Miami’s dynamic dining scene has just reached a new pinnacle of luxury and innovation with the arrival of Maple & Ash, the acclaimed steakhouse concept from Maple Hospitality Group. The visionary team behind Maple & Ash, Eight Bar, Monarch, and Kessaku has expanded its award-winning portfolio by opening a flagship location in Downtown Miami’s Miami Worldcenter. This two-story, 22,000-square-foot venture is the group’s most ambitious project yet, blending culinary mastery, unparalleled hospitality, and unrestrained luxury. While Eight Bar and The Studio are set to open at a later date, Maple & Ash is already making waves as a must-visit destination.
At the helm of Maple & Ash is Chef Danny Grant, a two-MICHELIN-starred culinary expert who has brought his signature wood-fired steakhouse experience to Miami. Originally launched in Chicago’s Gold Coast in 2015 and later expanding to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2019, Maple & Ash has redefined the modern steakhouse with a balance of sophistication and vibrant energy.
From the moment guests step into Maple & Ash, they are embraced by an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. The menu is a seamless blend of elevated steakhouse classics and locally inspired dishes. Among the standout experiences are:
“I Don’t Give a F@k” Tasting Menu* – A bold, chef-driven selection where diners place their trust in the kitchen’s imagination.
Fire-Roasted Seafood Tower – A reimagined take on the traditional seafood display, featuring hearth-roasted shellfish finished with garlic butter and chili oil.
Wagyu Experience – Showcasing premium Kobe beef sourced directly from Japanese auctions.
Ricotta Agnolotti (“Pillows of Love”) – A decadent, melt-in-your-mouth pasta creation.
Sundae Service – A playful and extravagant dessert experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Complementing the culinary offerings is an exceptional wine and cocktail program. Named ‘one of the most outstanding wine programs in the world’ by Wine Spectator, Maple & Ash boasts a 2,500-label wine list featuring selections from renowned producers and hidden gems alike. The cocktail menu offers a curated collection of innovative and classic drinks, including:
IDGAF Old Fashioned – Glenfiddich 21yr, Pedro Ximénez, maple reduction, amaro, chocolate truffle bitters, and 24k gold.
Espresso Martini Tower – A stunning take on the beloved espresso martini, served in dramatic fashion.
Designed by Studio K, Maple & Ash Miami redefines the classic steakhouse with a luxurious yet playful aesthetic. The space features several distinct dining areas, including:
Bar Lounge & Dining Room – A refined yet energetic setting with an open kitchen showcasing chefs at work.
The Salon & The Atrium – Home to the striking “Upside Palm,” a dazzling 10,464-crystal-bead reinterpretation of Miami’s iconic palm tree.
Bar Bocuse & Petit Bocuse – Intimate “nooks” offering exclusive culinary experiences like caviar, champagne, and rare cuts of meat.
The Studio – A hidden, speakeasy-style lounge that merges sophisticated comfort with a sense of mystery. Featuring plush seating and ambient lighting, The Studio provides an exclusive, multi-functional space perfect for intimate gatherings and stylish nights out.
With its signature blend of culinary artistry, impeccable service, and immersive dining experiences, Maple & Ash Miami is set to leave a lasting impact on the city’s gastronomic scene. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a visitor looking for an extraordinary night out, this unapologetically bold steakhouse promises an unforgettable experience.
Celebrating Coastal Cuisine: A Taste of La Màrtola in Miami
Miami’s culinary scene is about to get a taste of coastal elegance with the arrival of La Màrtola, a new restaurant nestled in the vibrant Buena Vista neighborhood. While it may not be a waterfront establishment, La Màrtola’s essence lies in celebrating the rich flavors of the Italian, French, and Spanish Rivieras. Spearheaded by New York food and beverage entrepreneur Paolo Domeneghetti and the esteemed Martino de Rosa, owner of Italy’s renowned La Filiale pizzeria in Erbusco, La Màrtola promises an unforgettable journey through coastal cuisine.
At the heart of La Màrtola’s concept is the fusion of tradition and innovation, bringing classic coastal fare to life with a contemporary twist. The menu is a symphony of flavors, featuring wood-fired or grilled meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables sourced from local markets. Each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the simplicity and quality of traditional recipes while embracing innovative techniques.
Begin your culinary adventure with tantalizing starters that set the stage for the feast to come. Indulge in delicacies such as oysters, orata crudo, and bluefin akami tuna tartare infused with gin, grapefruit, and orange. For those craving bold flavors, the lobster salad or paleta Iberica with chips offer a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
As you explore the main course offerings, savor succulent options like grilled lamb, turbot, rotisserie chicken, and the iconic bistecca Fiorentina. La Màrtola’s house specialties, including olive ascolane, fried cremini mushrooms, and heirloom tomatoes, provide a tantalizing glimpse into the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.
No coastal culinary journey would be complete without indulging in the comforting embrace of pasta and pizza. La Màrtola delights pasta enthusiasts with classics like tagliolini al limone and bucatini guanciale, expertly prepared to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
For pizza aficionados, La Màrtola offers Neapolitan-style pies baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. From the decadent Carbonera featuring pecorino romano fondue, guanciale, and fried zucchini flower to the aromatic Vesuvio with smoked scamorza cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and sausage, each bite is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to culinary craftsmanship.
Step into La Màrtola’s white European-style dining room and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. While the ambiance may not resemble a typical pizza joint, every corner exudes warmth and sophistication, inviting guests to savor the moment and indulge in the art of fine dining.
Paolo Domeneghetti encapsulates La Màrtola’s ethos perfectly, stating, “We highlight the simplicity and quality of classics, blending tradition and innovation to create a space that inspires the art of savoring life.” With each dish meticulously crafted to perfection, La Màrtola invites diners on a culinary voyage along the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.
As Miami’s newest culinary gem, La Màrtola promises an unforgettable dining experience where every bite tells a story of coastal charm and culinary mastery. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening for two or a memorable gathering with friends and family, La Màrtola invites you to indulge in the flavors of the Rivieras right in the heart of Miami.
Nick Jonas and John Varvatos to Launch Villa One Tequila Gardens in Miami Worldcenter
Miami is set to welcome a new pinnacle of culinary and nightlife innovation with the introduction of Villa One Tequila Gardens, a venture co-founded by pop sensation Nick Jonas and renowned menswear designer John Varvatos. This exciting addition aims to infuse the vibrant essence of Mexico’s finest tequilas and mezcals into the heart of Downtown Miami, nestled within the sprawling $6 billion Miami Worldcenter development.
Slated for a grand opening in 2025, Villa One Tequila Gardens promises an exotic rooftop retreat spanning 12,294 square feet atop the ‘Jewel Box’ retail building at 150 NE 8th Street. This space is part of the 27-acre mixed-use Miami Worldcenter, which is rapidly transforming Miami’s urban landscape with a rich blend of residential, commercial, and hospitality offerings. The Tequila Gardens will feature a diverse selection of over 150 tequilas and mezcals, complemented by Baja-style Mexican cuisine, offering guests a unique escape within the bustling city.
The venue will boast panoramic views of the Downtown Miami skyline, a raw bar, a tequila tasting room led by a dedicated tequila sommelier, and an intimate speakeasy operated by a yet-to-be-announced nightlife brand. This addition is poised to enhance the Miami Worldcenter’s appeal, joining other recently announced dining and entertainment concepts such as Starbucks, Earls Kitchen + Bar, Sports & Social, Sixty Vines, and Bowlero.
Miami Worldcenter, one of Florida’s largest privately owned urban developments, is a testament to the vision of Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani, in collaboration with CIM Group. Nitin Motwani emphasizes that Villa One Tequila Gardens will offer a unique rooftop experience that melds Mexican-inspired cocktails and cuisine with Miami’s modern sophistication, providing a captivating destination within the city’s dynamic core.
Designed by KOM Studio, the venue will immerse guests in the luxurious and authentic Mexican lifestyle, featuring rich textiles, agave-inspired greens, and vibrant neon accents. This addition further enriches the Miami Worldcenter’s growing portfolio of tenants and hospitality destinations, including Michelin-star-rated offerings by Ariete Hospitality Group, national retail brands, and the citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel.
Villa One Tequila Gardens is set to become a landmark destination within Miami Worldcenter, offering an unparalleled rooftop experience that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Mexico, all while embracing the vibrant energy and sophistication of Miami.
Ken Fulk Designed Casadonna Restaurant Set to Open in Edgewater this Weekend
In the heart of Miami’s Edgewater district, overlooking the pristine waters of Biscayne Bay, a new luxury dining experience is set to emerge. Casadonna, a collaboration between the renowned Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality, is poised to redefine waterfront dining in Miami. Designed by the illustrious Ken Fulk, this 20,000-square-foot establishment, opening on October 26, promises an ambiance of opulence and a menu inspired by Italy’s coastal culinary treasures.
With the capacity to host 366 discerning guests, Casadonna offers a Riviera-esque dining experience. As the sun sets, the azure waters of Biscayne Bay and the iconic Miami Beach skyline serve as a mesmerizing backdrop. The menu, a blend of locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients, boasts signature dishes like Crispy Young Artichoke, Royal Dorade Aqua Pazza, and Bistecca Fiorentina. Handcrafted pasta and a lavish crudo bar, featuring delicacies like Langoustine Ceviche and Tuna Carpaccio, further elevate the dining experience. Complementing the culinary offerings are bespoke cocktails and a meticulously curated wine collection, encapsulating the essence of the Italian seaside.
David Grutman, the visionary behind Groot Hospitality, remarks, “Casadonna is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Our collaboration with Tao Group Hospitality aims to offer an unparalleled dining experience, blending authentic Italian flavors with Miami’s vibrant energy.”
Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality, shares the enthusiasm, “Our debut in Miami, in partnership with Groot Hospitality, is a significant milestone. We’re confident that Casadonna will soon be a staple in Miami’s elite dining circuit.”
Nestled within the historic Miami Women’s Club building, Casadonna pays tribute to its roots. The name, a fusion of the Italian words “casa” (home) and “donna” (woman), honors the legacy of the Miami Women’s Club, a beacon of community service and activism since 1900. Among its many accolades, the club played a pivotal role in the inception of what is now the Everglades National Park.
Ken Fulk, the design maestro, has seamlessly integrated the building’s rich history with modern luxury. From the Courtyard Bar, reminiscent of a secret garden, to the Loggia Dining Room with its intricate millwork and custom chandeliers, every corner of Casadonna promises a sensory delight. As patrons traverse the establishment, the allure of Biscayne Bay becomes increasingly captivating.
For those seeking an evening of elegance or a weekend brunch with unparalleled views, Casadonna opens its doors on Thursday, October 26th, with brunch services commencing on Saturday, November 11th, 2023.
Juvia’s Strategic Pivot-a Testament to Miami’s Flourishing Landscape
In the dynamic world of investment, adaptability is paramount. Similarly, in the realm of Miami’s culinary scene, Juvia, the illustrious rooftop restaurant and bar that once held sway over Lincoln Road’s nightlife, has demonstrated this principle. After an impressive 11-year run in Miami Beach, Juvia is set to transition to the Miami Worldcenter—a staggering $6 billion, 27-acre development poised at the epicenter of downtown.
Jonas Millán, the visionary behind Juvia Group alongside his partner Alexandra, remarked on the city’s transformation, “Over the past decade, Miami has transcended its identity as merely a beach destination. Its metamorphosis into a burgeoning metropolis necessitated our evolution.” After meticulous scouting, the Miami Worldcenter emerged as the unequivocal choice for Juvia’s next chapter. Millán envisions the new establishment, slated for a late 2024 launch, to surpass its predecessor in grandeur, boasting expansive outdoor spaces and a more lavish terrace bar.
The Miami Worldcenter, located at 1010 NE Second Ave., is not just a real estate marvel but a culinary hub. It already houses three ventures from the esteemed Chef Michael Beltran’s Ariete Hospitality Group. Furthermore, 2024 will witness the inauguration of several more dining establishments, including New York’s Serafina and Dallas’s Sixty Vines, among others. Beyond gastronomy, the development is set to feature retail giants like Sephora and Lululemon, as well as avant-garde entertainment venues.
Juvia’s culinary direction remains rooted in its legacy—French cuisine infused with Latin nuances. However, with Miami’s dining scene witnessing a renaissance and the city earning Michelin accolades, Millán acknowledges the heightened benchmarks. “The culinary landscape is evolving rapidly. While some perceive market competition as daunting, I view it as a catalyst—an impetus to innovate and elevate our offerings.”
Nitin Motwani, the strategic mind behind Miami Worldcenter Associates, always envisioned Juvia as the crown jewel of the development’s rooftop. Familiar with Millán’s prowess through Bonito St. Barth, Motwani recognized Juvia’s transformative impact on Miami Beach. “Their influence was palpable. Our initial blueprints often echoed the sentiment, ‘Imagine having an establishment akin to Juvia here.’ Their relocation is serendipitous—a confluence of an expiring lease and the allure of what’s poised to become Miami’s nexus.” Motwani envisions the Worldcenter as a tapestry of diverse experiences, with Juvia serving as both a haven for celebratory occasions and a regular dining fixture.
In the high-stakes world of real estate, we understand the significance of strategic shifts and seizing emerging opportunities. Juvia’s transition is emblematic of this ethos—a testament to the vision, adaptability, and promise of Miami’s burgeoning landscape.
