Everyone has a China Grill story.

During the halcyon days of South Beach, China Grill was where Miami came to celebrate- at a time when just about every moment was a cause for celebration. It was the backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries, business deals, pregame dinners before unforgettable nights out, spontaneous meet-cutes, and Valentine’s Day dinners that somehow didn’t begin until 1 a.m. It was where our favorite club mixes filled the room, where locals rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and where just about everyone we knew – or eventually became friends with shared a table at one time or another. China Grill wasn’t simply one of Miami’s hottest restaurants. It was an institution. A cultural landmark, an era of dining and nightlife that many still consider the golden age of South Beach.

For nearly two decades, it was far more than a restaurant-it was the heartbeat of South Beach and the place where unforgettable nights began. Housed in the same iconic building as Ocean Drive magazine, the publication that catapulted South Beach onto the global stage, China Grill became the epicenter that defined an era of dining, nightlife, and celebrity culture. Tastemakers and celebrities – including Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Lenny Kravitz, Dennis Rodman, Ricky Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and countless athletes and supermodels gathered alongside South Beach personalities, promoters, club owners and local luminaries.

From there, the night continued through the evolution of Miami nightlife – from Amnesia, Bar Room, and GrooveJet to Liquid, Level, Crobar, Living Room, BED, SET, Mansion, Mynt, Skybar,  and eventually LIV – each venue defining its own chapter in South Beach history. One night, after dinner at China Grill, we boarded a party bus with Adrian Grenier’s entourage on our way to SET- the site of Miami Socialholic’s fabulous launch party in 2009.

Now, China Grill has returned at Bal Harbour Shops, and it’s clear the legend is alive and well.

Walking through the doors felt less like visiting a new restaurant and more like coming home. Familiar faces, shared memories, and conversations all began with stories of the original China Grill. The energy was unmistakable, and the unique flavors that made China Grill famous have remained remarkably true to the originals while introducing exciting new dishes worthy of becoming modern classics.

The new space is sophisticated, elegant, and beautifully designed, striking the perfect balance between contemporary luxury and the unmistakable China Grill spirit. 

The expansive outdoor terrace is a standout feature, complete with ceiling fans and outdoor air-conditioning units that make alfresco dining surprisingly comfortable—even during a Miami summer. Seriously…why can’t every outdoor restaurant in Miami do this?

No visit is complete without beginning with the restaurant’s signature Lobster Pancakes. Filled with wild mushrooms, red chili, scallions, and coconut milk, they remain every bit as decadent as longtime fans remember.

The Crackling Calamari Salad, dressed with its signature lime miso dressing, continues to deliver the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that made it a must-order for decades.

The Grilled Szechuan Beef remains a standout, signature favorite—tender beef paired with sake, soy, spicy shallots, crispy matchstick frites, and two irresistible sauces.

Of course, no China Grill experience is complete without the Peking Duck. Served with housemade pancakes and hoisin sauce, it remains one of Miami’s most celebrated dishes.

While the classics remain, the new menu introduces additions worthy of attention. The Chilean Sea Bass is buttery and perfectly prepared, complemented by hearts of palm, soy-ginger brown butter, and fresh herbs. The Onion Soup Dumplings transform the comforting flavors of French onion soup into delicate dumplings filled with rich, savory broth. The Crispy Shrimp & Mango Beggars’ Purses combine succulent shrimp, tropical sweetness, and Thai sweet chili sauce into one exceptional bite.

Choosing the best side is nearly impossible. The Wasabi Mash remains every bit as addictive as remembered, while the luxurious Truffle Mash is equally spectacular. Consider it a tie—both deserve a permanent place on every table. Also noteworthy is the Crispy Spinach which is so light, airy and delicious that it will delight even the spinach-averse.

The cocktail program is every bit as creative as the cuisine. Marco’s Escape, crafted with Suntory Toki Whisky, Chinola Passionfruit, lemon juice, passion fruit purée, basil, and ginger beer, is bright and refreshing. The Mango Mirage delivers pure Miami energy with Bacardi Rum, Chinola Mango, mango purée, lime, mint, and soda. Silk & Spice brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with Corazón Tequila, jalapeño, cucumber, mint, lime, and agave. To finish, the Café Champa offers an elevated espresso martini experience with Grey Goose Vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso, and condensed milk. And while it’s not currently on the menu, the Lychee Martini deserves a special mention—it may be one of the best we’ve ever tasted.

Our return to China Grill began with an unforgettable brunch that perfectly captured the spirit of its comeback. The room was filled with the same effortless glamour that made the original legendary—friends lingering over cocktails, conversations flowing from table to table, and that unmistakable Miami energy that turns a meal into an occasion. It felt less like discovering a new restaurant and more like revisiting an old friend, proving that some experiences never go out of style.

China Grill hasn’t simply reopened.

It has reclaimed its place in Miami’s story. For those who remember the original, it’s a chance to relive the magic. For a new generation, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the restaurants that helped shape Miami’s dining scene and continues to set the standard for destination dining. 

Some restaurants reopen.

China Grill returns.

Welcome back, old friend.

China Grill’s Hours
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sunday Brunch: 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Sunday Dinner: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM

China Grill Bal Harbour
9700 Collins Avenue, Suite D-135
Bal Harbour, FL 33154
Phone: (305) 404-9700  

https://chinagrillbalharbour.com

*Restaurant photos courtesy of China Grill

By: Maryanne Salvat

 15^th Annual Brunch for the Animals

Dogs and their owners are invited to attend the 15th annual Brunch for the Animals on Sunday, December 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, hosted by TV personality Louis Aguirre from Deco Drive, will take place at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel at 1601 Collins Avenue. Co-Chairpersons are Louis Aguirre, Selene Arvesu, Gingi Beltran, Irene Korge, Ann Rubino and Maggie Villacampa. Two-legged guests will enjoy a scrumptious holiday brunch while sipping on cocktails and taking in the magnificent view from the lawn of the hotel. Our four-legged attendees will dine on a home cooked meal from the Loews Loves Pets Room Service Menu. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in holiday wear.G uests can start their holiday shopping early at the exciting silent auction and merchant booths that will be set up, including an exciting vintage booth called Scrappy’s Vintage Corner. Admission is $150 per person (dogs are complimentary). Children ages 3-10 are $35 per person. Valet parking is available for $25 or there is a public garage across the street on 16th Street. Seating is limited so RSVP early. Call Laurie at 305-749-1815. 

GEE Beauty Hosts Lea Black’s Sudden Youth Skincare Debut Fete and Pop-Up Shop 

GEE Beauty, the modern makeup and skincare studio, welcomes Real Housewives of Miami star and Sudden Youth Skincare founder, Lea Black, for the launch of her new line with a pop-up store at Bal Harbour Shops. Kicking off the unveiling with a cocktail fête on Thursday, December 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Lea will mingle and treat guests with the Sudden Youth Skincare mini facial experience. The pop-up shop is open from Thursday, December 8, through Sunday, December 11. Lea will also be on-hand Friday, December 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information call 305.868.3533. 

Chef Daniel Boulud and Mixologist Xavier Hérit Present: Amuse-Bouches for Her & For Him 

Chef Daniel Boulud and Restaurant DANIEL’s renowned mixologist Xavier Herit are making their way to Miami on Monday, December 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., to welcome cocktail aficionados with a sultry evening of delicious concoctions paired with Boulud’s legendary cuisine – served in small bites. The celebration takes place in the Bar and Lounge of Miami’s favorite new restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, and now also Downtown’s hottest drinks destination. Guests will depart with a signed copy of “Cocktails and Amuse-Bouches: For Her & For Him”, the chef’s charming new two-volume boxed set published by ASSOULINE. Event cost is $95 per person (includes a signed copy of book). For more information or to buy tickets contact 305.421.8800.

Jason Taylor Foundation Hosts 3CiNTERACTIVE  

While Miami Dolphins All-Pro Jason Taylor is preparing for his team’s upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jason Taylor Foundation is preparing for one of its most popular events, the 3Cinteractive JT’s Ping-Pong Smash 8 – Presented by Publix, the original celebrity, doubles table-tennis tournament.  Proceeds from the event, which will take place on Monday, December 12 at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, will benefit the Jason Taylor Foundation, whose mission is to support and create programs that facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life. This one-of-a-kind event will once again pair community members with some of the Sunshine State’s most recognizable personalities from the worlds of sports and entertainment, including Taylor, as well as many current and former Miami Dolphins players.  The duos will compete in a round-robin style ping-pong tournament while raising money for local children’s charities. The fun-filled, electric atmosphere will also feature DJ Laz of Power 96 filling the arena with today’s hottest music, in addition to the LuckyFan Fun Zone, where those in attendance can enjoy a Best Buy gaming station, haircuts, interactive games and more! Prior to the action that evening, JTF will put on the fourth-annual Ping-Pong Smash Kids Clinic – Presented by the Miami Dolphins.  Nearly 100 deserving children will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the world’s fastest sport from former Puerto Rican Junior National Table Tennis Champion and two-time JT’s Ping-Pong Smash Champion, Juan Ly.  The Kids Clinic will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., also at Hard Rock Live. Doors open for the 3Cinteractive JT’s Ping-Pong Smash 8 – Presented by Publix at 5:30 p.m. Admission to the event is a $5.00 donation to the Jason Taylor Foundation.  For more information, call (954) 424-0799 or visit www.jasontaylorfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/jasontaylorfoundation.

Celebrate the Holidays with Exciting Events at Zoo Miami

This holiday season Zoo Miami is hosting a myriad of exciting and fun activities for everyone. At Zoo Miami, guests can enjoy beautiful animal-shaped lights as they stroll zoo walkways during the 8 nights of Zoo Lights, have Dinner with Santa, and watch the animals open their specially-prepared gifts during Holiday Gifts for the Animals.

The zoo’s glorious grounds come to light for 8 brilliant nights during Zoo Lights, December 16 through 23 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (ticket booths close at 9:30 p.m.). Guests can enjoy dozens of bright animal-shaped lights along walkways, listen to wonderful holiday music, sip hot chocolate, munch on delicious cookies, and take a ride on a camel, the wildlife carrousel or the hippo slide (the world’s largest inflatable slide). Included with admission is a pair of 3D glasses, which will make the Zoo Lights experience even more engaging and amusing. General admission is only $5 per person plus tax. Food, beverages, camel rides, carrousel and hippo slide are all available at additional costs.

Dinner with Santa will take place on December 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bring the kids to meet him before he has to rush back to the North Pole! Enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with the family, photos with Santa, a holiday plush gift and holiday craft-making for the little ones!

Dinner with Santa admission includes parking, entry to Zoo Lights from 7:00 to10:00 p.m. and a classic holiday menu of fresh roasted turkey with homemade gravy, baked ham, candied sweet potatoes with melting marshmallows, herbed buttery carrots, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls with butter, homemade seasonal pumpkin cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry-infused lemonade, and cranberry mint-infused water. General admission is $39.95 per adult and $33.95 per child ages 3-12. Zoo members are $36.95 per adult and $30.95 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are free. To make a reservation, call 305-251-0400, ext 84941.

Another fun family activity is Holiday Gifts for the Animals! Every weekend in December, including Christmas Day, watch the animals joyfully open holiday gifts prepared by zookeepers and volunteers. The animals enjoy opening up their enriching gifts and you’ll be entertained watching them. To save time, buy your tickets online at www.zoomiami.org. Zoo Miami’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4:00 p.m.

Bonnie Clearwater, Angelo Ricasa, Ivonne Ronderos, and Meredith Becker

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

MOCA Mystery Dates Kick-off

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MOCA) young, hip “Shakers” threw a bash for 400 at newly minted Miami Beach lounge The Well, to kick-off ticket sales for their annual highly-anticipated, Mystery Dates fundraiser, to be held on November 12.  On the soggy evening, the artsy patrons came out in droves to fill the relaxed yet stylish space and enjoy Grey Goose vodka cocktails, while chatting excitedly about the upcoming Mystery Dates event, which consists of a series of glamorous dinner parties held concurrently at the homes of private art collectors and designers around Miami.  The mystery is that guests have no idea as to where they will be dining until the night of the actual event. Read the rest of this entry »

The 3^rd Annual Fashion’s Night Out dawns upon us once again on Thursday, September 8th. The after-hours extravaganza includes a fantastic line-up of events filled with diamonds, cocktails, parties, and of course spectacular shopping. Here are a few of our favorite things: 

FNO Merrick Park 

The Village of Merrick Park will host an official Fashion’s Night Out event beginning at 6 p.m. The event will take place throughout the center and inside participating retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, Elemis Day Spa, Etro, Furla, Juicy Couture, KoKo & Palenki, Lacoste and Silvia Tcherassi, to name a few. Event components will include three Fashion’s Night Out Lounges which will feature cool music by DJ Ess & Emm, cocktails, delicious light bites, a sneak peek of Fall 2011 trends and many other exciting initiatives. New this year, the Village of Merrick Park will partner with Dress for Success Miami in supporting their campaign, “Check your bag at the door.” Donate your gently worn handbag and put in a check to help raise funds for Dress for Success Miami women’s program. Cap the evening off with a visit to one of the center’s many dining offerings including the recently opened Cinco Cantina & Tequila Bar, SAWA Restaurant & Lounge, Yard House and Villagio, among others.  

Neiman Marcus has teamed up with Niche Media’s Ocean Drive magazine to present a Pop-Up shop curated by Editor-in-Chief Suzy Buckley. The Ocean Drive Pop-up launches within Neiman Marcus’ South Florida stores for the month of September and features a handpicked selection of must-have trends as inspiration for the ultimate personal style.  The Pop-Up Shop will feature a total of 12 diverse style expressions for men and women, each chosen to reflect unique themes including ‘Evening/Gala,’ ‘Weekend Leisure,’ ‘Night Out,’ ‘Power Lunch,’ ‘Date Night’ and ‘Weekend Getaway.’  In honor of fall fashion, the Ocean Drive magazine Pop-Up at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Neiman Marcus Fort Lauderdale will make its debut from September 1 through 30 with its kick-off event taking place during Fashion’s Night Out at the Coral Gables location at Merrick Park.  The Bal Harbour location will be on display from September 9 through 30, with a special event celebrating Ocean Drive’s 10th Annual Fall Fashion Week on Wednesday, September 21. Additionally, Pop-up shoppers will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a night out as a VIP with Ocean Drive magazine. The VIP package includes dinner with Ocean Drive’s magazine cover star, an invite to a highly coveted cover release party and a one-night stay at a luxurious Miami hotel.  Potential winners can enter to win at Neiman Marcus stores at Coral Gables, Bal Harbour and Fort Lauderdale throughout the month of September.

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland 

Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland will transform into fashion’s ultimate social media party with a night of style, makeovers, music and more. Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has invited three charities (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Humane Society of Greater Miami and Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program) to participate in a night of shopping that will benefit these charities and give back to the community. Start the night out on the ground floor with the FENDI Fatto a Mano event. In this incredible workshop, the customer will be able to design his/her very own, completely one-of-a-kind Selleria bag. A Fendi craftsman will be present to help the clients choose from a selection of gorgeous exotics, leathers and trims in a wide range of colors. Customers will also enjoy complimentary makeovers in the Beauty Department, as the expert artist teams demonstrate the best ways to get the season’s latest looks.  As part of the FNO @Saks theme, customers are invited to tweet and Facebook their new looks directly from the Beauty Department. The Spa at The Mandarin Oriental, Miami will be offering five minute neck massages and raffling of a gift certificate to their spa. The Fur Salon located on the second level, will be hosting an exclusive trunk show of must have pieces by American Fur Designers with the Fine Jewelry department will host a Vhernier trunk show.AOL will be hosting interactive iPad kiosk for clients to check in with Stylelist, the source for the latest fashion news and trends, to test your Fall Fashion IQ for the chance to win exclusive prizes. 

The event will be accompanied by sexy cocktails provided by SX Liquors and The Capital Grille will be present during the night. The affair will also have DJs in the contemporary department and handbags department. In addition, Jennifer Valoppi, president and founder of Women of Tomorrow will be signing her book Certain Cure. For further information, visit the Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland Facebook page for an updated event schedule.

 FNO Bal Harbour Shops:

 De Beers Book Launch 

De Beers invites you to join Allison Weiss Brady and Cheryl Peisach at De Beers at Bal Harbour Shops on Thursday, September 8, from 7 to 10 pm for a VIP cocktail party to celebrate the launch of De Beers Jewellery, (intentional spelling) a book that provides an insider’s glimpse into the fascinating world of diamonds, published by Assouline.  The event will benefit Gene Spotlight, a South Florida-based organization which provides medical research grants to find better treatments and cures for some of the 7,000 rare genetic disorders.  Catered by Le Basque, refreshing champagne and sparkling water will be served, as well as scrumptious passed hors d’oeuvres, and delicious macaroons for dessert.  Space is limited.  Contact BHFNO@DEBEERS.COM for further information.

Chloé Bal Harbour  

Chloé Bal Harbour is hosting a Fashion’s Night Out “Free Your Photos” event. Capture the experience of creating instant memories with your digital camera or Bluetooth-enabled Smartphone and snap away at the latest fashion trends, then link up to Polaroid’s new GL10 Instant Mobile Printer and leave with a keepsake courtesy of Chloé- photos that can be shared instantly. Designed by Polaroid and Lady Gaga, the GL10 Instant Mobile Printer is an instant printer that you can take around with you to wirelessly print photos from your phone via Bluetooth or computers and digital cameras via USB. Sip champagne, enjoy live beats by DJ Johnny the Boy and shop the Chloé Fall & Winter 2011 collections from 7 to 10 p.m. 

Yves Saint Laurent and Bass Museum of Art 

From 7 to 10 p.m., fashion and art unite for an evening of shopping, sweets and giving back. A strong supporter of the arts, Yves Saint Laurent Bal Harbour has partnered with the Bass Museum of Art.  Fifteen percent of the evening’s profits will be donated to the museum. Yves Saint Laurent invites guests to indulge in complimentary champagne and gourmet macaroons while getting a first look of the brand’s latest “IT handbag” Cabas Chyc. All guests who purchase a Cabas Chyc handbag and reference the Bass Museum of Art, will enjoy a fabulous gift with purchase package including a pair of YSL sunglasses, scarf, a beauty kit and an official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt. This offer will be available September 7^th through 9th, and is only available to Bass Museum guests.

FNO Aventura Mall 

Zingara Swimwear will treat shoppers to cupcakes by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe, champagne and a full espresso bar from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. By shopping Zingara’s summer 2011 collections guests will automatically be entered to win a “Beach Accessories Set.” Complimentary beach sandals will also be given as a gift with purchases over $200. Complete your beach-ready looks with a matching hairstyle. Blo Blow Dry Bar (www.blomedry.com) will be on-site for dry styling, offering expert tips and revealing how-to secrets. Stop by and get fab-in-a-flash with a perfect pony, fun and flirty curls or even a boho braid. 

**Be sure to check back next week for even more fashionable happenings.

Brunello Cucinelli Boutique Grand Opening at Bal Harbour Shops

On Thursday, March 31st, Italian cashmere guru, Mr. Brunello Cucinelli, joined hosts, Leticia & Miky Grendene and Carole & Oscar Seikaly, to celebrate the grand opening of its newest boutique located at the legendary Bal Harbour Shops.

With over 200 guests, attendees included: HIH Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam; Tennis Star – Gabriella Sabatini; News Anchor – Belkys Nerey; and Swimwear Designer – Ariel Stein; among other Miami socialites Lin Airson, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Laura Buccellati, Francesca Halpyrn, Fana Holtz, Lydia Touzet and Gigi & Randy Whitman gathered in the 1,600 square foot boutique for an evening of luxury, fashion and charity. A percentage of proceeds from the evening as well as the weekend were donated to the Jackson Memorial Foundation Guardian Angels benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital.  

While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and white wines with an Italian twist, guests were able to meet and mingle with Mr. Brunello Cucinelli during his first trip to South Florida. Collections on display included the Spring/Summer 2011 men’s and women’s apparel as well as Brunello Cucinelli accessories which were displayed throughout the store. The evening was filled with the true Italian spirit that only Mr. Brunello Cucinelli could bring to Bal Harbour. [smooth=id:226;]

If the shows at the Tents and Paris, the fashion world’s fabulous versions of Mardi gras and Carnaval combined, have left you fashionably jetlagged (even if only in your mind), you’ll be glad to know that we’re heating up the runways right in our own backyard. To boot, at least a few of these fashion fetes and shows are designed to benefit great causes not just to wear out the strip of that Black Card. Here’s to a stimulus plan that actually works, and is oh, so much fun!

One such fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.” Read the rest of this entry »