Queen Miami Beach Reveals Exclusive 8-Seat High-End Speakeasy Style Omakase Experience
After a warm reception from patrons and gourmands, Queen Miami Beach has revealed one of her most-coveted hidden gems, nestled within her upper wing and peering into the grand dining room below. The intimate haven of glamour, design, and inimitable exclusivity is revealed as Queen Omakase, an exclusive eight-seat omakase bar led by third-generation sushi chef Max Kamakura.
After a warm reception from patrons and gourmands, Queen Miami Beach has revealed one of her most-coveted hidden gems, nestled within her upper wing and peering into the grand dining room below. The intimate haven of glamour, design, and inimitable exclusivity is revealed as Queen Omakase, an exclusive eight-seat omakase bar led by third-generation sushi chef Max Kamakura. The new private dining enclave boldly presents an indulgent speakeasy-style omakase experience, open for reservation beginning April 27, 2023. Queen Miami Beach, a new concept from legendary restauranteur Matthew Massa’s Mr. Hospitality, has become one of the hottest restaurants and most unique luxury experiences in Miami since opening earlier this year.
Tucked within the walls of the Historic Paris Theater, Queen Omakase offers a premier ultra-luxury gastronomic experience to the already lauded Queen Restaurant and Lounge, complete with its own private entrance and elevated view of the universe below.
Upon arrival, guests are escorted by a dedicated VIP host through the main dining room before being led to the second-floor speakeasy lounge area where Queen Omakase lives. Concealed behind elegantly draped crimson-hued curtains, the secluded dining retreat opens up to an immaculately designed black Calacatta onyx-adorned bar surrounded by custom-made Bamboo Forest wallpaper, fabricated in Italy and color-customized by renowned designer Carlos Rodriguez. Dangling from the ceiling, a 1970s glass-blown Murano chandelier imbues the room with a sense of elegance and grandeur.
At the helm of Queen Omakase, Japanese-Brazilian classically trained, third-generation sushi chef, Max Kamakura will take guests on a multi-course journey through timeless Japanese traditions magnified through his distinctive modernist approach and well-traveled culinary experience.
“Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to call numerous cities across several continents my home, which allowed me to deeply immerse myself in different local customs and traditions,” said Queen Omakase Executive Chef Max Kamakura. “Omakase to me is about conveying generations of stories through each meticulously crafted bite. Each dish represents a narrative that has been crafted over the course of many years, and guests will get to experience this through Queen Omakase.”
Queen Omakase perfectly fuses the rich tapestry of Japanese history with the vibrant energy that is quintessentially Miami. With an eight-top counter and only two seatings offered per night, exclusivity is as integral a part of the experience as the exceptional culinary programming, which will introduce a newly curated chef’s selections menu every three weeks. Bringing cooking techniques and quality ingredients to the forefront, guests can look forward to a premium selection of delicately composed nigiri and specialty Japanese dishes, prepared using ingredients from Japan and all around the globe.
Queen Omakase is open Tuesday through Saturday. The first seating is at 7:00 PM and the second seating is at 9:30 PM. Guests prepay in advance to confirm their seating and reservations can be made through OpenTable at $275 per person, plus tax and gratuity. If you have not been to an Omakase experience before, take note that as the chef curates the dishes live for each guest so if you are late they may start the experience without you.
Queen Omakase is located at The Paris Theater at 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Valet Parking is available at the front entrance and public parking garages are located at 555 Washington Ave. and 500 Collins Ave.
Architectural images via Craig Dennis | Culinary images by Sebastian Bednarski
Inside The Ultra-Lavish Grand Opening of Queen Miami Beach, The City's Most Sophisticated New Restaurant
Queen Miami Beach celebrated the grand opening of the new, luxury restaurant and lounge with a sophisticated, black-tie soirée on January 26, 2023. Taking over the iconic Paris Theater revealing its $40 million renovation, attendees were greeted by live statues and interactive performances, ranging from musical ensembles to aerial acrobatics, from Italian-based production NuArt.
Queen Miami Beach celebrated the grand opening of the new, luxury restaurant and lounge with a sophisticated, black-tie soirée on January 26, 2023. Taking over the iconic Paris Theater revealing its $40 million renovation, attendees were greeted by live statues and interactive performances, ranging from musical ensembles to aerial acrobatics, from Italian-based production NuArt.
Guests enjoyed passed bites featuring Crispy Rice Caviar, a variety of fresh Sushi and Nigiri, Chicken Yakitori among more before indulging in the delectable, live Jamón Ibérico carving and handroll stations. Concluding the evening on a sweet note, desserts included Yuzu Olive Pol Chous, Roasted Pineapple Tartlet, and Japanese Cappuccino.
Libations served included the Mademoiselle - a beautiful blend of vodka, lychee, coconut and ginger, Madame Butterfly - an immersion of vodka, chartreuse, cucumber, shiso, honey and rhubarb, The Leopard King - featuring bourbon, montenegro, pineapple, yuzu and cardamom, and the Heavenly Sovereign - a devine mix of tequila, lilet blanc, bergamot liquro and passionfruit.
Guests in attendance included Cuba Gooding Jr., Romero Britto (artist), Rene Ruiz (designer), Mathieu Massa (owner of Queen), Bella Dose, Alison Solis, Marla Solis, Carlos Rodriguez (ModPlay Studio), Lisa DiCicco Cahue, Angeles Almuna, Ginger Harris, Ria Michelle, Monroe Steele, Haiiileen (artist), Kristin Sanchez, Bridgette Matter, Kobi Karp (architect), Nancy Karp, Katya Demina (PROFILEmiami), Demetri Demascus (PROFILEmiami), Athena Dion, Eric Milon, Gabriella Catano, Liz Elias and Andrea Valentina.
Queen Miami Beach immerses guests into a nostalgic world of decadence, glamour, power, and inimitable magnificence at South Florida’s newest luxury dining experience. Celebrating the city’s history, Queen Restaurant & Lounge breathes new life into the iconic Paris Theater, built in 1945 by famed Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser, restoring the property to its original intended glory with over-the-top 21st-century splendor. Recognizable by album covers and music videos of Madonna, U2, J. Lo, Christina Aguilera, and Ricky Martin, the nostalgic design emulates opulence and allure, honoring the glam of the past while envisioning the mystique of the future. From the Rat Pack era of the 1950s to the hedonistic nights of the 1990s, the Paris Theater has evolved with the times and is reborn for a new generation with the creation of Queen Miami Beach.
Queen Miami Beach is located at 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Images via Alex Tamargo, Getty
Queen Miami Beach, Ultra Exclusive Modern Japanese Restaurant And Lounge, Set To Open February 2
Immerse yourself into a nostalgic world of decadence, glamour, power, and inimitable magnificence at Queen Miami Beach, South Florida’s newest luxury dining experience, set to open February 2nd, in the 5th street corridor of Miami Beach. Celebrating the city’s history, Queen Restaurant & Lounge breathes new life into the iconic Paris Theater, built in 1945 by famed Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser, restoring the property to its original intended glory with over-the-top 21st-century splendor.
Immerse yourself into a nostalgic world of decadence, glamour, power, and inimitable magnificence at Queen Miami Beach, South Florida’s newest luxury dining experience, set to open February 2nd, in the 5th street corridor of Miami Beach.
Celebrating the city’s history, Queen Restaurant & Lounge breathes new life into the iconic Paris Theater, built in 1945 by famed Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser, restoring the property to its original intended glory with over-the-top 21st-century splendor. Recognizable by album covers and music videos of Madonna, U2, J. Lo, Christina Aguilera, and Ricky Martin, the nostalgic design emulates opulence and allure, honoring the glam of the past while envisioning the mystique of the future. From the Rat Pack era of the 1950s to the hedonistic nights of the 1990s, the Paris Theater has evolved with the times and is reborn for a new generation with the creation of Queen Miami Beach.
“Being in the Miami market for over 15 years, and witnessing the city’s rapid growth, I saw an opportunity with the historic Paris Theatre to create an uber luxurious, selective, one-of-a-kind fine dining and nightlife destination. Miami has recently experienced an influx of some of the most influential people in the country, so we decided to go after this demographic, a more sophisticated, educated, elevated, and more mature type of clientele. Our goal will be to create the most beautiful, interesting, diverse, and fun mix of people possible, on any given night.” Said Mathieu Massa, entrepreneur, restaurateur, and sole owner of Queen Miami Beach.
Ushering in a new era of extravagance, Queen Restaurant & Lounge is designed to see and be seen. Extending the ultimate dining experience, the restaurant seamlessly blends superb Japanese cuisine and world-class hospitality, with today’s bold modernity of elevated nightlife to evoke a new era of posh, Miami has yet to see. With renowned interior designer Carlos Rodriguez of ModPlay Studio at the helm of Queen Miami Beach’s unrivaled design, guests will be amazed at the awe-inspiring reimagination of the space inspired by the preserved architectural details from the ‘40s.
Upon entering the golden doors, guests will be wowed by a custom mosaic handmade in Italy, sensual terrazzo floors, and a mid-century, brass chandelier from J.T. Kalmar. The convivial black and white mural located in the front entrance vestibule by local Miami Artist Gonzalo Fuenmayor was inspired by the exuberant Brazilian entertainer Carmen Miranda.
Follow the main entrance’s curved Art Deco passageway, made of brass slat, to The Salon Lounge where you’ll be met by ever-so exquisite Lobmeyr chandeliers - famously unveiled at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1966, original Paris Theater crown molding motifs refinished in gold leaf, and a gorgeous Calacatta Viola marble bar.
Arrive at the grandiose main dining room, mezzanine floors, or the members-only VIP Lounge to experience an orchestrated dance of space and depth, textures and context, lighting, and sound. Get a glimpse of the fine-dining kitchen through custom-looking glass windows as you approach the sensational Mondrian wall, the dining room’s awe-inspiring focal point. Take in unparalleled architectural and interior details as they unfold, reaching a zenith as you watch the LED-paneled Dome ceiling transform.
World-renowned Chef Julien Jouhannaud, known to oversee several Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and most recently led the culinary teams at Annabelle’s in London, serves as Queen Miami Beach’s Chief Culinary Officer overseeing local Chef Mitchell Hesse, leading as Queen Miami Beach’s Executive Chef. Together, the pair has created a carefully curated menu that blissfully marries French techniques with Japanese ingredients. Designed to be shared and intended to delight the senses, every dish is infused with superior flavor, dazzling creativity, and authentic, fresh ingredients.
“I look forward to being a part of a new chapter of Miami’s restaurant scene. Queen Miami Beach will offer a fully immersive experience of all your senses. Let the show begin!” Said Chef Julien Jouhannaud
Queen Restaurant & Lounge will take guests on a 5-star culinary journey through Japanese gastronomic traditions, matched with a modern approach. Dishes range from small plates to a curated raw and marinated section to sushi platters and seafood towers, which then segue into heartier main courses. American classics are reimagined through a Japanese lens with a focus on wood-fired grilling via a Josper Charcoal Oven and two Robata Flame Grills. A premier hand-selected butcher’s program revolves around the highest-grade American and Japanese Wagyu and exclusive Prime Grass-fed beef, while sushi offerings complement the dining experience with the finest seafood sourced from Japan and beyond. Desserts will be both sculptural and elegant, offering a sweet ending and a fitting coda to the extravagant dining experience.
An extensive cocktail program will encompass libations that incorporate fresh ingredients and Japanese spirits, while a separate world-class wine and champagne list will offer an elite selection from exclusive labels and boutique producers, including a unique partnership with the luxurious Louis XIII.
The distinct ‘Salon Lounge’ area will house Queen Miami Beach’s main bar, which will offer a selection of craft cocktails. The Salon Lounge bar will also serve as an after-dinner drinks destination or a spot to have an elegant nightcap while enjoying the venue’s lively atmosphere until late in the evening.
A covert ‘Omakase Counter’ will live on the second floor and peek out into the main dining room below, catering to those looking for chef’s selection of delicately composed nigiri and traditional dishes. From the exclusive theater balconies, guests will glimpse at the culinary fireworks occurring below, as dishes of exquisite Japanese cuisine are paraded through the plush dining room.
Channeling the sumptuously rich spirit of the famed Art Deco building it now calls home, Queen Miami Beach will denote an unrivaled indulgence of all the senses where elevated cuisine, excellent cocktails, and singular service reign supreme.
Queen Miami Beach will open Tuesday through Saturday, from 6pm until late, and is located at The Paris Theater, 550 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
Owner of Bâoli, Massa Investment Group, Acquires Miami Beach's Paris Theater For $13 Million
Massa Investment Group has acquired Miami Beach’s Paris Theater, located at 550 Washington Ave., for $13 million; $508 per square foot. The Art Deco building, which was first built in 1935, spans 25,589 SF. The building was designed by architect Henry Hohauser and has operated over time as a cinema, adult movie house, nightclub and film studio.
Massa Investment Group has acquired Miami Beach’s Paris Theater, located at 550 Washington Ave., for $13 million; $508 per square foot. The Art Deco building, which was first built in 1935, spans 25,589 SF. The building was designed by architect Henry Hohauser and has operated over time as a cinema, adult movie house, nightclub and film studio. U2, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Ricky Martin have all shot music videos at the theater. Big Time Productions was the seller after acquiring the Paris Theater for $975,000 in 1992 and first listing the property for $23 million in 2015. The transaction was financed with a $15.2 million loan provided by IberiaBank. Massa Investment Group is led by Mathieu Massa who is also the owner of Mr. Hospitality, the firm behind some of Miami’s most exclusive venues including Bâoli, Marion and El Tucan.
Image via Paris Theater
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