Stargazing in South Florida on the cheap
For celeb watchers, a recession can put a crimp in the plans. Nobody’s got a half a grand to blow at the Ritz to maybe get a glimpse of a bikini-clad someone-or-other by the pool.
Now for the good news: Affordable ways to see the rich and famous do exist. Because no matter how many paparazzi are after you, it sometimes becomes necessary to suck down a late-night slice, score a caffeinated pick-me-up or cure a hangover at a greasy spoon.
Here are some spots where you can get some star-worthy satisfaction as well as a snap with your cellphone camera. Just, please, don’t tell them we sent ya.
B.E.D., 929 Washington Ave., Miami Beach: Hanging out between the sheets here is practically a rite of passage. It’s one of the only spots in town where you can say you actually almost slept with such B-listers as Kristin Cavallari, Nick Cannon, Paris Hilton, T.I. and Rock of Love’s Daisy de la Hoya.
Big Pink, 157 Collins Ave., Miami Beach: This SoFi cutie reels ‘em in with a great menu of big salads, overflowing sammies and fab burgers. The best part for celebs with kids in tow like Matt Damon and the Estefans: They don’t mind the spills. The Williams sisters have been known to load up on a stack of banana pancakes before a big match here.
Carpaccio, 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour: When famous fashionistas have shot their wallet wad at Bal Harbour Shops, they high-heel it over to this bustling, moderately priced Italian bistro. Halle Berry, Janet Jackson and Brooke Shields have all mangia-ed there. Probably on salad.
Checkers, 1650 Biscayne Blvd., Miami: Known as the place Cameron Diaz picked up a few burgers in There’s Something About Mary, this drive-through hut is Miami’s answer to In-N-Out Burger. After a hip-hopping night out, rappers and the ladies who love them happily dodge panhandlers to get their grills around a Big Buford.
Macaluso’s: 1747 Alton Rd., Miami Beach: Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall, this market-meets-resto rakes ‘em in with authentic Italian cuisine and a cool no-menu policy. Among the pics on the Wall of Fame: Howard Stern, Billy Joel, Sean Combs and Ryan Seacrest. Stars even cook in the kitchen — company policy.
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, 130 NE 40th St., Miami: Ever since Marley & Me costars Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson and Eric Dane invaded this Design District eatery, Michael Schwartz’s actually affordable gem has had Hollywood’s attention. Any given day, you can spy power lunchers mingling with Michael Caine, A-list chef Wolfgang Puck and Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan.
Mondongo’s, 3500 NW 87th Ave., Doral: If Shakira’s hips could talk they’d tell how often they’ve frequented this Colombian restaurant, named after the hearty LatAm soup. Fellow countryman Juanes has also gone west for this bustling joint.
News Cafe, 800 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach: You’re bound to spy a few baseball hats and giant sunglasses at this decade-old hipster magnet, once a glorified kiosk. Any time of day or night — it’s open 24/7 — eagle eyes can spot incognito celebs sipping a latte ( Katie Couric) or catching up on the latest Rolling Stone ( Jon Bon Jovi).
Pizza Rustica, 863 Washington Ave., Miami Beach: They don’t want to admit it, but bold-faced names like Jamie Foxx and Sean Combs flock to this dodgy stand for their amazing slabs dripping with cheese and other artery cloggers. Big with post-club scenesters, this is the original Rustica, with outposts now all over the country.
Puerto Sagua, 700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach: When J.Lo wants to be just Jenny from the Block she parks it at this no-frills Cuban institution. It’s also where Julia Roberts made one of her first public appearances with now-husband Danny Moder, back in 2002. They nursed a hangover with Puerto’s signature chicken soup. How . . . romantic?
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood: This gambler’s oasis brings out the maaahvelous en masse. Though it has suffered some infamy (Anna Nicole Smith died here in 2007) this Broward outpost hosts its share of funseekers — Carmen Electra, most of the Sopranos cast and ex Dancing Dolphin Jason Taylor.
Starbucks, 416 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach: Candid shots of stars in the tabs inevitably have them clutching that telltale white cup with beige wrapper. Many of those pics are taken of them exiting this very Starbucks — e.g., Lindsay Lohan, Renée Zellweger, Carly Simon. Order a triple-shot venti and wait a while.
Sublime, 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale: Conscientious celebs flock here for the guilt-free organic, vegetarian grub. We’re talking Pamela Anderson,Alicia Silverstone, Florence Henderson and Bob Barker. If you want an autograph, wear faux fur and don’t mention your trip to Checkers.
Versailles, 3555 SW Eighth St., Miami: This Calle Ocho mainstay has packed in more politicians than the Republican and Democratic conventions combined. Bill Clinton was said to have enjoyed the tostones; John McCain downed a few cafecitos while searching out the table where Ronald Reagan once dined.
The original source of this article can be found at:
www.miamiherald.com / Mon, Oct. 20, 2008
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