Do these Miami Restaurants have the Best Sandwiches in the US?
Who has the best sandwich in Miami? According to a consumer poll on Mashed.com, two of the best sandwiches in the United States are located right in our very own Miami. The sandwiches we are referring to include a cheesesteak sandwich from Batch Gastropub in Miami and a croqueta preparada from Sanguich de Miami located in Little Havana.
The Batch Gastropub creates a heavenly sandwich by brushing a smoke paprika aioli stacked with shaved ribeye that’s covered with white American cheese. The “cherry on top” is the sautéed hot cherry peppers and onions.
According to mashed.com, “The steak is juicy and exquisite, the bun is light, fresh, and a little crispy, and the pickled hot cherry peppers have just the right amount of heat to shine through all of the richness.”
The croqueta is in a whole other league with stacked high slices of ham and roasted pork topped with Swiss cheese. Extras include croquettes, mustard, and pickles.
“There’s a lot to appreciate about this sandwich, but the real stroke of genius is the choice to masterfully tuck a few croquettes in between all the unctuous meat, briny pickles, and melted cheese,” according to the review on this sandwich form Saquich de Miami.
Other restaurants that have made best food lists include Makoto in Bal Harbour and Itamae in Miami.
Expansive Mixed Use Tower Planned for Downtown Miami
Miami-Dade planners are working hard on reviewing the pre-application for a large mixed-use project in Downtown Miami.
The property located at 1370 NE 2nd Ave is within the Metromover Subzone of the Rapid Transit Zone District. Within this zoning district, some rules apply which includes up to 1,535 units permitted as well as the 40% glazing requirements.
The tower is anticipated to rise 649 feet tall at 43 stories. Passing the district rules, the tower is proposed to have 1,441 residential units.
The tower will be designed by Rafael Viñoly architects but the city planners are asking for clarification on some of the design elements throughout the project.
The county has stated that the awnings, balconies, and weather protection elements need to be at least six inches from the curb face but the plans appear to encroach on the curb face. Specifically the parking garage for levels 2 through 12 are encroaching.
The open space and landscaping code also needs clarification.
Amenities for the tower will spread over 5 stories and include a state-of-the-art-gym, pool, office elements, and more.
There will be offices dedicated to the auditorium for the Miami-Dade County School Board which will spread over 100,000 square feet. Offices for Crescent Heights will also utilize 19,673 square feet of space.
The plans also show that there will be 9 levels of parking and an expansive ground floor designated for commercial space.
There are currently no scheduled dates to review revised plans but if approved, the ground breaking would begin in 2023.
Moishe Mana Expands Portfolio to 3 Buildings for $25.4 Million in Miami
Miami’s biggest landlord, Moishe Mana, has bought three additional buildings to add to his forever expanding portfolio. As part of his aim to convert the Downtown Miami into an innovation and cultural centre, he plans to create, Mana Common. Moishe Mana has spent much of this year investing in commercial properties as well as residential properties in Miami that he has been making a big time profit on!
Mana paid a total of $25.4 million for the three properties at 100 North Miami Avenue, 173 Northeast First Street, and 124 Northeast Second Avenue. The buildings total 50,197 square feet, and are part of Mana’s portfolio of more than 60 properties in and surrounding Downtown Miami.
According to property records, the two-story, 18,535-square-foot structure at 100 North Miami Avenue was built on 0.2 acres in 1941. According to state corporate filings, the seller Flexini Investments is led by Mario Sapoznik. The two-story, 7,200-square-foot building at 124 Northeast Second Avenue, erected in 1922 on less than 0.1 acre, is two blocks west, according to property records. On 0.3 acres, it lies next to the two-story, 24,462-square-foot structure at 173 Northeast First Street. The two buildings were sold by SG & S, which was led by Ana White.
The majority of his properties are older low- to mid-rise buildings with small businesses including clothes boutiques, pawn shops, and cafes.
Mana intends to repair or redevelop his properties to establish Mana Common, a campus-like space aimed at integrating Latin American and American digital companies. Despite the fact that Mana has started work on several of his properties after years of land acquisition, he has run across some roadblocks recently.
Mana had commissioned engineering inspections prior to beginning repairs, which revealed the buildings had “significant structural issues.” Mana Common’s representative declined to provide an update on the buildings. Some of the buildings that he has started repairs include the Nikola Tesla Innovation Hub, a fashion mall, the Flagler Studios, and another building on East Flagler Street.
Miami Developer Plans to Rebuild The Wharf in a $185 Million Project
On the site of the iconic downtown Miami’s The Wharf along the Miami River, a Miami developer is teaming up with Driftwood Capital to build a $185 million Dream Hotel and entertainment complex.
The Riverside Wharf project will consist of two 10-story buildings, one of which will house the 165-room Dream Miami hotel. According to a press release, it will also contain a restaurant, nightclub, and entertainment establishments, including an expanded and updated version of the Wharf. Some additional amenities will be built including a deep-water yacht port, and a public riverwalk.
A 16,000-square-foot restaurant, a 12,000-square-foot event hall, a 30,000-square-foot nightclub/rooftop dayclub, and 600 feet of river frontage are all planned for the 200,000-square-foot project.
Garcia’s Fish Market may also set up shop on the property as a pop-up market. Its commercial fishing activity used to be located on the property.
In 2016, voters in Miami approved a deal that awarded MV Real Estate Holdings, led by Alex Mantecon and Guillermo Vadell, a long-term lease on half of the land. The other half is also owned by MV Real Estate Holdings and is located in an Opportunity Zone.
The 1.5-acre Miami River property at 114 Southwest North River Drive was developed by MV Real Estate Holdings and its partner, Coral Gables-based Driftwood Capital. Nitin Motwani, the managing partner of Merrimac Ventures and the developer of the Miami Worldcenter, is also a general partner in the project, according to Mantecon.
According to Mantecon of MV Real Estate Holdings, the developers plan to seek project permissions from the Miami River Commission in January and then go before the Miami City Commission. Cube3 architects’ John Cardello is designing it, with landscaping by Savino-Miller Design Studio.
Once approved, construction is planned to begin in 2022 with a completion date in 2025.
Developers for Legacy Hotel & Residences Receives Third Largest Construction Loan Ever in Florida
Developer Dan Kodsi’s Royal Palm Companies recently received a $340 million construction loan for Legacy Hotel & Residences. New York-based real estate lending joint venture Silverstein Capital Partners, provided the loan for a condo-hotel construction tower that will be located in Downtown Miami at Miami Worldcenter.
According to a press release, the financing is the third-largest construction loan ever made in Florida, behind two others for projects in Miami-Dade. The other two loans were for the building of The Estates at Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach ($558 million) and Five Park in Miami Beach ($345 million).
Legacy Hotel & Residences began selling in late 2019 and despite the pandemic, it is already entirely pre-sold, with $160 million in sales.
The luxury tower located at 942 Northeast First Avenue, will rise 50 stories at 668 feet tall making it the second tallest tower at Miami Worldcener. This mixed-use development will feature 312 residential units, 262 luxury hotel rooms, a business center, medical office, retail space, and rooftop atrium.
The residences will include studio to 2 bedroom floor plans with 368 to 964 square feet options. The units will be fully finished and furnished. One of the unique things about Legacy is that residents will be able to rent their units without any restrictions. This includes utilizing a short-term rental company, whether its the Legacy’s rental program, Airbnb, or VRBO.
Not only is this loan one of the largest construction loans in Florida but this is also Silverstein Capital Partner’s first South Florida loan. Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties is an affiliate of the financial group and also led the development of the World Trade Center after 9/11.
Kobi Karp Architects, Design Agency, and ID & Design International designed the structure.
The ground-breaking for Legacy Hotel & Residences occurred in August 2021 and is expected to reach top-off in 2024.
Plans for a 23 Story Tower Proposed in North Miami Beach
Miami-based Humberto Ramirez Developers are currently under contract on a North Miami Beach office building with plans to a 23-story condo-hotel.
Officially scheduled for December 13, North Miami’s City Planning & Zoning Board will be presented the proposal for the tower located at 2040 N.E. 163rd Street. The 1.09-acre site currently holds a 3 story 26,766 square foot office building with a medical practice and a consulting firm as the current tenants. The property is currently owned by North Miami Beach company, 2040 Investments.
Designed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners, the proposed tower would feature 334 condo units, 30 hotel rooms, and a 410-space parking garage (13 electric car spaces) totaling 272,660 square feet. According to the proposed plans, 144 one-bedroom units, 162 two-bedroom units, and 28 three-bedroom units.
The property would also feature 7,328 square feet of retail space. The parking garage would rise 7 stories tall and the hotel rooms would line the front of the garage.
Amenities for this tower would feature a pool deck above the parking garage, game room, and fitness center.
North Miami Beach has adopted revised zoning for its eastern portion in recent years in order to stimulate construction and increased density. The city hopes to attract additional people as well as business development to the region
The Hottest Art Basel Events Remaining
Art Basel Miami is here and we’ve seen some of the hottest exhibitions, art, and parties that have taken place in Miami. These included the Dior Medallion Chair Exhibition, the Chanel No. 5 Centenary Celebration, the Confidante x Museum of Graffiti Skatepark, and so much more! Art Basel isn’t just about a week-long of art exhibits, it’s about expression, creativity, and of course, fun! We have compiled the hottest events for the rest of the week!
Exhibitions:
Empowering the Creators of Culture- Nft now x Christie’s Present “The Gateway”
Immerse yourself in a journey of discovery at nft now x Christie’s Art Basel 2021 gallery, The Gateway, a celebration of the NFT community and its achievements. Just as creators have been reclaiming the financial systems, we’ve taken over a 23,000 square foot darkened floor at a Miami bank building, transforming it into a maze of rooms that encourages attendees to use their senses to explore the space that now features carefully curated pieces from trailblazing artists. When: Friday, December 3-Opened to the public but registration is required.
Playboy & BIGBUNNY Present A Night of the Surreal
Playboy, the legendary lifestyle brand, will present an extraordinary evening at Casa Tua to unveil their surrealist perspective on Miami Art Week in honor of BIG BUNNY. The event will include newly commissioned pieces by Nina McNeely, Maurice Harris, Miranda Makaroff, Filip Custic, and Maria Forqué, as well as a selection of surrealist work from Playboy’s library, as well as DJ sets by Mona Matsuoka, Mia Moretti, and Boys Noize. When: Friday, December 3
Pop Up Shows
Pimp Your Bag with Olivia Steele and Vee Collective
Olivia Steele, a modern visual artist, will be personalizing Vee Collective bags from 1 to 7 p.m. at Showfields Miami. Vee Collective bags are made from 100 percent recyclable materials and have simple aesthetics that are ideal for travel, sports, shopping, or leisure. Olivia Steele will provide free customization to guests who purchase a Vee Collective bag. When: Friday, December 3
Marea Pop-up at Osteria Morini
Altamarea Group’s Marea will be in Miami for two days exclusively during Art Basel. This dinner series, held on the patio of the Kimpton Hotel, which also houses Altamarea Group’s younger sibling restaurant, Osteria Morini, will offer some of Marea’s characteristic dishes, including the famed octopus fusilli. From Friday, December 3rd through Saturday, December 4th, guests can enjoy a four-course tasting menu with carefully chosen wine-pairing for $375 per person at the Marea pop-up. When: Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th, Reservations can be made here.
Parties
E11EVEN Miami’s Line-up
The party will continue over the weekend, with a performance by Migos on Friday, December 3rd, and a special act to be revealed on Saturday night. Carnage + Bia will close up the long weekend with a live concert on Sunday, December 5th. 11miami.com
A-Trak & Friends
Chromeo, Dillon Francis, Boys Noise, Roger Sanchez, Kito, and Jubilee are among the cast members. Friday, 9 p.m., at Oasis Wynwood, 2335 N. Miami Ave., Miami. RSVP at tixr.com for free admission.
Donavan’s Yard
Sango, Kitty Cash, and the Sound Club also appear. 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; 1800lucky.com, 9 p.m. Friday. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.
Essential
Miguel Migs, Jay-J, Mark Brickman, Dan. K, and Julie McKnight also star. No. 3 Social, 50 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-748-4540; no3social.com, 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and may be purchased at eventbrite.com.
NADA Afterparty
10 p.m. Friday, at Center for Subtropical Affairs, 7145 NW First Ct., Miami; cstamiami.org.
Lizzo
Saturday, at 9 p.m., at the Miami Beach Edition, 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com. The in-person event is by invitation only; livestream tickets range from $9.99 to $262.99 and are available at live-now.com.
Art, Blues, & Soul Festival
3 p.m. Saturday at African Heritage Cultural Arts, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., Miami; 305-638-6771; ahcacmiami.org. With Chrisette Michelle, Glenn Jones, and Jon B. Tickets range from $35 to $85 and are available at eventbrite.com.
Michael Bibi B2B Loco Dice, Luciano, and Art Department
Saturday, 4 p.m., at Factory Town, 4800 NW 37th Ave., Miami. Tickets range from $15 to $150 and are available at eventbrite.com.
Rock the Bells: Yacht the Basel
Kasha Paige, Just Blaze, DJ Millie, DJ Steve, DJ Nyla Symone, and DJ C-Stylez join the cast. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Seafari Mega Yacht, Chopin Plaza, Miami. RSVP at eventbrite.com for free admission.
Basel Is Lucky
Art Department, Cocodrills, Andrea 10seconds, and Nelson Diaz will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St., Miami; 305-768-9826; Admission is free before midnight; tickets cost $20 at eventbrite.com.
Miki Beach
Philipp Jung, Seth Schwarz, Dude Skywalker, Nii Tei, Alex Cecil, Iman Rizky, Freak the Disco, and others appear in this film. ATV Records, 1306 N. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-456-5613; atvrecords.com, 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 through ra.co.
Smart Brickell Tower 3 Coming Soon
Smart Brickell is one of the newest condo-hotel projects located in the heart of West Brickell. This mixed-use development will comprise three towers total that features 170 condos and 150 hotel rooms spanning over the three towers.
The most unique thing about the Smart Brickell Tower, besides its futuristic design, the smart technology is so advanced that it will set the stage for all pre-construction towers going forward. Some of the smart features include Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs, Samsung’s digital home appliances, concierge app, and Nest thermostats.
Tower 1 rises 26 stories featuring 50 condos with 1 to 2 bedroom floor plan options. Floor plans will range from 558 to 1117 square feet starting at $318,000. The first 7 floors will feature a boutique-style hotel managed by Habitat Hotels with floors 11-23 will be condos.
Units will be fully furnished and finished. Top-off was completed in May 2021. The exterior is still will be completed with stucco and prime paint has started on the south facade. Interior drywall and framing is 90% complete.
Tower 2 will feature 50 condos as well as 50 hotel rooms with one to two-bedroom floor plans. Units will also be fully furnished and finished and can be rented up to 50 times a year on a short-term basis like Airbnb. Completion for tower 2 is anticipated for 2022.
Construction on Tower 3 will begin soon and will feature 20 condos and 100+ hotel rooms. These units will also be fully finished and furnished.
On the ground level, the development will feature 12,000 square feet of commercial space with retail, a cafe, and a restaurant.
Building Features
25 Story tower designed by the well-known architect, Hernando Carrillo
The building is Leed certified
One assigned parking space per unit in secured parking garage plus valet parking services
Electric car charging stations
24 Hour concierge and security services
The café is on the ground level
Stunning amenity deck located on the 8th floor with landscaped recreational area and expansive terrace
Resort-style pools with lap area and sun deck
In-water lounge chairs near a waterfall
Spa and wellness center
Fully-equipped business center on the 9th floor
Chic and spacious event room on the 10th floor
Sky fitness center located on the 24th floor
Lounge bar located on the 25th floor
Wi-Fi throughout the lobby and amenity deck
Residence Features
Renowned design firm, Arquitectonica Interiors, designed the units that take full advantage of every square foot
Each unit is equipped with smart, Wi-Fi enabled features to compliment the look and feel of the future of living including Nest thermostat, Lifx Wi-Fi enabled LED smart bulbs and Amazon echo/Alexa home and personal assistant
City-view terraces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
Every residence has the ease to always be in control from the comfort of their smartphone with the Concierge App
The kitchen will be fully equipped with Bosch and Samsung appliances and contemporary cabinetry
The penthouse is located on the 23rd floor and has 12-foot ceilings
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces $25 Million Renovations on the Freedom Tower
In a landmark event, Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis stood behind a podium with the words *Patria Y Vida, meaning ‘Homeland and Life,’ while announcing plans to restore the Freedom Tower with a $25 million renovation. During the announcement, Miami natives came out to support the people of Cuba. While crowds were demonstrating, DeSantis announced this new renovation project for the tower that means so much to Cuban Americans.
The Freedom Tower was originally built in 1925 for the headquarters and printing facility for The Miami News newspaper. In the ’60s, the Federal Government used the tower to process and document refugees during the Cuban Revolution. This building assisted with providing medical and dental services to all refugees.
In 1972, the Federal Government sold the building to a private buyer and just a few years later the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since then, the building was converted into a memorial to honor the Cuban refugees that were once given sanctuary there. There is currently a contemporary art museum as well as offices for some of the Miami Dade College faculty.
Developer, Terra Group purchased the property in 2005, and then announced plans for a 62-story residential tower named Freedom Square. The tower was never built. While Miami-Dade College owns the Freedom Tower, the property behind it where Freedom Square was originally proposed, is now owned by developer, Chateau Group.
The $25 million renovations for the Freedom Tower would include; parking garage shoring, architecture restoration, a new security system, and waterproofing. While lawmakers have yet to approve the request, DeSantis plans to place the renovation expenses in the budget for 2022. Renovations could take anywhere from 2 to 3 years.
*Patria Y Vida is a slogan and song associated with the July 2021 Cuban protests.
