July 7, 2023
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.
Last Chance: Chef’s Counter at Hachidori
Perks for Pups at InterContinental Miami
Time Capsule Pop-Up at Leku
International Dinner Series at Beaker & Gray
Last Chance: Chef’s Counter at Hachidori
On the heels of their 2-year anniversary, the Kojin chef team announces their departure from Chef’s Counter at Hachidori – a space that was initially only meant to house a 3-month pop-up. Their last day of service will be July 28, which will be guests’ final opportunity for this one-of-a-kind Japanese Washoku dining experience.
Led by husband-and-wife chef team Pedro Mederos (Executive Chef) and Katherine Mederos (Executive Pastry Chef) of East Wind Hospitality, the 8-seat Japanese Washoku-style experience (previously known as Kojin Miami) offers all the intimacy of a hidden dining den without the formality. The chefs are known for interacting with their guests and making them feel like friends – earning the restaurant a nod as “’Miami’s Best Kept Secret” by Miami New Times in 2022.
During their two years leading Chef’s Counter at Hachidori, Pedro and Katherine Mederos have not only been recognized by the Michelin Guide for their innovative concept but have gotten married and started a family. The duo are leaving to launch their next concept, which will be entirely different from the Japanese cuisine they’ve offered at Chef’s Counter.
“This past year our family has grown, and with that, we want to expand our business. In order to continue to grow, we have to say goodbye to our current space so that we can put all of our focus into something bigger and better,” Pedro Mederos says.
Following their departure, The Chef’s Counter space hidden in the back of Hachidori Ramen Bar will remain under the operation of Hachidori, with plans to return with a new experience in the fall. In the meantime, reservations are available through July 28. To reserve your seating at Chef’s Counter at Hachidori and join the Kojin duo for a farewell, visit hachidorichefscounter.com. The 6-course menu is $85 per person, and the full 8-course culinary experience is $120 per person.
Future plans for East Wind Hospitality’s next restaurant concept in a new space will be announced later this year. They will also continue offering private catering services and will soon launch an online retail store for zero-waste food products, spices, herbs and more. For updates, sign up here for their email list to receive the latest information on these future projects.
Perks for Pups at InterContinental Miami
InterContinental Miami is already a well-established haven for dog lovers in downtown Miami, thanks to programs like Pets & Points, a robust amenity roster for visitors staying at the hotel with their furry friends, and a weekly dog and human get together at Paws Patio.
Now, the downtown hotel is launching a partnership with YumPup! and Hola from Lola, further elevating the experience of staying at the iconic property for pets and their owners. Beginning Tuesday, August 1, 2023 anyone who books the property’s popular Pets & Points will receive additional amenities beyond the program’s 2,000 IHG bonus points per stay, and existing amenities that include a plush dog bed on loan, complimentary food and water bowls, snacks and mats.
Now, stays will include an 8oz cup of YumPup!, a quality dog food crafted with fresh ingredients like beef, quinoa and sweet potatoes, and no fillers or preservatives, which can be enjoyed by the pups onsite at the hotel, or taken home and frozen for up to 3 months. In addition, Hola from Lola has designed and created an adorable adjustable double-sided logo bandana that fits right over existing dog collars as well. Both items will be distributed to guests upon check-in.
InterContinental Miami will celebrate the launch of the new amenities and partnership with the two women-owned Latina businesses at their weekly Paws Patio event on Wednesday, July 19. Those attending the pup-ular get together will enjoy a variety of activities including YumPup! painting and doggie photo opps, as well as a pup pool and ball pit to beat the summer heat. Canine attendees can enter to win a curated amenity box by posting their best photo and tagging @InterConMiami with the hashtag #PawsPatio.
Paws Patio takes place every Wednesday evening from 5PM to 7:30PM on the hotel’s Bayside Terrace, featuring complimentary puppuccino from Starbucks, barkaritas for purchase and other activations, creating a weekly forum for dogs and their owners to hang out in downtown Miami.
Photo credit: Lorena Cora Photography
Time Capsule Pop-Up at Leku
Relive the iconic flavors of China Grill, the critically acclaimed South Beach dining destination known for their bold Pan-Asian cuisine and celebrated “see and be seen” celebrity allure, which broke barriers in the mid-90’s and early 2000’s! From July 12-16 at Leku, don’t miss this exclusive week-long pop-up to celebrate the return of sister property, China Grill, unveiling in Miami in 2024/2025.
Take a time warp as you indulge in nostalgic plates from China Grill’s time capsule menu (also available a-la-carte) complemented with MICHELIN-recognized LEKU’s signature plates courtesy of Executive Chef Carlos Garcia.
International Dinner Series at Beaker & Gray
Beaker & Gray’s 2023 International Dinner Series continues with an homage to Thai street food on Thursday, July 20th at 7:30PM. This dinner features a five-course menu of one-of-a-kind delicacies created exclusively for this event by Chef/Owner Brian Nasajon. Tickets are $97 (+ tax) per person. Gratuity is included in the price. The bar team will kick things off with an exciting welcome cocktail for you. The “Mai Thai” features Plantation Dark Rum, Copali Rum, Curry Falernum, yogurt, peanut & coconut water. Get your tickets here.
Photo credit: Ruben Cabrera