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.

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.

Bon Appétit Names Peruvian Restaurant in Miami Top Best New Restaurants in the Country

The 24 Best New Restaurants of 2023 have been published by Bon Appétit, and Maty’s in Midtown is the only establishment in Florida to make the list. The well-liked Peruvian-Japanese Itamae inside a Design District food hall was founded by Chef Valerie Chang, her brother Nando, and her father Fernando in 2018.

It bears the name of Chang’s grandmother as a culinary tribute to the value of family, which has always been a guiding principle for the Changs.

According to Kate Kassin of Bon Appétit, “Miami chef Valerie Chang is getting personal.” “She wanted to make a place where she could celebrate the culinary customs of Peru in memory of her grandmother Maty. Chang is the driving force behind this new endeavor, dishing up warm and hearty meals like the fluffy tortitas de maiz and a vivid cebiche mixto with black grouper and crisp calamari. A complete roasted dorade sits beautiful on an ode-worthy aj amarillo beurre blanc, while a fried snapper arrives wrapped dramatically around fish nuggets dusted with cornmeal.”

A gallery of family pictures and heirlooms are displayed on the walls of the stylish, spacious dining area. Therefore, Maty’s is very much a family business even though Chang’s idea may have inspired its creation. Food & Wine has named Val and Nando Chang as some of the “Best New Chefs in America 2023.”

For the Chang family, this is a busy moment to make the announcement. Val and Nando Chang visited New York earlier this week to celebrate being listed by Food & Wine as one of the country’s best chefs. Itamae, a freestanding restaurant that first opened in 2020, closed last month and was replaced by Fernando Chang’s B-Side, a fast-casual sushi restaurant owned by the Chang family.

By the end of the year, Itamae Ao, a new Itamae, will reopen in Midtown as an omakase experience next to Maty’s. Itamae was mentioned by Bon Appétit earlier this year as one of the factors in Miami’s selection as the “food city of the year.”

Mary’s is located at 3255 NE First Ave., Miami with hours ranging from 4-10 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday and Sunday and 4-11pm Friday through Saturday.

Good Morning America Awards Uptown 66 Mexican Cantina in Miami as Having the Best Taco in America

Uptown 66 began as a pop-up restaurant in 2020, and like many other new eateries in Miami, Nuno Grullon, the owner and chef, wasn’t confident the restaurant could succeed in the face of COVID-19 and government shutdowns. Three years later, the small but well-liked outdoor Mexican cantina has a devoted following and was just named “Good Morning America’s” taco champion.

The “United States of Tacos” tournament, which lasted a full week and featured preliminary rounds in Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Miami, was held last week. A panel of judges, which included actor Alex Moffat, fitness expert and makeup artist Tunde Oyeneyin, actor and singer-songwriter Christian Chávez of RBD, and chef Chris Valdes, selected Uptown 66’s birria taco as the best of the bunch. Grullon defeated Mika Leon, chef and owner of Caja Caliente, who created her renowned Cuban-style lechon taco for the Miami round of the tournament, to win the ultimate prize of $20,000 provided by Taco Bell.

Nuno Grullon, the owner of the Mexican cantina didn’t expect to be so anxious about the contest but overall said that the experience was fun. Grullon relocated to Miami from the Bronx in the late 1990s and didn’t start out in Mexican food but was a dishwasher in New York. He eventually advanced to line cook, and then steadily moved up to more upscale eateries serving Mediterranean, French, and Italian cuisine.

When he founded Uptown 66, he discovered the greatest ingredients for Mexican food, the chiles that went well with specific dishes, and the tastes that should be the star. He explains, “I need to comprehend the culture behind the food.” “Where does it come from? How were those things made? Even the initial menu for Uptown 66 didn’t include Grullon’s renowned birria taco, which is constructed with three distinct cuts of braised beef, mixto cheese, and consommé. When Grullon originally established his business, he only offered four types of tacos: barbacoa, carnitas, chicken, and wild mushroom.

People kept approaching and requesting birria tacos, says Grullon today. They appeared everywhere on social media. I remarked, “I’ll have to create one of those.” According to Grullon, birria tacos are typically cooked with goat meat. However, he claimed that his job in Miami’s restaurant industry led him to choose the less unusual beef which cooking birria, for instance, requires 20 hours, with the meat smoldering at a low temperature.

The cuisine is highly sophisticated, he claims. “Building a burger is simpler than this. No offense intended; I enjoy a good burger! But it’s simple. Get top-notch meat, grill it, add lettuce, onion, and cheese, and presto! You need to make a marinade for birria. Two hours are required. Make sure to remove the seeds from the chilies. It takes a lot of work. What I adore about it is that. In that manner, it reminds me of French cuisine. Grullon is thinking about the future of Uptown 66 and potential openings or franchises in additional locations.

Near 79th Street and Biscayne Boulevard, he intends to establish a full-service American concept restaurant. He is, however, taking some time right now to reflect on the “Good Morning America” accolade. We had a significant victory, he claims. “The brand is very important to our devoted customers. They are devoted to us and want us to succeed.”

Uptown 66 is located at 6600 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami and is open 7 days a week with varying hours.

New York Pizzeria Roberta’s Will Open at 72 Park in Miami Beach

The prestigious Miami Beach condominium 72 Park will now house the New York pizzeria, Roberta’s, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant from co-founders Carlo Mirarchi and Brandon Hoy.

Roberta’s was founded in 2008 and initially operated out of a small Brooklyn cinder-block warehouse. The eatery swiftly rose to fame in the neighborhood and won over foodies from all over the state with its extensive menu of handmade plates and seasonal dishes made with fresh, organic produce from its rooftop garden as well as ingredients from around the world.

The developers, Leffersts, decided to open a few additional sites in New York City as a result of the success. Since then, the brand has grown internationally with a range of locations, from full-service dining to more informal concepts. Carlo Mirarchi, co-founder and chef of Roberta’s, expressed his excitement about bringing his restaurant to the thriving metropolis of Miami. “We are very excited to introduce Roberta’s to the vibrant city of Miami. The energy and diversity of Miami’s food scene resonates deeply with our commitment to providing fun and memorable dining experiences for our guests. With its rich cultural tapestry, Miami
provides the perfect canvas and 72 Park the perfect home for Roberta’s first step into the Florida market.”

Roberta’s team will bring some of their well-known style along with the restaurant. Brandon Hoy, a co-founder of Roberta, continued, “We love the neighborhood. And I can’t wait to add some Brooklyn charm to the city’s culinary scene in addition to serving this neighborhood.” 

Roberta’s will be located at 580 72nd Street and will encircle the northwest corner of 72 Park. Of the roughly 10,000 square feet of prime ground-floor retail space at 72 Park, the restaurant will take up 3,000 square feet. The 22-story tower is expected to be finished in the summer of 2024 and will provide opulent units with sizes ranging from 410 to 2,200 square feet and beginning prices of $700,000.

If you or someone you know have an interest in purchasing at 72 Park in Miami Beach, please contact Lucas Lechuga via email at [email protected] or by phone at (786)247-6332.

Chef Michael Beltran to Open 2 New Restaurants at CocoWalk

The hospitality company led by chef Michael Beltran, who already owns the Michelin-starred Ariete in Coconut Grove, will debut two restaurants inside the CocoWalk complex.

In the upcoming weeks, Ariete Hospitality Group intends to open the full-service Mediterranean restaurant Eva as well as The Oyster Bar, a speakeasy-style oyster and cocktail bar. The tiny Oyster Bar, which Beltran describes as the “perfect after-work spot,” is the first establishment to open. It offers raw bar staples and small meals.

The restaurant’s 4,100 square foot interior contains an oyster bar with solid wood benches, tables, and chairs as well as a main bar with a marble top. There is also a patio where you can eat outside.

Although there are only nine seats available, the beverage menu will be spectacular and extensive. By the end of September, the bar inside Eva is scheduled to open. A few weeks later, the more conventional Eva will debut, offering brunch in addition to happy hour and lunch and dinner.

Both inside and outside, Eva will have space for up to 139 customers. Beltran, whose hospitality group is also in charge of the Michelin-recommended Brasserie Laurel at Miami Worldcenter and The Gibson Room on Coral Way, said that he views Eva as an “any occasion” restaurant, suitable for family dinners, business lunches, or nights out with friends. It may be more laid-back than his well-known Ariete.

The restaurant should be really welcoming, and entertaining, and provide the degree of service and elegance that customers expect and deserve/ Chef Michael Beltran’s Ariete Hospitality Group’s cozy oyster bar will feature traditional raw bar fare and drinks. The oyster bar and Eva will be located at 3015 Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove.

New Restaurants to Open at Miami Worldcenter in 2024

The long list of tenants at Miami Worldcenter, a $6 billion, 27-acre mixed-use complex remaking the center of Downtown Miami, will grow by four national food and beverage concepts.

A dual-concept location for BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings has been signed by the development’s ownership group, as well as leases with Serafina, an internationally renowned Italian restaurant group founded in New York City; Sixty Vines, a sustainable restaurant with an exciting wine-on-tap program and food inspired by vineyards.

The development’s exceptional lineup of recently opened food and beverage outlets, which already includes three concepts from Michelin-starred Chef Michael Beltran of Ariete Hospitality Group’s Brasserie Laurel, Chug’s Express, and El Vecino Cigar & Cocktail Bar, as well as two more eateries anticipated to open soon, Earls Kitchen & Bar and Chicago’s Maple & Ash, will be strengthened by the development’s newest restaurants, which are anticipated to open in 2024.

The 300,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space at Miami Worldcenter, one of the largest privately owned and developed urban real estate developments in Florida, complement the diverse mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality uses that it offers. Approximately 84% of the retail space in the property is leased. In collaboration with CIM Group, Miami Worldcenter is being built by master developers Miami Worldcenter Associates, headed by Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani.

Ten city blocks make up Miami Worldcenter, which is next to Museum Park, home to the Frost Museum of Science and Pérez Art Museum Miami, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and Wolfson Campus of Miami Dade College. Miami Worldcenter is the largest and best-connected transit-oriented development in Florida thanks to its proximity to Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, which provides direct train service to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando and access to Tri-Rail, the Metromover, and the Metrorail.