“Always Be a Gentleman, and Never Play by the Rules”

A conversation with Ben Pundole at the new Delano, on dreaming, trusting, and the city that finally stopped following.

“As we pulled up to the porte cochère, I remember being thrilled. The entrance to the Delano had a magnitude and energy I’d rarely, if ever, experienced before. The valets were all perfectly dressed in crisp white outfits, the people getting out of their cars were beautifully put together, and the architecture was the perfect combination of classic Art Deco and clean modern lines.

While the arrival alone was magnificent, it wasn’t until I entered the lobby that I was swept away: fifty-foot ceilings, a straight-shot visual hundreds of feet from the entrance to the rear orchard, and charming vignettes of whimsical seating and social areas throughout. The beauty was unmistakable, and the energy was so real you could almost drink it. Every step I took built on the drama of the experience. By the time I exited the lobby and stepped into the orchard, I felt changed, as if my appreciation for what the imagination could manifest had been heightened. I didn’t say a word for ten minutes after I walked outside. I just smiled, completely satisfied by what I had just consumed.”

- The Age of Ideas by Alan Philips (Yes Me :))

There’s a moment, sitting in the new Delano, when you realize the building is doing something quieter than it used to. The old Delano was a statement, flowing white curtains, Philippe Starck swagger, a lobby that felt like the velvet rope of an entire decade. The new one isn’t trying to be that. It’s trying to be something harder: a place you actually want to come back to.

I sat down with Ben Pundole there last week. If that name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, it should. Ben is hospitality royalty in the most British, understated way, “I just happened to be in the room when it all started” kind of way. He came up at the Groucho Club in London in 1992, what he calls his university. He was at the Met Bar when the Met Bar was the room. He spent 23 years orbiting Ian Schrager, the man credited with birthing boutique hospitality as we now understand it.

What I wanted to know was simple: what does that lineage build, and what’s it doing in Miami right now?

Ruthie has personally closed the two biggest sales in the history of this ultra-rare strip—$37.5M and $36.5M—and now she has brought to market the most expensive listing North Beach has ever seen: a $40 million oceanfront estate, the only true single-family home directly on the sand currently available in all of Miami Beach.

From hidden gems in the city to viral bites that have taken over your feed, he’s the go-to guy for everything food in the 305. We talk about his journey from local foodie to digital tastemaker, what drives his passion for showcasing Miami’s diverse culinary scene, and how he built a brand that’s become a trusted guide for food lovers across the city.

Plus, some behind-the-scenes stories, favorite spots, and what’s next for the Mr. Eats movement.

Whether you're a foodie, a creative, or just love hearing from people putting on for the culture — this one's for you.

Two decades, a few pivots, and over $3 billion in real estate sales later, Dina has become a dominant force in Miami Beach—equal parts strategist, storyteller, and billion dollar baddie. She’s proof that hustle, vision, and good taste (in skincare and square footage) go a long way.

We sat down with the Venetian Islands’ finest to talk about marketing as her art form, why she only drinks coffee on weekends, and what it really takes to raise a family while running the show in stilettos.

“For a generation that doesn’t have four hours or the patience for a back nine, padel is the perfect answer”, says Wayne Boich, founder of Reserve.

Padel is sticky: one game and you’re in. Which is exactly what happened to Boich. At a friend’s wedding in Europe, he found himself on a padel court, racket in hand, grinning like a teenager. A former top 5 nationally ranked tennis player who competed multiple times in the US OPEN Juniors, he fell hard and fast. What started as a curiosity became an obsession.

He built courts at his homes in Miami, the Hamptons, and Los Angeles, inviting friends to play, throwing impromptu padel events where he would bring in some the top pros in the world to play in Pro-ams and exhibitions. This gave people a new view of the sport.

From his early days shaping editorial at Wallpaper to now orchestrating thought-provoking gatherings at Faena Miami Beach, Pablo brings both global vision and hyper-local love to everything he does. He’s got old-school discipline (up at 4am sharp), impeccable taste (print newspapers only, thank you), and a mind that never stops chasing what’s next. In a city that sometimes moves too fast to think, Pablo reminds us that slowing down to engage—really engage—is where the real luxury lies.

In this episode, we sit down with one of Miami’s culinary cornerstones — James Beard Award winner Michael Schwartz. From opening Michael’s Genuine in the early days of the Design District to shaping Miami’s food scene as we know it, Michael shares the stories, challenges, and philosophies behind his enduring success.

We talk legacy, local sourcing, the future of restaurants — and what it really takes to stay relevant in a city that reinvents itself every season.

Tap in. This one’s for the real food lovers.

In this episode, we dive into the art of hospitality, exploring how to create experiences that stand the test of time in a city where trends come and go. Josh shares his insights on brand longevity, customer experience, and the future of Miami’s restaurant scene, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the industry.

We discuss what it takes to build a successful hospitality brand in Miami, how the industry continues to evolve, and the key trends shaping its future. Josh also shares why creating meaningful and lasting customer experiences is essential for brand loyalty and success. He highlights some of Miami’s hidden gems, discusses how global travel and cultural influences shape hospitality, and explains why adaptability is a must in this fast-changing industry.

Whether you’re a foodie, a restaurant owner, or just someone who loves learning about the business of dining, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Taste is a curious thing. Everyone thinks they have it, but most don’t.

It isn’t about what’s trendy or popular; it’s about recognizing the essence of something special, something timeless. It's the difference between a fleeting fad and an enduring classic, between surface-level appeal and deep, lasting impact.

At What’s Good Miami, we don’t just chase what’s new; we seek out what’s real, what’s meaningful, and what’s worth your time.

From the hidden gems in hospitality, where the warmth of a welcome matters as much as the creativity on the menu, to the cutting-edge cultural moments that define our city, we bring you our Miami. We explore the undercurrents of art and business, the spaces where innovation meets tradition, and where the next big thing is born out of a deep respect for what came before.

In a city where everything seems to have a price tag, we’re here to remind you that the best things in life—the things that truly matter—are beyond valuation.

See you at the beach.

Alan Philips, What’s Good Miami

Created by The Marketing Department