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 2293 (Page 1 of 115)Submitted by keith from coconut creek
Q: when people ask about ballrm dancng(waltz, foxtrot, rumba, u can refer them 2 Gold Coast ballrm on Sunday evenngs in Coconut Creek, right off the Pike in Broward. It is probably the biggest ballroom in the state, Sunday is the biggest night, 500 -800 peeps
Answered 07/03/09 16:28:14 by Lesley Abravanel
A: yes, finally someone chimes in on this one! Thank you!Submitted by Shirly from SoBe 33139
Q: Do you know of any relaxed bars (not extravagent) for today July 2nd on South Beach? We are starting out at Montys and want to continue the vibe somewhere else where we can dance and hang out. Any help would be appreciated!
Answered 07/02/09 14:43:30 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Hmm, dance , hang out and relaxed? not so much all three...a cool bar scene that's relaxed is at The Room. Clarke's and even the bar at Nemo in South of Fifth area, near Monty's. Later at night you can try Cozy, by Portofino which is claustrophobic but lively and you may even be able to squeeze out a dance or two.Submitted by Thomas from Miami Beach, FL
Q: Lesley, Does Dan from Real World Miami still live in town? I swear I saw him leaving this party I went to on Saturday. Glenn, from "Brooke Knows Best" was there too and the second time in 3 weeks I have seen him out.
Answered 07/01/09 09:59:19 by Lesley Abravanel
A: yes he does. in fact, I think he works for New Times!Submitted by Gigi from Coconut Grove
Q: Any idea what kind of music CabanaOne plays on Friday night?
Answered 06/19/09 15:05:47 by Lesley Abravanel
A: all sorts of popular music, hip hop, pop, dance..etc...Submitted by Mike Piscitelli from Fort Lauderdale FL
Q: Was it Britney Spears at Liv Saturday night, June 13? If not, who and why the mega security just before the show started?
Answered 06/16/09 17:07:10 by Lesley Abravanel
A: not britney. was E! filming a show on hot spots or something like that and they had to have extra security around the cameraman and crew!Submitted by Juan from Ft.Lauderdale
Q: Hi Lesley, Just wondering if anything ever happens in Broward as far as big parties or celebrities hanging out here in our neck of the woods. Is there a similar blog like yours that you know of that covers the lifestyle scene here. And by the way your blog is amazing, nothing ever escapes you and you cover the scene like no one else. Always a good read. Keep up the good work!
Answered 06/15/09 19:51:38 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Absolutely! Mostly at Seminole Hard Rock, but sometimes elsewhere...I sometimes cover the scene, but my counterpart in Broward is Gabe Berman, who has a nightlife column in the weekend section up there on Fridays. Thanks on the blog. It's been uber slow lately and I hate going so long w/o updating it but I'd rather have nothing on it than crap! :)Submitted by Boris from Miami Beach
Q: Do you have any details about Barbara Becker getting married in Miami this weekend?
Answered 06/03/09 10:25:12 by Lesley Abravanel
A: nope, sorry!Submitted by Raul from Miami, Fl
Q: Hi Lesley! Metropolis got shut down last Friday, and i heard Nocturnal did as well. Also, a few months back Metropolis got shut down for a noise complaint. Heard anything about why the ciy is cracking down suddenly?? I'm starting to see a pattern...
Answered 06/01/09 22:04:47 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Honestly, I didn't know either place was still open but to tell you the truth, the city is probably going thru another cycle of cleaning house...interesting. Thanks for the tip!Submitted by PAUL DE LA LLAMA from Acworth Georgia
Q: Are you related to SILVIO SANTOS from BRAZIL who is a TV Magnate? His last name is also ABRAVANEL
Answered 06/01/09 09:20:08 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Yep!Submitted by cassie from new york
Q: there was a blurb on actor Jeffrey Donovan blitzed with two women at the Standard. For his effect one was topless. Is there a really obnoxious picture of him from the blurb. Didn't see one. But should be one? right? Who were the bimbo's anyway?
Answered 05/27/09 19:15:21 by Lesley Abravanel
A: Yes he was with two topless chicks! Neither who were his latest girlfriend--Moon Blood-something, from the new Terminator flick--those two were eating at Michael's Genuine Friday. No pix, though....there should have been a pic but no one cared enough to take one!Submitted by samm from miami
Q: Is DASH in miami hireing for positions yet and if so when and where?
Answered 05/26/09 11:06:36 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I think they are fully staffed at this point. But you can go by and inquire directly---815 Washington Avenue.Submitted by JOSEPH from VILLALTA
Q: HEY DO YOU KNOW THE PHONE NUMBER TO DASH MIAMI THANKS
Answered 05/26/09 09:40:17 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I actually don't. I wonder if they even have a working phone in there. Sorry!Submitted by Jo from Miami,FL
Q: Hi Lesley, is it going to be your typical Memorial Day Weekend where all the locals leave and people from NYC and ATL come down? Thanks! Because if it is, I'm outta here!
Answered 05/20/09 12:20:54 by Lesley Abravanel
A: From what I hear, yes indeedy! But with the economy the way it is, it may not be as crazy as previous years..we shall see!Submitted by Vicki from miami, fl
Q: Hey Lesley! I love your blog, and follow you on twitter. Out of curiosity, any information on the hotel and the club the band Kings of Leon went to after their concert on Thursday May 7th. It would be great if you could let me know! Thanks! -Vicki
Answered 05/18/09 19:50:06 by Lesley Abravanel
A: I heart Kings of Leon and unfortunately not a single word on where they stayed or went apres show...weird, huh? I guess if you aren't a Kardashian no one pays attention..heh. Maybe someone out there knows?!Submitted by Mary Kathryn from Norfolk, VA
Q: Hey Lesley! I emailed you about 2 years ago for advice on where to stay in Miami with my husband. Well - we never went, and I lost your response...but we are FINALLY heading there for the 1st time in July. I am still not certain on a hotel. It's between the Gansevoort and Loews. I want to be close to the beach and the action...but I prefer a larger pool to a small boutiquey pool area. Which of these would you choose? Or do you have any other (semi affordable) faves? Thanks girl! MK
Answered 05/18/09 19:43:53 by Lesley Abravanel
A: based on your pool preference go for Loews...though to the Gansevoort's credit, the pool on the roof is fantastic and there are no kids...Loews pool is gorgeous, resort-y, but lots o' kids!




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