December 15, 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.
Sili Pops Up at 1-800-LUCKY
OSMIO Lounge Opens in Wynwood
Sips & Sushi at Esmé Hotel
June Opens in Dadeland
Sili Pops Up at 1-800-LUCKY
1-800-Lucky, Miami’s premiere Asian food hall known for its ever-evolving roster of culinary talent, has announced its newest pop-up Sili, a modern Southeast Asian concept by co-founders and chefs Leicel Ros and Nancy Dominguez available for a limited time. The new addition further solidifies 1-800-Lucky’s dedication to fostering an all-encompassing lineup of Asian culinary concepts, maintaining their commitment to diversity and always keeping things fresh.
Founder Gaby Chiriboga who prides herself on her keen eye for trends that resonate with Miami locals explains “As the first, and to this day, only Asian food hall in Miami, we still proudly uphold our dedication to delivering fresh and innovative vendors. I’m constantly trying new concepts in Miami and exploring restaurants around the world during my travels, and love working with up-and-coming chef talent. This not only keeps us tuned into the evolving needs of the city but also serves as a supportive platform for local chefs to experiment with new concepts.”
Sili seamlessly intertwines the rich heritage and backgrounds of partners Leicel Ros and Nancy Dominguez. Dominguez refined her culinary skills working with Joel Robuchon for over seven years, solidifying her role as a core team member in the opening of Jean Georges, Beverly Hills, situated in the prestigious Waldorf Astoria.
Meanwhile, Ros honed her expertise also assisting in the opening of Jean Georges, working at Nobu and teaching the culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles and the Miami Culinary Institute. Beginning their careers in Los Angeles, Ros and Dominguez discovered their passion for cooking Southeast Asian cuisine and are eager to bring the bold, intense and unexpected flavors they have perfected to the heart of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
Chiriboga met the two chefs during 1-800-Lucky’s first annual Banana Catchup event – the first event of its kind in Miami supporting all things Filipino food and culture, where they did a pop-up of Sili. Sili offers central street food inspired by Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam with a local twist. Standout dishes include Garlic Chili Noodles ($17), Kinilaw Hamachi Crudo ($17), Tom Yum Goong Noodle Soup ($21) and more.
Photo by Ruben Cabrera
OSMIO Lounge Opens in Wynwood
Miami-based hospitality company, The Dirty Rabbit Group (DRG) is excited to announce the opening of OSMIO LOUNGE, a new venue that combines mystical traditions, holistic hand-crafted cocktails, and live entertainment in an intimate and exclusive setting inspired by Tulum’s transcendental & tropical vibes.
Located in Miami’s Wynwood art & entertainment district (223 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127), the new venue, conceived by master mixologist & industry veteran Brian Diaz, will also feature a curated menu of tasty tapas, full bottle service, as well as a rotation of international DJs in a state-of-the-art venue. OSMIO is the newest addition to the DRG portfolio of successful Miami nightlife venues that include The Dirty Rabbit, MAD Club, & MAD LIVE as well as restaurants La Tiendita Taqueria, The Mad Butcher, & One K Raw.
Inspired (and originating) in Tulum, Mexico’s renowned tourist destination famous for balancing wellness, spirituality, and a vibrant party scene, OSMIO transports guests from the urban jungle of Miami onto an boho, beachside paradise where you will discover the perfect combination of mystical ambiance, spiritual traditions, & holistic wellness through unique mixology, music, & more.
Most notably, the venue serves up an elevated selection of over-the-top “From The Lab” cocktails. Featuring Osmio 76 inspired by the densest naturally occurring element and the lounge’s namesake, it contains Tromba Tequila, mango puree, fresh mint, house bitters, and a secret element, and the immersive Lost in Paradise with Herradura Tequila, coconut puree, passion fruit, condensed milk, and fresh lime. In addition, OSMIO LOUNGE features a small artisan boutique that showcases unique local and international crafts and fashion for purchase.
Open from Thursday to Sunday as of 6pm to late, OSMIO presents thematic nights including Celestial Souls Ladies’ Night with free shots for ladies and body painting (Thursdays), Moon Vibes (Friday), Follow that Dream (Saturday), and Sexy Jungle (Sunday) and even offers yoga classes and spiritual seminars.
Sips & Sushi at Esmé Hotel
On Sunday, December 17, Esmé Miami Beach Hotel invites guests to indulge in a pop up Omakase bar on The Roof, brought to you by Sushi Bar and Estrella Damm. Ticket includes 2 Estrella beers and 4 different handrolls from Sushi Bar, the Omakase speakeasy which typically costs $175/pp for its fresh handrolls. The event will culminate with music from DJ Edison Farrow at Esmé’s Mediterranean-inspired rooftop lounge.
Purchase tickets here.
June Opens in Dadeland
Following the successful launch of his innovative wagyu burger concept, ‘June,’ at Julia & Henry’s, renowned chef and culinary visionary Jose Mendín is now expanding the brand with the opening of its first standalone location in Dadeland, set to open to the public on Dec.15, 2023.
Inspired by the ceaseless energy and year-round warmth of Miami, June is a premium burger-centric haven that embodies the city’s lively spirit. Rooted in his Puerto Rican heritage, Mendín wanted to transform the classic burger into a representation of Miami’s cultural diversity.
“I started with the simple desire to craft a burger joint that truly encapsulates the essence of Miami,” Mendín shared. “I wanted to create burgers that each have their own personality with vastly different flavors.”
Distinctive burger offerings such as the “Big Kahuna,” inspired by Hawaiian culture, and the reimagined “La Parisienne” burger, a playful nod to French cuisine, reflect Mendín’s commitment to diverse, yet harmonious, flavors. June brings together unique blends of high-quality meats made with no hormones or antibiotics, locally baked brioche buns, and visually striking presentations that showcase the vibrant layers of each burger.
Apart from the traditional dishes available at its Julia & Henry’s’ location, June Dadeland offers a more extensive range of unique options, such as hot dogs, fried chicken, soft-serve ice cream, and boba tea.
June Dadeland is located at 8975 SW 72nd Ct, Miami, FL 33156. It’s open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.