Plum TV

How long have you lived in Miami (and where did you live before)?

I was born and raised here... So that's 28 years, minus four for undergrad in Evanston, Illinois from 1998-2002, and another four living in New York City from 2003-2007. I've also lived in Florence, Italy, for semester abroad while in college. I'm horrible with numbers, but I think that would make 19 years, 8 months.

What's your favorite beach?

At the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. Great July 4th family trip memories there...

What's your favorite pool?

There's two. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, and the one at my apartment building on Brickell... except that they are renovating it right now, grrrrr!

Favorite Miami restaurants?

Anything Michelle Bernstein is doing. I've had three killer Spanish meals (and red Sangria) at Sra. Martinez. Then there's Yakko-San in North Miami and Matsuri in the Gables for great Japanese. I also like Shoji Sushi on the Beach. Joe's always makes me smile, especially its grilled tomatoes and apple pie and wonderful scene of young and old, locals and tourists, alike.

Best place to grab a Miami-worthy cocktail?

You won't usually catch me with a cocktail in-hand, unless it's utilitarian like a vodka Red Bull or vodka tonic. I'm a beer and wine girl, all the way! For beer, Zeke's Roadhouse on Lincoln Road. For wine, Jake's (now "The Gastropub at Jake's") in South Miami has recently renovated, is looking great and has a fantastic list of wines by the glass. I recently had a great pinot noir there for way under $10.

Best kept secret in Miami?

Well, it may not be a secret really, but I love Pommes and Panne in the Grove ("Olaf's" to the neighborhood) sandwiched in between the Cocowalk parking garage entrance on Virginia and a loading dock. Proprietor Olaf, a Dutchman, serves up yummy daily specials and you can't beach his turkey and gouda with everything on white sandwich. It's the perfect size, and slightly heated in a panini press for the perfect crunch on the outside, meeting the turkey, cheese, yellow mustard, mayo, chopped tomatoes, onions and lettuce on the inside. And they even have beer specials for happy hour, which makes me happy.

Any Miami Beach parking tips?

Brace yourself for insanity and then try counting to ten when you have just about thrown in the towel. I guess my only tip would be to recommend cabbing it everywhere if you can and be prepared to walk. That's the best part of "city" life on the Beach anyway. Also, I recently parked in a garage on Washington and 16th Street that was only $4 for a couple hours or so, which I thought was a great deal. Better than valet at hotels/restaurants which can run you upwards of $25-50.

How long have you been a blogger?

Since February 24, 2009, believe it or not. But it feels like forever!

What are your favorite blogs?

Oh my, where to begin. I love Chez Pim and her writing. I always trust Mark Bittman for a steady stream of simple, killer recipes. I have a bunch on my blogroll that update automatically with RSS, which comes in handy for keeping track of what they're all posting on. Otherwise it can get a bit crazy!

Favorite book/album/movie?

I've read a lot of David Sedaris lately, most recently When You Are Engulfed in Flames. I enjoy his sassy voice and humorous, spot-on observations on life. I listen to many different kinds of music. When I write, I turn on the classical station on Comcast, for instance. I also like Radio Head, Cold Play, U2... Then classic rock... And of course there is trance, that I was first exposed to studying abroad in 2000. I hae been playing Armin Van Buuren's Imagine album and the thousands of songs I'm so lucky to get ever few months or so from my best friend, who among other things is a DJ... A DVD from him has such an eclectic mix of stuff... I like DJ Shah's remixes and the Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack right now, from there. I'm visiting him in India in a couple of weeks.

Who's your celebrity BFF?

It's a three-way tie right now. Jimmy Fallon, for sure. His new late night gig is great. They're doing new things over there. Not just the same mold, which impresses me. Also, Michael Ian Black is just hilarious on Twitter. So is Tina Fey.

And perhaps the most important question of all... Pick a Superpower: Flight or Invisibility?

No question, flight!

Thanks, Jackie! We can't wait for some more delicious posts.


Read Jackie's Plum Miami Beach Blog or view more of her work online at Kitchen Interviews. Follow her on Twitter @ktchntrvwr.