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.
Sales Launch for Rivage Bal Harbour
In Bal Harbour, the Related Group, Two Roads Developers, and Rockpoint have started taking reservations for an opulent condo on the beach.
At 10245 Collins Ave., Rivage Bal Harbour will include 61 “sky villa” condos spread over 24 stories. By purchasing the Carlton Terrace condo building and ending its association, the developers, acting via Carlton Terrace Owner LLC, obtained the 2.55-acre site. The high-end skyscraper will take the place of the existing condo.
This is part of a pattern where developers are purchasing older condos along the ocean in South Florida since the property is now worth more than the older condo towers, which frequently need a lot of upkeep as they get older.
In the meantime, there is a significant demand for large condos on the ocean in Miami-Dade County due to an inflow of wealthy residents from high-tax areas.
The Rivage Bal Harbour will include apartments ranging in size from 3,300 square feet to 13,000 square feet for penthouses. Prices range from $8 million to $64 million for them.
In addition to a fitness pavilion, a hammam spa, and pickleball courts, the property will have more than 25,000 square feet of wellness-related activities. A pool, a cocktail lounge, a VR game simulator, and a kids’ playroom will all be available as extras.
CFE Architects in Miami Lakes and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in New York collaborated to create Rivage Bal Harbour. The interior designer is Rottet Studio.
Before the end of 2023, the developer claimed they intended to start construction on the condo.
Why Choose Miami for Your Next Real Estate Venture?
The Miami real estate market is one of the most vibrant and dynamic in the country, with a wide range of properties available for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious waterfront mansion, a sleek and modern high-rise condominium, or a cozy single-family home, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget in Miami.
One of the key factors driving the Miami real estate market is its location. The city is situated on the Atlantic coast of Florida, with easy access to beautiful beaches, world-class shopping and dining, and a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. This makes it a popular destination for both residents and visitors, which in turn helps to support a strong and stable real estate market.
Another important factor that contributes to the strength of the Miami real estate market is the city’s diverse and growing population. Miami is home to a large and diverse community of residents from all over the world, which helps to create a unique cultural scene. This diversity also makes Miami a popular destination for international buyers and investors, who are drawn to the city’s unique blend of cultures and styles.
Despite the ongoing global pandemic, the Miami real estate market has remained resilient and continues to thrive. In 2020, the prices for luxury real estate in Miami increased by around 20%, despite the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
Miami is a fantastic place to buy, sell, or invest in real estate. With its location, growing population, and diverse range of properties, Miami offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence, a vacation home, or a rental property, Miami is a great place to invest your money in real estate.
Uber and Miami’s Brightline Joining Forces
Uber and Miami-based Brightline have teamed together to give customers more transportation choices throughout South Florida.
The collaboration aims to satisfy client demand and improve Brightline+, a door-to-door service that already offers electric golf carts, airport and event shuttles, and door-to-door transportation.
According to the passenger rail firm, Uber will increase the number of vehicles available to passengers on the Brightline+ network. In the United States, this is the first time Uber has connected to a faster intercity rail service.
The Brightline app or website now allows users to add shared or private Uber rides when purchasing rail tickets. By guaranteeing a driver is waiting curbside to take passengers to their next location, the new in-app booking function aims to eliminate wait periods.
While Smart users can pay to add additional journeys to and from the station without distance limits, Brightline Premium passengers will receive complimentary rides within a 5-mile radius.
The fixed-route and electric vehicle shuttles of Brightline+ will still offer walkup rides. Destinations in Miami Beach, Miami International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport can all be reached via fixed-route shuttles.
In order to make it simpler for users to reach the stations and destination points, Brightline+ was introduced in 2021. Currently, Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach all have Brightline stations. This year, it intends to start offering service to Orlando.
New Development Proposed at Brickell Key
Swire Properties submitted a request to the Federal Aviation Administration in late December in order to bring the supertall development to Brickell Key, a posh residential island outside of Miami’s financial sector.
According to the designs, there will be two towers: one rising 700 feet and the other rising 1,049 feet, making it a supertall skyscraper. At the southernmost point of the enclave, at Brickell Key Park, both would be situated.
The vacant land at the southern end of Brickell Key, which the firm claimed was being kept for development or sale, is owned entirely by Swire Properties, according to the company’s 2021 annual report.
Although Swire’s precise plans for the property are yet unknown, the park is zoned for residential use. Additional to the development’s height, no other information regarding it is included in the application.
The 2.4-acre park was purchased by the Miami-based developer in 1997. There is currently no developer listed on the FAA filing.
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.
Financing Obtained for 3 Tower Development Near Miami River
Truist Bank, based in North Carolina, has given the Related Group, a $164 million construction loan for the first of three skyscrapers planned for a premium 3.9-acre development site along Brickell Avenue, south of the Miami River.
The 47-story building, also known as One Brickell Tower II, is expected to rise at 77 Southeast 5th Street to a height of about 478 feet and contain 506 units. The entire mixed-use development, which includes the anticipated 75-story Baccarat Residences Miami and an 82-story hotel and residential tower, is designed by Arquitectonica. The tower’s general contractor is John Moriarty & Associates, and work is anticipated to start next month.
The most recent rendering for One Brickell Tower II shows the structure from a ground-view angle as seen from Brickell Avenue with Icon Brickell visible in the background. The sign that reads “The One” atop a planted wall signals that this is the first time we have seen branding for this stage of the project.
A double-height lobby with a covered entry and exposed concrete support columns can be found at the tower’s base. These columns rise into what could be described as an undulating wall of balconies.
The balconies are enclosed by continuous horizontal bars of glass, and the exterior walls are covered in smooth stucco that has a grayish appearance. The site, which will feature a drop-off facility along Brickell Avenue, is surrounded by extensive landscaping. The three towers will be connected by a multistory pedestal. That connecting podium will accommodate an outdoor amenity level on its roof and include parking spots.
Plumbing, excavation, and site work permits were given last year. Due to unpaid permit fees, vertical construction permits are still pending. In 2020, FAA building permits were issued.
Fortune International Group Announces Casa Tau Branded Residential Tower-ORA
Fortune International Group, led by visionary founder Edgardo Defortuna, has announced a collaboration with hospitality brand Casa Tua to curate and program its newest high-rise, mixed-use development located at 1210 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.
ORA is the first branded residence for Casa Tua, the renowned, heartfelt brand and exclusive members’ only club that has gathered friends in their properties in Miami, Aspen, and Paris for over two decades and is set to launch in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel in Manhattan in 2023. Casa Tua has planned a full suite of amenities for the property, as well as short-term rental residences.
According to Defortuna, “ORA will serve as a unique residential development in a premier location, at the best corner in the Brickell neighborhood. We look forward to working alongside the Casa Tua brand to curate a sophisticated experience that will create a community for its residents and Brickell. ORA will become the city’s most exciting amenity.”
ORA by Casa Tua will feature, among other things, two new restaurant concepts by Casa Tua, a gourmet market by Casa Tua, a rooftop lounge – with resort-style offerings such as a pool, sky lounge, and bar; a show kitchen, private event space, and – curated by Casa Tua; an abundance of nature and lush landscaping infused into the building’s design, including full floors of floating gardens overlooking city views; an entertainment lounge, and fitness and wellness amenities.
Reservations for the short-term rental homes, which range in size from 500 square feet for studios to 2,400 square feet for four-bedroom homes, will open in January 2023. The price will begin at $800,000.
Terra Group Releases Renderings for $1 Billion Development-Upland Park
Upland Park, a $1 billion transit-oriented development planned close to Dolphin Mall, has unveiled renderings. According to the developer, Upland Park is being specifically constructed for connection with the projected east-west transit link.
Upland Park’s urban planner is Plusurbia Design, while the project’s design architect is Arquitectonica with the developer listed as the Terra Group.
According to the developer, the community would have quick access to key employment hubs like the Health District, Downtown, Brickell, and Miami International Airport.
The actual project location is the Dolphin rapid transit station.
Once within the community, people will experience a master-planned neighborhood that is walkable and has resiliency elements as well as built-in traffic solutions.
In order to appeal to “all ages and audiences,” including elders and students, the community will also offer a range of home sizes and price points.
Project Description:
1,700+ residences
140,000 sq. ft. of retail space
427,000 sq. ft. of commercial space
126 room hotel
charter school
After the developer acquired a lease for the property on December 1 and secured a $35 million site work loan, site construction is anticipated to start in early 2023.
