At the boutique Esmé Miami Beach hotel, a new bistro-style restaurant has opened. Replacing the former Latin Cafe 2000, located at 2501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Beach, Mimi’s will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and will incorporate some of the most bizarre combinations yet tasty egg creations you will probably ever eat.
The former chef of Pao at the Faena House in Miami Beach, Benjamin Murray will be taking over as head chef at Mimi’s. According to Murray, “Miami has become a thriving foodie destination…and with Mimi’s relaxed-casual American classics will be the new spot.”
Mimi’s space was designed by CDK Design’s Cindy Kam, which includes an indoor and outdoor floorplan. The scene is set with a cafe bistro style mixed with industrial decor.
The egg creations include Osstera Caviar, which is considered the most prized and extensive caviar in the world. All of the food items will don some version of the Caviar. Benjamin Murray and Michael Kaplan, owners of Mimi’s, came up with the concept after their opening of Benh Mi, which is another restaurant that connects to the lobby of Esmé Miami Beach.
Breakfast and lunch will be self-service only and dinner, as well as happy hour, is full service. Fresh coffees and pastries are serviced daily at the bakery and a full breakfast menu is served until 8 am. The menu includes signature dishes like egg sandwiches, cured salmon on an everything bagel, burgers, and Binchotan-grilled steak and egg combos.
Signature Breakfast Menu
FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLES
Crispy hand-breaded chicken and two malted waffles with maple syrup.
STEAK & EGGS
28-day aged 10 oz. USDA Choice New York Strip. Housemade herb butter available upon request. Served with roasted potatoes and two eggs.
FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST TACOS
Hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, tomato, onion and cilantro in flour tortillas. Served with salsa.
BREAKFAST BURRITO
Flour tortilla stuffed with braised beef, melted jack and cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, green onion and cilantro. Topped with spicy chipotle sauce and served with roasted potatoes.
EGGS & BACON CROISSANT SANDWICH
Bacon, two fried eggs, sliced tomatoes, melted cheddar and mayonnaise on a flaky croissant. Served with sliced tomatoes.
BROWN SUGAR OATMEAL
Rolled oats sprinkled with brown sugar and cranberries, served with milk.
Signature Entrees
ROASTED HALF CHICKEN
Slow-roasted with housemade herb butter. Served with choice of two sides. (600 Cal)
TUSCAN STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN
Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and artichoke hearts served in a savory sauce.
SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY
Slow-roasted turkey with gravy, cornbread stuffing and orange-apple cranberry relish. Served with choice of two sides.
CHICKEN POT PIE
Freshly baked with roasted chicken, peas, carrots, onions and potatoes folded into a creamy herb sauce. Topped with a flaky crust.
FRENCH POT ROAST
Slowly braised and simmered with carrots, mushrooms and onions. Served on a bed of mashed potatoes.
MIMI’S MEATLOAF
Our own traditional recipe topped with a red wine shallot sauce. Served with choice of two sides.
RIBEYE STEAK
28-day aged, 10 oz. USDA Choice ribeye steak. House-made herb butter available upon request, your choice blackened or grilled. Served with choice of two sides.
POT ROAST DINNER
Slowly braised and simmered in red wine shallot gravy. Served with choice of two sides.
NEW YORK STRIP STEAK
10 oz. USDA Choice New York Strip dry-aged 28 days, blackened or grilled. Housemade herb butter available upon request. Served with choice of two sides.
SWEET GLAZED SALMON
Grilled and topped with a sweet honey glaze. Served with sautéed vegetables and long grain rice. Blackened or grilled. Served with choice of two sides.
BEER BATTERED FISH & CHIPS
Hand-battered cod fillets with french fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce.
JAMBALAYA
Shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage, bell peppers and onions in a French Basque tomato sauce. Served over penne pasta or long grain rice, your choice.
57 Ocean Construction Complete and Condo Units are 100% Sold Out at $336 Million
Recently, we have seen a number of residential towers sell out prior to construction or during construction. Towers like Residences of Armani Casa and Aston Martin Residences have either sold out or are very close to selling out, so it is of no surprise to learn about 57 Ocean selling out, right as construction is complete.
The developer and Brazilian billionaire, Jose Isaac Peres’ recently sold out at 57 Ocean as well secured its temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) for the tower. According to a managing partner, Marcelo Kingston, the sell-out includes a recent sale of a luxury penthouse for $36 million, originally listed at $38 million.
Sales previously launched in 2018 with price ranges from $1.5 million to $36 million. According to Kingston, closings will begin in October 2021. The tower sold out at $330 million.
According to the developer, about 60-70% of the buyers were domestic, and with the steady stream of sales, they were able to raise prices.
One of the lower penthouses that sold includes a $13.8 million unit purchased by Chuck Roberts, Stifel’s Managing Director of Investments.
57 Ocean located at 5775 Collins Avenue rises 18 stories and features 69 luxury condo units. Designed by Bernado For-Brescia of Arquitectonica and interiors by Patricia Anastassiadis.
57 Ocean Amenities
World-class spa
A state-of-the-art fitness center with a fully-stocked snack and juice bar
Thermal suite with steam room, aromatherapy saunas, experience showers, and ice fountain
Indoor and outdoor massage treatment suites
Library
Two expansive, infinity pools
Poolside cabanas
Poolside bar and lounge
Sunset terrace with a spa pool, wet deck, and lounge area
Meditation area
Yoga and Pilates area
Outdoor training area equipped with Myisle by Myequilibria
Clubroom with chef’s kitchen
Summer kitchen pavilion
Children’s playroom
Direct access to the beach and beach boardwalk
Services
Full-service concierge
24-hour valet parking service
24-hour security
Pool and beach attendants with food and beverage service
On-call fitness trainers, spa treatment specialists, and private chefs
Residence Features
Terraces, up to 12 feet deep
Wood-like ceiling accents
Glass balustrades
Modern Poliform cabinetry
State-of-the-art appliances
Solid marble waterfall island
Master bedrooms open to the terraces
His and her closets
Bathrooms lined in floor-to-ceiling stone
Floating tubs
Sliding glass doors and vanities by Poliform
Soft hidden lighting
According to Kingston, the project was completed on time. The developer is currently working on another boutique condo in Miami Beach called Ocean Park, which is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2022
James Beard Award-Winning Chef Opens Caribbean Restaurant in Miami
Photo Credit: La Cañita
You may have heard of chef, Michelle Bernstein. If you haven’t, it’s time to get her on your radar. She is a Miami native who was awarded the James Beard Award, which recognizes culinary professionals in the United States.
Not only is she known for this outstanding achievement, but she is also an expert in Latin American cooking and is responsible for Café La Trova, and Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company.
Just last week, Bernstein opened up a new restaurant located at the Bayside Marketplace called La Cañita. Bernstein partnered with her husband, David Martinez, as well as David Borgia and Orestes Pajon on this Latin American and Caribbean-infused restaurant.
She has incorporated cuisines from Tobago, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Cuba as well as other South American recipes. Her signatures include chicken fricassee, custom sandwiches, and empanadas. One of the most popular desserts is the 305 rum cake. La Cañita also offers an expansive rum-centered cocktail menu.
La Cañita plays on an indoor and outdoor design emphasizing the waterfront views. The tropical painted foliage, wood-grain tones throughout, and painted copper pipes create the perfect distillery vibe.
Although Bernstein isn’t the chef of La Cañita, she created the menu as well as trained the current staff. According to her husband, Martinez, “We are so fortunate to have this melting pot of cultural and culinary influences in this city, and we hope to put them front-and-center with our new concept-driven restaurant.”
Photo Credit: La Cañita
Construction Reaches the 61st Floor for Aston Martin Residences and Units are 85% Sold Out
In the past few months, we have seen the Aston Martin Residences vision come to life with its cascading height and sleek lines. Encompassing time-honored artisan techniques and advanced technology in Aston Martin’s cars, these same ideals reflect in the construction of this one-of-a-kind tower.
The current construction is nearing top-off construction at 61 stories with only 5 more stories to go. When construction is complete, the tower will rise 818 feet tall, making it the 2nd tallest residential tower in Miami, next to the Panorama Tower in Brickell.
Located on the 55th floor, the infinity pool and amenities deck is currently taking shape. The pool will run 82 feet long and will be made with high-quality aluminum holding 56,000 gallons of water. Not only will the amenity deck feature an infinity pool, but it will also feature a pool deck, cabanas, Sky Bar, Lounge, and a pool concierge.
Aston Martin will feature 391 luxury residences with 1 to 5 bedroom options. These will include duplexes, a penthouse, and a triple penthouse.
Residents of Aston Martin Residences will have unrivaled amenities stretching four entire floors of 42,275 square feet.
Development Information
Developer: G&G Business Developments
General Construction: Coastal Construction
Architect and Design Team: Luis Revuelta of Miami and Bodas-Miani-Anger of Argentina
Amenities
Full-service building with concierge and hospitality-inspired services
Super Yacht Marina facilities
“The Aston Martin Club” membership
Rooftop infinity pool located on 55th floor
Fitness Spa and Fitness Center with Meditation Room and Treatments Suites
Private Steam, Sauna, and Locker Facilities
Pet-friendly building
Building designed with a helipad on the rooftop
24-hour valet and covered garage self-parking
Valet charging stations for electric cars
Valet Butler
Additional bicycle and private storage spaces
10 destination controlled super hi-speed elevators and separate dedicated service elevators
Digital connection to concierge and all building amenities from every residence
State-of-the-art Business Center and Conference Rooms
Art Gallery and Art Lobby on 53rd floor
Private Residence Movie Theatre, Event Space, Kids Playroom, Teen Center, and Game Rooms
Virtual Golf
Beauty Salon with blow-dry station, pedicure chair, manicure table, and wash stations
Residence Features
Private service entrance at basement level for all move-ins and personnel
Bulthaup custom cabinetry in kitchens
White marble floors throughout the entire unit and porcelain in all balconies
Quartz countertops in the kitchen. Piatra Grey (Ceasarstone) or similar
Gagganeau appliances in all residences: (sizes depends on units)
Duravit wall-mounted toilets in all units throughout the building and bidets in select units
All bathrooms feature marble floorings and walls (Thassos or similar
Hansgrohe faucets in secondary bathrooms and exclusive Axor model in master and powder bathrooms
Italian Bertolotto doors with AGB hardware in all units
Wood-paneled front doors to residence with programmable smartphone technologies such as NFC and Bluetooth
Floor soundproofing system installed throughout all units including all bathrooms
Walls dividing units with corridors will be 10″ wide with layers of Quiet Rock improving soundproofing
German Schuco hardware on sliding glass doors
ThyssenKrupp “Destination Dispatch” elevator system from main lobbies getting passengers to their destination in the shortest travel time and enabling access only to their own floor for enhanced security
High-speed elevators going up to 1200 feet per minute
High-speed internet and Wi-Fi hotspots in all common areas
Cast iron pipes and risers avoiding Waterflow noises
In May 2021, the residences of Aston Martin were sold at 70%. As of today, they are officially at 85% sold. With the higher demand for luxury units and low inventory, it is expected that the tower will sell out closer to the completion of construction
The construction completion date is expected to be in 2022. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at Aston Martin Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
Miami Real Estate Breaks Another Record for August 2021
The Miami-Dade real estate market keeps smashing records over and over! For August 2021, a new record was set for the most homes sold in a quarter for Q2 in 2021. In April alone, we saw the best sales month in the history of Miami Dade county. Now, another record was set with the best August sales month in history!
There are multiple reasons for these records breaking, which include companies and executives moving their businesses to Florida in the masses, lower taxes than other states, record-low mortgage rates, and reduced covid restrictions.
Total homes sales surged 30.6% for August 2021 with an increase to 3,299 from 2,527 properties in 2020. There was a slight decrease in sales for single-family homes at 3.5% sliding from 1,357 to 1,309 from August of last year. However, we did see a 70.1% increase in condo sales from 1,170 to 1,990 compared to last year.
All price ranges have also increased for August 2021, especially in the $300,000 and higher range. The median sales price for single-family homes is up 20.3%, placing the average price at $500,500. Condo median prices are also up from the previous year from $265,000 to $335,000.
Insufficient inventory has also impacted sales. We have seen less inventory specifically for single-family homes which has decreased by 27.4% for August 2021 and 41.9% for condominiums.
Single-family luxury homes have also increased by 68.8% with 258 sales than 2020. Luxury condo sales increased by 217.1% with 222 sales.
Total volume for Miami-Dade real estate reached $2.5 billion in August 2021, with single-family homes increasing from 37.4% at $1.4 billion. Condo volume also increased from $490.8 million to $1.1 billion, at 129.2%.
Cash sales have also played a huge role in transactions. Buyers are paying cash at asking or over asking prices for listings. Cash sales represented 38.9% of all closed transactions for August. Cash sales accounted for 47.6% of condo sales and 25.8% of single-family sales.
Miami is on track to have its best year in sales for condos and single-family transactions ever. Within 8 months, total sales have already surpassed 2020’s numbers at 26,931 from 26,345 (2020). The highest year for sales in Miami was in 2013 at 30,041 total transactions.
Total Number of Transactions Increased for this Week’s Miami Dade Condo Sales
Over the past few weeks, we have seen a steady incline in overall condo sales including volume and number of sales. This is of no surprise with the increase of companies, execs, and people taking up residency in Miami-Dade County.
Coming in at $123 million, this week’s condo sales volume increased from $85.3 million in the week prior. The total number of sales has risen to 198 for this week, up from 128.
The average price for condo sales reached $622,000 which has actually decreased from $666,000 then the week prior.
Leading this week’s condo sales in a luxury unit at Continuum South Beach that sold for $8 million or $2,708 per square foot. This luxury property located at 100 S Pointe Dr. Unit #3507 was sold to tech entrepreneur Hari Ravichandran, who is the CEO of Jump Ventures and Aura.
Last week’s highest condo sale was lead by Lucas Lechuga (Luxe Living Realty-Miami Condo Investments) with the sale of a Setai Miami Beach condo that sold for $12.3 million.
The sale coming in second includes a luxury unit at Palazzo Della Luna on Fisher Island. The property sold for $7.5 million or $2,045 per square foot and was on the market for 324 days. Luxe Living Realty’s Dora Puig represented the seller.
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Make a Move to Miami with a Purchase of an $11 Million Waterfront Mansion
Joe Jonas and his wife Sophie Turner are the newest celebrity couple that has made the move to Miami along with countless others.
Their recent purchase of a waterfront property located at 4400 Island Road in the Bay Point Community, sits directly on a channel leading to Biscayne Bay. The couple paid $11 million for the 6 bedrooms, 8.5 bathroom estate.
This unique property was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect who has designed over 1,000 structures over his 70-year career. This specific estate was designed with harmonic accents while incorporating outdoor aesthetics. The Island Road mansion utilizes indoor gardens, a koi pond, and a grand salon with 30-foot ceilings to create a tranquil ambiance.
Over the years, this home was renovated with no expenses spared in the designs. Walking through, you’ll find Calcutta baths, Ornare closets, a sauna, gym, and steam room. Other features include a climate-controlled wine cellar and gorgeous cherry hardwood floors. The home also features a 10-foot pool, 94 feet of water frontage, and a boat dock.
The home was previously owned by Cuban-American musician Willy Chirino. Chirino is a Miami native and began his artistic career in Miami, releasing his first album in 1974. Since then, he has recorded over 20 albums and was nominated for multiple awards in 2007 at the Latin Grammy Awards. Chirino sold the home in 2014 for $4.2 million.
According to county records, the current sellers are Luis Arguello Jr. and Sylvia Chamorro. Arguello is the chairperson and CEO of DemeTech, a Miami-based maker of surgical sutures, mesh, and bone wax.
Joe Jonas is known as an American singer-songwriter and boy band member of the Jonas Brothers who debuted in 2006. Their band split in 2014. In more recent years, Joe has reunited with the Jonas Brothers and has created songs that we all know and love, including What a Man Gotta Do, Cake by the Ocean, and Sucker. Joe married Sophie Turner in March 2021.
If you’ve watched Game of Thrones, you know that Joe’s wife, Sophie Turner doesn’t need an introduction. From 2011 to 2014, she played the very difficult role of Sansa Stark. Game of Thrones was her first television role at the age of 14. Her career also placed her in other movies including X-Men, Barely Lethal, and The Prince. She has also modeled for Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
The couple listed their Enchino, California mansion in June for $16.8 million. Their home is still on the market.
This Bay Point community has seen a lot of activity in recent months with a former Goldman Sachs exec purchasing a waterfront mansion for $11.3 million and a record sale of $17.4 million in May 2021.
Photo Credit:Dina Goldentayer
Hedge Fund Manager Purchases Coconut Grove Waterfront Mansion for $19 Million
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager
Heath Freeman, the Managing Director for a New York-based hedge fund management company (Alden Global Capital), recently joined the Miami luxury real estate market craze. According to county records, Freeman purchased in the gated community of Camp Biscayne of Coconut Grove.
Freeman, also known as the “Hedge Fund Vampire,” received his name from his company’s aggressive and savvy business strategy. This strategy included buying companies, making aggressive budget cuts while laying off its employees.
These companies mainly included media outlets and many have criticized Freeman’s tactics. Alden recently purchased Tribune publishing, a parent company for the Chicago Tribune, and the Sun Sentinel in May for $633 million.
Freeman purchased the waterfront mansion located at 3503 Main Lodge Drive for $19 million while financing $12.4 million through Wells Fargo. The estate was originally built in 2004 and featured a 12 seat theater room, gym, game room, elevator, and an 8-car garage.
Over the years, the 6 bedrooms, 6 bathroom property received renovations and increased the size to 9,700 square feet. The estate features 1 acre packed with wonderful amenities including soaring windows, Italian Marble and hardwood flooring throughout, an expansive eat-in kitchen, library, and a full guest suite.
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager
The bayfront estate also features a 200-foot boat dock, white sandy beach, 60-foot pool, with tropical foliage covering the property to create optimal privacy. The neighborhood itself features 18 homes in the private Camp Biscayne neighborhood. Camp Biscayne is located near Mr. C Miami, Two Park Grove, and Grove at Grand Bay.
Photo Credit: Toni Schrager
The seller of the Camp Biscayne property, David Ivler President of a Miami-based drone manufacturer, purchased the home in 2004 for $1.5 million and later deeded it to his wife in 2007. The property was originally listed for $22 million in March 2021.
Other waterfront homes in Miami have also sold for elevated prices including Spencer Kupferman, CEO of PKWare, purchasing $12.75 million estate while the previous owner paid $3.6 million.
Photo Credit: Toni SchragerPhoto Credit: Toni Schrager
Three Tower Development Proposed in North Miami Beach
Photo Credit: Kobi Karp
Echad Holdings LLC. has officially proposed a three-tower development in North Miami Beach. Managed by Aviva and Chaim Druin, Echad Holdings LLC’s website states that they are a real estate investment and property management company.
The proposed site is located at 851 N.E. 167th Street intersecting with Gloden Glades Drive. On the current 2.1 acre lot sits a 45,728 square foot office building that will be demolished in the initial phases of construction, once approved. The office building was constructed in 1973.
Two of the towers are planned to be 15 stories and the 3rd story is planned for 10 stories. It will be a combined 464,807 square feet with 77,856 square feet allocated to office space and 12,258 square feet for retail. The plan includes 223 condo and hotels rooms, 3,866 square feet of restaurants, and 526 parking spaces.
The pool would be located at the 10-story tower on the 10th floor of the amenity deck. The plans refer to the condo units as ‘extended-stay’ rooms but will be sold as condos. These units will include 143 one-bedroom and 80 two-bedroom units, all with full kitchens.
Echad Holdings LLC acquired the property in 2015 for $5.6 million. More recently, the city rezoned the area for a mixed-use development. The Miami-based designer for this project is well-known Kobi Karp Architects who have designed Arte, Legacy Hotel & Residences, and 1300 Ponce.
North Miami Beach’s Planning and Zoning Board are scheduled to meet on September 20th to discuss the plans. If approved, the construction is scheduled to begin in 2022.
Photo Credit: Kobi Karp
Nicky Jam Purchases a One Thousand Museum Luxury Condo for $6 Million
Photo Credit: Darin Feldman
Nick Rivera Caminero, also known as Nicky Jam is an American singer, actor, songwriter, and rapper. He is best known for hits “Travesura,” “Te Busco,” “El Amante,’ and ‘En la Cama.”
He is especially known for his fast-paced reggaeton compositions mixed with his romantic lyrics. He has collaborated with many well-known artists including Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Plan B, and Anuel AA. Nicky has also won 20 Billboard Latin Music Awards and 1 Latin Grammy Award.
More recently, Nicky has made Miami home, with the purchase of a luxury condo at One Thousand Museum in the Park West subdivision of Miami for $6 million. The unit features 4,600 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and staff quarters. This specific unit stretches over a half-floor
This incredible unit boasts all of the finest finishes including Sub-Zero, Duravit, Apure lighting, Gaggenau, Dornbracht, and Crestron. Nicky will enjoy stunning Biscayne Bay, park, and Miami skyline views from all areas of the unit.
Miami-Dade country records show the property was sold by Green House Domestic Holdings Four LLC., managed by Humberto C. Bethencourt. Bethencourt is listed as the President of R&A Consulting & Investments, Inc. The property was last sold in 2019 for $4.54 million.
One Thousand Museum was designed by the late Pritzker-winning architect Zaha Hadid and developed by Louis Birdman, Gregg Covin, Kevin Venger, and Regalia Group.
One Thousand Museum is the first residential development in South Florida to have its own rooftop helipad, making it possible for residents to travel to nearby islands, private and commercial airports, and private yachts at a moment’s notice.
One Thousand Museum Amenities
Spacious fitness center with state-of-the-art strength and cardio training equipment
Spa with private treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms, plunge pools, and relaxation lounge
Multimedia theater for private movie screenings, lectures, and presentations
Sun & Swim Terrace with pools, lounge chairs, cabanas, and poolside towel service
Aquatic Center with indoor, infinity-edge pool
Private dining room
Triple-height event space overlooking Biscayne Bay
Private rooftop helipad
Specialized security and valet personnel
Full-service concierge
Bank-quality vault with individual safe deposit box for every residence
One Thousand Museum Residence Features
Custom Italian cabinetry by Poliform
Fine quartz countertops by Silestone
Induction cooktop, oven, steam oven, microwave, dishwasher, and integrated coffee maker by Gaggenau
Refrigerator by Sub-Zero
Faucets and fixtures by Dornbracht, Duravit, and MTI
Interior doors by Lualdi Porte with door handles designed by Zaha Hadid
Custom-designed, Italian-made walk-in closets
Extensive state-of-the-art home automation by Crestron, allowing residents to control a range of in-residence applications including lighting, heating, air conditioning, audio, video, window treatments, and security
These unique and luxurious units range from $4.95 million to $20 million and with the popularity of the luxury condo market, the inventory has become limited. If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the One Thousand Museum Residences, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.