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.

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.

Kiki on the River introduces Exclusive Luxury Experience ‘Kiki at Sea’

Kiki on The River, a hotspot for celebrities, is outdoing itself with its new venture, Kiki at Sea. Kiki at Sea is a new 70-foot-long luxury yacht, up to 12 passengers can lounge around the 305 while taking endless selfies.

The full-day or half-day extreme VIP experience includes a professional crew and, of course, Steve Rhee’s famous family-style meals that are always delicious. Consider lobster spaghetti, Greek dips, chicken skewers, grilled octopus, and champagne.

The three-story, lavishly furnished mansion on the sea has a retractable roof, four staterooms, three dining places, and marble bathrooms. The ideal location to unwind, tan, or enjoy the landscape is on the forward deck.

Specially crafted itineraries emphasize the city’s top attractions, including Marine Stadium, Star Island, Monument Island, Millionaire’s Row, Stiltsville, and Fisher Island. The ship can dock while you play with devices like jet skis, an aquatic trampoline, and electric surfboards.

Local DJs and musicians are welcome to play on board, making good use of the ship’s state-of-the-art sound system. The package also includes cozy throws, plush towels, and handcrafted Kiki bathrobes available.

With Drake, Tems, and Future, the Mediterranean favorite on the Miami River is already cool enough to be mentioned in the number-one song “Wait For U.” Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, numerous “Real Housewives,” and even “Scarface” star Steven Bauer are among the well-to-do patrons who will now have more options than just eating, drinking, and socializing.

All you need is a bathing suit and sunscreen. The starting price for this experience is $5,000 for the 4-hour tour.

Miami Welcomes Mexico’s RosaNegra’s First US Restaurant-Opening Spring 2024

Commercial real estate mogul, Robert Rivani is set to launch Mexico-based restaurant RosaNegra, with its first-ever US debut in Miami.

When it came time to choose a top international name to anchor the restaurant in style and hold its own on the city’s dining scene, Rivani looked no farther than his 13,634 square foot ground-floor spot at the SLS Brickell Hotel and Residences at 1300 S. Miami Ave. in Miami.

According to Rivani, the José Andrés restaurant that had previously occupied the location closed, leaving the area vacant and empty for some time.

Visitors to some of Mexico’s most popular tourist sites, such as Tulum, Cabo, and Cancun, will be familiar with the moniker RosaNegra. The restaurant’s blend of excellent cuisine and a vibrant, nightclub-like atmosphere ought to blend seamlessly in Miami.

A total of 4,634 square feet of outdoor space will be added to the over 1,400 square feet of indoor space, continuing with the RosaNegra brand’s theme of “Day of the Dead meets the Four Seasons.”

Food from Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico will be the main focus of RosaNegra’s menu. A superb wine list is cultivated with the same attention to detail that goes into making cocktails. Live music and a resident DJ complete the club atmosphere.

The restaurant is still in the design, planning, and permitting stages; it is scheduled to open in the spring of 2024. Because a restaurant had previously operated in the location, the operational infrastructure, such as the appliances in the kitchen, is already largely in place, which makes the process easier.

The 33-year-old Rivani has already made a significant impact on the Miami nightlife scene and with the Accor-owned SLS brand. Rivani made his first significant income selling vintage sneakers when he was still in his teens. The Japanese-inspired Gekko at the sibling property, the SLS LUX Brickell Hotel & Residences, at 805 S. Miami Ave., is one of numerous well-known eating tenants and a genuine hot place nearby. The fact that Puerto Rican hip-hop star Bad Bunny invested in Gekko didn’t hinder its success.

New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens at Hotel AKA in Brickell

Self-described “Gypsy Chef” David Myers has established 20 restaurants in nine nations due to his love of both food and travel. After receiving a Michelin star for his now-defunct Los Angeles restaurant Sona, he moved on to establish his culinary empire across Asia and the Middle East and decided that Miami would be his next culinary venture.

The Mediterranean seaside cities, like Dubai and Toyko, inspired his newest creation, Adrift Mare now open on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell. Adrift Mare is located inside an 11-story atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows, making it easier to see the setting sun.

The restaurant, which will be overseen by executive chef Kamarl John, will incorporate the ingredients and preparation methods that Myers has liked on his journeys to the Mediterranean. Fresh seafood and shellfish, grilled meat, pasta, and veggie dishes will all take center stage. Starters such as Parker Rolls with fava bean spread, raw oysters, and yellowfin tuna with shallots, caviar, and crackers are to be expected.

The world-famous mixologists Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy, well known for their work at Two Schmucks in Barcelona, which was voted No. 7 in the World’s Well 50 Bars in 2022, created the restaurant’s cocktail menu. Additionally, earlier this year, the pair ran a two-month residency at Mezcalista in the Moxy Miami South Beach hotel.

According to Myers, “It’s the type of food I love to eat on a regular basis. That healthy, vibrant cuisine that’s seafood-oriented, with lots of olive oil. It’s food you’d have on the French Riviera or Greece or the Amalfi Coast. It’s the perfect sort of summerish food that resonates so well here in Miami.”