Your Downtown Miami Newsletter
Kicks in the Family
By Millie Acebal Rousseau
Shoe Gallery, it’s where hip DWNTWNRS come to buy the latest sneakers and apparel, many of which are only available at this iconic store.
It’s rare for Danny Wasserstein, who runs Shoe Gallery with his family—mom, dad and sis—to give interviews. This self proclaimed “Jewban,” knows a thing or two about exclusivity. People from all over South Florida and beyond … Singapore, Japan … and even celebs, go to his store for sneakers no one else sells, at least not yet. That’s because over the years, Danny has developed strong partnerships with major footwear brands, and the companies use his store as a “tastemaker.” He explains, “If the shoe does well, you’ll see it in more stores.”
Danny’s not spilling on which brands, but if you shop there regularly, you know he’s high tops in the industry. “Sneakers became more commercialized. It’s a culture now.” Besides sneakers, he also offers clothing and other accessories.
Shoes run in this brood’s blood. Abuelo, Abram Wasserstein, started the Shoe Gallery back in 1979 in ... where else … Downtown. Back then, he sold your basic, middle tier shoe. As a kid, Danny worked in the store, and had to pay his shoe dues, mainly to his father who eventually took over the store. “I would do stock, clean up.”
But his role quickly grew as he did. He started bringing brands from New York, and added fashion to the lineup. “In 2000, hip hop clothing was just starting, and at the time, you couldn’t find shoes and apparel in one place,” he says. “Once the apparel got here, kids knew they could come here and get the entire hookup.”
But it’s not just kids who shop here. “What’s really cool is our broad customer base. We get different cultures, people from overseas … they want to come here and see what it’s all about.”
Shoe Gallery has been located on the same block of Downtown for almost 30 years, and they’re not going anywhere. “We’re staying in Downtown; it’s been our home since 1979.”
The store also hosts events, such as bringing in sought-after shoe designers to autograph limited-edition kicks for customers. Besides exclusive merchandise, Danny says people come here because of his staff. “My team is huge to the success of the store. They treat it like their own,” says the 33-year old.
People really do love this place, so much so that the Wassersteins don’t advertise. Their business is strictly word of mouth. They don’t even have a Web site. You can, however, check them out on YouTube. Or, just come in to the store. They’re open Monday through Saturday.
Shoe Gallery
244 NE 1st Avenue
Miami, FL 33132
305-371-2063
Mon-Sat, 9:30 a.m-6:00 p.m.
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Work It Out!
by Millie Acebal Rousseau
Whatever your reason, this state-of-the-art fitness center is where those who live, work and play in Downtown go to burn off calories and tone up. Downtown’s finest—attorneys, bankers, realtors, residents—come here, including two 90 year olds. Forget any excuse about being too busy or old to work “working out” into your schedule.
The club has been around since the mid 80s, but new owners took over in 2004, investing more than $2.5 million into the place. “I saw what was going on in Downtown, and wanted to be part of it,” says Gene Meehan, co-owner and president.
The gym is also home to the only mountain, eh peak, in Miami. Well, sort of. There’s a 28-foot rock wall, the only natural surface one in South Florida. “It’s a nice challenge,” says General Manager Bryant Samson. I bet! Omar Suarez, the resident rock guy, explains there’s four ways to go up, so both experts and novices can try. You can climb solo or with a partner. Omar, who climbs in no time, says the key is to use your legs.
If rock climbing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do here—two floors worth. On the first floor, there’s weights, cardio, a main studio for classes, squash court, punching bag, golf and spinning studios, and a member’s lounge. There’s also a basketball court. “You get your MBA stars on the court, and then they go back and do bazillion dollar deals of business,” says Bryant. If the busy MBA execs can find time, there’s hope for the rest of us. Classes range from Latin dance and spinning to yoga and body sculpting. Some of them, mainly the lunch hour classes, are formatted so you can join in whenever you want and still get a work out. Eat and exercise on the go!
The second floor houses Life Fitness signature cardio machines, an indoor, rubberized track overlooking the basketball court, and more cardio areas. Underway, a new, theater-style cardio center featuring views of Downtown. In total, there will be three cardio areas—one for people who like quiet, another for those who want to watch TV, and the final one for people who like to be entertained while they do cardio, explains Gene. (Five projection TVs are planned.) The club also offers personal training and regular massages, and features a full-service physical therapy clinic.
Lisa Conner, fitness director, teaches the Total Body Blast class, a one-hour class of drills, kickboxing, bars and bands. For those who don’t have an hour, “It’s designed so people can join in the middle,” she says. New Downtown residents, and personal trainers, Larissa Costa and Sergio Alcantara just launched the Cross Fit class, an intense 30-minute workout that burns 300 calories, according to Alcantara. “It’s good for everyone, a fireman, or someone who is sedentary,” they say.
Looking for a personal trainer? Here’s the scoop on who does what. Bob Masterson is the go-to-guy for Iron Man training, while Ana Quiñones focuses on nutrition. Lisa Conner helps women who are dealing with metabolism and stress issues get in shape; John Kelly, a firefighter, trains women in self-defense; and Robert Gooding is the spinning expert.
Downtown Athletic Club, a “green” gym, opens six days a week. There are three rushes—6:30-8:00 a.m.; lunch, and 6:30-8 p.m. “People cruise in from Kendall real early to beat traffic,” says Bryant. Same thing in the afternoon.
Downtown Athletic Club
200 S. Biscayne Blvd., 15th Floor
Miami, FL 33131
305-358-9988
www.getfitmiami.com
Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (Closed Sunday)
Membership dues: $64 p/month (annual); $74 (month-to-month).
Enrollment fee: $99.
Manny’s Steakhouse
Ceviche 105
For menu and delivery info call 305.577.3454 or to order online visit www.ceviche105.com.
Cacao Grill
Acqua
Sake Room
Pay by Phone Parking Service
Sidewalk Crêpes & Salads
Call 786-425-3575 or visit www.sidewalkcrepesandsalads.com.