Cafeina- A much-needed Jolt!
Ultra-hip, trendy hotspot, Cafeina, named for its caffeine-infused liquors and specialty cocktails, is our latest, favorite hang-out, located deep in the heart of Wynwood (you won’t find it unless you are consciously looking -we typically use landmarks such as the overturned truck and funky green and red patterned building to know we’re on the right track). This boîte reminds us of cozy Nobu on west 57 Street in NYC, with its low lighting, oversized lamps and comfy couches. We also love the loft and huge outdoor area and the attached art gallery, currently displaying the work of Carlos Alves.
We dragged took a group to Cafeina over the weekend to “enjoy” the arctic weather and the Wynwood Art Walk. Despite the jokes about the crack-houses and seedy environs, the consensus was that Cafeina rivals any South Beach lounge and that the food blows the competition away! This is due to the creativity and expertise of the charming, executive chef, Guily Booth, who “wo-mans” the tiny kitchen, creating signature international tapas, including sea bass skewers, mini-madness grilled sandwiches and crab cakes, lauded by Martha Stewart as “the best she’s ever had.” Come to think of it, they’re the best we’ve ever had too. Booth’s cooking style is as unique as her warm and funny personality. She will mingle with guests and offer to cook up whatever they are craving- whether or not it’s the menu. And should you be celebrating a birthday, you may even be surprised by Booth’s original coffee cupcakes.
Cafeina kicked-off the new year with back-to-back parties last week, including the after party for the Youth & Revolt movie screening on Wednesday, with sounds by Sasha and Michelle Leshem and the second installment of its monthly Wynwood Art Huddle Walk after party on Saturday, which drew a packed-house despite the freeze warning. The official grand opening bash takes place this Thursday, January 14 at 8:00 p.m., with complimentary coffee inspired drinks until midnight, such as the Café con Leche martini and Booth’s masterful bites. DJs Lolo and Joe Dert will be spinning. A portion of proceeds from bar sales at the grand opening, in addition to the sale of art through February 28, will go to benefit The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet.
Warning: set your GPS AND PAY ATTENTION, because you really don’t want to get lost in Wynwood in the middle of the night. But isn’t that what we thought about NYC’s Meatpacking District just a few years ago? Luckily, there’s free valet parking and security, thanks to “Man Mountain” Miron, who will make sure you make it in and out safely.
STK is Finally Open
After months and months of seeing those racy posters plastered around the Gansevoort, of a sexy, provocatively-dressed woman doing all sorts of things to a hunk of raw meat, heralding the arrival of NYC and LA transplant, STK, we finally got to celebrate its official opening on Tuesday night. Bigger on scene than on steak, the stylish, dimly-lit, massive, two-story restaurant resembles a trendy nightclub, complete with multiple bars, DJ booth and V.I.P. areas.
Celeste Fierro, owner of The One Group, along with chef, Todd Mark Miller, introduced the highly-anticipated STK Miami Beach with a huge party as expected. The music was fantastic, thanks to DJ Irie, who kept the party going all night, as partygoers danced and meandered around the labyrinthine space, vying for a tasty morsel (three times the number of expected invitees showed up). We couldn’t walk two inches without running into someone we knew. And the vibe was energetic and exciting. Given the weather conditions over the weekend, it seemed many people had been hibernating and were thrilled to be out. Among those welcoming STK to the neighborhood: Deco Drive producer, Odette Burton, Roy Black, David Barton, Al Reynolds, Erin Newberg, Dana and Gary Shear, Jillian Jacobson, Markus Ketty, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, Jason Binn, Michael Cohen, Hardy Hill, Michael Dreiling, Jerry Powers, Roy Alpert, Victor Harvey, Michael Kirkland, Marnie Howard, Mary Anne Williamson, Nick D’Annunzio, and Jochy Ortiz. Last week, STK fans such as Fergie, Josh Duhamel, Michael Bay, Michael Mann and Robin Givens, got a sneak peek during the “Friends and Family” tastings.
The Rhythm of Success
Last Thursday, Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach hosted a cocktail party for Emilio Estefan in honor of his newly released book, The Rhythm of Success: How an Immigrant produced his own American Dream. Guests including Gloria Estefan, Emilio’s niece, Lili Estefan, Miami Mayor, Thomas P. Regalado, news anchor, Maria Celeste Arraras, television host, Lilia Luciano, Mari Elena Salinas, Raul de Molina, and University of Miami President, Donna Shalala, along with Jason Clarke, Robert van de Wouw, Erin Newberg, Belkys Nerey, Lisa Petrillo, Frank Amadeo, Mario Vergel, Brandon Lieb, Aleco Azqueta, Lisa Pliner, and Lea Black toasted Emilio and his success with Atlantico Rum cocktails. Emilio Estefan, who came to the United States as a Cuban refugee, went on to become a 19-time GRAMMY-winning producer and develop an evergreen business with investments in real estate, entertainment, hotels, and restaurants. InThe Rhythm of Success, Emilio outlines his guiding principles and shares some of the secrets to his success.