This story was originally published on April 7, 2015.
By Alexandra Del Canto
Art students at Florida International University say they are forced to learn in dirty and potentially unsafe educational spaces. At the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in southwest Miami-Dade County, art students are routinely crowded into small portable classrooms while other students enjoy new facilities on campus.
Some say they are have to stand up during classes due to a lack of seating while others sit on desks. Some FIU students say that the conditions in which they are expected to learn in on a daily basis are in fact unsafe. Reports of mold in classrooms, dirty bathrooms, broken and rusting equipment and water damage are rampant.
“We deserve better, we’re the same as everyone else,” Maximo Yejo a senior art student said. “We’re here to get an education, we’re paying our dues.”
Here is what our Rise Miami News investigation found on the FIU campus.
Sign in W9 building.
Mold collecting on ceiling in W9.
Ventilation in art studio W9
In the photography labs, students practice printing black and white and color pictures. Students also use these facilities to develop black and white film. All of these film processes entail exposure to chemicals, which are extremely toxic to inhale and touch. With proper and clean facilities, it is easier to limit exposure to these harmful chemicals and limit the chance of spreading them beyond the bounds of the photography lab rooms. Clean facilities are crucial to producing photographic work, as the film developing and printing process is very delicate.
Black and white photography classroom where students meet for lectures and hang their work to be critiqued.
“The walls are covered in chemicals, most of the sinks are rusted and are also stained. A lot of the flooring in the printing room has either been soaked through already or is falling apart,” Nick Suarez, an FIU junior said. “There’s not a whole lot of good enlargers, [machinery for projecting film to make prints] most of them are either half way broken or dirty. We don’t have a lot of space, we don’t have a real classroom aside from one table with a couple of chairs. We don’t even have a wall to put stuff up on. We have planks of cork-board that we put things into and just cover up walls with doors.”
Close up of one of the panels (cork boards) that students hang their photographs on to present to the class. There is limited wall space so the boards are lined up and lean against the wall.
Chemical stains pouring down walls and on counters where students work with photographs and film.
Rotting wood holds up cleaning equipment.
Chemicals eroding shelf and floor, the outside of the containers are contaminated as well.
Rusted student lockers in darkroom.
Where color photography classes meet and present their work. Some students stand up due to lack of space. (Photo blurred intentionally to conceal identities of students.)
“We have a whole bunch of things that don’t work and we can’t use,” Alex Ballester, a junior art student said. “We’re [FIU] all about education, bringing a better education to Miami and making a good name for FIU and we’re doing the complete opposite.”
UPDATED: April 9, 2015
In an email sent this morning to faculty, staff, and students of Florida International University’s College of Architecture + The Arts, (CARTA) a university leader promised sweeping changes and reform to dirty and potentially unsafe classrooms that art majors use.
CARTA dean Brian Schriner said in the memo that his college is working collaboratively with FIU to fix the problems first brought to light in a Rise Miami News investigation.
“Our primary concern continues to be the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” Schriner said. “We are fortunate to have instructional space that is state-of-the-art; however, we also have to address issues with facilities that require our attention.”
Art students at FIU said they are forced to learn in dirty educational spaces at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. The students are routinely crowded into small portable classrooms that often have signs of mold, water damage and are littered with broken and rusting equipment.
“We deserve better, we’re the same as everyone else,” Maximo Yejo a senior art student said. “We’re here to get an education, we’re paying our dues.”
In the statement, Schriner said that his team is committed to completing a number of repairs and maintenance by July 1, 2015, “Including replacing worn furniture and painting interior spaces, with particular attention to the facilities of the Department of Art + Art History and the Department of Theatre.”
“Moving forward and in alignment with the College’s strategic plan, we will be investing in the College’s infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and technology,” Schriner said. “This summer I will present Provost Furton with a proposal to renovate existing and construct new facilities. It’s my goal to ensure that our facilities reflect the excellence of our faculty, students, and programs.”
Schriner said that FIU students are welcomed to email him questions and comments about the changes to [email protected].
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New Professional Club, Miami FC Announces Plan to Enhance South Florida Soccer
By Abel Iraola
While Miamians continue to be kept in the dark about David Beckham’s upcoming Major League Soccer club, a local team in the second-tier is hitting the ground running.
The Miami Football Club Miami FC was announced in May, already making strides to begin playing next April. The ownership group, led by legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini and sports media rights mogul Riccardo Silva, have made major moves to ensure success for the new club.
Last week, Miami FC announced the hiring of Alessandro Nesta as the club’s first head coach. Nesta, a renowned Italian defender like Maldini, made his name as a key player for Serie A giants Lazio and Milan before heading to Montreal for MLS. They also hired Cesar Velasco to manage the team. Velasco comes with extensive experience in sports management, serving as director of communications, marketing and community relations for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto FC and most recently, FC Dallas.
On Wednesday afternoon, Velasco held a Q&A on the club’s Facebook page to address supporters directly for the first time.
Although no major announcements came from the event, the general manager hinted that the new organization is aiming to make an impact in the often sports-averse Miami scene. The club hopes to avoid some of the pitfalls of running a second-tier club in a country not yet used to following teams below the major leagues.
Issues that have troubled other teams, including broadcast rights, stadium deals and player quality and development, were addressed during the hour-long question session.
Velasco said that that the club is currently in talks with broadcasters. The “goal is to have all Miami FC matches available for our fans,” Velasco said. It is still unknown where the club will play, but they are in negotiations and expect to make an announcement in four to six weeks. FIU Stadium has been rumored to be the preferred site, and it was confirmed on Wednesday that it is among the locations currently under consideration.
Looking ahead to on-the-pitch decisions, Velasco deferred to Nesta when questioned about the expected style of play, paraphrasing the coach’s recent response to a similar question, which indicated that he prefers an attacking style, however: “As an ex defender he will make sure he will have a strong defense,” Velasco said.
The club is looking at players both at home and abroad, and plans to make its first announcements within the next few weeks. They will also hold tryouts for local footballers in November.
Maldini, Silva and Velasco are intent on not only creating a successful club, but promoting the sport of soccer in South Florida.
Velasco said that a player development system is “a key objective.” However, he did not indicate whether that means they would follow an academy model.
Asked about Beckham’s MLS side, Velasco reiterated Miami FC’s support for Maldini’s former teammate.
“We support the project of the Beckham United Group to bring a team to Miami,” Velasco said. “This is great for soccer and all fans in South Florida.”
The front office remain confident that the club will succeed, drawing fans in Miami and across South Florida by building a championship-winning team. They plan to go full-strength into the NASL season as well as the U.S. Open Cup, the country’s domestic cup competition that spans all levels of American soccer.
“We believe in Miami and we believe in Miami soccer fans. We are building a club for Miami fans to call their own and be an active part of, hence ‘one club one voice’. We are working hard to build a championship caliber team for our city.”
The NASL’s spring season begins in April 2016.
Cover Photo Credit: miamifc.com
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Little Haiti Gentrification War: Business Owners Cry Racism As New Landlord Allegedly Forces Out Haitians
What’s News In This Story?
–A developer is forcing out Haitian owned businesses from two commercial strips that he recently bought near the intersection of NE 2nd Ave and 82 St in Miami.
–The developer, Thomas Conway has been accused of unfairly targeting Haitians and treating non-Haitians better.
–Most of the businesses are on month-to-month leases and Florida law allows for landlords to end those type leases with 15 days notices.
–Some of the businesses have been open for decades, including a Haitian owned tuxedo store that has been in operation for 32 years.
-Chronic road construction has also caused severe hardships for the businesses. One barbershop says that they have lost 60% of their customers over the last year due to the construction.
–Haitian community activists are calling for public officials to intervene and provide support to the affected businesses.
Little Haiti is about to get a whole lot whiter.
That’s if you believe dozens of Little Haiti business owners and community activists who are claiming that a real estate developer is forcing Haitians out of two commercial strips in a fast gentrifying area of Miami, while giving white owners better treatment.
The business strips are on the East and West side of NE 2nd Ave near the 82nd St intersection.
The buildings were recently purchased by Thomas Conway, a young real estate entrepreneur who has been active in the northern section of Little Haiti.
The buildings are full of dozens of business, ranging from a travel agency, to a bakery and a Metro PCS.
Most of the businesses are run by Haitians.
Over the past two months, local shop owners say that Conway has been trying to force them out.
Multiple owners claim that Conway has refused to accept their rent checks so he can get rid of them and court records obtained by the Miami Herald show that the new landlord has already started eviction proceedings on 13 of the 15 businesses at 8200 NE Second Ave. and 201 NE 82nd St.
Most of the businesses are on month to month leases and Florida law allows for landlords to end leases with only 15 days notice.
The situation has become so untenable that many of the business owners called a press conference on Thursday with the Haitian rights group Family Action Network Movement (FANM).
To add to to their misery, an ongoing construction project has ripped up parts of NE 2nd Ave for nearly a year and dramatically hurt business in the area.
The iconic Miami restaurant, Football Sandwich Shop has been closed for multiple months due to the same construction.
Marleine Bastien, the leader of FANM said that many business owners were angry that local authorities have not offered financial assistance to their struggling businesses.
“Some of them wonder, is this a way to get them out?,” Bastien asked during the press conference. “Because usually when businesses are impacted, they get some type of relief. But not these Haitian businesses.”
Bastien also said that Haitian businesses are facing discrimination because they were the only ones asked to leave by Conway.
Ramon Alvarez owns a barbershop on the strip of the westside of NE 2nd Ave.
Alvarez said that Conway lied to his face about what his intentions were about the future of the building and that the decision to force out his barbershop was racially motivated because of the Haitian staff he has.
“They see this as a black business,” Alvarez told RISE NEWS. “Everybody out. I don’t know, it’s scary.”
Alvarez said that Conway seemed very reasonable when the new landlord first approached him a few months ago after buying the property.
Alvarez said that Conway told him the plan was to fix up the building and put on a new roof.
Alvarez also said that Conway told him that the rent would gradually go up from the current $1,400 a month to $3,500 a month.
Alvarez said that he was ok with this new arrangement.
“I can manage it and If I can’t afford it one day I’m going to say, ‘Mr. Thomas, I got to go.'”
But Alvarez said that Conway changed his tune and even refused to accept a rent check.
Now, Alvarez said that he’s been told he is going to be evicted.
He’s not the only one.
“I’ve been eight years here,” Pierre Richard Maximillien, the owner of a travel agency said. “The guy next door to me who sells tuxedos and marriage dresses has been there 32 years. It’s a lifetime.”
A few doors down from Alvarez’s barber shop, Lucia Garcia runs The Furtnitue Store.
Garcia attended the press conference in support of the Haitian owners and said that she felt like Conway was treating her business differently than the others.
Garcia is Hispanic.
“We have not received any threats,” Garcia told RISE NEWS. “We have not received any eviction notices. We have been given until June to leave, supposedly due to construction. But we have received very different treatment.”
Lina Hargrett, the owner of the Empty Apartment said that she just recently signed a year lease to stay in the same building where Alvarez and Garcia have their businesses.
Hargrett said that she had not been asked to leave the building and seemed unaware of the controversy that was swirling.
Hargrett has a light complexion.
Hargrett’s store and the Metro PCS are the only two businesses that seem unaffected by the moves.
Both have two year leases.
Conway refused to speak to a reporter from RISE NEWS when reached via phone on Thursday, and hung up.
“Unfortunately, I can’t take this call at the moment,” Conway said before hanging up. “I appreciate it.”
In 2015, Conway opened MADE At The Citadel, a well-known co-working space on NE 2nd Ave and 83rd St.
It was reported in 2017 that he intends to turn the building across the street from MADE At The Citadel into a food hall.
A rendering for that building, which is called The Citadel, is available online.
The Citadel used to house the Federal Reserve in Miami and got its name from, wait for it, an historic fort in Haiti.
Gary Louis has worked as a barber for over 15 years at the shop that Alvarez now owns.
He has to pay to keep his chair there and has stayed despite losing 60% of his business due to the road construction.
Louis said that he’s stayed because he was excited about the changes in the neighborhood and thought that he would prosper from them.
“The city hasn’t done anything for the Haitian community at all,” Louis said. “So now, something is brought to life where we’ve seen the city has finally taken care of the community. But now as I’m seeing it, it’s not being cleaned up for primarily the Haitian community. It’s just mainly for a new form of business that does not include the Haitian community at all.”
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There’s A Secret Buddhist Temple In This El Portal House
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The Ultimate Guide For Where To Eat And Drink For Christmas And New Year’s in Miami
This piece was originally published by our partner MIAbites.com and is produced by them.
Miami has always done the holidays right. Visitors and residents alike have numerous options for dining and entertainment. New Year’s Eve free concerts and fireworks on South Beach, Pitbull hosting fireworks and parties at Bayfront Park, and The Weeknd performing poolside at The Fontainebleau.
So here are our picks for celebrating Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. And we will continue to add updates as necessary to keep you “up to date…up to the last minute of 2015″.
MIAMI BEACH & MIAMI:
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is excited to celebrate 2016 in style with their New Year’s Eve & One Year Anniversary party starting at 9:30 p.m. As always there will be no cover at the door! Partygoers looking for something a bit more intimate, Bodega is hosting a private VIP reception earlier in the evening from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. with passed her d’oeuvres curated by Chef Bernie Matz. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila 1220 16th Street Miami Beach, FL
Radio Bar is hosting New Year’s Eve where $75 will get you in for an Open Bar from 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. featuring sounds by Action Jackson. Table reservations are also available: [email protected] Radio Bar 814 First Street Miami Beach, FL
Red Ginger is celebrating the New Year in style with a 5-course menu and two seatings at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Dinner is priced at $180 for the 6:30 p.m. seating and $220 for the 8:30 p.m. seating. As an added bonus, those booking dinner at Red Ginger will also have VIP access to Radio Bar’s New Years Eve celebration that features an open bar from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Please call 786-433-6876 for reservations. Red Ginger 736 First Street Miami Beach, FL
Gianni’s at The Villa is excited to announce two over-the-top events to ring in 2016! Visit The Villa, Casa Casuarina- formerly the Versace Mansion- to celebrate in luxury and style. Gianni’s will be serving mouthwatering five-course meals prepared by Executive Chef Thomas Stewart. Guests can choose between two seatings; at 7pm and 10 pm. The second seating raises the bar as the New Year approaches with New Years count down to midnight surrounded by the glittering gold tiles of the Million Mosaic Pool. The New Year’s Eve Party includes a premium open bar from 11 p.m. – 3 a.m. Dinner is priced at $195 per person for the first seating, and $295 per person for the second seating, not including beverages. Dinner guests can access the party for an additional $99. Admission to the party without dinner reservations is $199 per person. Reservations required, please call 786-485-2200. The Villa, Casa Casuarina 1116 Ocean DriveMiami Beach, FL
Prime Fish– Restaurateur, Myles Chefetz is celebrating 2016 at his popular seafood eatery, Prime Fish with a New Year’s Day edition of his famed Nemo brunch. On January 1st guest can enjoy brunch highlights including both an omelet and carving station in addition to legendary classics like Curried Fish Cakes and Duck Confit Hash and lobster omelet, homemade whitefish salad, brioche French toast, and Eggs Benedict. Brunch includes bottomless mimosas, Bellini, Prosecco and Bloody Marys. Brunch Price $49.00 including an entree and select bottomless drinks: Prime Fish 100 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL
Do you like this? Read more awesome restaurant reviews, tips and event listings at MIAbites.com.
SLS South Beach– The SoBe hotspot is hosting New Year’s Eve dinners at both Katsuya and The Bazaar by Jose Andres and a performance by world-renowned artist DJ Cedric at HYDE Beach. Celebrity DJ Cedric Gervais helps ring in the New Year where Hyde Beach will transform into CHATEAU HYDE, reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles for an evening of opulence, dancing, and, of course, champagne! Tickets start at $150 for General Admission and, if purchased in advance, include Open Bar from 9PM – 12AM in addition to passed dishes from Katsuya, SLS South Beach’s famed Japanese restaurant “with a provocative twist” by Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi from 9PM – 11PM . The SLS South Beach 1701 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL
The Bazaar by José Andrés -The world-renowned restaurant from culinary icon José Andrés, The Bazaar, will afford diners with two exquisite and unforgettable dining options on New Year’s Eve: 13-Course Menu at The Bazaar (Available for 6pm seating) – $125pp (not including gratuity/tax) 16-Course Menu at The Bazaar (Available for 9:30pm seating) – $300pp (not including gratuity/tax). The Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS 1701 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL.
Driftwood Room at Nautilus, a SIXTY Hotel, in South Beach invites guests to cheer in the New Year with a special five-course meal. Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Chef de Cuisine Lucas Marino have created a five-course dinner. For those looking to enjoy dinner before the party, the early seating is from 7pm – 9pm. The late seating will start at 9:30pm and allows guests to sit through the evening. Those wishing to continue the celebration poolside can purchase tickets for an additional $100 per person. Driftwood Room 1825 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL
Bazi: Miami Beach’s newest dining destination featuring the unforgettably bold cuisine of Chef Michael Pirolo, will be offering a one-night-only New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner menu along with bubbly specials from 9:30-11PM, following regular dinner service. Guests will be able to enjoy live music while toasting to the New Year with champagne specials by the bottle including Perrier Jouet NV Brut ($90), Henri Giraud Esprit De Giraud Rose ($125), Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois 1999 ($200) and Perrier Jouet Belle Epouque 2012 ($250). Priced at $120 per person and including a champagne toast at midnight. Bazi 1200 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL.
Macchialina: the rustic Italian eatery owned by Chef Michael Pirolo and partner/hospitality veteran Jen Chaefsky, will be offering several luxurious additions to their regular dinner menu to ring in the New Year. Known as a must-try for locals, visitors in the know and critics near and far, holiday menu highlights will include whole fish, osso bucco and a complimentary prosecco toast at midnight. Macchialina 820 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL.
Meat Market: Invites locals and visitors alike to come celebrate the New Year in style with special holiday offerings. Diners can enjoy the sounds of live DJ entertainment and choose between three decadent packages featuring four-course dinner menus expertly crafted by Executive Chef Sean Brasel. New Year’s Eve packages include the Early Package – reservation time options between 6PM – 8PM, four-course dinner menu ($150 per person); Second Package – reservations available from 9PM – close, four-course dinner menu with a champagne toast and party favors at midnight to ring in the New Year ($250 per person); and Champagne Bar Package – bottomless champagne by the glass at the bar from 10PM – 1AM ($50 per person). Any additional food and beverage is not included, and a 20% gratuity will be added to all checks. Meat Market 915 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach FL
The Dutch: Located in the W Hotel, The Dutch will offer special menus for guests to enjoy as they celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests are invited to a festive dinner, priced at $45, starting with roasted Muscovy duck and served with a side of pastilla, butternut squash, quinoa, turnips, and spiced jus. There is also a special New Year’s Eve prix fixedinner menu with two seating options, Early Seating from 7PM – 7:45PM ($165 per person) and Late Seating from 8:30PM – 10:30PM ($250 per person); prices do not include tax and gratuity. The Dutch in the W Hotel 2201 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana: will offer its signature white truffle menu to guests looking to dine this Christmas and New Year’s holiday, in addition to the regular lunch and dinner menus. Diners can enjoy seasonal flavors of Quattro’s truffle-infused dishes. Quattro 1014 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
Thompson Miami Beach: Just in time for the holidays, guests can celebrate Christmas at TALDE Miami Beach, Chef/Restaurateur Dale Talde’s newest culinary venture located within the glamorous Thompson Miami Beach Hotel. Known for its inventive yet approachable Asian-American fare, diners are invited to treat themselves to a delicious $75 (excluding tax and service charge) holiday special on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Thompson 4041 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL
Also found within The Thompson is Chef Michelle Bernstein’s Seagrape,featuring unique Florida-inspired fare in a chic, retro dining room space. The restaurant will be offering a special prix-fixe, family style Christmas dinner for $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) on December 25th, to celebrate Christmas.
Quality Meats Miami Beach: One of 2015’s hottest new restaurants, Quality Meats will be open from 4PM to midnight on Christmas Day. In addition to its regular a la carte dinner menu, special holiday items will be available. Quality Meats 1501 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL.
The Traymore Restaurant and Bar at Metropolitan by COMO–presents especially developed menus for the festive period, as part of this year’s Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebration. The Traymore Restaurant and Bar will offer the Christmas Eve menu priced at $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). The Traymore Restaurant and Bar will ring-in the New Year on Thursday, December 31st with two special menus for two seatings – the first at 6:00pm priced at $110 and the second at 9:00pm for $190. Both seating include a Glass of Pommery Apanage Champagne. The Traymore 2445 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL
KLIMA –The New Year’s Eve Menu at KLIMA Restaurant and Bar will be available on Thursday, December 31st, between 6:00 pm and 12:30 am at a price of $375 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) for a five-course pre-fixe dinner menu that includes a bottle of Roederer Cristal Champagne per couple. A special selection of wines by the bottle or by the glass will also be available at the regular menu price. KLIMA 210 23rd St ( @Collins Ave) Miami Beach FL.
SUSHISAMBA MIAMI BEACH– Holiday Hog- Priced at $169 per group (5 person max) the menu includes:Whole Roasted Suckling Pig carved and served tableside. Following your meal, enjoy your choice of two of our signature desserts served family style! Add a Magnum bottle of Dewatsuru Kimoto Junmai Sake and unlimited Cusqueña beer at $150 per group (tax and gratuity additional). SUSHISAMBA 600 Lincoln Rd Miami Beach FL
The Miami Beach EDITION announces its delicious New Year’s Eveofferings available at Jean Georges’ Market and Matador Room. Hotel guests and visitors alike are invited to ring in the new year in style, with customized menus in two distinct venues. The Matador Room will feature a customized menu presented by Executive Chef Jeremy Ford, guests can savor the New Year with two seatings at a prix-fixe of $295 per person. Market At EDITION will feature its own take on a New Year’s Eve pre-fixe menu, priced at $100 per person. EDITION 2901 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL
Fontainebleau Miami Beach has many delicious options for holiday dining on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Exclusive seasonal menus are available at award-winning restaurants including Michael Mina 74, StripSteak by Michael Mina, Scarpetta, and Hakkasan. And specific prix fix menus ranging from $150 to $295 pp are available for each restaurant at Fontainebleau For more information, visit fontainebleau.com/holidays. For Christmas and Christmas Eve reservations, call 877.326.7412. For New Year’s Eve reservations, email [email protected] or call 305.695.2414. The Fontainebleau 4441 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL
Izzy’s Fish & Oyster celebrates Christmas Eve Dinner, “The Feast of the Seven Fishes ” It seems the only time “fishes” is an acceptable word is on Christmas Eve, when Italians honor the tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or as they say in the old country, “Esta dei Sette Pesci.” . $85 pp and $150 per couple. And on New Year’s Eve
Izzy’s celebrates it’s First Annual New Year’s Eve with Pierre-Jouet “Caviar & Dreams”
Oysters & Caviar $125 per person Izzy’s 423 Washington Ave. Miami Beach FL.LA MAR by Gaston Acurio at Mandarin Oriental– Christmas Eve-Parties of four or more can enjoy a family sharing Peruvian meal at La Mar, featuring treasured holiday recipes from our chefs’ families. Dishes include: $70 per person $35 per child ages 6-12, complimentary under Christmas Day-Enjoy a spectacular Peruvian brunch at La Mar by Gastón Acurio with gourmet brunch items as well as choices of specialty dishes.$85 per adult includes champagne and unlimited brunch cocktails; $120 per adult Includes premium entrées, including unlimited Charles Heidsieck champagne. Mandarin Oriental 500 Brickell Key Drive Miami FL.
WYNWOOD/MIDTOWN/DESIGN DISTRICT/MIMO:
Alter- Miami’s hot new restaurant celebrate it’s first New Year’s Eve with two seatings. A special 5 Course Prix-Fixe Menu Early Seating $125 7:00pm Includes a Billecart Salmon Brut Rose NV Champagne flute per person and a 7 Course Prix- Fixe Menu Late Seating $250 per person 9:30pm Includes a bottle of Billecart Salmon Brut Rose NV Champagne per couple. Alter 223 NW 23rd St. in Wynwood. Miami FL
Beaker & Gray: Wynwood’s newly opened hotspot will be offering a one-night-only New Year’s Eve prix fixe dinner menu along with a bubbly toast featuring the guest’s choice of champagne or cocktail. Priced at $85 per person, diners are invited to celebrate the holiday with a five-course feast. Dinner is served nightly and is open late for cocktails. Beaker & Gray 2637 North Miami Avenue in Wynwood. Miami FL
SUGARCANE raw bar grill -SUGARCANE in Midtown will celebrate the holidays with festive a la carte specials (priced between $10-$34) in addition to their signature all day menu. Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill 3252 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL
Vagabond Restaurant & Bar– Open both for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, in addition to the regular menu, special a la options including whole roasted duck and dry aged Rib-Eye will be featured at the hip mid Century restaurant on Biscayne. The Vagabond 7301 Biscayne Blvd. Miami FL
CORAL GABLES
Uvaggio Wine Bar & Restaurant – The wine themed landmark, will toast New Year’s Eve with an oasis of timeless culinary essences combined with the finest wines. Beginning at 7 PM, guests and gourmands will enjoy a unique and innovative 5-course dinner prepared by head Chef Tanner Gil. Throughout the evening, wines from the small produced vineyard Foxen Winery will be poured by founder Dick Doré and his wife Jenny. Head Wine-O of Uvaggio, Heath Porter will be developing pairings enhancing each dish to elevate the evening.Tickets cost $150 per person and can be purchased directly here. For more information visit www.UvaggioWine.com or call 305-448-2400. Uvaggio 70 Miracle Mile. Coral Gables, FL
SUSHISAMBA CORAL GABLES-On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,SUSHISAMBA Coral Gables will feature fusion delights (priced between $13-$32). New Year’s details TBD. SUSHISAMBA 180 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables FL
BULLA Gastrobar– On Christmas Eve, Bulla will be open for lunch and dinner offering their regular menu. New Year’s details TBD. Bulla 2500 Ponce De Leon Blvd. Coral Gables FL
( Information provided by numerous sources and subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm prices and details and make sure you make reservations. )
Wishing you a very Happy Holiday and all the best in the New Year!
The above was produced by MIAbites, one of the leading sources for food news in South Florida. Be sure to visit their website for more great information.
Cover Photo Credit: b k/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
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