Cigar Bar El Vecino Set to Open May 5th at Miami Worldcenter
A distinguished cigar bar with expertly chosen wine and beverage menus, award-winning service, and a relentless passion for bringing people together at the table will open at Miami Worldcenter May 5th, 2023, El Vecino.
Courtesy of Ariete Hospitality Group (AHG) and Chef Michael Beltran, El Vecino wants to be among the best cigar shops in Miami and a top cigar destination nationwide.
Modern air filtration and humidification technologies were used to build the exquisitely constructed area, which provides a luxurious environment with soft furnishings and amenities. This ensures that visitors are comfortable. The interior of El Vecino is 1,600 square feet and features historical furnishings, premium wood, booths, velvet and leather furniture, a 10-seat bar, and a specially made walk-in humidor for cigars.
The ScapeGoat in Miami Beach, The Gibson Room on Coral Way, and most recently Brasserie Laurel (Michelin Guide mention) and Chug’s Express at Miami Worldcenter in Downtown are just a few of AHG’s expanding family of eateries and bars. Ariete (Michelin Star), Navé (Michelin Guide mention), Chug’s (Bib Gourmand recipient), and The Taurus are all located in Coconut Grove.
A large variety of quality cigars, as well as a variety of whiskey, bourbon, wine, beer, and seasonal creative cocktails, will be available at the upmarket cigar lounge. Customers will also be able to place orders for snacks and light cuisine from the nearby Brasserie Laurel restaurant.
El Vecino is situated along the 7th Street pedestrian promenade of Miami Worldcenter at 698 NE 1st Avenue Suite G-172, near the base of the Caoba residential tower. In the core of Downtown Miami, the $4 billion mixed-use attraction called Miami Worldcenter, which spans ten city blocks and 27 acres and is one of the largest private urban real estate developments now under construction in the United States, offers top-notch residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail applications. Three residential buildings and a sizable amount of the retail component of the project have already been finished and are occupied, while a hotel construction is scheduled to open in Q4 of 2022.
Three Story Food Hall to Open in Brickell April 28th
The popularity of food halls in Miami is still growing. Okeydokey, the newest multi-concept dining spot in the city, is scheduled to open in Brickell on Friday, April 28.
Okeydokey bills itself as a food-driven dining and entertainment hub and occupies three floors in a gleaming standalone structure close to Brickell City Centre. Six full-service kitchens, three bars, and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio with seating for more than 300 people are all included in the 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor area.
The Doce Provisions team’s rotisserie chicken and burgers at Little Bird, Yoso Ramen’s Japanese cuisine, MAC’s Asian fusion cuisine, Dal Plin’s Italian cuisine, and JAFFA’s Israeli cuisine are among the first-floor eateries. Coffee Break, located on the second level, offers fresh-pressed juices, croissants, pies, empanadas, and artisanal coffee.
In addition to beer, wine, and sake, Okeydokey’s three bars will provide a selection of specialty drinks crafted with premium liquors, freshly squeezed juices, handmade syrups, and unique garnishes. The Bye Fe-Lychee! is a tiki-style drink made with reposado tequila, sake, lychee puree, mint, and grapefruit. The Freshly Squeezed is a refreshing combination of vodka, St. Germain, and fresh strawberries. Sun’s Out, Buns Out is an Old Fashioned spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and orange bitters.
The third, adult-only floor of Okeydokey will debut in the second phase. Although an opening date has not yet been set, guests can anticipate an enlarged beverage menu and nightly entertainment options like live music and DJs.
Stephane Benkemoun, a French businessman and co-founder of Okeydokey, created it with the intention of turning a fast-casual dining idea into a classy, immersive location. Okeydokey will be open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 268 SW 8th St. in Miami. Coffee Break will be accessible every day at 8 a.m.
Is Miami the ‘Best Food City of the Year’ in the Country? Bon Appétit Thinks So
Miami is experiencing a dining moment with its 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned wine and food festival, multiple James Beard Award semi-finalists, and an average of one new restaurant opening every 15 seconds.
Now, another celebration is in order! Miami has been hailed as the “food city of the year” by Bon Appétit magazine in its most recent issue.
While editors toured the nation in search of daring new restaurants, they agreed that Miami was the one city they kept wanting to visit, according to editor-in-chief Dawn Davis.
According to Davis, “The always-evolving city is buzzing with opportunity, and a wave of creative chefs and restaurateurs have picked up on that air of possibility. It’s led to a spate of daring, exciting restaurants that are contributing to the city’s rich culinary history while bringing entirely new dimensions to the dining scene.”
Numerous popular eateries in Miami have been singled out by the magazine as “restaurants we fell for.” Itamae, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Miami’s Design District that was recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand (a restaurant that offers exceptional value) last year, came in first place on the list. The restaurant, which began as a seller in the previous St. Roch food hall, was where the magazine’s cover photo of seafood was taken which is now called MIA Market.
Other establishments applauded by Bon Appétit writers include Suite Habana Café in Wynwood, El Turco Turkish Restaurant in Upper Buena Vista, Rosie’s in Little River, a favorite for Southern brunch, Zak the Baker in Wynwood, Broken Shaker cocktail bar at the Freehand Hotel in Miami Beach, which was named one of the 50 best North American bars in 2022, Paradis Books & Bread wine bar and pizza restaurant in North Miami Beach, and Jaguar Sun in Miami.
In 2022, the Michelin guide also named El Turco and Zak the Baker as Bib Gourmands.
The magazine also gives Chef Sebastian Vargas accolades for opening Krüs Kitchen, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, and Los Félix, a Michelin-starred establishment, under one roof in Coconut Grove.
Award-Winning Chef Tom Aviv Opens First United States Restaurant in Miami-Branja
Branja, the first restaurant opened by award-winning chef and restaurateur Tom Aviv in the United States, has officially opened its doors. Located in Miami’s Upper Buena Vista and Banja serves food inspired by Aviv’s Israeli heritage in a retro, industrial environment.
Branja is a classic restaurant with 3,000 square feet of area that is divided between a sizable outside terrace and a cozy interior. Each night, the 12-seat Chef’s Table serves two omakase-style seatings for guests with a side of retro Miami. The Chef’s Table is housed in the famous bar from the Lenny Kravitz-designed Florida Room of the Delano Hotel.
The covered outdoor terrace features a bright stained-glass ceiling, terrazzo-topped tables, repurposed synagogue benches, a sizable artwork by Tel Aviv-based artist Paul Curran, while diners use silverware and pastel porcelain plates from the 1970’s.
With a strong focus on Israeli food and recipes, Branja’s menu draws inspiration from all over the world. Customers will find inventive interpretations on traditional dishes like the Falafish, a blend of juice fish and falafel, and Fishwarma, which is cooked with a spiced fish mixture that resembles traditional shawarma.
Other meals include the Tuktuk Kebab, made with Thai ingredients like tamarind glaze, and Krouv. On the sweeter side of the menu, Branja serves Halva Crack Pie made with tahini and Layali Beirout, a contemporary version of a Lebanese classic. Drinks like the vibrant Purple Rain, an allusion to the traditional Margarita created with tequila infused with za’atar and butterfly pea and garnished with salt and dry za’atar, complete the meal.
Despite having no official culinary training, Aviv, who was born and raised in Tel Aviv, won MasterChef Israel in 2016 and quickly rose to fame. He has opened a number of eateries in Israel and Morocco since winning.
Located at 5010 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami, Branja is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Meet Miami’s Newest Mediterranean-Basque Restaurant Now Open in Brickell- Zeru
The Mediterranean-Basque cuisine that has made Zeru famous in Mexico City has now open its first overseas location in Miami’s Brickell.
Zeru is located on the bottom floor of the Hotel AKA Brickell, and the location allows guests up to a 200-seat indoor/outdoor capacity with a modern design and a 20-seat bar.
Founder of Zeru, Israel Aretxiga states, “We will maintain Zeru’s essence and its signature interpretation of Basque and Mediterranean food, but we’ll also welcome the excellent ingredients and products that Miami has to offer and, in some ways, adapt to the local gastronomic culture.”
According to Aretxiga, Zeru’s cuisine is based on the century-old roasters in the Basque Country of Getaria, Orio, and San Sebastián, a method he describes as “as ancestral as the origin of gastronomy, with inspiration from the variety of foodstuffs from the Mediterranean coast of Spain.”
Seafood, as well as healthier and lighter options, will be extensively emphasized on Zeru’s menu. Highlights include the mojo octopus, grilled fresh clams with grilled lemon and espelette miso, and socarrat mellow rice saffron with seafood.
In 2009, The Zeru Group opened its first eatery in México City’s southern region. Since then, Gentleman Mexico magazine has given the restaurant an award for creativity in food.
Zeru is open daily from 12:30pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm.
Avra Estiatorio Opens Second South Florida Location at Lofty Brickell
Avra Estiatorio, a Greek eatery with a Manhattan origin, will open a second location in South Florida at the newest residential tower, Lofty Brickell.
Restaurateurs Nick Tsoulos, Nick Pashalis, and Marc Packer, the partners behind the upscale brand, have secured a lease for the bottom level of Brickell’s Lofty condo complex by Newgard Development Group.
The 15,000 square foot, 15-year contract, which has the possibility to be extended, can seat up to 300 patrons and a 3,000 square foot outdoor seating space with views of the Miami River. The triple net asking rent was $150 per square foot.
Once Lofty Brickell is complete, Ava Estiatorio will open. Only 1,500 square feet of retail space remain at the Lofty property after the Avra lease.
The first Avra Estiatorio restaurant debuted in New York’s East 48th Street in 2000. Now, the restaurant has three locations: two in Manhattan and one each in Beverly Hills.
Michelin Names 8 New Miami Restaurants to The Florida Michelin Guide
Eight new Miami additions to the Florida Michelin Guide were unveiled by Michelin. The Michelin Guide classified the businesses as “New,” encouraging diners to try new and exciting restaurants in Miami.
The yearly Michelin announcement of Bib Gourmands and stars has yet to be released and Michelin occasionally “teases” its annual guides by presenting brief lists in prominent cities.
The announcement was explained in a statement by Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guides, “We improve our digital tools to further strengthen the bonds that unite us to food lovers. By revealing some of the new additions made by our inspectors throughout the year.”
According to the press release, any of the 8 restaurants on the list may be awarded a Bib Gourmand or star during the annual star ceremony.
It mostly indicates that the Michelin team of inspectors is actively looking for restaurants in Miami to include in the 2023 Florida Michelin Guide. A restaurant also needs to merit its inclusion in the annual guide. Ten restaurants in Miami received one star when the Florida Guide was published in June 2022, giving them a total of 65 spots. The only establishment to be awarded two stars was L’Atelier de Jol Robuchon. The coveted three-star rating only goes to a select few great restaurants like the French Laundry, Alinea, and Eleven Madison Park. No Miami eateries have ever received this honor.
No location or date for the 2023 Michelin Florida Star Reveal Ceremony has been determined. The ceremony was previously Orlando in June 2022.
Michelin Guide Florida: New Miami Additions, February 2023
Brasserie Laurel- French-inspired cuisine inside downtown Miami’s new Miami Worldcenter.
Rosie’s- Brunch garden in Little River with Akino West as Chef.Fiola Miami- Coral Gables Italian restaurant by Michelin-starred, Fiola D.C.
Walrus Rodeo- Wood-fire cooking by the Boia De team.Lido- Surf Club with a champagne bar and delectable Italian food.
Lion & the Rambler- Chef Michael Bolen makes a classic spin on American cuisine.
Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt- Modern/classic French and Asian inspired dishes.
The Gibson Room- American fare with modern inspired cocktails.
Our Pick for Miami’s Most Romantic Valentine’s Restaurants 2023
Valentine’s Day is next week and if you haven’t made plans yet, now’s the time. Whether you want to impress a romantic interest for the first time or finally confess your feelings, Miami has a restaurant — and special Valentine’s Day menu — to match your intentions on the most romantic holiday of the year.
Here are our top restaurants to visit in Miami on Valentine’s Day, ranging from lounge-like restaurants to waterfront dining establishments. Reservations are highly advised.
Carbone
Carbone’s retro glam and universally acclaimed Italian-American cuisine have made their way to Miami. If you get a table, you can expect one of the best veal parmesans in the world, dapper servers who can practically read minds, and tons of vibe in a legendary Ken Fulk-designed space. To make reservations, click here.
The Queen Miami Beach
Tucked inside the meticulously restored Paris Theater on Washington Avenue in South Beach, Queen breathes new life into the storied Art Deco landmark, embodying a wildly lavish and extravagant 21st-century Japanese-style grill that pays homage to its history of opulence and theatricality. Click here for reservations.
Contessa Ristorante Miami
Contessa, a glamorous dining destination by Major Food Group that transports guests to Lake Como, is inspired by the old-world sophistication of Northern Italy’s iconic resorts and estates. Antipasti include a Carpaccio of Chianina Beef and the most coveted Italian prosciutto; signature pizzas and perfectly crafted pastas such as Tortellini en Brodo and Garganelli Verdi Bolognese; and celebratory secondi that highlight the world’s best meat, poultry, and fish. For reservations, click here.
COTE Miami
COTE is Simon Kim’s vision for the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSETM. The restaurant is known for combining the excitement and fervor of Korean barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The end result is a one-of-a-kind and convivial environment that infuses a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service, complemented by a show-stopping beverage program. Click here to reserve a table.
Klaw
Klaw provides a beef and king crab selection that focuses on raw product preservation, sustainability, and environmental concerns. Executive Chef Michael Paley and his team carefully select the best suppliers and believe that treating the product with respect and cooking it properly can greatly enhance the flavor. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio created our main dining room, which honors its Spanish Renaissance roots with a large dining room decorated in deep colors and dark woods, massive colonial arched windows, a private dining room, and a theater kitchen. The roof top bar has an amazing view and a great selection of cocktails created by beverage manager James Macinnes. We are close to the Opera Tower, Margaret Pace Park, and the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Avra Estiatorio
You’d almost think you were in the Greek islands, with the salt stone sculptures and bougainvillea-filled pergola, not to mention the sound of crashing waves in the background. This New York mainstay is large, opulent, and glam, with a menu full of seafood specialties that transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite. For more information or reservations, click here.]
Komodo Miami
Komodo is a three-story indoor/outdoor eatery and lounge in Miami’s booming Brickell neighborhood that combines contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibe to elevate the dining and nightlife experience. Signature dishes on the menu include Peking Duck, Tuna & Toro Roll, and Lobster Dynamite. The 300-seat restaurant and lounge features several unique multi-level dining options, including three bars with handcrafted cocktail menus and the signature outdoor floating “birds nests” seating, which creates a playful treehouse feel perfect for any occasion day or night. Komodo serves dinner seven days a week. Reservations can be made here.
Rooftop Restaurant Giselle to Open Friday February 3rd
On Friday, February 3, the glitzy new restaurant Giselle will open on the rooftop of the illustrious nightclub E11EVEN Miami. Giselle is brought to you by E11EVEN and hospitality group The Restaurant People, where executive chef Gustavo Zuluaga will weave together global flavors in dishes like whole crispy snapper with aji amarillo aioli and Peruvian salsa criolla.
Giselle’s menu is extravagant, with items such as bluefin tuna truffle cones topped with 24-karat gold leaf. Truffle toast, flaming lobster thermidor, Peking chicken, Japanese A5 snow-aged wagyu, a flaming Australian wagyu tomahawk, caviar, seafood towers, oysters with Champagne mignonette granita, and other extravagant offerings are available.
Truffle toast, pork ribs, Chilean sea bass, filet mignon, and a flaming lobster thermidor are among the dishes on the menu. For those who can’t decide, a six-course tasting menu is available.
The cuisine incorporates French, Asian, South American, and Mediterranean flavors. This makes sense given his background, which includes stops at L’Atelier de Jol Robuchon in Miami, Zuma, Komodo, and Juvia before becoming executive chef at Laurent Tourondel’s Dune in Fort Lauderdale.
Guests enter the restaurant by taking a private elevator up to the rooftop restaurant, where they will walk through the mosaic-lined tunnel into the space, which features a retractable roof that spans the entire indoor-outdoor restaurant.
Giselle’s marble-adorned 14-seat bar features digital art display cases showcasing the work of Miami-based filmmaker and producer Frank Kelly, who was commissioned to create a custom short film series for the space. The adjacent lounge and terrace area features black marble dining tables with views of the Miami skyline, while a neon sign that reads “I’ll be here, if by chance, you’ll be here too” rules the space.
Giselle is located at 15 NE 11th St, Miami, FL 33132 with hours at Wednesday through Sunday 6pm to 3am.
