On the Scene: Miami Spring 2020

(Terras, Life House Little Havana)

Miami is a city known at times for being a revolving door of trendy restaurants, bars, hotels, and nightclubs. The running joke seems that cartons of milk at Publix often have a longer shelf life than some of these business ventures. Now entering the hospitality industry myself, I like to be informed daily of all the new and exciting projects coming to the Magic City. Whether a national chain is setting up shop in Miami Beach or a new boutique hotel is opening in the Mimo District, I welcome any and all to our lovely city. The following is a list of my selection for the best up and coming events, bars, and restaurants arriving this Spring 2020.

(Terras, Life House Little Havana)

Terras at Life House Little Havana

A recent addition to Little Havana, Life House is a boutique hotel that aims to attract the millennial traveler. Combining vintage, tropical influences in the layout, this hotel is the perfect mixture between boutique lodging and a home-like environment. The newly opened Terras Rooftop is my personal favorite aspect of this 4-story structure. Terras serves Latin-inspired cocktails & light bites overlooking the impressive Miami skyline to the east.

Bonci Wynwood

Gabriele Bonci, the undisputed champion of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) finally brings his talents to the Magic City in the heart of Wynwood. The master of 1500+ pizza variations is known for using high-quality ingredients and a genius level of creativity when curating his lineup of pizzas. The potato & rosemary is a personal and fan favorite from their main location behind Vatican City. Be on the lookout for their opening in March 2020.

(Bonci Wynwood)

Joia Beach

Miami is in no scarcity of exclusive, waterfront restaurants and clubs with the likes of Soho Beach House, Nikki Beach, & the Bath Club in town. However, the latest & brightest star to be welcomed to that list is the highly anticipated Joia Beach. Situated on the north end of Watson Island (Jungle Island) between Downtown & South Beach sits Miami’s very own slice of Ibiza. This restaurant & beach club is a blend of Mediterranean influences drawing inspiration from Spain, Italy, & Greece. The health-focused menu pairs perfectly under the tropical thatched roof as you listen to soft beats from the DJ overlooking Biscayne Bay. Opening March 2020.

Red Rooster Overtown

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson certainly made a splash in Manhattan when he opened his celebrated restaurant, Red Rooster in Harlem 10 years ago. A decade later, Marcus has his sights set on the long-neglected Overtown neighborhood of Miami. A visionary in his own right, Samuelsson plans with Red Rooster Overtown to breathe new life into an area once dubbed, “The Harlem of the South.” Overtown was a neighborhood frequented by the likes of Jackie Robinson, Ella Fitzgerald, & Billie Holiday in its heyday. Samuelsson aims to combine his Ethiopian, Swedish, & American flavors & remind everyone why no one should sleep on Miami’s Overtown.

(Red Rooster Overtown)

Brickell Riverside

In recent years, developers have had their eyes on the untapped potential the Miami River holds for residences, retail, and restaurants. With the emergence & overwhelming popularity of establishments like The Wharf, Kiki on the River, & Seaspice, it’s no question Miamians love being by the water. In February 2020, the Brickell financial district entered the mix with the creation of Brickell Riverside. An outdoor playground for all, Brickell Riverside provides visitors with 7 different restaurant concepts, a taproom for beer lovers, and stunning views of the Miami River. Be sure to check out this weekend hotspot for a happy hour.

Punch Bowl Social Wynwood

Imagine a bowling alley, arcade games, crafted cocktails, delicious food, all in a hip setting, impossible, right? Punch Bowl Social, a brand that’s located in most major cities in the U.S. proves that quality dining and fun entertainment can exist in the same locale. Opening in early March 2020, Punch Bowl Social will be making Wynwood its new permanent home inside the Wynwood Garage. A great location for a fun night out with friends or a casual weekend with the family.

(Punch Bown Social, Wynwood)

Miami River Landing

It’s no secret that the Miami River has become nothing short of a recent goldmine for real estate developers and hospitality moguls. However, the most impressive project entering the Miami River District neighborhood is the soon-to-be Miami River Landing. A giant multi-structure development, River Landing will have residence towers, office spaces, restaurants, and multiple retailers including Publix, T.J. Maxx, & Ross. The first of its kind on the Miami RIver, River Landing will attract clientele from Allapattah as well as neighboring Little Havana & Overtown.

(Miami River Landing)

Selina Miami River

Selina, a Panamanian hostel brand that has exploded across Latin America & Europe has finally emerged in the United States with locations in New York City & New Orleans. Opening in March 2020, Selina will be opening their first Miami outpost in the previous Casa Florida bungalows in Little Havana. Titled, “Selina Miami River'' due to its proximity to the nearby river, this Selina location will blend quirky Floridian aesthetics with their signature, functional accommodations. The outdoor bar will be serving classic tropical beverages & will be styled in complete pastel pink with flamingo motifs throughout.

Selina Miami Gold Dust

Selina, a Panamanian hostel brand that has exploded across Latin America & Europe has finally emerged in the United States with locations in New York City & New Orleans. Opening in April 2020, Selina will be opening their second Miami outpost in the previous Gold Dust Motel on Biscayne Boulevard in the Mimo District. Dubbed “Selina Gold Dust” this location will reimagine the classic Americana motel into a 21st-century lodging with touches from the original era. Much like most of the Mimo District with Sonder & the Vagabond Hotel, Gold Dust will reinvigorate a once ignored piece of property and build upon its story with updated accommodations and an exciting dining concept.

Base Camp

Little Haiti has long been home to the Haitian community of South Florida, much like Little Havana has been for the Cubans. A once quiet part of town with locals-only establishments like Chef Creole & Churchill’s Pub, the area has become one of the next “up-and-coming” destinations in Miami. Developers & investors have their sights set on expanding north of Wynwood & the Design District, viewing Little Haiti as the next area to explore. One of the city’s most controversial projects is known as the Magic City Innovation District, a multi-block development that plans to house apartments, offices, retailers, and restaurants. Adamantly opposed by the local Haitian community, this development has been contentiously debated amongst local government officials. However, something MCID has gotten right is their outdoor dining and event space known as Base Camp. A bohemian sanctuary away from the bustle of Little Haiti is an escape where art installations meet hip food trucks in a garden-like atmosphere.

Events:

Miami Film Festival

Formerly known as the Miami International Film Festival, the Miami Film Festival is one of the best festivals in the country for highlighting a wide variety of international productions. For 10 days in March, multiple theatres across Dade County showcase some of the latest films from Latin America, Europe, Africa, & Asia.

(Miami Film Festival)

Miami Open

One of the city’s largest events, the Miami Open is one of the country’s most revered tennis tournaments where the best of the best players from the tennis world compete for the gold. The likes of Serena, Roger, & Novak frequently make appearances at this highly anticipated event. The 2020 edition will yet again be hosted at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens after leaving the Key Biscayne location a few years ago.