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.

NEW YORK CITY

No matter how well you think you know it, there’s always somewhere or someone new to discover. In my twenties, I moved to the city. It was one of the best times of my life. There was always something magical about walking the streets and observing the opulence of the town. I remember feeling a sense of awe every time I looked up at the towering skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the city streets. It was a place of endless opportunities and limitless possibilities, and I felt like I was at the center of it all. Every day was an adventure, and I couldn't wait to see what the city had in store for me next.

It's been quite a journey for me. A decade ago, I was living my best life in the city. But now, as a suburban mother in Georgia with a successful career in the tech industry, I rarely get the chance to revisit my favorite spots. However, I've made a promise to myself to document every detail of my latest experiences. These moments are a reflection of my youth, a proof that I lived and existed here in so many ways. Whether I was grabbing a coffee with my friends in SoHo or taking a train to Brooklyn to explore a new exhibit, I was present in every moment. It's those experiences that make life worth living.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

When I was in college, I envisioned myself working as a journalist for The New York Times. After switching my major from Criminal Justice to English Literature, I discovered my love for writing. Blogging quickly became my favorite hobby, and I even ran two blogs during my college years as well as had a Tumblr.

Through blogging, I was introduced to the art community and connected with other talented artists. I particularly admired women bloggers like Vashtie Kola and Dopest Ethiopian, who were ethnic, creative, and making strides on social media. Their stories inspired me, and I became interested in being a paid blogger. I wanted to emulate them and their success.

In 2010, I started my first blog, Twenty Year Old Artist From Chicago, and followed it up with Chocolate Cake, High Heels, & Cameras in 2011. These blogs were a way for me to express myself and document my journey into womanhood. They are very special to me. Although I never landed a job at The New York Times, I was fortunate enough to visit their office recently. Part of me still holds onto the hope that one day I will work there.

In the meantime, I will continue using this platform to connect with others and share my experiences. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and enjoy this special New York piece.

ONE DOLLAR PIZZA

If you're planning a trip to New York, make sure to indulge in a slice of pizza! Trust me, it's seriously the best. I highly recommend checking out 2 Bros Pizza - their St. Marks location in the East Village is my personal favorite. And the best part? They serve hot $1 pizza all day long! It's an absolute must-have for me every time I'm in the city.

“Melting pot Harlem-Harlem of honey and chocolate and caramel and rum and vinegar and lemon and lime and gall. Dusky dream Harlem rumbling into a nightmare tunnel where the subway from the Bronx keeps right on downtown.”

— Langston Hughes

Summer Renaissance

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

Introducing the Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud, a charmingly elegant café located within The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store.

I had the loveliest breakfast with my best friend Kaiya at Tiffany's. It was such a nostalgic moment as we reminisced about our college days and one of our favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's. I remember watching it together in our dorm room and now as grown women and mothers, we found ourselves meeting up at the iconic store. It was such a fitting activity for our friendship, and I was grateful for the time spent catching up with her.

Bronx

The Bronx holds a special place in my heart. It was where I first rented a room in New York, and I remember taking the 6 Train from downtown to Cypress Ave. every day. I lived with two uptown women in a walk-up apartment building, and although I have both good and bad memories of the Bronx, I always make a point to revisit my old neighborhood. It's a reminder of how much I've grown and how much I've preserved throughout the years.

ROMANTICIZE YOUR LIFE

Over time, I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, like the comfort of fresh sheets, the tranquility of stillness, and the luxury of a slow morning. Life is happening right now, not in some distant future. And the only way to fully experience it is by being completely present. When you're fully engaged in the moment, that's when you're truly living.

Late night catch-up at Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar with my bestie Kaiya.

THE BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY

New exhibit ‘The Book of HOV’ pays homage to Jay-Z at the Brooklyn Public Library. If you haven’t had a chance to catch this installation, you still have time. The exhibit has been extended to December 4th.

RAS PLANT BASED

A pioneering Ethiopian gem in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. This is one of my favorite East African spots in the city. Every plate is a canvas and every flavor a narrative.

I had a glass of TEJ (honey wine) and ordered the PIASSA (savory beetroot, brown lentil, yellow split pea, mild chickpea, and crunchy zucchini).

Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Flatbush, Brooklyn

I've come to realize that romanticizing my life doesn't necessarily mean creating a fictional world full of mythical creatures and vibrant colors. For me, it's all about finding joy and satisfaction in the simple things. Waking up early to savor a hot cup of coffee, listening to a carefully curated jazz playlist, or diving into a new book are all small pleasures that make life worth living. Over time, I've learned to appreciate the little things in life, like the comfort of fresh sheets, the tranquility of stillness, and the luxury of a slow morning. Life is happening right now, not in some distant future. And the only way to fully experience it is by being completely present. When you're fully engaged in the moment, that's when you're truly living.

New York has romanced me unlike anything else.

Previous posts:

Gettin' Jiggy in Miami

Coco In The City