South Beach to Welcome a Colorful New Pedestrian Bridge by 2026

Excitement is building in South Beach as construction officially begins on a vibrant new pedestrian bridge designed to connect the South of Fifth baywalk with a recently completed park. The developer mobilized yesterday to commence work on this artistic infrastructure project, which promises to enhance the area’s aesthetic and pedestrian accessibility.

The bridge, titled Walking In, Along and Under the Colors, is the vision of renowned French artist Daniel Buren. Known for his use of bold, colorful designs, Buren’s work is expected to transform the entrance to South Beach into an engaging and visually striking landmark.

The pedestrian bridge and park are integral to the approval process for the nearby Five Park tower, which opened in November as the tallest building in Miami Beach. The park and bridge will serve as community-enhancing amenities, providing a seamless connection for pedestrians and showcasing the developer’s commitment to urban improvement.

Construction Timeline and Phases

Construction is set to unfold in several stages:

1. Temporary Fencing Installation: The first phase involves setting up temporary construction fencing to secure the site.
2. Utility Relocation: Crews will relocate underground utilities along Fifth Street to prepare for the next steps.
3. Foundation Excavation: In a few months, excavation will begin for the bridge pedestals on both the north and south sides of the causeway.

The anticipated timeline projects a completion date in the summer or fall of 2026, bringing a new landmark to life within just a few years.

Once completed, Walking In, Along and Under the Colors will not only enhance pedestrian access but also serve as a symbol of South Beach’s innovative and artistic spirit. As construction progresses, residents and visitors alike can look forward to an exciting addition to the city’s iconic landscape.

New Mediterranean Restaurant to Open at Ritz Carlton South Beach

José Andrés, a chef and the creator of World Central Kitchen, is coming back to Miami Beach; his restaurant group intends to open a new eatery at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Zaytinaya.

The Bazaar by José Andrés, the only restaurant Andrés owned in Miami Beach, closed earlier this year at the SLS South Beach hotel. Elcielo, the eatery owned by Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, has taken its spot. In 2022, Elcielo in Brickell was awarded a Michelin star. The Ritz Carlton’s old Fuego y Mar property will house Zaytinya’s third restaurant; the previous two locations debuted in Washington, D.C., in 2002, and New York, in 2022.

All food and beverage operations for the opulent hotel, a Forbes Four-Star establishment at 1 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, including the restaurants, lobby bar, Ritz Club lounge, and in-room dining, will be taken over by The José Andrés Group. Fuego y Mar Mediterranean restaurant’s present location will be taken up by the new Zaytinya restaurant.

The name is Turkish for “olive oil,” which is appropriate: Lebanese, Greek, and Turkish cuisines are reflected in the menu. The firm hopes to launch Zaytinya by the end of 2023 but hasn’t provided any information regarding the menu or a timeline for Fuego y Mar’s closure.

This week, the organization will begin hiring employees at the restaurant. In the United States, the Bahamas, and the United Arab Emirates, the José Andrés Group has more than 30 eateries.

South Beach Wine and Food Festival is Back and Will be Bigger Than Ever

Thousands of people will visit Miami Beach from February 23 to 26 to eat, drink, and celebrate the South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s 22nd anniversary. All proceeds from the event will go to the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. More than $34 million has already been raised, ensuring the hospitality sector’s future through educating the next generation.

The festival is well-known for its signature activities like the Grand Tasting Village, the Burger Bash hosted this year by Emeril Lagasse, and a gala tribute dinner with this year’s honorees, chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Pernod Ricard’s Alexandre Ricard, with Bobby Flay serving as master of ceremonies. However, every year also brings new activities and a few surprises.

According to Lee Brian Schrager, the secret to success is that blend of the old and new. According to the founder of SOBEWFF, he’s constantly searching for fresh brands and activations.

A Sunday afternoon tea dance and drag show with a special appearance by disco queen Thelma Houston are new attractions this year. Schrager is also looking forward to Sunday afternoon’s Overtown EatUp, which will be hosted by Marcus Samuelsson. The celebration, which draws inspiration from Harlem EatUp, will celebrate Overtown’s vibrant culture. The participating eateries and musical acts will be chosen by Samuelsson. Also, Overtown EatUp revenue will be used to finance scholarships for Overtown students enrolling in FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

The festival will, according to the founder of SOBEWFF, this year more than ever showcase diversity in the hospitality sector with activities like a cookout with JJ Johnson and Dwyane Wade and a Sunday brunch with James Beard Award winner Mashama Bailey. For one delectable day, Bailey will bring the Grey, a restaurant she owns in Savannah, to Miami Beach.

The SOBEWFF, according to Schrager, is primarily intended for people to eat, drink, and enjoy themselves. And it appears that the formula works.

The 2023 South Beach Wine and Food Festival will take place from Thursday, February 23, to Sunday, February 26. The price of tickets are $35 with pre-sale tickets available for Capital One Cardholders. For more information on the schedule of events, click here.

Top 5 Events at the Sobe Wine and Food Festival 2022

Today begins the long-awaited Food Network & Cooking Channel Sobe Wine & Food Festival. This national 4-day event, located in South Beach, showcases the world’s top culinary geniuses including chefs, wine connoisseurs, spirit producers, and notables taking you on a delicious tour of local and international cuisines.

This festival is a 21-year-old tradition that began as a small local event to showcase southern wines and spirits and now it has evolved into an event that brings 60,000+ people to Miami from all over the world. The Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management hosts the event and brings in more than $31 million to cover scholarships, programs, and future events.

The festival itself features 70+ events and we have broken down the Top 5 Must-Visit shows for this year’s festival.

Coke Zero Sugar presents Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE with Guy Fieri

Thursday, February 24th, 7 pm-10 pm at North Venue Beachside at Delano– Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, your favorite Food Network show, is heading to the dunes of South Beach for a one-night-only appearance. Guy Fieri, the iconic chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best Selling book, Emmy Award-winning TV personality, and now 2022 Tribute Dinner recipient, will take you on a gastronomic journey that will leave your tastebuds screaming for more

All foodies are invited to sample Guy Fieri’s journeys around America in pursuit of some of the greatest “greasy spoon” eateries featured on his hit program. Fieri is no stranger to organizing the Festival’s most memorable festivities, and to commemorate the 21st year, he’ll be returning on the beach with some of America’s finest local food places to establish a collective of 25+ eateries to produce their mouth-watering concoctions on the sand.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best Friday

Friday, February 25th, 7:30 pm-10:30 pm at Fontainebleau– Gathering 50+ of the nation’s greatest chefs to exhibit their most gourmet samplings to pair with over 60 wines. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach sets the perfect stage for this grand walk-around affair, which will feature a lineup of critically acclaimed chefs, James Beard Award nominees, and finalists, and Food & Wine Best New Chefs.

Only the founders and winemakers from each winery are asked to serve their finest varietals so you can learn how some of the world’s best vino is selected. There will also be a Wine Wall raffle entering you for a chance to take the Best of the Best experience home with you. Following its record-breaking success at last year’s event, the Wine Wall is returning to provide participants the opportunity to experience the appeal of Best of the Best for themselves at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach!

Foodventure at Citizens MiamiCentral Culinary Market hosted by Dwyane Wade

Saturday, February 26th, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Citizen MiamiCentral Culinary Market – Downtown’s newest food hub awaits with a three-time NBA Champion and one of the most successful and legendary players in Miami Heat history, Dwyane Wade, during this walk-around eating experience. Citizens Miami, opened this winter by Sam Nazarian and his team at C3 by sbe, features a 26,000 square foot, 16-stall culinary market featuring C3’s popular culinary brands such as EllaMia, Umami Burger, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, and many more.

With delectable bites, trendy pop-ups, and wines from Wade Cellars, as well as delectable cocktails from the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio, this early evening soirée will feature culinary creations perfectly executed by chefs from around the world, as well as local stars from South Florida. During the event, restaurants featured at Citizens Miami will exhibit new menus inspired by renowned chefs such as ‘Chef’s Table’ star Dario Cecchini, ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu Morimoto, Umami Burger’s Chef Alvin Cailan, and Ella Mia’s pastry chef and babka king Shimi Aaron.

King St. Vodka presents Peace Love Yoga: A Soulful Yoga Experience at Nikki Beach with special guest Kate Hudson

Sunday, February 27th, 10 am-11:30 am at Nikki Beach – Practice self-care at this deeply nourishing yoga experience sponsored by celebrated actress and businesswoman Kate Hudson and King St. Vodka, an ultra-premium spirit inspired by her old home on King Street in New York City.

This DARLEE production is the brainchild of two of Miami’s most accomplished women (and yogis): philanthropist and marketing maven Arlene Chaplin, and the soulful Dawn B, who will lead the morning’s practice with her encouraging words and invigorating attitude. Nikki Beach will be transformed into a soothing pop-up yoga class, replete with a well-deserved post-session selection of healthy snacks, tunes by DJ Taz Rashid, King St. Vodka beverages, and Barton & Guestier wines that will respect both your practice and your palette.

Bacardi Carnival

Sunday, February 27, 2022, 6 pm-9 pm – Beachside at The Ritz-Carlton of South Beach – Join the celebration at The Ritz-Carlton of South Beach to wrap up the 21st anniversary of the Sobe Food and Wine Festival which will be hosted by James Beard Award-winning TV personality Andrew Zimmern, who also works as a chef, food writer, and teacher.

Zimmern is widely recognized as one of the food world’s most varied, knowledgeable, and “bizarre” characters, and he’s ready to add his vivacity and enthusiasm to this sand feast. The name of the game is free-flowing spirits, as BACARDI creates delightful cocktails with spirits from their extensive collection, including Bombay Sapphire, Tequila Cazadores, Dewar’s, D’ussé, Grey Goose, and Patrón.

The vibrant and colorful environment will be enhanced by live music, creating the perfect beach carnival to close up your Sunday Funday at the Festival!

Visit Sobe Wine & Food Festival for information on tickets and other events.

Rooftop Cinema Club is Coming to South Beach

Set to debut this spring will be the first rooftop movie theater in Miami, offering a new experience to the film business. Rooftop Cinema Club is located at 1212 Lincoln Road in the center of Miami Beach, offering spectacular views not only on the big scene but of the city from every angle.

This isn’t the only rooftop movie theater of its kind! Rooftop Cinema Club has locations in New York, San Diego, Houston, Los Angeles, and London. Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach will debut with an 18-and-up age limit, with the possibility of more family-oriented movies in the future.

Guests will be able to view some of their favorite films from golden hour till dark, with several screenings taking place every day. The theater will screen a mix of genres, including old-school classics, cult films, and new releases. The programming schedule includes films such as Mean Girls, Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Pulp Fiction.

Guests will be able to enjoy all of the theater’s iconic movie snacks as well as a customized food and beverage menu

As far as seating, you will have the ability to choose between a single lounge seat or an Adirondack chair for the movie. A massive LED screen gives the film’s crispest video, combined with wireless headphones for great audio and each guest’s preferred volume level.

According to Rooftop Cinema Club’s website, they are much more than just a movie theater. The brand has evolved to include a social and outdoor component that will leave you with an unbelievable experience. You will not want to go back to the standard movie theater!

Another Fisher Island Condo Sold at $21 Million

After spending 5.5 years on significant renovations and imported furniture, Igor Olegovich Nesterenko, a businessman in the meatpacking industry from Moscow, sold his Fisher Island property for $21 million.

The unit located at the Palazzo Del Mare unit 7153, features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a terrace, a playroom, and a conference room spanning over 7,025 square feet. It also has a private 2-car garage on the parking level of the building and a private cabana near the pool.

Nesterenko spent the 5.5 years refurbishing the condo because Fisher Island only allows for roughly half of a year’s time for construction due to noise restrictions.

Furthermore, much of the furniture was purchased from abroad and was rather large and proved difficult to ship overseas. The bathtub in the master bedroom was fashioned from a solid block of Greek White Thassos marble and was carried into the apartment using a crane. The majority of the furniture was also brought by crane since it was too large for the elevator.

The 7,025-square-foot Unit 7153 located at Palazzo Del Mare was sold to Fana Fisher Palazzo 7153 LLC, managed by a trust in Bellevue, Washington purchased the condo for $21 million equals $2,989 price per square foot.

The trust is under the umbrella of the Fana Group of Cos., a real estate corporation located in Bellevue led by Chairman and CEO Firoz Lalji.

The apartment was designed by Augusto Busnelli of Milan, according to Flikshteyn. The previous owner spent around $10 million on upgrades. The property was last sold in 2011 for $8.3 million.

The Palazzo Del Mare was built in 2007 and with an expansive amenity package including a 9-hole golf course, 18 tennis courts, a marina and yacht center, a gourmet market, 8 restaurants, and Spa Internazionale. A Fisher Island Day School and a mile and a half of pristine beaches.

Fisher Island, America’s wealthiest zip code, is a 216-acre barrier island located across Government Cut from Miami Beach. Fisher Island condominiums are in a class of their own when it comes to ultra-exclusive living in South Florida.

The island, which can only be reached by ferry, boat, helicopter, or seaplane, provides unrivaled protection. All visitors to the island must first be checked by security at the Fisher Island port.

The Regent Cocktail Club Reopens After 2 Years

It has been a rough couple of years for businesses due to COVID and the rising costs of goods/services. Within the past 2 years, a lot of businesses had to close, including one of South Beach’s favorite spots, The Regent. Recently, the Havana-inspired bar and lounge reopened with a new cocktail menu that will quench your thirsts.

Located inside the Gale South Beach, the bar and lounge originally opened in 2012. The bar was named in the Top Ten Hotel Bars in the World in 2017. In March 2020, The Regent closed its doors shortly after a renovation in 2019.

Before it was The Regent, it was called the Rec Room and was more of a night club themed spaced. Due to the renovation, the bar is now 3x the size of the once nightclub. The bar can also hold up to 200 guests.

Although The Regent is located in the Gale South Beach, you can still enter through a separate door behind the hostess stand of the Dolce restaurant. Once you make your way through the stairwell illuminated by neon signs, you will enter the bar area with a 10+ seat bar, comfy chairs, and leather banquettes.

The bar pays homage to classic 1920’s speakeasy with low lighting, leather fixtures, and privacy. In the early hours, hear low levels of jazz but the bass will rise later once the DJ starts spinning.

While you’re there, grab a Champiña or Peach One from the signature menu. If you get hungry, there is a limited food menu with cheese plates, chicken empanadas, and chips and guacamole.

The Regent is open Thursday through Saturday from 7 pm to 2 am.

The South Beach Jazz Festival is Back for Another Year

The South Beach Jazz Festival is back for another year and we can’t be more excited! Scheduled for this weekend you can find some of the top jazz performers at venues throughout Miami Beach.

The show is set for January 7-9, 2022, and was designed to showcase the musical abilities of people with disabilities. According to the new President of Power Access, the non-profit organization that hosts the festival, “It is in our mission to provide opportunities for musicians with disabilities and so at least one musician in each group does have a disability,” states R. David New.

New himself became blind, deaf, and partially paralyzed due to a rare disease but later regained his ability to hear and walk. With his personal experiences, this festival is very close to him and he is happy to be able to continue the tradition for 2022.

The pre-festival show will take place at the Faena Theater on Thursday, Jan. 6th. The performers will include pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and singer Aymee Nuviola. Their recent 2020 album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the “Best Latin Jazz” category. The album is a tribute to their mothers as well as their home, Havana.

The opening act on Friday, January 7th is Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama. Also performing is New Orleans saxophonist Donald Harrison and drummer Art Blakey’s famed Jazz Messengers. Also in attendance will be the University of Miami Jazz Quintet with Kaleen Barton.

The opening pre-festival and the Friday shows will be a ticketed event while the other shows are free.

As for COVID protocols, all performances are expected to be outside except the pre-festival show. According to R. David New, “We are taking every precaution possible to make our event safe and enjoyable for the entire community.” Social distancing and masks will be encouraged. To see a full list of performers as well as their locations, click here.

Waterfront Mansion Purchased by Miami Beach Investor at $21 Million – Lists the Property for $30 Million

Andrew Mirmelli, the owner of M&M Parking Management services and Investor, is now betting on the hot real estate market. With the recent purchase of a waterfront home on Hibiscus Island at $21 million, Mirmelli just relisted the property for a cool $30 million just a few days after closing.

The luxury waterfront property shows the previous owner as Sweet Gift LLC, a company owned by Abelardo Monroy. The home located at 432 South Hibiscus Drive features 6,090 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a 3 car garage.

The property was built in 2001 on just under half an acre. The design of the home showcases a Mediterranean style throughout with neutral colors easily flowing from one room to the next. Expansive windows and tall ceilings provide endless natural light and views that can only be found on Hibiscus Island. The property also includes a custom pool, outdoor kitchen, and private boat dock with a lift.

Hisbiscus Island not only features unique luxury estates, but also offers gorgeous waterfront views, 24-hour security, and a family-oriented community center/park. Boating is a prime hobby on Hibiscus Island. With a lack of fixed bridges, boats of many sizes gain access to private boat docks throughout the island. This island is also close to South Beach and downtown Miami, making it a prime location to enjoy all that Miami offers.

This luxurious estate was previously sold in 2013 at $8 million. The owner has also listed it for rent at $130,000 monthly. Mirmelli recently sold a lot in downtown Miami to developer Moishe Mana. Mana paid $12.4 million for the lot which he plans to build a mixed-use development for offices, residences, and hotels.

Miami-Based Investors Including Alex Rodriguez Purchased a South Beach Hotel

Alex Rodriguez with a Miami-based investor group recently purchased a South Beach hotel located directly on Ocean Drive. The investors, also known as CGI Merchant Group is an international management firm that focuses on real estate investments and private equity. The purchase was officially announced Wednesday.

The Celino South Beach, located at 640 Ocean Drive was originally built in 1937 and has been named the largest hotel complex on Ocean Drive. The deal itself was financed through CGI’s Hospitality Fund of $650 million. The purchase price is still unknown.

Going forward, all CGI hotel properties will hold the Hilton brand. The Celino South Beach comprises of 132 rooms which include 26 penthouse suites.

According to the CGI founder, “We are thrilled to be part of the Miami Beach family and to partake in the reinvention of Ocean Drive. We look forward to helping the area reach its full potential and sharing how it reflects our vision for the hospitality industry. ”

The Celino South Beach was renovated in 2019 is expected to reopen in the fall of 2021. Its sister property, The Gabriel Miami located at 1100 Biscayne Blvd has recently reopened.

CGI was originally founded in 2006 and has invested in multiple Miami mixed-use properties including 3480 Main Highway, 550 Biltmore Way, and 55 Miracle Mile.