april eats.

before the crowds and tourist season are in full swing, you'll want to hit up these new spots. make a flight plan, get your mess kit and make sure to have one vine day with this list of april eats:

high times.
husband and wife team juan mario maza and vani maharaj will be serving up ethnic delights from their native countries of guatemala and trinidad at alta cocina. enjoy the veggie sailboat or asian quail in the airy dining room, or sit outside with a slice of molten chocolate cake. now open. 5837 sunset drive. at 58th. 305.662.7435. www.altacocinarestaurant.com


flight plan.
the area near collins park will be going jetsons style when aero bar opens next month. expect space age drinks in a futuristic setting under the watchful eyes of tony guerra (living room, opium) and joseph "smiley" boyd. 247 23rd street. between 2nd and 5th. 305.674.1110. www.aerobarmiami.com


cork and knife.
the time has come for all you gourmands to come out of hibernation. the 13th annual miami wine and food festival takes place early in the month. local restos and 60 int'l wineries will participate. auctions and a special luncheon will highlight the weekend. april 3-5. intercontinental hotel. 100 chopin plaza. near biscayne. 800.327.0200. www.miamiwinefestival.org


mess kit.
camping may be about roughing it, but what with the rain soaked tent and lack of plumbing, you deserve a bit of creature comforts. this outdoor mealKit ($25) designed by joachim nordwall comes in a sleek red triangle, and has everything you need for a three-course meal. available at design within reach. 927 lincoln road. between michigan and jefferson. 305.604.0037. www.dwr.com


fowl play.
at the recently opened china grill, life is full of tough choices. take duck two ways: pan seared breast and confit of leg with carmelized asian fruit salsa and lychee black vinegar reduction. you may have to flip a coin. 1881 southeast 17th street. near portside. 954.523.3736. www.chinagrillmgt.com


nice cans.
it was bound to happen. hef's empire has finally tapped into the beverage industry. the result: playboy energy drink. this sugar-free quaff contains ginseng and guarana and tastes reminiscent of fruit and vanilla. it's already been round the celeb circuit, and now is fully exposed. available at www.playboybev.com


one vine day.
there's never enough time for grapes at vine wine shop. among their new bottles, check out the spanish red sot lefriec 2003 ($63). and don't miss the wines from the USA tasting april 11, for a good old swig of cab from CA. 7657 biscayne boulevard. near NE 77th. 305.759.8463. www.vinewineshop.com