For the art lover who wants a different and more intimate Art Basel experience, Wynwood Art District comes alive during Art Basel Week. If satellite fairs and prestigious gallery openings are more your style, this dynamic cultural extravaganza brings numerous art-related events: Special exhibits, receptions, symposiums, book presentations, street performances, dining, concerts and more.
Art Makes Life Better
Wynwood District is a satellite hub for Art Basel and is a sensory feast and experience unto itself. “This area is free and accessible for all… A must on your list to explore the neighborhood during the fair,” says Jessica Goldman Sbrebnick, CEO of Goldman Properties, a company that was founded by her legendary father, Tony, in 1968.
Now considered a global leader on re-imagining, reconstructing and transforming declining districts into artful, thriving global destinations, Goldman Properties has put Wynwood district on the global map.
“When we came to Wynwood in 2006, Dad saw this could be the center for the creative and knew we needed a pedestrian neighborhood. This was a thriving place with street art and it needed to be curated. We curated the art and took it to the next level,” she says.
Wynwood Walls is one of the most acclaimed street art museums in the nation, curating new works by hot international artists. “It is such a thrill, such a joy, being able to chose new murals during the week before Art Basel. There are a lot of artists painting walls. It is like watching these urban artists dance with a spray can, being able to see them in their creative element.”
Says Jessica, “Wynwood is like a laboratory of art – the world’s greatest, living, breathing laboratory of museum quality and up-and-coming superstars – it has a bit of everything.”
Where to eat…
For the ultimate art and dining experience during Art Basel, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar (WKB) is a visual feast and located in the heart of the art district offering innovative contemporary global-Latino cuisine with tapas style dining. Chef Miguel Aguilar uses simple, farm fresh, local and organic ingredients at prices and sizes allowing patrons the fun and freedom to sample and share.
Known for their innovative cocktails, I sampled the famous Wynwood Inferno, a sweet and spicy elixir of tequila, jalapeño, cilantro and passion fruit. Noteworthy is their collection of more than 40 of the best international handcrafted beers. I enjoyed the local brew, La Rubia by Wynwood Brewery: full-flavored, golden and hoppy.
Also worth a try is the Gazpacho, a creamy puree of organic tomatoes and peppers and an ideal refreshing starter. I highly recommend the succulent braised short ribs served with a red wine demi glaze and boniato mash. Exquisitely cooked, this melt-in-your mouth dish combines the creamy sweetness of the root vegetable and the richness of the savory beef. Corvina was the fresh fish that night and impeccably seared; served with a side of roasted crimini mushrooms and rosemary-infused brussels sprouts completed the meal.
If you choose to dine indoors, you are greeted by renowned artist Kenny Scharf’s massive collage. German artist Christian Awe’s explosive abstract 20-foot art canvases adorn the dining room. If the weather cooperates, I recommend dining al fresco where you can enjoy the Wynwood Walls, which encompasses a series of 15 breathtaking murals by leading international artists.
If you want to dine in a living gallery, WKG is the perfect choice during Art Basel, and General Manager, Tony Puche recommends reservations to avoid long waits.
Open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is located at 2550 NW 2nd Ave., 305.722.8959, www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com. Ample street parking and valet are available.
