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 1 - 15 of 2323 (Page 1 of 117)Submitted by Peenos Envie from Miami
Q: Dear Lesley, Why do a women act a so hard to get when they are a lonely! eh? Last weekend I a told a woman, "Do you a want to a see my little friend"? She eh started to a laugh and told a me to go to a hell? Why do a they a have to a be so mean? What club can I a go to see some a nice Italian women eh? I e thank you sweetheart! Muuaaa from the Italian Stallion!
Answered 10/23/09 17:27:16 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Where a have you a been?Submitted by Tony Ransola from Miami Beach, FL
Q: Dear Lesley, You may not remember me, I use to work in the garment center many years ago with your aunt Sheila Schneiderman, but I remember you with your little cousin Lana coming to our office at Knitwaves and helping us around the office sharpening pencils. That was so many years ago !!! I just wanted you to know that I'm very happy for your success and to see that you grew up to be a beautiful young lady. My partner Vic and I moved down to Miami Beach about 5 years ago and love it down here. I always see your dad at the Aventura Mall and remember the old days. Remember this, no matter what they tell you, there is life after the garment Center!! Wish you much continued success and happiness, Fondly, Tony Ransola 5959 La Gorce Drive Miami Beach, FL 33140
Answered 10/20/09 14:38:27 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Wow, small world! Long, long time and my memories are vague, but so nice to hear from you! Now I know where I got my sharp pencil skills from. :) Thanks so much and glad to hear from you! LesleySubmitted by vince chick from Annapolis, Md.
Q: Hey Les, when are you going to list all the party venues/hot spots and best restaurants during Super Bowl week? I'll be in town for my 15th consecutive big game and want to plan the itinary. I love you columns and apprecaite the help. Take care
Answered 10/17/09 10:32:07 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hey! No word yet on parties--they usually come after New Year's...last minute stuff. But as soon as I have info I will post it. From what they tell us this year will be a scaled down Super Bowl, meaning more beer than champagne. Heh. As for the hot spots, they will likely remain the same as they are currently so heads up on the Fontainebleau (LIV and Blade), the W South Beach ( WET and Wall) and the usual suspects of Mansion, SET, maybe Cameo... stay tuned though!Submitted by phil from los angeles,ca
Q: how did you adjust to moving from los angeles to miami, florida? What are the popular spots for college kids to escape the daily drama of academics? What are the schools like in florida and how do they differ in miami? Florida is the bomb!
Answered 10/16/09 13:57:00 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hi Phil--I didn't move here from LA, I moved here from NY and can't lie when I say it was a big adjustment--at first! I would imagine the move from LA to Miami wouldn't be such a big adjustment, but I don't know. Popular college spots are now spread all over Miami, from South Miami to Coconut Grove and downtown Miami and of course South Beach. As for schools down here, well that's not my forte, but I am sure there are some excellent ones!Submitted by Cecilia from Miami
Q: Need a nice place for dinner and drinks for girls in their 40's.
Answered 10/15/09 12:17:47 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Solea at the W Hotel...Mr. Chow....Red the Steakhouse....Clarke's.....Michael's Genuine Food and Drink....Sra. Martinez....Scarpetta....Submitted by C
Q: Is it too early to inquire about Halloween? What are the happening spots on Friday & Saturday night
Answered 10/13/09 11:47:12 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hi! there's a party everywhere that night but the most happening spot is always lincoln road. Unless you want to spend $250 to party w Playboy Playmates at the Shore club...yikes. Read my column that Friday before for all the details...There are a few pre Halloween parties that will be fab as well, and I will have those in next Friday's columnSubmitted by Jennifer
Q: Hi Leslie! Myself and a few girlfriends are coming in for our "40th Bdays...We are planning on going out Saturday nite in Miami and wondered where you would recommend? We all seem to want a place where we can have a few cocktails, dance and just have a great night. Any suggestions? Thanks so much! Jennifer
Answered 10/13/09 11:46:14 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hi! Happy bday! Check out the W Hotel. it's fabulous, has a fab bar in the lobby, by the pool and for dancing after, a club called Wall. Check it out for sure and have fun!Submitted by jh from miami
Q: Do you have information on the Pharell concert this weekend?
Answered 10/05/09 17:25:47 by Lesley Abravanel
A: as far as I know it was last weekend. I don't know about one this coming weekend unless you mean info on the concert that has passed, in which case, nope! sorrySubmitted by Sophie from Miami Beach, FL
Q: Hi Lesley! My 2 girlfriends and I are meeting in NYC this coming weekend for my bday! Any good contacts or advices on where we could go party? We don't want to end up in cheezy places with early twenty year olds, we are used to the South Beach scene and crowd! Thanks! Sophie
Answered 09/14/09 09:12:20 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Check out the new Standard High Line. I was just there and it's painfully hip, trendy and fabulous. Follow the people hanging out there and you'll be set. Have fun!Submitted by Cecilia from Miami
Q: Need a restaurant recommendation for wedding anniversary.
Answered 09/09/09 08:55:29 by Lesley Abravanel
A: very broad request but try Wish, Casa Tua, Pascal's on Ponce, Azul, or drive to Islamorada and try Pierre's.Submitted by Al from Miami, FL
Q: Hi Lesley, I was wondering if Club50 at the Viceroy is going to extend its party beyond sundown since it is Labor Day weekend. What other places are happening tonight? How late does the pool party at the Mondrian on West Avenue go to? I have friends in town and I wanted to take them to party(but not to places with a velvet rope). Thanks!
Answered 09/07/09 11:07:50 by Lesley Abravanel
A: sorry i got this too late....hope you figured it all out!Submitted by My Name from My Location
Q: i heard 944 shut down pocket sized magazine Six Degrees. Is this true?
Answered 09/07/09 11:07:20 by Lesley Abravanel
A: yes it is true.Submitted by Cecilia from Miami
Q: What's the best spa on the beach?
Answered 08/31/09 09:36:38 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I can't answer that definitively but I hear great things about the spas at The Standard and now the new W Hotel .Submitted by Karine from SoBe
Q: Hi Lesley! Amazing work, as always! What to do on a Friday night for 2 girls? We want a place to go before going out, say at around 11:00 and a place for late night! What would you say? Thanks a mill!!!
Answered 08/29/09 09:55:55 by Lesley Abravanel
A: sorry if i missed this yesterday but for next time, consider drinks at the W Hotel's Living Room and then late night at Wall ...or Bella Rose even if you don't want typical sceney...Submitted by AR from Miami
Q: Looking for somewhat less than hugely expensive, reasonabley elegant or at least grown up bars, etc. to make up a night out for women of a certain age--somewhere where we might not necessarily be the oldest folks there within 20 years but not rubbing elbows with the plaid pants set either...Sobe or Upper East side preferred.
Answered 08/28/09 13:23:10 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Ha! Love it. Grown up bars on South Beach---the Living Room at the W Hotel --especially because it's uber dark in there and age is blinded by the lack of light...:) Red the Steakhouse and Clarke's in the south of fifth area have lovely bar scenes...so does Smith and Wollensky...the bar at Sra. Martinez and Michael's in the Design District are great, if not a bit tiny...let me know what you think of my choices so far and we can go from there!
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