Lesley Abravanel covers nightlife in her weekly column, Velvet Underground, in which she scopes the scene for stars, scandal and social studies. A former wanna-be clubkid in the late 80s NYC club scene heyday, she skipped town for Miami, where she's been since 1990--the so-called halcyon days of South Beach clubdom. While combing the scene definitely calls for lots of vitamins, under eye cream and Red Bull, the key ingredient to Lesley's undying energy is a daily bowl of gossip. In her scant spare time, she enjoys American Idol, karaoke and dive bars. She also writes travel books about the entire state of Florida, day and night. Send Lesley your questions regarding nightlife, rumors and gossip. Non monetary tips and daily rants are greatly appreciated as well. Read more from Lesley about the Scene in the Tropics in her weblog.
Hints and Allegations
Send Lesley your questions regarding nightlife, rumors and gossipMost Recently Answered Questions
Questions 16 - 35 of 2546 (Page 2 of 128)Submitted by alex from miami beach,fl
Q: What happened to Louis Aguirre,I have not seen hin in DecoDrive lately.
Answered 08/22/11 10:14:32 by Lesley Abravanel
A: He's on vacationSubmitted by nichole from boynton beach, fl
Q: Thanks for the reply Lesley, someone just told me Tantra is a good place for Monday nights? What do you think, is it run down since its been around for a while?
Answered 08/12/11 13:55:45 by Lesley Abravanel
A: To be honest, I haven't been in there since the grass was new. Do they even still have grass? That said, it is one of the longest lasting places here so they must be doing something right. If you go, let me know how it is!Submitted by nichole from boynton beach, fl
Q: Hi Lesley, Looking for suggestions for dancing in South Beach on Sunday and Monday nights. Thanks, Nichole
Answered 08/12/11 13:10:11 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Try LIV on Sunday. Monday night try Cameo or Mansion.Submitted by Tom Macann from Sbarro Orange Juice Jonesville
Q: Hi Leslie, would do you a nude model shoot for PETA? I work in the mall and I get offers to pose all the time because I look like an Abercrombie and Snitch model. I enjoy hanging out at Clarie's with my homies watching people come in and out of the Sharper Image. Leslie, which mall do you recommend that has a good night club for me? I love you dearly. Tomski.
Answered 08/09/11 14:44:35 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I'd rather eat meat.Submitted by Giorgio Moroder from Venice Beach
Q: Hello Leslie, I am a male speedo bikini model and I'm looking to pose at a night club for a few friends at night preferaby. Which nightclub that opens at night would you recommend that i do this? I have 5 years of experience with bulge and non-bulge modeling and I usually like a club with a large roman fountain so the water can sparkle upon my oiled muscles. You are more than welcomed to attend. Thank you Giogio Mmmm gooood.
Answered 07/14/11 13:16:45 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Where have you been and what have you done with Donna Summer?Submitted by Mick Kane from Toronto
Q: Hi Lesley, Where is there currently a good scene with a slightly older crowd, say, 40-somethings? I've got a crew (males & females, mostly single) coming to South Beach in mid-September and would like your advice. Best, Mick
Answered 07/14/11 08:25:10 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hi, I'd avoid all the night clubs (Mansion, Set, Cameo, etc) and check out the lobby bars at Fontainebleau (do not go to LIV), Delano (do try The Florida Room there), W South Beach (don't go to Wall either). Restaurants are also an excellent bet. Some of the hotter scenes:Prime 112, STK (whose lounge Coco DeVille could be good), Haven (Lincoln Rd is a good spot), Meat Market, Smith & Wollensky.Submitted by Matt Johnson from Miami Beach
Q: Hi Lesley, Just wanted to let you know that U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. was at 5 Napkin on Lincoln Road. His waiter informed me he stuck to his vegan ways and ate the Veggie Burger and chatted about living life on tour. Thought you might be interested....Thanks.
Answered 07/05/11 09:41:44 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Thank you!Submitted by luckylady from west miami
Q: Hey Leslie, I have some serious gossip for you, the information is confirmed and not rumor. It has to do with a local sports figure of some sort. I am not sure how to get it to you without losing my job. How can I get in touch with you and not reveal my identity. I will check back here everyday for an answer.
Answered 06/29/11 18:21:52 by Lesley Abravanel
A: email me at LAbravanel@miamiherald.comSubmitted by HUGH (PARTYER) from Jacksonville, FL
Q: Thanks Leslie, I went to Mansion and Cameo and they were not as hot as I wanted them to be. The temps were kind of cool due to the AC in the clubs. Like I said, I like Large clubs with top 1940's music. I'm 64 yrs old and I'm looking for a 1920's to 1930's crowd. I think you misunderstood me toots. Please recommend something better than those hoodlum clubs.
Answered 06/21/11 17:30:37 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Heheheheh. Hugh must be kidding. I thought you meant you were looking for a 20s/30s crowd. For the roaring 20s, check out the Wheel of Fortune machine at the Hard Rock or Gulfstream. For a tropical island vibe, perhaps Magic City Casino?Submitted by Hugh (Partyer) from Jacksonville, FL
Q: Hi Lesley, where will be the hot places to party this Friday (6/17) and Saturday on SoBe? I like large clubs with top 40 music and 20s to 30s crowd.
Answered 06/14/11 14:25:00 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Check out Mansion and CameoSubmitted by Jack Flappers from San Diego
Q: Hi Lesley! I was planning on visiting Miami once again after a pretty long hiatus. Just wondering if Mezzanote on the beach is still happening? Is the cover at Club Amnesia still $20? I wanted to swing by Club Taj in the grove as well and maybe Ensign Bitters. I love those clubs. I wonder if Amnesia is still having the foam parties? Thanks! See you soon! Mr. Jack Flappers
Answered 06/03/11 10:24:10 by Lesley Abravanel
A: We should all wish that Mezzanotte was still in biz. Amnesia, eh. I can't remember.Submitted by Keen Observer from Miami
Q: Hi Leslie, has anyone ever told you that you look just like Barbara Streisand? It's stunning! Just wondering if you will taking part in the pots and pan clanging party on 8th street if the Heat win the Championship? Are you a Knicks fan? Please tell me you are not. Love ya!
Answered 05/30/11 08:47:13 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Go Knicks.Submitted by Dick Harden from Miami
Q: Hi Leslie, are you still alive? I was wondering where is a good italian place to eat at South Beach that has dancing and sock hop contests. I'm an avid sock hopper and it's alot of fun. Many people say to me "Hey you Dick, how did you become such a good sock hopper, and I say it's in my jeans! Thanks Leslie!
Answered 05/26/11 11:31:05 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I was wondering the same about you! No sock hop this weekend, only hip hop.Submitted by Jonathan from Miami
Q: Hi Lesley, Love the whole Q & A thing you got going on here. I love going to all the steakhouses on sobe. Prime 112, STK, Meat Market, RED, i'm not going to name them all. (you get the point) The only problem is there all really loud places. Is there a good steakhouse on sobe that is decently quiet so that i can at least hear my self chew let alone have a conversation with someone, and I don't like sitting outside. THX...
Answered 05/18/11 09:06:54 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Quiet is a tall order, but how about Bourbon Steak at Turnberry? It's, shall we say, sceney, yet civilized!Submitted by Rick Springfield from Springfield, Mass
Q: Hi Lesley, just curious if you have heard anything about the whereabouts of Jessie's girl. I have been wishing for her for years now. I hear she is in Miami now but I think she is dating a guy named Englebert. I really wish I had Englebert's girl! Please help me out. Thanks.
Answered 04/15/11 16:02:25 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I know for sure that Jesse is now a girl. As for Jesse's girl, good question.Submitted by Eric from Pembroke Pines, FL
Q: Have you heard anything about casting extras for the movie version of Rock of Ages?
Answered 04/11/11 14:39:35 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hi, no, but if/when I do, I will post on my blog or Tweet it...stay tunedSubmitted by Harry Knuts from Miami
Q: Hi Lesley, You are an amazing woman with an amazing talent to answer questions. I think you are great in your grammar no matter what all the people say about you. I'm proud of you and keep up the great work and I hope your singing career is going great!! Can't wait to see you on the X factor singing! Good luck!
Answered 04/08/11 12:25:49 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Well thanks! I can't wait to release my new single, a duet with one of the Real Housewives of Miami!Submitted by jan lewis from miami,fl
Q: Dear Lesley, What an embarrassment to themselves! How are these people chosen? Has the show been cancelled yet? It should be. JL
Answered 04/01/11 18:42:17 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hi! Well the show hasn't been canceled but it is over and the likelihood of a second season isn't too hot but there is no accounting for taste these days is there?Submitted by Lt. Luis Espinosa from Miami
Q: Dear Ms. Abranavel, Can you help us promote our upcoming luncheon where we pick the 2012 calendar firefighters ? If you would be gracious enough to reply with an e-mail address I will send you our E-Vite. Thanks, Luis Espinosa
Answered 03/17/11 11:09:33 by Lesley Abravanel
A: hey luis--email me at LAbravanel@miamiherald.comSubmitted by Eduardo from Miami
Q: Hi Lesley ! Hope all is well .... Wondering if you heard anything about what's going on on the Bal Harbour mall? The Louis Vuitton store is leaving the mall around june/july and ALL the LVMH stores are NOT renewing their lease when is over ! There's rumors that LVMH are buying real state in the design District and will move All their boutiques there ! Any comments ? Have a great music conference weekend !!! VERSINPOA
Answered 03/10/11 20:32:43 by Lesley Abravanel
A: hey! Well Louis Vuitton is moving out because they were not permitted to expand. Rumor is that Bal Harbour is expanding too and if the residents go for it, the plans include either a Bergdorf or a Barneys or a Bloomie's SoHo AND...a CineBistro..:) should be interesting. I think personally they could keep the movies out and bring all the stores. Didnt hear LV is moving to Design District, but with Louboutin there, wouldnt be surprised!






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