Midtown Walk-About

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I recently journeyed to the Design District to see the knockout Linah Brazilian kitchen collection new to Ornare (ornare.com). But first, I decided to stroll North Miami Avenue a bit. Smart move. Foo dogs greet you upon entering Midtown Consignment (305-573-5307),  then three tail-wagging Brussel Griffons follow. This unexpected bright space (pictured at left) is one of the latest once-empty locales to find life in this revitalized neighborhood. For Stephanie Turchin and her partners, it boils down to intriguing inventory. Besides an enticing wall-worthy mirror, a vintage luxe auto will soon roll in, too. (I'll most certainly be back for that.) By contrast, Canadian retailer EQ3 (EQ3.com) opened a 4,000-square-foot industrial steel-grey showroom with modern furnishings ready to be customized. The Pebbles floor rug caught my eye instantly. Still on North Miami Avenue, hip and casual Pizza Volante (305.573.5325) has a mozzarella parlor concept to salivate over. Locally made cow's milk mozz served with local organic cherry tomatoes and arugula, caponata Siciliana and wood roasted white carrots was scrumptious. Did I mention I'd be back?