Breakwater Hospitality Group Reveals Regatta Grove Star-Studded Culinary Line-Up

Breakwater Hospitality Group is set to open its newest concept, Regatta Grove, later this month. Situated along Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove at the new Regatta Harbour development, the community gathering spot will come to life with exceptional activations, groovy music and lofty waterfront views that together offer a relaxed, yet elevated experience. A star-studded lineup of culinary outposts by Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated chefs will line the perimeter of the city’s next hotspot, set to become the place to be for the quintessential Coconut Grove experience. Industry powerhouses and co-founders of Breakwater Hospitality Group, Emi Guerra and Alex Mantecon, are excited to expand their presence along the east coast, offering unforgettable and unparalleled entertainment venues in South Florida.

Three large bars will feature a wide selection of premium spirits, wine and beer, ensuring that guests can find the perfect beverage to suit their taste. In addition to the extensive offering of premium beverage brands, Regatta Grove will primarily focus its beverage program on an extensive list of refreshing, tropical cocktails and large format drinks made to share, all crafted with fresh fruit to compliment the open-air setting.

“Regatta Grove is a one-of-a-kind concept and a special opportunity for our team to bring a fresh perspective on waterfront entertainment to South Florida,” says Emi Guerra, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “Breakwater Hospitality Group’s goal is to continue elevating entertainment experiences while bringing innovative activations, creative beverage programs and chef-driven dining concepts together in one convenient location. Regatta Grove is an evolution of our current concepts, remaining in line with our company’s purpose and identity. We are excited to welcome guests to experience all Regatta Grove has to offer this summer. ”

A diverse array of food offerings will showcase each chef's unique perspective and expertise to create an experience second to none. Regatta Grove’s culinary outposts led by renowned chefs include:

JJ's (Guilty Pleasures) by Chef Jeremy Ford: JJ's (Guilty Pleasures) is named after the fast food and guilty pleasure items that Chef Jeremy Ford and his mother used to enjoy together. The menu consists of delicious burgers, including a mouth-watering fried soft-shell crab burger that's sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. In addition to the burgers, there are tacos, savory truffle fries, and crispy onion rings. Chef Jeremy Ford is a winner of Top Chef Season 13, a host on TV Show Fast Foodies and was recently awarded a Michelin Star for his renowned restaurant, Stubborn Seed.

The Piefather by Chef Jose Mendin: The Piefather is a pizza and Italian restaurant concept, created and curated by five-time James Beard award-nominated Chef Jose Mendin. Each pizza is inspired by a passion for creating unique, flavorful dishes. In line with those strong values that separate The Piefather from the average pizza shop, every item on the menu is crafted to make diners feel like a true part of the Piefather family. Quality is at the core of every pizza crafted, with quality ingredients being the pillar of an unforgettable pizza. Whether it’s the signature house-made “Don” specialty sauce, imported Italian toppings or the original fresh dough, every dish is infused with passion, imagination, and attention to detail.

Sunny Side Aussie Bites + Ice by Chef Janine Booth: Janine Booth, a Top Chef veteran and James Beard semi-finalist nominee transplanted from down under, cooks up native Australian bites in this sun-soaked waterfront cafe with love. A flavor-packed menu will feature savory Aussie pies, sausage rolls and empanadas, as well as healthy dishes like avocado toast, sunny salads and vibrant ripe fruit-filled sorbets and ice creams.

House of Birds & Drop Biscuits by Chef Kenny Gilbert: At House of Birds, guests can indulge in Signature Fried Chicken and Artisanal Drop Biscuit Sandwiches, along with an assortment of delicious salads and sides. The signature dish features Chef Kenny Gilbert’s original Classic Chicken Sandwich paired with the mouthwatering Flavor Bomb Sauce. Chef Gilbert's impressive credentials include being a finalist on Season 7 of Top Chef, as well as publishing his highly acclaimed cookbook, Southern Cooking, Global Flavors.

Tackle Box by Chef Jeff McInnis: A native Florida fisherman turned chef, Jeff McInnis cooks up local seafood in this waterfront fish shack with a view. From local fish tail sliders to chilled stone crab and caviar, you’ll be humbled with the freshest and best that the good ol’ Florida coast has to offer. As a Top Chef veteran and James Beard semi-finalist nominee, Chef McInnis brings his culinary expertise and knowledge to every dish he creates.

These outposts have been curated by and will be operated by CEOs and co-founders Francesco Balli and Ignacio Garcia-Menocal of Grove Bay Hospitality Group. The group is notably behind award-winning venues such as Stubborn Seed and Red Rooster Overtown, among others across South Florida, and brings an A-list roster of chef partners to craft stellar concepts at Regatta Grove.

“What sets Regatta Grove apart from any other venue in Miami is the uniqueness of its location,” said Alex Mantecon, co-founder of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “The venue is inspired by the essence of the sailing and boating community we all grew up enjoying in the neighborhood. As Miami locals, we have an immense appreciation for this community and wanted to create a one-of-a-kind experience that will resonate with the people of Coconut Grove.”

Regatta Grove encompasses approximately one acre, including three large outdoor bars and 412 seats with a total capacity for 981 people standing and seated. The nautical-themed concept takes inspiration from Florida’s coast, and the venue itself has been designed to resemble the bow of a boat. The space is surrounded by green lawn areas for a variety of new entertainment and wellness programming. The venue features multiple decks, a walkway to the waterfront, direct access to the marina and dockage for guests who would like to arrive by boat. Regatta Grove was designed by John Cardello from Cube 3, with finishes designed by Hexecute.

Regatta Grove is located at 3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133 at Regatta Harbour.

Images and Renderings via Breakwater Hospitality Group

Gucci Opens Newly Expanded Two-Story Lavish Boutique At Bal Harbour Shops

Gucci has officially opened its newly expanded Bal Harbour Shops boutique, now situated across two sprawling floors and featuring a custom staircase connecting the levels. With the expansion the boutique has doubled in size and includes a dedicated menswear second floor takeover highlighting the men’s offering including ready-to-wear, shoes, and luggage. The updated first floor now features an expanded offering across women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry & watches, eyewear, décor and Gucci Beauty, as well as an inviting private VIP shopping area.

With the expanded space in the boutique, customers can explore a range of categories and products, including the new Cosmogonie collection with a focus on men’s tailoring and iconic handbags, such as the Dionysus. The store will also offer a selection of precious leather handbags and shoes for both men and women.

With a look that invites customers to feel welcome and relaxed, the interior design is discreet. Contemporary luxury is suggested not only by the employment of beautiful and idiosyncratic materials, but also through a determinedly spare use of space. Custom geometric painted wood floors and marble polychrome inlays produce decorative three- dimensional effects on the floors, while being harmoniously integrated with the herringbone wood flooring. Juxtaposition of this sort, where opposites forge a new connection, is repeated throughout: display units inspired by vintage brass racks contrast with the softness of the rich fabrics that adorn the rooms; round tables offset rectangular ones; varnished, silver, gold and black iron finishes complement the pink velvets, used for upholstery. Throughout the store one finds sumptuous chairs, while vintage oriental rugs are layered over the floors for a textured effect. The result is a space that entices, surprises and feels personal to Gucci.

As part of Gucci’s commitment to implement and enhance eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies in the House’s stores worldwide, the new store has LED lighting; and a Building Management System (BMS) to monitor and promote energy efficiency.

Founded in Florence, Italy, in 1921, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury brands. Following the House’s centenary, Gucci forges ahead continuing to redefine luxury while celebrating creativity, Italian craftsmanship, and innovation.

Situated at 9700 Collins Avenue on 17.42 acres in an exclusive oceanfront community located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Bal Harbour Shops was completed in 1965 as the first all-luxury fashion shopping center and has been meticulously maintained throughout the years. Bal Harbour Shops has operated at 100% occupancy for several decades with a waiting list. In addition to the anchor tenants, the Shops is home to more than 100 of the most sought-after global, high-fashion boutiques and brands, including Chanel, Gucci, Richard Mille, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo and Valentino. The destination also boasts the highest concentration of restaurants in Bal Harbour including Makoto, Le Zoo and Hillstone at Bal Harbour.

Images via Pablo Enriquez for Gucci & Gucci

Touzet Studio-Designed Entertainment Development 'The Vessel' Hits The Market For Lease in Wynwood

Leasing is now underway at ‘The Vessel’, a high-end multi-space commercial development located at 101 NW 26th St. in Wynwood. The ultra-modern property was designed by Touzet Studio, who also designed Miami' Beach’s Apple and Nike flagship stores on Lincoln Road. ‘The Vessel’ spans 20,000 SF of leasable retail space and features multiple F&B entertainment suites complete with outdoor terraces and a rooftop with spectacular views of the vibrant Wynwood neighborhood. ‘The Vessel’ is currently under development with delivery expected in early 2025.

Wynwood has been one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in recent years and ‘The Vessel’ is drawing interest from some of the most renowned restaurant groups in the world. Other hot restaurants in Wynwood include Hiden, Hiyakawa, Bakan, Kyu, Doma, Uchi, Omakai and Astra.

Currently for lease include 8,200 SF on the ground floor, a 2,700 SF indoor retail space with a 1,900 SF outdoor terrace on the second floor as well as a 3,800 SF retail space with a 4,200 SF outdoor rooftop terrace. Jonathan Carter and Ryan Brodsky of Collier’s have the listings for the retail spaces and are searching for only the best and highest performing restaurant groups to lease in the building. For more information on leasing contact the team at Collier’s here.

Michelin Starred Chef Shingo Akikuni to Open His First Restaurant, Shingo

Critically-acclaimed Chef Shingo Akikuni will open his very first restaurant, SHINGO, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 inside the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables. SHINGO is an intimate, 14-seat, omakase restaurant that will offer an 18-course dining experience featuring traditional Japanese nigiri, seasonal sashimi and Yakimono dishes with premium sake pairings. Chef Akikuni brings his years of experience and accolades to SHINGO. Most recently, he served as executive chef at Miami’s Japanese fine-dining restaurant Hiden. Under his helm as executive chef, Hiden was one of the first restaurants in Miami to be awarded one star from the MICHELIN Guide in 2022.

The 850-square-foot space has been entirely designed and constructed by expert woodworkers in Kyoto, Japan before being de-constructed, transported and reassembled in Miami. Upon entering SHINGO, guests will feel as though they have been transported to Japan’s classic omakase dens. The restaurant features traditional Japanese design elements and vintage materials, including the use of Hinoki and Sugi woods on the counter, ceiling and grand entrance, which doubles as an art gallery. The dining room features an intimate “L-shaped” 14-seat counter made of a rare 10 meter slab of Hinoki wood. Special touches and details are found in every moment at SHINGO, from the unique silver chopstick holders, crafted to resemble food shapes, to an array of custom-made ceramic plateware created by Kyoto-based ceramics maker Shin Murata.

Passionate about sharing Japanese culture through food in America, Chef/Owner Akikuni is excited to add to the thriving dining scene in Miami and seeks to provide diners with an individualized experience based on their personalities and preferences.

“I first moved to Miami five years ago, and I feel that the restaurant scene has been booming year by year, featuring so many passionate and talented chefs whom I call my colleagues and friends,” says Chef Shingo Akikuni. I'm overjoyed to be able to open my first restaurant in Coral Gables using the experience and skills I've learned working in restaurants in Tokyo, New York and Miami. I’m looking forward to serving our guests dishes that change with the seasons and to continue to add value to the culinary landscape in Miami.”

The 18-course menu at SHINGO will change seasonally, with a rotating selection of fresh sushi variations and Yakimono dishes which are prepared through traditional grilling practices. Guests can expect dishes such as Japanese Binchotan Charcoal Grilled Eel topped with caviar and fresh wasabi served with premium sake. Personally sourced and selected by Akikuni himself, SHINGO'S fresh ingredients are imported from Japan and found locally in Florida.

Shingo Akikuni is a third-generation sushi chef originally from Osaka, Japan, and is recognized as one of the best sushi chefs in Florida. Growing up making sushi at his family-owned restaurant in Osaka, Chef Akikuni was taught and trained by both his father and grandfather before coming to America in 2017. Previously, Akikuni served as Sushi Chef at an award-winning sushi restaurant in Tokyo, before moving to Miami and taking on positions as Sous Chef at Sushi Azabu, and, finally, as Executive Chef at Hiden, where the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star.

SHINGO is located at the La Palma building at 112 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134. SHINGO will be open for dinner five days a week (Tuesday – Saturday) with two seating options at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The 18-course omakase experience is $180 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. An optional wine and sake pairing is available for $95 per person.

Major Food Group Opens Sadelle's Miami Design District Location With Exclusive Capsule Collaboration With Kith

Major Food Group and Kith have partnered once again for the first-ever U.S.-based outpost of Kith for Sadelle’s in Miami Design District. Sadelle’s, Major Food Group’s enduringly popular all-day dining institution that originated in New York, is now open to the public on the second floor of Kith’s new Miami Design District flagship. Kith and Major first collaborated on Sadelle’s at Kith Paris before expanding the brand with the Miami opening. A lifestyle as much as a restaurant, Sadelle’s has also teamed up with Kith to release a limited edition Capsule Collection featuring a selection of Sadelle’s X Kith branded apparel exclusive to the Miami Design District location.

The Sadelle’s concept, which first opened in downtown Manhattan in 2016, is a breakfast-centric haven, power-lunch hotspot, and energetic dinner destination all in one. Named after MFG Co-Founder Jeff Zalaznick’s great grandmother, the New York-inspired restaurant attracts a worldly clientele in search of leisurely sophistication and some of the best bagels in America, among many other signature dishes.

The Miami Design District location features white-washed ash walls with picture frame molding which are met by a checkerboard floor, fluted ming green counter, and fluted Carrara marble header, creating a space that is both polished and inviting.

Kith for Sadelle’s Miami offers the restaurant's signature menu items including its infamous brunch. Guests can look forward to quintessential Sadelle’s classics: bagels, sliced-to-order House Salmon, chopped salads, and world-famous French Toast and Blueberry Pancakes, but it will also offer a variety of exclusive specialty breakfast sandwiches that pay homage to popular NYC ‘deli-style’ sandwiches culture. The sandwich menu is available only at the bar counter, and features three sandwiches served exclusively at Sadelle's in Kith Miami Design District: The Spicy Hash – over-medium egg, crispy hash brown, and roasted pepper on a kaiser roll; LEO – salmon, egg, onion, and cream cheese on a bagel; and "BLT" – bacon, tomato, and Sadelle's signature coleslaw. Other notable menu highlights include a variety of cocktails, wine and beer, coffee, and more.

As a commemoration of its official opening, Kith and Sadelle's have collaborated on a capsule collection exclusively for their newly opened location at Kith Miami Design District. The apparel and accessories collection features the beloved all-day dining institution’s logo and vintage American diner-inspired colorway with a signature Kith twist, paying tribute to their new home in Miami. The Sadelle's x Kith capsule collection includes a trucker hat and a range of crew necks, hoodies, and t-shirts, with prices ranging from $50 to $165 USD available exclusively for in-store purchase.

Sadelle’s is a modern ode to New York’s classic tradition of all-day dining. Since opening its first location in the heart of SoHo in 2016, the brand has reached iconic status thanks to its urbane, celebratory atmosphere and a menu of hits, including some of the best bagels served anywhere. Among its many accolades, Sadelle’s was named an essential brunch destination by Harper’s BAZAAR and Cosmopolitan, and its sticky buns were ranked one of the Best Dishes of 2015 by The New York Times. Sadelle’s currently has outposts in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and Paris, with Dallas and Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road location to follow.

In the span of a decade, MFG has grown into one of the most acclaimed hospitality groups in the world. They have pioneered a celebratory style of dining at such iconic restaurants as CARBONE and The Grill, forged groundbreaking partnerships with leading designers and luxury brands, and opened The Ludlow Hotel in Manhattan and The Newbury Boston. Since 2020, the company has expanded into several markets, from South Florida to Paris, while exploring new ventures like the private membership venue ZZ’s Club in Miami and The Crown Club at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. In addition to building renowned restaurants, MFG is proud of its support of various social causes and its lasting partnership with the Robin Hood Foundation, one of New York City’s most important forces in the fight against poverty. To date, MFG has been awarded a total of 18 stars from The New York Times and three from the Michelin Guide. MFG’s businesses are located in New York City, Miami, Boston, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Paris, and Tel Aviv. The concepts include CARBONE, Sadelle’s, The Grill, ZZ’s Club, Dirty French, Parm, Contessa, and The Lobster Club.

Robert Rivani's Black Lion Investment Group Acquires SLS Brickell Restaurant Space For $10 Million

Black Lion Investment Group, the Miami-based real estate and hospitality developer led by Robert Rivani, has added yet another trophy property with the acquisition of the trophy restaurant space at SLS Brickell for $10,000,000. The restaurant space is approximately 13,500 SF of indoor / outdoor space and was previously Bazaar Mar by Chef Jose Andres which closed in 2019. The sellers were members of the Qatar’s ruling royal Al Thanis family who acquired both the hotel and restaurant space for $43 million in 2014.

The deal was brokered by Fabio and Sebastian Faerman of FA Commercial, who represented Black Lion while Jordan Karp of Jordan Karp, LLC. and Andrew Dicky of JLL represented the seller in the transaction.

Black Lion intends on bringing yet another one of a kind concept to Brickell’s already spectacular restaurant scene with a proven track record of restaurants like Gekko at SLS LUX, Catch and Continuum, Philippe Chow, Amara at Paraiso, Delilah and Wynwood Jungle.

The 52-story SLS Brickell is an over-the-top, chic residence and hotel tower developed by Related Group located in the heart of Brickell, just a walking distance from Brickell City Centre. The tower hosts 453 contemporary residences and hotel suits with panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay.

Ralph Lauren Opens Iconic Luxury Concept In Miami Design District

Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) has opened a new luxury concept in the iconic Miami Design District, bringing the brand’s signature vision of timeless luxury to one of the most unique shopping and design destinations in the country. The Design District represents the intersection of luxury fashion, art and culture, and the brand will engage this vibrant community through a series of innovative and immersive moments throughout the year.

Showcasing the modern elegance, effortless sophistication and exceptional craftsmanship of the Company’s luxury labels, the new store will offer a thoughtfully curated assortment of Men’s Purple Label and Women’s Collection apparel and accessories, alongside one of-a-kind handbags and accessories exclusive to the Design District location. Taking inspiration from contemporary yachts and waterfront residences, the 4,135 SF store design features a sleek, crisp and modern design. Warm teak wood plank and white tile flooring is paired with blond mahogany wood millwork, alongside stainless steel and black ebonized detailing. The space is rich layered throughout with furniture from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, a carefully curated collection of bold, modern artwork and unique, striking objects.

Inspired by the creative spirit of the store’s location, a mural on the Miami Design District Museum Garage Wall will feature an artistic reinterpretation of the Women’s Collection Spring ‘23 campaign.

In celebration of the opening, Ralph Lauren will collaborate with Poolsuite, a Web3 community deeply rooted in the Miami lifestyle and aimed at building the future of internet leisure, to unveil a multi-tiered partnership, engaging a new audience. For Poolsuite’s first-ever brand collaboration, a co-designed Ralph Lauren x Poolsuite NFT will be gifted to all existing Poolsuite community members, unlocking exclusive access to attend a special event. In addition, holders of the Poolsuite’s Grand Leisure collection will be able to update their ‘Leisurist’ Avatars with digital Ralph Lauren looks, using the vintage-vehicle-inspired ‘RL 3000’ website.

Additionally, the store will become the first Ralph Lauren store to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. In partnership with BitPay, customers will be able to make purchases with multiple cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Polygon (MATIC).

Within the store, interactive digital screens will unlock the full breadth of Ralph Lauren products, allowing customers to discover and explore any item available in North America, book interactive styling appointments, integrate their wish lists and more.

In late April, the world of Ralph Lauren will come to life in Miami for the first time through an immersive experience at a water-front private estate in North Miami, complete with manicured gardens and a spectacular pool with incredible views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Over the course of three days of activations, guests will be transported to a distinctly Ralph Lauren expression of coastal living. Wicker lounge chairs accented with crisp navy and white awning stripes, touches of gold decorative accessories and classic blue-and-white entertaining moments from the Home collection capture the spirit of Riviera-chic style.

The Miami store opening builds on Ralph Lauren Corporation’s targeted expansion across North America, Europe and Asia as part of its Next Great Chapter: Accelerate strategy. The Company believes in building elevated ecosystems that integrate both digital platforms and physical stores and bring the World of Ralph Lauren to life for its consumers around the globe.

Israeli Mediterranean Hotspot MOTEK Opens Coral Gables Location

MOTEK, the family-owned Eastern Mediterranean restaurant celebrated for its warm hospitality and award-winning Arayes Burger, is opening its third location at 45 Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, as a response to the overwhelming demand for their quality-driven restaurant. The menu will offer authentic kosher-style Mediterranean dishes, presented in their beloved sunshine yellow atmosphere.

MOTEK was originally established in 2020 in Downtown Miami with the purpose of elevating the Magic City’s Mediterranean food culture. MOTEK offers thoughtful and traditional Israeli Mediterranean dishes that are equally innovative, with quality and freshness at the forefront. The restaurant’s new 7,600 square foot Coral Gables outpost features a modern design coupled with the restaurant’s iconic sunshine yellow hue and vibrant floral touches with cozy interiors designed to make you feel as if you’re dining somewhere between Jaffa and Tel Aviv.

“We are elated with Miami’s immense response to what began as a passion project of ours,” Co-Founder Tessa Levy says. “My husband and I’s deep appreciation for the food culture of our upbringing has inspired us to open the restaurant of our dreams, and we feel blessed to share our distinct vision with a flourishing community like Coral Gables.”

MOTEK’s new Coral Gables location will feature an array of menu items that draw inspiration from regions like Lebanon, Morocco, Yemen and more. The menu boasts an All Day Brunch section with standouts like the Shakshuka, Hummus Shakshuka, and Jerusalem Grilled Cheese; a variety of Hummus options made daily in small batches to preserve freshness; extensive Cold & Hot Mezzes offerings; refreshing Salads; Kebabs; Homemade Flat-Pitas; Wraps with a variety of proteins; and Burgers including the restaurant’s famed Arayes Burger, which has been awarded the coveted People’s Choice Award at South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s popular kick-off Burger Bash two years in a row. Ranging from freshly-made hummus, to hearty meat dishes and a slew of vegetarian options, MOTEK’s menu has something for everyone.

MOTEK’s Coral Gables outpost will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. MOTEK currently has two other locations situated at 36 NE 1st street in Downtown Miami and 19565 Biscayne Blvd in the Aventura Mall, and looks forward to welcoming its fourth restaurant in Miami Beach this summer.

Pura Vida Brings Their Health Driven Ethos To Miami Shores and Doral As Health Food Hotspot and Lifestyle Brand Continues to Expand

Pura Vida, South Florida’s iconic well food hotspot and lifestyle brand, is continuing to expand with the announcement of new two new locations in the residential village of Miami Shores and the up-and-coming area of Doral. Both outposts are slated to open in March and come shortly after the opening of Pura Vida’s first international location in Doha, Qatar late last year. Showcasing a menu that can be enjoyed any time of the day alongside a welcoming environment, each Pura Vida cafe establishes itself as a homebase for friends and family to gather in every neighborhood it folds itself into.

“We are very excited about these two new openings and the various community engagement programs and opportunities we have in the works. We always strive to make a positive impact by providing nutritious food, creating a network of people who value health. In addition to Doral and Miami Shores, we are continuing to extend our footprint into the sport and fitness space in the coming months — which resonates perfectly with our wellness lifestyle and healthy ethos.” Said Omer Horev, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Pura Vida

Pura Vida’s health-driven menu draws inspiration from family recipes and the Horevs’ travels. Pura Vida takes pride in offering a variety of nutritious and delectable dishes, sourcing local and organic ingredients, and high-quality proteins. Familiar Pura Vida patrons can expect the brand’s beloved All-Day Breakfast offerings which feature a range of avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg sandwiches, fresh bagels, and raw organic açaí bowls; clean chef-driven Salads that are customizable with the protein of your choice; Wraps & Sandwiches and Bowls featuring a variety of bases and proteins; as well as a wide array of gluten-free and vegan Sweet Treats; and a simple Kids Menu which includes gluten-free offerings like the Tiny Toasted Chicken, Cheesy Grilled Cheese, and Kid’s Acai. Additionally, Pura Vida’s menu includes a series of cold-pressed juices and shots, superfood smoothies, kombucha, and artisanal coffees and teas.

In 2015 Pura Vida initiated a robust re-brand, in which Chief Brand Officer and Founder Jennifer Horev completely reimagined the interior design of the brand to feel like an extension of their own home. Now outfitted with lush greenery, alluring floral accents, wooden finishes, and outdoor patios lined with the brand’s signature blue umbrellas, Pura Vida’s Instagrammable interiors offer an authentic, harmonic ambiance that exudes a sense of casual comfort and minimalist urbanity. Jennifer’s creative direction is rooted from her keen eye for design, emphasizing minimalist elements, natural tones, and bright, airy spaces inherent at all Pura Vida locations.

“I believe that the interiors are just as important as the food. Creating a space that’s warm, inviting, and calming was really important to me when we rebranded Pura Vida. The most rewarding part of opening new locations like Miami Shores and Doral is the deeper relationships that are made with community members that share the same values of quality and health. Whether you’re picking up your coffee on-the-go, grabbing lunch, or meeting us after school for a snack, Pura Vida is a gathering place for all.” said Jennifer Horev, Chief Brand Officer and Founder of Pura Vida

Omer Horev first opened Pura Vida in Miami Beach in 2012 as a side passion project. After meeting his wife and now business partner, Jennifer Horev in 2015, the pair began building the healthy menu being mindful of food allergies and dietary restrictions, as well as reimagining Pura Vida’s chic interiors. In addition to making nutritious foods more accessible, the South Florida grown, family-owned and operated lifestyle brand has proven its commitment to making a positive impact within South Florida. Pura Vida has created over 550 real careers across the region. Moreover, continuing its commitment to a more eco-friendly world, the brand also regularly partners with different organizations to participate in quarterly beach cleanups and, as part of their sustainability programming, the brand is also partnered with local organizations for composting food waste and donates the fertile soil back to local farmers in Miami.

Since 2012, Pura Vida has expanded into several areas in South Florida including South Beach, West Ave, Edgewater, Miami Design District, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Bay Harbor, Las Olas, Brickell, Sunset Harbour, Miracle Mile, and South Miami. Additionally, the brand recently kicked off the beginning of their Middle Eastern expansion with the unveiling of their first full-service restaurant in Doha, Qatar. This year, Pura Vida plans to open several new South Florida outposts, expanding coast to coast, as well as extending into the fitness sector with several sports club partnerships on the horizon.

Images via Pura Vida

Robert Rivani's Black Lion To Bring Philippe by Philippe Chow To One Ocean In Miami Beach's South of Fifth

New York-based restaurant Philippe by Philippe Chow has signed a 15 year lease to occupy the coveted restaurant space at One Ocean South Beach which was acquired by Robert Rivani’s Black Lion Investment Group in November 2022. With plans to open the flagship outpost in Q2 2024, Abraham Merchant and Richard Cohn are bringing the brand's legacy of sophisticated Beijing-inspired dining to Black Lion’s entire ground floor space at One Ocean in the heart of the South of Fifth neighborhood.

“Landing a legendary restaurant brand with an incredible following is in step with Black Lion’s vision to curate an epicenter for elevated dining and nightlife experiences,” said Robert Rivani. “Philippe by Philippe Chow will deliver a culinary cornerstone unique to the neighborhood and is the perfect fit for its future.”

Philippe by Philippe Chow will occupy 13,500+ square-feet on the corner of South Pointe and Ocean Drive. Attached to multi-million dollar residential condos, the space interiors span 10,000-square-feet with 3,500-square-feet of exteriors. An iconic restaurant for almost two decades, Philippe Chow’s first, and now flagship, location opened in Uptown Manhattan in 2005. Since then, the restaurant remained an undisputed favorite among New York City’s power crowd—including athletes, musicians and film stars—who crave Chef Chow’s interpretation on traditional Chinese cuisine.

Known for his modern, flavorful, and theatrical style, Chef Philippe Chow—the brand’s visionary and namesake—is world-renowned for his lavish, Beijing-style dishes and pioneered the way for fine-dining Chinese cuisine in the U.S.

“The expansion of Philippe Chow to such an iconic location in this taste-making gateway city is a key milestone for the brand both here in the United States and overseas,” says Abraham Merchant, president and CEO of Philippe Chow.

This will be Philippe by Philippe Chow’s southern flagship in the United States, following its Washington DC Wharf outpost opening in April of 2023, along with a downtown Nashville location targeted for a 2024 Q1 opening. In addition to the US expansion, the Middle East expansion continues, in addition to a multi-unit agreement in KSA, a new agreement in Kuwait City has been signed, and discussions are proceeding in Egypt and Dubai.

With nearly two decades of storied history, the Chinese eatery is a carefully crafted offering where substance drives notoriety. Meticulously designed signature dishes are infused with the flavor of Chow’s upbringing and made with the freshest ingredients, including the legendary Peking Duck, carved tableside for an unparalleled experience.

Black Lion was represented by Fabio Faerman and Sebastian Faerman with FA Commercial, while Philippe Chow was represented by Jeremy Modest and Ryan Tucker of RIPCO Real Estate.

“We were thrilled to work with Phillipe Chow to support the company’s expansion to South Florida. The Miami market continues to showcase strength and remains an attractive location for world class operators,” said Jeremy Modest, Executive Managing Director at RIPCO Real Estate. Our goal at RIPCO Florida is to help guide the best tenants New York City has to offer down to Florida by focusing on finding excellent locations and the right Landlord’s to partner with which was demonstrated in our work with Philippe Chow.

Specializing in ownership of flagship restaurant properties, Rivani’s vision for Black Lion’s transformative “Restaurant Row” along South Pointe Drive is now complete, with Philippe by Philippe Chow anchoring One Ocean South Beach, Catch Miami Beach opening at the Continuum high-rise this fall, and Marea Condominium’s multi-restaurant space reaching 100% occupancy with Kosushi Miami, a Brazilian-based Michelin Star restaurant; RED, a locals-favorite steakhouse; and a soon-to-be-announced, world-renowned tenant.

Since 2022, Black Lion has secured over $100 million in acquisitions across South Florida with a rapidly expanding portfolio of restaurant/hospitality properties from Miami Beach to Wynwood, Brickell and Downtown – including the space for Gekko by David Grutman x Bad Bunny; Amara at Paraiso with chef Michael Schwartz; Wynwood Jungle with a newly opened Fable rooftop restaurant; the ground floor of Zaha Hadid’s iconic One Thousand Museum; and Delilah at Brickell Bay boardwalk.

Images via @fordofilmz and Philippe by Philippe Chow