December 8, 2023
After a two-week break, we’re back! 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.
Baires Grill Opens in Downtown Doral
Twin Peaks to Open in Doral
Coming Soon: Casa Ya’ax
Baires Grill Opens in Downtown Doral
Downtown Doral, a 250-acre mixed-use community developed by Codina Partners, has officially opened its newest anchor restaurant, Baires Grill, a South Florida-based Argentine Steakhouse. The opening marks Baires Grills’ seventh location in South Florida and first in Doral.
The restaurant occupies a 5,377 square foot space next to Pisco Y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar and Fortune International Real Estate in Downtown Doral. The Downtown Doral location offers lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus as well as a full bar with a large adjoining lounge area, main dining room, expansive outdoor patio for alfresco dining, and a private dining room for small events.
Baires Grill, established in 1999, has been bringing the finest Argentine cuisine to South Florida for more than 20 years. It is consistently recognized as a top local Argentine Steakhouse, voted as a top ten Argentine restaurant in Miami by the New York Times in 2019 and most recently by Eater Miami in 2021.
“Doral has such a rich connection to Latin cuisine, and Downtown Doral has become a destination for those looking to have a unique array of culinary experiences. When we were looking to open in Doral, it was the obvious choice,” said Martin Koenig, owner of Baires Grill. Each Baires Grill restaurant is known for its unique and sophisticated dining spaces, and the Doral Location is the most trend setting in terms of design in comparison to our other restaurants,” adds Koenig.
Baires Grill joins Downtown Doral’s array of shops and eateries, including The Doral Yard; Bulla Gastrobar; Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar; Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar; Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market; Gusto RistoBar; Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine; Sports Grill; Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café; Spiked Rich Ice Cream & Shakes; and Pura Vida.
Twin Peaks to Open in Doral
Calling all Dolphins, Marlins, Heat and InterMiami Soccer fans – a new go-to destination will soon open its doors to serve hungry sports fans across the Miami area. Twin Peaks Restaurant, the ultimate sports lodge, is set to open its newest Florida location in Doral on Monday, January 15, 2024.
The new restaurant, located at 8700 NW 18th Terrace, will offer guests a unique dining experience that combines delicious food, ice-cold beer and scenic views. The restaurant is hiring for all positions, including front and back of house, management and legendary Twin Peaks girls.
Located just five miles from Miami International Airport, incoming visitors and locals alike will enjoy one of the 40 beers on tap, including various craft and local brands, along with a variety of American classics, including burgers, steaks, wings and nachos. On game days, Twin Peaks’ lodge-style atmosphere, which includes soaring ceilings, 90 TVs, massive fireplaces and a 26’x5′ video wall offers great views from every seat. And, of course, there’s nothing like the friendly and attentive service provided by the Twin Peaks Girls.
“We are thrilled to bring the one-of-a-kind Twin Peaks experience to Doral,” said Twin Peaks CEO Joe Hummel. “We know that our South Florida guests will love our unique man cave experience and our commitment to providing the best food, drinks and service. We invite the Doral community to grab a chair and enjoy our made-from-scratch menu and a 29° beer.”
Twin Peaks Doral will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The restaurant will also offer happy hours from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 p.m. to close on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Coming Soon: Casa Ya’ax
Chef Omar Montero will unveil his newest sensation just in time for the holidays with the opening of Casa Ya’ax, his new indoor/outdoor culinary and cocktail haven in the heart of Wynwood. Positioned to further Wynwood’s well-earned reputation as one of the hottest neighborhoods in the world, Casa Ya’ax will be the sublime, sophisticated new sibling to his beloved La Santa Taqueria; delivering a transportive experience evoking the traditions, flavors, hospitality, and spirit of his native Mexico.
Featuring an inspired menu founded on simplicity but elevated by technique; an inventive drinks program, a lush tropical design aesthetic, and live entertainment, Casa Ya’ax will bring Mexico by way of Montero to locals and visitors alike by year’s end.
“The idea for this restaurant has been with me for years,” says Montero, who credits his rich Mexican heritage as his creative North star. “If La Santa is my tribute to street food, then this will be a place where we can celebrate the rich, authentic flavors and dishes from across Mexico, highlighting our gorgeous coastal cuisine.”
The generous menu is still in development, but dishes in the pipeline for the opening include
Beef Short Ribs with demi-glace and three chilies; White corn and red quinoa with pork belly and rock shrimp; Tiger Shrimp with garlic; Aguachile Arrachera in black sauce, and an array of raw bar and grill items, including Takamori A5 wagyu, OMI wagyu, and USDA prime cuts, all available a la carte along with an array of delectable side dishes. More details to come.
From the kitchen to the bar, we go with eight signature drinks confirmed. Sure to be among the must-tries: the Sel Va Tik with gin, Bergamotto, Acqua Di Cedro, cucumber bitters and tonic; Casa Ya’ax’s take on the ubiquitous espresso martini, incarnated here as the Espresso Oaxaca, made with Bacanora Aguamiel, Giocondo Cabaret Cafe, licor 43, coffee, and Oaxacan chocolate shavings; and the Mexican Manhattan with El Tequileño Tequila, sweet vermouth and bitters.
The restaurant will also feature a well-appointed bottle menu particularly rich with choice agave-based spirits and an array of Mexican wines not found elsewhere in Miami. This will no doubt come into play later in the evening when the restaurant’s lush patio comes to life as a lounge, complete with a live DJ, cool lighting, and, if needed, a cool misting system.
The dining room at Casa Ya’ax evokes a bohemian vibe complete with an earthy color palette that strikes a beachy counterpoint to the back patio’s jungle-like aesthetic; think lush landscaping coexisting with chic natural elements, from carved wood tables to woven rattan lampshades. No doubt the restaurant’s design elements seamlessly weave together, creating an inviting ambiance.
Chef/restaurateur Montero embarked on his culinary journey as a young man while his family’s catering business flourished. After completing his culinary training at the University Anahuac in Mexico City, he honed his skills at renowned establishments across Mexico. Venturing to the United States in 2010 at the age of 24, he immersed himself in fine dining, gaining extensive experience throughout Florida, Colorado, Minnesota, San Francisco, and Napa Valley, primarily focusing on high-end boutique hotels.
Settling in Miami in 2010, Montero joined the culinary team at the award-winning Setai Hotel in Miami Beach. In 2014, he successfully launched La Veinte Deli & Café in downtown Miami but moved on in 2016 to develop and finally launch in 2017, La Santa Taqueria, first as a pop-up but later in its current incarnation as a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Casa Ya’ax is located in Wynwood at 51 NE 24 Street, Suite 101.