2012 was good to you. It brought sexy new hotels, burger temples and a Russian karaoke parlor. But before we move forward, we should take a look back. Starting with Cap’n Crunch pancakes...
First, the Broken Shaker graced you with six glorious months of creative Old Fashioneds and homemade bitters. Soon, Eating House’s temporary run was a blur of fried chicken and Cap’n Crunch pancakes. Then they both closed. Only to reopen a few months later. Can’t keep a good pop-up down.
Let’s face it: there aren’t many great rooftop restaurants in this city. That’s why this stunner, with its massive indoor/outdoor dining room, ninth-floor panoramic views of South Beach and potent ginger juleps, won you over. Plus it’s also in that futuristic-looking car garage on Lincoln. So parking shouldn’t be an issue.
We know a head-turner when we see one. And this hotel splashed onto the scene with just the right amount of sass (hello, metal rubber duckie) and just the right amount of tapas (hello, José Andrés and Bazaar). Also, there was the sushi of Katsuya and the scantily clad... pageantry of Hyde Beach.
A new outpost of burger mastery is reason enough to rejoice. If it’s also the largest Shake Shack in the world, with flat-screens, communal tables made of cypress and Cookie Cubana concretes, well, then it’s reason enough to celebrate like you just won the lottery.
Here’s how you kept yourself looking good in 2012. There was Noble Experiment for custom gingham shirts and fossil cufflinks (also, gratis whiskey). And there was Junior & Hatter for haircuts and straight shaves (also, cold beers). Coincidentally, this is how you stayed hydrated in 2012, too.
You know your way around a karaoke mic just fine. But the ante was officially upped when we told you about a little outfit run by nightlife vets from Russia with crushed-velvet couches, backup singers and Portuguese/Russian/Spanish playlists. Good thing you’re quadrilingual.
There was a lot of hype behind the debut of the Pubbelly crew’s Italian joint, Macchialina, when it opened in June. And thanks to the short rib lasagna, ridiculous meatballs and powerful wine cocktails, the place has been packed ever since. The sexy Italian accents emanating from within didn’t hurt either.
