Miami’s dynamic dining scene is about to get a taste of unprecedented luxury and sophistication with the opening of Lafayette Steakhouse this Friday. Nestled in the bustling Brickell district, Lafayette is not just a restaurant; it’s a statement of style and an ode to culinary mastery.
Previously known as El Tucán, this iconic space has been transformed by Mr. Hospitality Miami, the brains behind local favorites like Queen Miami Beach and Marion. Lafayette Steakhouse promises an experience that fuses the mystery of speakeasy culture with the plushness of European elegance. The ambiance is designed to offer a sophisticated retreat amidst the lively energy of the city, making it a perfect escape for the elite and the epicureans.
According to Mathieu Massa, the visionary owner and founder of Mr. Hospitality Miami, “At Lafayette Steakhouse, every detail is meticulously crafted to exude opulence and refinement.” This dedication to perfection is evident in every aspect of the establishment, from the decor to the dining experience.
The culinary delights at Lafayette are helmed by the renowned French Chef Kylian Goussot, known for his work in Michelin-starred kitchens and luxury hotels. At Lafayette, he brings his expertise to a menu that features premium meats, fresh seafood, and vibrant, flavor-rich dishes—all perfected in a wood charcoal Josper oven.
Complementing the menu is an impressive collection of wines, spirits, and inventive cocktails, meticulously curated by Head Sommelier Gabrielle Neuberg. The dining experience is sweetened further by Pastry Chef Nelson Mendonca, whose exquisite desserts are sure to leave a lasting impression.
The artistic touch at Lafayette is unmistakable, with menu illustrations by the acclaimed artist Octave Marsal adding an element of visual feast. Meanwhile, the interior design by Carlos Rodriguez of Escala Forma Studio seamlessly blends European charm with modern elegance, creating a space that’s both inviting and impressive.
Lafayette Steakhouse is more than a dining venue; it’s a cultural hub that celebrates the rich heritage and diverse culinary landscape of Miami. Inspired by Major General Marquis de Lafayette, the steakhouse embodies the historic bond between France and America, making it a landmark of luxury and a beacon of fine dining in Miami.
Ready to experience the pinnacle of dining in Miami? Lafayette Steakhouse opens its doors at 1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33130. Whether you’re a visionary, artist, or socialite, Lafayette promises an unmatched dining experience in the heart of Miami.
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.
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.”
Motek Mediterranean Bistro to Open at Brickell City Centre
With plans to create its largest restaurant yet, Miami’s well-known Mediterranean bistro Motek has relocated to Brickell City Centre.
According to Commercial Observer, the restaurant will replace Est. 33 on the third floor of the Brickell outdoor mall. The lease, which was signed in May, includes both indoor and outdoor seats and covers around 10,000 square feet in total.
The Motek site in Brickell is the company’s sixth outpost; which was established in 2020 by Charlie and Tessa Levy. In the Seybold Building in Downtown Miami, close to the area where the Levys once operated a diamond store, the first restaurant opened.
At the Aventura Mall earlier this year, Motek expanded from a 3,000 square foot outlet to a 7,000 square foot corner location that was formerly occupied by Michael Mina’s Greek restaurant Estiatorio Ornos and opened a food counter called Yalla. In April, a branch opened in Coral Gables.
Two more are expected in North Miami’s SoLé Mia development and Miami Beach.
Swire Properties finished construction of Brickell City Centre in 2016, a 2.5 million square foot mixed-use building. Casa Tua, Pubbelly Sushi, Marabu, Tacology, and the recently opened The Henry are among the cuisine tenants in the shopping area, which is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue.
