SOBEWFF 2018 Reflections

Another South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) in the books. My eighth, to be exact. By now, I’ve figured out a game plan that usually works for me: where to stay, how many days to attend, and which type of events to choose. I know I don’t prefer the larger functions (there and anywhere […]

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Habitat by José Mendín

I waited for the dust to settle before visiting the new Habitat by José Mendín. The space, formerly occupied by Chef Tom Colicchio’s Beachcraft, seemed untouched. And that’s a good thing. The interiors, in sandy neutrals and beachy woods, remain as stunning as ever. Now, I”m hopeful this new venture by the Food Comma Hospitality Group (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Pubbelly Sushi, Baja Bao, PB Ysla, and PB Burger) can survive our temperamental dining scene. This is Miami, after all, restaurant revolving-door capital. Offering a complete sea to table experience, Mendín’s new dishes aim to apply modern techniques to create new flavor profiles drawing from Spanish, Latin and Asian traditions.

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Beachcraft

Gone are the dark, sultry, and clubby STK interiors that existed before Beachcraft’s big remodel. The result is gorgeous. The Meyer Davis interior design team (also the designers responsible for The Dutch) did an incredible job creating a Hamptons-meets-SOBE look. The chic interiors may scream glam, yet they are still warm and inviting. I wouldn’t mind moving in! But, sadly, that’s where the restaurant props end.

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New kid on the block- SIENA TAVERN

I’ve been meaning to visit Chicago’s Siena Tavern for a while, but I’ve never gotten around to it.  Back home, for nostalgic reasons, the sight of the abandoned former China Grill space always saddened me. Luckily for me, I now get to enjoy Siena Tavern in my own backyard and see the 5th and Washington corner come […]

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1826 Restaurant and Lounge

Growing up in South Florida has allowed me to experience the rebirth of our beloved South Beach, a.k.a. SOBE, first hand. Surprisingly, not everyone knows that for a while there SOBE resembled a scene out of Miami Vice. Ocean Drive? Think quiet, retirement homes, and oceanfront rocking chairs. Washington and Collins Avenue? Good luck walking those shady, dark streets […]

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