Index Sponsors
To bring together concierges in hotels, resorts and selected condominiums and as such to establish and promote high professional and ethical standards.
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To encourage friendship and communication among concierges and related guest service personnel in South Florida, the United States and throughout the world.
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Miami Sightseeing
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To expand and assist in the training of those entering the concierge profession and, in general, to promote, foster, enhance, and improve the technical skills and professionalism of concierges and guest service personnel.
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To coordinate, promote and assist in the activities and interests of concierges.
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To foster the development of the role of the concierge in the hotel industry and tourism in general.
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To maintain the highest standards of concierge service.
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To bring together concierges in hotels, resorts and selected condominiums and as such to establish and promote high professional and ethical standards.
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To encourage friendship and communication among concierges and related guest service personnel in South Florida, the United States and throughout the world.
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To coordinate, promote and assist in the activities and interests of concierges.
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To foster the development of the role of the concierge in the hotel industry and tourism in general.
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To maintain the highest standards of concierge service.
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To encourage friendship and communication among concierges and related guest service personnel in South Florida, the United States and throughout the world.
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To bring together concierges in hotels, resorts and selected condominiums and as such to establish and promote high professional and ethical standards.
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To coordinate, promote and assist in the activities and interests of concierges.
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Dear SFCA Member,
Summer is right around the corner!
School is about to be out and the families will be packing into South Florida like sardines. Keep up the great work! TripAdvisor reviews have been off the charts for the past few months. Great job South Florida concierge!
FROM THE DESK OF THE SFCA PRESIDENT, Miguel Pena
Greetings-
We truly hope you are enjoying our E-Newsletters. The Maestro was a vision that came to fruition over the summer last year and has blossomed into a "Must Read" for all of our concierge and travel industry executives. Joey Oros has done a phenomenal job of merging art, culture and dining into one informative peace. I have many favorites such as the feature articles, the local dining options, the cool apps are really fun, but my ultimate favorite our Trip Advisor postings. We monitor all of member hotels on a weekly basis and report to you what the traveling public have to say about our colleagues. You can sense the passion the individuals exude on a daily basis. A room is a room any hotel. Some are nicer than others, but nothing compares to the human element. That personal touch that impacts the lives of our guests. We are truly the dream weavers. Service is indeed an art form that takes a life of its own when you approach one of many of our talented members. From Kefyrah working diligently for three days to locate a guests personal items that were left in a taxi; to Delip's local area knowledge and innate ability to ascertain what his guest's was looking for and keeping them out of harms way. To the simple personal recognition, gracious smiles and exchange of pleasantries from Reo and John. I am truly honored and humbled to know you and be associated with each you.
We thank you for reading, but more importantly for believing in our cause for the past 27 years. Success is never final. Our mission forges on...
Happy Reading!
- Miguel Pena, President
Southern Florida Concierge Association
If you haven't already, like us on Facebook to see upcoming events, openings and attractions in South Florida! Also, find us on YouTube to see our videos of featured restaurants, tours, activities and more in South Florida (Click on images below to be sent directly to our pages).
Cheers,
Joey Oros, Editor
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This Month from our Members
LET IT BLEAU
Concierge Recognition Program
For more information, please email:
BAL HARBOUR SHOPS
INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR EXCLUSIVE
CONCIERGE REWARDS PROGRAM
To express our gratitude for your continued support, Bal Harbour Shops has created an exclusive Concierge Rewards Program to give guest service professionals unparalleled access to the shops and restaurants. Every month, between June and November, Bal Harbour invites you to escape to our tropical retail oasis for a complimentary lunch and a cocktail celebration in the evening. We understand how precious your time is, and to that end are offering you total flexibility to visit Bal Harbour Shops at any point during these monthly two-day events so that you can take full advantage of this exclusive rewards program.
Our brands are excited to extend special offers, events and programs to our valued concierge partners as well. Each month different stores will participate in the Concierge Rewards Program in their own way, including in-store events, gift bags and luxury raffles. In addition, each concierge will receive a personalized Rewards Program Card with a special code to distinguish themselves as our guests, which also entitles them to complimentary parking for their convenience.
The Concierge Rewards Program kicks off on June 2 and 3 with lunch at Carpaccio and a cocktail party at Makoto to celebrate the new stores in the East and West wing of Bal Harbour Shops. We'll email you with more information on our Rewards Program, providing details about each month's exclusive experiences and rewards. Please contact us should you have any questions at [email protected] Or give Ann Briggle a call at 305-866-1817.
The program will consist of two-day events over the next few months on the following dates:
� June 2nd and 3rd: Kick-Off Event - Monday & Tuesday
� July 7th and 8th - Monday & Tuesday
� August 11th and 12th - Monday & Tuesday
� September 8th and 9th - Monday & Tuesday
� October 20th and 21st: Celebrate The Grill at Bal Harbour
Opening Monday & Tuesday
� November 3rd and 4th - Monday & Tuesday
VIERNES CULTURALES 
Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which coordinates the popular Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays art, music and culture festival. Our events are held on the last Friday of every month in the heart of Little Havana, on Calle Ocho between 13th and 17th Avenues, from 7-11 pm.
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EVENTS
Miami Museum Month
MAY 1 - 30
Various Locations throughout Miami
(305) 539-3000
During May, all visitors and locals will be offered "Buy One, Get One Free" admission or "Join One Museum, See Them All" at participating museums. This is an incredible opportunity to museum hop and experience the Miami cultural scene. To join a museum, or with questions specific to a participating museum, please find their information on the participants' page and contact them directly.
Aqua Girl
MAY 14 - 18
Click on image for event locations
(305) 576-AQUA
Join thousands of LBT women for 14 spectacular cultural events and parties on the sexy shores of Miami Beach. At Aqua Girl� there is something for everyone: dance parties, live music, pool parties, a dine-out event, a VIP reception, celebrity meet-and-greets, and so much more. As the largest charity women's week in the country, 100% of the proceeds from Aqua Girl� benefit the Aqua Foundation for Women, a not-for-profit foundation whose primary mission is to serve as the funding catalyst for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender wellness and equality in South Florida through grants, scholarships, and initiatives.
Redland International Orchid Show
 (305) 755-7848
One of the largest annual orchid shows in the U.S. featuring more than 50 booths of educational exhibits and orchid vendors. An American Orchid Society judged event showcasing various types of orchids, plants, and supplies for sale, as well as lectures by experts, raffles, and international food. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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SPORTS
Miami Marlins 
vs. Philadelphia
MAY 20 7:10PM
MAY 21 7:10PM
MAY 22 12:40PM
vs. Milwaukee
MAY 23 7:10PM
MAY 24 4:10PM
MAY 25 1:10PM
MAY 30 7:10PM
MAY 31 4:10PM
JUN 1 1:10PM
Marlins Park
Miami Heat
Postseason games TBA
CONTACT TICKET BROKER FOR
HOME GAME TICKETS
American Airlines Arena
Downtown Miami
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CONCERTS
MAY 17 6:30PM
Culture Room - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Antolin El Pichon
MAY 17 8:00PM
Miami Dade County Auditorium - Miami, FL
Pepe Aguilar
MAY 17 8:00PM
Hard Rock Live - Hollywood, FL
Cher
MAY 17 8:00PM
BB&T Center - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kid Ink
MAY 20 9:00PM
Grand Central Miami - Miami, FL
Styx and Foreigner
MAY 22 7:00PM
Germain Arena - Estero, FL
Kill the Zo
MAY 23 11:00PM
Grand Central Miami - Miami, FL
Logic
MAY 24 7:00PM
Culture Room - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Paul Potts
MAY 24 8:00PM
Parker Playhouse - Fort Lauderdale, FL
The Digitour
MAY 28 7:00PM
Revolution Live - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Neon Trees
MAY 29 7:30PM
Revolution Live - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Zac Brown Band
MAY 31 7:00PM
Cruzan Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL
Hunter Hayes with Danielle Bradbery
MAY 31 7:30PM
Germain Arena - Estero, FL
Gloria Trevi
MAY 31 8:00PM
Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater - Miami Beach, FL
Morrissey
MAY 31 8:00PM
Knight Concert Hall - Adrienne Arsht PAC - Miami, FL
Romeo Santos
MAY 31 8:30PM
American Airlines Arena - Miami, FL
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Arts
The Great God Pan 
MAY 22 @ 7:30PM
MAY 23 @ 7:30PM
MAY 24 @ 3, 7:30PM
MAY 25 @ 4PM
MAY 28 @ 7:30PM
MAY 29 @ 7:30PM
MAY 30 @ 7:30PM
MAY 31 @ 7:30PM
JUN 1 @ 4:00PM
Adrienne Arsht PAC
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
305-949-6722
Jamie's life in Brooklyn seems just fine: a beautiful girlfriend, a budding journalism career and parents who live just far enough away. But when a possible childhood trauma comes to light, lives are thrown into a tailspin.
Evita
May 28 @ 8PM
MAY 29 @ 8PM
MAY 30 @ 8PM
MAY 31 @ 2, 8PM
JUN 1 @ 1PM, 7PM
Adrienne Arsht PAC
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
305-949-6722
Eva Per�n used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as first lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world - while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic.
Blue Man Group
MAY 13 - 16 @ 8PM
MAY 17 @ 2PM, 8PM
MAY 18 @ 1PM, 7PM
Adrienne Arsht PAC
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
305-949-6722
Experience the Phenomenon. Blue Man Group is best known for its wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as "One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged." E! Entertainment News exclaims, "Blue Man Group is what every live performance aspires to be." The Baltimore Sun raves, "Blue Man Group packs a wallop. It's a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!"
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FEATURED RESTAURANTS
Michy's
6927 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 759-2001
After nearly a decade in the business, Michelle Bernstein's Upper East Side restaurant, Michy's, is closing this summer, June 28. But it's not over for the space in which it resides or the restaurant team, reports Short Order. After Michy's closes its doors, the spot will transform into a brand new concept (nothing on what this will be yet). As for why, the chef states, "it's time for us to change the look and feel of the restaurant and provide our guests with a fresh, new concept. We embrace new projects and feel the Michy's space and our restaurant team deserve something new and exciting."
Porcao
901 South Miami Ave
Suite 101
Miami, FL 33130
(855) 767-2261
Porcao Farm to Grill located in the heart of Mary Brickell Village is a modern American Seasonal Steakhouse driven by seasonal cuisine, local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers.. It encompasses two levels of indoor and outdoor seating options. PORCAO is fun unpretentious, and has a female friendly menu. Dance and drink the night away or just socialize with your girlfriends to 80's music playing in the background. Beautiful D�cor, lighting, and contemporary finishes is a perfect backdrop to any dining experience.
Flavorish Market
7283 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 754-8787
Upper Eastside residents finally have a neighborhood market where we can bike or walk to. Last week Flavorish Market opened its doors serving all sorts of tasty things like:
- Wine
- Craft Beer
- Cheese
- Cured Meat
- Coffee and Tea
- Sandwiches
- Pastries
- Bread
- Grocery items
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THE FAB 5
1) Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Private Tour
Vizcaya, the winter residence of James Deering (1859-1925), was built between 1914 and 1922 in the Coconut Grove area of Miami. The estate was entirely surrounded by subtropical forest-the Main House and the formal gardens appeared as a dreamlike vision in the midst of the jungle on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Today, Vizcaya is an oasis of silence and green, miraculously preserved just south of Miami's modern skyline.
2) Go Fly Tours
Let us show you South Florida like you have never seen before!
Go Fly has tailored several unforgettable experiences for those
who want to have a glimpse of the luxurious geography and
dramatic skyline in this privileged area.
3) Jesse Williams Ranch
The Jesse Williams Ranch is a family owned and operated five acre farm in the heart of Miami's Horse Country. Our stables, horses and livestock serve as our unique classroom and teachers. Visitors are always supervised by professional instructors. Beginner riders and advanced equestrians participate in all facets of horsemanship activities. Included are programs for exceptional needs children. Bring your family to the farm for some refreshing outdoor fun.
4) Miami Design District is AD013 Studio
Just blocks from the Miami Design District sits the newest addition to South Florida's art world. AD013 Studio is a brand new all encompassing photography and videography sanctuary. From workshops to schooling, from shooting space to creative emporium, AD013 Studio offers the finest resources for the most creative minds. The Studio consists of top of the line equipment and software and the most knowledgeable and respected instructors.
5)
Haitian Art Factory
Haitian Art Factory has been exhibiting and selling beautiful Haitian artwork to the world for several years at its South Florida location. We have become a trusted source for quality Haitian art, as well as some other Caribbean art and African art over the years; allow our exquisite pieces and strong reputation to add beauty to your home.
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COOL APPS
Slingshot
Slingshot is interesting: a screen-sharing app that can host sessions from any iOS device, including using Apple's own AirPlay technology to broadcast them to other Apple devices. However, it also works with Android devices and computers: notes, file-sharing and video chat are all included too.
iPhone / iPad
Cooliris 
Pitched as "your complete personal media hub", Cooliris looks just as slick on Android as its existing iOS version. It's an app for browsing the photos you've uploaded to various services, from Facebook and Instagram to Flickr and Twitter - as well as seeing what friends have been posting. All in a slick touchscreen interface.
Android
IFTTT 
IFTTT is an excellent tool for connecting up different web services using simple "If this then that' instructions - hence the name. You can automatically save Instagram uploads to Dropbox, or trigger emails when an RSS feed is updated, or... well, there are thousands of possible "recipes" created by other users, which you can then use too for your own accounts.
Android
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Wall of Fame
Congratulations on being all the world wants in a concierge!
MAY 12
I am writing this email because I have never been so touched and impressed by the help of another individual as I have Kefyrah. I recently was a guest of your hotel for business and took a taxi from your establishment to the Eden Roc in south beach. Unfortunately the taxi drove off with one of my bags. The contents of the bag while not valuable to others were invaluable to me. I had insulin, medication, and research from a diabetes clinical trial in the bag... the taxi company was extremely tough to deal with. I called the Conrad because they were so helpful during my stay in hopes that maybe someone there could assist. Although I never met Kefyrah face to face she called the taxi company numerous times to track down the driver. She even gave me her personal cell since she was leaving work and promised to stay on top of the matter. She worked tirelessly for 3 days tracking down the driver and I am happy to report that I was able to retrieve my bag, my insulin, and my research! Thank you so much and please know that Kefyrah is an invaluable resource to your hotel! I have never been so pleased with service in my life. I felt compelled to write to you and hope so that you could know how wonderful she is. Thanks so much for your attention to this after and thank you for a wonderful stay at the Conrad. Whenever I travel for business or pleasure again, I will be sure to stay at your hotel!
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa
May 14
Good Hotel.
Large suites
TV (cable provider) is really bad.
Good Food.
Excellent Staff.
Outstanding concierge (Lisa Kennedy).
Across the street from wonderful part of the beach.
Marriott Hollywood Beach
MAY 8
Others on staff who very much deserve credit for making our stay special and memorable would be Freddy and CJ in the concierge lounge, Elio and Edit on the dining staff, the entire housekeeping crew, and the really sweet young lady who works mornings in the Concierge Lounge ( sorry we can't remember her name, but we do remember her smile!)
Lord Balfour
MAY 13
The head concierge Dilip Pathak made our trip. His knowledge of the area, his ability to assess what we would truly enjoy (vs suggesting the standard tourist traps), his ability to give us access to lovely events (world cup polo match), to finding the perfect Mojito ( spectacularly refreshing- and even better at happy hour) - he is wonderful.
Z Ocean Hotel South Beach
MAY 14
The hotel concierge Mickey is really helpful so speak to him about nights out! Its a nice calm hotel in the madness of south beach.
The Hotel
MAY 13
John the concierge offered several options to enjoy during our stay and always greeted us as we passed through the lobby.
SLS
MAY 8
If you go, reach out to the concierge prior to your trip and they will arrange every detail, from dinner recommendations and reservations, to activities, anything you could ask for. Vicky Reyes helped ensure our trip was perfect and i can not speak more highly of her professionalism and hospitality.
Shore Club
MAY 8
Good vibe! Special thanks to Ghani at the restaurant, Reo the concierge who is very helpful and funny and my friends at the Beach, Tony and Anthony. Thx guys!
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Credits
Supervisory Editor: Miguel Pena Editing, Web Design, Graphic Design, Writing: Joey Oros
Cover photo by Joey Oros
We hope that you enjoyed this edition of The Maestro. |
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