Located in a revamped old motel called the Lido Spa on Belle Island between Miami Beach and the Design District, The Standard is one of my favorite places in Miami. It’s far enough from South Beach that you don’t get annoying crowds, but close enough that you can walk or bike there.

Walk through the mod/scandi lobby through lush gorgeous gardens until you reach the pool area.

On a sunny day, the grill is such a great place to have lunch. It’s rarely crowded and…

…there is even a raw dish on the menu — “living” lasagna — hooray!

In the distance, you can see the building where I used to live.

If I still lived here, I would definitely join the club. Sunrise Yoga, Bayside — ummm, yes, please.

For dessert I just had to try the Vegan Ding Dong, which was a bit heavy for my taste, but still very good.

After that and a glass of cold rosé, I was definitely ready for a nap in the sun…

The restaurant/bar was opened by a musician-couple in 1972, when the neighborhood was very different—decrepit and filled with starving artists.

The interior is a funky mix of vintage treasures and repurposed junk, like this beer bottle “chandelier.”

Bertha’s cult following only increased when they, some years later, introduced an iconic green bumper sticker (which has been spotted on all continents) that says “Eat Bertha’s Mussels.”

I simply had to oblige.

On a cold night, I love to escape to a crazy beach shack ragtag place called Surf Bar.

You can’t miss it, it’s on N 6th, off Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, inside the corrugated metal entrance that is plastered with stickers and has a thatched roof.

The floor is covered with sand, and surf boards (some for sale) hang from the ceiling.

There’s really good clam chowder (or chowda’) that you can order served in a bread bowl. You can also order blueberry beer or tiki drinks served in large glasses shaped like hula girls.

The menu is fairly extensive, with lots of fish and seafood. They claim to have the best lobster roll in NYC, which is not true (although it is very good).

Last time I also discovered that Surf Bar also serves Glögg, a fine Swedish traditional beverage (Americans would know it better as mulled wine). That would almost be like having a cup of hot Glögg on a beach, which seems kind of great.

Surf Bar is on 139 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Check it out!

Being friendly with restaurant owners means you sometimes get to drink beer in their hidden backdoor alleys. It’s a very cool New York thing to do.

Jimmy’s No. 43 is on 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave, on the basement level. Jimmy himself is one of the people behind The Good Beer Seal, so naturally there’s plenty of delicious beer on tap, in addition to the farm-fresh local food on the menu.

Pay a visit!

/// old sweater, Gina Tricot / jeans, Cheap Monday / boots, Børn Crown / glasses, Marc Jacobs, jewelry, vintage ///

Hanging out at the bar in this place on Columbia Street we discovered this weekend.

It’s called Fultummy’s and it’s Japanese home-style food.

There is a big spoon on the wall and you can see the people that make your food.

There are also things like wooden bulls and tarot card books, in case you get bored waiting for the food.

You could also await your order in a plush pink armchair.

Who hasn’t wondered what the hell is in all those fancy coffees? I think this is brilliant.

I opted for the tofu teriyaki sandwich, which was as messy as it was tasty.

“We have vegetarian menu now!” Yes! I will be back again to fill my tummy.