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.

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.

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.

My friends and I dwelled in the rotten apple for a few days. On the Lower East Side to be exact.

Kiah, Jasmine, and Pauleka. When God sends us friends like these, it is important to cherish them. Traveling has always been my love language. I am forever grateful for the memories we created on our trip.

Take a closer look…

“Go from trips to Delancey to trips to the Grammy’s ”

— Puff Daddy

Ruby’s Cafe

This petite Australian cafe lured us in with their indoor and outdoor dining options. This all-day café is known for their yummy coffee, Aussie-style hamburger, and healthy-ish bowl-based meals.

For breakfast, I enjoyed their iced matcha and green eggs bowl with smoked salmon. The bowl consisted of soft scrambled eggs, spinach, kale peas, avocado, and salsa verde. This was the perfect meal to begin our active day in the big city.

SOHO

SoHo (South of Houston Street) was my stomping grounds for many years. I landed my first tech job in the SoHo neighborhood back in 2015. My daily commute was riding the J train from Brooklyn to China Town, and transferring to an uptown 6 train to Spring street. Walking to my former job was always a treat. Along the way I would pass photographers working with models, lost tourists asking for directions, and hella Halal food trucks. I even remember seeing the Kardashians during NYFW leaving their hotel directly across the street from my office. Everyday was an adventure. That was SoHo.

My first experience of SoHo was being guided by Google Maps to Forever 21on Broadway while I was in undergrad. I instantly fell in love with SoHo’s cast-iron architecture and street fashion. It was hard to believe that SoHo was where struggling artists once lived. It became this place of high-end designer stores, fabulous restaurants, and luxury living. I was impressed by the art scene and visualized myself becoming a part of that culture one day.

As you can imagine, it was a dream to start my tech journey there.

Fast forward to 2022, and I still get chills walking down Spring. Jasmine suggested we hit Dominque Ansel Bakery which just so happens to be on Spring street. It was definitely a full circle moment.

“When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I bought Vogue instead of dinner. I found it fed me more.”

— Carrie Bradshaw

One morning after breakfast, we strolled through the Manhattan streets and stumbled upon a local flower market. Jasmine is a flower lover and encouraged us to stop for a second. She picked through bunches of flowers. It was so exciting to watch her get to work. That moment reminded me to slow down and smell the flowers.

Also, a friendly reminder to support your local flower markets.

Harlem

“Harlem is a stage. It’s like its own planet, from the way we dress to the swag in the way we walk and talk.”

— Teyana Taylor

Headed to Dinner

RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH New York

Who knew Restoration Hardware had a rooftop?

From the moment we entered the RH New York restaurant (The Gallery in the historic Meatpacking District), we were in awe of the views. We dined under glimmering chandeliers and pleached London plane trees, while drinking really good prosecco. The vibes of the restaurant were giving luxury.

The thing I love about RH is that you can get interior design inspiration for your house while enjoying a really good meal with a view. There are so many wins.

Oh, and I was super stoked to catch up with actor and multi-media producer Mariana Novak at dinner.

I definitely recommend having a glass of champagne at RH Rooftop during your next visit to New York City.

Lower East Side / East Village

Due to stable cheese prices, 2 Bros Pizza is still $1 for a cheese slice at six of their nine locations. I remember being so broke while studying at New York Film Academy - that I could only afford to eat there. I always bought two slices with a drink. That was my jam.

After enjoying a nice walk on St. Marks Place while devouring hot pizza, I wanted ice cream. Not just any ice cream though. I wanted something special.

For all of my untraditional ice cream lovers, treat yourself to a scoop or two at Stuffed Ice Cream. The white chocolate lavender and red velvet cookie dough crumble flavors always excite me. They also specialize in bouquets up to 21 scoops.

“I live in The Village. Wherever I go I walk to. I keep my friends around so I have someone to talk to”

— Beastie Boys

BLK MKT Vintage

I fell in love with this Brooklyn, NY-based antique store. The shop is drenched with Black history collectibles. The shop appeared very vintage and rich in culture after catching my first glimpse. The experience was curated by the founders Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart.

This was also another suggestion from Jasmine that made our trip amazing.

Catch The Vibes

Getting dressed and going out for dinner is such a New York thing.

New York can be so romantic at times. There is always a song playing and lots of street lights. The scene is well lit. You can walk down the street and feel like a star in a movie. Everyone sees you. It is quite magical.

On this particular night, we had dinner reservations at the 40/40 Club in Manhattan.

The 40/40 Club has always been my place. I celebrated my 25th birthday there, and had multiple dinners with friends throughout the years. It is a place where both men and women can enjoy luxury sports bar culture with a touch of Hip Hop. The experience is what keeps me loyal and always going back.

Brooklyn, NY

A very special thanks to Jasmine for directing my Why Don’t We Fall in Love video in Fort Greene, BK. We had so much fun reminiscing to the early 2000’s. We even caught a cab to DUMBO.

Lower East Side

“There’s something so romantic about being broke in New York. You gotta do it. You have to live there once without any money, and then you have to live there when you have money. Let me tell you, of the two, the latter is far better. ”

— Amy Poehler

On The 6

This is probably one of the most important trains in New York. This line starts in the Bronx at Pelham Bay Park, and ends at the Brooklyn Bridge. It goes through popular neighborhoods like China Town, East Village, Union Square, and Spanish Harlem (just to name a few).

This line is also special to me because it was my first train line when I moved to New York. My first room was in the Bronx right off Cypress Avenue. This train took me downtown everyday for school and taught me the MTA train system.

The memories…

Maman NYC

One morning for breakfast we checked out this French café downtown called Maman. It is also a bakery, restaurant, and event space. If you are into French vibes, this is your spot.

I enjoyed their daily quiche with spinach, roasted tomatoes, roasted peppers and sage. The honey lavender latte was also a hit.

Oh, let me not forget about the relationship I had with the strawberry almond croissant. Yummy!

A pleasant surprise was linking up with my best-friend Kaiya. Our first time in New York was a decade ago. We were so young and eager to explore the big city. Since then, we have celebrated multiple birthdays holidays there. Seeing her was a reminder of all memories we created. It was the icing on the cake.

Of course all good trips come to an end, which is why we stopped by The Skinny Bar and Lounge for farewell drinks. Our bartender Ivan hooked us up with celebratory shots and champagne. We danced to 90’s Hip Hop and reminisced about the days prior. This was the perfect chill before going back home.

These are the trips I remember in detail. To eat at luxury restaurants, stay at boutique hotels, and consistently slay looks was just a manifestation of the life I desire to live. This is yet another example of me documenting my youth and experiencing joy.

A huge special shout out to my friends for contributing good energy to our trip, and for being present in the moment. I learned so many things about myself while traveling with these ladies, and those are the type of friends you need in your circle.

“A hundred times I have thought: New York is a catastrophe, and fifty times: it is a beautiful catastrophe.”

— Le Corbusier

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