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Hot in Your Hood is our curated neighborhood series, where friends of Time Out Miami highlight the locally owned businesses they love in the areas they reside in. Read on to find out the spots these tastemakers recommend in the ’hoods they rep, from the fun stuff like great places to eat and shop to the practical things, like where they go to break a sweat or get something repaired. These mini-guides are personal recommendations intended to show support to our small-biz community—#notsponsored.
By Emilie Sobel as told to Virginia Gil
I live in South Beach but grew up in Bal Harbour/Surfside/Bay Harbour (they’re all side by side), so that’s where I’ve been spending all of the quarantine with my family. We’ve been going to some of the same places for over 20 years! These are all family-owned and super local—like my all-time fave and what my family orders literally every Sunday, Sushi Republic. Here, a few more of my favorite spots.
This is mine and my family’s favorite sushi restaurant for more than 20 years! Located in Surfside (part of the BalBaySurf neighborhood), they have the most delicious fresh fish and their menu has only gotten better over the years. I go for the tuna avocado salad, literally just tuna and avocado mixed in their famous ginger dressing, and I stay for their insane sushi rolls. I always order the truffle roll and the hibiscus roll, both with brown rice. I love that they make it easy to substitute brown rice, so I always do. Everyone who works there has been there for years. I’ve grown up with them and will go back every Sunday for takeout until I die.
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My long-time dermatologist is in Bay Harbor but she’s very well known across Miami. She’s the nicest, most down to earth person. She’ll sit with you and listen to your issues and ask questions about what products you’re using without ever trying to upsell you. She’s genuine and has truly saved my skin. Make an appointment ASAP because there’s a long wait!
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Alexia and Frankie’s Beauty Bar
This salon is owned by Miami local Alexia Echeverria (as seen on The Real Housewives of Miami) and named for her and her son, Frankie. My mom and I get our nails done there all the time, on a weekly basis before COVID. It’s nice to support friends’ businesses and it’s so open, welcoming and clean. A nice little luxury I love to treat myself to in Surfside.
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I love this small and charming Pilates studio in Bay Harbor. It’s super intimate in a great way: You always get the attention you need when perfecting your form and it’s a challenge every time. I’ve gone with my mom a few times and love it more with every workout.
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