogbe Guobadia, and he shared how the past three years had
its bright spots and down times. This past weekend, Art Basel in all its glory filled the room; it was packed nightly. But one event a year does not make for business. I have been there many a weekend night, and the room was filled with laughing voices, happy faces and the aromas of great food. But for a place to be open during lunch (late lunch at that), right into dinner, which has satisfied my tummy many a late night, you need people flowing through on a constant basis.

When Mary shut the doors of Piccadilly Garden on 40th Street (my original watering hole when I moved to this neck of the woods), she was there sun up and sun down. She finaly threw in the towel after a hefty offer. Someone took over, but it did not last. I had already discovered Sheba (well, not all by myself, but you know what I mean). Ogbe's Sheba served solid, consistent fare. Sometimes one had to push the wait staff, but they were all friendly and eager to serve. Many were quite knowledgable about Ethiopian cuisine. Nancy Ancrum and I did a Curated Dining event there last year just about this time, and all of us were educated and entertained by our lovely Ethiopian host and Ogbe's sister. What makes a restaurant good, and successful?
You would think good food, good service, ambiance, easy access, right? However, the traffic was just not there. Where the heck are all those folk that are supposed to be living in Midtown by now?

Let me say this to all the food writers who speak to the masses and call Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine, the "pioneer" of the District - PLEEZE, give me a break! I have been in this neighborhood since '95; Mary was the pioneer; she hung in there when everything was
shut down, nothing breathing. Before that was a restaurant I heard raves about: Food Among the Flowers. Maybe they don't understand the word pioneer - check out dictionary.com: "pioneer: a person who is among those who first enter or settle a region, thus opening it for
occupation and development by others." I have often referred to Ogbe as the pioneer of the new district. This does not take away anything from Mary, but as much as I love Michael Schwartz, it ain't Mike!

I wish Ogbe and his wife, Felicia, son and sister Godspeed, and we look forward to him finding another location for a Sheba to thrive. And remember, I drive for food!

Last Friday night, I took Cheryl and Jim Berry (CBSNews4 anchor) up on the invitation to go "steppin". The Black and Red Steppers Ball was fantastic. Congratulations to Jim. Everyone in the house had a "steppin'" good time! I am looking forward to next year. My friend Antonia has decided steppin' is going to be her new hobby - you go, girl!

Catch me this Thursday night at Bagua, 4734 NE 2nd Avenue, where I will host an evening of wine and cheese with my friend Milda Vaivada, owner of Bagua. She has fabulous gift items, and my friends Kimesha Wing will have samples of her Taylor Made Cookies and J.O. SweetsnTreats owner, Julie, will have samples of her famous Kanookies. Does that not sound decadent? What's a K'anookie - you have to come and ask Julie. For everyone that tells Milda I sent you, there is a 15% discount, and if you spend $100, the discount is 20%. Hope to see you from 5-8 this Thursday, December 18.

Enjoy your weekend and the season.
Robbie
Robbie
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Upcoming Happenings:

Drop what you’re doin’
Tonight - December 12

Miami – Arsht Center Jazz Roots: Bossa Nova, The First 50 Years
Program honoring the Bossa Nova when it emerged from Brazil on to the international scene made famous by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa and João Gilberto, this performance stars three of bossa nova's major creators and interpreters: guitarist/producer Oscar Castro-Neves, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Ivan Lins and multi-award-winning singer/pianist Eliane Elias. - 305.949.6722 – arshtcenter.org - $45-$125

Miami Beach - The Place - Dinner at 8 - Show at 10 pm - Arturo Sandoval
The hugely anticipated return of Arturo Sandoval to Miami has arrived!! Don't miss this one-night-only performance at the beautiful dinner club, THE PLACE. Enjoy a perfect night of all-new Afro-Cuban Jazz, first-class international cuisine, exceptional service and a gorgeous ambience. 833 SW 29th Avenue. Reservations: 305-642-6994. ThePlaceofMiami.com

North Bay Village - Barchetta on the Bay – 10 pm
4 Play Fridays - Ron Gibbs & Jawan Strade& The Urban Profession Networkr envite you to join the The Distinguished Men of The 100 Black Men of America as they visit South Florida for their National Summit - - 1601 79th St. Causeway

VIP guest list & comp entry before 12 Midnight. 4PlayFriday@bellsouth.net

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The Sound Scene

Dec. 14 - Hollywood - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Kool & the Gang and KC & The Sunshine Band

Dec. 18 - Coral Gables - Biltmore Hotel - 7 & 8 pm
Dine and relax to the wonderful sounds of song stylist Paulette Dozier - 1200 Anastasia

2 nightly performances at the glamorous
Biltmore Hotel's Cascade Restaurant.

Jan. 10 - Davie - South Florida Jazz 17th Anniversary concert series
Eldar Trio – jazz pianist
8 pm – RAMPAC 954.462.0222
southfloridajazz.org - $35

Jan. 14 - Ft. Lauderdale - Broward Center for Performing Arts
A Tribute to Oscar Peterson by pianist Oliver Jones
7:45 pm - Gold Coast Jazz Society - 954.524.0805
Jan. 16 - Miami – Arsht Center Jazz Roots: A Tribute to Machito & Tito Puente
Latin Jazz all-stars celebrate these two great musicians
305.949.6722 – arshtcenter.org - $45-$125

Jan. 22 - Miami –Arsht Center
Wynton Marsalis
305.808.7446, ConcertFla.org

Jan. 23 - Miami –Arsht Center
Temptations & Four Tops
305.808.7446, ConcertFla.org

Jan. 30 - Miami Beach - Fillmore Miami Beach
John Legend, Estelle, Andre 3000, Bandy & Kanye West
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Community Connections

Dec. 14 - Miami - The Links, Inc., Greater Miami Chapter invite you to visit Overtown's Historic St. Agnes' Episcopal Church for a spirited holiday program of classical and jazz styles that will have toes tapping, spirits soaring, and St. Agnes' pipe organ (and you) singing!
Coral Gables Congregational Church (CGCC) Community Arts Program (CAP) Conservatory for the Arts' and its Young Musicians' Junior Orchestra led by Ross DeBardelaben and Advanced Orchestra, conducted by Cristian Graces. - Historic St. Agnes - 1750 NW 3rd Avenue

Dec. 19 - Miami Beach - Table 8 - 6-8 pm And the Women Gather
invites you to a holiday celebration on the verandah with signature cocktails and appetizers hosted by Lorna Owens. RSVP by Dec. 16th at contact@lornaowens.com. 1458 Ocean Drive
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The Arts

Miami -Sale & Exhibit Closing Night - Dec. 13 - Purvis Young - 7-10 pm

meet and chat with Purvis - Exhibit & Sale features works from the 1970s, and new paintings on wood, paper and other found objects - Miami Art Space, 244 NW 35 Street - www.miamiartspace.com
A portion of all sales will benefit the United Negro College Fund and Shake-A-Leg Miami.

Miami - Dec. 18 - Jam at Mam - - Happy hour with an artful twist: 5-8:30 pm
Museum members free; non-members $10.00, a nominal little fee for a whole lotta fun
The Plaza, Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler Street - RSVP - MiamiArtMuseum.org

North Miami through Dec. 21 - M Ensemble presents: Joe Turner's Come and Gone
8 pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday and matinee 3 pm Sunday - M Ensemble's Actors Studio
12320 W. Dixie Highway - 305.895.0335 - themensemble.com.

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Weekly Happenings

Sundays
Ron Gibbs & Jawan Strader present Recoup Sundays
Dec. 7th Theme: Big Boys & Their Toys Hosted by Dennis Rodman
This is a RSVP MUST – call 305.232.3757
Nikki Marina, 3600 So. Ocean Drive, Hollywood

Tuesdays
Miami Lakes - The Alibi Restaurant & Martini Bar – 8:30 pm
The Band with No Name
7357 Miami Lakes Drive – 305.823.0440

Fridays
Hallendale Beach - Gulfstream Track – Sport of Kings Room - 8 pm – 2 am
Louis Oliver presents: F.A.M.E. (Film, Fashion, Art, Music & Entertainment)
Dinner reservations & bottle service: 954.457.6201
Comp $25 Casino free play – $20 Cover after 10 pm

Hollywood
Sushi Blues – 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm - Poppa E Live – 2009 Harrison St – 954.929.9560


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Things To Do

Join me as I head to Paris in the spring...

"Culture, Cuisine et Josephine"

April 1 - 9, 2009 - 9 days /8 nights in Paris and the Dordogne
Kiss winter goodbye and say "bonjour" to springtime in Paris! Culture, Cuisine and Josephine combines the best of Black Paris with a unique excursion to the Dordorgne (5 hour train ride from Paris) for a private tour of Josephine Baker's former residence, Chateau des Milandes (pictured left). See Black Paris Divas. Join Robbie & her old travel bud, Kat St. Thomas. Call Robbie at 305.528.8557 or write Robbie@GoToRobbieBell.Info
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