Since quietly opening in 2023 at the ground level of Brickell City Centre, The Henry has become a neighborhood staple for those who appreciate classic dishes with a modern twist, warm hospitality, and a touch of understated glamour. Brought to Miami by eleven-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox—founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts—this all-day American Brasserie brings thoughtful design, approachable luxury, and impeccable execution to one of the city’s most fast-paced districts.

The setting is striking yet inviting. Located on the corner of Miami Avenue and 8th Street, The Henry seats 260 guests in a stylish space of white marble, caramel leather, warm woods, and cascading greenery. Whether you’re slipping into a banquette for brunch or meeting friends for cocktails at the 68-seat bar, the mood is effortlessly polished. Even the ventanita, open from 7 a.m., offers a chic grab-and-go moment for coffee and pastries.

Executive Chef Darren Thompson leads the kitchen with a menu that reflects both precision and personality. With a background that includes the legendary Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, his Southern roots are unmistakable in dishes like the signature crab cake—delicately crisped and served with a house remoulade that’s rich, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.

That same finesse carries through to dessert, where Thompson’s brown butter cake is rich with nutty warmth and the bread pudding is spiced, soulful, and perfectly plated. His dynamic presence is felt in every course, making even familiar favorites feel inspired.

The cocktail program, too, is thoughtfully curated. Sip the Thai Grapefruit Smash for something bright and zesty with subtle floral notes, or the Desert Bird, a tropical-meets-smoky blend of mezcal, pineapple, and lime that’s as balanced as it is bold. Of course, the Spicy Margarita—shaken with just the right amount of heat—remains a crowd favorite.

What elevates The Henry beyond its chic ambiance and well-executed menu is the service: gracious, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re a first-timer or a weekend regular, the team makes every visit feel like an occasion.

From early breakfasts to stylish dinners and everything in between, The Henry continues to strike that rare balance of casual elegance and culinary excellence—firmly securing its place as a go-to in the Brickell dining scene.

The Henry – Miami

Brickell City Centre

701 S Miami Ave, Suite 131-B

Miami, FL 33131

(786) 899-7370

www.thehenryrestaurant.com

Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

☕ Ventanita open from 7:00 a.m. daily

Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Amid the bustle of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, La Pata Gorda offers something rare: an Ecuadorian seafood restaurant that feels as refined as it is rooted. Born from a beloved concept in Ecuador, this stateside outpost honors its culinary heritage with thoughtful execution, unique ingredients, and an authentic, approachable atmosphere.

The restaurant draws a loyal following from Miami’s Ecuadorian community—diners who know the cuisine intimately and come here for a taste of home. Yet its appeal is expansive. From first-time visitors to devoted regulars, guests are drawn into an immersive dining experience that blends coastal Ecuadorian tradition with a sophisticated Miami sensibility.

La Pata Gorda specializes in Ecuador’s bold, seafood-forward flavors—where freshness and simplicity meet depth and technique. Several standout dishes bring the country’s coastal identity into sharp, delicious focus.

• Jipijapa-Style Ceviche: An iconic Ecuadorian ceviche: shrimp, octopus and the catch of the day with roasted peanuts sauce and citrus marinade
• Seafood Chicharrón
  A golden medley of calamari, shrimp, and fish, served with chifles (plantain chips) and a tangy carretillero sauce. Crisp, flavorful, and comforting.
• Crab & Shrimp Salad
  Delicately chilled and topped with roasted garlic mayo, chives, house sauce, and patacones—this dish is light but richly seasoned.
• Mangrove Crab Claws
  A signature offering, served whole and paired with warm melted butter. The sweetness of Ecuador’s cangrejo de manglar is unmatched, making this dish a standout indulgence.
• Carapacho Croquetas
  Crafted from Ecuadorian mangrove crab and subtly sweet plantains, these croquettes are lightly fried and served with a creamy dipping sauce. Elegant and slightly playful.
• Grilled Conchas
  A refined coastal delicacy: fresh black clams topped with slices of tender Spanish octopus, finished with a delicate, slightly spicy glaze. Smoky, briny, and deeply satisfying.

For guests looking to explore a range of the kitchen’s best work, the La Pata Gorda Platter is a must. This tasting menu brings together:

• Jipijapa-style ceviche
• Seafood chicharrón
• Crab and shrimp salad
• Signature mangrove crab claws

Balanced in portion and beautifully plated, the platter is an ideal entry point for those discovering Ecuadorian cuisine or seeking to share multiple specialties at the table.

La Pata Gorda blends rustic charm with refined design—think exposed wood, ambient lighting, and nautical touches without cliché. The mood is sophisticated yet warm, with a sense of ease that invites lingering over a second cocktail or dessert.

During televised Ecuadorian national soccer matches, the dining room becomes a gathering space for the community. There’s energy and enthusiasm, but the experience remains polished: more celebratory than chaotic.

The overwhelmingly Ecuadorian clientele speaks volumes about the restaurant’s authenticity. This is where those who know the cuisine best come to reconnect—with familiar flavors, with friends, and with the rituals of home.

La Pata Gorda is located at: 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; telephone number: (305) 456-5085.

@lapatagorda_us

The 2025 SOBWFF: Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash presented by Shweid and Sons was everything we hoped for—mouthwatering burgers, incredible energy, and well-fed food lovers. With the sound of sizzling grills in the air, the ocean breeze rolling in, and an all-star lineup of chefs bringing their best, this year’s event was truly one for the books.

Some of the most talented chefs from across the country (and beyond!) went head-to-head, serving up next-level creations packed with bold flavors and creative twists. The competition was fierce, the bites were unforgettable, and honestly choosing winners was no easy task!

And the Winners Are…

Schweid & Sons® The Very Best Burger Award
Skinny Louie took home the top honor and a $2,500 prize for their Wagyu Louie—a mouthwatering combination of double smashed wagyu beef patties, melted smoked gouda, truffle aioli, and pickled jalapeños, all stacked on a buttery brioche bun. Simply put, a burger lover’s dream!

Mike’s Amazing® People’s Choice Award
The fans have spoken! La Birra Bar from Argentina won over the crowd and took home a $5,000 check for their Smash Golden Chimichurri Burger— two smashed patties, American cheese, red onions, and a special Argentinian chimichurri mayo that had festivalgoers coming back for more.

Idaho Potato® Best Side Dish Award
Because a great burger deserves a great side! La Birra Bar also won for their “Smashbrowns”—crispy, loaded hash browns with a zesty lime pepper seasoning that perfectly complemented their award-winning burger.

Burger Bash wasn’t just about the food—it was about the experience. Ice-cold drinks, live music, and an electric atmosphere made it an unforgettable night of celebration, bringing together food lovers from all over.

#SOBEWFF #BurgerBash2025 #Mike’sAmazing #SchweidAndSons #LaBirraBar #SkinnyLouie #FoodieHeaven

Graziano’s Butcher Block Party, took place on Thursday, December 12 and let’s just say, it was an unforgettable evening filled with fun and  Argentine delights. The food was exceptional- unlimited piping hot empanadas of every variety,  steak and sausage sandwiches, and grilled churrasco prepared on the Parrilla, all accompanied by so many delicious wines, from all over the world. We felt transported to Argentina for the night.

But it was more than just a food event. The music was fantastic. The crowd enjoyed dancing to the infectious rhythms of Lemon City Trio, Grupo Solsis, and Jackie Mendez. The energy was electric, and it felt like all of Coral Gables was celebrating together.

If you missed it- fret not. Fortunately, this event happens every year. Stay tuned for details on next year’s Butcher Block Party. You won’t want to miss it!

In the meantime, be sure to get your Graziano’s fix at one of their several locations. Visit: https://www.grazianosgroup.com.

MOMENTO by Ikaro is where the grit of Spanish and Ecuadorian roots collides with Miami’s unrelenting pulse. Led by Michelin-starred chefs Carolina Sanchez and Iñaki Murua, it’s a love letter to the flavors of La Rioja and Ecuador, wrapped in the vibrant chaos of Downtown Miami. This isn’t just another stateside outpost—it’s an immersive culinary experiment, where tradition and innovation meet head-on, anchored by a state-of-the-art wood oven and meticulous seasonal ingredients.

The chefs: Iñaki, hailing from the vineyards of Laguardia, Álava; and Carolina, the first Ecuadorian chef to snag a Michelin star, are culinary alchemists. Their La Rioja-based Ikaro restaurant has already earned Michelin and Repsol nods, and in 2023, they were named gastronomic ambassadors of La Rioja. At MOMENTO, their menu pushes boundaries: Amazonian Tiradito cured and smoked with a signature neapia sauce, Wood-Fired Branzino in sweet and sour escabeche, slow-cooked Glazed Bone-In Short Rib with tamarillo BBQ, and their showstopper—tonka bean foam, the Espuma de Abatonca. This isn’t just food; it’s an all-out flavor riot, where even the Lotus Cheesecake gets a Basque twist, topped with Biscoff cookies.

MOMENTO is more than a restaurant. It’s a story, where every dish is another chapter in the saga of Spain and Ecuador intersecting within Miami’s rich culinary landscape.

MOMENTO by Ikaro’s interior blends traditional and handmade elements sourced from Chef Sanchez’s hometown in Ecuador with metropolitan sophistication, inviting diners on a voyage of taste and discovery. Featuring a lush alfresco dining terrace and a state-of-the-art open kitchen that connects guests to culinary artistry, the restaurant exudes both comfort and elegance with plush furnishings, vintage and modern art, textured plaster walls, and layered rugs. Natural features like climbing vines, lush potted plants, and a striking entrance graced with vibrant bougainvilleas create an enchanting, garden-like atmosphere.

The lively bar serves creative cocktails and features a daily happy hour. Don’t miss the espresso martini with truffle foam. There’s also a cozy lounge/nightclub in the back with a state-of -the-art lighting and sound system- for those who want to keep the party going.

For more information about MOMENTO by Ikaro visit: https://www.momentomiami.com

The Harbour Club’s grand opening wasn’t just an event; it was the event, a feast that put “decadent” to shame. Miami’s swankiest and sparkliest slipped into Sunset Harbour to christen this posh new playground for global glitterati, where caviar flowed, truffle grated, and sushi pirouetted its way across marble platters. From two cheese wheels brimming with risotto and pasta (hello, truffle blizzard!) to sliders and tartare that’d make any gourmand weak at the knees, it was a culinary carnival with more bites than a foodie’s fever dream. Everything circulated at a perfect pace, a dance of flavors and textures, each bite more irresistible than the last.

Live music was the evening’s heartbeat: a violinist, saxophonist and a crew of vocalists dazzled the crowd, setting a scene straight out of a Bond movie. Meanwhile, over in the Speakeasy, a DJ spun everyone’s favorites, and suddenly, “one more drink” turned into “just one more dance.” The cocktails weren’t just poured-they were conjured. Four signature creations incorporated top-shelf elixirs (think 1942), had guests raising their glasses; each drink an invitation to linger a little longer and savor the magic of the night.

Now, let’s talk spaces. The Harbour Club, brainchild of hospitality luminary James Julius, blends old-school London charm with Miami’s sultry edge. At the forefront, a’Riva, the Italian Mediterranean restaurant, which is open to the public by reservation only, offers seasonal Italian favorites such as  Meatballs Angelina, passed down from Julius’ family, parmesan, and Eggplant Milanese with feta and a Caesar salad so good it should be illegal. It’s refined yet unpretentious, with al fresco seating, lush greenery, and a sleek bar, a’Riva evokes effortless glamour and coastal charm.

Beyond a’Riva, members slip into the Palm Room, a sultry lounge hidden behind walls adorned with bespoke palm prints, a space that’s mysterious, dimly-lit and energetic, complete with a secret entrance. This sultry, intimate oasis combines the charm of a tropical hideaway with the sophistication of a private club. The cocktail menu offers a curated selection of drinks and light bites.

Upstairs, Nikai at Harbour Club is where things get exclusive, a Japanese haven where wagyu, toro toasts, and fresh fish flown in from Japan elevate each bite. Signature dishes include Wagyu and truffle crispy rice, wasabi Caesar salad with house-made nori chips, toro toasts, and an extensive selection of wine, sake, and Japanese whiskey.

Design-wise, every corner is a scene-stealer. YODEZEEN transformed the Harbour Club into a feast for the eyes, weaving British opulence with Miami cool. Soft whites and sandy tones ground a’Riva’s beachy vibe, while the Palm Room goes bold with dark walnut, deep green velvet, and touches of gold. Upstairs at Nikai, vibrant reds and blues dance under custom lighting, making the whole room feel like a high-energy gallery. Even the bathrooms are dressed to impress, featuring custom wallpaper and rare marble- making a bathroom selfie irresistible.

Harbour Club’s membership is as exclusive as they come, with Classic, Under 30, and Lifetime options that grant access to not only the clubs but also to a full calendar of ultra-luxe events. Think intimate chef dinners, wellness workshops, and pop-up dining experiences—all perfectly tailored for those who like their social scenes with a side of exclusivity.

So, here’s the scoop: Harbour Club isn’t just another hotspot. It’s a private paradise where the scene-makers and tastemakers come to revel, network, and indulge. And if the grand opening is any hint, Miami’s got a new star, and it’s a showstopper. 

For more information or to inquire about membership visit www.harbourclubmia.com. 

Photo Credit: World Red Eye