Introducing Pauline: A Love Story Served at The Shelborne By Proper
In the heart of Miami Beach, where history and modernity meet beneath swaying palms, a new chapter of culinary storytelling unfolds. Pauline, the signature restaurant at The Shelborne By Proper, is more than a dining destination, it’s a tribute to a woman who embodied the art of hospitality, global curiosity, and the joy of bringing people together.
The Woman Behind the Name
Pauline Baker was the wife and lifelong muse of Charles H. Baker Jr., a legendary journalist, bon vivant, and author who introduced American audiences to the vibrant cuisines and cocktails of Latin America. His iconic book, The South American Gentleman’s Companion, published in the mid-20th century, chronicled his travels through the tropics and recorded what is believed to be the first written mention of ceviche in the United States.
While Charles was celebrated as a pioneering storyteller and culinary explorer, often compared to a mid-century Anthony Bourdain, it was Pauline who turned their adventures into living experiences. Elegant, worldly, and warm, she understood that food was more than sustenance, it was connection.
Java Head: The Bakers’ Legendary Home
After years of travel through Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, Charles and Pauline settled in Coconut Grove, Miami, at an estate called Java Head. There, they created one of South Florida’s most talked-about social salons. The home became a gathering place for luminaries like Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner, where grand dinner parties blurred the line between sophistication and escapism.
In newspaper clippings from the 1940s and 1950s, the Bakers are described hosting themed luaus, coffee soirées, and decadent outdoor dinners beneath the banyan trees. Pauline’s table was always beautifully set, her gatherings alive with laughter, conversation, and the flavors of the world.
A Culinary Tribute at The Shelborne By Proper
Decades later, The Shelborne By Proper revives that same spirit through Pauline, a restaurant that honors the couple’s shared love of travel, culture, and flavor. Here, the seafood-forward menu highlights the freshest local catch-brought to life through Caribbean and Latin influences that would have been right at home at the Bakers’ Java Head dinners.
Every dish tells a story. Every cocktail nods to the pages of Charles’s travel journals. And every guest experiences a touch of the gracious hospitality that Pauline was known for.
The Spirit of Pauline Lives On
Much like Pauline herself, the restaurant is elegant yet unpretentious, sophisticated yet full of life. It’s a space where Miami’s modern energy meets old-world charm-a place where design, music, and cuisine intertwine to create something timeless.
In honoring Pauline Baker, The Shelborne By Proper celebrates not just a name, but a legacy: one rooted in exploration, connection, and the belief that the best moments in life are meant to be shared-preferably over a beautifully set table.
FAQs
Who is Pauline named after?
Pauline honors Pauline Baker, wife and muse of travel writer Charles H. Baker Jr. Known for her warmth and love of entertaining, she embodied the art of hospitality that inspires the restaurant.
What kind of food does Pauline serve?
A seafood-forward menu celebrates Miami’s coastal bounty with Caribbean and Latin influences, inspired by the Bakers’ global travels.
Where is Pauline located?
Inside The Shelborne By Proper at 1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, blending historic charm with modern elegance.
When does Pauline open?
Pauline opens at The Shelborne By Proper on November 12, inviting guests to experience timeless hospitality reimagined for today. Reserve a table on OpenTable.