Major Food Group Officially Opens Italian Restaurant in Miami’s Design District-Contessa
The upscale, well-known Italian concept Contessa has officially debuted in the Miami Design District thanks to Major Food Group, the renowned hospitality company that is responsible for bringing Carbone, Rao’s, and Dirty French Steakhouse to Miami.
Contessa is a classic yet utterly modern Italian restaurant created by MFG Co-Founders and creative powers Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi. It is inspired by the old-world refinement of Northern Italy’s famed villas and estates.
Visitors at Contessa Miami can begin their dinner with one of the several antipasti starters, which include Proscuitto, Chianina beef carpaccio, and squash carpaccio. Of course, the menu features a number of sumptuous pasta dishes, such as the fiery lobster cappelli, the tortellini in broth, the rigatoni carbonara, the fusilli Genovese, and the rigatoni carbonara. Entree choices include grilled branzino, the traditional veal Milanese, and a 40-ounce dry-aged Fiorentina steak. The meal is finished with a variety of sweets such as gelato and cakes with pistachio, amaretto, and gianduja chocolate.
Contessa’s original location made its debut on the rooftop of The Newbury Boston last year, and it rapidly established a reputation as one of the most opulent and outstanding Italian restaurants in America.
It was hailed as the city’s “crème de la crème” of restaurants by the opulent publication Boston Common. Boston Magazine has also raved about the restaurant stating that it is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city.
Contessa Miami promises exquisite Northern Italian cuisine in addition to MFG’s renowned warm, charismatic, and polished hospitality, which is specially tailored to the city the company has called home since 2021. At that time, the company began a historic run of restaurant openings in the area, including ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District and Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove.
Over 40 restaurants, pubs, hotels, and private clubs are now managed by the organization across the world. The company has numerous new openings scheduled for South Florida over the next six months, in addition to Contessa Miami and a variety of upcoming projects in the United States and internationally.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is housed in a two-story building in the renowned neighborhood at 111 NE 41st Street.
Renderings Revealed for Namdar Towers
Earlier this month, developer Namdar submitted comprehensive development plans to the city planners for its twin-tower project that will be located in downtown Miami.
A 41-story structure with 680 units and a 43-story building with 714 units would make up the proposed Namdar Towers, which would have a combined square footage of more than 1.2 million.
This project is planned in 2 phases, the 41-story tower will be part of phase 1 while the 43-story tower will be part of phase 2.
Development Information:
1,394 units
Pools
Fitness center
Bowling rooms
Golf simulators
Co-working space
7,984 sq. ft. of commercial space
336 parking spaces in a five-level garage
1,395 bicycle racks
The architect is identified as Behar Font. Permitting for construction and demolition is already in progress.
According to its website, Namdar is a family-owned development company that was established in 1979. Ephraim Namdar, who has previously been named in media sources as the company’s founder and CEO, is in charge of running the LLC that bought the Miami property.
Setting records as Miami’s first “supertall” tower, the structure, will rise 1,049 feet and 100 floors above Biscayne Bay. This will be the tallest residential tower south of New York City.
In attendance were Ryan Shear, managing partner at PMG Development, Mohair Hospitality, Bamo Inc, Greybrook, and architect Carlos Ott.
Along with 205 guest rooms and suites, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami will have 360 private residences. Nine glass cubes that resemble Jenga will be part of the tower itself.
The building’s design, which was overseen by Sieger Suarez Architects in association with renowned architect Carlos Ott and award-winning interior design firm BAMO, is incredibly distinctive and stands out even among the busy Miami beachfront.
According to the developers, 180-foot-deep foundation piles are now being built by drilling and concrete pouring. According to the developers, 180-foot-deep foundation piles are now being built by drilling and concrete pouring.
Work won’t be slowed down because a building permit to start the vertical work will likely be obtained in a few months, according to the developers.
The tower is expected to be finished in 2026.
If you or anyone you know has an interest in acquiring it, contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at 786-247-6332.
New Development Revealed at Miami Worldcenter-600 Miami Worldcenter
Aria Development Group and Merrimac Ventures are partnering for a new construction development located at Miami Worldcenter. The project has officially been dubbed 600 Miami Worldcenter.
600 Miami Worldcenter will rise 32 stories and will feature 579 fully furnished and finished luxury residences ranging from studios to two-bedroom floor plans with no rental restrictions. The studios will start at $400,000.
The Design Agency, a renowned design firm, was selected by the developers to design the residences at 600. The architect for the project is listed as Revuelta Architecture.
Residence Features:
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows with custom window treatment
All residences feature balconies
Finished flooring on all residential interiors
Kitchens and bathrooms feature custom Italian cabinetry and counters
Top-of-the-line, separate, in-unit washers, and dryers
Fully built-out, generous closets
Tower Amenities:
Covered porte-cochère
24-Hour attended lobby
Luxer one automated parcel storage
Dedicated co-working space
Resident lounge and entertaining space
Air-conditioned resident storage
Bike storage
Summer kitchen
Rooftop swimming pool with resort seating
World-class state-of-the-art fitness center with outdoor private training area by Homage Fitness
The 600 Miami Worldcenter will be within a few blocks from the 300,000+ square foot commercial district of Miami Worldcenter, situated in the Park West neighborhood of Miami at 600 NE 1st Ave.
Ian Bruce Eichner Officially Launches Sales for La Baia Bay Harbor Islands
Sales for the second tower at Ian Bruce Eichner’s beachfront condo development La BaiaBay Harbor Islands North have officially started.
The North development will have floor plans with two, three, and four bedrooms that are between 1,400 square feet and 2,100 square feet in size. The most expensive units are priced at $3.5 million.
Sales for La Baia South began in October of last year. Eichner is best known as the creator of the two-tower Continuum in South Beach. According to the press release, the 68-unit, eight-story building at 9201 East Bay Harbor Drive had condos starting at $810,000 and sold out in less than six months. La Baia South’s construction began in April, and Eichner anticipates finishing the project in 2023.
La Baia will feature 30,000 square feet of amenities, which include a rooftop amenity deck, lounge with a bar, spa, fitness center, teen’s gaming center, dog grooming center, and marina. The marina itself will feature 20 private boat slips.
La Baia was designed by architect Luis Revuelta with Boston-based Suffolk Construction as the general contractor.
Residence Features
1 to 4-bedroom options
1,100 to 2,500 square feet
Residences will be fully finished and furnished
9 to 10-foot ceilings
His and her walk-in closets
Balconies with glass railings
Underground parking spots for each owner
Custom Italian cabinetry by Snaidero
Miele appliances
Quartz stone countertops
Hansgrohe fixtures
Primary bathroom features marble flooring and rainfall showers
Tower Features
Private 20-boat marina
Scenic walkways
30,000 square feet of amenities
Rooftop amenity deck
Lounge with a bar
Spa
Fitness center
Teen’s gaming center
Pet grooming center
According to records, the developer purchased the land in 2021 for $12 million.
If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing one of the units at La Baia Bay Harbor Islands North, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.
Pharrell Williams Unveils Billionaire Boys Club’s Wynwood Flagship
Fans of the upscale streetwear company Billionaire Boys Club (BBC)/ICECREAM are in for a treat with its newest 5,000-square-foot location designed by Snarkitecture in Miami’s Wynwood. Pharrell Williams and NIGO founded the retail company, which has been shaping societal conventions since 2003 with its cutting-edge collaborations and statement artwork with a sporty flair.
Williams has a long history of influencing Miami culture through several hotel-related projects, most notably The Goodtime Hotel, which he co-founded with Groot Hospitality chief David Grutman. His most recent BBC location in Wynwood is sure to bring about a fresh surge of success for the retail industry.
According to Williams, “I’m very grateful that we have the opportunity to bring our flagship store to Miami. It’s going to be a place where people can come in to get inspired by the mix of fashion, culture, art, and design. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created here, it’s really special.”
By designing the store as an art gallery in an effort to inspire new forms of customer connection, the founders have produced an immersive brand experience that has transformed the D2C paradigm, the brand’s other U.S. flagship located in New York.
While the inside design was imagined through the eyes of an artist and will display regional and international works, the exterior walls of the store will act as a blank canvas for specific art installations by affiliated artists.
With its brick-and-mortar facility situated in a neighborhood infused with the same street spirit the company is established upon, BBC ICECREAM intends to tap into the creative energy of the locals.
The store, which is both modern and earthy, serves as an appropriate backdrop for enduring brands like Bee Line, Human Made, Adidas, MEDICOM, and more, as well as for special collaborative products from designers like Bunny Shapiro and CDG Play, selected by Sarah Andelman.
According to Alexandre, the overall goal of BBC ICECREAM is to act as a platform for creatives, which is what Pharrell and NIGO kept in mind while they created the brand and incorporated its numerous cultural facets.
Updated Renderings Revealed for MG’s New Village of Coral Gables 48 Residence Tower
Prior to breaking ground and shortly after the official launch of its cutting-edge, on-site showroom, MG Developer unveiled updated renderings of the opulent interiors of The Village at Coral Gables new development.
The Village at Coral Gables, which offers 48 units spanning over four separate collections—Townhomes, Lofts, Villas, and Flats—is one of the most eagerly awaited development to enter Coral Gables’ market.
The style and size of the units varies, ranging from elegant flats with two bedrooms, a study, and a balcony to attractive townhomes with four bedrooms that are 1,750 to 3,100 square feet in size. The traditional yet contemporary village will also have smart recreational features for residents to enjoy, such as a Club House, Fitness Center, Business Center, and a Pool with a Pool House.
The Village at Coral Gables site is situated at 535 Santander Avenue and spread across 17 lots. By 2024, the $50 million development should be finished according to the developer.
The project’s carefully chosen interiors pay homage to Seville, Spain’s aesthetic elegance and way of life, and carry on the heritage of Coral Gables’ creator and dreamer, George Merrick, and his idea of “The City Beautiful.” Furniture was chosen from RH (Restoration Hardware), which has established its design dominance in the market for luxury lifestyle products.
The Mediterranean Revival-style design of The Village at Coral Gables will be modeled after the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 in Seville’s Plaza de Espaa, which served as the neighborhood’s energetic hub and was ringed by gardens, courtyards, and magnificent fountains.
MG’s design team, lead by architect Maria De La Guardia of De La Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, was inspired by Merrick’s seven towns and created ageless architecture that blends with the naturally lit houses, facilities, and common places.
The Village at Coral Gables is surrounded by lush, tree-lined streets that give the impression of being in the suburbs, but it is actually just a short stroll from Downtown Coral Gables, as well as being close to some of South Florida’s most prestigious golf courses, The Biltmore Hotel, popular tourist destinations, and top restaurants. The Village at Coral Gables is positioned to sell out rapidly because of all the amenities it offers, as well as its magnificent design and luxurious lifestyle.
Penthouse Unit at Beach House 8 Sells for $16.66 Million
For $16.66 million, a penthouse at Miami Beach’s beachfront Beach House 8 condo sold to an LLC managed by Greg Raiff of Fort Lauderdale.
The 4,642-square-foot Unit PH at 3651 Collins Ave. was sold by Beach House 8 BH3 LLC, run by Ricardo Ribeiro Da Silva Junior in Miami, to ULA House 8 LLC, ran by Raiff. Private Jet Services Group’s owner, Elevate Aviation Group, based in Boston, is led by Raiff.
In 2016, the same year that the tower was completed, the unit sold for $14 million. For the sell price of $16.66 million, it equates to $3,589 per square foot.
This magnificent 2 full-floor penthouse overlooks the ocean expanding 5,000 square feet with an additional 5,000 square feet of outdoor space with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The outdoor rooftop features a private pool with 360 degrees of ocean and Miami Beach views. Yacht-like attention to detail can be seen in the joinery in the staircase and the woodwork in the main hall.
The modern kitchen with quartz counters and high-end stainless steel appliances flow effortlessly to the living room with an abundance of natural light and high-impact floor to ceilings windows.
The master bedroom suite, which takes up an entire floor, has its own spectacular outdoor spaces as well as an opulent bathtub. A staffed beach, a residents’ pool with cabanas, indoor and outdoor lounges, an underground garage, and a fitness center are among the amenities located downstairs.
The tower was created by the renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica and features interior design by Michele Bonan from Italy. One of Miami Beach’s most upscale condos on the water, Beach House 8 features just eight units.
LeBron James’ Real Estate Portfolio is HEATING Up in Miami
According to public records, the top player for the Los Angeles Lakers and former Miami Heat purchased a luxury condo in Sunny Isles Beach at The Estates at Acqualina. James paid $9 million for the 43rd floor condo at Acqualiana.
Akron, an Ohio-based business founded by James purchased the 2-story unit at 17909 Collins Avenue from the developer. This summer saw the completion of the north tower, which rises 49 stories tall and features 154 luxury condo units.
A 45,000 square foot luxury villa with an ice rink, bowling alley, and the Avra Miami Estiatorio restaurant will be delivered as part of Estates at Acqualina later this year. The late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld created the lobbies in both skyscrapers.
The acquisition signifies James’ return to South Florida as one of the greatest basketball players in history. James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh made up the “Big Three” while they were all members of the Heat from 2010 to 2014.
In 2015, he sold his waterfront residence in Miami’s Coconut Grove district for $13.4 million. James sold one of his Los Angeles houses in Brentwood last year for $19.6 million.
According to Forbes, the athlete became a billionaire this summer and is a co-owner of the clothing chain Unknwn, which has outlets in Wynwood and Akron, Ohio. Additionally, he has investments in businesses including Tonal, a startup home gym, and Blaze Pizza.
The Estates of Acqualina, by the Trump Group led by brothers Jules and Eddie Trump, the Estates is their third condominium development in Sunny Isles. Three single-family residences are part of the development, and prices varied from the mid $4 million range to $35 million for the penthouses.
Chicago’s Mediterranean Restaurant Aba to Launch in the Bal Harbour Shops Miami
With its most recent expansion news—the launch this fall of Chicago’s Mediterranean restaurant Aba on its first floor—The Bal Harbour Shops in Bal Harbour shows that it is more than just a place to shop. It arrives in Miami courtesy of former Top Chef contestant CJ Jacobson, senior partner Marc Jacobs, and Chicago-based hospitality company Lettuce Entertain You, which is working with Aba for the first time on a South Florida project.
Aba, a sister establishment of Ēma in Chicago’s River North, features chef Jacobson’s more casual approach to Mediterranean cooking. The cuisine emphasizes vegetables and offers a variety of dips, such as avocado hummus with Dungeness crab and carrot sunflower with sunflower tahini.
Other notable meals are the shawarma Spiced Skirt Steak with Black Garlic Mushroom Jus, the grilled Mahi Mahi with Roasted Garlic Yogurt, and the torched toro toro with watermelon and crystalized Castelvetrano olives.
A wine list that focuses on wineries that use sustainable, organic, and/or biodynamic farming methods was chosen by mixologist Liz Pearce and has cocktails that combine elements of the Mediterranean and Southern California.
Hebrew named Aba which translates as “Father,” is a continuation of Chef CJ Jacobson’s earlier eatery, Ema, which means “Mother.” Chicago and Austin currently house the two Aba sites.
The first floor of the mall will include Aba, which will have an indoor dining room with more than 240 seats, a covered patio, a mezzanine bar, and a terrace. It goes without saying that it will be a spacious and much-needed contrast to the slew of other Mediterranean eateries that are opening this season, including the tapas-focused Mazeh, the stunning Lebanese Amal, and the modern Israeli restaurant Neya.
