December 22, 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.
Now Open: Delilah Miami
Soulfly Chicken Opens 2nd Location
Casa Vigil Opens in Upper Buena Vista
Now Open: Delilah Miami
Delilah Miami just opened its doors in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. The famed supper club is the latest outpost of Los Angeles-based h.wood Group’s expansive portfolio, marking their debut on the East Coast.
Imagine stepping into a 1920’s time machine with the decadence, glamour, and sophistication of the Jazz age, awash in a palette of light pink, teals, and golds with intricate ceililing soffits and bright wallpapers. Guests are welcome by a beautiful rich Turkish burl wood lobby as the grand entrance stairwell is wrapped in luxurious marble and stone, complete with signature Delilah caricatures by artist Blue Logan that adorn the walls, menus and lamps, and include local Miami legends.
Expect live entertainment every evening and technique-driven food led by Executive Chef Daniel Roy including signature Delilah dishes such as it’s world-famous Chicken Tenders and Kendall’s Slutty Brownies (yes, Kendall Jenner’s) in addition to some Miami-inspired exclusives like the Cubano Fritters and Suckling Pig.
Soulfly Chicken Opens 2nd Location
Soulfly Chicken, the beloved American comfort food spot serving up some of Miami’s favorite fried chicken proudly announced the opening of its second location on Wednesday, December 20. Soulfly is the newest addition to MIA Market, the chef-driven food hall located in the heart of the Miami Design District featuring an impressive roster of local food and beverage talent.
Founded by Miami native, chef Troy Tingling, Soulfly originally started as a food truck in November 2021, selling its famed tenders, wings, sandwiches and Southern comfort sides throughout the Miami-Dade area. Now, Soufly’s second brick-and-mortar location follows the success and warm reception experienced at the concept’s flagship location in Wynwood, which opened in May 2023.
A TECH-FORWARD EXPERIENCE
Utilizing patented soundwave technology, Soulfly Chicken has reimagined fried chicken by cooking it faster and with 40 percent less oil, resulting in a healthier yet equally crispy and juicy delight. Wings, tenders and sandwiches can be ordered in a variety of heat levels and flavors, accompanied by a choice of six sauces, making each meal a truly custom experience.
Unlike its Wynwood counterpart, which maintains a takeout and delivery-only model through a contactless touchscreen ordering system, Soulfly Chicken at MIA Market will offer a plated dining experience. Guests can enjoy the spacious, well-appointed indoor or outdoor dining areas of the food hall, and can even grab a cocktail to accompany their meal from the MIA Market Bar.
NEW TO THE MENU
The menu at Soulfly Chicken boasts a diverse selection of Southern-rooted comfort food classics, catering to various dietary preferences. Alongside the signature crispy chicken, the restaurant offers plenty of vegetarian options, including sandwiches available with plant-based chicken and soulful sides such as waffle fries, creamy macaroni and cheese, smoked greens, sweet potato biscuits, dirty rice, and fried corn wheels.
Other crowd favorites include Soulfly’s wings, recently named one of Best of Miami-Dade’s “Best Chicken Wings” by Miami Herald, and chef Troy’s signature banana pudding, a sell-out dessert that is the perfect balance for any meal with spice.
Exciting new menu additions exclusive to the MIA market include dishes such as The Wedge and The Bib salads, along with notable new sandwich offerings like the Alabama Hot, featuring a boneless chicken breast topped with Alabama BBQ sauce and pickles, and the Fish Out of Water, with crispy fried cod, cheddar cheese, and tartar sauce. Guests can also tack on Soulfly’s new Red Velvet Milkshake for a sweet addition to their meal.
Casa Vigil Opens in Upper Buena Vista
World-renowned enologist, Alejandro Vigil, known as the “Messi of Wines” by MICHELIN Guide, is thrilled to make the U.S. debut in Miami of his famed Casa Vigil in the heart of Upper Buena Vista. The rustic upscale restaurant situated on two floors brings an enogastronomic experience to Miami with its Mediterranean and Argentinian-influenced menu designed to pair perfectly with its high-quality and unique wines.
First debuting Casa Vigil in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2015, the winery restaurant has recently received its first MICHELIN Star and MICHELIN Green Star, and is listed on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants guide for best restaurant and bars in Latin America. Known for offering exceptional wines, Casa Vigil Miami sets the stage for an immersive and educational journey into the world of wine. Guests can sample affordable, exotic and rare vintage wines, each reflecting the distinct terroir of Mendoza, among other wine regions in the world.
A master of his trade, Vigil has become a wine guru for lovers of wine worldwide. Recognized as Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkins in 2019, Vigil is one of the most awarded winemakers and enthusiasts in the Americas with creations that gained prestigious awards and earned accolades on Robert Parker’s 100-Point Wines, including El Gran Enemigo, Adriana Vineyards, Malbec Argentino, Nicolas Catena, Estiba Reservada, DV Catena and Angelica Zapata, among others.
Under the helm of Chef Cesar Gonzalez Aznar, an expert in Mediterranean cuisine, Casa Vigil Miami will offer a five-course tasting menu with three levels of wine pairings all carefully designed to maximize flavors and introduce new regions, vintages and styles. Guests can also order a la carte for a more shareable experience and indulge in items like empanadas, tablas and meats made with the highest quality sustainable ingredients. Signature dishes include Rib Eye Milanesa, 40-day Dry Aged Braised Angust Costilla, Empanadas, Buffalo Burrata, and the Chilean Sea Bass. Don’t forget to indulge in the award-winning Vasque Cheesecake.
One of the unique aspects of Casa Vigil Miami is its commitment to wine education. Guests engage in wine tastings, guided by award-winning sommelier Miguel Martinez and explore the nuances of each varietal. The restaurant aims to demystify the world of wine, providing an accessible and enjoyable learning experience for both connoisseurs and novices alike.
Casa Vigil also offers an exclusive serving of rare and collectible wines such as Chateau Petrus 2004, Giancomo Conterno “Monfortino Riserva” 2006, and Salon “Blanc de Blancs” 2002. In addition to its extensive wine program, the two 12-seat bars serve a variety of signature craft cocktails including the La Virgen Sagrada (mezcal, grilled pineapple, spices, lime, and tajin), El Infierno (tequila, rum, strawberry citrus, tarragon, and a touch of Absinthe), and Sacramento (Spanish Brandy, Biscotti Liqueur Quince, coconut milk, egg, and nutmeg).
Photo by Ruth Kim