VISTA VENTURE
Located north of the Miami Design District, chic compound Upper Buena Vista introduced a more upscale restaurant among its selection of fast-casual dining. Husband and wife Roberto Bearzi and Fiorella Blanco opened Vista, whose industrial, multi-level design boasts a rooftop terrace with views of the residential neighborhood’s thick tree canopy. The menu heavily relies on his Italian heritage but advances classic dishes from their first venture Fratelli Milano in downtown Miami with broader and lighter options like a Farmer’s Choice section for summer farro and grilled peach salads. Florida-friendly produce is widely dispersed from yuzu for calamari fritti to mango chutney and coconut rice for a local snapper entrée to avocado atop toast and daily crudo. A fish sandwich, signature burger, oysters and flatbreads add to its all-day appeal.
5020 NE Second Avenue; 305.405.7547; vistamiamirestaurant.com
MONTCE IN MIAMI
Time’s running out for Fort Lauderdale-based swimwear brand Montce’s pop up in the Miami Design District. Operating through August 27, the lovely vignette features signature suits and coverups as well as pieces from designer Ali Grief’s resort, spring and summer collections for 2018. New bikinis include the athletic-minded Lana with smocking and a sporty, lace-up top; and the Eighties-inspired Paula with twist knots on its bandeau with removable cap sleeves and high-waisted, high-leg bottom. The high-necked Solidad doubles as a sleek bodysuit to pair with jeans. Also shop accessories by other brands like Lack of Color hats, Quay sunglasses and Sunnylife pool floats, all of which hail from Australia. If you can’t visit by then, the full experience is available at her permanent atelier and boutique in Flagler Village.
140 NE 39th Street, Miami; 305.709.5932; 731 NE Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale; 954.440.2522; montce.com
SUMMER SLEEPOVER
Celebrate summer’s last hurrah with the Frost Museum of Science’s final sleepover of the season on August 24. During its Overnight Adventures, kids aged 5 to 17 explore exhibits, conduct experiments and stargaze with a telescope before bedding down in their pajamas. The night’s dinosaur theme features making fossils and a late-night viewing of “Asteroid: Mission Extreme” in the planetarium. Dinner and breakfast are included. The Miami Design District’s Family Day on August 19 is rain or shine thanks to indoor venues. Nite Owl Theater hosts a Children’s Short Film Festival at 12, 2 and 4 p.m., along with arts and crafts based on the stories. ICA, Miami has a bunch of fun activities lined up like interactive storytelling and an art hunt with prizes.
1101 Biscayne Boulevard; 305.434.9600; frostscience.org. 3930 NE Second Avenue, Suite 201. 833.648.3695; niteowltheater.com. 61 NE 41st Street; 305.901.5272; icamiami.org
MORE MEATBALLS
Miami is having an Italian moment. In addition to Vista, Macaluso’s restaurant relocated from its long-time spot in South Beach to South Miami and expanded with Macaluso’s & Co. market. Chef owner Michael D’Andrea won over crowds for dishes from his Staten Island youth, especially his massive meatballs in marinara. His was introduced to the cuisine through his grandparents who immigrated from Sicily and Italy’s Campania region. After dinner, pick up his signature prepared foods, bottled salad dressings, pasta sauces, cannoli and more in the market. Washington D.C. import Sette Osteria also launched here. The casual, date-night place focuses on simple fare, pictured, that fuels busy professionals. Grab a seat at the bar, large patio with planters, or interior setting with an open kitchen and copper hanging lights.
5845 Sunset Drive; 305.604.1811. 2013 NW Second Avenue; 305.576.8282; setteosteria.com
