Miami Conquistador

Art Basel - A Retrospective

2011-11-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

Miami Conquistador has attended every Art Basel Miami Beach since it began in 2002. In the weeks leading up to Art Basel 2011, will begin a retrospective of years past. Above, is a painting from 2006.

WorldView 2006.

Botero 2006.

Night Parties - Decadence at the Delano 2006.

2007

2008

Haring 2008

Fat Drunk Tourist 2008

Burma 2009

Realistic 2010

China Old And New 2010

2010

Art Basel 2011 , beginning on December 1st, will be the most spectacular ever. Miami Conquistador will be first on the scene, with up to date hourly reports.

Roger Sanchez/ Junior Sanchez @ The W !

2011-03-29T12:18:00.002-04:00

Roger Sanchez rips it in this incredible version of Together at a private party hosted by Belvedere Vodka at the W Hotel in Miami Beach on March 25,2011.The party was around the exclusive private pool area - though a few Spring Breakers managed to sneak in. Hundreds of thousands of people were in town to rave at the 3 day Ultra Music Festival. Be sure to watch the video in 1080p for maximum quality.

Afterwards, Junior Sanchez takes over. Be sure to watch the video in 1080p for maximum quality.

On Saturday, after battling monster traffic jams ,Miami Conquistador returned to the W to catch Ruckus on stage.

The Party scene lasted until dark. Belvedere Vodka provided delicious refreshments. At that point Miami Conquistador moved on to a high rise parry over looking Ultra itself. Pictures to follow.

Live - Belvedere Music @ The W Miami Beach

2011-03-25T14:21:00.004-04:00

LIVE RIGHT NOW ON SIRIUS 38

STAGE

POOL

GEORGE ACOSTA

Nikki Beach Right Now !

2011-03-10T18:40:00.003-05:00

The storms early this afternoon did not stop the Spring Break and Ultra-Hip crowds from coming to Nikki Beach today. The Electric Beach party is in full effect until 5 AM.

As the weather improves, the party will spill out onto the sands.

Blomor is In The House !

This is a 24/7 Party Crowd ! Come Join !

WMC 2011

2011-03-10T12:12:00.001-05:00

Once again the Winter Music Conference has come to Miami Beach. It started Wednesday and goes through the weekend.This year it's about 3 weeks earlier than in recent years and will not coincide with Ultra. Ultra is on the last weekend of the month.

Miami Conquistador will be covering several major events - beginning This Afternoon :

TICKETS

On Saturday Night :

RSVP

And Late Late Saturday Night Into Sunday Morning :

TICKETS

Art Basel - 2010 - Grand Opening !

2010-12-01T09:44:00.001-05:00

Photos ByAmy Stefanou , Arts and Entertainment Editor

Art Basel officially opens tomorrow, but Miami Conquistador will be on the scene this evening to preview the latest and greatest on the world art market. This year, with the economy already looking up ( Miami is always ahead of the curve ) , the art and social scene will heat up to levels of years past, much more so than last year's more subdued environment.

Miami Conquistador will update hourly beginning this evening, so stay tuned !

2010-11-04T13:18:00.000-04:00

Miami Beach is getting ready for Art Basel , just four weeks away !

Tickets are $36 daily, 60 for 2 days, $75unlimited. Children under 16 free when accompanies by an adult.

Sailing Biscayne Bay

2010-11-04T13:06:00.002-04:00

On 10-10-10 we are sailing the Dart 16 off Coconut Grove,Miami ! Underwater video of the bottom of Biscayne Bay also.

High Speed Rollerblade Rickenbacker Causeway 10-10-10

2010-11-04T13:01:00.000-04:00

10-10-10 was an action packed day. Here is firsthand high-speed, high-definition footage of Rollerblading down the Key Biscayne Bridge at 30 mph !

Beauty On The Beach - Women's Polo 2010

2010-04-23T14:44:00.008-04:00

Miami Beach Polo 2010 kicked off yesterday morning with Miami Beach Women's Polo. The real Superstars were the Polo Girls, based in Wellington - also travelling in from Pittsburg, Dallas, San Diego and Vero Beach.

The matches get off to a fast start, but quickly get bogged down in the soft sand.

Over the last few days Miami Conquistador has gotten to know the Polo Girls. First at a photo shoot in Wellington ( see earlier post) practice in Wellington and pre-parties at the Raleigh and on Lincoln Road Wednesday night. Finally we got to enjoy yesterday's thrilling action.

Wednesday night at The Raleigh - Team Fiji - Julia Charquero to the right.

Wednesday night at The Raleigh - Kata Gannon and Katherine.

Non-Stop Action !

Miss Miami Beach !

Hard Slogging. Beach polo is a lot different than playing on a grassy field. The ball sometimes gets lost in the sand.

The competition is fierce.

Julia Charquero and Libby Scripps are interviewed.

Excellent horsemanship is required to score .

Face-Off !

Fogo do Chao prepares an excellent Brazilian lunch.

AMG South Beach Women's Polo Cup - Tomorrow !

2010-04-21T17:00:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow morning the first tournaments of Miami Beach Polo will take place on the beach in fron tof the Setai.. Day One is the most scenic - the AMG South Beach Women¹s Polo Cup. The most prominent teams are from the Polo Girls - a group of top players from Wellington - ( Polo capital of the USA) , just west of Palm Beach. Their incredible story will be told in later posts.

Tomorrow's schedule is as follows :

Bracket II

11:00 AM Fiji/Baptist Health vs. The W

11:45 AM Panama Jack vs. Bombay Sapphire/Grey Goose

Bracket I

12:30 PM AMG vs. Kahuna/Merchant Hub

1:15 PM Morgan Stanley vs. Hublot

Bracket II

2:00 PM Consolation Finals

2:45 PM FINALS Bracket II

Bracket I

3:30 PM Consolation Finals

4:15 PM FINALS Bracket I

5:00 PM TROPHY PRESENTATION

Miami Conquistador will be covering all the Miami Beach Polo events throughout the weekend.

ULTRA Recap - 100,000 in Attendance !

2010-04-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

Ultra 2010 - Sold out this year - with over 100,000 people in attendance ! Below - the highlights !

Ultra 2010 - GoLive Miami Interviews Top Stars !

2010-04-18T22:59:00.000-04:00

GoLive Miami interviews the Top Stars of Winter Music Conference and Ultra 2010 ! Individualized interviews coming soon !

Ultra Day One !

2010-04-18T22:51:00.001-04:00

Saturday - Ultra -2010

2010-04-18T22:42:00.000-04:00

Day 2 started out in a relaxing way - it was an incredibly beautiful beach day !

Pricey Parking @ Ultra

2010-04-18T22:38:00.000-04:00

Entrepreneurial Parking Lot Owners took full advantage of Ultra patrons to park 2 blocks away. Miami Conquistador knows of a secret free spot about 5 blocks away.

Carl Cox

2010-04-18T22:22:00.000-04:00

As always - the Master DJ - Carl Cox - totally rocks the house at Ultra 2010. His show goes on for hours and never misses a beat - Perhaps - The Best DJ ?

Paul Oakenfold

2010-04-18T22:10:00.000-04:00

One of the last and greatest acts of the evening was Paul Oakenfold - a true Master of Mixes. Stage access was restricted, so Miami COnquistador only managed this relatively close shot from below.

After Ultra - Paul Van Dyk @ Space

2010-04-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

After Ultra - Miami Conquistador walked the short distance from the venue to Space - Miami's largest and latest nightclub - on the weekends the club stays open until 2 in the afternoon ! We stayed only through Paul Van Dyk's session ( about 4 :30 AM) . It was fantastic !

Mynt - Miami Madness !

2010-04-18T21:56:00.001-04:00

Around 11 PM on Wednesday night the Global Underground Party got underway. The world's rockingest DJ's were well represented. Also represented were some of Miami's finest dancers who displayed their talents amply !.

Stan Kolev spun steady beats from 11 till 1, followed by the complete Global Underground lineup right though till 6 AM.

Nikki Beach Wednesday 3/24

2010-04-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

Wednesday kicked off the Winter Music Conference. Nikki Beach started out with an Extravaganza that lasted 18 hours - from 11 AM till 5 AM the next morning.

Ultra 2010 !

2010-03-26T20:32:00.010-04:00

Miami Conquistador was on the scene at the opening of Ultra 2010 this afternoon. We have a lot more coming up later this weekend, including interviews with some of the main stars !

The MPD have a better view than the VIP !

Early in the Party Game !

Today/Tonight Main Stage Lineup.

Under the Spore - Tripster Talk.

Were these fashions on the runway last fall ?

Brave New City - MIAMI !

1980 meets 2010 !

Nikki and Mynt - WMC Kicks Off !

2010-03-24T17:43:00.004-04:00

I am headed to Miami Beach right now. First to Flying Circus at Nikki Beach. ( See below.) Then perhaps a nice big steak at Novecento for some energy. Then Mynt ( See Below) for Global Underground - in my opinion the best party of the year !

Winter Music Conference Events

2010-03-17T14:08:00.003-04:00

Next week begins the Winter Music Conference - winding up the week with the Ultra Music Festival on Friday and Saturday. WMC and Ultra together create one of the top techno/dance venues in the world - and without question - the best in the USA.

Buy tickets HERE. We recommend the VIP tickets - private viewing platforms,no lines, and top-shelf bars.

The posts below highlight just SOME of the hundreds of events happening around Miami Beach. Miami Conquistador will be covering most of them. In addition we will provide live updates from Ultra - onstage and below stage shots as they happen.

Before the show we will be interviewing The Crystal Method and Infected Mushroom - with video featured by GoLive Miami !

WMC - Kickoff Extravaganza @ Nikki

2010-03-17T13:31:00.005-04:00

For those of you on Spring Break, or if you are just taking off the week to enjoy the the Winter Music Conference and the Ultra Music Festival - there's an all day/all night party on Wednesday the 24th at Nikki Beach , from Noon till 5 AM. 70 Performers over 15 hours! As you dance and drink under the sun and the moon and the stars - you can always cool off for a dip in the Atlantic Ocean - only a few yards away. Tickets, $25, are available HERE.

WMC @ MYNT

2010-03-17T12:39:00.006-04:00

Mynt - the hottest venue in Miami Clubland will rock all week during the Winter Music Conference. On Wednesday night, Global Underground - highlighting Darren Emerson, Wally Lopez, Sultan and Stan Kolev - will spin from Midnight till 6 AM.

On Saturday night, after Ultra,head back out to the Beach to continue jamming all night to Chris Lake, DJ Rap, Yves LaRock, Stonebridge, David Vendetta and Luciana .

Here's a hint to get into Mynt- look HOT ! Guys - bringing 2 girlfriends with you will greatly improve your chances.

WMC- Sunday @ Nikki

2010-03-17T09:57:00.004-04:00

On Sunday - the Grand Finale for the nonstop party people - HedKandi presents another All-Star DJ lineup at Nikki Beach. Tickets HERE. General Admission is $20 , $350 gets lounge chairs/ Table for 2 with a bottle.

31 DAYS TILL ULTRA !

2010-02-23T13:44:00.003-05:00

Ultra - the top techno fest in the United States ( and perhaps, the World) returns to Miami on March 26th and 27th. The world's top electronic musicians - Deadmau5, Tiesto,Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox and John Digweed, amongst many others will perform in stand alone and simultaneous shows over the two night,and all day Saturday time frame. The VIP tickets are well worth it, you are up above the crowd, with access to premium bars. Over the next few weeks we will have constant updates on the lineup and the entire Winter Music Conference venue. Once again, Miami Conquistador will be live on the scene at Ultra with all access on stage,behind the scenes and from the top clubs in Miami late in the night.

Art Basel - First Look

2009-12-02T10:56:00.008-05:00

At 10 AM Press was allowed in the show. Then we were informed that we had to wait until 12.

I managed to get a couple of shots - first on the web ! More later.

Art Basel 2009. Miami Conquistador - First on the scene!

High Speed Rollerblading

2009-11-18T17:35:00.002-05:00

Daredevil blader Blaine Zuver, CEO of http://www.arctictropic.com and Director of http://miamiconquistador.blogspot.com travels at lightning speed down the Key Biscayne Bridge - covering a mile in 94 seconds.

Wings Over Homestead !

2009-11-10T11:50:00.001-05:00

Coral Gables photographer Ernesto Fabre shot this great video of the Thunderbirds at Wings Over Homestead at Homestead Air Force Base in South Florida this past Sunday.

Homestead Air Force Base put on the first air show in nearly 20 years, since Hurricane Andrew destroyed the base in 1992. This video was also taken by Ernesto Fabre.

Underwater Mountain Biking

2009-11-10T11:44:00.003-05:00

Miami does not have mountains , but it does have bike trails that are submerged at high tide. About a month ago, I was riding in Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables . The temperature was 96, with equal humidity. A few fish were jumping around my bike as I slogged through.

French Tuesdays

2009-11-10T11:04:00.006-05:00

French Tuesdays is an event held by and for the Francophone Communities in Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Though it helps to speak French, other hip and cool people can be invited as well. Above is Jeile Marie, Co-Producer/Talent of GoLive Miami. Throughout the upcoming season Miami Conquistador will link to many of GoLive's On-The-Scene coverage of the most happening events on the Miami Scene.

Here's a typical French Tuesday scene - at Tantra in September. FT is every two weeks and is in a different venue each time, including the Mondrian, Setai, Mokai and Epic.

A Familiar Sight for Miamians On-The-Go

2009-11-10T10:34:00.005-05:00

A common sight for Miamians on-the go. Here, I am taking off on one of my many trips to NYC. The 7 AM Continental flight is the best.

Fresh Fish - It's What's For Dinner In Miami

2009-11-10T10:14:00.005-05:00

Every few days I go out to Key Biscayne to buy fresh fish right off the boat. I have not set foot in a fish market in years. Though Miami is near some of the best tropical fishing anywhere, fish in the markets comes from far away - Peru, Brazil,El Salvador - and is often several days old by the time you buy it. This Dolphin was caught about 8 hours before it wound up on the grill.

A few nights later - Mangrove Snapper.

A hungry Siamese is ready for his dinner !

Trouble in Honduras

2009-07-02T10:09:00.006-04:00

Miami Conquistador is closely watching the situation in Honduras, where President Zelaya, an apparent Chavista, was trying to rig an election designed to extend his term indefinitely, much as his masters in Caracas and Havana have done. While it is unfortunate that a military coup had to take place, it is hoped that new elections will be held soon. Read La Prensa from San Pedro Sula to get an idea of what is happening on the ground.

This is a great cartoon from La Prensa showing the situation as it was, before the military removal.

Lion Fish in Biscayne Bay

2009-07-02T09:23:00.004-04:00

About two weeks ago, divers in Biscayne Bay near Elliot Key found the first Lionfish in Biscayne Bay. It had been long expected, as these toxic Australian invaders are already common in the Bahamas, on wrecks off Ft.Lauderdale and even as far North as the Carolinas.

In February, my son found these odd creatures swimming about 100 yards off South Beach. Perhaps these are lionfish hatchlings ?

Up North

2009-07-02T09:09:00.003-04:00

I am traveling in the Northeast throughout the month of July. I just arrived in New Jersey after a 1300 mile , 18 hour drive from Miami. I'll also be in New York, Massachusetts and Maine. Nevertheless I am always virtually in Miami, so updates will be forthcoming. Again, we invite new bloggers to post on anything they wish - having to do with Miami and Latin America. Please comment below if you are interested.

Right NOW in Argentina !

2009-06-25T12:08:00.005-04:00

As Miami soaks in heat and humidity, it's nice to know that one can hop a plane and be skiing down the Andean slopes by lunchtime the next day. This webcam shot ( 10 minutes ago) is from Las Leñas , about 3 hours south of Mendoza,Argentina. To get there , take LAN overnight to Santiago,Chile, take a 45 minute connector flight to Mendoza, then rent a car The ski area has everything you need, including rentals.

El Pincho Man serves up a late-night meal

2009-06-22T13:19:00.002-04:00

This weekend was the second time I went to El Pincho Man for a 2 a.m. snack.

El Pincho Man is a Cuban man who bought a small truck and built a kitchen inside of it. He drives out to a warehouse parking lot in Miami Lakes, parks and waits for his clientele. What once consisted of late night club-goers, his clientele has now expanded to include a range from families with their kids to couples with dogs.

El Pincho Man used to be in Downtown Miami until he was told to find another place to park. The problem is that some of his customers throw their trash on the floor, despite the numerous trash cans he sets up, and he gets in trouble for littering.

You'll know you're in the right Miami Lakes warehouse complex when you spot about 30 cars parked (including tow trucks; hey, the drivers have to eat, too) and people setting up a camp site with chairs and tables, people sitting on top of their cars and two long lines stemming from a white truck.

Patrons line up at the back of the open truck to place their order (everything costs $5): Off the Chain Burger, a cheeseburger with the special and super-secret Pincho sauce and Cuban fries; a Sammy Dog, a hot dog with Pincho sauce and Cuban fries; and a chicken or steak pincho in a hot dog bun with Pincho sauce and Cuban fries.

After placing your order, you stand in the line that extends from a window on the side of the truck to await your food and pay... cash only.

With your delicious food in hand, you can either sit in your car, on top of your car or stand to enjoy your meal.

For the Pincho Man fanatics, you can even buy a shirt or sticker that reads "I love Pincho Man."

Most of all, eating at El Pincho Man is an experience: it's the Fast and the Furious-like collection of cars mixed in with the construction workers' wait at the Lonchero truck.

El Pincho Man is up and running Friday and Saturday nights from 11 p.m. to about 4 a.m.

In The Neighborhood – Caracas

2009-06-18T17:41:00.010-04:00

The flight from Miami to Caracas is only a little over two hours, less time than it takes to get to New York. A few years ago there were 15 flights a day to Caracas. Now there are very few,due to the political situation - therefore prices have risen tremendously. Above is the road that leads from the seaport of La Guiara and the Airport to Caracas, about 45 minutes away up in the Caribbean spur of the Andes.

In one of the many old sections of the city.

Ancient tank guarding against Yanqui Invasion. I stayed at an Armed Forces Hotel, the Circulo Militar . The rooms were spartan but the pool was beautiful and the price was right - at $ 30 a night. By night we lounged at the Officers Club where we argued politics with the Colonels over copious amounts of Ron Pampero. As I arrived at the hotel on the first day, I saw El Commandante - Hugo Chavez leaving , as he had just given a speech.

The climate is mild, about 80 in the day and 65 at night - year round.

Memorials to battles past.

El Liberatador !

Miami Loses Top Spot in Road Rage !

2009-06-16T22:34:00.004-04:00

After 4 consecutive years of being honored as the city with the most aggressive drivers, Miami has lost the honor to New York. According to FOX News , New York overtook Miami in a poll, that is not actually proven by numbers. Miami's combination of transplanted New Yorkers and Latins , a culture of lawlessness , congested highways, 3 seconds for left turn arrows, smashups worthy of the movies and ESPECIALLY -slow drivers in the passing lane - all combine to have made us Number 1 for so long. New York's rage is more due to incessant traffic jams and almost total lack of parking in Midtown. Now that we are Number 2 again - Miami will try harder, to snatch back the title from New York.

South Beach Storm Pix

2009-06-09T16:01:00.006-04:00

Last Friday's torrential downpour in South Beach dropped nine inches of rain in two hours , along with golfball-sized hail, causing millions of dollars worth of damage.

These pictures were taken by Luca Ciarrocca , CEO of Wall Street Italia.

Electricity was out in many areas the entire night.

Tornado Driving !

2009-05-28T09:05:00.004-04:00

On Tuesday afternoon, as I returned from a brief trip to the Gulf Coast - a huge storm struck on I-75 just north of Hialeah. There had been reports of a funnel cloud in the area. Driving about 40 mph through the deluge, my car felt as if it were being pushed sideways. If the funnel cloud had touched the ground, those tractor trailers would have been flipped over, so I am estimating it was a few hundred feet above the highway.

Tsunami Warning in the Caribbean !

2009-05-28T08:54:00.002-04:00

At 3:28 this morning, Miami time, a massive earthquake rumbled below the Caribbean - between Honduras, Belize and Guatemala. The magnitude has been reported between 7.1 and 7.4. Damage is considerable in Honduras and Belize, with power outages right up to the Mexican border at Chetumal. A Tsunami Alert has been issued for all countries bordering the Caribbean Sea.

The earthquake was only a few hundred miles from Miami. It's a reminder that we are not immune to quakes or tsunamis - in September, 2006 a 6.0 quake in the Gulf of Mexico rattled western Florida,was felt in parts of Dade County and prompted a Tsunami Alert for the entire Gulf Coast.

In The Neighborhood – San Pedro Sula, Honduras

2009-05-20T17:45:00.009-04:00

Miami Conquistador considers Miami the cultural and commercial center of a big neighborhood – Latin America and the Caribbean. In a periodic series, we will explore different sections of the neighborhood. We also welcome other submissions from fellow travelers within the region.

Miami is the transportation hub for much of Latin America – with over 1500 flights weekly from MIA. Indeed it is sometimes easier to connect through MIA when flying from one country to another – Honduras to Brazil for example.

In November ,2006 I went on a State of Florida Trade Mission with Enterprise Florida to San Pedro Sula , Honduras. We were there for two days to meet with potential buyers of US goods and local manufacturers of maquiladora products.

The small city is the commercial capital for Honduras . ( Government is in Tegucigalpa ) Even with many US franchises, it has a remote feel to it.

Workers are plentiful, hard working and economical. This furniture factory exports directly to the Design District.

On patrol against the Maras. The MS-13 gang has wreaked havoc in Central America and extends into the USA.

Beautiful, totally undeveloped Caribbean beaches are only 20 miles away by unpaved road.

Overall Honduras has a LOT of potential in both business and tourism. The security situation has improved on the mainland - ensuring safe delivery of goods. Jungles, muntains ,rivers and beaches provide opportunity for adventure and ecotourism. Already, the Bay Islands - off the coast - are bringing in lots of tourist revenue ( great diving and snorkeling).

Rainy Season Arrives With A Bang !

2009-05-18T23:27:00.006-04:00

Months of baking ,bone dry weather came to an end today with the onset of a cold front from the north and a tropical wave from the south. More rain has fallen in the last four hours than all of 2009 to date. Some funnel clouds were spotted over western Dade. There is even a small chance of a tropical storm later this week.

A view of my pool during the deluge. Water rationing will likely be modified in many areas if the downpours continue through the week, as forecast.

Brickell By Night

2009-05-11T00:52:00.004-04:00

From the ninth floor restaurant at the beautiful new Epic Hotel, located on Brickell and the Miami River, I took this shot on Friday night.

View of the Epic Tower.

Smashup of The Day

2009-05-08T21:29:00.003-04:00

I drove over 100 miles today and never left Miami. Just a typical driving day here - office in Miami Beach, home in Coral Gables, school just west of Doral. During that time I saw no less than 6 or 7 major accidents - again - typical in a Miami day. However, this was the best one - on a side street off Granada in Coral Gables , where the speed limit is 25. This car had to be doing 60 or more ! Mercedes parts are extremely expensive - perhaps the insurance company will "total" the vehicle.

I am thinking of starting a "Smashup of the Day " entry here on Miami Conquistador. Readers can submit their own photos and the best will be chosen for the day. The winner of the week could receive a dinner prize. Please comment below if you are interested in taking part. If you drive in Miami you are guaranteed accident viewings almost every day - some worthy of the movies.

Big Panic Over 3 Cases of Flu in Miami

2009-05-04T22:09:00.004-04:00

With everyone from news reporters to the Vice President himself creating the Panic of the Century ( or at least the biggest panic since SARS ) it is no wonder that 2 MDC schools in Doral have shut down. According to the Miami Herald -

"In Miami-Dade, students from Doral Academy Charter Middle School and High School started their first day out of school. Officials closed those schools after three probable flu cases were confirmed in the area.

In Dade, health officials on Sunday said a 13-year-old girl who is an eighth-grader at Doral middle school has a ''probable'' case of the flu, and closed the schools in what they called ``an overabundance of caution.''

That's For Sure !

Flu season is just starting in the Southern Hemisphere, as winter approaches. Miami is the gateway to the Southern Hemisphere for the Western Hemisphere. It is quite probable that we could see a few more cases here this summer - but a viral spread is unlikely due to our extreme heat. By the time Northern Winter begins, there will be a vaccine.

It is best to use common sense. Remember - elected officials have to justify their existence by pretending to know more than we do - and TV News has to do anything to get their ratings up - since most people get their news from the web now.

Miami's Hidden Secrets

2009-05-02T15:51:00.008-04:00

I had dinner at Lime Fresh in Midtown Wednesday night and as I walked to my car, I spotted the strangest convenience store, of sorts, right across the street from the restaurant.

It was an empty store front with three vending machines just four steps from the front door. It was midnight and Gilly's Snack Shack's door was unlocked.

I wonder what time it closes, if it ever does, but I thought it was pretty cute and convenient. If you're walking down the street and suddenly get thirsty, crave a snack or want some ice cream to cool off, Gilly's Snack Shack may be just what you were looking for.

For more from Agustina Prigoshin, read her blog at www.agustinaprigoshin.com

Opa-Locka

2009-05-02T10:07:00.007-04:00

Las t December I was driving through northern Miami and turned off NW 27th Avenue to visit Opa Locka. According to Wikipedia : "Opa-locka was founded by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss in 1926. Curtiss originally called the city Opa-tisha-woka-locka ( the high land north of the little river), but quickly shortened the name to Opa-locka. Curtiss developed the city with a Moorish architecture theme. While the 1926 Miami hurricane badly damaged the city and brought the Florida land boom to a halt, the surviving Moorish-style buildings continue to give Opa-locka a unique look. Opa-locka will alway be considered The "Great" City."

The City Hall, straight out of the Arabian Nights.

What caliber ?

Gates of the Kasbah.

A well-meaning , but Un - Constitutional sign.

New York QuickTrip

2009-05-01T11:46:00.006-04:00

Every six weeks , I have to fly to New York for business. It's my hometown - I was born and raised there. Though I've lived in Miami for six years, I am very closely tied with NYC as well. New York is so close by air - really a commuter flight of about 2.5 hours max.

Last weekend and early this week, bought the first summer blast - the temperature was 92 degrees - hotter than Miami !

Sunset over Jersey City.

Sheep Meadow last Sunday afternoon - thousands of happy apartment dwellers in the sunshine,after months of cold and darkness.

The quickest way from Miami to NYC is to take the 6:30 AM Continental flight from MIA - getting into Newark by 9:15. From the airport you can take an NJ Transit train that will get you into Penn Station in about 20 minutes. Then hop the subway anywhere in town.

Miami Conquistador is Looking For More Bloggers

2009-04-27T17:34:00.005-04:00

Miami Conquistador is looking for several more bloggers. You can blog on anything you like , having to do with Miami, or its' sphere of influence - The Caribbean, Central or South America. Business, travel, sports, entertainment, news topics ,nightlife - anything that would be of great interest to our rapidly growing readership

Although we cannot pay you right now, you can promote yourself or your business interests with links from your posts.

To get signed up, please comment below and we will send you the necessary information.

Sports-Filled Weekend

2009-04-27T00:10:00.008-04:00

Nothing makes me smile on Sundays more than spending a weekend at sporting events.

Friday night, I cheered on as Miami's professional soccer team, Miami FC, played their second game of the season against Montreal Impact and won 2-1.

It was Miami FC's very first time playing at FIU stadium and they dominated; despite two injuries that required the player's be taken off the field by paramedics. They recovered quickly and were meeting and greeting at the autograph session after the game.

By the way, did you know that "soccer" is an English slang abbreviation of "association"?

From soccer to wake boarding and skateboarding.

Saturday morning was the third annual Board Up Miami, a pro wake boarding competition off the coast of Key Biscayne. Spectators sat along the beach and watched as the boats tugged the trick-filled wake boarders or stood around a makeshift half pipe and stairs with railings to watch the skateboarders and bmxers perform outrageous tricks. Performers such as Kyle Crossland and Araka performed throughout the event.

All in all, it was a very fun and entertaining weekend.

For more from Agustina Prigoshin, read her blog at www.agustinaprigoshin.com

In New York Today

2009-04-25T19:26:00.002-04:00

I'm in New York for a few days. Today it was hotter than Miami - nearly 90 degrees! New Yorkers are happy - they have endured six months of cold, rain and snow, waiting for a day like this !

New Contributor/Blogger

2009-04-24T16:49:00.006-04:00

Wanted to take a moment to say hello to all our readers and introduce myself.

My name is Agustina and I'm excited to announce that I will be contributing to this already excellent blog.

I was born in Argentina and raised in Miami; I couldn't have picked a better city to grow up in.

In college, I started writing for the school newspaper and one of my first assignments was to write about things to do off campus. That's where I fell in love with Miami and everything it has to offer. Since then, I've worked for various newspapers and magazines, always trying to cover the fun, important and memorable events this beautiful city has hosted.

Always seeking the next big challenge, I moved from journalism to public relations and then to entrepreneurship, all while practicing and perfecting my favorite craft: writing.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences with everyone, as well as hearing your opinions.

This is bound to be a fun journey!

For more from Agustina Prigoshin, read her blog at www.agustinaprigoshin.com

Cuba Travel & Trade - Not So Fast ?

2009-04-22T11:24:00.003-04:00

According to El Commandante's diatribe in this morning's edition of Granma, no concessions will be made to the US in turn for dropping the trade embargo and travel ban on US citizens without relatives in Cuba. He claims that President Obama misunderstood his brother Raul , that no political prisoners will be released because there aren't any - and finally - that 20% skimming on remittances will continue. It may be a while longer till the Key West - Havana ferries start running.

Two Tailed Lizard

2009-04-22T11:21:00.001-04:00

We seem to be finding some rare and freakish animals lately. The other night my son found this two tailed lizard running around the house.

Stone Age Antiques

2009-04-20T21:50:00.001-04:00

Next time you’re out at the airport picking someone up - take a ride east of the rental car lots - to the road along the Miami River. You will find Stone Age Antiques across from where the old freighters dock. Inside and out - there are tens of thousands of old and bizarre items for sale. Antiques,chakchis, bric-a-brac, junk,old signs,100 year old diving equipment,toys, medals,shipwreck salvage and treasure - you name it - they have it.

Trinidad - OAS Talks Begin

2009-04-17T11:49:00.003-04:00

The Organization of American States Summit is being held in Trinidad and Tobago over the next few days. The Summit may not be as confrontational as the Trinidadian newspaper headline suggests above. In fact it may be a way to jump start the notion of a unified trading bloc stretching from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego - a modified version of the FTAA that Miami has been working hard to secure since 1994.

Cuba - Here We Come !

2009-04-14T14:20:00.005-04:00

Yesterday President Obama dropped some restrictions for Cuban -Americans to visit their relatives in Cuba. This is a nice gesture - but unconstitutional. How is it that one group of American citizens has more travel privileges than all the others ? All Americans should be able to travel wherever they want ! Sure to be a hot topic here in Miami! I think many entrepreneurs, regardless of ethnicity will be traveling south to check out business opportunities. It will be a Gold Rush like Eastern Europe in the 1990s - as Miami begins to rebuild Cuba and bring the nation out of its' 1959 time capsule.

This Says It All !

2009-04-13T21:43:00.003-04:00

Usually I keep my distance from these trucks. However, when I saw this sign, I had to make sure I captured it with my phone cam. Very appropriate words in this day and age.

High Speed Seaside Rollerblading at South Point

2009-04-10T16:39:00.004-04:00

South Point Park in SoFi has just reopened after a two year rebuilding project. Included are small hills that are great for rollerblading and skateboarding.

Freighters from the world over ply the waters of Government Cut,adjacent to the Park.

Futuristic towers over South Point.

Miami Sunset Drive - Road Pix.

2009-04-09T02:01:00.005-04:00

My night drive from Miami Beach to Coral Gables over the MacArthur.

Amazingly, I had the fast lane to myself, rather than having to deal with the usual taxi drivers and tourists who dawdle along at 40 mph causing Miamians to swerve around them !

Alligator Alley

2009-04-09T01:44:00.005-04:00

A quick trip to Naples on Monday. These shots are in West Broward about a third of the way from Ft. Lauderdale to Naples.

For the most part one can drive about 90 to 100, but no guarantee that the Micosukee Tribal Police won't pull you over. While the road can get monotonous - it is a lot more interesting than Naples itself - an upscale Midwestern retirement community ! Thankful to live in Miami !

Biltmore Pool

2009-04-03T10:49:00.002-04:00

Almost every morning before sunrise, I swim one mile in the Biltmore Hotel pool. At 247 feet in length , the pool was the largest in the USA until about 10 years ago when some Las Vegas hotels built giant pools with wave generators. One mile is about 24 laps round trip.

Stars About Town

2009-03-31T15:00:00.004-04:00

Last Friday Afternoon atop the Raleigh Hotel in the Sirius Lounge - GoLive Miami interviewed many of the top stars including the Founder of Miami Conquistador.

Old Florida

2009-03-31T14:02:00.010-04:00

After a week of Club Hopping,Model Shows,Ultra and a very crazy
scene in general, it was time to get back to basics. On Sunday, my sons and I took a nice ride around Miami-Dade County. One has to look hard to find Old Florida in Downtown Miami or Miami Beach, but just 20 or 30 miles to the South and West you can still find it. Above, a school bus near Redlands that is used for target practice. The surrounding area is dirt roads and strawberry fields.

We stopped for conch fritters and fresh shrimp at Alabamba Jacks's on Card Sound Road.On Sundays there is live Country Western and sqaure dancing.

About 100 yards away are some houseboats selling blue crab. The harvest is a little slow this year due to cold and drought.

They make a great meal - just boil and add spicy Cajun Crab seasoning .

On the way back we turned off Krome Avenue to Chekika , a little-visited area of Everglades National Park. The region is prarie that turns to swamp in rainy season, with a few mangrove hammocks and alligator filled lakes.

Only 30 minutes from Coral Gables in a complete wilderness !

ULTRA - Night Two !

2009-03-30T00:54:00.013-04:00

At Ultra I was up on stage for Carl Cox on Saturday night in the Carl Cox tent ! Is he THE BEST DJ ? In my opinion - YES ! He is also friendly to reporters and photographers - unlike some of the main stage acts. The crowd was cranking !

Cranking !

The Master @ Work !

The BEST DJ !

The Main Stage Act was The Prodigy, returning to Ultra for the first time since 2006.

Ravers !

Tricked Out !

ULTRA !

2009-03-28T12:18:00.008-04:00

Ultra - The King of All Dance Festivals in the USA ( and World ) ! Words cannot describe it - you have to be there. Think - Electronic Woodstock !

Far Out ! Miami is tops on the Techno Scene !

Wild !

Crazy !

I will be back today and into the night and tomorrow full lineup will be discussed. Not much time to post this morning.

Aboard the Majesty of The Seas

2009-03-28T12:10:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I attended a luncheon for the US Mexico Chamber of Commerce aboard the Majesty of the Seas. These huge ships are floating cities, a destination unto themselves. Many people never even get off the ship when it docks in the Bahamas or the Caribbean - with all the food they can eat and nonstop gambling ,drinking and entertainment they are happy where they are. The ship was docked right across the bay from where I would be a few hours later - Ultra !

Miami Conquistador Launch !

2009-03-27T09:19:00.005-04:00

Welcome to Miami Conquistador - a Blog for All Things Miami ! I'm Blaine Zuver, CEO of ArcticTropic , Publisher of ArcticTropic Blog and once wrote for Miami Metroblogging. I experience and participate in Miami from every angle possible - the power structure, sports, entertainment, education , culture and travel. Enjoy ! Please comment whenever possible. Very soon we will be inviting new bloggers to join us !

Paul Van Dyk @ Raleigh Rooftop

2009-03-27T08:53:00.008-04:00

Yesterday afternoon was the perfect setting for an interview of Paul Van Dyk as he launched some new beats at the Sirius Lounge atop the Raleigh Hotel.Here ,PVD is interviewed by Sirius.

The beautiful pool from above.

PVD and Lainie Copicotto.

Setai Fashion Show

2009-03-27T08:45:00.004-04:00

Between the Sagamore and Mynt parties I managed to take in a fashion show ( brand please?) at the Setai. All part of FunkFashion Week here in Miami.

Wednesday Night @ Mynt

2009-03-27T08:38:00.004-04:00

Mynt is my favorite club and the Global Underground party is one of the best nights of the year there.I left about 4 and it was still packed !

Sagamore Party - GoLive Miami

2009-03-27T08:29:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday afternoon I checked out the party at the " No Sugar Added" at the Sagamore Hotel on Collins - featuring many top and up/coming DJ's. Pictured above is Jeile Marie - Hostess of GoLiveMiami - where there will be extensive coverage. Miami Conquistador will often link to GoLive for extra video coverage of events around Miami.

Winter Music Conference and Ultra

2009-03-27T08:10:00.003-04:00

Over the last few days and all this weekend the Winter Music Conference and Ultra are shaping up the scene all over Miami. WMC is the premier techno and dance music industry gathering in the world. Ultra is the biggest rave dance festival in the USA. While dance and techno are extremely popular in Europe, Australia and South America, Miami is the stronghold for the USA.

Miami Conquistador is authorized for all access - behind the scenes coverage and we will be bringing it to you over the next few days.

Strange Sea Life

2009-03-27T08:03:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago we were swimming at 9th Street in South Beach when my younger son discovered these strange creatures swimming near the sandbar about 100 feet out. We captured them to find out what they were. No one had ever seen anything similar - even charter boat fishermen who are out to sea every day ! Their only clue was the fact that seaweed had floated up from the Sargasso Sea between Brazil and West Africa. Anyone who does know, please comment below.

Enemy Targets

2009-03-27T07:57:00.003-04:00

Recently Belen Jesuit celebrated Tombola , a big Spring festival held every year. There are amusement rides, great food from all over, and games. One of the best was the opportunity to pick off enemies ( of the USA and especially Miami) with paintballs.

Stadium

2009-03-25T20:04:00.004-04:00

Schools are doubling up classes, roads are falling apart - so what does Miami decide to do ? Build a baseball stadium ! On Monday the Miami- Dade Board of Commissioners approved $ 639 million to build the stadium on the site of the old Orange Bowl, with $94 million more to build a garage. County citizens were not permitted to vote for it, probably because it never would have passed. When paid out over 40 years - the price will be more like $2.1 billion, with interest and that's assuming there are no cost overuns . On the plus side there will be plenty of construction jobs for about 3 years and lots of part time hot dog vendor jobs at $8 per hour ( about the price of one hot dog) . For 639 million we could hire 1278 teachers for 10 years at $50,000 a year.

On thing is for certain - the building of the stadium will be sure to be an entertaining and contentious news story over the next several years.

Space Shuttle Launch

2009-03-23T00:41:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday evening , just before sunset we went to the beach for a swim. Unbeknown to us, the Shuttle was launching from Cape Canaveral, 250 miles to the North.

Friday Night Scene

2009-03-23T00:04:00.004-04:00

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.

Miami Conquistador

2009-03-21T14:13:00.001-04:00

At 2:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time On March 21,2009 - this very moment - I am launching Miami Conquistador. My name is Blaine Zuver - many of you know me from Miami Metblogs, ArcticTropic Blog and of course, FaceBook ,Twitter and even in person.

The name Miami Conquistador symbolizes Miami's role as the seat of an empire that stretches from South Florida almost down to Antarctica, with the strongest influence around the entire rim of the Caribbean . This not to say we physically own or occupy these lands and islands, it is our cultural,financial and political influence , that makes Latin America look to Miami - not New York and Washington - for leadership. New York, Washington and California are not aware of our business opportunities. NYC looks to Europe, California to Asia - and Washington to the Middle East.

I will be posting from Latin America and other areas of the world whenever I travel there.

We are a strong city - one of the freest in the USA . Many people escaped from dictatorships to come here, and do not appreciate the smothering influence of the Politically Correct Nanny State becoming so evident in other areas of the USA.

I will be posting a lot on happenings and places in our amazing city - from my perspective. I believe this will be very different from the many Miami blogs out there.

In about a week the launch of Miami Conquistador will be announced on Facebook. I'll be looking for others to join me here - blogging and commenting !