CityStyle Miami

Nitro-licious Cocktails Comes to Downtown Miami

Editor — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:00:22 +0000

Sometimes a night out means hitting a fine restaurant and a great bar.

And sometimes you get them both rolled into one…

Welcome to MIA at Biscayne, Downtown Miami’s new fusion restaurant with a healthy side of nightlife, now open.

To experience the magic being served at MIA, arrive at dinner time. There you will be greeted with a warm smile and hot fusion food by way of Spain, Japan and Latin America. Start with the MIA Roll, a decadent mix of lobster topped with spicy tuna, crispy plantain, scallions and avocado crema, before indulging in flavor-loaded tapas, like the Confit of Pork Belly or the Tortilla Espanola.

Once you’re fueled, the hard part begins: which cocktail will you enjoy? Will it be the modern, interpreted (and edible!) versions of the Cuba Libre, starring dark rum gelée, coca-cola granitée, lemon froth and fizz, the Pina Colada, perfected with dark rum gelée, pineapple granitée and coconut foam, or the Cosmopolitan, made with vodka gelée, orange sorbet, cranberry froth and lime zest.

Or do you elect more traditional, top-shelf drinks like the daiquiris, mojitos, margaritas, or champagne cocktails.

Then again, there’s that wine list with more than 150 wines. Decisions, decisions…

MIA at Biscayne is now ready for you. Are you ready for its flashy website?

MIA at Biscayne
20 Biscayne Boulevard (at Flagler), Downtown Miami
Tel: (305) 642-0032
miaatbiscayne.com

National Tequila Day, Anyone?

Editor — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:00:04 +0000

In case you didn’t know, Friday is National Tequila Day.

And like all tequila-driven holidays (Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, any given Saturday night), knowing where to start the party is as important as what you drink at the party.

Behold: The Tequila Tasting Guide to Miami…

Tequila and Stripper Poles at Tequila Chicas

This Friday, only the best tequila will do. You’ve found it at Tequila Chicas. Half-priced appetizers and shots will draw you in. Over 40 tequila brands will keep you busy. And for the adventurous, free shots are also given to those with enough guts to use the “Expression Pole” aka stripper pole. Lick. Swallow. Suck.

Tequila Chicas, 1501 Collins Avenue (at Ocean Drive), South Beach, (305) 532-7010, tequilachicas.com

Tequila and Dinner at Rosa Mexicano

Great guacamole. Fantastic fajitas. And of course, tons of tequila! Rosa Mexicano isn’t exactly a tequila bar and sometimes that’s a good thing. This Friday, soak up the best tequilas (or tasty margaritas!) with authentic Mexican fare at one of Miami’s best Mexican restaurants.

Rosa Mexicano, 900 S Miami Avenue, Miami, (786) 425-1001, rosamexicano.com

Tequila and More Tequila at Oh Mexico!

Sometimes all you need is good friends, not-so-bad food, and lots of tequila. Find it all at Oh! Mexico, at the corner of Washington Avenue and Espanola Way. It’s a hop away from South Beach nightlife and a great pre-party spot before a night of debauchery. Over 100 types of tequila will help keep the party going.

Oh Mexico!, 1440 Washington Avenue (at Espanola Way), Miami Beach, (305) 532-0490, verestaurants.com

Miami’s Next Great Nightlife Destination

Editor — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:00:24 +0000

Long weekends always leave you wanting more.

More time to relax. And more time to party.

We have a solution for you: Introducing the Wall Bar & Lounge at the just-opened W South Beach. Primely located on Collins Avenue, the new 408-unit W hotel, renown for its exquisite design and sleek style, is officially ready for its close up. In addition to magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean from every room and and impeccable service, the newest W also features a trifecta of nightlife offerings: W’s signature Living Room Bar, a WETBAR poolside lounge, and the soon-to-open ultralounge, Wall.

Perfected by a dream team from The Opium Group and KNR Restaurant, Wall will be a nightlife revelers’ paradise. Think sensual lighting and lots of artistic touches, such as a vintage gold sofa inspired by Le Corbusier. It’s where you’ll want to unwind with designer cocktails, take in beats from the world’s best DJs, and chill with the rest of the beautiful people.

Now that’s how to relax… and party.

Wall debuts later this month. Get a tiny preview here.

Wall Bar & Lounge at W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Tel: (305) 938-3131
wallmiami.com

Miami’s Best Party Starring… You!

Editor — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:00:01 +0000

Sweat. Tears. Rejection.

No one said the climb to the top was easy.

But once you’ve made it, you’re in. Welcome to FAME, Downtown Miami’s spectacular new interactive nightclub, opening this Friday. Brought to you by Vice Ventures, the creators of mega venue Club Space, FAME is an all-senses kind of experience that you need to see/hear/touch to believe.

The thrill begins when you enter the former Parkwest spot: Ear candy flows from an awesome sound system and a sick LED light wall pulsates to the DJ’s mood. Revealing Hollywood’s dirty side is a porn queen who will play hostess; swings and strap-ons included.

Throw in sets by celebrity DJs, live performances from an all-star dance troupe, acrobatic performers, and a magician or two, and you’ve got an evening to remember.

If you can remember…

FAME’s Sneak Preview party is this Friday. RSVP here is a must.

FAME Nightclub
30 NE 11th Street
Tel: (305) 350-0736
famedowntown.com

Editor’s Note: RARE returns next Tuesday. Enjoy the long Holiday.

The Ultimate Party Within A Party

Editor — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:00:52 +0000

Space-age cocktails. Hypnotic lights. Dancing up the walls (literally).

When you go out, you go all out.

So it’s nice to know that there’s a party that shares your enthusiasm… it’s called G Lounge at Fuerza Bruta.

Allow us to explain: We first met Argentina’s Fuerza Bruta, a trippy Cirque du Soleil/Latin rave performance hybrid, as it took New York, London, and countless other cities by storm last year. Finally, it’s Miami’s turn to join the “erotic, hypnotic, aquatic” party—and now it’s better than ever.

Conceived by Miami’s incomparable Barton G, the new, temporary G Lounge is the official pre- and post-party for the show. The cinderblock and chrome fan-lined warehouse space’s vibe more than matches the futuristic intensity of the performance’s flying dancers and experimental beats.

And to help you unwind: sip this dystopic dancehall’s innovative techno-fare, including “Mega Watt” Frozen Bananas and funky liquid nitrogen shots (served at -320° F).

But hurry, Fuerza Bruta and its G Lounge experience ends after Independence Day.

Learn more about Fuerza Bruta and the G Lounge here. The party runs through July 5th. And trust us, this isn’t one to miss.

G Lounge at Fuerza Bruta
Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd
Tel: (305) 949-6722
arshtcenter.org

A New Nightclub That Won’t Quit

Editor — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:00:41 +0000

You love the energy of a South Beach bar crawl.

But you hate the collateral damage of trekking from spot to spot.

For all the nightlife variety you seek without the hassle, check out the new Bancroft Supperclub. The developers behind this all-in-one nightlife locale took over the gorgeously deco Bancroft hotel, transforming the space into a one-stop shop for your decadent evening on the town.

Start your night at the downstairs restaurant, where chic furnishings and new American cuisine compete for attention with a 20-foot runway at the center of the room. When you’ve had your fill, move the party to the all-marble bar, where you can get a glimpse of ceiling-mounted plasma screens and the surrounding retro, Jazz Age décor—complemented by a wall of spirits suitable for a speakeasy.

From there, you can venture up to the venue’s soon-to-debut upstairs lounge, or get some air on the outdoor patio—all without leaving the premises.

Who says you can’t have it all…

Bancroft Supperclub
1501 Collins Avenue, South Beach
Tel: (305) 630-8540
bancroftsupperclub.com

Introducing Crazy Pianos

Editor — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:39:40 +0000

Admit it, you’ve been craving some piano man action. You’ve been waiting for that moment when it’s totally appropriate to belt out your favorite tunes over the ivories, drink in hand—slickness and charm be damned.

Enter Crazy Pianos, Miami’s Dutch import of a nightclub/restaurant/piano bar that’s bringing new life to Cocowalk. Why so crazy, you might ask? Two fire-red dueling pianos, a live drummer and your special requests for the night make things interesting. Throw in a fully-stocked bar and musicians with zero inhibitions and you’ve got a night that’ll leave your ears happy and your throat sore.

Of course there’s also the food: Portobello Mushroom Ravioli, Tasmanian Salmon Bur Blanc, and Kobe Beef Sliders satiate nearly any diner’s taste. And since you’re already throwing your inhibitions out the window, top it off with a dulce de leche deep fried cheesecake, or drink your dessert outside on the patio deck, where beer tables are filled with extra cold Heineken on draft.

Sounds like it’s time to start thinking up some song choices. That Billy Joel one? We’re guessing they’ve heard it before.

Crazy Pianos opens Wednesday in Cocowalk.

Crazy Pianos
3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove
Tel: (305) 567-2462
crazypianosmiami.com

Introducing River Lounge at the Epic Hotel

Editor — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:00:19 +0000

You like your rooms to come with a view.

And if they also come with a side of nightlife, well, you like that even more.

Say hello then to River Lounge, the new nightlife temple set to debut at the Epic Hotel. Views of the Miami River and shimmering high-rises give the lounge a “big city, bright lights” ambiance, providing the perfect backdrop to enjoying exotic concoctions from its exclusive cocktail menu (view the menu) — think Brazilian Passion, with passion fruit puree and Sagatiba Cachaça, and Amante Picante, a spicy mix of tequila, cilantro, cucumber and just a dash of Tabasco.

Yet there’s more to the lounge than what lies outside its windows. The first floor’s towering ceilings and chic furnishings let you sip your libations in ultra-modern splendor, while a second floor VIP area keeps you cozy in curvy couches and zebra print floors, a true urban jungle.

And when you’re in need of fresh air, head to the terrace—or, even better, arrive to the terrace by boat for the ultimate Miami-style grand entrance.

That’s what we call making a splash.

River Lounge opens this Thursday. Get a closer look here.

River Lounge at the Epic Hotel
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way
Tel: (305) 424-5226
epichotel.com

Bacon-Infused Bourbon in the Design District

Editor — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:00:22 +0000

You’re a believer in evolution when it comes to Miami nightlife.

Especially when a club evolves into something much more… electric.

Introducing Electric Pickle, the Design District’s newest danceteria. Occupying the space formerly known as Circa 28, the club’s expanded on its old digs with panache, replacing Circa’s thrift store-style seating with swanky leather couches, hanging relics like antlers on the walls, and giving the whole place a sexy red paint job. With its shiny polished bar surrounded with retro light fixtures and cushioned stools, Electric Pickle looks like the kind of after-hours, Mad Men-era lounge that the Rat Pack would’ve frequented.

To help pass the time, try an Old Fashioned, made new, with bacon-infused bourbon and maple syrup, or The Dirty Pickle Martini, made with a secret recipe from the owners, who happen to be full-time picklers and part-time DJs.

Old school style is paired with some very modern sounds, from DJs spinning dance-worthy pop remixes to a schedule of live performances in the tented backyard by Miami prodigies like ArtOfficial and The Jesse Jackson Band.

Brilliant… and pickled, all at the same time.

Electric Pickle
2826 N. Miami Avenue, Design District
Tel: (305) 456-5613

Re: Your Thursday Night Plans

Editor — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:14:20 +0000

Some nights you want to take it up a notch.

Especially when Friday is just around the corner.

Welcome to Rok & Roll Thursdays, courtesy of Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi and Rok Bar. Start penciling it into your itinerary and head to where it all begins—at the Catalina Hotel’s handsome and open-air sushi haven.

Slick and streamlined, twenty dollars scores you sake and two rolls. We’re all for The Hotness: a blend of spicy tuna, cucumber, wasabi tobiko, and piping hot Sriracha. The Superman, with yellowtail, scallions, salmon, and spicy mayo is another viable option. It’s difficult to go wrong here.

After a little sake and sushi, hop on over to Rok Bar, where your complimentary “Rok Shot” awaits …

… and give Tommy Lee our best.

Rok & Roll Thursdays
Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi: 1720 Collins Avenue, (305) 534-7905, catalinasouthbeach.com/eat/kungfusushi,
Rok Bar: 1905 Collins Avenue, 305-674-4397, rokbarmiami.com