By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

New on the scene at the already lively Mary Brickell Village is Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant, (pronounced F’Ddoe) which recently held its grand opening celebration.  The large, cavernous space was designed and manufactured in Dublin and built and installed by a team of Irish craftsman and artisan painters from Ireland. How’s that for authentic? The name means “long ago” as the aim of the owners is to provide the typical atmosphere and pub grub of the neighborhood Irish pub- a central element to the Irish culture.

“It’s hard to deny the attraction to the casual conviviality of an Irish Pub,” says CEO & President Kieran McGill. “Pubs have always been the nucleus for Irish of every class, from dockworkers to aristocrats and genius writers. Fadó embodies the quintessence, customs and traditions of Ireland and we are full of pride to introduce our rich history to one of the most collective cities in the world.” 

While Fadó is new to us, it has 13 sister restaurants all over the country.  And while the concept and structure are authentic, Fadó is anything but cramped and divy.  The huge cavernous pub, with five different event spaces, is designed to meet its guests varying purposes, from clubbing, to watching sports, venting after work with a Pickle Back (whiskey and pickle juice shooter), looking for love or just enjoying a perfect pint at the bar.  And the food extends beyond your average Irish fare- including a half a dozen delicious burgers, salads and Phillies (our favorite).

 At the grand opening celebration, guests crowded in to partake in the age-old pastime of drinking, and stayed well into the night, alongside McGill and partner Greg Algie who organized the night to include a 15 piece full pipe and drum band, an expansive whiskey tasting bar, professional Irish dancers, a free pint for all and some good ol’ fashioned, certified pure Irish craic (which means “fun”- put the pipe away!).

Consul General of Ireland Paul Gleeson, author and national personality Michael Woodward aka Dr. Woody, fashion designer Laura Buccellati, Senior Staff to Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff William Plasencia, WFOR-CBS host and meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez, Mary Brickell Village Manager Fernando Perez, were seen partaking in the craic with the aid of European draught beer and scrumptious menu items,  just before the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 p.m., after which the pub welcomed in public to join the festivities.

Botran Competition at the Florida Room

 Some of Miami’s most sought after bartenders were put to the test at an exclusive cocktail competition last Tuesday at The Florida Room.  Each of the 10 contestants was asked to incorporate Botran rum into his concoction, which would be judged by Angelo Vierra of the Mondrian’s Sunset Lounge, renowned industry expert Robert Burr, Elad Zvi of Bar Lab and The Miami Herald’s Aurora Rodriguez, for a chance at winning $1,000 cash, an Apple iPad or a $250 gift certificate to CocktailKingdom.com (think Toys R Us for bartenders).  Gabe Orta of Bar Lab and The Florida Room took home first prize with his Botran Truffle Flip. While it appears that Orta was a ringer, being that he was on his home turf AND his partner was one of the judges….we can’t discount the creative use of white truffle crème de cacao and an egg white.  Second and third place went to Paul Sevigny for his North Shore and Josh Holliday for the Botran Guava Colada.  The Florida Room was packed during and after the competition for live performances by The Big Bounce.  Botran host and mixology director Tommy Merolla kept the good times rolling with specialty cocktails.