Miracle Mile's Only Cuban Restaurant Calle 23 Miami Reveals Revamped Menu For Summer

Trendy Coral Gables’ Cuban bar and restaurant Calle 23 Miami has unveiled a revamped menu for the summer season, serving up bold, chef-driven Cuban classics made with fresh, local ingredients that stay true to the rhythm and soul of Havana. As the only Cuban restaurant along the enchanting Miracle Mile, the colorful Calle 23 Miami fills a much-needed void in the neighborhood with its authentic flavors and lively atmosphere. New for summer, the refreshed menu doubles down on its Cuban inspiration with a Miami twist, featuring a selection of mouthwatering small, medium and large plates, along with refreshing salads, sides and desserts to satisfy all cravings.

Food

Get transported to the streets of Havana at Calle 23 Miami, where the team’s Cuban roots are expressed through sensational music, cocktails and a newly updated food menu. Ideal for sharing, new small plates like the Croquetas del Barrio (ham, chorizo, or cheese served with cilantro, BBQ chef sauce and pepper jelly) and the Tartar del Salmon (served with avocado, pico de gallo, passion fruit, olive oil and salt) reinvent beloved Cuban classics while celebrating summer in Miami with seasonal ingredients and refreshing preparations.

From the medium plates, La Frita Cubana (two sliders made with homemade chorizo beef patties, chipotle dressing, pepitas, and signature fries) is a satisfying handheld dish that’s perfect for fueling up before dancing the night away to Calle 23’s live salsa music. From the large plates, the Nobel Ropa Vieja de Res (slow-cooked beef, rice, black beans and maduros) hits the spot with its rich, soulful sauce.

Salads like the Ensalada de Aguacate (avocado, heirloom tomatoes, red onions, and citrus dijon dressing) complement any of Calle 23 Miami’s elevated yet familiar Cuban-inspired dishes, but also work well as a meal on their own. For dessert, the new Arroz con Mango is the ultimate refreshing finisher for a sweet end to an amazing summer evening.

Cocktails & Entertainment

Excellent handcrafted cocktails remain a centerpiece of Calle 23 Miami’s menu. Choose from tasty options like the Mojito, Cucumber Smash or the Coco Loco, to name a few. Calle 23 Miami offers a popular happy hour, plus live entertainment, dancing and plenty of Cuban sabor throughout the week. Calle 23 features live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Calle 23 Miami is located at 230 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, FL 33134.

KAORI Miami Launches Miami's Newest Aegean Brunch In Brickell

KAORI Miami has launched Miami’s newest Aegean Brunch, introducing a slate of new menu items and cocktails to be offered exclusively on Sundays from 11:30AM - 4:30PM. With many options in Miami’s hot Brickell neighborhood to choose from, KAORI’s Aegean Brunch is destined to be one of the hottest Sunday Brunches in the city. Combining the light yet robust flavors of the Mediterranean's Aegean Sea, Chef Raymond Li is bringing a new meaning of Brunch to the heart of Brickell. KAORI’s new Brunch includes a total of sixteen new menu items, adding a unique twist on KAORI’s beloved and eclectic Mediterranean-Asian-inspired culinary offerings.

Located at 871 South Miami Ave. South Miami, FL 33130, KAORI is Miami’s newest Mediterranean-Asian-inspired culinary concept, nestled in the very heart of downtown Brickell. Located at the ground level of SLS LUX Brickell, the all-expansive dining destination brings two levels of unparalleled indulgence and entertainment to the neighborhood. Helmed at the culinary hands of renowned Chef Raymond Li, KAORI’s menu exudes an eclectic and sophisticated fusion of flavors that offers a beautiful balance between the two worlds of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. From the delicately warm-toned interior to the exceptional food and beverage programming, to the synergetic entertainment component, every harmonic extension of KAORI naturally blends to create the signature ‘KAORI’ guest experience.

Food

The new Brunch menu offers KAORI’s fusion of Mediterranean & Asian cuisines with dishes such as a Shakshuka made with duck egg, herb salad, and crispy rice; Skull Island Prawns with Szechuan shchug and pickled cucumbers; Royal Miyagi Oysters made with dill-pea flower mignonette and turmeric oil; a Challah French Toast made with dill maple syrup, cinnamon & clove powdered sugar, whipped koji butter, and seasonal fruit; Huevos Estrellados made with a 63-degree egg, chorizo Iberico, Calabrian chili, and Pommes; and more!

Cocktails

KAORI’s Bar Manager, Diego De Leon has introduced a roster of new cocktails which will roll out exclusively for Sunday Brunch! Cocktails include a specialty Espresso Martini made with Tito’s vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, biscotti, and espresso; the Pushin’ Paloma made with 818 Tequila Blanco, Pamplemousse, carpano botanic bitter, lime, grapefruit soda, and salt; and Michelada #1 made with Sapporo Premium Lager, Culture to Culture Sangrita, lime, and salt. Additional beverage offerings include Zonin Prosecco with Mimosa, Bellini, or Chismosa boosters; $35 for 4 Estrella Damm - Mediterranean Lagers; and Amass Faerie Fizz and Sun Sign Botanic Hard Seltzers.

New Middle Eastern Restaurant Mazeh Opens in Downtown Miami

NYC-based hospitality powerhouse group, GPG Hospitality, has introduced a brand-new Modern Middle Eastern concept to the Miami dining scene with Mazeh, which officially opened its doors to the public July 15th. Located at the sleek and modern YOTEL Miami hotel, Mazeh’s relaxed yet refined ambiance and unparalleled culinary approach will extend a unique modern flair to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and introduce Middle Eastern tapas to the world. 

Mazeh radiates with the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality, as Miami’s newest culinary gem.  The service style at Mazeh breaks the mold of a traditional dining experience and invites guests to pace the meal as they wish, ordering small dishes throughout the night, while enjoying an evening out.  The menu at Mazeh draws from the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the Middle East. Its offerings provide guests with an authentic taste of the region, while highlighting the fresh local fare of Miami. The flavors of the Middle East are applied to these tapas in a way which respects and allows the main ingredient to shine.  

Signature dishes include Arayes, ground lamb or fish grilled inside fresh pita and topped with amba; Falafel Cigars wrapped in brick pastry and served with tahini; Skewers: grilled octopus with labneh and za’atar; grilled steak in a smoked tomato sauce and bone marrow olive vinaigrette; grilled cabbage with green tahini and herb gremolata; and of course Mazeh’s specialty Tiffin Box which holds an assortment of seasonal Middle Eastern dips and spreads served with fresh pita. 

Drinks at Mazeh are crafted to further enhance the experience and elevate the flavors of the tapas. Cocktails include the You Oughta Know, a mix of vodka, Lillet Rouge, grapefruit, dill and honey; Doo Wop, made with silver rum, kaffir lime, passion fruit, lemongrass and lavender; and the Hypnotize, a vodka-based drink mixed with bergamot, smoked pineapple and grapefruit.

In the morning, Mazeh offers a selection of breakfast boards. The boards include the Greek Breakfast which includes eggs, Greek salad, tzatziki, feta and Kalamata olives; a traditional English Breakfast which includes eggs, baked beans, turkey bacon and sausage, tomato and hash browns; a Continental Breakfast, featuring a selection of bread and viennoiserie; and the Middle Eastern Breakfast with eggs, Israeli salad, labneh, avocado and tahini.

Along with the opening of Mazeh, the team has announced the opening of Float, an elevated outdoor lounge which will be poolside on YOTEL Miami’s 12th floor deck, later this year. 

Carrot Express Aventura Gets an Upgrade Doubling in Size

Miami’s fan-favorite eatery, Carrot Express in Aventura is getting an upgrade and a new location. The health-conscious concept will relocate one block South from their previous outpost which opened in 2018. Their new home will occupy a larger space with revamped interior boasting a bigger dining room and alfresco dining. Guests will be able to enjoy their favorite Carrot Express dishes in a more spacious and stylish setting. This marks their second outpost in Aventura in addition to their outpost inside Miami’s premier shopping destination, Aventura Mall.

Doubling in size, the new Aventura destination occupies 2,100 square feet with 50 seats indoor and 16 seats outdoors. Inside incorporates the similar inviting and relaxed atmosphere as its fellow Miami locations however, this new location features accents of wood and greenery with hanging lights throughout. Creative Director, Alberto Bassal shared, “We’re thrilled to reopen in the neighborhood with an enhanced inviting experience and a beautiful terrace to dine alfresco.” He added, “We also want to provide our locals and loyal clientele a more accommodating experience with more parking spots.”

Most recently, Carrot Express launched a brunch bundle where guests can order any breakfast or all-day breakfast item and receive the second item free. The BOGO deal will be offered every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM until 2 PM, on-site at all locations including Aventura.

Highlights include:

• California Eggwich – 2 cage free folded eggs folded with avocado, crumbled feta cheese, arugula, tomato, lime juice and olive oil served on a toasted sesame bagel

• Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – topped with roasted cremini mushrooms, sautéed kale, avocado, pico de gallo and a cage-free sunny side egg

• Josh’s Overnight Oats – mix of oatmeal, almond milk, toasted coconut flakes, chia & flax seeds, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, Mario’s granola, almond butter, drizzled honey

• Almond Butter Toast – almond butter, strawberries, blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, toasted coconut flakes spread on multigrain sourdough bread by Zak the Baker drizzled with honey

• Huevos Rancheros Burrito – 2 cage-free scrambled eggs, brown rice, black beans, avocado, fresh corn, jack cheese, cilantro & pico de gallo, wrapped & toasted on a whole wheat wrap, served with cilantro-lime dressing

Additional menu highlights include Carrot Express’ best-selling LIV Wrap – grilled chicken breast, avocado, quinoa, kale, jack cheese and basil pesto, OMG! Turkey Burger – homemade all natural & hormone free ground turkey burger topped with arugula, avocado, tomato, red onion, mustard aioli on a toasted multigrain bun, Mario’s Favorite – Arugula, kale, spinach, toasted almonds, peas, golden raisins, quinoa, scallions & cilantro brown rice with a homemade citrus sauce and their signature, Carrot Cake made with freshly grated carrots and layered with a homemade cream cheese frosting and crushed pralines.

Their new Aventura location can be found at 2440 NE Miami Gardens Dr #107, Miami, FL 33180. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8 AM - 9 AM and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM - 9 PM.

THE SOUTH BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THEIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY

South Florida’s highly anticipated South Beach Seafood Festival is back for its 10th anniversary with a celebration that is gearing up to be the best yet with special programming, including a $10,000 chef prize and popular live musical guests. From Wednesday, October 19 through Saturday, October 22, the four-day festival is a curated culinary showcase that couples South Florida’s bounty of seafood with the region’s most notable chefs and restaurants.

The South Beach Seafood Festival, which also kicks off Miami Beach’s famed stone crab season, consists of four separate ticketed events taking place throughout the week. The festival begins on Wednesday, October 19th with “An Evening at Joe’s Stone Crab.” The already-sold-out five-course meal showcases Executive Chef Andre Bienvenue’s cuisine paired with fine wines curated by master sommeliers.

Next up, “Crabs, Slabs & Cabs,” takes place the following evening and offers a formal sit-down, five-course dinner highlighting ‘Surf n’ Turf’ reimagined by some of the Magic City’s leading chefs. The event is hosted by GOYA Foods’ Executive Chef Fernando Desa and includes participation from celebrated restaurateur and Pubbelly Sushi partner José Mendín; Fiola Miami’s Executive Chef Danny Ganem; Meat Market Executive Chef and Owner Sean Brasel; and a final chef to be announced on July 1st. On Friday evening, the gloves come off as 16 of Miami’s top chefs go head-to-head in eight competitive seafood rounds during the annually sold out “Chef Showdown,” coined the ultimate beach bash on South Beach.

To commemorate the festival’s 10-year anniversary, one participating chef with the most points of the night will take home a grand prize of $10,000. The series of nightly events builds up to the main celebration, the “South Beach Seafood Festival,” an all-day affair taking place on Saturday, October 22, showcasing a selection of pop-up-cafés by prominent South Florida restaurants, complimentary open bar stations, and packed with live musical performances, interactive experiences, and much more for guests to enjoy.

“It’s a momentous 10-year celebration for the South Beach Seafood Festival, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support and shine a spotlight on South Florida’s talented chefs and restaurant community every year,” said Valerie Roy, Director of Marketing and Client Strategy at CI Management, the team behind the South Beach Seafood Festival. “We are amplifying our programming and doing things in a more significant way for year #10 to celebrate the heart of what makes South Florida a not-to-be-missed culinary destination, highlighting local culinary talent in a unique manner, adding a $10,000 prize for one lucky chef champ of our Chef Showdown event, as well as bringing in some amazing entertainment to ensure this is our best festival yet.”

Touted in previous years by USA TODAY as one of the “Top 5 Specialty Festivals in The Country;” by Forbes as the “Top 5 Things to Do This Fall;” and by the Travel Channel as the “Best Seafood Festival in the US,” the South Beach Seafood Festival is the place to be for the ultimate ‘sea foodies’. In addition to celebrating regional culinary talent, the festival annually supports CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, a 501 ©(3) nonprofit program that provides healthy meals and nutritional guidance to the local community and Florida’s youth through programs in Miami-Dade County public schools.

Miami Restauranteur George Sezgin Opens KÓMMA Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar In Miami Beach

On July 1, 2022 Miami-based restaurateur and visionary hospitality veteran, George Sezgin, unveiled KÓMMA, a genuine Mediterranean kitchen and bar concept that is poised to bring an entirely unparalleled celebratory culinary experience to the enthusiastic Miami Beach neighborhood. ‘κόμμα’ (KÓMMA) in Ancient Greek dialect translates to: ‘celebration,’ ‘gathering,’ ‘revelry.’ The highly-anticipated dining destination will offer the ultimate extension of Mediterranean revelry, blending indulgent gastronomic excellence with joyous bespoke gatherings for friends and families alike.

“We are thrilled to share the flavors of the Mediterranean married with top-tier service to offer Miami locals and visitors alike an unforgettable experience,” says KÓMMA owner and longtime restaurateur, George Sezgin. “KÓMMA will serve as a gathering spot for families, business partners, and friends and we look forward to delivering the flavor and ambiance that makes for great memories.”

KÓMMA’s menu embraces Mediterranean provenance, fusing its influence with fresh, regional ingredients and a creative culinary approach. Diners are stimulated to savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean from the freshly-baked, fire-roasted Greek dips (Melitzanosalata, Hummus, Tzatziki, Kommammara, Skordalia, Crete Feta, etc.) and signature Chicken Kebab, to the house-made Seafood Youvetsi, Grilled Branzino, and KÓMMA Shrimp specialties. With Chef Sebastian Forero at the heart of the kitchen, diners can anticipate unrivaled personalized service and offerings. Premium meat and fish family-style dishes (serves 4-6ppl) will be delivered and prepared tableside by Chef personally, adding to KÓMMA’s signature guest experience.

Spanning three uniquely defined spaces, KÓMMA invites guests through a sensory journey through its decadent Mediterranean dining room, intimate cocktail-driven lounge area, and delicately veiled outdoor garden oasis. The design takes its cues from European cafes and highly sought-after coastal destinations. Each space was thoughtfully designed to create the perfect spot for family gatherings, a quaint date night, brunch with friends, or a celebratory night out on the town.

Led by Jordan Cohen, KÓMMA’s not-to-be-missed cocktail program is tailored to indulge each guest’s individual palate. The playfully flavor-focussed yet sophisticated cocktail menu highlights specialty favorites such as the KÓMMA Salud; Tequila, jalapenos syrup, mango puree, and lemon juice, Nona Moves to Miami; Olive oil infused Vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, balsamic vinegar, basil leaf, strawberry, and soda, and A Smokey Lemonade; Mezcal, lemon juice, simple syrup, amaro, grapefruit juice, spiced bitter, to name a few. The ambiance encompassed by KÓMMA’s uniquely devised indoor/outdoor venue lends to the perfect spot for guests looking for a delectable pre-dinner or pre-night out on the town cocktail at the bar, in the restaurant’s lounge area, or within the dim-lighted garden courtyard.

KÓMMA is located at 560 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Restaurant hours of operation are as follows: Monday-Sunday, 12:00PM - 12:00AM.

The MICHELIN Star Guide to Miami Design District: Restaurants In MDD Claim Four MICHELIN Stars And Four Bib Gourmand Awards

The first Florida MICHELIN Guide is out and Miami Design District emerged as the leading hotspot neighborhood with their restaurants receiving four MICHELIN Stars and four Bib Gourmand awards. The MICHELIN Guides are one of the most influential restaurant review publishers. The MICHELIN Guides were first published in 1900 the French tire company Michelin and are published annually by city across the globe. For the first time in 2022 did Florida restaurants have the ability to earn a coveted MICHELIN Star, in which a restaurant can earn up to 3. A restaurant can annually earn or lose stars, making the MICHELIN Guide highly competitive among chefs and restaurants. Restaurants can also earn a Bib Gourmand award which recognizes good quality, good value restaurants.

Miami Design District’s French hotspot, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, was the only 2-Star-honoree in the state of Florida. Cote and Le Jardinier rounded out the Miami Design District’s Michelin Star recipients each earning 1 Star.

Restaurants in Miami Design District also notably received four Bib Gourmand awards for the neighborhood’s mediterranean outpost, Mandolin Aegean Bistro; Peruvian-Japanese hotspot, Itamae; American staple, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink; and acclaimed bakery, soon to join the neighborhood, Bachour.

Other restaurants in Miami to receive a MICHELIN Star were Ariete, Boia De, The Den at Sushi Azabu, Elcielo Miami, Hiden, Los Felix, Stubborn Seed, and The Surf Club Restaurant from Chef Thomas Keller at The Four Seasons Surf Club.

Miami also had 15 more restaurants receive a Bib Gourmand award including Chug’s Diner, Doya, El Turco, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Hometown Barbecue, Krus Kitchen, La Natural, Lung Yai Thai Tapas, Phuc Yea, Red Rooster Overtown, Sanguich de Miami, Tinga y Cafe, Zak the Baker, and Zitz Sum.

Miami Design District is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the world, home to a number of luxury fashion houses, art galleries, fine dining experiences, and cafés. The open-air, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, known for its many distinct and artistic façades, notably boasts a highly energy-efficient infrastructure and became the first neighborhood in the world to achieve the Gold level (LEED ND: Built v4 Gold). The neighborhood was inspired by the worlds leading shopping districts including Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive and visitors can enjoy mature canopy-covered streets and walkways, sculptural specimen trees, and extensive rooftop gardens.

MDD MICHELIN Star Winners:

L’ATELIER DE JOËL ROBUCHON (2 Michelin Stars)

L’atelier Miami is the newest incarnation of the late Chef Joël Robuchon’s groundbreaking concept, which first opened in Paris’s Saint-Germain neighborhood in 2003, and has since planted roots in the Miami Design District. L’Atelier’s name refers to a craftsman’s workshop, exemplifying immaculate technique and abundant creativity. The format of the menu at L’Atelier allows guests the flexibility to create their own experience. A meal can be composed of an à la carte selection of small plates, appetizers, and entrées, or the 4-course Summer Menu “Aux Saveurs L'été” a 4-course seasonal tasting with choices for each dish.

COTE (1 Michelin Star)

COTE, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™ and vision of proprietor Simon Kim, unveiled in Miami’s Design District in February 2021. The 5,892-square-foot restaurant emulates its flagship, high-energy New York City-based locale synonymous with marrying the fun and fire of Korean barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The result is a unique and convivial atmosphere infusing a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service complemented with a show-stopping beverage program.

Le Jardinier (1 Michelin Star)

The French word for "gardener," Le Jardinier's cuisine and setting evoke a modern greenhouse in the heart of the Miami Design District. Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli's menu is focused on utilizing the highest quality vegetables, seasonal ingredients, and fresh herbs, fitting seamlessly into the modern, light-filled interiors designed by award-winning Architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The refined yet approachable cuisine, atmosphere, and service creates a holistic hospitality experience for guests.

MDD Bib Gourmand Winners:

Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Bib Gourmand)

Mandolin will greet you with a dose of warm, genuine, Mediterranean hospitality as you indulge in the taste and traditions of the Aegean. Founded by husband and wife team Ahmet Erkaya and Anastasia Koutsioukis, Mandolin Aegean Bistro opened in Miami in 2009. They restored a 1940's home with one of the most notable gardens and outdoor patio space in Miami, where every attention to detail matters. Dedicated to using local ingredients while incorporating the Aegean techniques, this Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine has put Miami Design District’s dining on the map

ITAMAE (Bib Gourmand)

Located across from famed Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome in Miami Design District’s Palm Court Plaza, Itamae is a 40 seat restaurant from Chefs Nando, Valerie & Fernando Chang offering technique driven, Peruvian-Japanese flavors and traditions while also celebrating local and seasonal ingredients. Itamae made The New York Times' 2021 Restaurant List as well as being regarded as one of the best restaurants in Miami by The Infatuation.

MICHAEL’S GENUINE FOOD & DRINK (Bib Gourmand)

The special experience that results when delicious food and thoughtful service come together, designed by a team who cares about great products and making people happy. Locals and visitors alike embrace and crave this unique approach to dining out — some may consider Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink a second home, a place where they’re comfortable, that they want to share with friends.

BACHOUR (Bib Gourmand)

Antonio Bachour grew up in Puerto Rico and was hooked on pastry from a young age, thanks to a childhood spent in his family’s bakery. He dedicated his first few years honing his trade in Puerto Rico as a pastry cook at Sand Hotel and Casino and Westin Rio Mar. In search of a better place to continue growing professionally, 2001 found Bachour States-bound, in Miami Beach, as executive pastry chef at Talula. Pretty soon he was trying his hand at Italian delicacies at both Devito South Beach and Scarpetta in New York and Miami.

Images via Miami Design District

Health-Focused Hotspot Pura Vida Opens New Location In Miami Beach's Sunset Harbour Neighborhood

Pura Vida continues to expand its presence across the region with the debut of its Sunset Harbour outpost. Characterized by its delicious health-driven menu and topical chic aesthetic, the esteemed all-day cafe now holds several highly coveted properties and continues its strategic expansion across the region. The opening marks the brand’s 11th location and third on Miami Beach, with more on the horizon for 2022.

Located steps away from the water’s edge, the latest Pura Vida outpost is nestled in the heart of Sunset Harbour and in close proximity to main attractions such as the Miami Beach Golf Club, Magnolia Park, and Lincoln Road. The 5,000 square foot space offers indoor seating characterized by the brand’s minimalist design elements, natural tones and light wooden finishes as well as outdoor seating lined with Pura Vida’s signature blue umbrellas.

“We feel honored to be expanding the Pura Vida family and are excited to be a part of the Sunset Harbour community. Sunset Harbour attracts a vibrant audience from all walks of life and we’re really looking forward to connecting with the locals, visitors and neighboring businesses alike.” Said Omer Horev, Chief Brand Officer and Co-Founder of Pura Vida.

Patrons can expect the brand’s signature quality-driven menu which includes Pura Vida’s famed All-Day Breakfast offerings showcasing a range of avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg sandwiches, wraps, bowls, raw organic Açaí Bowls and crisp and refreshing salads topped with wild ahi tuna, chicken, salmon, or vegan-lentil based adashah. Other health-focused highlights include a variety of cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, kombucha, artisanal coffees and an assortment of fresh-baked gluten-free and vegan sweet treats.

New to Pura Vida’s beloved menu is a distinct blue smoothie, “Coco Azul” made with blue spirulina, moringa, hemp seeds, coconut water, banana, pineapple, mango, coconut flakes; and a sweet potato base option for bowls. To coincide with the Sunset Harbour opening, Pura Vida will introduce exciting new menu items like the ‘Miami Beet’ juice, a signature croissant sandwich with Pura Vida’s egg salad and four new wellness shots; Daily Green, Eternal Youth, Immunity, and Shot of Glow which will be made available across all Pura Vida outposts.

Pura Vida Sunset Harbour is located at 1940 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Hours of operation are 8AM - 4PM, daily. Ample street and public garage parking is available on Andalusia Avenue. Delivery and pick-up are available through the Pura Vida Miami app.

Limestone Acquires PLANTA Property In Miami Beach's Ritzy South-Of-Fifth For $12 Million

Miami-based Limestone Asset Management has acquired the flagship South-of-Fifth property which is home to PLANTA in Miami Beach for $12 million. The 7,835 SF building was completed in 2018 as the first built-to-suit and the first PLANTA in the state of Florida and sits on a 9,148-square-foot (0.21-acre) lot. The property is located at 850 Commerce Street, Miami Beach, FL, 33139 in the affluent South of Fifth neighborhood.

Kevin Sanz of Orion Real Estate Group represented the buyer, Limestone Planta, LLC. Alex Sharrin of JLL represented the seller, Commerce Street Properties, LLC. First National Bank of South Miami is providing financing. Limestone Asset Management is led by Ibrahim Al-Rashid and invests in and acquires real estate properties over all asset classes throughout North America. Limestone Asset Management is an affiliate of Orion Real Estate Group, its joint venture partner in the deal. Limestone Asset Management uses Orion Real Estate Group's expertise to complete all of its North America-based transactions.

PLANTA, a David Grutman project led by Founder and CEO Steven Salm and Co-founder and Executive Chef David Lee, is Miami’s premier location for innovative plant-based fine dining. Its goal is to expand the acceptability, enjoyment, and celebration of the power of plants. The restaurant’s owners are the lessees and will remain in the building until 2028.

Champions of plant-based living for better health, community, and the planet, the restaurant has locations in New York, Toronto, and Maryland, in addition to Florida, with plans of expansion in Chicago and California. Additionally, PLANTA offers nationwide delivery of its plant-based signature dishes, desserts, condiments, and sauces.

“PLANTA is a unique restaurant concept, and we are excited to purchase their flagship property located in the South of Fifth neighborhood,” said Ibrahim Al-Rashid, chairman of Limestone Asset Management. “Rarely do opportunities present themselves in this neighborhood. A block from Joe’s Stone Crab, one of America's most iconic restaurants, is a place every landlord would love to be.”

Major Food Group Opens Dirty French Steakhouse In Brickell

Major Food Group (MFG), the globally acclaimed hospitality brand that has taken Miami’s restaurant scene by storm, has opened its first-ever project in Brickell, Dirty French Steakhouse, a glamorous, energetic, and extraordinary interpretation of the classic steakhouse. Located at 1200 Brickell Avenue, the restaurant welcomes guests beginning April 29th and is poised to become one of the most celebrated and sought-after steakhouses in America.

“After making this paradise home, we realized that there was a tremendous opportunity to bring a sensational steakhouse to Brickell in true MFG fashion—a sophisticated, contemporary, high-energy culinary blockbuster fit for the most exciting city in the world today. It simply does not get any more major than Dirty French Steakhouse, which is the beginning of a series of big projects in the neighborhood,” said Jeff Zalaznick, MFG Co-Owner.

This new steakhouse from MFG Co-Founders Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, and Rich Torrisi breathes new life into the storied genre while remaining true to its history. The expertly conceived menu combines the finest meat and fish, sourced from the world’s most esteemed purveyors, with French influences and an irresistible flair for bold flavors. Dirty French Steakhouse offers everything one would expect to find at a steakhouse of the highest caliber—abundant raw bar selections, elegant seafood entrées, indulgent aged steaks, and an array of amazing sides—all executed to perfection, with a dose of Dirty French style that makes them more satisfying and seductive than ever. Complementing these steakhouse essentials are thrilling takes on classic French preparations, including a Dover Sole Meunière to share served tableside, the best Duck à l’Orange in the country, and a stunning Soufflé program. Dirty French Steakhouse is the culmination of MFG’s decade-long search for the very best ingredients and reflects the mastery honed during that journey, which includes the opening of their American chophouse The Grill in New York City, now widely considered an icon.

But this Dirty French Steakhouse concept and its 80s-era swagger could only exist in Miami. The opulent, playfully irreverent, and entirely transportive space consists of numerous dining rooms, each boasting its own dazzling aesthetic. Masterfully brought to life by longtime MFG collaborator Ken Fulk for maximum lavishness, the atmosphere nods to the neon glitz of the Magic City as well as the sumptuous elegance of legendary institutions like Maxim’s of Paris.

“Dirty French feels instantly iconic. We took inspiration from legendary hot spots across the globe—El Morocco, Indochine, Maxim’s Paris—using elements from these fabled nightclubs like animal prints, jungle patterns, mashrabiya screens, silk lanterns. The result is an utterly intoxicating atmosphere,” said designer Ken Fulk, Founder of Ken Fulk, Inc.

Throughout the experience, guests can expect polished hospitality from charismatic service captains dressed in custom-designed pink tuxedos, a range of celebratory dishes prepared tableside, and an intoxicating spirit of sophisticated decadence. Worth a visit alone is Dirty French’s 700-plus-bottle wine list, which took several years to build and is as remarkable as any in the United States.

MFG now operates a portfolio of over 30 restaurants, bars, private clubs, and hotels spread across the globe. At the beginning of 2021, the company embarked on a groundbreaking run of restaurant openings in South Florida, including CARBONE and HaSalon on Miami Beach, ZZ’s Club in the Miami Design District, and Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove. Among the company’s many forthcoming projects is MAJOR., a residential tower just down the road from Dirty French steakhouse at 888 Brickell Avenue. Upon completion, the development will be the tallest building of its kind in Miami.

Images via Image via Kris Tamburello Studios and Major Food Group