FROST FINALLY
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Center is finally ready for its big debut. Festivities start Monday, with the Miami Downtown Development Authority hosting a private reception on May 9, from 5-10 p.m. Though the city has claimed a science institution since 1950, the new venue introduces state-of-the-art exhibits including the tri-level Gulf Stream Aquarium whose natural light and open-air top mimic natural marine habitats for an immersive experience. Wind down to its bottom for a mesmerizing view through a 31-foot oculus holding in 500,000 gallons of seawater, as hammerhead sharks and devil rays circle above. The Frost Planetarium 3D dome’s 16 million color 8K visual system is one of only 13 worldwide. Besides projecting astronomy programs, signature laser shows continue with classic rock and Top 40 hits.
1101 Biscayne Boulevard; 305.434.9600; frostscience.org
BENTLEY OF BIKES
Whether All Aboard Florida’s pending Brightline express train, trolleys or cycling, Miamians are embracing other modes of transportation. Bike shops for serious gearheads have been sprouting up all over town, and Wynwood boasts a luxury dealer as of today. Inspired by the neighborhood’s minimal art galleries, the Superior Bike Shop displays bicycles as works of art. The concept specializes in premier, hand-assembled models from European brands such as Fabike, 8bar and Schindelhauer. Rare in the U.S., these exclusive bikes are known for outstanding quality and performance. Their lightweight design in materials like carbon fiber and titanium is intended for urban use. They also incorporate the latest technology: Gates Carbon Drive System’s belt replaces chains; Shimano cranksets for better shifting, and Rohloff Speedhubs with sealed gearboxes. Most retail from $2,000 to $7,000.
2105 NW Second Avenue; 305.912.7790; thesuperiorbike.shop
COFFEE KING
After wooing caffeine addicts with his famous ice coffee at Alchemist café in Fort Lauderdale’s Wilton Manors, Matias Jurgeit takes his recipe to his next venture. The Argentine opened the Revenant Coffee House & Eatery a 10-minute drive east near US-1. The purist roasts and grinds his coffee onsite, which is served within three days when it’s at its prime flavor. Though several brewing methods are trendy, he strongly believes in using a syphon. Approaching coffee recipes like a mixologist, some of his signatures are the Eternal Revenant, hot Turkish-style coffee blended with grass-fed butter and organic coconut oil, and the Spirit of the Revenant, a Turkish-style cold brew shaken with brown sugar, whole milk and sweetened condensed milk. Even espresso, dubbed the Expression, is infused with rosemary.
2301 NE 26th Street; 954.947.7509; therevenantcoffee.com
BRIT BOUQUET
Penhaligon’s, a British fragrance house favored by the Royal Family, will open its first Florida boutique in Aventura in May. Established in London in the late 19th century, it holds two Royal Warrants for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales. Both are displayed in the new intimate space decorated with stones sourced from Winston Churchill’s home, English oak cabinetry and a solid brass table resembling the Olympic torch and cauldron from the 2012 games in London. It’s the perfect setting to shop for a new scent from Portraits, a wickedly entertaining collection whose eau de parfums for men and women are named after fictitious characters in a British drama; the Tragedy of Lord George smells of brandy and shaving cream, and a stag’s head crowns its beautiful bottle (pictured).
19501 Biscayne Boulevard; 888.450.7578; penhaligons.com
Home Maintenance should take precedence if you find your new property lacking in the basics. If the roof is about to collapse, it’s probably a good financial investment to put any extra funds into a new roof. When thinking of home improvements or projects, it’s best to think like a home buyer. What would you most want out of your new home? Most people searching for a new property will shy away from homes that need major repairs or updates (unless they have an endless budget), and most of these come in the form of home maintenance. Roof caving in? Water in the basement? Windows leaking? Structure crumbling or foundation leaking? These are all items buyers equate with lots of dollar signs, and more than likely they’ll move on to the next house if any of these things come up on a home inspection or are clearly visible during a viewing or walk through.
If the basic systems of your home are in good working order, the next best thing to consider when thinking of improvements that will see a large return when selling is where your home or property could be lacking in space. Only have one bathroom but four bedrooms? You’ll see a larger return on your money by adding on an additional bathroom than if you chose to remodel your kitchen. 
Many buyers are attracted to updated kitchens and bathrooms, and to be honest, who isn’t? An outdated kitchen or a bathroom that has seen better days can definitely make a potential buyer turn away. If you’re contemplating improving on your home, and you’re hoping to complete a project that will see a considerable return on investment, upgrading a kitchen or bathroom is a great option if all the other important areas of your home are in good working order. According to 
Deciding on whether or not to partake and invest in a home improvement project can be difficult, especially when there are a number of options and ideas to choose from. Before you make your final decision, remember there are a number of other factors that should be considered beforehand: the value of your home, the value of the neighborhood you live in, your local housing market, the quality of the project you choose, and of course whether you plan to immediately sell your property once the project is complete. You want to get the highest return out of your project – plan accordingly, and you’ll be happy with your final decision, as will your wallet.
Anthony Spitaleri 