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.
The Queen Restaurant and Lounge Opens in Miami Beach
What was previously Miami’s Paris Theater is now The Queen Restaurant and Lounge!
The Queen located at 550 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach will offer a unique blend of Japanese and French inspired cuisine. Small plates such as maitake tempura with scallion ash and truffle mayo, dressed oysters East and West with an apple Szechuan mignonette, and duck and pork tsukune with tare, scallion, and baby gem lettuce kick off the menu.
Following that are crudos such as steak and tuna tartare, beef carpaccio with uni and caviar crème, and deluxe seafood towers. The Josper Charcoal Oven or the Robata Flame Grills are used to prepare Japanese Wagyu, Prime Ribeye, roasted Branzino with Thai chili ponzu, and Australian lamb with chipotle miso.
Sushi made from fish flown in from Japan will also be available, as will a special selection at the eight-seat Omakase Counter. Following that, craft cocktails, many of which incorporate Japanese spirits, will be served in whichever lounge guests choose.
But The Queen isn’t just about the food – the atmosphere is just as noteworthy with the transformation of the Paris Theater. A custom mosaic created in Italy using Venetian and Palladian techniques and a black and white mural, “Parade of the Carmens,” by Miami artist Gonzalo Fuenmayor celebrating Carmen Miranda can be found at the entrance. The Salon Lounge features curved burgundy chairs and a central banquette, burgundy carpet with plum and apricot fanned leaves, gilded original crown moldings, Lobmeyr brass, hand cut crystal, Swarovski crystal and gold finish chandeliers, and a Calacatta Viola marble bar.
The main dining room is expansive, with lighted cutout walls, a large concentric circle of hand carved teak finished in gold leaf surrounding a bronze mirror, and a ceiling dome that transforms with a kaleidoscope of LED images. Above, on the mezzanine level, is a members-only VIP lounge with 80 seats and a view of the dining room. However, both serve the regular menu, which is overseen by chef Julien Jouhannaud, who was previously in charge of the culinary program at Annabelle’s in London, and produced by executive chef Mitchell Hesse, a Miami native.
The Variety Theater, as it was known in 1946 was a venue for classic revival films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s Suspicion, its opening film. Later renamed The Paris, it has been transformed into an event space and photo studio. However, it retained its Deco elements, which have been restored and enhanced by designer Carlos Rodriguez of Miami’s ModPlay Studio.
The Queen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm until late. So if you’re looking for a fancy night out with exquisitely prepared food, The Queen is the perfect spot. Make sure to make a reservation, as this trendy new spot is sure to fill up quickly.
Chug’s Express at Miami Worldcenter Opening Monday, January 16, 2023
Chug’s Express will officially open on Monday, January 16th at Miami Worldcenter! For your morning coffee and some items to-go, stop by Chug’s Express, which is open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Caoba building at 698 NE 1st Ave in Miami, Florida 33132. Favorites from Chug’s Diner including croquetas, pastelitos, and coffee will be available at the Chug’s Express “ventanita.”
Breakfast Sandwiches
Sausage, egg & cheese house-made pork sausage, American cheese, scrambled egg, mayo
Chug’s Express is owned and operated by the Ariete Hospitality Group. Ariete Hospitality Group extends beyond excellence in cuisine, drink, and hospitality. They are dedicated to elevating the bar for dining in Miami and demonstrating to the world that the city is capable of providing top-notch dining experiences with every concept.
The staff is led by Executive Chef and Owner Michael Beltrán, a native of Little Havana who later trained with Miami’s greatest chefs before launching AHG’s flagship restaurant, Ariete. AHG’s Ariete has been recognized with a 2022 MICHELIN guide star for Chef Beltran’s, who has twice been nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South and a 2021 StarChefs Rising Star.
Chef Beltran’s interpretation of a Cuban-American diner, Chug’s Diner, has also been recognized with a 2022 MICHELIN guide Bib Gourmand. This enterprise is personal for Chef Beltran and the staff who have embraced the vision for Miami.
Miami’s First Distillery Opens February 2023
Tropical Distillers, a liqueur manufacturer, has opened Miami’s first distillery. A fully automated distillery with an on-site cannery, a 30-seat bar, and tasting room, and a gift shop with items only available at the distillery are all included in the area.
The facility creates JF Haden’s Craft Liqueurs line, which includes flavors including mango, lemon, and coffee. Also being developed are several additional goods.
Buzzy Sklar, the CEO and founding brand partner of Tropical Distillers, together with Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, two former NFL players, and real estate agent Kim Rodstein are partners in the distillery.
According to Sklar, “doesn’t fit any mold; we are one-of-a-kind in Miami, offering locals and visitors alike a unique beverage destination that is not only entertaining and aesthetically pleasing, but also informative.”
Visitors will be able to sample cocktails including the Cafecito Martini, Floridian Martini, and a variety of frozen drinks on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm until midnight.
A 1,500-square-foot outside deck at Tropical Distillers offers more seats and access to nearby food trucks. The neighborhood of Allapattah’s 8,000-square-foot location was scheduled to debut in December 2021 but was held back.
From Thursday through Sunday, at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, there are guided tours available for $25. The event includes pick-ups from places in Miami and tastings of five different concoctions.
Coco Miami Plan to Open its First Florida Location
On January 11, Coco Miami will open its first location in South Florida in the city’s Design District. The 156 seats in Coco’s 2,800 square-foot dining room, which is located at 8 N.E. 41st St., will be staffed by 60 people.
General Manager Richard Contell and Executive Chef Jose Diaz, who received training from Michelin-starred chefs and has a passion for both European and American cuisine, will be in charge.
Because “quality dining and vibe dining” have been increasingly popular over the past few years, the restaurant, which combines fine dining with nightly entertainment, chose Miami for its first South Florida location.
Every night, there will be entertainment at Coco Miami, including dancers, DJs, singers, and live bands. Individual controls located in specified seating locations will allow customers to enjoy the restaurant’s sound system at their preferred volume level while they are eating.
With the help of fresh, regionally produced products, its menu will highlight European traditions. Crudos, pastas, meats, and shareables including seasonal oysters and accessories with chipotle mignonette, ginger-lime relish, and cocktail sauce; Pomme de Terre Millefeuille, thin layers of sliced potatoes with dill crème fraîche and caviar; and a selection of Oscietra caviar are also on the main menu.
Mademoiselle Coco, a cocktail made by hand with Yuzuri Yuzu Liqueur, Shiso-infused Gin, Dragon Fruit, Pineapple Syrup, Lemon, and Sparkling Wine; Alter Ego Margarita, a concoction of Don Julio Reposado, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, Thai Chili, Tangerine Syrup, and Lime; and Coco Martini, a concoction of Ketel One, sweet vermouth, and cream of coconut.
Every Wednesday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Coco Miami will be open.
Exclusive Wine Experience Opens in Miami
Maison Mura, a refined wine and spirits engaging experience, has opened in Downtown Miami at 333 SE 3rd Avenue. The owners and long-time friends Matthieu Yamoum, the former Wine Director of New York’s Baccarat Hotel, and Philippe Vasilescu, the former Brand Ambassador for the prestigious LOUIS XIII Cognac de Remy Martin, will serve and sell an extensive selection of premium wine and spirits, as well as a refined food menu.
Both have extensive and complementary experience in the fine wine and spirits industry and have been working on this project for over 2 years to bring this bespoke experience to Miami.
According to Vasilescu, “At Maison MURA, we love what we do and are excited to offer our guests in Miami a comprehensive wine list and menu that is thoughtful and provides a tailored and memorable experience whatever the occasion is! We will always strive to offer a truly personalized service and consistently propose the finest expertise available to all of our clients.”
Although open to all, Maison MURA also has a membership limited to 150 clients who get priority access to exclusive events, tastings with the world’s top winemakers, and invitations to special events and experiences not only in Miami but all over the world.
Other benefits include early access to pre-sold and “en primeur” wines that are nearly impossible to obtain, priority reservations of the private room for hosting events, and priority storage of any wines and spirits purchased through the shop at their upcoming warehouse. Membership can only be obtained through Matthieu or Philippe. The concept is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Colliers International’s Ryan Brodsky and Jonathan Carter represented Maison MURA, while Koniver Stern’s Lyle Stern and Kerry Newman represented the landlord in the 2,500 SF lease at Met Square 333 SE 3rd Avenue.
Japanese Restaurant, Makoto in Miami Beach Named Top 100 Restaurants in the Country
Makoto, a modern, upscale Japanese restaurant in Bal Harbour Shops, was the only restaurant from Miami-Dade County to make OpenTable’s annual Top 100 Restaurants list. Makoto Okuwa, the restaurant’s chef and partner, leads the restaurant, which opened in 2011, and serves sushi and robata dishes that is cuisine cooked on a fire grill.
Makoto relocated to the third floor of the luxury outdoor mall earlier this year and was updated by international designer India Mahdavi. The space now has indoor and outdoor seating for 244 people, as well as a new terrace and sushi counter. The restaurant’s ownership group’s Stephen Starr responded to the news by praising the Makoto staff.
According to Starr, “The team at Makoto has demonstrated excellence in hospitality from the beginning, and it’s great to have those efforts recognized by our patrons. To be named as one of the top 100 restaurants in the country is an exciting honor and a reflection of our incredible, dedicated staff members.”
With ten restaurants each, Florida and Nevada tied. Fort Lauderdale had two favorites on the list, Louie Bossi Ristorante and Takato, while Tampa had three. To compile the list, OpenTable analyzed more than 13 million verified reviews from 47 cities in 21 states. Only those who book through OpenTable and dine there can leave reviews.
MAKOTO is located at Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach.
Let’s Take a Moment for Miami’s First Vermouth Bar-Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria
The team behind LoKal, Kush, and Spillover, Matt Kuscher and Kush Hospitality will debut their newest concept, Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria, a Spanish vermouth, and natural wine bar located in Coconut Grove. Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria will be located at Vicky’s House, a former milkshake stand and beer store for Kush.
The first woman in the industry to design and open a vermouth bar in the United States, Corporate Beverage Director Cristina Suarez, helped launch the establishment. The bar itself has a strong emphasis on Spanish wines and ciders, large-format craft beers, and a variety of unique house-made vermouths.
Suarez has fallen in love with vermouth thanks to her research and education to the point where mezcal is no longer her preferred libation. Suarez states, “We want them to have a special, instructive, and private experience and leave here feeling they have learned something new in a stylish, sexy atmosphere. We’re not expecting them to discover the enthusiasm we might have for vermouths.”
The bar itself is designed to serve as both a “waiting room” for LoKal patrons and a stand-alone attraction, making it ideal for couples out on a date. Along with fantastic pours, it will serve small foods in the tapas manner, charcuterie boards, Chicken Skins, and Sandwich de Mescla, Caviar, Pan con Tomate, and more. Vermouths will be offered in a variety of designs and flavor profiles, with options that are both common and uncommon.
The highlight of Victoria’s menu is vermouth, a bittersweet fortified wine that has been spiked with alcohol and laced with herbs. Kuscher’s signature blend, which is described as “Christmasy and warm on the palate,” as well as a second, lighter variety by Suarez called Titi Marie vermouth are just two of the house-made vermouths served in the new establishment, which was launched in collaboration with Kush’s corporate beverage director Cristina Suarez.
Many natural wines, Spanish ciders (poured in the Asturian manner of extended pouring), large format craft beers, tapas-style small meals, charcuterie boards, “not-so-fancy” tea sandwiches, caviar, and other items are also available.
Victoria’s is officially open today and their hours include Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to close.
Michelin Star and Miami Born Chef Officially Opens Brasserie Laurel at Miami Worldcenter
In the recently constructed Miami Worldcenter Caoba apartment tower in Downtown Miami, chef and restaurateur Michael Beltran has officially opened Brasserie Laurel, a French-focused eatery.
Escargot, frog legs, foie gras, deer tartare, beef Wellington, chicory salad, turbot in tomato beurre blanc, and Maine lobster with veal sweetbreads are just a few of the French classics on the menu at Laurel, which was devised by executive chef Ashley Moncada, a former chef de cuisine at Ariete.
Ashley Moncada, the new chef employed by Beltran at the establishment, trained at Ariete during the pandemic that has been going on for the past two years. Her first substantial project is this eatery.
“We see Laurel as Ariete’s younger sister. It’s a new approach to French brasserie food. Think Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, La Tour d’Argent in Paris,” states Chef Beltran.
Tom Lasher-Walker, the restaurant’s beverage director, provides modernized versions of classic cocktails such the Beneath the Sheets, which is created with aged rum and pineapple, and the Corpse Reviver Royal, a late 19th-century concoction made with gin, bubbles, and absinthe. Speaking of absinthe, there is a fountain behind the bar at Laurel where it is readily available. A sizable selection of champagnes and wines in the French and Old World styles completes the menu.
The restaurant’s interior, which is housed inside the flashy Miami Worldcenter, maintains the French concept throughout with its use of deep blue, gold, and dark wood. Two additional Ariete Hospitality eateries, Chug’s Express and El Vecino, will also make their Miami Worldcenter debuts in the upcoming months next to Laurel.
Favorites from Chug’s Diner including croquetas, pastelitos, and coffee will be available at the Chug’s Express “ventanita.” El Vecino, on the other hand, will be an upscale cigar bar that offers a full alcohol menu along with light meals including mussels, a variety of meat and cheese, a greek burger, foie torchon, and a variety of snacks.
The Scapegoat in Miami Beach, the Taurus in Coconut Grove, Ariete, Nave, Chug’s, and most recently, the Gibson Room on Coral Way make up the Ariete Hospitality Group’s fast-expanding restaurant portfolio.
Downtown Miami’s Brasserie Laural can be found at 698 NE 1st Avenue. They are open from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday.
