James Beard Award-Winning Chef Opens Caribbean Restaurant in Miami
Photo Credit: La Cañita
You may have heard of chef, Michelle Bernstein. If you haven’t, it’s time to get her on your radar. She is a Miami native who was awarded the James Beard Award, which recognizes culinary professionals in the United States.
Not only is she known for this outstanding achievement, but she is also an expert in Latin American cooking and is responsible for Café La Trova, and Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company.
Just last week, Bernstein opened up a new restaurant located at the Bayside Marketplace called La Cañita. Bernstein partnered with her husband, David Martinez, as well as David Borgia and Orestes Pajon on this Latin American and Caribbean-infused restaurant.
She has incorporated cuisines from Tobago, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Cuba as well as other South American recipes. Her signatures include chicken fricassee, custom sandwiches, and empanadas. One of the most popular desserts is the 305 rum cake. La Cañita also offers an expansive rum-centered cocktail menu.
La Cañita plays on an indoor and outdoor design emphasizing the waterfront views. The tropical painted foliage, wood-grain tones throughout, and painted copper pipes create the perfect distillery vibe.
Although Bernstein isn’t the chef of La Cañita, she created the menu as well as trained the current staff. According to her husband, Martinez, “We are so fortunate to have this melting pot of cultural and culinary influences in this city, and we hope to put them front-and-center with our new concept-driven restaurant.”
Photo Credit: La Cañita
New Argentine Restaurant Opens its First US Location in North Miami Beach
Photo Credit: La Birra Bar
La Birra Bar is a 20-year-old family-owned restaurant that has officially opened its doors in North Miami Beach. This Argentina restaurant has made a name for itself and has already challenged burger restaurants throughout Miami-Dade.
Known for being “The Best Burger in the World,” the challenge is clear: try and beat their world-class burgers. They don’t consider their burgers like any burgers. They call them creations and they have spent years concocting the perfect recipe. Ingredients like aioli, confit tomatoes, and Milanese mozzarella cheese make their burgers what they are; delicious.
Although they are known for their burgers (which there are 40 different ones to choose from), they also showcase wings, chicken tenders, and ribs. They were also home to the ‘Elite’ ice cream, which was just added to their menu.
Daniel, Roxana, and Renzo Cocchia are the owners and operators of La Birra Bar which originally started as a cafeteria but later became what it is today. Ice cream maker and pastry chef, Matías Dragun recently added the elite ice cream to the menu. His ice cream recently won third place in January at the Ice Cream World Cup in January 2021.
La Birra Bar currently has 12 locations Buenos Aires, Madrid, and now North Miami Beach.
Gordon Ramsay is Set to Open his First South Florida Restaurant in South Beach
London-based Asian-infused restaurant Lucky Cat is making its way to South Beach, thanks to Gordon Ramsay. The celebrity and Michelin-starred Chef recently signed a lease for the restaurant in the South-of-Fifth neighborhood.
Lucky Cat will be located at 119 Washington Avenue on the ground floor of the Yukon building. According to the listing, at 9,000 square feet, the space was asking for $75 per square foot for 10 years. Other noteworthy restaurants that are within walking distance include; Prime 112, Carbone, and Joe’s Stone Crab.
The restaurant itself will feature Ramsay’s classic open kitchen, private dining rooms, raw bar, chef’s table, and a lounge. You will also be able to enjoy some of Lucky Cat’s classic recipes like spiced Herdwick lamb chops, Lucky Cat Oscietra Caviar, Monkfish Tikka Masala, and much more!
DAY BOAT BBQ MACKEREL black vinegar, smoked olive oil
BUNS & DUMPLINGS
PORK & GINGER GYOZA spiced black vinegar
SHRIMP & HERB DUMPLING brown butter soy
BEEF & SMOKED MARROW PUFF smoked hot sauce
BONITO FRIED DUCK BAO spicy hoi sin, pickled cucumbers
TOFU & SPICY AVO BAO
SMOKED BRISKET BAO yuzu mustard, pickled cucumbers
VEGETABLES, RICE & NOODLES
PADRON PEPPERS holy basil
BBQ CORN smoked ponzu cream
MAITAKE & SUMMER TRUFFLE
STEAMED RICE
SWEETCORN XO RICE
SWEETCORN & CRAB XO RICE
SZECHUAN & CASHEW NOODLES
Gordon Ramsay has many restaurants in the United States including Atlantic City, Orlando, Baltimore, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas. This will be his first-ever South Florida restaurant. The Lucky Cat is expected to open in the fall of 2022.
Photo Credit: Londonontheinside.com
Maple & Ash Steakhouse will Open at Miami Worldcenter
Photo Credit: Miami Worldcenter Associates
Miami Worldcenter leases its first restaurant, Maple & Ash Steakhouse at the block H retail building. This building, located between 7th Street and 1st Avenue Northeast. Maple & Ash will allocate 15,000 square feet of space on the ground floor of the building.
Former Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant and Michael Beltran are the creators behind the Chicago-based steakhouse. The rent for restaurant space is asking $100 per square foot.
Maple & Ash offers an eclectic menu featuring seafood towers, Waygu beef, Filet Mignon, and raw bar options. The menu will resemble Maple & Ash’s Chicago counterpart.
horseradish, cocktail sauce & champagne mignonetteWild Blue Prawn Shrimp Cocktail
cocktail sauce, drawn butter & aioli
Beef Tenderloin Steak Tartare
smoked egg yolk, white soy & grilled sourdough
Wagyu Beef Carpaccio
Entrees
Ricotta Agnolotti
(pillows of love) winter truffle
Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon
chanterelle, turnip & brown butter apples
Fire-Roasted Chicken
spring onion, potato purée & pan jus
Whole-Roasted Branzino
fennel capers & preserved lemon
I Don’t Give a F*@K
let Maple & Ash take care of you (per person$200.00)
Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood
Petit Filet Mignon 6oz
Filet Mignon 10oz
Bone-In Filet Mignon 16oz
Maple & Ash Surf & Turf
Butcher’s Reserve
The Eisenhower
40+oz porterhouse cooked directly in the coals
Slagel Farms Dry Aged Bone-In NY Strip18oz
45 Day Dry-Aged Tomahawk40oz
Miyazaki Wagyu
Michael Beltran will also be opening two additional restaurants including a Cuban-inspired bistro and a cigar bar. Their locations place them directly across the street from Maple & Ash. All restaurants are expected to open by Winter 2022.
Sexy Fish Coming Soon to Brickell
London hotspot Sexy Fish, will open its first United States restaurant in Brickell in September 2021. Located inside Brickell Flatiron at 1001 S. Miami Avenue, it will be the hottest restaurant this fall!
The Japanese-style restaurant was created by British hospitality entrepreneur Richard Caring, who is responsible for Annabel’s, Ivy Collection, Soho House Group. Chef Bjoern Weissgerber will be running the kitchen at Sexy Fish. He made his first debut at Zuma Miami in 2010 and received his first Michelin star when he was 27 years old.
The menu will feature a wide variety of makis, sahishi, sashimis, and tartares. The bar menu will feature drinks inspired by its London counterpart.
It is unclear what the aesthetic for the Miami location will be but its London location features a golden ceiling, bronze mermaid statue, and exotic fish with coral in large tanks.
isle of mull scallop, jalapeño sauce & pickled apple
wagyu gyoza, foie gras & black truffle
caramelized black cod, spicy miso
king crab & bone marrow, summer truffle & toast
beef tenderloin, 200gr, ginger & black pepper
Late Night Menu:
oyster gillardeau & smoked chili sauce
salt and pepper squid
wagyu tataki, Japanese mustard & summer truffle
prawn gyoza, soy & ginger dressing
seasonal vegetable tempura (9 kinds)
lobster, smoked Marie rose dip
green asparagus smoked creamy ponzu
Kimichi fried rice
lobster Sancho pepper & shiso butter
Japanese wagyu A5 sirloin 150g*
Japanese wagyu A5 fillet 150g* Sex
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Rent a Waterfront Mansion in Miami Beach
As news continues to spread of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s rekindling, it was recently announced that the couple have rented a Miami Beach mansion at 2700 North Bay Road in the North Bay Road neighborhood. North Bay Road features some of the most exclusive properties in South Florida, and has a reputation of luxury, exclusivity, and celebrity appeal.
Lopez and Affleck’s current residence was originally listed at $130,000 a month and still remains active on Miami’s Multiple Listing Service. With Bayfront views, this estate sits on 0.6 acres with 100 feet of water frontage.
With 11 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, and 3 half baths, this stunning 2-story residence features 10,114 square feet of living space. Additionally, the home features a guest house, 3 parking garages, gym, office, master suite with expansive balcony, large pool, jacuzzi, spa, and boat dock.
Originally built in 1925 by MV Group USA, the home was renovated in 2015 with a more modern and minimalist design. The home was originally listed for sale in December 2020 for $18.9 million and sold to a Jewelry designer, Paul Morelli in April 2021 for $17.5 million. The home was then listed for rent for $130,000 monthly and the status is still showing as ‘active’ in the MLS. According to the New York Post, Lopez is the one who rented the mansion.
Jennifer Lopez has previously owned in the neighborhood at 5800 North Bay Road but sold the property to Phil Collins for $33 million in 2015. Lopez and recent ex-fiancé, Alex Rodriguez purchased a home together on Star Island in Miami in late 2020 and it is unclear what they plan to do with the home since their separation.
Lopez and Affleck were previously engaged in 2002 but separated in 2003. Alex Rodriguez is still living in Miami at his other home located in Coral Gables, Florida.
Renderings and Site Plan Released for Downtown Miami’s Newest Tower The District
Renderings, floor plans, and site plans have recently been released for Miami newest 37-story condominium tower called The District. In April, The Related Group and Parcel C LLC’s proposed and received approval for the project.
This tower is in pre-construction and is proposed to include 347 residential condos with 2,297 square feet of retail space. This project will not have any parking but the developer is requesting an off-site parking waiver.
Rising 393 plus feet tall, The District will be located at 233 N Miami Avenue in downtown Miami. The floor plans will be fully finished and furnished ranging from 446 square feet to 874 square feet with studio to 2 bedroom options.
Includes integrated audio, video window treatment and lighting systems
All residences come equipped with a contemporary lighting package, including recessed lighting, dimmers, and lighting control
Fully built-out closets in all residences
Built in top-of-the-line in-unit washer and dryer
Flooring selections included with specifications recommended by Meshberg Design
Pre-wired for high-speed communications and data connection
Kitchens feature custom Italian cabinetry curated by Meshberg Design
Smeg appliance package includes integrated paneled microwave, dishwasher, built-in convection oven and refrigerator/ freezer
Building Amenities
Rooftop Amenity Deck : Expansive resort-style rooftop amenity deck with plunge swim spa, fire pit, summer kitchen, and gorgeous views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.
Basketball & Racquetball Courts :Full-height indoor basketball court and regulation-size racquetball court and Rock climbing wall.
Co-working Space :Co-working floor with multiple seating options, high-speed Internet, private meeting rooms, conference room and a full-service kitchen.
Fitness Center :State-of-the-art fully equipped fitness center including a private yoga/spinning room with virtual trainer and men’s/women’s sauna/ sauna and locker rooms.
Museum-quality Art :Double-height lobby featuring professionally curated museum-quality art.
Monitoring Services :24/7 security services and controlled property access.
The District App :Customized password-protected app for home/away smart-home management.
Parking :24/7 valet services and self parking.
Dining :On-site café servicing the residences and recreation areas.
Electric bikes with charging stations are available for residents on the go.
Housekeeping :On-demand full housekeeping services available at your convenience.
Climatized receiving and storage room
Resort Style pool deck with lounge and recreation room
Unit Distribution
Unit Type
Floors
Sq.Ft Range
Starting Prices
Studios
4th – 33rd
458 Sq.Ft – 469 Sq.Ft
From $352,900
1 BD / 1 BA
4th – 37th
558 Sq.Ft. – 615 Sq.Ft.
From $385,900
2 BD / 2 BA
4th – 37th
786 Sq.Ft. – 884 Sq.Ft.
From $573,900
Deposits
10% down with executed contract
10% 60 days after executed contract
10% at groundbreaking (scheduled end 2021)
10% at top off (schedule 3rd quarter of 2022)
60% at closing (scheduled 2nd quarter 2023)
Multiple waivers have been approved on April 9, 2021 but the construction permits have not been filed. Some of paperwork also includes transitioning some units in hotel room. The ground breaking is scheduled for the end of 2021 with estimated completion date of 2023.
Here are Dave Portnoy’s Top 6 Pizza Joints in Miami
The internet is buzzing with Dave Portnoy’s recent move to Miami as well as his quest to find the perfect slice of pie! On his show OneBite, Portnoy travels the country taste testing and reviewing local pizza parlors. More recently, he has visited many pizza parlors in Miami, and we have created an all-in-one list just for you. Here are his top 6!
#6 East Side Pizza
Located at 731 NE 79th Street, Miami, East Side Pizza is a family-owned and operated pizza parlor. They have been in business for a few years in Miami and are considered a “NY Style Pizza Joint.” Portnoy gave this pizza parlor a 6.8/10 on his OneBite scale. They also have pasta, burgers, hot subs, and a dessert menu.
#5 The Big Cheese
Located at 8080 SW 67th Ave in Miami, The Big Cheese has been open for 35 years and is considered “The Official Pizza Place of Miami”. For the past 20 years, they have been sponsoring and serving the University of Miami. The Big Cheese has been named “The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant in Miami” in the New Times Readers’ Poll as well as receiving the Kids Crown Awards from “South Florida Parenting Magazine” for the best pizza. Portnoy ranked this pizza place a 6.9/10. Their menu also includes a large selection of pasta and seafood dishes.
#4 Collins Pizza
Collins Pizza, named after their Collins Avenue location at 7308 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Collins pizza is only 6 months old but is family-owned and operated. They produce naturally leavened dough for 72 hours that give their pizza a unique taste. They also use non-GMO/organic flours and Wisconsin cheeses. Dave Portnoy ranks this pizza parlor at a 7.2/10. Their menu also includes sandwiches, wings, and small bites.
#3 Pizza Pazza
Pizza Pazza, located at 275 NE 18th Street in Miami, is considered the “Late Night Spot” of Miami. They are open from 7 pm to 4 am and welcome all latecomers. Dave Portnoy referred to Pizza Pazza as having “Miami hours.” The owner has been in the pizza business for 40 years and is originally from Italy. Portnoy ranked this pizza parlor a 7.3/10. Their menu also includes pasta, calzones, and desserts.
#2 Frankie’s Pizza
Frankie’s Pizza, located at 9118 Bird Road in Miami has been in the business for 55 years. Frankie’s is considered ‘Miami’s Oldest Pizza Shop,’ so it is no wonder that Portnoy ranks this pizza place at 7.4/10. Their menu is straightforward with pizza options and garlic knots. Portnoy gives the knots a 9.2!
#1 Eleventh Street Pizza
Eleventh Street Pizza, located at 1035 N Miami Avenue in Miami. With its Sicilian roots, their sourdough pies are considered Neo-New York style. Portnoy really raved about their pizza and landed it at an 8.2/10. Their menu includes some signature pasta dishes and garlic rolls.
This isn’t the end of Portnoy’s Miami pizza adventure and we can only expect more pizza reviews in the coming months. His app is also available to read reviews and watch episodes of OneBite. Portnoy believes that with his large social media following, he is “trying to save small businesses one bite at a time.”
Downtown Miami Introduces Gale Miami Hotel and Residences
A 51-story tower located directly in the heart of Downtown Miami, is the first ‘CondoHospitality’ tower in Miami with open-concept designs and killer views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay as well as world-class amenities.
This new construction tower will house Gale Miami Hotel & Residences; Miami’s first wellness building, licensed for short-term rentals. Gale will occupy 7 floors (17 through 23) which will include 140 luxury condo hotel units, where owners have the option of utilizing the onsite rental program.
These units will be fully finished and furnished with square footage ranging from 389 SF – 900 SF with pricing starting at $300,000.
Residence Features:
Urban luxury residences with modern open layouts from
Studio, one, & two-bedroom units
All residences are delivered fully finished and furnished with fixtures and furniture curated by Urban Robot
Panoramic Biscayne Bay, and Miami skyline views
Private balconies with most units
Ceiling heights 9 feet
Owner’s closet in every residence
Floor-to-ceiling windows and impact-resistant glass throughout
Advanced technology Smart Building wiring for HD TV, multiple telephones
Data lines and ultra-high-speed internet access
Washer/Dryer in the units
Kitchen:
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware
European style appliance package including refrigerator, cook-top, microwave, and sink
Elegant stone countertops and backsplashes
Contemporary under-mounted sink
Gourmet faucet with integral sprayer
Master Bathroom:
Imported European cabinets with premium hardware and drawer pull
Elegant imported stone countertops and backsplashes
Rectangular trough porcelain sinks with dual faucets
Custom-finished floors and walls in wet areas
Frameless glass shower enclosures
Premium European-style fixtures and accessories
Gale residents will have access to all of the amenities that 601 Miami has to offer including the social club, meeting spaces, coffee and juice bar, and media lounge.
Work Amenities:
Co-working spaces
Private offices
Flexible office arrangements
Video-capable conference rooms
Quiet rooms
Phone booths
Cutting-edge technology and connectivity
Office host
Coffee and juice bar
Amphitheater
Meeting/presentation rooms
Social Amenities:
Specialty restaurant and bar
Dining terrace
Social area with full-service cafe and cocktail bar
Drink and dine lounge areas
Media lounge
Live show and events lounge
The porch
Speakeasy
DJ and live performances
Programmed events
The ‘Splash on 9th’ boasts 16,000 square feet of poolside bliss featuring a resort-style pool and cabanas.
Splash Amenities:
Sun deck
Poolside beverage and food service
Native tropical landscaping
Cabana bar
Pool towel services
‘The Fit on 10th’ features 16,000 square feet of health and fitness options.
Fit Amenities:
Juice bar
Yoga and pilates studio
Boxing ring with punching bags
Peloton equipment
Weight station
Cross-training/Crossfit
Spa/treatment rooms
Sauna/steam rooms
Locker rooms
Outdoor terrace/training
The Fit Boutique
Residents will also be able to enjoy 601 Miami’s 24-hour concierge, valet parking, and security.
Gale Miami Hotel and Residences will be the third property in the Gale Brand. The first hotel debuted in 2012 in Miami Beach, and the second one was Gale Hotel and Residences in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The construction for Gale Miami Hotel and Residences has already started and the grand opening is anticipated to be in the fall of 2023.
