December 6, 2024
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Each Friday, we try to 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.
New Tasting Menu at Hiyakawa
Now Open: Bar Bella
Coming Soon: Casa La Rubia
Yappy Hour at TULUM
The Reindeer Room at RUMBAR
New Tasting Menu at Hiyakawa
Hiyakawa, the top destination for Japanese fine dining in Miami celebrated by
the Michelin guide, is proud to announce the introduction of a new Washoku tasting menu for the fall/winter 2024 season. Washoku is a Japanese term for Japanese cuisine where Wa means ‘Japan’ or ‘Harmony’ and Shoku means ‘To eat”.
Continuing its mission to manifest the most peerlessly authentic version of the island nation’s culinary culture in South Florida, the nine-course tasting menu, designed by head sushi chef Hiro Asano and in collaboration with Ogawa Master Sushi Chef Masa Komatsu, aims to showcase the stunning diversity of flavors and sensory pleasures found in Japanese cuisine. Elevated takes on classic comfort dishes will be served along with gourmet sashimi, elegant appetizers, and delightful surprises, with emphasis on seasonal ingredients and a perfect balance between hot and cold sensations.
A classic Edomae sushi sequence anchors the experience, featuring rotating selections of fresh fish sourced and flown in directly from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market and rounded out by a signature temaki hand roll and a dessert course. Throughout the meal, Hiyakawa’s friendly sushi masters accompany guests in conversation, sharing their expertise in Japanese cuisine and providing an atmosphere of warmth and geniality, while servers will be on hand to demonstrate kikubari, the principle of flawlessly anticipating the needs of a cherished guest.
Limited to 20 servings per day, the $180 tasting menu will be offered alongside Hiyakawa’s existing à la carte menu and carefully-selected beverage list, constructed by sommelier Luis Martinez and focusing on savory and biodynamic wines and craft sakes from across Japan. The tasting menu serves as a successor to Hiyakawa’s outgoing omakase experience, which has been voted one of the 10 best in Miami by the Miami New Times.
By retiring the omakase, Hiyakawa aims to streamline an already-superb dining experience, in line with its guiding principles of omotenashi (hospitality), komakai (attention to detail), and sensai (sensitivity). The new tasting menu can be enjoyed from anywhere in Hiyakawa’s dining room or at the sushi counter and does not need to be reserved in advance.
Now Open: Bar Bella
Jorgie Ramos’ highly anticipated new Spanish eatery and bar opened for dinner quietly last month in South Miami at the corner of 58th Avenue and 73rd Street. Named after his five year old daughter, Annabella, Bar Bella boasts an inviting and warm ambiance so convivial, it nearly eclipses the sublimity of its food. The menu features creative edits on Basque and Valencian fundamentals like pintxos and smoked paella, uniting Spanish cuisine with American barbecue techniques; a nod to Ramos’ wife’s Midwestern roots.
“Bar Bella is ideal for sharing small plates, porrón pitchers and stories with friends and/or family,” states Ramos. “The vibe is unmatched and we’re delighted to be a part of this South Miami’s nieghborhood’s revival.”
Bar Bella executes each dish with verve and savory authenticity. The atmosphere and menu will be familiar to those acquainted with Ramos’ other restaurant in Coral Gables, Cebada Rooftop; however, Bar Bella will offer a plethora of new items as well.
Starters include east and west coast oysters, crudos, caviar bumps, caviar cannolis and a selection of tapas including Barcelona’s favorite sandwich: “bikini” grilled cheese with jamon serrano, havarti, fig and truffle aioli; sopa de ajo croquetas with garlic aioli and chow chow relish; oyster mushroom pintxo with truffle, onion sabayo, manchego; a pork belly jam-topped smash burger with piquillo aioli and havarti cheese, and empanadas with smoked rabo encendido, to name a few.
A rotating smoked paella socarrat special featuring crispy bomba rice, smoked onion stock, black garlic aioli and shallot relish is next up; followed by a selection of barbacoa offerings from smoked squash to duck brisket, pork belly and dino short ribs, all smoked in-house daily. A handful of desserts balance out the menu including Jorge Ramos Senior’s locally adored housemade bread pudding with pumpkin cheesecake.
The beverage program highlights Spanish wines, as well as cocktails with cheeky names paying homage to local spots like Bougainvillea’s with the “Banned from Bougies” frozen cocktail, consisting of peach puree, cranberry, peach liquor, and Jägermeister. “Meet Me at The Tree,” made with lime, mint, guarapo, cucumber, soda and Flor de Cana Seco, is for the OG Miamians who recall the massive tree situated at the entrance of Sunset Place mall when it first opened 25 years ago.
Bar Bella features indoor and outdoor seating plus two distinct bar spaces — a front bar and a more lively back bar nicknamed Abi Maria; Ramos’ former Kendall establishment in Downtown Dadeland. Red neon signs all around the restaurant emit a soft glow and strike a bold note along the streetscape of downtown SoMi. Located at 5829 SW 73rd Street in South Miami, Bar Bella is open for dinner service from Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 11:30pm.
Coming Soon: Casa La Rubia
The Veza Sur brewpub will soon have a new look, feel and name. Veza Sur will reopen this December as Casa La Rubia, following construction and cosmetic upgrades to the brewery and pub in Wynwood.
La Rubia originated over a decade ago at Miami’s first craft production brewery, Wynwood Brewing. The blonde ale quickly became a local favorite and Wynwood Brewing’s flagship beer—the perfect beer for gathering with family and friends, days on the boat, casual chats at the local bar, or a refreshing drink after a long day’s work.
Casa La Rubia represents the natural evolution of the strategic partnership between two of Miami’s legacy craft breweries, Wynwood Brewing and Veza Sur Brewing Co. The prime location at 55 NW 25th St. in the Wynwood neighborhood will offer a diverse beer portfolio of Wynwood and Veza Sur favorites and La Rubia, with indoor and outdoor spaces.
Guests can look forward to a selection of craft beers that includes fan favorites and ‘heavy hitters’ from Wynwood Brewing.
This lineup features iconic legacy beers that helped define Wynwood, such as Pops Porter, Father Francisco, and the beloved La Rubia, all of which will continue to be brewed on-site. Additionally, Casa La Rubia will reintroduce special edition brews from Wynwood and Veza Sur, creating a unique blend of the two brands to enhance the consumer experience.
Casa La Rubia will feature programming authentic to Miami and its diverse Latin community, from salsa dancing nights to fútbol watch parties, Miami Heat games, and a pig roast around the holidays. The goal is to be the heart of authentic Miami culture, where every visit feels like coming home.
For the official opening on December 14, Casa La Rubia will host a Salsa Night to celebrate. Guests can enjoy $5 La Rubia 16-oz pints, live music, all-day bites, a variety of activities, and giveaways. The pub will close for construction and cosmetic upgrades the week of December 9 prior to the grand opening.
Photo Credit: Ruben Cabrera
Yappy Hour at Tulum
Come join us for a pawsome evening full of fun and festivities as we celebrate our four-legged companions at W Miami’s signature restaurant TULUM Rooftop Bar & Restaurant on Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 pm.
Bring your beloved furry friends and indulge in a night of fun, laughter, and community featuring a special Bone Appetit menu including puppy-friendly bites. Parents will have the opportunity to enjoy TULUM’s Sunset Sips happy hour menu featuring delicious drinks and savory bites, while also connecting with fellow pet lovers in the heart of vibrant Brickell. It’s going to be a tail-wagging good time that you and your pets won’t want to miss! RSVP here.
The Reindeer Room at RUMBAR
RUMBAR is getting festive this holiday season as they present guests with The Reindeer Room. Guests are invited to sleigh their way now through January 1 by enjoying bites including Prancer’s Pizza, Charcutewreath and Tipsy Reindeer Bread Pudding. Cocktail highlights include Cafecito Coquito & Churros, Let Me Take An #Elfie and Baby, It’s Cold Outside. The Reindeer Room is open daily from 3 p.m. to close.