By now you've probably experienced a few Art Basel parties (and Basel-related parking nightmares) and it's not even the weekend.
Pace yourself, young grasshopper, because there's a ton of shows, galleries, and parties to attend. Remember to stop and fuel yourself at some of the pop-ups, dinners, and food trucks making their way around town.
We've got all the info you need. Weekend starts now!
Frozen Fridays at Bunnie Cakes
It may be Art Basel for most of Miami, but we're betting your five year-old daughter would rather meet Elsa and Ana than get a free original Banksy. So, in the midst of Basel madness, stop for a moment and indulge your inner Disney princess at Bunnie Cakes' Frozen Fridays. Every Friday in December, starting today, you;ll be able to meet Queen Elsa and Princess Ana from Frozen from 3 - 6 p.m. You'll also be able to snag a dozen of these special Frozen mini cupcakes. Bring your favorite Disney-obsessed tyke (or dress up yourself) because costumes are encouraged and there's a weekly raffle with tons of Frozen surprises!
Art Basel Food Pop-Ups, Food Trucks, and Happy Hours
Art Basel is in full swing this weekend and if you feel yourself getting peckish while contemplating the meaning of that shopping cart filled with mothballs and old sweatsocks and locating one of the many gallery shows and pop-ups around town that feature the kind of art that you can really sink your teeth into. We're talking food. There are literally dozens of places to snag a nosh or a drink -- many of them free. We've "curated" our favorite 15. Check them out here.
Art Basel Dining Guides
If gallery hopping has you hangry for a full sit-down meal, why not try out insider top ten guides? If you're in Miami Beach, take a gander at our list of the ten best restaurants in South Beach, and if you're on the mainland, our hand guide to the ten best places in Wynwood will be most useful. Just remember that restaurants will be busy, so it's best to call ahead to secure a table.
See also: Top Ten Restaurants in South Beach
See also: Ten Best Wynwood Restaurants
Blackbrick Turns One
It's nearly impossible to think that Blackbrick, Richard Hales' Midtown Chinese bistro, turns one on December 5. In such a short span of time, the restaurant was named one of the 50 top new restaurants by Bon Appetit and was also named best Chinese restaurant by Miami New Times. This is one of those rare times in Miami history where all the hype is justified. From the start of the meal, when puffed, vegan pork rinds are placed at your table (so delicious, carnivores will love them too) to the soul satisfying wonton soup, to the General Tso's Florida gator, Hales turns out modern takes on favorite dishes. So come in and celebrate this one year old's birthday with some dumplings. You'll be glad you did.
Tongue & Cheek Brunch: Friday Art Basel Edition and Saturday Jukebox & Gin
Technically, it's not even the weekend and you're already hung over from too many free plastic cups of cheap red wine at the five Art Basel parties you hopped around to. Fret not, young grasshopper. Just call in sick (your boss will probably do the same thing) and feed your aching head at Tongue & Cheek's special Friday brunch. Starting at 10 a.m., enjoy the restaurant's a la carte brunch menu including, shellfish platters, stone crabs, and bottomless brunch beverages. Then, fueled with food and mimosas, start your Baseling all over again and find your way back to T&C on Saturday morning for their Jukebox and Gin brunch, featuring a live performance by Brendan Ohera from noon - 2 p.m.
DJ Questlove's Wind-Down Brunch at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
Wind down the maddening weekend with a nice, relaxing brunch at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. DJ Questlove will host the soiree this Sunday, December 7, from noon to 3 p.m. Enjoy a la carte brunch and cocktails all set to Questlove's personal soundtrack. Space is limited, and reservations are strongly suggested by calling 305-538-5220. Note that your brunch gets you a maximum seating time of 90 minutes, so if the music strikes you, each additional 30 minutes will incur a $25 per person surcharge.
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