One night stand: French Tuesdays

When it comes to cultures, the UN's got nothing on Miami. Enter World party, our ode to the international parties around town.

Say fromage! Partygoers at French Tuesdays. Photo: Tomas Loewy/Coolpool events

By Cristela Guerra

Miami has always been an eclectic city of scenes, dreams and, more often than not, an opportunity to see something new. European style and flair, Indian saris, parties reminiscent of the West Indian carnivals and Brazilian nights that bring the heat and excitement of Rio along with the drinks and the music. In other words, we're one international city. To celebrate that fact, this is the first in what will be a series of profiles on various international parties around town.

French Tuesdays

The epitome of "Je ne se quoi" and French hip is French Tuesdays' claim-to-fame. That "I don't know what" quality is exactly the mystery that keeps the parties intimate, according to French Tuesdays' Miami organizer Ricardo Lopez. Guests have two options in order to gain entry: apply to be a member of the group (it's free) or get two members to sponsor you. It may seem like a lot of red, or should we say velvet, tape, but we're going to guess you'll always come back for more.

A live saxophonist and belly dancers stir the crowd up while the DJ's strong house bass is accompanied by Congo drums at South Beach's Indra Lounge, the location FT has chosen for this particular Tuesday night party. The space boasts a giant gold Buddha, reddish bar, gold hues and red walls, and in the background tents line the walls, where patrons can take in a hookah smoke or sushi. Or both. Meanwhile, Moet flows throughout the crowd, which is speaking everything from German to Spanish to French -- and often, that only skims the surface - proving that FT get-togethers may be meant for only the most chic, but not solely French.

The guys at FT host 26 events a year, twice every month plus holidays, and they plan months in advance to meet the needs of their regulars. They've held soirees in hotels like the Delano, a little lingerie boutique on the beach and even Big Fish in downtown Miami. Oftentimes there are giveaways, and on this particular night Air France commercials show throughout the night with stewardesses bidding guests to fly off and see new countries: a raffle for a plane ticket will make that a reality for someone present.

French Tuesdays, j'taime.

The next event is March 18th from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Check FrenchTuesdays.com for updates on the location and information on how to join.