February 11, 2022
Each Friday, we compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
Wine O’Clock at Orno
New Restaurants Coming to Las Olas
Now Open: Mehzcla
Welcome to Miami’s 1st Rooftop Movie Theater
Wine O’Clock at Orno
During Wine O’clock, all wines by the glass and bottle will be 50% off between 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m on Tuesday through Sunday. Nestled in the culinary showroom orbiting around an open-kitchen concept, Orno’s notable 400-bottle wine cellar features a wide selection of pairable unique and diverse wines.
When selecting the wines from Orno’s wine list, which features over 100 different varietals from sparkling and rosé to white and red vintages, chef Niven Patel took the time to pair each of the wines with the restaurant’s signature dishes.
New Restaurants Coming to Las Olas
Thompson Hospitality, one of the largest retail food service management companies in the country, is pleased to announce the addition of two huge concepts to their portfolio in Florida — Big Buns Damn Good Burgers (projected to open February 21) and Matchbox (projected to open in March). Matchbox — with a current location in Sunrise, Florida — will expand in Broward County along with Big Buns, which will now call South Florida home for the first time. Located alongside one another in the bustling Las Olas area, Fort Lauderdale’s premier hub for socializing, dining and entertainment on the New River, these concepts will boast some of the best waterfront views the city has to offer.
Big Buns Damn Good Burgers’ name does not lie. It all started with a road trip while traveling cross-country in 2002. Founder Craig Carey couldn’t help but notice that every town he visited had a “Best Burger” and it made him curious as to why there were no restaurants that served more than one style burger. This simple question became the start of his journey. This fine-casual spot strives to serve the world’s most delicious and innovative burgers while sharing the feel of a backyard party with their guests; ‘Damn Good Experience’ is the brand’s mission.
Shortly following the Big Buns opening, Matchbox will open its doors as an intimate neighborhood dining destination. In July 2003, Matchbox opened its first location in Washington DC and quickly became known for wood-fired pizzas, mini burgers, fresh salads and chef-inspired entrées, like Miso salmon and chimichurri steak frites. Matchbox is growing rapidly with multiple restaurants in DC, Virginia, Maryland, and in Sunrise at the Sawgrass Mills Mall — which opened in 2017.
Diners can expect elevated American-bistro fare crafted from high quality ingredients. Matchbox has been successful over the years by staying true to the concept’s original beliefs, continuing to be inspired by creating friendly, high-energy gathering places with delicious food and drinks. This 3,757-square-foot space will feature seating for 214, including an expansive patio. Both concepts share the same goal of bringing people together, spreading positivity, happy experiences and unforgettable food.
Now Open: Mehzcla
The Balfour Hotel, which recently opened on Miami Beach, is proud to introduce its new destination restaurant Mehzcla on Feb. 10. A play on the Spanish word for “mixture,” Mehzcla unifies a variety of Latin American culinary influences found throughout the hotel, welcoming people from all walks of life to enjoy a seat at the table. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu combines Latin recipes and ingredients in tribute to the property’s Miami Beach heritage.
With a passion for traditional techniques and Miami’s homegrown flavors, Executive Chef Steven Acosta created Mehzcla’s menu to highlight fresh ingredients and South Florida produce, a nod to the area’s tropical landscape and Latin representation. Must-try menu items include Latin household favorites such as the Avocado & Tomato Ensalada ($17), combining frisée lettuce, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and capers with a classic red wine vinaigrette, and the Whole Fried Snapper (MP), lightly fried without the bones for a more aesthetically pleasing dish.
As a refreshing, coastal take on traditional Mexican tacos, the crunchy Ahi Tuna Tacos ($26) are made with sushi-grade tuna, ginger-sesame vinaigrette, a refined guacamole-yuzu crema, and garnished with caviar for a touch of South Beach extravagance. The Medianoche Croquetas ($18) are another beloved creation of Chef Acosta’s, whose Miami upbringing of eating the iconic Cuban sandwich inspired him to turn Swiss cheese, cotto ham, pickles, mustard aioli, and lime zest into a delicate, crispy croquette.
Guests can enjoy a full bar and a cocktail menu featuring tropical twists on iconic drinks like the South Beach Mule ($15), made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, and coconut water, and the Spiced Smoked Margarita ($16), a concoction of Maestro Dobel Tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh agave sour. Adventurous aperitifs like the Balfour Batida ($14), crafted with Absolut Vodka, Liquid Alchemist Passion Fruit and Coconut syrups, lime, mint, and nutmeg, or the Spicy Boi Summer ($15), a mixture of Aviation American Gin, Ancho Reyes, mango purée, lime, cilantro, and chili salt, are indicative of The Balfour Hotel’s proud Latin heritage embellished with boldness and modern luxury.
Welcome to Miami’s 1st Rooftop Movie Theater
Miami will welcome its first and only open-air rooftop movie theater with the upcoming opening of the globally recognized Rooftop Cinema Club this spring. Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach will overlook the iconic Lincoln Road from its home on 1212 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.
With two locations in London and an additional six across the United States (two in Los Angeles, one in Houston, one in San Diego, and one in New York), the Miami location will be Florida’s first and Rooftop Cinema Club’s ninth location. Rooftop Cinema Club’s global success draws from its ability to bring “social to cinema” from a combination of its nostalgic ambiance and all-encompassing experience of movie-watching, dining, and breath-taking city views. More than just a movie, the Rooftop Cinema Club experience offers guests the ultimate escape.
Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach will immerse guests in the heart of the beloved neighborhood with unforgettable panoramic views of the city’s skyline. The venue will host multiple screenings daily, giving movie-goers the opportunity to appreciate and snap pictures of the experience from golden hour to dusk.
In addition to classic movie snacks, the rooftop venue will offer a food menu and specialty cocktails to accompany the movie-watching experience. Guests can choose between two seating options, a single lounge seat or single Adirondack chair, both which prioritize comfort and ample leg room. For the ultimate viewing experience, Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach will provide a crisp picture thanks to its state-of-the-art LED screen and wireless headphones that present clear audio at guests’ desired volume, keeping viewers from missing a single movie moment. Whether a casual outing with friends or a date night, Rooftop Cinema Club is a go-to entertainment destination.
The Miami location will restrict all viewings to an 18-or-older audience, with the potential for more family-friendly programming to be added later in the season. Movie genres will include hand-picked classics, cult films, and new releases – guests can expect to see Rooftop fan favorites like 10 Things I Hate About You, Dirty Dancing, Pulp Fiction, and Mean Girls on the schedule. The Rooftop Cinema Club team will also curate monthly programming (think: anniversary screenings, people’s choice, and sing-a-longs), occasional talent Q&As, and special events for a more interactive viewing experience.