Mediterranean-Asian Dining Concept KAORI Miami Opens In SLS Lux Brickell
KAORI Miami, a brand-new two-story Mediterranean-Asian-inspired culinary concept, has opened in the very heart of downtown Brickell in SLS Lux Brickell. Helmed at the culinary hands of renowned Chef Fabrizio Garofolin, the all-expansive dining destination is Umai Group’s first food and hospitality venture.
KAORI Miami, a brand-new two-story Mediterranean-Asian-inspired culinary concept, has opened in the very heart of downtown Brickell in SLS Lux Brickell. Helmed at the culinary hands of renowned Chef Fabrizio Garofolin, the all-expansive dining destination is Umai Group’s first food and hospitality venture, bringing two levels of unparalleled indulgence and entertainment to the neighborhood. KAORI offers a welcoming environment that embraces a naturalistic style, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a singular guest experience. From the delicately warm-toned interior, to the exceptional food and beverage programming, to the synergetic entertainment component, every extension of KAORI naturally blends to create a harmonic likeness throughout.
“We are beyond excited to finally be able to share this truly exceptional experience we’ve created at KAORI Miami, with all our guests,” says Diego Pagola, Creative Director of Umai Group & KAORI Miami. “Intention has been a very important factor in our conception of the brand, in creating an environment where our guests can feel welcome and at home. Every pillar put into this project lends to KAORI’s harmonic journey through the senses, led through gastronomy, music, and design.”
Upon arrival, guests will find the entrance to the 4,500 SF restaurant at the ground level of SLS LUX Brickell, where they will be greeted by KAORI’s signature bar and lounge area. Appealing to those looking for an inviting neighborhood spot with an authentic evening-time vibe, the bar and lounge area also brings an inspired mixture of entertainment, live music, and exotic instrumentals from a wide range of cultures. The music component of the space plays a fundamental role in establishing the identity of KAORI as a whole, lending to the curation of the venue’s full-sensory guest experience. A signature KAORI playlist is also available for anyone to follow, offering guests a unique KAORI takeaway experience that alternates bi-weekly.
Beyond the bar and lounge space, guests will come across a dimly lit staircase, which elegantly links to KAORI’s spacious upstairs dining area. Here, Chef Fabrizio Garofolin serves as the heartbeat of the restaurant, creating a beautiful balance between modern and time-honored techniques while combining the two worlds of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Chef Fabrizio unleashes his culinary artistry with a menu that exudes a diverse and sophisticated fusion of flavors, colorful and texturally rich ingredients. Highlighting Chef’s farm-to-table practices, and the sourcing of local ingredients and quality fresh fish, KAORI’s menu offers an eclectic culinary journey through land and sea. Guests can look forward to signature menu items such as authentic cuts of A5 Japanese Miyazaki Kobe Strip Loin with Shiso Chimichurri, Furikake Chicharron with Yuzu Mojo, Yellow Fin Tuna with Charred Avocado and Miso Sweet Potato Puree, home-made Short Rib Dumplings with Manchego Foam, and Kabayaki Glazed Seabass.
“Food is the purest reflection of the soul of a chef. It’s the way we show our passion for innovation and creativity in our menu,” says Chef Fabrizio Garofolin, Executive Chef of KAORI Miami. “Apart from our uniquely different Mediterranean-Asian style cuisine, KAORI’s menu offers a genuine culinary experience that lets our guest’s tastebuds travel around the world without ever having to leave their table.”
Aside from an incredible culinary focus, guests can also expect a sublime cocktail, wine, and sake programming. Prominent local bartender, James Mcleenes, serves as KAORI’s lead Bar Manager, where he incorporates a variety of innovative ingredients from different cuisines into the signature cocktail menu. Pulling influence from his residencies in Sydney, New York City, and Miami’s bar scene, James’ approach is minimalist, flavor-focused, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. KAORI’s wine and sake offerings are spearheaded by two powerhouse women, Macarena Carrillo and Mariel Dalmau, who double as the founders of the natural wine social club, Grape Crush Miami. Their method creates a sustainable and innovative program, blending classics while simultaneously pushing boundaries.
Esteban Bressan’s vision was brought to life as a collaborative initiative between critically-acclaimed Miami-based design firm Spazio/Bressan and Interior Image Group (IIG), every space within the two-story concept was designed to offer an authentic, harmonic ambiance to enhance the guest’s overall experience, that is: the KAORI experience. Bressan’s multi-disciplinary vision for KAORI entwines both Mediterranean and Asian-influenced design elements with a natural and minimalist undertone. The bright, open, airy space exudes a balance between sophistication and casual comfort that celebrates simplicity through a modest palette of organic materials. Light-toned wall finishes and flooring contrasts with darker design elements, giving the venue a sense of inviting warmth. Lush greenery enlivens the space and adds another layer to the natural look and feel, building onto the connection between the location’s urban setting and nature.
“The best interiors evoke a mood. They're an extension of our lifestyle. They entertain, provide solace, bring us closer together, and welcome us home,” says Esteban Bressan, Founder of Miami-based design firm Spazio/Bressan.
Images via Sofia Barroso FIID Agency
Images via Sofia Barroso FIID Agency
Related Group Pays Off $166 Million Construction Loan For SLS LUX Which Is Set To Open
Related Group has announced that they have paid off construction financing for the soon-to-open SLS LUX Brickell Hotel & Residences. The $166.1 million loan was issued by TPG Real Estate Finance Trust, the commercial real estate debt platform of TPG Real Estate, in September 2015.
Related Group has announced that they have paid off construction financing for the soon-to-open SLS LUX Brickell Hotel & Residences. The $166.1 million loan was issued by TPG Real Estate Finance Trust, the commercial real estate debt platform of TPG Real Estate, in September 2015, and is the fourth construction loan successfully paid off by the developer over the past 18 months. The grand opening is slated for June 14. The 450-unit mixed-use SLS LUX, which was co-developed with The Allen Morris Company, broke ground in December 2014, is now 100% sold-out, with over 400 units already closed and/or occupied.
“Paying off the loan is a major milestone for us,” said Ben Gerber, Vice President of Finance for The Related Group. “It speaks to the quality of the product and to the strength of the Miami market.”
“We are thrilled about the completion of our second project with sbe in Brickell,” added Carlos Rosso, President of The Related Group’s Condominium Development Division. “The opening of SLS LUX fulfills our long-time vision of a pedestrian-friendly South Miami Avenue, and buyers are excited to move in and begin living the lifestyle.”
SLS LUX is the latest evolution from the award-winning SLS Hotels and Residences brand. The luxury tower is located just steps from Brickell City Centre in the heart of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood on South Miami Avenue and SE 8th Street. The project offers a mix of 450 residences and 78 hotel suites that blend exquisite décor by Yabu Pushelberg, world-class art, award-winning culinary offerings and exclusive lifestyle amenities and services. SLS LUX also features an array of food and beverage outlets from sbe's portfolio including SBar Lounge and a ground-floor restaurant and Katsuya, helmed by master chef Katsuya Uechi.
SLS LUX Is Now 100% Sold Out In Brickell, Closings To Begin In Next Few Weeks
The Related Group and The Allen Morris Company have announced that the final penthouse unit at SLS LUX has sold, marking the complete sell-out of the 450-unit luxury tower. Closings are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the hotel and culinary components opening shortly thereafter.
The Related Group and The Allen Morris Company have announced that the final penthouse unit at SLS LUX has sold, marking the complete sell-out of the 450-unit luxury tower. Closings are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the hotel and culinary components opening shortly thereafter. SLS LUX marks the fourth Related Group-developed project to open on South Miami Avenue, following 1100 Millecento, sister property SLS Brickell Hotel & Residences, and most recently, Brickell Heights.
Situated in the heart of Brickell, just steps from Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village, the 58-story SLS LUX is the latest and most luxurious project from the partnership of sbe Hotel Group and The Related Group. The tower was designed Arquitectonica and the interiors were designed by New York-based studio, Yabu Pushelberg. SLS LUX offers a suite of amenities designed and managed by sbe, including a rooftop pool, outdoor theatre, rock climbing wall, tennis court, and exclusive access to Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel South Beach. The ground floor of SLS LUX will feature Katsuya by sbe, the newest eatery by award-winning Master sushi chef, Katsuya Uechi, offering specialty cocktails, rolls and sashimi platters.
“SLS LUX is the final piece of the South Miami Avenue puzzle,” says Carlos Rosso, President of The Related Group’s Condominium Development Division. “The amenities, convenience, and lifestyle that this area offers means buyers aren’t just getting a home, but an entire experience. Our work on South Miami Avenue reflects our commitment as a company to fostering a more walkable and connected downtown, and we look forward to similar projects in the future.”
SLS LUX displays a specially curated collection of museum-quality art and a 40,000 SF mural on the building’s exterior by famed Argentine artist, Fabian Burgos as well as a statue by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Other artists represented in the building’s collection include prominent Venezuelan lighting artist Ana Isabel Martinez.
Construction Update: New Renderings of SLS LUX Yabu Pushelberg-Designed Spaces Include Lobby & Katsuya
SLS LUX is cruising towards completion as construction is just about done and is expected to wrap up this winter (winter 2017/18). They have released new renderings that include the Yabu Pushelberg-designed lobby, lush 9th floor garden, dramatic entrance and Katsuya by sbe. SLS LUX is a collaboration between The Allen Morris Company, Related Group and SBE Group. SLS LUX will be a five-star experience with world-class amenities and personalized VIP service. SLS LUX will be a 58-story tower designed by Arquitectonica with a unique LED façade by lighting artist Ana Isabel Martinez. It will feature 450 residences and 85 luxury suites designed by Yabu Pushelberg complete with world-class art. SLS LUX will include private elevators, a wine cellar and cigar room, a rock climbing wall, limousine services to a private beach club, and two ground floor dining experiences, Katsuya and Sbar. The condo/hotel is located right down the street from SLS Brickell Hotel & Residences, and is the more elevated series from the SLS Hotels & Residences brand.
SLS Lux Hotel & Residences
Yet another development is cruising through construction and reaching for the skies in Brickell. SLS LUX Hotel & Residences is just steps away from the exciting new Brickell City Centre and Mary Brickell Village Shopping Center. SLS LUX will be a five-star experience with world-class amenities and personalized VIP service. The project is being developed in collaboration by SBE and The Related Group along with the Allen Morris Company.
SLS LUX will be a 58-story tower designed by Arquitectonica with a unique LED façade by lighting artist Ana Isabel Martinez. It will feature 450 residences and 85 luxury suites designed by Yabu Pushelberg complete with world-class art. At the top will sit 14 penthouse units with panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. SLS LUX has private residential elevators, tennis courts, gym, wine cellar, cigar room and a sky lounge rooftop pool. The lobby will feature museum-quality contemporary art by artists Fernando Botero, Matias Duville and Fabian Burgos. will also house a Brickell Katsuya and SBar. SLS LUX will also come with "On Demand" private limousine service to a private beach club. SLS LUX is scheduled to open in 2017. Check out our Instagram for an exclusive video from the top!
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