Art Miami/Art Basel is back in Miami and in full motion after two years of pause.
WHAT TO DO:
Brugal 1888 La Ventanita
December 1-10; exact location will be announced in the coming weeks
During Art Basel week, Brugal 1888, a premium rum produced in the Dominican Republic, will launch its third location for “La Ventanita” – a four-part Miami-area pop-up series – in the haute Miami Beach neighborhood, featuring an art installation with custom Brugal 1888 bottles created by Xicanx artist Michael Menchaca. A unique blend of passion for freshly brewed coffee and espresso as well as exceptional rum mastery, La Ventanita will be equal parts bustling daytime coffee shop and swinging evening rum bar. During “cafecito runs,” guests can lounge among plush seating and sofas while enjoying coffee or espresso and pastelito selections. Come happy hour, La Ventanita will energetically transition into the Brugal 1888 Rum Bar, a sensory experience unveiling the magic behind the distillery to cocktail process and how 130 years of rum mastery translate into a unique spirit. Master mixologists will shake up craft cocktails showcasing the premium rum - such as the signature Don Nano’s Favorite with Brugal 1888 and a coconut water ice sphere, as well as “La Ventanita,” a Brugal 1888 coffee infused cocktail - while sharing stories of the legendary Brugal family.
Open to Public: Yes, with reservations available here
WHERE TO STAY:
W South Beach With a 10-year reign as Miami’s go-to hotel for the rich and famous and the W brand’s most successful US hotel, W South Beach recently reopened after a $30 million renovation of its rooms, new spa and leisure spaces. The rooms were transformed into urban beach retreats, trading dark tones and shiny finishes for natural light, warm oak and a serene vibe. A new spa brand, Away Spa was brought in with a focus on detoxifying and nourishing the mind and body, with nourishing experiences incorporated into every aspect of the spa. What hasn’t changed for guests is that WSOBE is still the hotel with the largest room sizes in South Beach and the only hotel on the strip where every room has a balcony view of the ocean. Each guest at W South Beah receives a dedicated W Insider, available 24/7, who will take care of whatever, whenever (literally) from dinner reservations, grocery delivery, drivers, yacht charters and more. W South Beach is home to the opulent MR CHOW, which is known for their authentic Beijing cuisine; RWSB (Restaurant W South Beach) an American eatery led by Executive Chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia; IRMA’S, an outdoor oasis and craft cocktail outpost and WET, featuring two alluring swimming pools and newly renovated stylish cabanas. The hotel is the perennial hotspot for sun-seekers, scenesters and the well-heeled in Miami Beach so you may see some celebrities during your stay.
WHERE TO EAT:
Klaw Restaurant
1737 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132
Klaw is the newest concept opening in Miami November 2021 that will offer diners the epitome of the surf and turf experience. Arriving soon to the rapidly growing Edgewater neighborhood, Klaw will revive Miami’s Historic Women’s Club to its former grandeur with interior design by world-renowned designer Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Klaw will span across three floors in the grand Spanish Renaissance building encompassing a grand dining room with massive colonial-arched windows, private dining space, a theater kitchen and Edgewater’s only rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne Bay, perfect to get that exclusive Instagram content!
Buya Izakaya + Yakitori
250 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127
From the creators of KYU and new to the Miami food scene, BUYA Izakaya + Yakitori is a casual Japanese eatery which opened in fall of 2020. This all-day eatery serves up Japanese Soul food from its open kitchen, where shareable dishes like ramen, tempura beech mushroom, Bao buns and karaage chicken are grilled over charcoal. In the style of an informal pub, BUYA is adorned with tons of trinkets from numerous travels, a hand-painted graffiti mural and even features a secret cocktail garden. With sake and cocktail ninjas available, BUYA is open for lunch, dinner, happy hour and brunch, making it one of the trendiest places to grab a bite in Wynwood.
Krüs Kitchen
3413 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133
Krüs Kitchen - an artisanal food and wine market and restaurant, located in the heart of South Florida - brings Miami’s flavor and flare to every bite with city-inspired eats. Their seasonal menu items feature vegetable forward bowls, invigorative salads, wholesome sandwiches, homemade market goodies and more, while their evening options include a rotating menu that showcases the synergy between Chef Sebastián Vargas’ imagination and the inspiration offered by Miami. Featuring a natural wine bar and ecommerce market, Krüs Kitchen doesn’t just bring delicious eats, it brings food and wine lovers together to revel in the thoughtfully curated collection through weekly wine tastings, a subscription wine club and stories detailing everything you’d ever want to know about wine.
Los Felix
Los Felix, newest eatery to hit the Grove, is an open love letter to the fine and nearly extinct traditions that make up authentic Mexican cuisine. Focused on crafting traditional Mexican fare, using the finest heirloom corn and Milpa farming techniques, Los Felix blends culture with flavor to craft the ultimate Mexican-styled eatery. Eats include homemade Mexican tacos and quesadillas hand-crafted on the restaurant’s molino – traditional tortilla mill – tamales, aguas frescas and a mix of seasonal dishes paired with natural wines and craft beers crafted from the finest and freshest ingredients. Los Felix hosts multiple programmings each week including a natural wine bar with an extensive by the glass and bottle program and Miami’s first weekly Vinyl DJ music program with an analog sound system. Inspired by the grandmothers, mothers and female trailblazers who passed down their meticulous and extraneous cooking techniques from generation to generation, Los Felix honors truth through flavor, imagination through natural wine, and atmosphere through vinyl records.
Zuma Miami
270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131
After pioneering the Downtown Miami culinary scene for 10 years, global hotspot and local favorite Zuma Miami is launching into the next decade of its signature experience with the all-new Zuma 3.0. After undergoing a total revamp this past summer, the new Zuma Miami will continue to bring its iconic style of modern Japanese izakaya dining from the robata grill and kitchen to its Miami guests all while celebrating the famed eatery’s vision and next decade of style and innovation with fresh, newly minted décor and menu offerings.
MR CHOW
2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Even given the past tumultuous year for the hospitality industry, MR CHOW continues to reign as one of the area’s most iconic restaurants to dine, imbibe and be seen for more than a decade, and it isn’t hard to see why. Located directly on the beach in W South Beach, the venue features plentiful options for outdoor dining with private rooms and a dining patio, apart from its indoor seating, bar and lounge. This upscale, fashionable hotspot for authentic Beijing fare has a menu featuring one of the best prepared Beijing Duck in the world, Chicken Satay, MR CHOW Noodles and Ma Mignon for patrons to enjoy underneath a stunning 123-foot Gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier designed by Michael Chow himself. Foodies know there are few other places in the Miami area that will satisfy and tickle all senses like MR CHOW, which is why its loyal international clients return dine-after-dine for the perfect combination of art, fashion, music and, of course, cuisine.
MILA Restaurant
Located in the heart of South Beach, MILA is an energetic setting with an inventive menu set to transport diners on a culinary journey throughout the shores of the Mediterranean and Japan. Living up to its mantra “joie de vivre” (in translation, “joy of living”), the 250-seat rooftop restaurant opened September 2020 and embraces Miami’s unique vibrancy by pairing an elegant dining experience with a magical, glamorous nightlife. The MILA team introduces the bold signature flavors of the Mediterranean and Japanese culture, including miyazaki wagyu, olive wagyu and ohmi wagyu all imported from Japan. Other signature staples on the menu include black rock lava grilled prime filet, beef short rib 'kalbi,’ foie gras & uni diver scallop, truffle rossejat, shawarma-spiced wagyu gyoza, a ‘MediterrAsian’ maki program and more. The restaurant also offers exclusive experiences and programs, including their barcart, which entails a theatrical and multi-sensory mixology performance and experiential preparations. Apart from their iconic dinner service, MILA just launched a new brunch experience, complete with DJ performances and boozy beverage packages every Sunday from 11:30 am – 3:30 p.m. Inspired by the co-owners’ – Gregory and Marine Galy – travels and experiences, MILA aims to bring a high-end dining experience and transform it into a vibrant celebration. The full lively experience pays homage to the five elements and five pillars of their customers’ DNA – award-winning food, tasty mixology, high-end design, indulgent ambiance and cultured people. For more information, please visit www.milarestaurant.com or follow at @milarestaurants on Instagram and Facebook.
Estiatorio Ornos Miami
Escape to Greece with the award-winning MINA Group’s first Greek concept in South Florida, Estiatorio Ornos – bringing to life the sensory pleasures of a trip to the Greek Isles – the delectable fresh fish, beloved Mediterranean specialties, and genuine Greek hospitality – in an approachable, friendly environment everyone can enjoy. Lead by award-winning Chef Michael Mina and Las Vegas’ dynamic duo, Girair “Jerry” Goumroian and Chef Nikolaos Georgousis, the 160-seat neighborhood restaurant is set to transport guests back to the Mediterranean with daily specials, curated menus with simple and authentic dishes, Mykonos-inspired soundtrack and Greek-inspired décor. Estiatorio Ornos’ menu features a wide selection of fresh fish from Greek waters’ such as a lavraki (imported sea bass), fagri (Mediterranean snapper), astakos (lobster), and includes a raw bar displaying oysters, calamari, and octopus, as well as several popular, traditional items such as lemon chicken, lamb shoulder, and separately, classic spreads such as tarama carp roe caviar, tzatziki, hummus, and melizanosalata (roasted eggplant). The approachable restaurant is also home to South Florida’s first Fish Sommelier (responsible for sourcing the freshest fish from them the Aegean Sea where the product is delivered overnight, to finding hidden gems located within Florida’s local waters). For those looking to get a taste of Greece and welcoming ambiance, the neighborhood restaurant is located in Aventura Mall at 19565 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 946 Aventura, FL 33180. The restaurant launches for dinner from 5 – 10 p.m. on Tuesday’s – Sunday’s, and has a lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner menu. For more information, please follow the restaurant on Facebook or Instagram at @estiatorioornos or call 786.697.1681.
Sexy Fish 1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
An Asian-inspired restaurant originally located in London's Mayfair - in late November just in time for Art Basel Miami 2021. The new restaurant, located in Brickell will be the first international outpost for the Sexy Fish brandand. Overseen by Chef Director Björn Weissgerber, Sexy Fish Miami will serve a diverse menu inspired by the seas of Asia, with a focus on Japan. From signature items of the original Sexy Fish to the new dishes and bold, seasonally-inspired flavors, guests can indulge in Weissgerber’s culinary masterpiece in the hedonistic surrounds of the glittering restaurant - designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio - which features incredible 10 artworks by Damien Hirst as well as an installation by Frank Gehry comprised of 26 fish lamps. To further add to the ultra-glam experience, Sexy Fish Miami will offer exclusive late-night entertainment, allowing guests to enjoy the DJ’s tunes well into the night.
