Authentic Greek Seafood Taverna 'Calista' Opens Miami Beach Location on Española Way

Authentic Greek restaurant Calista Greek Seafood Taverna has opened their third location on the revitalized Española Way at 1444 Drexel Ave on Miami Beach. Already a neighborhood staple in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, the Miami Beach location is now open and offers a variety of Greek specialties, signature cocktails, a curated wine list, craft beers, and weekly programming with live entertainment.

“We are excited to bring authentic Greek cuisine to Española Way,” shares owner Costa Grillas. “The always-buzzing street is the perfect setting for Miami locals and visitors to experience our menu’s bold Mediterranean flavors and fresh, local cuisine.”

Owned and operated by Grillas, Executive Chef Thomas Fotouras, and Partner Charissa Davidovici, Calista’s Miami Beach restaurant will have a 3,500 square-foot main dining room, a bar area with seating for 14, a 1,000 square-foot front outdoor patio, and an outdoor courtyard. Upon entering, guests will be greeted by bright, Mykonos-inspired decor including bougainvillea flowers, pots, hanging basket light fixtures, an ice display featuring the daily selection of fresh whole fish and seafood, and majestic murals featuring a scene from the classic film “The Greek Tycoon,” and another by acclaimed photographer Robert McCabe.

“The food and bar scene in Athens, Greece is my main source of inspiration for Calista,” says Owner Chef Thomas Fotouras. “I want customers to feel like they are in Greece, eating the most authentic Greek cuisine and the freshest seafood, but most importantly, I want them to feel like family.”

Offering lunch and dinner, Calista’s menu features a variety of dishes from branzino to meat dishes to salads and vegetables. From noon to 3 p.m., guests will have the option of ordering a $29 three-course prix-fixe lunch special featuring popular dishes like Pikilia (trio of dips); Keftedes (Greek meatballs); Branzino; Grilled Salmon; Chicken Filets; and desserts like Greek Yogurt topped with sour cherry preserves, and Mosaiko, a chocolate, hazelnut and almond log.

The dinner menu offers larger dishes including the Spanakopita, a spinach pie made with spinach, feta, and leeks wrapped in phyllo dough; Garides Santorini made with white shrimp, tomato sauce and ouzo; Seafood Pasta made with linguine, bisque, tomato sauce and brandy; Souvlaki Kotopoulo (chicken kebabs) served with tzatziki; the Calista Special including stuffed shrimp, stuffed clams, lobster, filet of sole and scallops. For dessert, guests can finish off their meal with housemade Galaktoboureko, and additional Greek pastries.

The restaurant’s elevated bar will provide full-menu service complete with Calista’s signature cocktails only offered in Miami Beach such as the Santorini Sunset made with añejo tequila, Tsipouro, fresh ginger and agave; the Athens Cosmo made with Metaxa 7 Stars, Cointreau and cranberry juice; and the Mykonos Mule made with Figenza Fig Vodka and ginger beer.

“On trips to Greece, the food has always been what I’ve most enjoyed,” explains Davidovici. “Calista has the most authentic flavors of any restaurant I’ve tried in Miami. The dining experience feels like you’ve stepped off the streets of South Beach and into the Mediterranean.”

Giving guests a taste of the Greek islands, the Miami Beach restaurant will present a weekly “Mamma Mia” style event on Fridays with a DJ, Greek music, dancing and entertainment.

Calista Greek Seafood Taverna is located at 1444 Drexel Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and is open daily for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5-11 p.m. and Sundays from 5-10 p.m. Calista will also open for lunch daily in the coming month.

Images via Calista

Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality To Bring Coastal Italian-Inspired Concept 'Casadonna' To Edgewater's Historic Women's Club Building

The historic Miami Women’s Club in Edgewater is set to be transformed with the opening of Casadonna, a Coastal Italian-inspired restaurant developed in partnership between Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality. The restaurant is slated to open Summer 2023 in the waterfront Mediterranean revival historic Women’s Club building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The name "Casadonna" is derived from the setting, a fusion of Italian words translating to "house of the woman." The restaurant represents the first partnership between hospitality and entertainment powerhouses the Miami-based Groot Hospitality, led by David Grutman, and the New York City-based Tao Group Hospitality, led by Jason Strauss.

Riviera-style Italian cooking serves as the heart of Casadonna's cuisine. The menu will feature the freshest and finest local and imported products, with signature handcrafted dishes. Plates are based around traditional recipes found in the coastal towns of Naples, Taormina, Bari, Positano and Gaeta, and each is presented in a contemporary fashion. Bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine list complement this approach.

Casadonna will seat up to 366 guests in both indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas, all of which have been visualized by the designer Ken Fulk. The atmosphere is lush, leafy, stately and golden, conveying both a nod to the site's legacy as the Women's Club building, and a reflection of modern Miami tastes. Design highlights include a tranquil indoor-outdoor flow featuring a covered, high-ceilinged atrium, iconic paned and vaulted glass windows, original gates, elaborate chandeliers and distinctive floor patterning.

Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. Tao Group Hospitality acquired Hakkasan Group in April 2021. The combined company operates more than 70 branded locations in over 20 markets across five continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include TAO, Hakkasan, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Wet Republic, Yauatcha, Ling Ling, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, Jewel, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) (NYSE: MSGE), a leader in live experiences.

Groot Hospitality was officially formed in 2018 by David Grutman and is a Miami Beach-based collective of top restaurants, bars, cafés, nightlife ventures and hotels. Groot Hospitality’s portfolio includes The Goodtime Hotel, the nightclubs LIV and STORY, the restaurants Gekkō, Komodo, The Key Club, Papi Steak, Strawberry Moon and Swan. At both the Goodtime Hotel and Swan, Grutman is partners with the multi-hyphenate musician and producer Pharrell Williams and the pair will also open their first resort, Somewhere Else on Atlantis Paradise Island, in 2024. Grutman is also partners with the recording artist and actor Bad Bunny on Gekkō.

Coastal Italian Outpost 'La Fuga' Opens At Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale

La Fuga, a new coastal Italian restaurant led by locally-celebrated Chef Michael Mayer, has opened in Fort Lauderdale Beach at the new Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Upon entry, guests are immersed into Chef Mayer’s modern approach to coastal Italian cuisine, offering a comforting sense of home, which is reminiscent of a traditional Italian kitchen with a contemporary twist.

La Fuga translates to “the escape,” which is the original name of the property that opened in Fort Lauderdale in 1949. Taking up residence at the art deco boutique property, the destination restaurant serves a sumptuous menu of authentic Italian dishes including handmade pastas, locally-sourced seafood, wood-fired pizzas and salads accented with fresh herbs.

Every item on La Fuga’s menu is made in-house by Chef Mayer and his dedicated team utilizing local, fresh produce and seafood sourced straight from the sea to the plate. Chef Mayer carries an impressive resume of culinary experience, having the opportunity to cook alongside renowned chefs at fine dining establishments across the country.

“Developing La Fuga’s menu allowed me to tap into my creative side and play with expressive flavors to curate dishes that spoke to Fort Lauderdale’s love for the sea while staying true to the authenticity of classic Italian dishes,” said Mayer, who previously received rave reviews as executive chef of neighboring restaurant Lona Cocina Tequileria. “Each menu item at La Fuga is focused on authentic techniques, whether we are making pastas by hand, tossing our homemade pizza dough before baking in a high temperature oven or preparing all of our own sauces, reductions and stocks daily. Our focus is based on traditional methods and high-level ingredients in every dish.”

The restaurant introduces a wide selection of antipasti dishes such as Polpo Alla Griglia, grilled octopus paired with cannellini beans and a savory cracked olive salad; Tartare Di Tonno, made with Yellowfin tuna, capers, fresh oven-roasted tomatoes and pepper oil; Cozze e Calamari Alla Piastra, a flavorful combination of PEI mussels and calamari made with lemon butter, Gremolata and Calabrian pepper for a kick; and Polpette Di Vitello, with veal meatballs and creamy mascarpone polenta with puttanesca and Parmigiano.

For the main course, meat, seafood and vegetable selections include Tortellini In Brodo, a mix of mortadella, Parma ham and Reggiano with tortellini in a capon broth with basil pesto; Gnocchi Della Casa, with slow-roasted pork sugo and sweet butternut squash topped with fennel; and Tagliatelle Al Ragù Bolognese, housemade tagliatelle pasta in a classic Bolognese sauce with Italian San Marzano tomatoes. Visitors can also savor the Ravioloni All’aragosta Fra Diavolo, a lobster and ricotta ravioli served with a spiny lobster tail in spicy tomato cream, or the Risotto Cacio e Pepe All’OssoBuco, featuring oxtail and Parmesan Reggiano in a Barolo reduction.

Pizza lovers can retreat to La Fuga for delicious hand-tossed pies including Margherita Napoletana, topped spicy buffalo mozzarella, with marinara sauce, fresh basil and olive oil; Prosciutto e Fichi, a tasty pesto and Parma ham pizza topped with sweet fig, pine nuts, goat cheese and rocket, an arugula-like green; and Amanti Della Carne, a meat lovers pie made with veal meatballs, pepperoni, pancetta, marinara sauce, cheesy mozzarella and Calabrian peppers. The restaurant will also offer a selection of salads including traditional favorites such as Caesar and Caprese, alongside Radicchio e Rucola, arugula salad topped with vine-ripe tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and Pecorino Romano cheese; and a Tuscan Kale, tossed with moscato pears, Gorgonzola cheese, spiced walnuts and a white balsamic vinaigrette as a dressing.

Beautifully paired with its unique plates, is an extensive selection of hand-crafted cocktails including a Botanic Tonic, made with The Botanist gin, fresh cucumber, mint and Fever-Tree tonic; The Suz, an electrifying mix of Tanteo jalapeño tequila, lime, sweet agave and salt; Caffè Martini, shaken with Brugal Añejo, Caffè Borghetti Liqueur and a fresh shot of espresso; The 1949, mixed with a sensational High West Double Rye, Sorel liqueur and orange essence for a citrusy component, and Always Sunny In Paradise, a blend of St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, fresh pears, sweet honey, ginger and lemon topped with ginger beer. La Fuga also offers a collection of local beer and wine by the glass or bottle. One of La Fuga’s not-to-miss delicacies is the house-infused Limoncello, a sweet citrus liqueur to be enjoyed after a meal.

“We are thrilled to make our mark in South Florida’s buzzing culinary scene by offering guests an experience that is unlike any other through our hand-crafted menu and welcoming ambiance,” said General Manager of Food & Beverage Marco Zaccariotto. “La Fuga is a place for everyone - where friends become family - as we strive to deliver the utmost quality of service to the local community as well as visitors to the area.”

As guests enter the space, they are greeted with a U-shaped bar and vintage artwork paying homage to the coast of Italy. La Fuga’s mid century-modern design features a warm navy blue finish and a color palette incorporating tones of yellow, green, salmon and neutral hues through its contemporary wood structures and furniture. The restaurant’s open layout offers indoor and outdoor seating and flows throughout the outdoor courtyard where guests can revel in the artistic talents of local muralist, Colette Pisut. The courtyard also provides access to the rooftop pool overlooking Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. La Fuga houses a private dining room that can fit up to 30 people, providing a unique space for meetings, intimate dinners and events.

To commemorate the grand opening, the restaurant will host regular promotions and special events, starting with Break Beat Wednesdays from 7-10 p.m., with live vinyl DJ beats and 50% off on select bottles of wine, and La Fuga Fridays from 7-10 p.m., with live performances by acoustic guitarists.

La Fuga is open Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m. Happy hour specials are available Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m.

The Anticipated New Restaurant Concept 'Giselle' Set To Open February 3 Atop The E11EVEN Rooftop

After much anticipation, Giselle Miami, the new restaurant concept from E11EVEN and The Restaurant People, will open its doors on February 3, 2023 in the heart of Downtown’s Arts and Entertainment District. Situated on the rooftop of E11EVEN Miami, Giselle will serve as a lively addition to the local culinary scene merging Asian, Mediterranean & French-inspired cuisine, elevated cocktail programming, and exquisite design with supreme hospitality-driven service. Boasting mystique and an undeniable sense of allure, the rooftop restaurant concept will transport guests on a journey into the world behind the eyes of Giselle.

“We are thrilled to finally be opening the doors to Giselle,” said Dennis DeGori, Creator and Co-Founder of E11EVEN Miami. “Between the cuisine, beverages, and ambiance guests will indulge in, coupled with the one-of-a-kind five-star hospitality experience that we and The Restaurant People are known for, Giselle Miami is ready to welcome all!”

Executive Chef Gustavo Zuluaga brings years of experience to the anticipated concept and has designed a menu packed with unexpected flavors and refined Asian, Mediterranean & French influences. Guests can look forward to fresh fare enriched with Giselle’s signature added flair:

• At ‘First Glance,’ you’ll experience Bluefin Tuna Truffle Cones (Seasonal Truffles, Wasabi Creme Fraiche, 24K Golf Leaf), Hamachi Crudo (Duo of Coconut Sauces, Agrumato Lemon Olive Oil, Puffed Amaranth), Truffle Toast(Seasonal Truffles, Raclette, Cremini Duxelles); and Kurobuta Pork Ribs (Yakiniku Glaze, Togarashi, Scallions), etc..

• See her ‘Seaduction’ with the Chilean Sea Bass (Miso Japanese Eggplant, Baby Bok Choy, Tarragon), Mediterranean Branzino (Fennel Confit, Garlic Broccolini, Lemon Chervil Nage), and Flaming Lobster Thermidor (2lb Maine Lobster, Cognac & Dijon Mustard Sauce, Crispy Shitakes), among other options.

• Reach your ‘Desire’ with mouthwatering meats such as an 8oz Filet Mignon(Piquillo Peppers, Pearl Onions, and a Choice of Sauce) and Free-Range Peking Chicken (Bao Buns, Hoisin, Leeks, and Radishes).

• Experience pure ‘Indulgence’ with the Japanese A5 (Snow Aged A5 Wagyu, Sushi Rice, Shiso Leaves, Truffle Ponzu), and Flaming Australian Wagyu Tomahawk (Pomme Puree, Wild Mushrooms, Sauce Selection).

• Treat yourselves to ‘‘The Finer Things’ including Champagne & Caviar (Dom Perignon Vintage Luminous, 4oz Siberian 5-Star & Accompaniments), or a Seafood Tower (Maine Lobster, Stone Crab, Oysters, Shrimp).

• Or perhaps, providing the most ‘‘Temptation’ is the impeccable Chef’s Selection 6-course tasting experience.

• But, don’t forget to satisfy your ‘Pleasures’ with the Giselle’s Pearls (Gold and Silver Pearls, 6 Leches Sponge Cake, Crème Chantilly) or the Flambé Roquefort Tart (Savory Cheese Tart, Grand Marnier, Cabernet Poached Petite Pears).

Giselle will lure guests in with an indulgent collection of skillfully-crafted cocktails and an extensive list of high-end wines and spirits. Her curated cocktail program is centered around names and flavor profiles that provoke thoughts of memorable adventures and nights out on the town. The refreshing ‘Head Over Heels’ cocktail is a mix of E11EVEN Vodka, Sparkling Rosé, Raspberry, Lemongrass & Citrus served in a glass stiletto and designed to be shared, while the French Kiss is made with Sipsmith London Dry Gin, Champagne, Lemon, Maraschino Cherry.

“We couldn’t be more proud and excited to welcome guests to Giselle,” said Tim Petrillo, CEO & Co-Founder of The Restaurant People. “In addition to the elevated food and drink offerings that Giselle will offer, we are super excited to introduce Giselle to Miami and be part of the E11EVEN family which has been the gold standard of the Miami nightlife for close to a decade.”

Giselle is sophisticated yet eclectic, seductively captivating, edgy, and outright extravagant on every level, from her presentation to the aura of mystery she evokes in each guest that walks through her doors. The team tapped international award-winning South Africa-based interior architect Tristan Du Plessis to completely transform the space with high-style design, modern elegance, and custom-made decor elements from all around the world, including Italy, Netherlands, Paris, London, Greece, New York, South Africa, and Miami.

Upon arrival, guests will take a private elevator up to the main entrance of the rooftop restaurant, where they will be invited to step into the sultry fantasy world of Giselle via a luminous mosaic-tiled tunnel that whimsically leads into Giselle’s foyer. A custom-built retractable roof spans the entirety of the indoor-outdoor restaurant, allowing for a truly dynamic dining experience. The dazzling, panoramic setting was designed with an unparalleled level of artistry that breathes life into each of the exceptionally detailed areas that make up Giselle Miami.

Giselle’s 14-seat marble-adorned Bar presents an idyllic space for guests to sip and savor her signature libations. Offering guests an added multimedia art experience, an animated digital art display cases the wall behind the Bar and showcases the work of Miami-based filmmaker and producer Frank Kelly. Kelly was tapped to produce a custom short film series for the space that reveals snippets of Giselle’s persona with a seductive cinematic eye.

An intimate Lounge/Terrace area extends from the Bar, offering comfortable lounge seating and elegant black marble embellished dining tables set against Miami's evening skyline. Separating this space from the central dining area within the venue, a double-sided mirrored sign spells out, in neon fluorescence, the spoken words of Giselle: “I’ll be here, if by chance, you’ll be here too.”

Giselle’s Central Dining area houses a thoughtful curation of table settings to accommodate varied restaurant-goers party sizes – from cozy tables for two all the way up to larger seatings for ten. A partially enclosed space, bordered by lush greenery and marble scaffolding, boasts three large-party custom-built round tables. Refined with sleek wood paneling and delicately hand-carved trimmings, each table setting within this area can comfortably seat up to 10 guests.

The must-see crown jewel within Giselle’s artfully devised layout leads us to the concept’s utterly awe-striking Dream Room. This high-design main dining room space is engulfed with impossibly oversized French lace and elaborate baroque detailing, whereas the walls and ceilings are ornamented in 3D wood-carved architectural detailings. At the heart of the Dream Room, an open interactive kitchen offers an exclusive experiential element for guests. Giselle’s spectacular settings each offer their own unique personality and idyllic backdrops for bespoke private dining experiences and events.

Giselle is located at 15 NE 11 St., Miami, FL 33132. Opening hours of operation are Wednesday - Sunday, from 6:00pm until late.

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.

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

Pegasus World Cup, "The Greatest Luxury Event In Horse Racing", Returns To Hallandale Beach January 28

Hallandale Beach is rapidly blossoming as new luxurious developments, entertainment venues, dining experiences, and world-renowned events continue to emerge, offering lavish new lifestyle experiences the city has never seen before. On January 28, the famous Pegasus World Cup, known as “the greatest luxury event in horse racing” will take place at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. The event attracts thousands of people from around the world to the city of Hallandale Beach each year, representing another example of how this enclave nestled between Miami and Fort Lauderdale is well on its way to becoming one of South Florida's hottest oceanfront destinations.

As Hallandale Beach continues to allure residents with its fantastic beaches, world-class dining, and glitzy entertainment venues that offer elevated experiences like Pegasus World Cup, the new luxurious real estate developments include unparalleled residential offerings South Florida has never seen before. The latest example of the city’s explosion in luxury real estate developments is Slate Hallandale Beach, the sensational 26-story high rise by acclaimed developer Ari Pearl, founder and CEO of PPG Development. Slate brings NYC-style ultra-luxury rentals with over 20,000 square feet of resort-style amenities and first-class services, attracting affluent buyers from all over the world. This state-of-the-art development sets the bar even higher, offering thoughtfully designed homes with exceptional finishes and a wealth of outstanding amenities rarely found outside of condominiums, right near high-end restaurants and glitzy entertainment venues like the spectacular Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park.

At Pegasus World Cup 2023 the top Thoroughbreds in the sport square off in the seventh running of the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. Bettors and fans will be treated an All For One experience and thrilling race cards that feature the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1), the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) and the second edition of the $500,000 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf Race. The invitations series continues to be at the forefront of innovating the sport of Thoroughbred racing by once again requiring equine athletes to compete free of any medication on race day.

In the past six years, Pegasus World Cup Presented By Baccarat has quickly established itself as South Florida’s leading luxury sports and lifestyle event of the year. Nationally broadcast on NBC and distributed globally, Pegasus World Cup attracts A-list celebrity attendees, fashion icons, influencers and avid fans to catch a glimpse of the sport’s most iconic event of the year.

Launched in 2017 as part of 1/ST’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans, the Pegasus World Cup provides lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers. With historic wins from some of the most celebrated names in Thoroughbred horse racing including Arrogate, 2021’s Knicks Go, and 2022’s Life Is Good Champions. Pegasus continues to draw the best in racing and entertainment through a continued focus on innovation.

2023 will bring an unparalleled racing and entertainment experience in the Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park featuring a takeover by the premier Miami nightlife brand LIV with Palm Tree Crew and special performances by KYGO and ONE REPUBLIC. Carousel Club is the city’s newest entertainment venue, and is Breakwater Hospitality Group’s open-air gathering spot for cool cocktails, delicious eats and exciting entertainment guests can enjoy from day to night. The venue features 14,000 square feet of tented and open-air spaces including a spacious deck, a covered Carousel Bar with ample seating, and a grassy garden for lounging and lawn games. Guests experience up-on-the-rail homestretch views of the races as the horses thunder to the finish line, live entertainment, easy access to wagering, and exciting food and beverage programming, all anchored by a 19th century carousel as the main bar.

Other ticketing options to attend January 28th’s Pegasus World Cup include Clubhouse Tickets where spectators have access to the apron rail to grandstand and access to clubhouse as well as suites. The Flamingo Room combines a VIP racing experience with food and drinks by some of Miami’s hottest dining concepts and music by Brian Newman and his 5-piece band. Ten Palms offers and indoor and outdoor terrace with panoramic racetrack and finish line views complete with an upscale buffet and viewing experience.

Images via Pegasus World Cup and Breakwater Hospitality

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. 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.

Witkoff and Monroe Capital Launch Shore Club Private Collection Designed By Robert A.M. Stern At Miami Beach's Historic Shore Club

For decades the Shore Club hotel has been an iconic presence on Miami Beach, a three-acre playground in the sand known all over the world. Now the Shore Club’s exciting future as a centerpiece of South Beach for the next century takes a major step forward with the launch of the Shore Club Private Collection, 49 residences designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects including a new 200-foot-tall oceanfront tower from the legendary architect that is his nautical-inspired spin on the area’s iconic MiMo (Miami Modern) architecture. Residences at Shore Club Private Collection start at approximately $6 million and are exclusively marketed by Douglas Elliman Development Marketing.

The historic Shore Club was originally designed by Albert Anis and completed in 1949 along Miami Beach’s famed Collins Avenue. The Shore Club is being redeveloped by Witkoff and Monroe Capital, who are preserving and reinventing the property as a boutique 5-star resort by Auberge Resorts Collection known as Shore Club. Shore Club is designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio and will offer 75 suites.

The Shore Club Private Collection residences, serviced by Auberge but offering privacy and seclusion within the 5-star resort, offers resort style amenities including a pool and gardens exclusive to residents.

The Shore Club Private Collection is RAMSA’s first ever oceanfront project and first residential project on Miami Beach after the firm completed the Miami Beach Library in 2005. Like Stern’s history-making and record-breaking designs in New York at 15 Central Park West and 220 Central Park South, the residences are divided between a more boutique low-rise building with expansive floor-plans, and a connected views-focused tower.

At Shore Club, The Cromwell, an Art Deco building completed in 1939 that was later combined with the Shore Club’s campus, is being preserved and transformed into a glamorous yet discreet private entrance for residents that will also house four duplex residences on its upper floors. The 18-story rounded tower, inspired by the ocean’s waves and filled with nautical and yachting references, creates an iconic silhouette on the Miami Beach skyline and is composed of three staggered tiers that yield vast undulating terraces, with no two floor-plans exactly alike. RAMSA collaborated with Miami-based Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design on the project.

Interior spaces reference materials and shapes of classic yachts, including rich woods like mahogany and oak; nickel, brass accents, and other light metalwork; swooping walls and arched windows. Large glass walls framing the dramatic ocean views will blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, seamlessly opening from the large rooms to the oversize terraces.

Completely unique to the Shore Club Private Collection is one signature 6,000-square-foot single-family beach house, also newly constructed and designed by RAMSA. This extremely rare new beachfront house on the sands of Miami Beach will enjoy all the services and amenities of the Shore Club Private Collection and Auberge.

In addition to the discreet porte-cochere entrance and exclusive pool, residents also enjoy a private world-class fitness center, library, lounge, and other amenities. Auberge Resorts Collection’s one-of-a-kind reputation for intimate tailored service will also extend to the residences with numerous in-home offerings, as well as access to Auberge’s world-class spa, beach club and culinary experiences, including a signature restaurant, poolside café and bar with dedicated cabana service, double-height café and bar leading to an outdoor lounge, and more. Lush botanical gardens with native plantings designed by Island Planning Corporation knit together the two historic buildings and new elements into one cohesive resort, while dividing private amenities from those open to resort guests.

Renderings via The Boundary

The Elser Hotel & Residences Miami Closes On $80 Million In Sales In Less Than 60 Days

The Elser Hotel & Residences Miami, a 49-story new construction luxury condominium located at 398 NE 5th St., has successfully closed on $80 million in sales in less than 60 days. This immense sales volume marks the pivotal return of Latin American investment in South Florida, with 75% of sales coming primarily from Colombia, Mexico, and Chile, as well as the continued fervent demand for turnkey, new construction residences in the heart of Downtown Miami. The Elser Hotel & Residences Miami was developed by National development and investment firm PMG and Canadian-based private equity firm Greybrook. The team has successfully completed closings with premier financial institutions such as City National Bank, Prime Equity and several others. PMG Residential is the exclusive sales team for The Elser Hotel & Residences.

“Miami’s status as an international business hub and world-class metropolitan destination has positioned the city as one of the world’s most desired real estate markets,” said Sergio Pintos, Principal of PMG Residential. “The ability to now explore the best culinary, entertainment, and retail offerings all within footsteps of one’s home is extremely attractive to buyers. With so much available at one’s fingertips, it is no wonder that The Elser Hotel & Residences has experienced such a high volume of sales and successful closings in such a short time.”

Offering unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and sweeping views of the Miami skyline, The Elser Hotel & Residences Miami is designed by Sieger Suarez Architects with interior architecture and design by Cotofana Designs. The fully furnished residences range from studios to three-bedrooms spanning 404 to 1307 square feet. Managed by industry-leading management company Highgate, the property will allow owners to enter a short-term rental program with daily rental options through The Elser Hotel & Residences Owners Program.

“When The Elser Hotel & Residences was created, we wanted to invest in the area’s potential for new development and flexible living options,” said Ryan Shear, managing partner of PMG. “It is beyond exciting to see how receptive today’s buyers are to the concept and everything it has to offer, from short-term rental options to a high-caliber level of downtown living. We are honored to work with our partner Greybrook as The Elser Hotel & Residences continues to make its mark on Miami.”

"The Elser Hotel and Residences is a truly unique property benefiting from an abundance of exceptional amenities and situated in a prime location with convenient access to everything the Downtown Miami core has to offer," said Sami Mouaket, Director of U.S. Investments & Development at Greybrook. "This marks another successfully completed development in our growing portfolio of projects with our partner PMG who has significant experience in the Miami market and continuously demonstrates seamless execution in development management and construction.”

Amenities at The Elser Hotel & Residences include a double-level amenity deck spanning over 19,000 square feet which overlooks Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, a 132-foot resort-style pool with private lounge areas and a 16-foot poolside screening LED wall. Additional amenities include co-working spaces, oversized modern gyms and fitness studios with frequent group classes, multiple lounges, smart package lockers, bike storage facilities, and a yoga lawn overlooking Biscayne Bay, among others. The property will include a new lobby cocktail bar and restaurant by the creators of Jaguar Sun as well as a coffee lounge by Cafe Domino.

Terra and Turnberry Tap Balfour Beatty As GP For Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel

Two of South Florida’s premier real estate developments groups, Terra and Turnberry, have selected Balfour Beatty as the general contractor for the new Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel. Located at the intersection of 17th Street and Convention Center Drive, the 17-story, 800-room hotel will serve as the central anchor of the Miami Beach Convention Center District, steps away from the beachfront, hundreds of shops and restaurants along Lincoln Road, the New World Center, the Bass Museum, and the Fillmore Miami Beach. Early site work at the property is now underway, with vertical construction anticipated to start this year and be completed in 2025.

“A project of this magnitude and significance requires the best in-class team and we are thrilled to have Balfour Beatty onboard leading the construction efforts,” said developer David Martin, CEO of Terra, and Jackie Soffer, Chairman and CEO of Turnberry. “The firm’s extensive experience pioneering new technologies and transforming communities through smart infrastructure aligns with our goal to deliver a hotel that will transform the City’s convention center campus into one of the most desirable meeting and convention destinations in the world.”

Headquartered in Dallas with full-service offices throughout the U.S., Balfour Beatty is a leading commercial construction company with a portfolio of high-profile projects including terminal expansion projects at Jacksonville International Airport, Florida International University Student Academic Success Center, the W hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, Paseo de la Riviera in Coral Gables, and Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center among others.

“This is a beacon development for Miami Beach,” commented Scott Skidelsky, Balfour Beatty president in the Southeast. “Balfour Beatty’s national operations started its roots in South Florida and being a part of the community is a point of pride for our company. Being chosen to construct this icon project means the world to our project team who are some of the best builders in the industry and they are all so excited to work with our stakeholders to make this an incredibly successful build experience.”

Development of the Grand Hyatt comes as Miami Beach and South Florida solidify their position among the world’s most visited destinations. According to a recent report by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, 15.9 million overnight visitors and an additional 8.3-million-day visitors totaling 24.2 million came to the area in 2021, matching the total volume of tourists seen pre-pandemic in 2019. Furthermore, visitor spending rebounded, and tourists spent an estimated $19.2 billion, an increase of 8% over 2019. In 2022, Miami-Dade County hotel occupancy from January through October was up 10% over the previous year, a total of 72.2% occupancy – the sixth-highest occupancy in the country in major markets – with an average daily rate of $251, which is 18.8% higher than 2021.

“The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will be a great addition to the local hotel landscape,” said Wendy Kallergis, President & CEO of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association. “Miami Beach has a broad range of hotel options – from luxury brands, meetings, leisure, independent and boutiques – but there has long been a need for a conference hotel that maximizes the impact of the newly-renovated Convention Center. The Grand Hyatt’s 800 rooms will meet this demand, and it comes at a time when meeting planners around the world are looking at Miami Beach for their upcoming conferences, conventions, and trade shows.”

The 17-story Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will include 12 floors of guest rooms and 52 suites offering views of Miami Beach, four floors of meeting spaces and ballrooms that will complement the Convention Center, a resort-style pool deck with panoramic views, a signature restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, and limited retail space that will activate the district at street level. An elevated skybridge will enable event attendees to move freely between the hotel and Convention Center in a climate-controlled, art-filled corridor.

Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will be designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia and his firm, Miami-based Arquitectonica. The team also includes Stonehill Taylor, a New York City based hospitality-focused architecture and interior design firm in charge of designing the hotel’s interior lobby and lounges, ballroom, meeting and hotel rooms, and all common areas; EoA, a local architecture, interior design and landscape firm tasked with designing the pool deck hospitality features of the hotel; and Arquitectonica GEO, who will lead the creation of the pedestrian promenades and landscapes.

As part of the improvements to the area, the nearby Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater is also receiving renovations to its back of house areas. The theater, which is owned by the City of Miami Beach and managed by Live Nation, was once home to “The Jackie Gleason Show” and remains one of the most beloved cultural venues in Miami Beach. These renovations will ensure the iconic institution will have the ability to continue to present music, theater and dance to the expanding community of the Convention Center district.

The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach project also includes landscaped pedestrian promenades on surrounding streets, bike sharing stations, connectivity with public transit routes, dedicated ridesharing pick-up and drop-off zones, and direct access between the Convention Center and Lincoln Road. The project’s resiliency and sustainability measures include storm water management and reuse, flood risk mitigation, and the use of solar power – all of which are designed to ensure operational continuity during weather events.