Ask a Local: Stephany Torres of Grand Central
If you've walked through the front door of local music venue Grand Central, you've met Stephany Torres. The woman in charge of public relations and marketing for Grand Central and Poplife, she helps make sure everything is running smoothly at all of your favorite shows. We caught up with Torres to find out some of her Miami favorites.
What's your favorite bar?
Stephany Torres: The Garret at Grand Central. It's not a typical bar in the sense that it's always open, but when it is there's always a drink special, and it also feels like family. Of all the parties that are hosted there it's hidden gem is The Front Yard Theater Collective, the third Thursday of every month. It's a comedy group that combines SNL sketches, Who's Line Is It Anyway improv while making fun of social and local topics. Their drink specials and audience participation games have done wonders for my stage fright.
What's your favorite club?
I know you're probably referring to a nightclub, but I'm taking a different definition on this one. Emerge Miami is my favorite club. It's a network of local social activists that get together every Tuesday at Sweat Records to pitch ideas, network, and do something positive for the city. They're really involved in the bike scene, and if you ever need help making connections to create your own local movement, Emerge is the club to join. They're also hilarious people!
What's your favorite hotel?
The Executive Airport Hotel... wait, what?!
What's your favorite boutique/store/shop?
Veronica's Dollhouse in South Miami. I'm an unapologetic francophile, and Veronica's Dollhouse always makes me feel giddy every time I step in. There's something about their macarons, lace gloves, perfumes, and vintage inspiration that automatically makes me feel like a lady. Their tea parties are fun too!
What's your favorite restaurant?
Again, sucker for anything French. Buena Vista Deli in the Design District once a week. Quiche Provençale for breakfast with an espresso and a madeleine puts a smile on my face, specially with good company. They also have the best bostocks in Miami.
What's your favorite music venue?
Grand Central, of course! Even before joining Poplife, Grand Central has had a special spot in my musical life. The Mr. X parties were always fun, but I think my favorite shows thus far have been Battles and Los Amigos Invisibles. Battles was just epic in the instrumental value of the show and the crowd felt very intimate. Meanwhile, Los Amigos Invisibles was a giant party with incredible funk vibes, filled with rowdy people singing along.
