Miami’s dynamic dining scene is about to get a taste of unprecedented luxury and sophistication with the opening of Lafayette Steakhouse this Friday. Nestled in the bustling Brickell district, Lafayette is not just a restaurant; it’s a statement of style and an ode to culinary mastery.
Previously known as El Tucán, this iconic space has been transformed by Mr. Hospitality Miami, the brains behind local favorites like Queen Miami Beach and Marion. Lafayette Steakhouse promises an experience that fuses the mystery of speakeasy culture with the plushness of European elegance. The ambiance is designed to offer a sophisticated retreat amidst the lively energy of the city, making it a perfect escape for the elite and the epicureans.
According to Mathieu Massa, the visionary owner and founder of Mr. Hospitality Miami, “At Lafayette Steakhouse, every detail is meticulously crafted to exude opulence and refinement.” This dedication to perfection is evident in every aspect of the establishment, from the decor to the dining experience.
The culinary delights at Lafayette are helmed by the renowned French Chef Kylian Goussot, known for his work in Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury hotels. At Lafayette, he brings his expertise to a menu that features premium meats, fresh seafood, and vibrant, flavor-rich dishes—all perfected in a wood charcoal Josper oven.
Complementing the menu is an impressive collection of wines, spirits, and inventive cocktails, meticulously curated by Head Sommelier Gabrielle Neuberg. The dining experience is sweetened further by Pastry Chef Nelson Mendonca, whose exquisite desserts are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The artistic touch at Lafayette is unmistakable, with menu illustrations by the acclaimed artist Octave Marsal adding an element of visual feast. Meanwhile, the interior design by Carlos Rodriguez of Escala Forma Studio seamlessly blends European charm with modern elegance, creating a space that’s both inviting and impressive.
Lafayette Steakhouse is more than a dining venue; it’s a cultural hub that celebrates the rich heritage and diverse culinary landscape of Miami. Inspired by Major General Marquis de Lafayette, the steakhouse embodies the historic bond between France and America, making it a landmark of luxury and a beacon of fine dining in Miami.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of dining in Miami? Lafayette Steakhouse opens its doors at 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130. Whether you’re a visionary, artist, or socialite, Lafayette promises an unmatched dining experience in the heart of Miami.
Exploring Miami’s Classic Culinary Delights: A Food Lover’s Guide to the City’s Best
Miami, the vibrant heart of South Florida, has always been known for its dazzling art scene but this year, there’s more to explore beyond the contemporary art and hipster hotels. The city’s culinary landscape is witnessing a renaissance, with a series of classic eateries and new hotspots making waves. From Brickell to Sunny Isles, let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through Miami’s most iconic dining destinations.
Casadonna: Italian Riviera Vibes in Miami’s Historic Woman’s Club David Grutman’s Groot Hospitality, in collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality, has reimagined a space in Miami’s historic Woman’s Club into Casadonna. This Italian Riviera-inspired restaurant serves a modern twist on traditional Italian dishes. The space, designed by Ken Fulk, reflects a blend of gold and greenery, paying homage to the room’s historic past.
Pastis in Wynwood: A Touch of France Under the Miami Sun Keith McNally, a name synonymous with New York’s bustling restaurant scene, has brought his magic to South Florida with Pastis in Wynwood. Opened in April, Pastis presents a menu brimming with Escoffier-esque classics like duck à l’orange and Dover sole à la meunière. The ambiance is far from a traditional Lyonnaise bouchon; imagine dining under globe lights with rustic wood furniture, surrounded by an airy garden.
Rao’s Miami Beach: A Slice of New York in Loews Miami Beach Rao’s, an iconic New York eatery known for its clubby vibe and Italian cuisine, has opened its doors in Miami Beach. Their new outpost at Loews Miami Beach offers not just their signature meatballs and Sunday gravy, but also adds a Miami twist with a seafood tower and fresh catch of the day. The decor is a blend of classic and contemporary, maintaining Rao’s essence with a Miami-style uplift.
Tala Beach: Mediterranean Vibes at 1 Hotel South Beach Finally, Tala Beach at 1 Hotel South Beach is the new, Mediterranean-inspired beach club. The reimagined space boasts daybeds, outdoor bars, and a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying cocktails like the Santorini Sunrise.
Amelia’s 1931: Where Latin Meets Asian Cuisine Tucked behind a defunct dry cleaner, Amelia’s 1931 offers a surprising fusion of Latin and Asian cuisines. Chef Eileen Andrade has transformed this space into a retro dining paradise, complete with a speak-easy vibe and a menu that features delights like gochujang paella and arroz con pato.
Tablé by Antonio Bachour: A Pastry Chef’s Parisian Dream Antonio Bachour, celebrated for his pastry skills, has launched Tablé in the Design District. This Parisian-style brasserie blends French and Middle Eastern flavors with dishes like chilled lobster Andalouse and avocado hummus. The ambiance strikes a balance between elegance and comfort, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Brasserie Laurel: French Elegance at Miami Worldcenter At the base of Miami Worldcenter’s Caoba tower lies Brasserie Laurel, a creation of Ariete Hospitality Group and Michelin-starred chef Michael Beltran. The menu is an ode to French classics, featuring caviar, frog legs, and escargot. The setting complements the exquisite menu, ensuring a sophisticated dining experience.
In Miami, the adage “everything old is new again” rings especially true. These culinary havens, blending classic charm with modern twists, are testaments to the city’s evolving and vibrant food scene. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visiting gourmet, these spots are not to be missed on your next Miami adventure.
Erba and Maty’s Miami Named Esquire’s Top Restaurants of 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of American dining, a wave of radical authenticity is making its presence felt, bringing a thrilling edge to our culinary experiences. This isn’t just about food; it’s a narrative of chefs daringly sharing their personal stories through their creations. This movement might be an unconscious reaction to the looming shadows of artificial intelligence and virtual realms, or simply a celebration of the human spirit in its purest form. Whatever the catalyst, the result is a dining scene that is raw, vulnerable, occasionally bizarre, but above all, profoundly human.
Consider the whole fish, a dish of ultimate realness that graces the menus of many establishments in the forty-first edition of Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants” guide. This year, real people like Jeff Gordinier, Joshua David Stein, and Omar Mamoon, ventured across the United States, tasting offerings from over two hundred new eateries. Their journey, fueled by passion and discerning palates, led to select fifty exceptional restaurants, each a beacon of culinary brilliance.
Erba Miami
When you step into Erba, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of grandeur. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a realm where each evening promises an immersive experience in both luxury and warmth. The magic begins with the team led by Chef Niven Patel and his partner Mo Alkassar, whose hospitality is as heartfelt as it is impeccable.
At the core of Erba’s allure is its unique culinary approach: a fusion of Italian tradition with a distinct Florida twist. Imagine the wonders of handmade mafaldine pasta intertwined with the exotic flavors of Bahamian conch. Or consider their tiramisu, which creatively embraces a hint of tres leches, offering a delightful surprise to your taste buds.
However, what truly sets Erba apart is its crudo. Prepared with locally-sourced wahoo and garnished with freshly plucked star fruit from Rancho Patel, Chef Patel’s own farm, the dish is a testament to the restaurant’s deep respect for fresh, local ingredients.
The philosophy of honoring simple ingredients is also vividly reflected in their other venture, Ghee—an Indian restaurant where Patel and Alkassar serve a steamed green millet that transforms a modest ingredient into something utterly sublime.
Erba isn’t just about serving Italian cuisine; it’s about elevating it through simplicity and a profound respect for the ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of Italian food or just someone who appreciates culinary excellence, Erba promises an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. It’s not just a place to dine; it’s a destination to become a regular, where every visit feels like a new journey into the heart of flavor and hospitality.
Maty’s Miami
In the world of upscale dining, small plates featuring raw fish, such as crudos, have become a staple. These dishes, while delightful, often blend into the background of many high-end menus, serving more as an elegant accessory than a standout feature. However, this culinary narrative takes a dramatic turn at Maty’s, where Chef Valerie Chang transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
At Maty’s, the ceviches and tiraditos – a Peruvian specialty where fish is sliced in the style of sashimi and paired with vivid sauces – offer an experience akin to jumping from a 3D movie into a 4D spectacle. Here, the dining becomes an immersive journey, with each flavor and texture creating a vivid, multi-sensory adventure.
Take, for instance, the ocean trout, which embarks on a tropical escapade with the addition of passion fruit, each morsel crowned with thinly sliced gooseberries. Or consider the kanpachi, elegantly arranged with layers of kohlrabi, kiwi berry, and a bright, zesty aji dulce sauce. These dishes don’t just tantalize the taste buds; they transport you to another realm of culinary delight.
While it’s tempting to indulge solely in these aquatic delights, overlooking other menu items would be a misstep. The choclo, a concoction of sweet corn, pecorino, and a spicy Huancaína cheese sauce, rivals the comfort and addiction of the finest mac and cheese. It’s a dish that marries simplicity with sophistication in a way that’s both comforting and novel.
And then there’s the Wagyu oxtail saltado – a dish that redefines luxury. The contrast of crisp potatoes with the rich, buttery oxtail creates a symphony of textures and flavors, elevating the dish to a surreal level of deliciousness.
Maty’s isn’t just about dining; it’s about experiencing a culinary world where every dish is a star, and every bite is a journey. Chef Valerie Chang’s menu invites you not just to taste, but to explore a universe of flavors that are as enchanting as they are exquisite.
True innovation in the kitchen is a gamble, but when it pays off, it’s transformative, filling not just our stomachs but our souls with an indescribable spark. It’s a rare gem, this combination of fulfillment and delight, but it’s a pursuit worth every effort. Let this be your map to a culinary adventure that celebrates not just food, but the essence of what it means to be authentically, wonderfully human.
Ken Fulk Designed Casadonna Restaurant Set to Open in Edgewater this Weekend
In the heart of Miami’s Edgewater district, overlooking the pristine waters of Biscayne Bay, a new luxury dining experience is set to emerge. Casadonna, a collaboration between the renowned Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, is poised to redefine waterfront dining in Miami. Designed by the illustrious Ken Fulk, this 20,000-square-foot establishment, opening on October 26, promises an ambiance of opulence and a menu inspired by Italy’s coastal culinary treasures.
With the capacity to host 366 discerning guests, Casadonna offers a Riviera-esque dining experience. As the sun sets, the azure waters of Biscayne Bay and the iconic Miami Beach skyline serve as a mesmerizing backdrop. The menu, a blend of locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients, boasts signature dishes like Crispy Young Artichoke, Royal Dorade Aqua Pazza, and Bistecca Fiorentina. Handcrafted pasta and a lavish crudo bar, featuring delicacies like Langoustine Ceviche and Tuna Carpaccio, further elevate the dining experience. Complementing the culinary offerings are bespoke cocktails and a meticulously curated wine collection, encapsulating the essence of the Italian seaside.
David Grutman, the visionary behind Groot Hospitality, remarks, “Casadonna is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality aims to offer an unparalleled dining experience, blending authentic Italian flavors with Miami’s vibrant energy.”
Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality, shares the enthusiasm, “Our debut in Miami, in partnership with Groot Hospitality, is a significant milestone. We’re confident that Casadonna will soon be a staple in Miami’s elite dining circuit.”
Nestled within the historic Miami Women’s Club building, Casadonna pays tribute to its roots. The name, a fusion of the Italian words “casa” (home) and “donna” (woman), honors the legacy of the Miami Women’s Club, a beacon of community service and activism since 1900. Among its many accolades, the club played a pivotal role in the inception of what is now the Everglades National Park.
Ken Fulk, the design maestro, has seamlessly integrated the building’s rich history with modern luxury. From the Courtyard Bar, reminiscent of a secret garden, to the Loggia Dining Room with its intricate millwork and custom chandeliers, every corner of Casadonna promises a sensory delight. As patrons traverse the establishment, the allure of Biscayne Bay becomes increasingly captivating.
For those seeking an evening of elegance or a weekend brunch with unparalleled views, Casadonna opens its doors on Thursday, October 26th, with brunch services commencing on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.
Juvia’s Strategic Pivot-a Testament to Miami’s Flourishing Landscape
In the dynamic world of investment, adaptability is paramount. Similarly, in the realm of Miami’s culinary scene, Juvia, the illustrious rooftop restaurant and bar that once held sway over Lincoln Road’s nightlife, has demonstrated this principle. After an impressive 11-year run in Miami Beach, Juvia is set to transition to the Miami Worldcenter—a staggering $6 billion, 27-acre development poised at the epicenter of downtown.
Jonas Millán, the visionary behind Juvia Group alongside his partner Alexandra, remarked on the city’s transformation, “Over the past decade, Miami has transcended its identity as merely a beach destination. Its metamorphosis into a burgeoning metropolis necessitated our evolution.” After meticulous scouting, the Miami Worldcenter emerged as the unequivocal choice for Juvia’s next chapter. Millán envisions the new establishment, slated for a late 2024 launch, to surpass its predecessor in grandeur, boasting expansive outdoor spaces and a more lavish terrace bar.
The Miami Worldcenter, located at 1010 NE Second Ave., is not just a real estate marvel but a culinary hub. It already houses three ventures from the esteemed Chef Michael Beltran’s Ariete Hospitality Group. Furthermore, 2024 will witness the inauguration of several more dining establishments, including New York’s Serafina and Dallas’s Sixty Vines, among others. Beyond gastronomy, the development is set to feature retail giants like Sephora and Lululemon, as well as avant-garde entertainment venues.
Juvia’s culinary direction remains rooted in its legacy—French cuisine infused with Latin nuances. However, with Miami’s dining scene witnessing a renaissance and the city earning Michelin accolades, Millán acknowledges the heightened benchmarks. “The culinary landscape is evolving rapidly. While some perceive market competition as daunting, I view it as a catalyst—an impetus to innovate and elevate our offerings.”
Nitin Motwani, the strategic mind behind Miami Worldcenter Associates, always envisioned Juvia as the crown jewel of the development’s rooftop. Familiar with Millán’s prowess through Bonito St. Barth, Motwani recognized Juvia’s transformative impact on Miami Beach. “Their influence was palpable. Our initial blueprints often echoed the sentiment, ‘Imagine having an establishment akin to Juvia here.’ Their relocation is serendipitous—a confluence of an expiring lease and the allure of what’s poised to become Miami’s nexus.” Motwani envisions the Worldcenter as a tapestry of diverse experiences, with Juvia serving as both a haven for celebratory occasions and a regular dining fixture.
In the high-stakes world of real estate, we understand the significance of strategic shifts and seizing emerging opportunities. Juvia’s transition is emblematic of this ethos—a testament to the vision, adaptability, and promise of Miami’s burgeoning landscape.
Hell’s Kitchen Miami is Officially Open
Gordon Ramsay, a well-known chef and restaurateur, has officially opened Hell’s Kitchen Miami. As Ramsay’s first business in South Florida, the eatery, which was inspired by his distinctive dishes from his popular culinary competition TV series Hell’s Kitchen, had its grand opening on Saturday, September 23.
The eatery is situated at 333 Biscayne Boulevard Way in the Met Square Complex in downtown Miami, which is a part of the Metropolitan Miami mixed-use complex. It is on the north bank of the Miami River. The property has 188 luxurious apartments, a museum honoring the Tequesta tribe, a hotel, a Silverspot Cinema, and more than 40,000 square feet of retail and dining space.
The enormous, two-story Hell’s Kitchen restaurant is spacious with a patio, terrace, open kitchen, two bars, two chef’s tables, and numerous private dining rooms on the main floor.
The open kitchen, which was intended to be the restaurant’s center point and features a combination of dramatic lighting and slick, white marble counters, will attract those who enjoy watching the line. Through a dedicated observation area located above the kitchen, even customers seated on the second level will be able to observe the cooks in action.
Along with Miami-exclusive dishes like steamed mussels with Spanish chorizo in a tomato saffron broth and churros served with cinnamon sugar, Mexican chocolate sauce, and dulce de leche ice cream, the Hell’s Kitchen menu will feature Ramsay’s signature classics, including his beef Wellington, crispy skin salmon, and sticky toffee pudding.
The Miami Hell’s Kitchen dining room’s open kitchen was intended to be the room’s focal point. A three-course prix-fixe menu including carefully chosen wine pairings that emphasize fan favorites is available to diners. There are vegetarian and vegan versions available, such as a vegan tomato saffron risotto and pan-seared tofu “scallops.”
Expect to discover both traditional and specialty drinks at the bar, including the inventive “Smoke on the Water” from the restaurant, which is served in a smoke-filled lantern. The “Notes from Gordon,” a drink that comes with a personalized note from Ramsay, is recommended.
Ramsay and Lion Capital signed a contract in 2019 to take his restaurant concepts nationwide. Currently, the company operates over a dozen eateries, including Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, Gordon Ramsay Burger, Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, and Gordon Ramsay Steak, in cities including Boston, Orlando, Baltimore, and Kansas City in addition to Las Vegas and Chicago.
Kiki on the River introduces Exclusive Luxury Experience ‘Kiki at Sea’
Kiki on The River, a hotspot for celebrities, is outdoing itself with its new venture, Kiki at Sea. Kiki at Sea is a new 70-foot-long luxury yacht, up to 12 passengers can lounge around the 305 while taking endless selfies.
The full-day or half-day extreme VIP experience includes a professional crew and, of course, Steve Rhee’s famous family-style meals that are always delicious. Consider lobster spaghetti, Greek dips, chicken skewers, grilled octopus, and champagne.
The three-story, lavishly furnished mansion on the sea has a retractable roof, four staterooms, three dining places, and marble bathrooms. The ideal location to unwind, tan, or enjoy the landscape is on the forward deck.
Specially crafted itineraries emphasize the city’s top attractions, including Marine Stadium, Star Island, Monument Island, Millionaire’s Row, Stiltsville, and Fisher Island. The ship can dock while you play with devices like jet skis, an aquatic trampoline, and electric surfboards.
Local DJs and musicians are welcome to play on board, making good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art sound system. The package also includes cozy throws, plush towels, and handcrafted Kiki bathrobes available.
With Drake, Tems, and Future, the Mediterranean favorite on the Miami River is already cool enough to be mentioned in the number-one song “Wait For U.” Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, numerous “Real Housewives,” and even “Scarface” star Steven Bauer are among the well-to-do patrons who will now have more options than just eating, drinking, and socializing.
All you need is a bathing suit and sunscreen. The starting price for this experience is $5,000 for the 4-hour tour.
New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens at Hotel AKA in Brickell
Self-described “Gypsy Chef” David Myers has established 20 restaurants in nine nations due to his love of both food and travel. After receiving a Michelin star for his now-defunct Los Angeles restaurant Sona, he moved on to establish his culinary empire across Asia and the Middle East and decided that Miami would be his next culinary venture.
The Mediterranean seaside cities, like Dubai and Toyko, inspired his newest creation, Adrift Mare now open on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell. Adrift Mare is located inside an 11-story atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows, making it easier to see the setting sun.
The restaurant, which will be overseen by executive chef Kamarl John, will incorporate the ingredients and preparation methods that Myers has liked on his journeys to the Mediterranean. Fresh seafood and shellfish, grilled meat, pasta, and veggie dishes will all take center stage. Starters such as Parker Rolls with fava bean spread, raw oysters, and yellowfin tuna with shallots, caviar, and crackers are to be expected.
The world-famous mixologists Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy, well known for their work at Two Schmucks in Barcelona, which was voted No. 7 in the World’s Well 50 Bars in 2022, created the restaurant’s cocktail menu. Additionally, earlier this year, the pair ran a two-month residency at Mezcalista in the Moxy Miami South Beach hotel.
According to Myers, “It’s the type of food I love to eat on a regular basis. That healthy, vibrant cuisine that’s seafood-oriented, with lots of olive oil. It’s food you’d have on the French Riviera or Greece or the Amalfi Coast. It’s the perfect sort of summerish food that resonates so well here in Miami.”
New Venue Opens in Miami- ZeyZey
Miami’s Little River neighborhood is home to the city’s newest indoor and outdoor weekend venue ZeyZey, which is hidden behind a modest wood gate and a large banyan tree.
DJs will perform in a bungalow with white walls with a vinyl listening area with more than 3,000 albums is also located in the spacious outdoor space with a stage for live events and shaded by a massive banyan tree.
In addition to three private lounge sections, there are four food vendors. ZeyZey is the brainchild of Grassfed Culture Hospitality, the same group that brought you the Michelin-starred Los Felix and Krus Kitchen restaurants from Chef Sebastian Vargas. ZeyZey is named for the word “happiness” in the Iku language, which is used by an indigenous community in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, Colombia.
The main attraction at ZeyZey in Little River is a banyan tree. Vashti Diaz Due to a collaboration between Isabella Acker of Miami-based Tigre Sounds, an independent record label and music platform, and the venue, which will be open on Friday and Saturday nights, local artists and DJs will perform there. According to Acker, the music will be diverse. Be prepared for Brazilian disco, salsa, cumbia, Afro-Cuban funk, electronic fusion, and more.
Additionally, ZeyZey will have a recurring roster of culinary vendors. The Maiz Project arepas, Gutenburg’s German-American burgers, Dale Street Food’s modern Cuban food, and Mana Table’s seasonal menu of ceviche, skewers, cold noodles, and arepas were among the exhibitors at the event’s debut weekend.The location is what Pili Restrepo Hackler, co-founder and creative director of Grassfed Culture Hospitality, refers to as “our love letter to Miami.
A space where all these little different atmospheres and sensations collide with one another,” she described ZeyZey as being. “Miami will be happy to discover this vibrant world of sound and color.” ZeyZey’s DJ booth and vinyl listening area are located in the bungalow on the left. ZeyZey is located at 353 NE 61st Street in Miami.
Motek Mediterranean Bistro to Open at Brickell City Centre
With plans to create its largest restaurant yet, Miami’s well-known Mediterranean bistro Motek has relocated to Brickell City Centre.
According to Commercial Observer, the restaurant will replace Est. 33 on the third floor of the Brickell outdoor mall. The lease, which was signed in May, includes both indoor and outdoor seats and covers around 10,000 square feet in total.
The Motek site in Brickell is the company’s sixth outpost; which was established in 2020 by Charlie and Tessa Levy. In the Seybold Building in Downtown Miami, close to the area where the Levys once operated a diamond store, the first restaurant opened.
At the Aventura Mall earlier this year, Motek expanded from a 3,000 square foot outlet to a 7,000 square foot corner location that was formerly occupied by Michael Mina’s Greek restaurant Estiatorio Ornos and opened a food counter called Yalla. In April, a branch opened in Coral Gables.
Two more are expected in North Miami’s SoLé Mia development and Miami Beach.
Swire Properties finished construction of Brickell City Centre in 2016, a 2.5 million square foot mixed-use building. Casa Tua, Pubbelly Sushi, Marabu, Tacology, and the recently opened The Henry are among the cuisine tenants in the shopping area, which is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue.
