Two Miami Hotels Named Most Romantic in the United States Just in Time For Valentine’s Day

In the realm of romance and luxury, South Florida emerges as a premier destination, boasting two of the nation’s top romantic getaways. As Valentine’s Day approaches, or for any special occasion throughout the year, these exquisite hotels offer unparalleled experiences. Let’s explore these gems as highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler.

1. 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach: A Holistic Retreat Nestled in Miami Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach stands out as a holistic haven, blending luxury with an eco-conscious ethos. Condé Nast Traveler applauds its unique approach, describing it as a “holistic retox-detox Miami fantasy.” The hotel’s crowning glory is its rooftop swimming pool, the largest in Miami Beach, offering breathtaking ocean views. Guests can also enjoy the serenity of ocean-view balconies and take pride in the hotel’s commitment to 100% carbon neutrality. Adding to its allure is Tala Beach, an outdoor bar, restaurant, and beach club, open from Thursday to Sunday.

2. W South Beach, Miami Beach: Artistic Elegance Following a $30 million renovation in 2020, the W South Beach redefines luxury. Distancing itself from the typical W brand, this hotel boasts a multi-million dollar art collection in its lobby and offers an array of activities including yoga, high-interval training, and cocktail-making classes. The W’s Away Spa and the tropical outdoor bar, Irma’s, are perfect for indulging in relaxation and enjoying sunset cocktails.

Miami’s luxury hotels offer more than just a stay; they provide an experience that intertwines romance, luxury, and unique charm. Whether it’s the holistic allure of 1 Hotel South Beach or the artistic elegance of W South Beach, these destinations promise an unforgettable romantic getaway.

The Exciting Launch of Pier 5: A New Waterfront Experience in Downtown Miami

Pier 5 is about to open its doors at Bayside Marketplace, promising to revive the waterfront entertainment vibe that has been missing.

Pier 5 is not just any new venue; it’s a creative endeavor by Breakwater Hospitality Group and Erick Passo, the brains behind Black Market Miami. This team has already given us fantastic spots like The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Carousel Club in Hallandale Beach. Pier 5 will bring something unique to the table – think live music, a variety of food vendors, and an impressive selection of specialty cocktails.

Alex Mantecon, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, shares that Pier 5 is all about celebrating Miami’s vibrant culture and creating memories. The goal is to breathe new life into Bayside Marketplace, making it a must-visit destination with diverse events, tantalizing drinks, and delightful food along the bayfront.

Pier 5 is designed to be an inclusive open-air destination, perfect for families and adults alike. While families can engage in fun deck games and relax in shaded lounges, adults can indulge in tropical drinks at the Rum Bar or explore over 150 labels of tequila and mezcal.

Pier 5 teams up with popular vendors from Bayside to satisfy all your food cravings. From Black Market Miami’s wings and croquetas to Ben’s Pizza’s New York-style slices, and not to forget La Industria’s bakery treats and Skoops’ authentic gelato and ice cream – there’s something for everyone!

Emi Guerra, another co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group, expresses enthusiasm for adding a new dimension to Bayside Marketplace. The venue aims to honor the historic fishing pier it replaces, incorporating a tropical and nautical theme that makes you feel like stepping onto a ship.

Pier 5 is already in its soft opening phase, but the real excitement is the weekend-long grand opening from January 11 to January 14. RSVP to the event and you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail to toast the launch of this exciting new venue.

If you’re looking for a place that combines great food, engaging entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere, Pier 5 is your new go-to destination in Miami. Come join us and be part of the excitement!

Pier 5 operates Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Find us at 401 Biscayne Boulevard, 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.

Discover Culinary Elegance at Casa Ya’ax Miami

Chef Omar Montero, a talent hailing from Mexico, has brought his unique flair to Miami’s dynamic food scene. In 2017, he started with La Santa Taqueria, initially a food truck and later a standalone restaurant in the Little River neighborhood, specializing in simple yet exquisite street tacos. Now, Montero has expanded his culinary repertoire with the opening of Casa Ya’ax in Wynwood, a more sophisticated venture that still holds true to his philosophy of simplicity, but within a more upscale setting.

Casa Ya’ax, situated on 24th Street, near the bustling Oasis Wynwood, is the perfect spot for those seeking to indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Montero, a graduate of Anahuac University in Mexico City with experience at the Setai Hotel Miami Beach and Veinte Deli & Cafe in downtown Miami, has long envisioned Casa Ya’ax as a place to celebrate Mexico’s diverse and exquisite coastal cuisine.

Unlike La Santa’s playful pink exterior, Casa Ya’ax offers an earthier ambiance with carved wood tables and woven rattan lampshades. Its covered outdoor patio doubles as a lounge, featuring a DJ, special lighting, and a cooling misting system for warmer days. The menu is a culinary adventure, featuring dishes like beef short ribs with three chiles, white corn and red quinoa with pork belly and rock shrimp, and aguachile arrachera in black sauce. For those who enjoy the finer things, there are raw bar items and grilled selections, including Takamori A5 wagyu, OMI wagyu, and USDA prime cuts.

Casa Ya’ax isn’t just about food. It offers an exquisite cocktail program with signature drinks like the Sel Va Tik and the Espresso Oaxaca, a unique take on the espresso martini. The wine list boasts a selection of fine Mexican wines, adding to the upscale experience.

Located at 51 NE 24th St., Suite 101, you can find more information at casayaax.com or by calling 305-456-9258.

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.

Top 5 Restaurants to Celebrate Halloween in Miami

Miami is a city renowned for its vibrant culture and culinary offerings, and during the Halloween season, it takes on a captivating allure. With Miami Condo Investments as your culinary tour guide, here is a list of the top 5 Halloween dining experiences in Miami. From eerie restaurants with spine-chilling atmospheres to eateries that serve up devilishly delicious dishes, we will navigate you through Miami’s most intriguing dining destinations, ensuring an enchanting feast for your taste buds.

Whether you are a local looking to enhance your Halloween dining experience or a traveler eager to explore Miami’s gastronomic delights, this guide will lead you to the city’s most tantalizing Halloween dining experiences. Prepare to immerse yourself in the spooky ambiance and embark on a culinary journey unlike any other as we unveil Miami’s top Halloween dining spots.

Queen Miami Beach

Queen Miami Beach is introducing its first-ever Halloween event called “Royal Anarchy: A Tale of Twisted Beasts.” This event promises an evening of eerie elegance and spine-tingling revelry, featuring unforgettable performances. The Halloween celebration at Queen Miami Beach will showcase ethereal aerialists suspended from the ceiling on silken threads, enigmatic dance ensembles, and acrobatic performers dressed in ornate costumes inspired by twisted beasts and mystical creatures. From the moment guests arrive, they can expect to be captivated by this enthralling experience. Additionally, a specially curated menu will be available throughout the evening for diners to indulge in decadent culinary delights. The event will take place at the iconic Paris Theater, ensuring a night of glamour and glory. Reservations are required and can be made at Queen Miami Beach. The venue is located at 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach.

Mila Miami

On Saturday, October 28th, MILA Lounge and MILA MM invite you to their ‘Haunted Shipwreck‘ Halloween event. As attendees delve into this eerie underwater world, they’ll encounter dancing shadows and moonlit treasures hidden beneath the waves. The shipwreck is not just a resting place for ancient artifacts but also holds an untold, chilling story. Guests are encouraged to wear their spookiest sea-themed costumes, transforming into phantoms of the deep. Mila is located at 1636 Meridian Ave, Rooftop, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and you can make reservations here.

BÂOLI

On Friday, October 27th, BÂOLI is hosting a captivating Halloween event themed ‘Enchanted Forest.’ Dive into a night filled with magic and wonder, where attendees can discover hidden mysteries and decipher enchanting spells. However, within the ‘Enchanted Forest,’ appearances can be deceiving, with secrets lurking in every corner. Guests are encouraged to don costumes that embody the forest’s mystical creatures, enhancing the immersive experience. This evening promises a transformative adventure that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. For reservations, click here.

Sexy Fish Miami

Sexy Fish Miami is celebrating Halloween with a special “Spooky Ever After” dessert platter. Available for $95 from Thursday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 31, this limited-time offering features a range of festive treats. Highlights include pumpkin spice doughnuts, a skull-shaped chocolate and strawberry parfait, and candy-flavored sorbet. It’s a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth and get into the Halloween spirit at Sexy Fish Miami. To reserve your table, visit SexyFish.

Café La Trova

The 305 ’80s Bar at Café La Trova is gearing up for a special Addams Family-themed dance party during the Halloween weekend. This event will kick off at midnight and run until closing time. Attendees can look forward to dance contests, with prizes up for grabs. If you’re planning to attend, it might be a good idea to practice the iconic Wednesday Addams dance routine in advance! Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th Street,
Miami, FL 33130. For reservations, click here.

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.

Erba: A Culinary Ode to Italian Classics with a Miami Twist

Straight from the bustling corridors of Wall Street, where investment strategies and market trends dominate conversations, Chef Niven Patel introduces a refreshing narrative with his latest venture, Erba, in Coral Gables. This Italian culinary haven, while rooted in tradition, is infused with the vibrant essence of South Florida.

Gone are the conventional clams in your linguine al vongole, replaced by the rich flavors of braised Bahamian conch. The menu subtly nods to Miami with hearts of palm taking the place of artichokes and the rotolo pasta boasting calabaza squash.

The heirloom tomato dish, a staple in many Italian eateries, at Erba surprises with smoked grouper tonnato instead of the expected tuna. Even the beloved tiramisu undergoes a transformation, with espresso and rum paying homage to Miami’s Latin heritage.

Strategically positioned in Coral Gables at 227 South Dixie Highway, Erba is a stone’s throw away from Patel’s other masterpieces: the Michelin-acknowledged Orno and the exotic Mamey, both nestled within the luxurious confines of the Thesis Hotel. Erba, a collaboration between Patel and Mohamed Alkassar of the Alpareno Restaurant Group, promises a gastronomic journey spotlighting local treasures.

Chef Patel, a James Beard nominee and recognized as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2020, is renowned for his commitment to sourcing ingredients from his own farm, Rancho Patel. The creation of Erba’s menu, however, took a different approach. Instead of starting with a dish in mind, Patel and his team began with ingredients, crafting dishes around them, resulting in a truly distinctive menu.

The offerings at Erba span from the depths of the ocean to the richness of the land. Classic dishes are reimagined with Patel’s innovative touch, such as the Mishima Reserve Denver steak paired with a tantalizing bone marrow salsa verde. The menu is dynamic, changing with the seasons, ensuring the freshest ingredients grace your plate.

Even the cocktail offerings, curated in partnership with mixologist Scott Beattie of the Michelin-starred Barndiva, showcase the best of Rancho Patel, with concoctions like the Butterfly, a blend of Rancho Patel pea flowers, yuzu, and pickled huckleberries.

While Coral Gables continues to establish itself as a gastronomic paradise, Alkassar is confident in Erba’s unique position. He believes the community values quality, authenticity, and genuine hospitality – principles that Erba embodies to its core.

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.