May 15, 2026
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.
Opening Soon: Cantina Leon
Now Open: CHŌ Funky Asian Bistro
Introducing Happy Hour at Pauline
New Happy Hour Specials at Fuku
Opening Soon: Cantina Leon
Cantina Leon, the vibrant new Mexican restaurant and lively gathering place rooted in the warmth, energy and enduring traditions of Mexico’s classic cantinas, will officially debut at The Plaza Coral Gables on May 21, 2026, bringing an exciting new culinary destination to the city’s acclaimed dining scene.
More than just a restaurant, Cantina Leon is a home for people to come together over shared meals, celebrated milestones, and conversation, embraced by the kind of heartfelt hospitality that turns strangers into regulars and regulars into family. Owned by Chef Gerardo B. De Negri, Jorge Barrera and operated by The Rabbit Group LLC, Cantina Leon draws inspiration from Mexico’s golden era of cantinas, reimagining the spirit of these beloved community gathering places through authentic Mexican cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, lively entertainment, and warm, welcoming service.
As The Plaza Coral Gables continues to emerge as one of Miami’s premier destinations for dining, entertainment, and luxury hospitality, Cantina Leon further enriches the district’s reputation as a hub for meaningful culinary experiences and vibrant events.
Located at 2955 Ponce de Leon Blvd, the expansive 7,5000 square-foot, multilevel restaurant features a striking central bar that serves as the heartbeat of the space, a lively main dining room, an upstairs VIP area and private event space, and dedicated tequila and mezcal tasting room showcasing an exceptional collection of premium spirits. Complementing the concept is Cantina Leon’s sister café, Mercadito Cantina Leon, now serving daily breakfast, specialty coffee and teas, tacos, and a variety of grab-and-go offerings for guests seeking a more casual taste of the brand.
Leading Cantina Leon’s culinary vision is Mexico-born Chef and owner Gerardo B. De Negri, whose career has taken him from the dynamic food scene of Mexico City to the refined kitchens of Paris, shaping a style deeply rooted in heritage while influenced by global technique and perspective. Joining Chef Negri is Chef de Cuisine Jorge Delgadillo from Hidalgo Mexico who played a pivotal role in developing the menus and recipes. Inspired by the vibrant energy and communal spirit of a traditional Mexican mercado, Chef Negri’s menu reimagines generations-old recipes through a contemporary lens, showcasing an expansive selection of fresh seafood, wood-grilled meats, raw bar specialties, and beloved Mexican classics including enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas.
Signature highlights include an impressive seafood program featuring dishes such as the Shrimp Aguachile Tatemado, Tuna Tostadas, Ceviche Mexicano de Pescado, and the Torre de Mariscos–an abundant seafood tower layered with shrimp, octopus, tuna and avocado.
From the grill, standout offerings include the Pescado Zarandeado, a whole grilled red snapper seasoned with coastal spices; the Camaron Gigante Flameado–giant black tiger prawns flambeed tableside with mezcal and garlic butter–as well as premium cuts like the USDA Prime 24-ounce Tomahawk Steak and the dramatic Filete Flameado al Tequila.
Complementing the restaurant’s elevated culinary program is Cantina Leon’s thoroughly curated cocktail menu, an ode to Mexico’s rich spirits culture with a strong emphasis on tequila and mezcal-driven creations. Signature cocktails include the Classic Margarita; the Oaxacan Jarrito, shaken with 400 Conejos Joven, tamarind Jarritos, agave nectar and lime; and the beloved Carajillo, featuring Licor 43 and espresso.
Cantina Leon is located at 2955 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Unit 134, Coral Gables, FL. 33134, and will welcome guests daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and live entertainment. The main dining room will be open Monday through Wednesday from 12PM to 10PM, Thursday through Saturday from 12PM to 11PM, and Sundays from 4PM to 10PM, in addition to Sunday brunch served from 11AM to 4PM.
Mercadito Cantina Leon will serve breakfast Monday through Saturday from 9AM to 12PM and Sundays until 4PM, with lunch and tacos available daily from 12PM to 9PM. Guests can also enjoy Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4PM to 7PM, while live entertainment brings the vibrant spirit of the cantina to life Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 7PM.
Now Open: CHŌ Funky Asian Bistro
Now open just off Sunset Harbor, CHŌ Funky Asian Bistro offers a compelling reason to cross the bridge from the Miami mainland to Miami Beach. The playful brainchild of restaurateur Mohamed “Mo” Alkassar (owner/operator of MO MOMENTUM GROUP), CHŌ is built around three pillars: a whimsical vibe, stellar Asian food, and invigorating drinks. Drawing from culinary influences across Asia including, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, CHŌ‘s resulting menu is designed for exploring and lingering, with flavors, music and service propelling each night forward and ensuring it’s more than dinner, it’s a night out.
The first concept under the MO MOMENTUM GROUP (MMG) umbrella, CHŌ is the embodiment of Mo’s approach to the industry, hospitality above all. He also possesses an unwavering commitment to quality (B&E chicken, Niman Ranch lamb, everything made in-house with no shortcuts) to approachability and an emphasis on a transportive experience. A night at CHŌ, by design, will linger in the memory but not break the bank.
“In an age consumed by the digital race, I’m doubling down on the human touch of hospitality,” says Alkassar. “CHŌ will radiate warmth, energy, and genuine care. You’ll walk out feeling better than when you walked in.”
Also promised, a helluva good time. “You can’t spell funky without fun,” noted Alkassar, a respected restaurateur recognized on the Observer’s 2024 Power List and a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur (2023), among others honors and accomplishments.
The name “CHŌ”, derived from myriad Asian languages, conveys the idea of going beyond or exceeding expectations, a principle that defines every element of the restaurant, especially the core philosophy of emphasizing hospitality above all. CHŌ’s mission is to create a high-energy dining experience where bold Asian flavors, funky music, and playful design come together to make people feel something. While the restaurant is committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients, from premium poultry to responsibly raised meats, the team is equally focused on keeping the overall dining experience approachable, delivering elevated food, cocktails, and hospitality at a reasonable price point designed to welcome everyone to the table.
CHŌ’s menu travels through Asia assembling a lineup of the continent’s greatest hits alongside some edgier interpretations. The lineup spans craveable small plates, wok-fired favorites and flavor-filled entrees built on layered flavors and laser-guided spicing. To start, a section of “Snacks,” highlighting items like the Chicken Liver Pate ($19) with a True Loaf Bakery baguette and Granny Smith kaffir lime chutney; Pork Ribs ($21) with applewood smoked gochujang sauce; and Wood Ear Mushroom ($14) with black vinegar, chili oil and grated garlic.
For lighter fare, the “Raw” portion of the menu offers Mango Coconut Salad ($14), tamarind vinaigrette, herbs, and cucumber; Scallop Crudo ($23), red curry oil, pandang, and kaffir lime; and Wasabi Cabbage Salad ($15), with Korean pear, apple wasabi vinaigrette, and shallots; among others. “Dumplings & Friends” showcases bitesized perfection including Vietnamese Shrimp Roll ($18) with peanut hoisin sauce, and nuoc cham; Eggplant Lumpia ($14) with chili garlic dip; Mushroom Dumpling ($15), with yuzu ponzu dip and sesame chili dip; and Duck Bao ($18) with honey soy glazed duck and house-made pickles.
From the “Wok”, a variety of sizzling plates including Pad See Ew ($26) stir-fried beef, Chinese broccoli, and rice noodles; and Duck Fried Rice ($32) with snow peas, sweet corn and eggs, served in a whimsical ceramic Chinese take-out box. Signature mains include Korean Fried Chicken ($26) with confit garlic kewpie, gochujang and house pickled daikon; Crab Curry ($42) with jackfruit, spaghetti squash, and Thai red curry; Cha Ca La Vong (a Vietnamese grilled fish, $36) with turmeric marinated daily catch, rice vermicelli noodles, and herbs; and Khao Soi Lamb Neck ($42) with egg noodles, crispy noodles and bean sprouts.
The beverage program matches the kitchen’s energy with a lineup of playful, Asian inspired cocktails just as memorable as the food. Expect vibrant flavors, unexpected combinations and shareable moments made for groups. Designed in collaboration with Miami’s acclaimed Unfiltered Hospitality, the include standouts such as the Golden Triangle ($16) – gin, Thai basil, yuzu, and prosecco; Neon Geisha ($16) – Suntory Toki, Japanese melon wildflower honey, yuzu sake, and egg white; and Night Market ($17) with Nikka Coffee whiskey, Licor 43, five spice dulce de leche, and Vietnamese coffee. There is also an Asian spin on an American classic, the Silk Thai Manhattan ($18), made with rye whiskey, Thai tea, vermouth, banana, and cardamom bitters; and Easy Tiger! ($18) with vodka, shochu, pandan, Calpico, and hibiscus. A large format cocktail, Spill the Tea ($45), serves four and consists of Haku vodka, nigori sake, lychee jasmine tea, lemon and grapefruit.
CHŌ Funky Asian Bistro is located at 1209 17th Street on Miami Beach. Dinner is served Sundays through Thursdays from 6PM to 10:30PM; Fridays and Saturdays from 6PM to midnight.
Introducing Happy Hour at Pauline
Pauline at The Shelborne By Proper, helmed by acclaimed chef and Eleven Madison Park culinary veteran Abram Bissell, is launching its first-ever iteration of happy hour since opening in fall 2025, titled Pauline Hour. This brand-new happy hour debuts on May 19, and operates every Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30-6:30pm at the bar.
Pauline Hour features half-priced raw bar essentials such as:
– Key West Pink Shrimp ($17) with coriander & jalapeno sauce
– Conch Ceviche ($14) with coconut leche & habanero ferment
– Tuna Crudo ($16) with blood orange
– Cinco Conchas ($19 per person, photo) comprised of oyster, scallop, snow crab, conch & pink shrimp
The new happy hour promises a lineup of $10 select wines by the glass, as well as $12 featured cocktails including Ocean Blush (aperitivo, St. Germain, Grey Goose vodka, lemon, grapefruit, super foam); High Note (blanc vermouth, Illegal Mezcal, suze, green cardamom, ginger, yuzu soda); and Mango Heat (LALO Blanco Tequila, fino sherry, chili, mango, lime, and soda).
Photo Credit: Blake Pope
New Happy Hour Specials at Fuku
Fuku, the fast casual concept known for its bold fried chicken sandwiches, is introducing a new ongoing happy hour available Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy the OG Sando for $8 with the option to add fries for $2, mix and match any three sides for $10, and sip on Orion Beer for $4, making it an easy go to for an afternoon bite or early evening hang.
Photo Credit: Daniel Zuliani