Miami With Jillian Choi

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A coveted art and design consultant, Jillian Choi was the director of global exhibitions for Design Miami in 2022. She shares the best art-focused way to explore Miami while also pointing us to the best hang-out spots, whether you’re looking for a lowkey affair or an all-out Miami experience. Read on…

What do you do, and how did you get here?

I am an art and design consultant. I have worked in a variety of capacities within both industries, PR & events, gallery, advising, and fairs which have brought me to where I’m at now, where I can be quite flexible on the kinds of projects I take on. I’m very interested in the intersection of things — genres, industries, ideas — and I am the happiest there!

You spent two years in Miami. What took you there?

I moved to Miami in January 2020 as the Director of Global Exhibitions for Design Miami and stayed through the pandemic. It was a wacky but beautiful time, and I adored living in Miami.

What was the best thing about living in Miami? And what will make you go back?

Seeing water and blue skies every day! Even the rainy days were cozy. I met amazing people in Miami, and in general, it was a very restorative time for me. In short: the weather, the people, and the unique Miami culture. Especially after living there, Miami holds a very special place for me — it feels like it’s always changing and yet somehow always the same.

Best place to experience emerging art and culture?

I may be a bit partial because I’m on the board, but Locust Projects is phenomenal in its programming for artists and the services it provides for the community, and with a big and beautiful new location in Little River. So many more exciting things to come and more room for exhibitions! And of course, Oolite Arts is also an amazing incubator for talent, so many artists have passed through there and continue to do so.

Façade of the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami

Best place to enjoy well-established art?

So many amazing institutions in Miami, but the Institute of Contemporary Art for its fab contemporary art program and the Rubell Museum.

Best place for design finds?

Nina Johnson Gallery for a really dynamic program of contemporary art and design, Mindy Solomon Gallery for fabulous contemporary ceramics — but the best design element of any Miami home is bright light and plants! Lots of plants!

Best place to for a beauty fix?

There are many fabulous spas in Miami, anyone can look them up, but my two recent mainstays are SB Skin for microcurrent & microdermabrasion facials. Shamara‘s microcurrent facials are legendary in NY, and now you can see her in Miami too! I always leave feeling glowy, lifted, and brand new. Also kind of life-changing for those of us with short straight lashes (read: me) is a Lashes by Rebe lash lift and tint. Also, the lash serum she sells is a must.

Best low-key food?

I won’t clown myself by giving my “Best Cuban” recommendation — I’ll leave that to the locals, but for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch on the beach, Jason Odio‘s Bebito‘s is a go-to.

Favorite dining experience?

I adore La Natural for the ambiance and hospitality and, of course, the amazing sourdough pizzas and veggie dishes. My absolute musts are the Szechuan Peppercorn Pizza and the Burrata pizza. For the drinkers, they have a fabulous selection of natural wines, and for the non-drinkers like me, you can enjoy a Ghia spritz!

Where to go for a tasty drink and a good dose of flirting?

Don’t know if this makes me basic, but I love the Four Seasons Surf Club for drinks. It’s just such a beautiful room with great lighting and plants! Also I adore a limonada de coco at the Lido at The Standard, essentially a limey non-alcoholic piña colada.

The favorite hotel you recommend to friends or you’d stay at the next time you visit?

I always love The Standard Miami Beach. It’s a classic, and between the spa and the Lido and the pool and now the cafe and the Monterrey Bar, it kind of has it all, and it’s away from the hustle and bustle of Collins. I also used to live across the street, so I always loved when friends stayed there 🙂

One thing about Miami that people don’t know…

It can actually be so restorative and nurturing.

Check out Jauretsi Saizibitoria’s review of The Standard Miami Beach

Check out our guide to the Best Hotels in Miami Beach

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