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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/280
MIAMI LIVING 39 PEOPLE Who: Francisca Bastos The Low Down: Jewelry Designer www.franciscabastosdesign.com Why you should love Francisca: A graduate of Santa Ursula University's School of Architecture and Rio de Janeiro native, Francisca is a DeBeers Awards finalist and offers more than 20 years of experience in handcrafted art jewelry. As an artist, Francisca's pieces have been exhibited at Liberty of London, Birks in Toronto, Printemps in Paris and Miami Fashion Week, resulting in wide media coverage. Francisca's colorful use of large stones and original 18K gold settings caught the eyes of the highest bidders during the silent auction. When to call Francisca: If you'll be hanging out with ambassadors, you'll require exquisite jewelry. When to cut ties with Francisca: Your credit card melts because you have purchased so many of Francisca's pieces. Who: Claudio Giordano The Low Down: AltaMar, Chef and Owner 1223 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach (305) 532-3061 Why you should love Chef Giordano: His attention to detail, both in the kitchen and in the dining room, has established AltaMar as a local treasure with accolades ranging from "Award of Excellence" from the National Restaurant Association to "Excellent" from Zagat to "Best Award" from Bon Appetit to raves from customers. Locals and tourists enjoy the intimate dining room and casual sidewalk atmosphere. The infamous "specials menu" offers 20 daily selections, and while the menu is Mediterranean-inspired, it is local at heart. When to call Claudio: You want a fresh, homemade dish. When to cut ties with Claudio: Never. We hear Enrique Iglesias, Ana Kournikova, and other celebs frequent the restaurant. You don't want to miss out! Who: Eric Schigiel The Low Down: Opustone Granite & Marble Co-Founder & Vice-President 3200 Northwest 77th Court, Miami (888) 900-OPUS www.opustone.com Why you should love Eric: Opustone Granite & Marble is Florida's exclusive importer and distributor of the finest travertine, marble, granite, onyx, limestone, coral, and unique stones in slabs, tiles, cut to size. In his few years in the biz, Eric has even expanded the company from Miami to a new location in Jacksonville. In addition, Opustone recently added a new slab gallery to its already impressive Miami showroom. When to call Eric: With the rough economy, instead of trying to sell, think about remodeling your place. When to cut ties with Eric: Your in-laws start spending more time at your newly renovated house because of the nice atmosphere. Who: Juan Carlos Dominguez The Low Down: Hed Kandi Lounge Miami President/CEO Why you should love Juan Carlos: As a nightclub owner, international DJ representative, and music entrepreneur, Dominguez's devotion to rhythms of the night has helped him in his latest venture, Hed Kandi Lounge Miami, with managing partner and famed DJ Cedric Gervais. The goal was to resurrect the music- driven South Beach as it was once known. The eclectic lounge features decor in hues of scarlet, plum, burgundy, and gold, and the sexy European concept offers a state-of-the-art sound system, lavish VIP rooms, a health- conscious menu, and signature Hed Kandi artwork displayed throughout the venue. When to call Juan Carlos: You desperately need a cocktail and good music. When to cut ties with Juan Carlos: You busted one move too many on the dance floor. ML Vital Faces Take a good look at these people . . . and catch them if you can! Words by Tatiana Lora