Archive for May, 2026

A Taste of Chinatown: Chinese Tuxedo Brings Contemporary Elegance to a’Riva

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 14 - 2026

Sunset Harbour’s culinary landscape just leveled up. Following a string of heavy-hitting collaborations, a’Riva at Harbour Club is currently playing host to Manhattan’s celebrated Chinese Tuxedo. From May 12th – 16th, this limited-time pop-up is transforming the intimate Miami space into a contemporary Chinese banquet hall, blending New York City’s edgy sophistication with the artful ambiance of the Harbour Club.

Beyond the stunning views and the sleek, warm-lit atmosphere, the true star is a menu that reinterprets traditional flavors with bold, modern flair.

The collaboration features a curated selection of Chinese Tuxedo’s most iconic hits, complemented by a bespoke cocktail program:

• Signature Cocktails: The bar program is as inventive as the kitchen, featuring the Paradise Park (Vodka, Lychee, Yuzu), the Mott Collins (Gin, Pear, Chinese Five Spice), and the spicy, savory Bloody Angle (Tequila, Blood Orange, Sichuan, Chili).

• Dim Sum: Kick things off with the refreshing Spicy Cucumbers and Marinated Wood Ear Mushrooms in a red vinegar dressing. Other highlights include Hamachi Crudo, Shrimp Toast with XO Sauce, and the standout Crispy Eggplant.

• Noodles: Options range from Kombu Noodles with Jonah Crab to the show-stopping Whole Live Lobster Noodles.

• Seafood & Meats: Steamed Snapper, Crispy Skin Half Chicken, and the legendary Half Roast Duck.

• Vegetables: Steamed Bok Choy and Xinjiang Spiced Green Beans.

• Dessert: Mandarin Custard Crème Brûlée and Sesame Balls.

Outstanding Dishes & Culinary Highlights

While every plate delivered, several dishes redefined what we expect from Chinese cuisine in Miami:

• The “Candy” Eggplant: The Crispy Eggplant with Sichuan Peppercorn and Sesame is a revelation. It’s essentially “veggie candy”—perfectly glazed, crunchy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.

• The Signature Roast Duck: Prepared in the signature Chinese Tuxedo fashion, the Half Roast Duck arrives with perfectly rendered skin and succulent, five-spice infused meat that pays homage to traditional banquet dining.

• Whole Live Lobster Noodles: Expertly prepared and visually stunning, the lobster is succulent and tossed in a rich, golden garlic butter that clings to every strand of noodle.

• Reimagined Greens: Even the sides shine. The Bok Choy features a unique burnt garlic oil, while the Green Beans are tossed in a fragrant Xinjiang spice blend that provides a smoky, addictive heat.

• The Finale: The Crème Brûlée Mandarin Custard Tart is arguably the best version of the dessert in the city—silky, citrusy, and finished with a flawless glass-like sugar crust.

What truly levels up this pop-up is the outstanding service. The staff at a’Riva navigates the complexity of the Chinese Tuxedo menu with grace, offering insightful recommendations. It is a rare “cross-cultural exchange” where the high-energy service of New York meets the relaxed luxury of Miami.

Plan Your Visit:

• Location: a’Riva at Harbour Club, 1916 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

• Dates: Now through Saturday, May 16th.

• Time: Dinner service begins nightly at 6:00 PM.

• Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made via Resy or by contacting the restaurant directly at 305-910-0415.

Whether you’re a fan of the NYC original or a local looking for the most compelling meal in town this week, this collaboration is a must-visit. Catch it before it’s gone!