Miami, Florida
Birthday Eve Dinner at Carbone Miami
It was the eve of my 34th birthday, and I found myself on Collins Ave, standing outside of Carbone.
After a full day of traveling and settling in, all I could think about was a delicious dinner with my bestie, Gabby - pasta, wine, and laughter waiting on the other side of those doors.
Walking in, I felt like I had been transported back to my second home in New York, somewhere in NoHo. The dim lighting, classic hip hop floating through the room, and the stream of effortlessly stylish people coming and going instantly pulled me into a familiar rhythm. It reminded me of those city nights where I lived fully in the present - draped in opulence, unbothered by tomorrow, too busy in the right now. That’s exactly what the moment felt like.
We started with Zuppa E Insalate, Caprese, the House Chopped, and warm baked breads - every bite setting the tone. Champagne flowed next, my favorite way to kick off any celebration.
Sitting there, champagne glass in hand, Nas playing in the background, and my bestie across the table - I felt exactly how I wanted to step into 34.
Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
For the main course, I went with the famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka—my absolute favorite pasta. My taste buds were singing. I still don’t know how Carbone gets their sauce that creamy. I’ve tried to recreate it at home (and I’m getting close), but in the meantime, this dish is pure heaven.
To top it all off, the staff surprised me with a sweet little birthday treat. Carbone really knows how to make a Black woman in her 30s feel both classic and spicy. Shout out to the team for their warmth and for seating us at one of the best spots in the house - close enough to soak up every bit of the Carbone magic.
Birthday Brunch at DIOR Café Miami
On the morning of December 22nd, my birthday, I slipped into a cute white dress and headed to the Miami Design District with Gabby. If I had to pick one of my many highlights from my Miami trip, it would be having breakfast at the DIOR Café.
So here’s the thing about the DIOR Café- they know how to make you feel like a VIP. The moment you walk into the store, you’re greeted by stylists and the friendliest faces, then whisked up an elevator to this dreamy rooftop restaurant. It’s bright, colorful, and full of design moments that make you want to pull your phone out instantly. I love a good aesthetic vibe, but paired with such great customer service? That’s what makes it special.
We arrived right on time for our 11 a.m. reservation and were seated promptly. We were so grateful to be seated in the shade since it was mad hot.
We ordered their signature lattes, which had the cutest Dior logo on top.
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was in heaven. The Tuna TarTare was fresh, and slightly sweet in flavor. It was so meaty and juicy, not too heavy. The taste had a buttery richness with a clean finish. I love trying this dish at multiple restaurants while traveling because it’s often prepared differently. We were satisfied to the max.
After brunch, we walked around the district and took some cute photos.
If you're looking for the perfect Miami backdrop for your photos, you have to check out the Buckminster Fuller Fly's Eye Dome. It's super popular and a favorite on Pinterest for a reason!
Birthday Dinner at Sexy Fish
I’d been eyeing Sexy Fish for a while - ever since hearing about it in London, but never got the chance to go. So when I managed to snag a resy for my birthday in Miami (which is no easy feat, by the way, this place books up fast), I was stoked. Sexy Fish has built a name for itself with upscale dining that blends Asian-inspired seafood, creative sushi, and cocktails that taste like art. This restaurant has bold, opulent décor and an energy that feels part fine dining, part nightlife, and you’ll understand why it’s become a hotspot around the world once you see the details in the aesthetic.
The menu focuses on fresh sashimi, sushi, and inventive seafood dishes that show off their vibrant style. But the atmosphere is truly what sets it apart. The design is filled with colorful art and a luxurious water vibe, drawing a lively crowd. It’s no wonder Sexy Fish is considered one of the most Instagrammable restaurants - every corner is a photo op waiting to happen. And I loved that for me.
Yellowtail Sashimi
Toro Caviar
Chilean Sea Bass
It’s definitely one of those intentional places - you come here to celebrate something special: birthdays, anniversaries, or even a really sexy date night. Just don’t forget to make that resy in advance!
Nightcap at the Villa Casa Casuarina (The Former Versace Mansion)
After dinner at Sexy Fish, Gabby and I slipped into an Uber for one final indulgence: dessert at the iconic Versace Mansion. The moment we stepped through the gates, it felt like we had crossed into another world. A graceful hostess welcomed us, guiding us through a waiting area adorned with shimmering chandeliers, twinkling lights, and that unmistakable Versace opulence. Every corner seemed designed to dazzle — luxurious, cinematic, and undeniably Miami.
We were then led into the villa’s heart — the courtyard, where the sapphire-blue mosaic pool glistened beneath the night sky. It’s the famous backdrop you see splashed across Instagram, but in person, it felt even more intoxicating. As we descended the grand staircase, I couldn’t help but take in the elegance, the artistry, the way the air itself carried a sultry energy. This wasn’t just dinner; it was theater.
When we reached our table, heads turned. Gabby and I were dressed to the nines, glowing from the night and the city itself. The staff arrived with champagne, followed by a decadent birthday dessert, and suddenly the courtyard filled with the sound of “Happy Birthday” in my honor. I sat there smiling, soaking it all in — the sparkle of the pool, the warmth of my best friend’s laughter, and the joy of being celebrated in such a legendary space.
Between bites of dessert and sips of champagne, Gabby and I reflected on our trip, on how much Miami had given us — from morning coffee at Dior Café, to pasta at Carbone, to our extravagant dinner at Sexy Fish, and now, this. We talked about gratitude, about growing older with style and intention, about the vision of returning here often to live a life that feels as abundant as the city itself.
Before leaving, we posed at the iconic poolside spot — because how could we not? The moment demanded to be captured. Later, as we made our way back toward our hotels, the flash of paparazzi cameras caught us off guard. A photo was snapped, and I couldn’t help but laugh — it was the perfect, cinematic ending to a birthday that had been nothing short of magical.
From the intimacy of Carbone on my birthday eve, to the chic breakfast at DIOR Café, to the lavish glamour of Sexy Fish, closing the night at Versace felt like destiny. It wasn’t just a birthday; it was a celebration of beauty, friendship, and gratitude. The kind of birthday that inspires you to dream bigger, travel more boldly, and curate moments that feel like pure luxury.