Nom News: August 19, 2022

August 19, 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.


Ecléctico Hosts Tequila Dinner
Kush Hospitality Expands to South Beach
Bubbles, Beats & Brunch at Cracked By Chef Adrianne
Drink Your Zodiac at Vinya

 

Ecléctico Hosts Tequila Dinner

Coral Gables’ colorful new Latin Fusion concept – Ecléctico Restaurant & Agave Bar, located at The Shops at Merrick Park cordially hosts their third Tequila Dinner sponsored by The Lost Explorer Mezcal this upcoming Wednesday, August 24th at 7:30 p.m.

For $150 per person, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner featuring a menu of elevated Mexican staples and globally inspired Latin tapas crafted around a sampling of three different spirit tastings and one specialty “Welcome cocktail” by The Lost Explorer Mezcal. Surrounded by the warm, inviting atmosphere of Eclectico’s dining room covered in floor-to-ceiling hand-painted murals, guests will indulge in a sensuous tasting menu complemented by drink pairings as Mezcal representatives discuss the spirits and guide them through each course. A vegan 3-course menu is also available!

Whether through its cuisine, its cocktail program or its hospitality, Ecléctico is a concept that strives to live up to its name and embody an authentic, adventurous way of life. Inspired by the art that’s all around us and the diverse Latin cultures represented in Miami, the exciting new concept opened in June of 2021 and has been serving up its refreshing blend of rich flavors and welcoming service ever since.

At the center of the vibrant dining room is an impressive full bar stocked with more than 200 kinds of tequila and mezcal that doles out inventive craft margaritas and an assortment of craft cocktails. The entire space opens to a sprawling outdoor patio with ample shaded seating for taking in a breezy meal and cocktails surrounded by friends, family and an eclectic program of live entertainment like their famous fire shows during the weekends.

 

Kush Hospitality Expands to South Beach

Behind some of South Florida’s most eclectic and inspired restaurants and bars, Kush Hospitality Group (KHG) — owned and operated by restaurateur Matthew “Kush” Kuscher — has been wowing diners and imbibers for over a decade, with a varied portfolio of lively, fun and whimsical concepts. The Kush family of restaurants – such as Coconut Grove’s trendsetting LoKal and the current incarnation of Tobacco Road (by Kush), among others – is entering the hotel industry in a big way.

Kuscher is proud to announce that he is partnering with Jesta Hotels & Resorts and taking over the food program of the world-famous Clevelander South Beach Hotel & Bar. On July 19, 2022, KHG officially took over all food responsibilities for the hotel. In addition, KHG is assuming what used to be the Games on Sports restaurant space and transforming it to Kush at Clevelander — a sports bar-style eatery located behind the hotel’s famous pool. Details are forthcoming but as with the previous Kush concepts, guests can expect the type of one-of-a-kind dining and drinking experience that has affirmed KHG’s reputation. The sports bar is slated to open by September 1, 2022 just in time for football season.

Built in 1938 and comprehensively renovated in 2009, Clevelander South Beach is an iconic hotel located on Ocean Drive in the heart of the Art Deco District. With more than 80 years of history, the Clevelander has transformed over the years to include something for everyone at each of its unique venues, including the Pool+Patio, C-Level Rooftop Terrace and SPF4 Sun Deck. The hotel offers an ongoing schedule of weekly themed parties, including Rockstar Karaoke on Monday, Noche Caliente on Thursday and its famous weekend Play Pool Party.

When Kush at Clevelander South Beach opens guests can expect the type of details, pop culture references, delicious food and creative, refreshing cocktails KHG is known for. Housed inside the hotel on the ground floor, Kush at Clevelander South Beach will feature its own entrance off Ocean Drive, ensuring it’s as much an oasis for locals as it is for tourists and hotel guests. In true sports bar fashion, the restaurant will feature a bevy of televisions for game day watching as well as a special private viewing room, perfect for a bespoke, private experience for sports superfans. Don’t expect your generic framed Dan Marino jersey but, in typical Kush fashion, the restaurant’s entirety will highlight the authentic local sports vibe throughout the displayed art and cocktails.

The menu will offer both fan favorites from the other Kush locations as well as innovative showstoppers exclusive to the new restaurant that can only be ordered at this location. The bar program, created by recently promoted KHG Corporate Beverage Director Cristina Suarez, will offer a variety of craft beers, classic cocktails and creative signature items.

Kush at Clevelander South Beach will be located inside of the hotel at 1020 Ocean Drive on Miami Beach adjacent to the pool area.

 

Bubbles, Beats & Brunch at Cracked By Chef Adrianne

Upgrade your weekend brunch with some bubby! Starting this weekend, Cracked by Chef Adrianne launches Bubbles, Beats, & Brunch—guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of prosecco with the purchase of two brunch entrées from 11am-1pm. For parties of 2 or more, (1) complimentary bottle of prosecco with minimum purchase of (2) Brunch entrees. For parties of 6 or more, up to (2) bottles of prosecco with minimum purchase of (4) Brunch entrées.

 

Drink Your Zodiac at Vinya

This month, just in time for Virgo, August 23 – September 22, Vinya’s award-winning sommelier, Allegra Angelo, is unveiling Drink Your Zodiac, a monthly partnership with Miami-based astrologer, writer and visual storyteller, Valerie Mesa. Each month, Angelo and Mesa will join forces to choose three wines under $50 that match the horoscope traits of each sign, beginning with Virgo.

In celebration of upcoming Virgo season, Vinya is inviting all Virgos, recognized for their “good taste,” to their Coral Gables or Key Biscayne location on August 27th and August 28th for a complimentary glass of wine. *Valid one glass per person with proof of date of birth.

Drink Your Zodiac kicks off on August 21 with an Instagram Live hosted by @Valeriemesa at 6 p.m. Anyone under the sun and over 21, can purchase an individual “Virgo-inspired” wine bottle or the ultimate “Virgo 3-Pack Collection” online or in-store.