La Poubelle North Beach: Life is a Cabaret

North Beach on Miami Beach has always been the mostly residential antithesis to South Beach. Yes, there is the Bandshell and Cuban restaurant, Sazon and across the street Argentinian, Manolo. Locals sit outside of Moises bakery discussing the new highrise developments and changes coming to the area and enjoying the almost finished new Ocean Terrace Park. But, North Beach has yet to draw the crowds or tourists the still flock to South Beach.

Going West across 71st street is a causeway to Normandy Isles and the mainland and the recently reopened Normandy Fountain and a whole different vibe and ambiance. Thank you to community leader, David Sexton for seeing and realizing the vision of Normandy Isles and working so passionately to get the fountain and park cleaned up for all to enjoy.

It is here that Silver Lake Bistro opened in 2018 with Chef Benoit Rablat at its helm at 1211 71st Street and immediately became a local favorite for its French inspired new American cuisine.

BUT did you know that Silver Lake has a partner Cabaret? Again, David Sexton and Normandy Arts LLC is behind the cozy and unique La Poubelle Cabaret and Piano Bar. Situated in an alley between two dumpsters (hence the name La Poubelle, which translates as the garbage can) is an unmarked door with a red light just behind Silver Lake.

Originally open generally only on infrequent Thursdays, La Poubelle has been embraced by the Miani community with shows now scheduled every week. As a matter of fact, ALL shows through November are sold out and tickets for the very special New Years Eve party with Miss Bouvee and Rick Leonard just went on sale.

We were fortunate to grab tickets to the sold out performance by Emmy Award winning actor and very talented singer, Jai Rodriguez, who regaled us with poignant and at times hilarious stories of his growing up on Long Island, his coming out, his first big break playing Angel in “Rent”, and going on to star as one of original cast of “Queer Eye for The Straight Guy” and his current Cabaret tour and upcoming movie role.