Miami, Mama

Above, the barge Deering had built on Biscayne Bay.

Too tired to write much! Sis and I loved Vizcaya, the mansion and estate built in the years 1914 to 1916 by Chicago businessman James Deering. He had a big vision, very deep pockets, a collector’s eye and a team that included architect F. Burrall Hoffman; garden designer Diego Suarez; and artistic director Paul Chalfin. The domestic staff numbered about 30. The booze supply was ample; the imported treasures many.

So fascinating. Deering had a huge barge constructed out in the bay, with statues. It was connected to the house with a bridge, since the casualty of a Florida storm. We paid $22 entrance fee each, which included parking, and $5 each to join the 2:30 tour led by Alison [spelling?], who was entertaining and smart. 

Then we went for dinner to famous Joe's Stone Crab in Miami, a bustling white-tablecloth favorite where we had the chilled, plump crab legs with mustard sauce; best-ever baked scallops; and a slice of Key lime pie [I had a big forkful] and berries with cream. The restaurant was opened in 1913.

I don’t want to fly home to reality tomorrow! The weather has been perfect, sunny with a lovely breeze. We have seen water, boats, Miami’s pretty skyline with glam high-rises, and the sinking sun--and those green lizards, the big ones, scampering around and startling me.

Good night to you.

Sis near the entrance. Deering’s name, Vizcaya, was chosen to evoke both Spain and the estate’s location on the Biscayne Bay.

Another view of barge in bay.

The classic menu from Joe’s Stone Crab, the stand-alone legend, not to be confused with the Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant chain.