Art Basel Dining Hit List Featuring Coveted Culinary Experiences
From Thursday, December 1 through Friday, December 9, renowned private collectors will join together for the first time ever to showcase their world-class pieces at COTE Miami. In partnership with Artline, a public art project consulting firm based in New York City, and presented by American Express, guests will have the opportunity to view private art (not typically available to the public) and learn about the collectors and their vision and personal stories while indulging in a specially curated Art Basel Feast ($125pp++) offering available on the all-day menu at this Michelin-starred KOREAN STEAKHOUSE™. Featured artists will include Do Ho Suh, Leonardo Meoni, Yoshitomo Nara, Fernando Botero, Auguste Rodin, Robert Rauschenberg and George Condo. Be among the first to score reservations for this limited seating engagement.
“A Taste of Art” at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
“A Taste of Art” is an immersive exhibit taking place Dec. 1 – 4 at Mandarin Oriental, Miami during Miami Art Week featuring a collaboration between the luxury hotel property, artist John Collingwood, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Aubi & Ramsa. Visitors will indulge in a unique multi-sensory experience intended to showcase the intricate, creative elements that constitute the perfect cocktail, dish and artwork. Introducing ratio-ism into art, Collingwood’s 17 paintings will be prominently displayed throughout the property, including the hotel’s popular MO Bar + Lounge; its award-winning Peruvian restaurant, La Mar by Gastón Acurio; and along the sleek walls of the hotel lobby and a special gallery area -- with each artwork inspiring one-of-a-kind tasting experiences.
MO Bar + Lounge will offer prime viewing of the artworks paired with tastings of three of the gin-based cocktails using Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. In addition, MO Bar + Lounge will highlight The Martinez, a classic cocktail highly regarded as the precursor to the Martini presented alongside Collingwood’s interpretation on canvas. At La Mar by Gastón Acurio, six of Collingwood’s bold and vibrant paintings will inspire world-renowned Executive Chef Diego Oka to curate three enticing dishes and three cocktails. A third element of the programming is the introduction of a daily activation by Aubi & Ramsa, where a specially created ice cream flavor inspired by the Martinez will be available for tastings each day.
Where to Dine Near the Art Fairs
ALLAPATTAH/DOWNTOWN
La Cañita (Located near PAMM and Easy Access from Art Miami on Metro Rail)
La Cañita is the latest Caribbean-Latin American concept-driven restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and partner David Martinez, located in Bayside Marketplace. With spectacular waterfront views of Miami and live music curated daily, La Cañita is certainly the place to be for big bold flavors, fun specialty cocktails, and the overall quintessential Miami experience! La Cañita is located at Bayside Marketplace at 401 Biscayne Blvd., 2nd floor in Downtown Miami. Open Monday - Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m
LEKU (Rubell Museum)
Located within the notable Rubell Museum in the bustling Allapattah neighborhood and recently recognized by the 2022 MICHELIN Guide, LEKU brings the pleasures of eating in Spain’s enchanting Côte Basque to Miami. Featuring innovative cuisine without losing sight of its Basque roots, the culinary team at LEKU follows the same principle of adhering to seasonal local ingredients and cooking methods based on tried and true techniques. In addition to their inventive cuisine, LEKU’s beverage program is in a class of its own featuring innovative libations and sophisticated wine offerings, which recently earned them a winning title for Wine Spectator’s 2022 Award of Excellence. LEKU is located at 1100 NW 23rd Street in Miami. Open Wednesday - Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and Wednesday - Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner.
Eleventh Street Pizza (Miami-Downtown area)
David Foulquier launched Eleventh Street Pizza in Spring 2021 in the former Fooq’s location in Downtown Miami. At Eleventh Street Foulquier, a native New Yorker, brings to life his nostalgia for the pizza he grew up eating and the global flavors he enjoyed through his travels. In the kitchen is pie-maker Aquiles Bisogni from Salerno, a port city southeast of Naples, Italy. Before relocating to be with his family in Miami, Bisogni was a pie-maker for 29 years at the original Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street in New York’s West Village. Bisogni estimates he has made at least a half-a-million pies in his career. At Eleventh Street, the baking process starts with a sourdough mother that has been nurtured for seven years. The dough is fermented for 48-hours, then hand-pulled and hand-tossed to form round crisp pies, and two styles of square pies, a Grandma and a Sicilian. Starters round out the pizza experience and include salads featuring produce sourced from Miami-based, Urban Oasis Project. Add-ons include their signature meatballs made with Florida grass-fed beef, served with the Fooq’s tomato sauce, as well as weekly rotating subs. Eleventh Street Pizza is located at 1035 North Miami Avenue in Miami.
BRICKELL/LITTLE HAVANA
Cafe La Trova (Miami-Little Havana area)
At Café La Trova the world famous Julio Cabrera and his team of Cantineros (Cuban bartenders) bring to life the retro Cuba atmosphere with their artisanal, handcrafted cocktails while James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein lends her culinary prowess with a contemporary take on Cuban and Latin-styled dishes. The high-energy concept marries traditional “cantinero” cocktail culture with Miami’s 1980s Cubano renaissance offering classic and creative drinks, Latin-inspired food with a Michy-twist and live music daily. Located on Calle Ocho in the epicenter of Little Havana at 971 SW Eighth Street, Miami, Fla., Café La Trova is named for and inspired by the traditional Cuban music, la trova, which originated in Santiago de Cuba; and for the cantinero, meaning professional bartender, a cultural touchstone in the Cuban community, to whom attention to detail, hospitality and excellent service are paramount. The restaurant has garnered multiple awards and recognition including: ranking #28 on The World’s 50 Best Bars (2021); “Best American Bar Team” at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards (2020); GQ’s “Best New Restaurants in America” (2019); Esquire’s “Best Bars in America” (2020); “America’s Best Bartender” at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards (2019) and many more. Café La Trova is open for dinner service Sunday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Live music is daily, starting at 7 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 p.m. on weekends. Happy Hour is available at the bar from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
MIAMI
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI
La Mar by Gastón Acurio (Miami)
Helmed by Executive Chef Diego Oka and featuring the acclaimed cuisine of world-renowned chef Gastón Acurio, La Mar by Gastón Acurio offers diners the chance to explore the authentic and diverse flavors of Peruvian gastronomy. With an atmospheric setting overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, the restaurant’s contemporary design provides the perfect backdrop for La Mar’s signature cebiches, freshly grilled anticuchos and specialty cocktails. Offering a mix of indoor and outdoor waterfront seating with three lively bars providing distinctive culinary experiences the menu ranges from upscale novo-Andean fare to Asian-Peruvian fusion and traditional seafood ceviche. Open for dinner seven nights a week: Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight.
MO Bar + Lounge (Miami)
Located inside the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Miami, MO Bar + Lounge is revered as one of Miami’s most glamorous hotel bars. The chic design showcases panoramic skyline and water views, complemented by elegant seating at a 14-seat formal bar and 76-seat lounge. Guests can enjoy an innovative selection of classic cocktails and modern mixology offered alongside a menu of light plates. Every night, a specially priced social hour menu of handcrafted cocktails and wine provides an excellent option for pre-dinner drinks or relaxation after work. MO Bar + Lounge also hosts lively entertainment including Cuban jazz by Renoir Rodriguez, sultry Spanish guitar by the Fox Brothers on Friday and Saturday nights from 8:30 to 11pm and guitar and trumpet duo, Satori Sounds every Sunday from 7 to 10pm. Social Hour is held daily from 5 to 7 p.m.
DESIGN DISTRICT
WYNWOOD/MIDTOWN
COTE Miami (Located in Design District and near Institute of Contemporary Art)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.
Under the helm of executive chef David Shim, COTE’s signature menu items include 45-day, USDA prime dry-aged beef; nutrient and probiotic-rich side dishes; a Butcher’s Feast® featuring chef’s favorite four selected cuts of meat served with an assortment of Korean accompaniments; and an elevated Steak Omakase™ experience. The sleek 100+ seat dining room is designed to create an intimate, interactive experience for guests with smokeless state-of-the-art tabletop grills at every table. Elevated design details include an elaborate dry-aging room and two private dining rooms.
COTE’s thoughtful 1200+ label wine list was nominated for “Outstanding Wine Program” two consecutive years in a row by the James Beard Foundation, under the direction of beverage director, Victoria James and also awarded Florida Sommelier. The brand’s unwavering standard for excellence earned a place in the 2022 MICHELIN Guide Florida Star Revelation. This new distinction recognizes the COTE brand for being one of the only two restaurants in the United States with MICHELIN stars in multiple cities. COTE is located at 3900 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami’s Design District. Open Sunday - Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch. Open Sunday - Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday - Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Beaker & Gray (Miami-Wynwood)
Conceptualized by Chef/Owner Brian Nasajon and Bar Manager/Owner Ben Potts, Beaker & Gray is an eatery and bar in Miami’s popular Wynwood area with an inventive, playful, globally inspired menu and vibrant bar scene. Named after two elemental culinary tools - the Beaker, used by bartenders to mix drinks, and a Gray Kunz spoon, used by chefs to execute dishes. Beaker & Gray features small, shareable plates and elegant, yet fun, crafted cocktails utilizing worldly ingredients and fresh, locally sourced produce, including the Nasajon's backyard garden. All animal products are humanely raised - 100% grass-fed and free-range beef, free-range pork and poultry, and wild-caught fish. Coffees and teas are fair trade and pesticide-free, and filtered water is exclusively used in cooking. Beaker & Gray is located at 2637 N. Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33127. Hours of Operation: Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (kitchen until 10 p.m.); Friday & Saturday from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. (kitchen until 11:30 p.m.); Weekend Brunch 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Happy Hour Wednesday - Sunday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Website: beakerandgray.com
SUGARCANE Raw Bar Grill (Miami-Midtown)
SUGARCANE raw bar grill is a brasserie-style restaurant and raw bar serving sushi, open fire-grilled fare and globally inspired small plates. Since digging its gastronomic roots into the Miami dining scene in 2010, SUGARCANE has become a favorite synonymous with casual, cool and innovative cuisine. The restaurant has garnered widespread recognition, having received numerous awards including “Best New Restaurant” semi-finalist by the James Beard Foundation; “Best Restaurant” by Johnson and Wales; “Restaurant of the Year” by EATER, and “Best New Restaurant” by Miami New Times, among others. In 2016, SUGARCANE opened a second outpost on Restaurant Row at the Venetian® Las Vegas, an AAA Five Diamond luxury resort situated on the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant was quickly recognized by top culinary outlets including EATER, which called it “the most anticipated arrival of the year” and named SUGARCANE one of the “15 hottest restaurants in Las Vegas”; additionally, Thrillist and The Daily Meal dubbed it “Best New Restaurant”; and Lara Spencer of Good Morning America called it “Las Vegas’s newest hotspot.”
Moreover, SUGARCANE’s iconic duck & waffle dish became so popular that it inspired the opening of its own namesake restaurant in London, Duck & Waffle, which debuted in 2012. Located on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle is a 24/7 restaurant known for its vast views of the city, offering a playful take on traditional British cuisine with broad European influences. Through it all, SUGARCANE has sold over 2,000,000 duck & waffle dishes around the world, from Miami to Las Vegas to London and pop-ups in Hong Kong and beyond. SUGARCANE Midtown is located at 3252 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 3313. SUGARCANE Vegas is located at 3355 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109. Telephone: 786.369.0353 (Miami) + 702.414.2263 (Las Vegas)
MIAMI BEACH
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (Miami Beach)
Founded in South Beach in 2015 by Menin Hospitality’s Keith Menin and Jared Galbut, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is South Florida’s iconic brand offering an array of Mexican street food along with a unique night-life experience serving up award winning tequila and cocktails. The Mexican-inspired concept features an extensive menu showcasing authentic Mexican favorites along with unconventional and innovative interpretations. Since its inception, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has been nationally recognized and revered as one of the region’s hottest culinary and night-life destinations. Known to be the first to introduce fast-casual Mexican fare to South Beach, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has received several accolades from top media outlets such as GQ Magazine, InStyle Magazine and HuffPost, among others.
Sushi | Bar Miami Beach (Miami Beach)
Sushi | Bar Hospitality principals alongside Executive Chef Ambrely Ouimette expanded their distinguished Sushi | Bar omakase experience to Miami Beach, Florida October 2022. The popular omakase-style, speakeasy concept originally opened in Montecito, California (2018) and expanded to Austin, Texas (2020), and is located just steps from the Espanola Way promenade on the ground level of the Esmé boutique hotel. Each evening, a limited number of guests can enjoy a 17-course full omakase for $175++ per person.
Ouimette, is one of the country’s only female omakase chefs whose resume includes captaining the teams at iconic destinations Matsuhisa Denver (Chef Nobu Matsuhisa) and Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar in San Diego (Chef Jason McLeod). At Sushi | Bar Miami she will provide her interpretive take on the traditional sushi counter experience, preparing unexpected riffs on long standing sushi classics with her signature finesse of house made accoutrements like koshos, ferments, pickles, and salt-blends.
The menu at Sushi | Bar changes often but is steadfast in showcasing the freshest fish sourced and flown in weekly via some of the best markets in the world, including Japan, Australia, and California. While the omakase menu shifts almost daily, Sushi | Bar Miami will feature some of Ouimette’s signatures including Aged Bluefin Akami with dehydrated red miso and everything bagel spice; Hokkaido Scallop with white truffle salt, shaved black truffle and spherified truffle caviar; and Kanpachi with pineapple, passionfruit, shishito vinaigrette and shaved coconut. Additional Miami-exclusive dishes will be included in the chef-guided experience, influenced by the region’s leading purveyors and artisan growers.
Every location of Sushi | Bar is designed to transport diners to traditional Japanese sushi bars found in the 1930s with a sexy, mysterious allure that fades into a friendly, intimate experience between chef and guest. Nightly diners can enjoy a selection of available drink pairings, including sake, cocktails, wine, and beer. Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before their selected seating and enjoy a welcome cocktail to ease their way into Ouimette’s playful reverie on nigiri and other delicacies. Sushi | Bar Miami is located at 1438 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Reservations for Sushi|Bar Miami are exclusively available via Tock. Website: sushibarhospitality.com. For more information follow on Instagram and Facebook.
Tanuki Miami (Miami Beach)
Tanuki Miami is a modern pan-Asian eatery located in the heart of Miami Beach on the corner of Alton Road and 11th Street. With a menu thoughtfully curated with only the freshest, high-quality ingredients, Tanuki features sushi, sashimi, dim sum, and signature hot and cold Asian fusion dishes all created with a contemporary approach in preparation and presentation. An extensive sake and wine list is complemented by unique Asian-fusion signature cocktails. Inspired by a Japanese raccoon dog, known as Tanuki, that carries great folkloric significance. The central character and focal point of the space brings the myth of happiness and good fortune behind this gullible, yet also sometimes mischievous animal to life with the right combination of food, fun, and atmosphere. There’s something to celebrate every day of the week at Tanuki Miami. Kick off the week with “Maki Madness Mondays” featuring a selection of popular sushi rolls priced at just $10 from 4 p.m. until close. Roll into “Twofer Tuesdays” where their famous Dim Sum sets are Buy One, Get One free.
Humpday means it’s “Wine & Sake Wednesdays” when all wine and sake bottles are offered at 50% off. Thursdays are for Japanese Omakase menu specials and sake flights. Happy Hour is offered daily (weekends included) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend Brunch is offered on both Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. Additional information about Tanuki Miami can be found at TanukiMiami.com or by following along on Instagram at @TanukiMiami. Address: 1080 ALTON ROAD, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 Phone: (305) 615-1055; Website: https://www.tanukimiami.com/
Where To Go to Avoid the Art Basel Madness
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila (Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Coconut Grove)
Founded in South Beach in 2015 by Menin Hospitality’s Keith Menin and Jared Galbut, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is South Florida’s iconic brand offering an array of Mexican street food along with a unique night-life experience serving up award winning tequila and cocktails. The Mexican-inspired concept features an extensive menu showcasing authentic Mexican favorites along with unconventional and innovative interpretations. Since its inception, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has been nationally recognized and revered as one of the region’s hottest culinary and night-life destinations. Known to be the first to introduce fast-casual Mexican fare to South Beach, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has received several accolades from top media outlets such as GQ Magazine, InStyle Magazine and HuffPost, among others. For more information, please visit https://www.bodegataqueria.com/
Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar (Kendall)
Nestled at the foot of Kendall’s beloved “Love Lock Bridge” in The Palms at Town and Country, the new location for her celebrated original namesake concept opened to the public Summer 2020. The menu features Chef Adrianne’s most well-known dishes including her French Onion Soup on Tuesdays and legendary Cowgirl Bone-In Ribeye on Thursdays as well as contemporary classics such as a burrata bar and wood fired oysters. An enhanced craft cocktail and sangria program complements the restaurant’s 45-foot long bar. The 8,000 square-foot indoor and outdoor space seats features a terrace outfitted with a large retractable projection screen for special events and programming. Chef Adrianne’s beloved Dark Dining events now have an enhanced audiovisual experience. Two private dining rooms are available for private occasions, one of which called the “Atelier,” where Chef Adrianne displays the full spectrum of her craftsmanship exclusively for VIP guests; from the clay plates that she, her executive chef, mother, and grandmother handcrafted, to a unique menu tailored to each party.
Cracked by Chef Adrianne (South Miami)
This former food truck turned brick and mortar offers approachable, crave-worthy fare. Popular items include fried chicken sandwiches, truffled pepperoni pizza fries, and off-the-cob elote. In addition, Calvo brings a touch of her popular Kendall fine-dining restaurant to South Miami via a sangria of the week, a roasted Bell & Evans chicken, a hanger steak, sharable vegetable dishes, and an appetizer selection. Weekend brunch features a variety of egg dishes, pork belly, Belgian waffles, and cannoli cream and blueberry stuffed pancakes.
Fiola Miami (Coral Gables)
Fiola Miami is the third location of the brand ideated by Chef-Owner Fabio Trabocchi, who is celebrated as one of the world’s leading restaurateurs. Fiola D.C. was awarded a Michelin star, and Trabocchi brings that level of service, hospitality and quality of dining experience to his Miami location. The fine dining restaurant draws inspiration from regional Italian dishes, local and seasonal ingredients and Trabocchi’s own family traditions. The menus feature raw bar and “crudo” offerings, salads, soups and appetizers, house-made pastas, and innovative entrees with both seafood and meat cooked in the wood-fired oven or grilled over open flame. Fiola’s hours of operation are Monday from 5:30PM-10PM; Tuesday through Thursday from 12PM-10PM; Friday from 12PM-11PM; Saturday from 5PM-11PMl and Sunday from 12PM-8PM.
La Romanita (Hialeah)
La Romanita Restaurant & Lounge, the first restaurant by Prestige Hospitality Group, launched in August 2022. Adjacent to the 515-acre Amelia Earhart Park, La Romanita is located in the new Amelia District that was founded and developed by Prestige Companies. The district is the city’s newest mixed-use development located in the heart of Hialeah and is poised to be South Florida’s next dining destination. At the helm of this neighborhood eatery is Executive Chef Reinier “Rey” Mendez, who draws from both Cuban and Italian influences when creating his menus. Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Chef Rey began has worked in some of Miami’s most notable concepts including STK Miami, Shula’s Steakhouse, Naked Crab Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, alongside celebrity chef Ralph Pagano, Casa Tua Cucina in Brickell City Centre, and most recently Lure Fish Bar at Loews Miami Beach Hotel.
Upon arriving at La Romanita, guests will be greeted with a welcoming atmosphere complete with an outdoor patio with seating up to 40, full bar, dining room that seats 65 people, and open kitchen. The menu is a selection of Latin-inspired dishes, seafood, garden fresh salads, select cuts of meat, hearty entrees as well Italian focused dishes such as pastas and pizzas. The Pastas are made in house and come with a choice of orecchiette, spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine with sauce options ranging from rich to light and savory. Lasagnas are also made daily with vegetarian and meat options.
Perfect for sharing, Chef Rey’s Pizza uses a homemade dough made into a thin, crispy crust with a variety of toppings. The globally sourced boutique wine list includes over 80 different types of wines from regions all over the world. The wine program features everything from grower champagnes, vintages, unique terroirs, and notable wineries to more approachable labels and bottles for any occasion. Additional libations include craft cocktails and beers as well as fresh-squeezed juices and made to order coffees. Live entertainment, including live jazz will be a late-night, weekend must-see featuring local musicians and performers.