Love Local: Time Out Miami celebrates local shops, food and culture

Few Miami restaurants make it to their golden anniversary, which makes Rusty Pelican's upcoming milestone extra special. Opened in 1972, the beloved waterfront restaurant turns 50 this month and the whole city is gearing up to celebrate this iconic Key Biscayne spot. Available August 15 through August 19, the Rusty Pelican offers a special throwback menu in honor of the very first dishes served, including teriyaki glazed sirloin and chicken kona kai, which will be priced at $19.72. All proceeds from the menu will benefit the Overtown Youth Center. Mai Tais and mojitos will be just $5 this week as well, except tomorrow—August 16—when the restaurant’s ever-popular mojito is just $.50 (!) from 4 to 6pm. Please line up your designated driver or ride share right now before the celebrations get out of hand. Photograph: Courtesy Rusty Pelican The City of Miami also designed August 26 as Rusty Pelican Day, a Friday you’ll want to spend at one of the restaurant’s signature bayfront tables. This is also the day owner John Tallichet, whose father, David, founded the Pelican, will pay homage to its longtime employees—many of whom have been on staff for more than a decade—with a special luncheon. “We are excited to bring back some of our iconic dishes found on our original menu that pay homage to our history, showing how far we have come and where our menu is going in the future,” adds regional chef Jim Pastor. Cheers to 50 years!

Matt Kuscher has become something of a revivalist in Miami, transforming fledging restaurants and taking old haunts and turning them into something new and cool again. He’s done it in MiMo with Cafe Kush at the Selina Gold Dust, in Hialeah with Kush by Stephens and in Brickell with Tobacco Road by Kush. This summer, he’s taken his talents to South Beach as Kush Hospitality Group (KHG) recently took over the food program at the world-famous (and often infamous) Clevelander South Beach Hotel & Bar. And talk about timing: Opened in 1938, the Clevelander will turn 84 years old next weekend. The Ocean Drive property is iconic by any measure, known for its pool bar, rooftop terrace and sun deck—all of which will serve dishes conceived by Kuscher and his team. “Clevelander is world-renowned for being a place that everyone must visit when they’re in South Beach; they come to experience our famous frozen cocktails and dance the day and night away. Now they can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind South Florida food concept. We wanted to bring something unique to the space that locals would come back to, and what better partner than Kush,” says Jessica Francos, vice president of operations for Jesta Hotels & Resorts, which owns the property. The relationship between the two partners gets even more serious this September with the opening of Kush at Clevelander South Beach, a reimagined sports bar decked in Kush’s signature kitsch decor, featuring Miami sports memorabilia and plenty of TVs for all

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because Coyo Taco brought it back. That’s our mantra going into the weekend as we wipe away the tears shed last week, following Klondike’s announcement that our favorite gas station dessert—the Choco Taco—would be discontinued. The iconic ice cream—a sugar cone folded into the shape of a taco, filled with vanilla ice cream and partially coated with chocolate and a sprinkling of peanuts—was created in 1983 and, according to a Klondike representative via People, was being outsold by the company’s other products. The decision to kill the Choco Taco after a nearly 40-year run crushed us, but, thankfully, it’s not over yet. This weekend, local Mexican street-food chain Coyo Taco is bringing it back with help from chef-driven ice cream shop Frice. Together they’ll release something called a Loco COCO Taco, their version of the frozen treat, which features a waffle cone folded into the shape of a taco that’s been filled with homemade cinnamon ice cream and dulce de leche syrup, and partially covered in a chocolate magic shell. The special-edition dessert will be available in-store at all South Florida Coyo Taco locations (Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables, South Miami, Wynwood and Brickell) for $9. Yes, we realize this is nearly triple the price of the original but deadstock is expensive and the ingredients in this one are far superior (one word: Frice!). Get your hands on one starting this Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7, while supplies las

Bar and restaurant revivals are few and far between in Miami, where it’s typically out with the old and in with the new. That was seemingly the fate of Fox’s Sherron Inn, South Miami’s beloved dive that closed rather suddenly on July 31, 2015. Now, nearly seven years to the day, the Lost Boy & Co. team (Lost Boy, Tropezón) is bringing it back. According to Eater Miami, the historic establishment, which first opened doors back in 1946, has been restored and revamped to include much of its original furnishings like the wood-paneled walls, plush red leather booths and black-and-white floors that match the awning hanging over the bar. Chris Hudnall and Randy Alonso, the duo behind the hospitality group, were so committed to Fox’s retro aesthetic that they went as far as to commission artwork to replicate what previously hung in the space, like the famous plane painting, among other works. Known as being the “darkest bar in Miami,” Fox’s latest iteration is just as dim with only the glow of red lights to illuminate your meal. As for what’s for dinner, expect more of the same dishes you enjoyed way back when, such as a prime rib, fried chicken, a clam sandwich and french onion soup. Classic martinis and Manhattans will still be served alongside new additions courtesy of the experienced bar team. “We’ve kept the beverage menu as authentic and straightforward as possible,” says Hudnall. “Everyone has memories of the martinis so we’ve made sure to keep them Fox’s way—strong, cold and

When one door closes, another—albeit a more delicious one—opens. Such is the case for La Placita, chef José Mendín’s Puerto Rican restaurant on Biscayne Boulevard (the one with the giant flag on its facade), which shuttered earlier this year. In its place, Mendín—alongside his partners, chef Santo Agnello, Sergio Navarro, Jose Luis Serrato, Julian Gil and Antonio Ortiz—is set to open Patio Isola on July 15.  The reimagined trattoria—a larger offshoot of his popular Miami Beach restaurant, Casa Isola—debuts a lush garden patio and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, where diners can experience chef Agnello’s signature pasta dishes as well as new additions to the extensive Italian menu. Isola regulars will recognize made-from-scratch favorites like the rigatoni alla vodka and pappardelle alla bolognese, plus the branzino aqua pazza—which is always a hit. Photograph: Courtesy Patio IsolaCasarecce Patio Isola is also introducing pizzas to the mix, slinging them straight from its new outdoor oven. There’s the polpetta topped with meatballs, the primavera that’s brimming with veggies and the Placita pie, a meaty ode to the original restaurant that features pastrami, ham, roasted chicken, mozzarella, papitas and pink sauce. Not the traditional pie you might expect from an Italian restaurant but it wouldn’t be a Mendín production without a hint of Puerto Rican flavor. Saladas and classic Italian mains (eggplant parm, pork chops, chicken parm) round out the food selection. The add

Miami knows no greater happy hour destination than Coral Gables. Wander Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza or any of the busy neighborhood’s main drags after 4pm and you’ll find its bars and restaurants teeming with tie-clad men and women in their finest business casual toasting to the end of the work day. Yes, even on Mondays. Fortunately for those who partake in the afternoon ritual, the Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables has taken notice and is launching the ultimate summer happy hour deal this month. Dubbed Sip & Savor in the Gables, the inaugural two-week program kicks off July 14 with special aperitivo offers at more than 20 participating restaurants. Popular post-work spots like Cebada Rooftop, Calle 23, Luca Osteria and others will introduce daily cocktail and appetizer specials from 4 to 7pm, ranging in price from $7 to $12. Following suit with other BID promotions, such as Coral Gables Restaurant Week, Sip & Savor will run over two weeks, ending on July 31. While it might seem like plenty of time to eat and drink your way through the Gables, we advise planning early and plotting your stops ahead of time. It’s what any seasoned happy hour vet would do. Photograph: Courtesy BID of Coral Gables

What’s a local to do if they hate lugging a lounge chair to the sand or they’re not a member of one of Miami’s myrad beach clubs (by choice or chance—we’re not judging)? Head to the beach anyway, of course, but not before beelining for the Siesta Club, a waterfront event series that kicks off this weekend. Created in partnership with Center for Subtropical Affairs (CSTA) and Palm House, the pop-up beach shack of sorts brings some of Miami’s mainland favorites to the sands of Miami Beach. Find craft cocktails by local mixology legends Bar Lab, natural wines curated Grape Crush—a female-led, pop-up drinking social for natural wine enthusiasts—food by Wynwood sensation Wolf of Tacos, a sustainability-focused flea market, rotating art installations and more. Live music and planned DJ sets ensure there are nonstop jams. Siesta Club opened on July 7 and plans to run every Thursday through Sunday until late September. Each month will bring a new a rotating series of artist installations, kicking off with Natasha Tomchin’s Dichroic Dreamscapes, a piece inspired by the shapes and shadows of local flora. Saturdays will see the Little River Flea hold court, selling a trove of vintage goods, books and handmade items. While on Sundays guests can stop by for a power vinyasa flow session with Raquel B at noon. And the best part about Siesta Club? There’s no membership required. Photograph: Courtesy Siesta Club

There’s not a ton to complain about Wynwood’s only outdoor museum, Wynwood Walls. The popular attraction exhibits murals from some of the world’s most famous street artists, it’s a family-friendly activity in Miami and it’s, hands-down, the best thing to see during Art Basel Miami Beach, when their surfaces get a refresh. But we missed the snacks. A day at the Wynwood Walls used to include a stop at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, whose sprawling outdoor patio overlooked the murals and indoor bar we frequented for its happy hour specials. Sadly, it closed in 2020, but there’s finally something new in its place to fill the void. Philadelphia’s award-winning Double Knot will open in the former Wynwood Kitchen & Bar space in early 2023. Celebrity chef Michael Schulson and his company, Schulson Collective, are behind the project, which marks their official expansion into the Miami market. “We have long admired Michael and his restaurants; he elevates food to an art form so he is the perfect fit to complement the experience at the Wynwood Walls,” said Scott Srebnick, CEO of Goldman Properties. Like its Philly outpost (which is housed in a building that’s also owned by Goldman Properties), Double Knot will serve pan-Asian cuisine as well as sushi. As for everyone’s favorite terrace, expect it to make a victorious return just in time for Miami's patio season.

Miami is really riding the fine-dining wave. There’s the newly minted Michelin-starred restaurants in Miami, the long list of Bib Gourmands recipients and the spate of pricey meat and seafood concepts spots the city. What’s next in line? The Lion & the Rambler, bringing a multicourse menu and tasting counter concept to the neighborhood. Opening on Wednesday, June 15, chef/owner Michael Bolen’s contemporary American restaurant takes over the former Eating House location, which has been fully transformed by designer Paula Lemme. Hand-painted lion frescos by Canadian muralist Derkz line the walls, a dark, moody color palette was introduced and cozy banquettes were added for maximum comfort in the snug, 42-seat dining room. The aforementioned counter greets you upon entering the Ponce de Leon restaurant. Photograph: Courtesy The Lion & the Rambler Bolen, who worked in French restaurants in Boston and San Diego, focuses on technique-driven dishes and hyper-seasonal dining—a dream he’s finally making a reality at the Lion & the Rambler, his first restaurant. “Cooking with the abundance of locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients has always been important to me—it allows us the opportunity to constantly be experimenting in the kitchen,” he says. Some of that experimentation plays out in the six-course tasting menu, priced at an affordable $85. There’s the trout roe with crème fraiche and nori; boniato prepared with orange and macadamia; tuna made with blood orange and furikake and a

The moment the local culinary industry—and people who follow it closely—have been waiting for has arrived: the 2022 Michelin Guide Miami is finally here. On June 9, the inaugural dining guide bestowed Florida with 15 starred restaurants and 29 Bib Gourmand recipients. Eleven Miami restaurants received Michelin stars, including the state’s only two-star recipient, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami in the Design District. It’s a huge moment for Miami restaurants and an even bigger milestone for Time Out Market Miami, which is lucky enough to call to partner with two of this year’s selections. Chef Jeremy Ford, which opened raw bar crew-do this week, received one star for his South of Fifth restaurant, Stubborn Seed. It’s a long-awaited triumph for the Top Chef winner, who began his career working at world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants in Los Angeles. Photograph: Courtesy Jeremy Ford Phuc Yea, whose owners Ani Meinhold and Cesar Zapata, also operate Vietnamese favorite Pho Mo, was among the year’s Bib Gourman recipients, which recognizes great food at a great value. According to Michelin inspectors, these restaurants where you can enjoy two courses with a glass of wine for under $49—a price point that’s practically unheard of these days, but not at Phuc Yea. We’re thrilled for the teams at Stubborn Seed and Phuc Yea, and not just because we knew it all along: every single Time Out Market spot is worth a special journey. Cheers to this year’s recipients! Photograph: Jac