People

Let’s Get Social!

Visit these hubs of networking to get the drinks flowing and the courses coming as you handshake your way up the social ladder.
Compiled by Chef D. Chalaron Photos by Jose Amigo and Antonio Eli | July 9, 2018 | People

Renewed Restaurant
With a name meaning “atrium,” the sky’s the limit for the re-launch of this classy culinary destination atop the Conrad Miami that puts taste above all else.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos courtesy of Atrio Restaurant

Atrio Restaurant
1395 Brickell Ave.,25th floor
305.503.6529
ConradMiami.com/Level25

Date opened: Re-launching September 2009
Why the name? “Atrio” is Portuguese for “Atrium,” which refers to the sky-high open atrium rising above The Bar at Level 25
Slogan: “Taste Above All Else!”
The concept: Reposition Atrio as a chic, sophisticated restaurant and wine room
The menu: Ingredient-driven with locally sourced, sustainable produce and seafood
Price range: $15-$45
Claim to fame: UK-born Chef Jonathan McCann’s 25 years of Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel experience
The crowd: Young professionals, local residents and movers & shakers
The vibe: Sophisticated sky-high dining
When to go: Mon.-Fri. for business lunches; Wed.-Sat. for dinner
Dress code: Business Casual & Elegant
Hours: Lunch: 7 days, noon-3 p.m.; Dinner: 7 days 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; till 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Autumn Specials: There will be plenty!

Palatial Palate
With an iconic name as its foundation, this loungy dining mecca is a little bit this, a little bit Swiss and a whole lot of bliss.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos by Jose Amigo

Badrutt’s Place
1250 S. Miami Ave.
305.415.0070
Badrutts-Place.com

Date opened: November 2007
Why the name? Badrutt family and Badrutt’s Palace, the founding member of the Leading Hotels of the World in St. Moritz, Switzerland
Slogan: “A Palatial Experience.”
The concept: A social destination, for happy hour, lunch, dining and lounge experience
The menu: Classic European cuisine
Price range: $8-$28
Claim to fame: Signature cocktails and tableside-style dining
The crowd: Discerning young professionals, business leaders, jetsetters and celebrities
The vibe: Trendy and sophisticated
When to go: Ladies Night on Thurs. with complimentary champagne 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
The dress code: Casual chic
Hours: Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner: Mon.-Sat. 4 p.m.-midnight; Bar: Thurs.-Sat. Open-5 a.m.
Autumn specials: Miami Spice Menu; lunch & dinner menu changes

Divine Dine
If you see food as art, and appreciate unique interpretations of your favorite dishes, head over to this chocolate-inspired restaurant to have them grant all your wishes.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos courtesy of Cacao Restaurant

Cacao Restaurant
141 Giralda Ave.
305.445.1001
CacaoRestaurant.com

Date opened: October 2002
Why the name? Cacao means “chocolate” —recognized as pleasurable in many languages
The concept: The epitome of “simple-chic” with modern design elements and cuisine
The menu: Contemporary Latin American based on unique interpretations of classic recipes from the Pan Latin region
Price range: $30-$50
Claim to fame: Chef Leal and Cacao have been recognized by some of the most important names in print, TV and the culinary industry
The crowd: Hip, happy and fun
The vibe: “Classy, happening and energetic — fine dining at its best!”
When to go: Anytime!
Dress code: Elegant or Casual Chic
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 6 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Autumn specials: Miami Spice; “Loco Lunes”: 50% off select wine; “Tuesdays Uncorked”: No corkage fees for wines brought in; “Sangria Thursdays”: $4/glass red and white sangria

Heart Smart
If “good-for-you” cuisine with a tasty twist is what you’re after, head over to this nutritious and delicious healthy haven of delectable delights.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos by Jose Amigo
Reservations: 305.514.7474

Canyon Ranch Grill
6801 Collins Ave.
305.514.7474
CanyonRanch.com

Date opened: November 2008
Why the name? Original property was on a ranch in Tucson, Arizona
Slogan: “The Power of Possibility.”
The concept: Nutrition for mind, body & soul
The menu: Healthy, fresh fare with bigger portions than you might expect
Price range: Breakfast: $12; Lunch: $15; Dinner $25
Claim to fame: Quickly becoming Miami’s premier healthy dining destination
The crowd: Chic, health-conscious foodies
The vibe: Relaxed, laid back yet luxurious
When to go: During monthly wine tasting receptions with organic wines and fresh apps
Dress code: Resort casual
Hours: Breakfast & Lunch 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
Autumn specials: Pumpkin Papparadele and Double-Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Prepaid Playtime
Whether you’re in the mood to sip some wine or are interested in a full-on dine, this place will let you have a little bit of everything without having to bite off more than you can chew.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos by Antonio Eli

Cavas at Brickell
661 Brickell Key Dr.
305.377.9818
MyCavas.com

Date opened: April 2008
Why the name? Latin word for “caves,” which were utilized as the original wine cellars
Slogan: “Try Before You Buy!”
The concept: At-your-own-pace tastings
The menu: Designed for wine pairings, it’s heavy on imported and domestic artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and mini entrees
Price range: Something for everyone
Claim to fame: Unique “dispense and experiment” process
The crowd: Young, urban professionals with a higher percentage of women than men.
The vibe: Great place to meet new people and experience something totally different
When to go: Weekends 4-course menus for $20 with free live music
Dress code: Causal
Hours: Weeknights 5 p.m.-12 a.m., Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Closed Sun.
Autumn specials: New Pairing Menus

Winning Cuisine
From Manhattan to Miami, the award-winning and critically acclaimed team at this restaurant in the sky can’t wait for you to drop by and say hi.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos courtesy of Eos

Eos at Viceroy
485 Brickell Ave.
305.503.0373
EosAtViceroy.com

Date opened: June 2009
Why the name? Greek word for “new dawn” symbolizing new beginnings in Miami
The concept: Mediterranean-inspired small plates restaurant with dramatic design
The menu: Modern expressions of Greek fare
Price range: $10-$22 for small plates; $40 for large plates for two
Claim to fame: Owner and Chef team have run 3 successful restaurants in Manhattan, earning many culinary and hospitality honors including a coveted Michelin star.
The crowd: Chic and stylish
The vibe: Elegant and eclectic
When to go: All the time!
Dress code: Effortlessly fashionable
Hours: Breakfast: Mon.-Sat 7 a.m.-noon; Lunch: Mon.-Sat. noon-2 p.m.; Dinner: Mon.-Wed. 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Brunch: Sun. 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Autumn specials: “No-Fuss” Power Lunches; $25 gets you 3-course meal & bottomless wine

Savory Staple
If you’ve never been to this legendary dining destination, you’re definitely not a who’s who. But it’s not too late, just stop in and we’ll forgive you.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos by Jose Amigo

Perricone’s
15 SE 10th St.
305.374.9449
Perricones.com

Date opened: October 1996
Why the name? Family name
Slogan: “Never Say NO!”
The concept: Casual, eclectic comfort food
The menu: Predominately Italian with many crossover items
Price range: Lunch $15-$20 per person; Dinner $22-$30 per person
Claim to fame: Great ambiance, friendly service and terrific food at reasonable prices
The crowd: 20-somethings to 60-somethings who are Brickell area residents and workers
The vibe: Easy-going, unpretentious and buzzing with conversations
When to go: Whenever
Dress code: Casual
Hours: Lunch & Dinner 7 days; Breakfast Sat.; Brunch on Sun.
Autumn specials: Special happy hours 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sun.; $10 Pasta Thursdays; Live music 5 nights

On Point
If you want to get to the heart of the matter for lunch or dinner, head over to this new downtown eatery where authentic Italian is whipped up right day and night.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos by Antonio Eli

Puntino Downtown
353 SE 2nd St.
305.371.9661
PuntinoDowntown.com

Date opened: June 2009
Why the name?
“Because it’s right on point.”
Slogan: “Finally Real Italian Food In Town!”
The concept: To effectively meld food and the arts in a comfortable setting that offers great dishes, friendly staff and a dynamic crowd
The menu: Hearty entrees, salads, appetizers and desserts prepared with Italian and Mediterranean influences
Price range: Lunch: $8-$15; Dinner: $15-$30
Claim to fame: Their special recipes for light and tasty authentic Italian food
The crowd: Business professionals for lunch and friends and couples at night
The vibe: Cozy and friendly
When to go: Thurs.-Sat. from 6 p.m.-midnight
Dress code: Casual
Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner:
6 p.m.-midnight
Autumn specials: Truffles degustation

Italian Influx
Head to the heart of The Roads for an Italian cuisine influx at a place that’s name is as sweet as its delectable menu options and friendly staff.
Text by chef d. chalaron
Photo by Jose Amigo

Zucchero Ristorante Bistro
2525 SW 3rd Ave.
305.858.2525
ZuccheroMiami.com

Date opened: November 2008
Why the name?
“It means sugar. And it’s easy to pronounce.”
Slogan: “Where Dreams Become Dishes.”
The concept: “To make people happy!”
The menu: “Short but consistent.”
Price range:
Apps. $9.95-$14.95; Entrees $7.95-$29
Claim to fame: Their sister restaurants nearby, Tutto Pizza and Tutto Pasta, has helped put this place on the map. Their Guave Souffle isn’t bad, either!
The crowd: Anyone and everyone
The vibe: Modern with an Italian twist
When to go:
Mon.-Wed. for lunch or dinner
Dress code: Comfortably elegant
Hours: Mon.-Sat.; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Autumn specials: Monthly rotating executive lunch menus and chef tastings

Natural Fare
If you believe in the age-old adage that you are what you eat, then head over to this culinary retreat and grab a seat.
Text by Chef D. Chalaron
Photos by Antonio Eli

100% Natural Restaurant
180 Crandon Blvd. #101
305.365.0455
100natural.com

Date opened: May 2008
Why the name? Franchise born in Mexico now with 45 restaurants & 30 years of successes
Slogan: “Eat Natural. Be Natural. Live Natural.”
The concept: To serve fresh, healthy, balanced and delicious food for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners
The menu: 50 different kinds of fresh-squeezed juices & smoothies that complement a wide variety of food options
Price range: $12-$18
Claim to fame: Using 100% natural ingredients to create delicious dishes and drinks
The crowd: Health-conscious aficionados
The vibe: Infusion of nature and wellness
When to go: Every day
Dress code: Casual
Hours: Sun.-Wed. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat.
8 a.m.-9.30 p.m.
Autumn specials: Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16 starting at 7 p.m.!