April 11, 2025
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.
NUNA to Open at Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Walrus Rodeo Hosts Monthly Wine Series
New Collaboration at Le Jardinier
PastaTini Night at a’Riva
NUNA to Open at Four Seasons Hotel Miami
This spring, Four Seasons Hotel Miami will introduce its new dining concept NUNA, a limited-time only dining experience created by acclaimed chef Jaime Pesaque, a pioneer in modern Peruvian cuisine. Taking over the Edge Brasserie space for dinner service, NUNA will introduce Miami to Pesaque’s refined interpretation of Nikkei, blending the delicate precision of Japanese culinary techniques with the bold, bright flavors of Peru. Chef Pesaque – whose flagship Lima restaurant Mayta has earned a coveted place on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list – is known for his ability to blend contemporary culinary techniques with the rich traditions of his home country.
NUNA will offer dinner service and a limited selection on Edge’s Executive Lunch menu, inviting guests on a sensory journey exploring the rich tapestry of Nikkei cuisine. Chef Pesaque’s carefully crafted menu will feature an impressive selection of ceviche, rolls, yakitori and hot dishes, each created with an emphasis on top-quality ingredients.
NUNA will source the freshest seafood for its ceviche and sushi bar, premium Wagyu beef and a selection of Peruvian chili peppers, Asian vegetables and traditional Japanese elements such as ponzu, yuzu and miso. Guests can expect dishes like Ceviche Limeño with corvina, Leche de Tigre, sweet potato and cilantro; NUNA Roll with tuna, acevichado sauce, avocado and crispy shrimp; and Saltado al Wok, a bold stir-fry of beef and lobster infused with Nikkei flavors.
“At NUNA, we’re taking Nikkei cuisine beyond the expected to present a more contemporary, thoughtful approach,” said Chef Pesaque. “This concept is about balance – between Japanese traditions and Peruvian influences, between heritage and innovation. Every element is intentional, from the brightness of the flavors to the ingredient-forward compositions that define each bite. Miami’s cultural diversity and dynamic energy is the perfect place for NUNA’s debut, and the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, known for its excellence and hospitality, is the best setting to bring my vision to life.”
Complementing the menu will be an expertly curated beverage program featuring signature cocktails, Japanese whiskies, pisco, sake and a selection of creative mocktails designed to harmonize with NUNA’s bold yet delicate flavors.
“NUNA represents exactly the kind of world-class dining experience we strive to bring to our guests,” said Haytham Said, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Miami. “Chef Jaime Pesaque’s reputation for pushing boundaries in Peruvian cuisine speaks for itself, and we’re thrilled he chose to introduce his new restaurant in our hotel, representing a new era of culinary experiences for our guests and patrons.”
NUNA at Four Seasons Hotel Miami at 1435 Brickell Avenue will officially open to the public on May 19. Reservations for dinner can be made via OpenTable.
Walrus Rodeo Hosts Monthly Wine Series
Walrus Rodeo, beloved sassy younger sister of Michelin-starred Boia De, will be launching a monthly wine series. Italian cuisine varies greatly in different regions and each month, the restaurant will showcase a specific region’s wines and cuisine. First up, Piemonte and its wines and cuisine. The region, located in northwestern Italy is renowned for its rich culinary tradition and iconic wines like Barolo and Barbaresco and dishes like vitello tonnato and bagna cauda.
On Tuesday, April 22, diners will be able to enjoy a five-course meal ($85++) paired with five different vintages from the region (additional $85++). Wine specials by the glass will also be available.
Walrus Rodeo sommelier Marco Adamo, enthused, “This will be an opportunity for diners to take a deep dive into the different terroirs and unique wines of Piemonte. Chefs Alex and Luci have created a killer menu that perfectly complements the spectacular wines we’re serving that showcases the region.” Reservations for the dinner can be made at resy.com.
Photo Credit: Jordan Frey
New Collaboration at Le Jardinier
Launching this Saturday, Le Jardinier is debuting a monthly Saturday lunch series designed to celebrate and spotlight the beloved farmers and artisans they proudly partner with. Each month, the restaurant will debut a seasonal menu with organic wine pairings that tell the story of a featured local farm.
The inaugural edition highlights Paradise Farms, a five-acre garden in Homestead known for its regenerative practices and vibrant produce. Executive Chef James Friedberg and Chef de Cuisine Zack have curated a $44, 3-course tasting menu centered around the farm’s freshest ingredients, bringing their story directly to the plate.
The Paradise Farms menu will be available every Saturday from April 12 through May 3, from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Photo Credit: The Bastion Collection
PastaTini Night at a’Riva
PastaTini Night at a’Riva at Harbour Club is set to become your new favorite midweek indulgence. Launching Wednesday, April 16, and continuing every Wednesday night, this weekly culinary experience offers locals an effortless and elevated night out, featuring handcrafted martinis for $10, signature pasta dishes from Chef Michele Esposito for $15, and a brand-new Pasta Omakase Sampler menu addition— offering three expertly curated pastas for $30. Because Wednesdays deserve a little extra.
What’s on the menu?
$10 Martinis — Dirty, Watermelon, Espresso, Lychee — because one is never enough.
$15 Pastas — Paccheri Pomodoro with homemade ricotta, Sweet Corn Agnolotti with ricotta and black truffle, Spaghetti Alla Nerano with baby zucchini, zuchini flowers, basil, and parmesan, Bucatini Mediterraneo with branzino, yellow tomato, and lemon, Ravioli Almafi with red prawns, ricotta and littleneck clams, Paccheri Veal Ragu, and Cavatelli Duck Ragu — that’s amore.
$30 Pasta Omakase — Can’t decide? Choose any three pastas for an unbeatable pasta omakase experience — ideal for the curious and the indecisive.
Why wait for the weekend? PastaTini Night is your weekly excuse to unwind, sip, and savor. Whether it’s a low-key date night, an overdue catch-up with friends, or just a well-deserved treat-yourself moment, a’Riva is the perfect midweek Italian escape. Pasta + Martinis = your new Wednesday night ritual.
Photo Credit: Joe Thomas