{"id":3317,"date":"2015-10-01T11:00:58","date_gmt":"2015-10-01T16:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~travelwriting\/?page_id=3317"},"modified":"2015-10-27T16:12:55","modified_gmt":"2015-10-27T21:12:55","slug":"brickell-avenue-offers-multicultural-urban-neighborhood-experience","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=3317","title":{"rendered":"Brickell Avenue offers multicultural, urban neighborhood experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted October 1, 2015<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By MARIA HERNANDEZ<\/p>\n

\u201cI would describe Brickell as a Manhattan of the South,\u201d Angelica Sanchez, a Miami-Dade student and Brickell resident, described this emerging area she calls home.<\/p>\n

Brickell is the heart of Downtown Miami; it is an urban neighborhood, South of the Miami River with the perfect combination of sugar and spice. Brickell is where skyscrapers and Bayan trees meet and people loudly enjoy their friends company. Brickell is a blend of the best with a growing multicultural population.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

The Brickell area of Miami (Photo by Marielee Brito).<\/p><\/div>\n

Brickell is quickly emerging into one of the most powerful cities in America. It has the highest concentration of international banks in the country.<\/p>\n

Since 1982, it has been the financial capital of Latin America.<\/p>\n

Small businesses, magazines, firms and more also form part of the Brickell working atmosphere. A lot of young professionals work and live in the Brickell area. As lunch break arrives the streets are filled with cars while people search for a feast.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpaghettino has a variety of choices and serves lunch and dinner. It\u2019s very convenient,\u201d said Fernando Langa, a University of Miami law graduate student living in Brickell.<\/p>\n

While commuting to the office, some of them walk; they enjoy all the different cultures all tangled on both crosswalks. All speaking with different accents, yet the same language, Spanglish<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Brickell<\/a>

Miami’s Brickell Avenue (Photo by Maria Hernandez).<\/p><\/div>\n

Variety is found in every corner. Driving along Brickell Avenue, on one corner there\u2019s a Peruvian restaurant, Coya, and three corners later there\u2019s an Argentinean, Novo Cento.<\/p>\n

Brickell is a huge blend of different cultures. Miami has become the capital of Latin America. A high percentage well-to-do immigrants choose Brickell as their new home due to it perfect location in Miami.<\/p>\n

Not so hectic as South Beach, yet close for desired commutes. A lot of Brickell residents do not live full time in Miami. They come and go and prefer Brickell due to its proximity to the Miami International Airport. Brickell\u2019s potential keeps growing each year with new, innovative projects and restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"Brickell<\/a>

Miami’s Brickell Avenue (Photo by Maria Hernandez).<\/p><\/div>\n

A revolution in the metropolitan living area is underway to the heart of Brickell. Brickell City Center is strategically located in the center and is currently the largest project. Includes spaces for offices, residential, hotel, retails, entertainment and two-level underground parking across the 5.4 million square foot property.<\/p>\n

Now, it might seem annoying due to the constant traffic near the construction area. But once it\u2019s done, Brickell will rise higher and will call attention to others.<\/p>\n

It thrives with a diverse culture and, therefore, allows for eclectic and authentic variety of restaurants.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes it becomes a task to choose a restaurant due to the variety of option,\u201d added Marcella Azcona, Florida International University student who frequently visits the premises.<\/p>\n

Countless activities happen each day: yoga, Cross Fit and Brickell Run Club. Brickell is a multitask neighborhood. By day there\u2019s life and by night even more. New York City is not the only city that doesn\u2019t sleep.<\/p>\n

\"Cortaditos<\/a>

Cortaditos at Tinta Y Cafe (Photo by Maria Hernandez).<\/p><\/div>\n

Brickell runs on coffee, and the best cortadito<\/em> is found at Tinta y Caf\u00e9. It\u2019s conveniently located right at the exit of I-95 on SW 8th<\/sup> Street. The flan<\/em> is worth the extra hours burning calories at the gym.<\/p>\n

If someone\u2019s rushing to their 9 a.m. class and does not have time, there is an outdoor walk-up window to get your goodies on the go. But if you do have time, sit inside and enjoy the local art.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Brickell Key walk track (Photo by Marielee Brito).<\/p><\/div>\n

Brickell Key is a small residential island community with a few retail spaces. It has a walk track circulating the island to exercise with a view of the ocean and building silhouettes.<\/p>\n

It also has a beauty parlor, dry cleaners, marketplace, juice bar and more. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is also in the island.<\/p>\n

\u201cLa Mar by Gaston Acurio hardly needs an introduction,\u201d said Natalie Stoclet from The New Black Miami Blog.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a Peruvian restaurant with fresh food next to the ocean and Miami skyline; it\u2019s perfection. Brickell Key has a jogging track that circulates the island. It\u2019s the best spot to jog, enjoy the view or take the puppy for a walk while enjoying the sunset and watching the kids run around.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Downtown Miami at dusk (Photo by Marielee Brito).<\/p><\/div>\n

As the sun starts to set and the office hours come to an end, some cool places start organizing for the nightly fun festivities. Whether you feel sophisticated and want to party at the Viceroy, Club Fifty, or want to catch up with some old friends while savoring some tapas, Balans, Brickell perfectly fits into multiple scenarios.<\/p>\n

Sidebar is one Brickell best kept secrets, characterized with old school music and a comfortable cozy atmosphere. But if you want a Latin night out experience with reggeaton, bachata and merengue, try Tucandela. It\u2019s small in size but big in party atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Last, but never least, are The Shops at Mary Brickell Village. Mary Brickell has many boutiques and restaurants all around the block.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great outdoorsy space full of wonderful shops and restaurants. It\u2019s my favorite part of Brickell,\u201d said Jamie Shub, a University of Miami student, who frequently visits the premises.<\/p>\n

Brickell is a blend of the best of all the different cultures passed by Miami. It has a fast growing multicultural population allowing Brickell to keep evolving and innovating day by day.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Brickell in early evening (Photo by Marielee Brito).<\/p><\/div>\n

IF YOU GO<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parking<\/strong><\/p>\n