The way the car rental market is right now, you're lucky to get a rate lower than $50 a day. Companies like Avis, Budget, Alamo, and Thrifty are squeezing their customers but good. However, if you're super-flexible and want to take a road trip, there are deals to be had. If you've ever wanted to go to Disney World or Key West or Miami, and you happen to be close to the Houston, Boston, or Providence airports, and (the kicker) you have the time to make a southern/eastern road trip between now and November 15, this is the deal for you. Should you fit into all those rigid requirements of geography, inclination, and time off, you can drive for just a dollar a day (plus taxes, gas, lodging, hookers, etc.) from Texas or New England down to Florida.

● Prelude (Downtown/Brickell) - Conveniently located for theater-goers hankering for an extra-friggin-ordinary meal.
● Mina Miami Beach (South Beach) - Adorable little shop offering fashions at affordable prices.

● Bardot Speakeasy (Wynwood/Design Dist.) - Undercover, modern-day speakeasy in the DD.
● Talavera (Coral Gables) - Classy Mexican spot for the Gables crowd.

Frequent fliers (those who have traveled an average of 17 times over the last two months) have voted, and all 14,500 agree: LAX is a terrible airport. In fact, it's the third most terrible airport in the world, eclipsed only by Charles De Gaulle in Paris and London's Heathrow airport. Rounding out the top five worst airports in the world are Frankfurt International and Miami International. So what makes LAX so bad?

● Lemon Twist Bistro (North Miami Beach) - What's old is new again at this North Beach space brought back to life.
● Sci Sci (Downtown/Brickell) - Just another resto/lounge trying to make it in the Brickell hood.

At the New York Film Festival premiere of Broken Embraces:

● PENELOPE CRUZ - Favorite restaurant in New York? "Oh, I have many because I love food so much!" And in Madrid? "I go to many that are out in the countryside, but whoever goes there for the first time should go to Botin. It's the oldest restaurant in the world." What did you like about it? "Everything!"

● PEDRO ALMODOVAR - Favorite restaurant in New York? "Mr. Chow's -- we had dinner there the other day, and it was really very impressive." And in Madrid? "In Madrid, there are many. Casa Lucio is one of my favorites."

● Midtown Sports Bar (Wynwood/Design Dist.) - A dive for those locals looking to score some brew.
● Maitardi (Wynwood/Design Dist.) - Laid back Italian eatery takes over Brosia's old space in the Design District.

● Tulip Toy Gallery (South Beach) - Triple X-rated shop for the folks over 18.
● Lotus House Thrift (Wynwood/Design Dist.) - Designer thrift store bordering the Design District, with all proceeds going to charity.

● Mandarin Oasis (Brickell/Downtown) - Friday nights are popular during the winter months; sip $20 cocktails on the bay, then head to Café Sambal or Azul for a bite. Transports you to tropical island getaway minus the travel, but def with the price tag.
● Le Tub (Aventura) - This local watering hole -- sitting in a rickety old spot on the Intercoastal -- may be known for succulent burgers, but it’s also a choice spot for winding down with a cold brew or two. If you opt to cruise in on your Sea Ray, bring a DD -- water taxis don’t frequent these waters.
● Monty’s (South Beach) - Pain Killers and Miami Vices will put you on the ground; the former comes in three mind-numbing doses of the devil’s tonic, and the latter is a delish concoction of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri mix with an equally dangerous shot of 151 floating on top. Help the booze go down with a trip to the raw bar.

● The Cherry on Top (Coconut Grove) - A sweet deli with a wine bar on top.
● Burger and Beer Joint (South Beach) - All-in-one burger joint, sports bar, and lounge.