Friday Night Scene

The Miami night scene is considered one of the hottest in the world. Every so often I go out to research What's Hot and What's Not. It does help to go out VERY late and that is something difficult to do of one has an actual job to attend to the next day.

On Friday night, I headed out to 4 places about 10 PM. My first stop was the Mondrian. Right on the Bay and newly opened, the place was rocking for so early in the evening, many people dining as well. There were some moderately attractive girls. The drinks were very expensive , at $16, but they are big. I stayed longer than planned which meant I was a bit late for my next stop -

Smith and Wollensky. The bar terrace overlooking Government Cut is a regular Friday night pickup scene , but definitley an earlier crowd. By the time I got there, about 12, it was already winding down. The outdoor bar had been closed for about 6 months for remodelling, so I did get a look at that.Next time I'll get there by 9.

Then I went across the bridge and along the River to one of my old Friday night favorites - Big Fish. It had always been a great place to go alone or with a date, for excellent dance music under the stars, with great drinks and an attractive crowd. However, due to travel and cold weather , I had not been there for about 6 months Unfortunatley the place had completley changed. Loud gangsta rap blared from the speakers, a very un-hip weight- challenged crowd was lining up for the privelege of paying $ 20 to get in. Too bad - a great place ruined. I'll give it one more try when I dine there sometime.

My final stop, about 1:30, still quite early - La Bodeguita del Medio on Coral Way. Excellent band playing Salsa Cubano, great crowd and fine cigars. Not a word of English spoken either.

It was an early night by Miami standards for sure, but great for a quick overview.