Take a Look Inside the Design District’s Newest Italian Restaurant with a Pink Flair – Sofia
With the opening of Sofia in Miami’s Design District, the team behind Miami favorites Byblos and Amal has continued to grow throughout South Florida. The chic, predominantly pink restaurant is a Toronto import that offers fine Italian cuisine.
In close proximity to the recently Michelin-recognized Itamae, Sofia debuts a menu of both contemporary and classic Italian meals that are produced with a refined technique and seasonal ingredients to honor the true flavors of Italy. A variety of antipasti will be available, including Crudo, grilled octopus, citrus salads, and ricotta-stuffed zucchini.
For entrées, Sofia serves traditional handmade pasta dishes like rigatoni alla vodka and cacio e pepe al tartufo. Among the standouts from the carne mains are wagyu filets, breaded veal, and prime striploin, among others. The pesce area also includes branzino, aragosta (butter-poached crab), and gamberetti (wild king prawn).
Sofia’s Italy-inspired cocktails stress execution and graceful presentation, and its wine list includes a variety of vintages and difficult-to-find Italian wines, which are garnished with locally grown herbs. The restaurant’s flamingo-pink, Italian-glam indoor-outdoor settings was created by award-winning group Studio Munge, and they will be brought to life every night with DJs and live performances.
Sofia hopes to become Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant, according to INK founder and CEO Charles Khabouth, despite the fact that the Design District is already home to a number of upscale eateries, including well-known Italian restaurants like MC Kitchen and Palat and Pharrell’s ultra-trendy pastel wonderland Swan.
The Sofia restaurant will be open every day of the week starting at 5 p.m. breakfast and lunch service will start soon following the supper service, which will start now.
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.
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.
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.
North Bay Village Approves 7.3 Million Square Foot Development Project Featuring 1,936 Residential Units
Sunbeam Properties, the proprietor of WSVN Channel 7, has a 7.3 million square foot redevelopment plan that has officially been approved by the North Bay Village Council. The special area plan for a 12.9-acre site covering 1400, 1401, 1415, 1600, and 1601 79th Street Causeway, as well as 155 and 1624 North Bay Causeway, was approved by the Village Council on a 3-2 vote early on Wednesday.
A 300-room hotel, 1,936 residential units, 200,000 square feet of office space, 670,000 square feet of retail space, 117 units of workforce housing, and around 5,000 parking spots are all included in the development plan. Additionally, there would be 84,366 square feet of public space, including a half-mile pedestrian walkway known as the “island walk” that would be surrounded by restaurants and stores. A marina would also be a part of the project.
The project’s highest structure would be 650 feet tall. To lessen the number of shadows cast upon the smaller dwellings, the structures closer to single-family homes would be smaller. Buildings north of the project would be taller and would rise 240 feet in height south of the causeway.
The offices and studios of WSVN will eventually be relocated as part of the construction. WSVN and Sunbeam Properties are owned by the multibillionaire Ansin family.
The project’s first phase, according to Ansin, would be built south of the causeway and will have 500 to 600 apartments spread across two buildings, along with a restaurant, grocery store, and other retail space that may house an urgent care facility or a daycare. Sunbeam Properties must apply for building permits for the first phase within two years in accordance with its development agreement with the village. The first renters, according to Ansin, should move in within five years.
As the Ansin family celebrates the 60th anniversary of running WSVN in North Bay Village, CEO Andy Ansin admitted that this was an emotionally charged decision for him. He has visited that studio ever since he was a youngster.
Although Ansin said the initial concept wasn’t for redevelopment, Sunbeam Properties over time purchased surrounding lands. According to Ansin, the first purchase was made to stop a strip club from being built next door. It bought a nearby office complex so the TV station would have more parking.
Ansin discovered North Bay Village had potential after having experts from the University of Miami School of Architecture do research on future renovation. However, it necessitated moving the TV studio.
Ansin stated that he is still looking for a new studio for WSVN. He emphasized that it would require plenty of parking, hurricane-resistant construction, and backup power generation.
PlusUrbana, a firm based in Miami, is the project’s architect. Attorney Ian DeMello, who is headquartered in Miami, is the developer’s representative.
MILA Miami Beach Expands Restaurant Space Unveiling a Member’s Only Club, Omakese, and Luxury Lounge
The Mediterranean and Japanese infused restaurant MILA Miami, is expanding its space with a second level at 7,900 square feet. The 2nd floor expansion will include the MM Club, MILA Omakase, and the MILA Lounge with other experiences that will be unveiled soon.
In the heart of Miami Beach, MILA is a magnificent space that perfectly combines an upgraded eating experience with cuisines that aim to take guests on a culinary journey through the shores of the Mediterranean and Japan while creating a creative expression of flavorful MediterrAsian cuisine. It is inspired by Asian and Mediterranean eating practices, both healthy and tasty, and embraces the importance of enjoying life.
Living by the motto “EUDAIMONIA,” which translates to “the contented, cheerful feeling you feel when you travel,” MILA symbolizes a multi-sensory gastronomic experience with unique Balearic music blends, delectable food, and a fun atmosphere to party the night away.
According to the CEO and Founder of Riviera Dining Group, Greg Galy, “We are thrilled to be expanding MILA, adding multiple new venues to our immersive and innovative space. The additional concepts provide the opportunity to lead the luxury and lifestyle industry in South Florida.”
For the select few who participate in Riviera Dining Group’s program, the ultra-private, members-only club known as The MM Club will offer a personal experience. Members will be welcomed into a dimly lit area that adds a luxurious touch to the traditional speakeasy and gives privacy to guests who want absolute discretion. Expertly prepared cocktails will be served at a sophisticated bar that is covered in warm, rust-colored carved marble.
Visitors at MILA Omakase will go on an unexpected culinary adventure. When visitors enter the confined space with the stunning omakase countertop and 10 seats, time stands still. French pipe organ maker and Guinness Book Award winner Matthieu Garnier constructed the countertop from a 300-year-old Red Camphor tree. In order to enhance the sensory experience, Garnier also constructed a 500-year-old hinoki wood cutting board (Japanese Cypress) for the area.
MILA is a part of the the Riviera Dining Group which was founded in 2021 with the original MILA South Beach location. Their main goal is to bring customers a innovative dining and gathering experience. This year, they have also opened AVA MediterrAegean in Winter Park, Florida and Casa Neos which is anticipated to open in this fall in Brickell.
Evenings continue at the MILA Lounge, where visitors can indulge in a luxurious and private nightlife experience. Light appetizers, creative mixology, and bottle service will be available to those eager to make an impression as they mingle and dance to music from leading industry DJs.
Riviera Dining Group is seeking 50–70 additional front- and back-of-house employees as it gets ready to open the restaurant’s expansion.
Miami Bar Ranked No. 21 for 50 Best Bars in the World
One of the top bars in the world is once again located in Miami. The cocktail bar, restaurant, and music venue known as Café La Trova in Little Havana has climbed the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2022 for the third year in a row!
Café La Trova was ranked No. 21 in the yearly list of 50 Best Bars in the World with a ranking of No. 6 for Best Bars in the United States.
This old-world Cuban bar in Little Havana was founded by Michelin-starred chef Michelle Bernstein, her husband David Martnez, and cocktail guru Julio Cabrera.
Cabrera’s father owned a bar in Cuba before Castro was in power. His father taught him everything he knows which he showcases through Café La Trova’s nightly mixing shows. Along with the shows, it’s very common for Cabrera to dance among the patrons.
Café La Trova’s menu includes classic daiquiris and cervacas but their award-winning drink is the Buenavista cocktail. This drink includes Bombay Sapphire gin, cucumber, mint, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and sugar.
Café La Trova also features a dinner menu with classics like handout steak empanadas, jamon Serrano croquetas, arroz con pollo, and vaca fritz sliders.
Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th Street in Miami.
New Renderings Released and Plans Updated for 888 Brickell Tower
For the new construction tower 888 Brickell, located in the heart of Brickell, JDS Development Group has submitted updated blueprints to the Miami-Dade County review committee.
The tower will still be built to a supertall height of precisely 1,049 feet or 82 stories, which is the highest height allowed in Brickell.
888 Brickell will still feature 259 luxury units but some of the changes include 52,144 square feet of fitness areas, 38,727 square feet of restaurant space, and over 250 parking spaces.
ODP is listed as the official architect, with Studio Sofield still named as the building’s designer.
JDS Development originally partnered with Major Food Group on the project but Major is no longer involved in the partnership. According to the announcement about the updated plans, JDS plans to reveal a potential new partner in the coming months.
New renderings have also been released and prices are expected to range from $1.6 to $11 million.
