Inside INK Entertainment's Newly Opened Miami Design District Italian Hotspot Sofia Design District

From the Canadian-born powerhouse hospitality group behind Miami favorites: Byblos, Amal, & Level 6 Rooftop– INK Entertainment has recently unveiled their widely popular Toronto hotspot, Sofia, in the Miami Design District neighborhood. Born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and elevated Italian cuisine, and designed with a pristine level of world-class extravagance by the award-winning Studio Munge, Sofia extends an unparalleled combination of first-class hospitality, a refined approach to modern Italian fare, high-end European glam, and captivating couture design that perfectly captures her vibrant, high-spirited ambiance. Complemented by a chic yet sophisticated signature backdrop, guests can look forward to a premier fine dining experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s glamourous indoor dining room and livened outdoor courtyard that extends her oasis far into the neighborhood’s iconic Palm Court.

Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary and entertainment concepts across Canada and South Florida. As part of the hospitality group’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., Sofia joins their existing and widely lauded restaurant ventures, marking their fourth restaurant concept opening in South Florida, which reigns as their newest crown jewel of Miami. Situated in the heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district, Sofia is Miami’s new, bold, and admirably modish dining destination, whose magnetic charm lures guests to celebrate, savor, and explore within.

“We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District is the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.”

Sofia Design District offers a fresh perspective and an honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. Curated by Executive Chef Daniel Roy, the menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Polpo (Grilled Octopus), Insalatas, Stracciatella, Fiori di Zucca (Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini), Tonno (Raw Ahi Tuna), and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Orata (Sea Bream Fish), and Gamberoni (Shrimp), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (Tomahawk), Cotoletta alla Milanese (Breaded Veal), Costata di Manzo (Ribeye), among others.

Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cabiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of authentic Italian wines rare to the local dining scene. Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia exists as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings, featuring curated nightly entertainment and live music activations.

Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, nestled between European jewelers and designer boutiques in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Sofia reigns as the exuberant Princess of Miami. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, ultra-glamorous design, and exquisite taste.

Livening the terrace imagined as a secret garden, a joyful curation of flamingo pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and soft textiles is a playful design statement hinting at the artful experience ahead. Frilly rose umbrellas boast a fresh silhouette rooted in tradition yet utterly contemporary, while modernized peacock chairs pay homage to Miami’s illustrious Deco past.

When exploring Sofia’s dining room, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. Sofia houses a unique rotating art collection, which will freshen quarterly throughout the venue, enabling guests the opportunity to purchase all pieces on display. Nine custom handblown Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers, imported from Murano Island as souvenirs brought back from a Venice escapade, illuminate the room with continental sophistication.

While most tables host groups of four and more, a semi-dining private room with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people lives in the back of the dining room, while three additional intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma.

Sofia is open seven days a week for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months.

Images via Brandon Barre

INK Entertainment Group To Open Trendy Italian Hotspot 'Sofia' In Miami Design District

INK Entertainment, the restaurant group behind Byblos and Amal, are set to open Sofia in Miami Design District this Fall 2022. The highly-adored Toronto transplant will unveil in Miami as part of the hospitality group’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., officially opening its doors in the very heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district this Fall. Sofia will offer new depths of culinary excellence as Miami’s newest hotspot with tantalizing flavors and bespoke nightly celebrations.

Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary concepts across Canada and South Florida. Joining their existing and widely lauded South Florida restaurant ventures - Byblos Miami, meet Dalia, and Amal - Sofia will extend the ultimate upscale, modern Italian dining and entertainment experience. Complemented by her chic yet playful signature backdrop and enlivened ambiance, Sofia Design District will offer more than a nightly dinner spot, but rather a destination to celebrate, savor, and explore within.

“We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District will be the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.”

Sofia Design District will offer a fresh perspective and honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings will highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. The menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Grilled Octopus, Citrus Salads, Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini, and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Aragosta (butter-poached lobster), and Gamberetti (wild king prawn), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, Wagyu Filets, Breaded Veal, Ribeye, Prime Striploin, among others.

Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cibiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of true Italian wines rare to the local dining scene.

Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia will exist as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings. Featuring nightly DJ’s and curated live entertainment and musical performances, guests can look forward to a premier celebratory experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s enchanting indoor spaces and livened courtyard’s secret garden retreat.

Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, Sofia Design District is an exciting fashion-forward addition to chic Palm Court, born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and Italian cuisine. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, couture design, Italian glam, and exquisite taste. Thoughtfully curated accents and design details are delicately layered throughout, from the curation of pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and frilly rose umbrellas in Sofia’s charming outdoor terrace, to the lustrous crimson fabrics, mirrored columns, and custom Italian-imported Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers in the main dining area. At first entry, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. An inspired David Drebin mural encases the bar, fueling the Italian fantasy of vacationing in the Tuscan hills above Florence, while rich marbles in gradient shades of purple, pink, and jade form an expressive herringbone flooring.

While most tables will host groups of four and more, three intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma. Sofia also contains a semi-private dining room, with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people. A custom Bubbly chandelier by Rosie Li playfully dances above the table; while on its side, a half-moon glass cellar invites celebratory libation.

Sofia is located at 140 NE 39th street St #133, Miami, FL 33137. Hours of operation will be Monday – Sunday for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months.

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences Debuts Sales Gallery In Miami Beach

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, which is being developed by Optimum Development USA, has revealed its newly opened sales gallery at 6897 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The nautically themed, boutique Bayfront condominium offers its own private marina and just thirty-nine luxurious waterfront residences delivered fully finished with curated interiors by world-renowned Italian interior designer Piero Lissoni.

“We are delighted to at last unveil the much anticipated Monaco Yacht Club & Residences sales gallery,” said Ricardo Tabet, CEO of Optimum Development USA. “The sophisticated design showcases the extraordinary talents of Piero Lissoni and Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica and is an overall reflection of the building’s program of luxury living, fun lifestyle, laid-back environment, and relaxed atmosphere.”

Lissoni is recognized as one of the masters of contemporary design and known for a stunning portfolio of international projects in the fields of architecture, landscape, interior, product and graphic design and corporate identity. Lissoni is also the art director for some of the most influential design companies for whom he designs an extensive range of products such as Boffi, Fantini and Salvatori, all of which are incorporated into the design of the new sales gallery.  

The sales gallery showcases Lissoni’s inspired designs with modern interiors in white warm tones, refined Italian-made fixtures and finishes, and Arrigoni wide plank wood flooring from Austria, where for each tree felled, four are planted. 

“It is a very proud moment for us to officially welcome prospects and the real estate community to experience the Côte d’Azur in the heart of Miami’s Mid-Beach,” said Rodolfo Misitano, CEO of Optimum Asset Management (parent company of Optimum Development USA). “The exquisitely designed sales gallery offers an up-close opportunity for our guests to experience what it’s like to live in one of our residences and the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle that Monaco Yacht Club & Residences will offer.”

The bayfront Monaco Yacht Club & Residences will rise 12-stories and was designed by international architecture firm Arquitectonica, led by Bernardo Fort-Brescia. The building is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2021.  Monaco Yacht Club & Residences are drawing rave reviews for its exceptional combination of world-class style, intimacy and exclusivity located on one of the last remaining waterfront properties in the area.

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences will offer one to four bedroom residences, ranging in size from 918 SF to nearly 5,000 SF. A limited collection of two impressive penthouses will offer expansive living areas, including private terraces with summer kitchens, starting at 2,888 SF. Residences are primed for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining, the meticulously designed homes will feature expansive wraparound terraces, each with finished floors and ceilings and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline.  Additional highlights within the residences will include stone countertops, 10’-11’ high ceilings throughout, large walk-in closets, pre-wired for Home Automation systems to accommodate the latest “Smart Building” technology, private elevator entrances, custom Boffi kitchens and premium bathroom interiors featuring imported Italian marble flooring, spacious tubs and frameless, glass-enclosed rainfall showers with designer faucets. 

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences will also feature a 12 slip marina available exclusively to residents, as well as a yachting concierge for maintenance needs, yacht charters or sailing, and fishing excursions for the day to the Bahamas, the Florida Keys or to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and the best of South Florida’s coastal living. Other waterfront amenities include paddle boarding, kayaking and more. 

Additional resort-style amenities include a “Resident’s Lounge” featuring a library and breakfast bar for leisurely waterfront dining; a breathtaking rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Miami skyline featuring a pool with poolside chaise lounge chairs, Jacuzzi and shaded lounge areas with a grill for entertaining; as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Residences are priced from $1.1 million with sales and marketing handled exclusively by Fortune Development Sales.

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences By Optimum Development USA Announces Groundbreaking

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, an enclave of 39 luxurious waterfront residences with a private marina, has announced that it will be breaking ground imminently. Optimum Development USA, Moss, the appointed general contractor of the condominium, and Fortune Development Sales will host a groundbreaking event this week to commemorate the start of construction on the site, which is located at 6800 Indian Creek Drive. 

The 12-story boutique condominium is slated for completion in early 2021 and is on one of the last remaining waterfront properties in Miami Beach’s MiMo District. “The initial success of the sales process is a true testament to the demand buyers have for the pursuit of pleasure combined with the intimacy of a full-service boutique building,” said Ricardo Tabet, CEO of Optimum Development USA. “Featuring the extraordinary talents of Piero Lissoni and Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences introduces a new dimension in urban, waterfront living in one of the world’s leading destinations for elegant and sophisticated design.”

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences will include one to four bedroom residences, ranging in size from 918 to nearly 5,000 square feet. A limited collection of two penthouses will offer expansive living areas, including private terraces with summer kitchens, starting at 2,888 square feet. Primed for indoor-outdoor living and entertaining, the homes will feature wraparound terraces – each with finished floors and ceilings and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami skyline – as well as contemporary Italian kitchens by Boffi.  

Additional highlights within the residences will include stone countertops, 10-11-foot high ceilings throughout, walk-in closets, private elevator entrances, and premium bathroom interiors featuring imported Italian marble flooring, spacious tubs and frameless, glass-enclosed rainfall showers with designer faucets. The building will be pre-wired for Home Automation systems to accommodate the latest smart technology.  

Offering the best of a yachtsman’s lifestyle, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences will feature a 12 slip marina available exclusively to residents, as well as a yachting concierge for maintenance needs, yacht charters or sailing, and fishing excursions. Other waterfront amenities include paddle boarding, kayaking and more. The resident’s lounge will include a library and breakfast bar for leisurely waterfront dining.

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences are priced from $1.1 million. 

By Katya Demina

For more sales information please fill out the form below.

Optimum Development Launches Monaco Yacht Club & Residences With Interiors By Piero Lissoni On Miami Beach

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, a new luxury Bayfront condominium by Optimum Development USA on Miami Beach has officially launched sales. In collaboration with two of the most esteemed names in design, Piero Lissoni and international architecture firm Arquitectonica, the nautically themed, 12-story boutique project will feature 39 luxurious waterfront residences offering the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Located in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Miami Beach at 6800 Indian Creek Drive, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences is situated on one of the last remaining waterfront properties in the area. World-renowned Italian interior designer Piero Lissoni meticulously curated each of the unit interiors with precise attention to detail inclusive of the refined Italian-made fixtures and finishes throughout, as well as the lobby and the premier “Resident’s Lounge” featuring a library and breakfast bar for leisurely waterfront dining.

Residences at Monaco Yacht Club & Residences feature range in size from 918 SF to nearly 5,000 SF and one to four bedroom floor plans. Units feature private elevator access, expansive oversized wraparound terraces with outdoor cooking facilities, floor-to-ceiling glass windows with stunning direct water views and each of the signature modern units will be delivered fully-finished with European custom wood flooring and exclusive bespoke Lissoni® packages. Residences also feature Boffi contemporary Italian kitchens with stone countertops, 10’-11’ high ceilings throughout, large walk-in closets, and Crestron® Home Automation systems with the latest “Smart Building” technology. Imported Italian marble flooring, spacious tubs and frameless, glass-enclosed rainfall showers with Fantini designer faucets add to the premium bathroom interiors. A limited collection of two impressive penthouses will offer expansive living areas, including private terraces featuring spectacular ocean views starting at 2,888 SF.

“For buyers who seek the pursuit of pleasure and prefer the intimacy of a full-service boutique building, Monaco Yacht Club & Residences is unmatched,” said Ricardo Tabet, Owner and CEO of Optimum Development USA. “We combine world-class design, an exceptional location, jaw-dropping views and a Miami Beach lifestyle that celebrates the very best of urban waterfront living.”

Monaco Yacht Club & Residences offers the best of a yachtsman’s lifestyle, with a 12-slip marina accommodating large vessels, a yachting concierge for maintenance needs, yacht charters or sailing and fishing excursions for the day to the Bahamas, the Florida Keys or to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and the best of South Florida’s coastal living. Additional waterfront amenities include paddle boarding, kayaking and more. Additional amenities include a breathtaking rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Miami skyline featuring a pool with poolside chaise lounge chairs, Jacuzzi and shaded lounge areas with a grill for entertaining, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking Biscayne Bay.

“Monaco Yacht Club & Residences’ prime waterfront location and luxurious amenities makes for a product unlike any other in the Miami Beach market,” said Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group. “The exclusivity, views and boutique waterfront lifestyle is for the distinguished buyer looking to indulge in the best Miami Beach has to offer all from the convenience of their home. We are thrilled to lead the sales of what will certainly be a coveted property and look forward to introducing the project to Fortune’s extensive network of brokers and buyers.”

Pricing starts at $1.1 million with exclusive sales and marketing by Fortune Development Sales. The temporary sales center is scheduled to open in the coming weeks at 846 Lincoln Rd, 3rd floor.

For more information about Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, private showings or purchasing/ leasing information please fill out the form below:

The Optimum Tops Off In Coconut Grove, The Neighborhood's First New Class A Office Building In 25 Years

Optimum Development USA, a global real estate investor and developer, has officially announced that “The Optimum,” their new five-story luxury Class A office building in Coconut Grove, has officially topped off. Optimum Development and the tower’s general contractor, Grycon Construction, commemorated the occasion with a luncheon on Friday, June 1st for over 150 construction workers, engineers and other contractors involved, in celebration of the project’s momentum and Optimum’s commitment to enhance Coconut Grove’s revitalization. The milestone event featured remarks from from Mayor Francis Suarez, Optimum Development CEO Ricardo Tabet and Grycon Construction executive Eric Helitzer. 

“We’re extremely proud to celebrate this construction milestone and cannot be more pleased to be a part of the exciting citywide transformation underway in Coconut Grove,” said Ricardo Tabet, CEO of Optimum Development USA. “We look forward to delivering the area’s first new Class A office building in more than 25 years and welcoming our new tenants. The ideal location on Main Highway has proven to be a strong attraction to small and mid-size businesses, who appreciate the ease of access to all of Coconut Grove and close proximity to Coral Gables, Brickell, Key Biscayne and downtown. The Grove’s charm and pedestrian friendly streets and shops are luring a vibrant mix of professionals.”

The Optimum is a 5-story, class A office tower in the heart of the Grove. The Optimum is designed by Arquitectonica, who took cues from Coconut Grove lush folliage including raking the buildings’ facades in natural cement and wood to blend seamlessly into Coconut Grove. The 50,500 SF midrise luxury office development will entail 44,000 SF of office space and 6,500 SF of ground floor restaurant space which is expected to feature a high-end restaurant along with a rooftop lounge that offers dramatic, panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. Optimum Development USA paid $8.5 million for the assemblage in 2014 and has since taken a $21.5 million loan on the property. The Optimum is located at 3480 Main Highway in Coconut Grove and is expected to be completed later this year (2018).

Check-out PROFILEmiami's coverage of The Optimum's August 2017 groundbreaking