Award Winning and “America’s Favorite Chef” Thomas Keller is Opening a New Bistro in Coral Gables.
Bouchon Bistro, the acclaimed French restaurant owned by Chef Thomas Keller, will debut in Coral Gables in the early months of 2023, according to the chef and his staff. Along with his upscale American eatery the Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside, it will be his second restaurant in Miami.
The French Laundry, Per Se, and the freshly starred Surf Club Restaurant are all three-star Michelin restaurants owned by the renowned chef. Chef de cuisine Thomas Castellon, a former employee of Keller’s the Surf Club Restaurant and TAK Room, will take over the kitchen at Buchon’s Miami branch.
Similar to the menus at the Bouchon restaurants in Yountville and Las Vegas, the menu in Miami will feature seasonal French cuisine in addition to traditional selections like steak frites, roast chicken, mussels, and escargot.
Around 160 people will be able to dine at Bouchon Coral Gables, which also has 30 outside seats and a separate private dining area. Longtime Bouchon colleague Adam D. Tihany of Tihany Design in New York City, who created both Bouchon locations, will design the area.
The restaurant will open in the La Palma building, a historic Mediterranean-style structure constructed in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, at 2101 Galiano Street in Coral Gables. The building was originally designed by architect H. George Fink.
According to Keller, “Since opening the Surf Club Restaurant four years ago, it has been a great privilege to re-establish relationships in South Florida. We were enamored with the rich history of the La Palma building and Coral Gables neighborhood and we look forward to introducing our classic French bistro to the community.”
New Japanese Steakhouse Coming to Brickell by Bad Bunny and David Grutman
Bad Bunny is partnering with David Grutman and his hospitality group, Groot Hospitality, to open a new Japanese steakhouse known as Gekko. Coming this July to Miami’s Brickell, Gekko will be located under the SLS Lux tower at 801 S. Miami Avenue where Katsuya is currently located.
Its menu will feature prime cuts and various Wagyu beef dishes with dashes of Korean BBQ spices. Guests may also expect sophisticated table-side culinary displays, such as flame-seared steak courses, as well as traditional Japanese fare including a full sushi menu and a six-seat omakase bar.
Gekko’s design will be created by The Rockwell Group, and will have “luxurious-yet-contemporary” graphic wall coverings, jewel tones, light and natural wood accents, and seating for 185 guests. On the very colorful and Instagrammable South Miami Avenue area, the location is located on the northwestern ground floor portion of the SLS Lux Brickell tower.
Gekko will join Grutman and Groot Hospitality’s ever-expanding Miami restaurant portfolio, which already includes Papi Steak, Komodo, and Key Club, as well as Swan and Strawberry Moon, his two restaurants with Pharrell Williams.
The Japanese word “Gekko” means “moonlight,” which is appropriate for a city known for its nightlife. It’s also a double entendre reference to Michael Douglas’ famous Wall Street character Gordon Gekko. “On the day we were deciding on a name, Bunny was smitten with ‘Gekko. That night, I watched a Carl Icahn documentary,” Grutman says. “It all came together, and we had it.”
Newest Wynwood Hotspot Features 2 Restaurants and a Nightclub
“Bad friends, Good Drinks & Expensive Taste,” that’s the Moto for Wynwood newest spot Burdo. Opened just north of Cerveceria La Tropical on North Miami Avenue, Burdo has a 2,700-square-foot dining room and a 4,000-square-foot outdoor terrace that, like so many other new Miami hot places, morphs from restaurant to late-night party location after dark.
The concept was developed by SinMente Group, a Colombian hospitality company that established a comparable venue in Medellin in 2014. Burdo was brought to Miami by SinMente in collaboration with Buenavista Investment Group. Burdo’s main menu features American fare such as bowls, pizzas, and burgers, as well as sushi rolls.
Green apple and cheese pizza ($20) with blue cheese, mozzarella, bocconcini, green apples in maple syrup, almonds, basil, and spinach; truffle grilled cauliflower ($20); and “Black Wings” ($28) with sesame seeds, chives, and black barbeque sauce are among the highlights.
However, that isn’t the only food available on the premises. Criminal Taqueria at Burdo is located on Burdo’s patio. Tacos aren’t illegal, so don’t be alarmed. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, esquites, and elote bowls are served at the taqueria, which has a few chairs but is mostly meant for grab-and-go purchases. It has its own separate kitchen and serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, esquites, and elote bowls.
The design of Burdo is just as exquisite as the menu! Mixing a modern yet reclaimed design makes for an inviting atmosphere. A white marble surfaced bar adorns the bar and tabletops with outdoor inspired wood chairs. Mixing with green vegetation, wood paneled walls, and black steel touches creates a unique look that will be an excellent side to your food.
Prices range from $4 to $13 per pound. At the taqueria, you can order a margarita or Michelada, or try Burdo’s more extensive cocktail menu, which includes mezcal-based drinks like La Parca and El Chingon, as well as specialty gin cocktails. Bottle service is provided after dark, when the high-tech sound and lighting systems come on.
Burdo is located at 2509 North Miami Avenue in Wynwood and they are opened from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 3am. Don’t forget happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm.
Dirty French Steakhouse Officially Opens in Miami
Thanks to Major Food Group, they are bring another one of their successful New York restaurants to Miami. Located in the heart of Brickell, Dirty French Restaurant will bring culinary sophistication through this Parisian Fare steakhouse to further add to the ever-expanding Miami scene. Oh, and did we mention…the decor is 80’s era themed?
From the high-quality meat and fish to the comprehensive 700-bottle wine list, Major Food Group co-founders Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi have brought this innovative menu to life with a menu full raw bar items, seafood dinners, aged steaks, and your favorite classic side dishes.
The menu itself ranges from prime aged steaks, including Filet Mignon, Ribeye, and New York Strip, all of which are presented with a variety of sauces ranging from Au Poivre to Cajun. Forty-ounce Porterhouses and a Wagyu Tomahawks, are the chef’s favorites and Diners will be surprised by a range of off-menu cuts offered weekly at the restaurant as well. The menu also includes a savory Dover Sole Meunière served table-side, a Duck à l’Orange, and an excellent soufflé program, all of which pay homage to the restaurant’s Parisian roots.
The design of the interior can only be described as French elegance. Designed by Ken Fluk, Dirty French Steakhouse mixes the early 80’s French era with contemporary tropical designs. Throughout, you’ll notice the golf-leaf ceiling, Jungle Bar, onyx bar, glass leaf chandelier, leopard bar stools and banana pendants. The pieces blend elegantly and really make the steakhouse inviting.
According to Co-Owner of Major Food Group, “After making this paradise home, we realized that there was a tremendous opportunity to bring a sensational steakhouse to Brickell in true MFG fashion—a sophisticated, contemporary, high-energy culinary blockbuster fit for the most exciting city in the world today. It simply does not get any more major than Dirty French Steakhouse, which is the beginning of a series of big projects in the neighborhood.”
French Dirty Steakhouse has officially opened and if it’s like Major Food Group’s other Miami restaurants, Carbone, ZZ’s Club, and Sadelle’s, you may want to book your reservations now. Make your reservations through DirtyFrench.com.
Gordon Ramsay’s Infamous Hell’s Kitchen to Open in Miami
In a statement recently released from Gordon Ramsay’s company, Ramsay will establish a Hell’s Kitchen branch in downtown Miami in late 2022. It will be the third Hell’s Kitchen establishment, after those in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. Two more locations, in Chicago and Washington, D.C., are also on the way.
The Miami location will be just as big and just as iconic as its other locations. The site itself will be located at the Metropolitan Miami Development which lies just north of the river in Brickell.
The space spreads out 16,000+ square feet over two floors, there will be a ground-floor patio and a second-floor dining terrace. Like its counterparts, there will be an open kitchen, bar, and signature fire depictions throughout the restaurant.
The menu will include the show favorites but with a Miami twist. Think oysters, shrimp cocktails, and seared scallops featuring Cuban and South American spices and classics. Other foods like beef Wellington, chicken scallopini, meatballs, and foie gras will also be on the menu.
You will know what you pay for with the fixed-price options that range from $75 to $85.
Ramsay himself stated, “I’m so excited to bring [the restaurant] to Miami. With its impressive food scene, Art Deco architecture, and amazing people, they really know how to bring on the heat, and I know Hell’s Kitchen will feel right at home.”
Gordon Ramsay is a British chef, tv personality, and restaurateur. He founded Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in 1997 and has been awarded 16 Michelin stars overall and currently holding 7. He began Hell’s Kitchen in 2004 and it received national recognition in 2005. Ramsay is known for his incredible skills, fiery attitude, bluntness, and his excessive use of profanity.
Hell’s Kitchen Miami will open in the fall of 2022. Aria Group and Architecture will be in charge of the design of this location.
Most Romantic and Unique Miami Restaurants to Book this Valentines Day
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday this year, you’re probably trying to decide what day to celebrate this year’s romantic occasion. While we can’t help you choose the day, we can help with dinner!
This year we have compiled some of the most unique and romantic restaurants that we love and that we think you’ll love too.
Sexy Fish
Sexy Fish’s menu is a work of art, featuring classics influenced by Asia and Japan. Bjoern Weissgerber, the Chef Director, has produced delectable dishes such as Duck Salad, Smoked Tuna Belly, Black Cod, King Crab, Bone Marrow, and crispy Eringi Mushroom. Don’t miss the Sexy Gold Fish or Crispy Caviar with gold-flake sea bass marinade. There is also a large wine and champagne selection, as well as unique cocktails such as Chocolate and Wine, Yuzu, and Elderflower.
Sexy Fish, designed by SeaVisions, exudes an aquatic ambiance with a big-lit fish tank that spans the wall of the private dining room and serves as the restaurant’s focus. Throughout, you’ll find stunning artwork by Damien Hirst as well as 26 bespoke fish lights designed by Frank Gehry. Click here to make reservations or browse the menu.
ZZ’s Sushi Bar
ZZ’s Sushi Bar menu includes classic tuna and salmon selections, as well as unique salads and Wagyu meat. ZZ’s also has the greatest assortment of Wagyu beef in the country. Don’t miss out on one of their most well-known specialty dishes, the Caviar Temaki.
The first level is bursting at the seams with bentwood banquettes, sculptural, handpainted finishes, and animal print rugs. Every surface is adorned with antique furniture and brass lights. The terrace is dubbed a “tiki bar on acid,” with wicker furniture and banana prints complementing the futuristic building.
Although ZZ’s is advertised as a member-only restaurant, there is an optional invite-only membership available, so as long as you can secure a reservation, you may enjoy all of the amenities that a member does! Click here to make reservations or browse the menu.
Carbone
Carbone has become a South Beach neighborhood mainstay in such a short time, thanks to its exceptional food, retro-style French décor, and landmark location. Raw-bar platters with stone crab claws, crab knuckle sandwiches, spicy rigatoni, or veal parmigiana are some of our favorite menu items.
The sumptuous Ken Fulk design, as well as the Captains dressed in Zac Posen tuxedos, guide clients through menu selections, and salads are produced tableside for the entire Carbone experience. The atmosphere continues with intimate tables, low lighting, and classic French and Italian music playing. Did we forget to say it’s Michelin-stared? To make a reservation or to browse the menu, click here.
Elcielo
Located in Brickell, Elcielo features modern yet classic Colombian dishes. Chef Juan Manual Barrientos uses an avant-garde approach to cooking the signature Latin dishes. Barrientos utilizes small and medium plates that feature avocado tempura, Colombian Arepas, Tuna Tartare, and Yuca Gnocchi.
The delectable food is served with breathtaking river views and stylish décor enhanced with flora, leather, and wood. Private dining experiences for couples or groups are provided in VIP lounges. The Experience menu will have more than 22 moments.
The Waterfront Terrace is great for special occasions and gatherings. Enjoy our a la carte food and beverages while listening to upbeat music, surrounded by palm trees and flora, the breeze, and river views. Check out the menu or make a reservation here.
Cote Miami
Executive Chef David Shim, a native of Seoul, South Korea, is responsible for the one-of-a-kind masterpieces at Cote Miami. Shim acquired expertise and recognition in New York City at Gramercy Tavern, Veritas, and L’Atelier de Jol Robuchon. Chef Shim’s specialty dishes include 45-day USDA dry-aged beef, delectable side dishes, stunning slices of Korean beef, and a Steak OmakaseTM experience. Other menu items include East/West Coast Oysters, Maine Lobster, caviar service, steak tartare, and Korean bacon.
COTE Miami has a 100-seat dining room with interactive smokeless state-of-the-art tabletop grills at each dining table, a dry-aging room, and two private dining rooms. The setting is intimate and pleasant, and the meals are incredibly innovative and awe-inspiring! Click here for their full menu or to make reservations.
Sexy Fish Miami Opens its Doors with a Grand Opening Celebration
Sexy Fish has finally opened and we had a front-row seat to the culinary experience. February 3rd marked the formal opening of the iconic London-based restaurant’s first United States location. From sophisticated decor to delectable cuisine, we have the details that will make you want to book a reservation now!
The brainchild behind the London-based restaurant, Richard Caring first opened the restaurant in 2015 in the affluent Mayfair district of London. The location and style draw in celebrities, notables, and stylish crowds alike. Caring also owns many of London’s most celebrated restaurants including, The Ivy, Scott’s, and 34 Mayfair. He has also played a hand in the development of the globally renowned private member’s club, Annabel’s.
The interior designers of Sexy Fish along with Martin Brudnizki Design Studio thoughtfully one of the most photogenic restaurants in Miami. Designed by SeaVisions, the large illuminated fish tank is the centerpiece of the restaurant spanning across the wall of the private dining room. Throughout you’ll see gorgeous artwork but Damien Hirst and 26 custom fish lamps created by Frank Gehry.
The menu itself is a masterpiece with classics inspired by Asia and Japan. The Chef Director Bjoern Weissgerber has created appetizing items that include Duck Salad, Smoked Tuna Belly, Black Cod, King Crab, Bone Marrow, and crispy Eringi Mushroom. Don’t miss the Sexy Gold Fish or Crispy Caviar that is marinated with gold-flake sea bass. There is also an extensive wine and champagne list with signature cocktails including Chocolate and Wine, Yuzu, and Elderflower.
The opening night included a private performance by Mary J. Blige with notables Dan Mikesell, Pepe Gonzalez, Kathryn Mikesell, and David Castillo. With ‘healing DJs, mermaid dancers, late-night entertainment, and thematic entertainment, the opening night was a success!
Reservations are booking quickly with a month out for the next reservation. To inquire about bookings and additional information, click here.
The Regent Cocktail Club Reopens After 2 Years
It has been a rough couple of years for businesses due to COVID and the rising costs of goods/services. Within the past 2 years, a lot of businesses had to close, including one of South Beach’s favorite spots, The Regent. Recently, the Havana-inspired bar and lounge reopened with a new cocktail menu that will quench your thirsts.
Located inside the Gale South Beach, the bar and lounge originally opened in 2012. The bar was named in the Top Ten Hotel Bars in the World in 2017. In March 2020, The Regent closed its doors shortly after a renovation in 2019.
Before it was The Regent, it was called the Rec Room and was more of a night club themed spaced. Due to the renovation, the bar is now 3x the size of the once nightclub. The bar can also hold up to 200 guests.
Although The Regent is located in the Gale South Beach, you can still enter through a separate door behind the hostess stand of the Dolce restaurant. Once you make your way through the stairwell illuminated by neon signs, you will enter the bar area with a 10+ seat bar, comfy chairs, and leather banquettes.
The bar pays homage to classic 1920’s speakeasy with low lighting, leather fixtures, and privacy. In the early hours, hear low levels of jazz but the bass will rise later once the DJ starts spinning.
While you’re there, grab a Champiña or Peach One from the signature menu. If you get hungry, there is a limited food menu with cheese plates, chicken empanadas, and chips and guacamole.
The Regent is open Thursday through Saturday from 7 pm to 2 am.
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.
