Revelry can turn up in the unlikeliest of places. The streets around the rundown Crystal Plaza may be quiet, but in a dark room inside the shopping center, flashing lights and booming bass assail the senses. People dance. They elbow each other. Strangely no fights break out. That is probably…
A Hero Among Chickens Give that bird a hand: Thanks for running the article on Mr. Clucky (Riptide, “Chicken to Ride,” April 12), South Beach’s luckiest resident. Most of Mr. Clucky’s kind are either ground up alive at birth, incarcerated in battery cages that allow each bird less space than…
Every day people stroll past Casa Casuarina (1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach; 305-672-6604), the former home of slain designer Gianni Versace, and wonder what lies beyond the iron gates and white facade of what is now an exclusive club, spa, and hotel. On a recent weekend night, a hoard of…
He’s No Engelbert Jonesing for a fix: I was absolutely in awe of the article on Tom Jones by Greg Baker, “The Devil in Mr. Jones” (April 12). Some of it is correct, but to say that he is “Engelbert Humperdinck with talent” is sickening and totally wrong. I have…
“What the hell is that?” asked Nadia Mir, looking at her younger, drunker sister with amused disgust. “Coochie popping,” replied Noreen Mir, as her gay male friend danced with his face in her lap and his bottom in the air. This was the scene on a recent Friday night at…
‘Tude and Fro Put away the race card: Regarding Emily Witt’s “Frotesters” (April 5): This is not a racial issue as Barney suggests. Maybe readers should go to each affected employee’s personnel file and see the photo attached from their date of hire. Barney is a liar! They were not…
Every Thursday, in a hidden corner of Aventura, freaky fans of poetry venture to Area 61 (504 NE 190th St, Aventura; 305-652-6480), a converted warehouse decked out as a venue and studio with couches, a stage, a small bar, surround sound, and air conditioning. On a recent Thursday, sharply dressed…
Taking the Bait A reader on the hook: Regarding “Catch of the Year” (March 22) by Lee Klein: Damn, Lee, you did it to me again. I now have to go to that place! By the way, you don’t like The Rusty Pelican? Glenn Suarez South Miami Solid Gold Whitney’s…
Tuesday is no longer the most boring day of the week at Amadeus Bar, in the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove (3300 SW 27th Ave, Coconut Grove; 305-644-4680). Starting at 9:00 p.m. Monica Llobet gives dance lessons ($10 for an hour), then hosts a milonga (tango party) till the wee hours. The…
Kudos to the Critic He likes you, he really likes you: Brandon K. Thorp is not only the best theater critic in South Florida, but I challenge anyone to find such insightful, truthful, and imaginative writing from any American theater critic. Finally someone who is not afraid to tell people…
The bars and streets of Coconut Grove looked like a poor man’s Abercrombie & Fitch ad one recent Saturday night. Hoards of fresh-faced college students in backward baseball caps and Birkenstocks posed with beer bottles in their hands and an inebriated glaze in their eyes. The revelers, the majority of…
For most people, an exciting Friday night does not involve toting around dirty socks and waiting for your clothes to dry. But the proprietors of Laundry Bar (721 N Lincoln Ln, Miami Beach, 305-531-7700, www.laundrybarmiami.com) have added a new twist to a dull chore by throwing in a splash of…
Offensive Justice These guys have nothing to lose: Regarding Isaiah Thompson’s “Swept Under the Bridge” (March 8): This is nothing short of horrifying from humanitarian, correctional, and public safety perspectives. These are not people who easily garner our sympathy; they have sexually abused children and deserved their jail time. Many…
Things Aren’t What They Seem Follow the law: I am writing this as a rebuttal to your outrageous, prejudicial, and negatively spun article “South Beach Menace” by Francisco Alvarado (March 8). It is unfortunate that you have such a skewed perception of the criminal justice system. Yes, I would agree…
Shoes are important for a night on the town, as both style and comfort are crucial (if generally mutually exclusive) considerations. Heres a tip for northsiders: When venturing to Ivy Aventura (19004 NE 29th Ave, Aventura; 305-932-1416, www.ivyaventura.com) on a weekend night, opt for comfort, as youll most likely be…
Spoiled Surprise Rookie mistake: I am not writing this to criticize Brandon K. Thorp’s review, “Genocide is Boring” (March 1). I believe he has some valid points, and I am far too close to the production to offer an objective opinion. What I do take issue with is Mr. Thorp’s…
Those Sensitive Cruise People Dan was de man!: Thank you to Tamara Lush for your article, “The Ship’s Shape” (February 22). My son Daniel was lost from Mariner of the Seas on May 15, 2006. Thanks for showing how the atmosphere is very conducive to drinking and partying. The first…
Fat Chance Don’t think of eating the stuff: While admiring the honesty of Miami-Dade Commissioners Bruno Barreiro and Javier Souto commenting about their consumption of foods containing trans fat in Tamara Lush’s “Fat City” (February 15), I would expect our government representatives to be more responsible with the message they…
Gee, Thanks Not so open and shut: Thank you to Tamara Lush for forwarding the article “The G-Man and the Snitch” (February 8) to my attention. I thought you took a well-balanced approach, without engaging in advocacy one way or another. Given your position, this is the best presentation one…
Bust that Reporter He must have beaten his cat or something!: Regarding Francisco Alvarado’s “Wicked, Part 2” (February 1). How is it that Miami-Dade Commissioner Natacha Seijas can unleash the hounds on anyone who dares to run against her or dares to try to recall her, but not one agency…
Pitbull’s Mom Speaks And she wants Tancredo’s ear: Regarding “Immigrant Song” (January 18) by José Davila: I am Pitbull’s mother. I live in Kendall, and I just want you to know I’ve been in the United States since 1962, and his father came here in 1961. My son was conceived…
Back to School Learn your lesson: Thanks for the objective and comprehensive coverage in Rob Jordan’s “The Missionary” (January 4). The issues, efforts to address them, and challenges to addressing them were well represented. I would like to comment on teacher Judy Brown’s statement, “If your scores aren’t good, you…
