July 17, 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.
Summer Reading Series at The Commodore
Coming Soon to Coconut Grove: Manoli
Strawberry Moon Debuts New Menu
Pura Vida to Open New Kendall Location
Summer Reading Series at The Commodore
The Commodore welcomes back its Books & Books Summer Reading Series, running June through September in partnership with Coconut Grove’s beloved independent bookstore. Guests can enjoy a signature cocktail created by local cocktail expert Gio Gutierrez of @chatchowtv while browsing Miami-inspired books, with Meet the Author events scheduled throughout the summer. Cocktails are available for $20, and participants receive 10% off their next purchase at Books & Books Coconut Grove.
Meet the Author Events:
– July 20: That’s the Way I See It: Miami’s Public Art Through a Unique Lens with Robin Hill, paired with the Vice City Orchard featuring Patrón 100 Proof, apple brandy, Luxardo Bitter Bianco and blanc vermouth
– September 28: Westofchester’s ABCs of Miami presented in partnership with O,Miami, paired with the !ÑO! featuring Havana Club Blanco, coconut water and carajillo foam
Coming Soon to Coconut Grove: Manoli
Manoli, a new Greek restaurant rooted in tradition and connection, is set to open Wednesday, July 22nd at 3540 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. The restaurant invites guests to gather around a menu of shared plates inspired by time-honored recipes, brought to life with the warmth and hospitality that define Greek culture.
Led by Greek Chef Emmanouil “Manoli” Aslanoglou, the restaurant carries his name as a reflection of his personal story and culinary roots.
Born and trained in Greece, Manoli has cooked in some of the world’s most respected kitchens, including Nammos in Southampton and Michelin-starred destinations such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in the UK and Arzak in Spain. He also helmed acclaimed restaurants in Greece, including the historic Vassilenas in Athens, and became a recognized culinary personality through his appearance on MasterChef Greece. Drawing from his breadth of experience, Manoli has crafted a menu rooted in recipes passed down through generations, alongside familiar American favorites reimagined with a Greek sensibility, guided by a steadfast emphasis on seasonality and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
At its core, Manoli embraces a table-first philosophy: dishes are designed to be shared, with flavors that naturally complement one another. Spanning approximately 140 seats across indoor, outdoor, and bar areas, the restaurant is designed as a true neighborhood destination — one that transitions fluidly from sun-soaked lunches and leisurely afternoons to lively evenings and celebratory gatherings. The space is defined by a palette of white tones, light woods, and soft blues, with sculpted wall niches and a coastal sensibility that evokes the unhurried rhythm of the Greek islands.
The menu opens with small plates such as Dolmades, Saganaki, and Crispy Feta wrapped in phyllo with thyme honey, alongside dishes like Keftedes, Mediterranean Mussels, and Gyro Tacos made with Black Angus ribeye. A raw bar features Bigeye Tuna Tartare, Beef Tartare, and Seasonal Oysters, while a traditional Avgolemono Soup is prepared with roasted chicken, egg, and lemon. The menu expands into housemade pastas — Pastitsio, Makarounes, and Athenian Lobster — as well as a selection of grill offerings such as Greek-style lamb chops, prime beef, Whole Branzino, and a rotating selection of fresh fish. Sides include Lemon Potatoes, Horta Chicory, and Hand-Cut Fries.
The menu concludes with a Dessert Trolley Service, designed to extend the restaurant’s shared dining philosophy into the final course. Presented tableside, the trolley invites guests to select from a variety of housemade desserts, encouraging a mix-and-match approach to sampling. Offerings include Profiteroles, Baklava, Chocolate Cake, Crispy Cream Custard, and Yogurt with Preserves — each crafted in-house and rooted in classic Greek flavors and techniques. In addition, Greek donuts are prepared to order and served warm directly from the kitchen, offering a simple, nostalgic finish to the meal.
The beverage program, Sober Souls Diaries, is the work of Greek Beverage Manager Fotis Mexi and draws inspiration from the Greek tragedians Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides — each cocktail conceived as part of a larger narrative arc. The menu is composed of signature libations like Hybris (vodka, citrus, cardamom, nutmeg, kumquat, saffron-lavender foam, kumquat jelly), reimagined classics such as Eris (London Dry Gin, Baldoria Dry Umami, Greek herbs, basil oil), aperitif-style offerings like Mira (Mastiha, St. Germain, basil–peach, Aegean bubbles) and mocktails like Meow Tai (pineapple cordial, lime, orgeat, hibiscus), alongside a curated wine list spotlighting Greek producers.
Strawberry Moon Debuts New Menu
Strawberry Moon, the signature restaurant and 30,000-square-foot pool club at The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has unveiled a reimagined culinary program with new breakfast offerings, all-day dining and an elevated beverage experience designed to capture the playful spirit and sun-soaked energy of South Beach.
A New Take on Poolside Dining
The pool menu introduces a range of dishes designed for group dining and long afternoons under the sun. Highlights include the Stracciatella Honey Pepperoni Flatbread ($23) with mozzarella, honey and tomato sauce; the Frita Burger ($24), topped with crispy potato sticks and guava ketchup; and the Harbor Fish Sandwich ($32), featuring breaded catch of the day with chipotle slaw. Shareable favorites include Dirty Nachos ($21) layered with queso fresco and cheddar sauce; Crispy Chicken Wings ($21 for 6; $36 for 12), available with a selection of signature sauces; and Shrimp Cocktail ($28) served with charred lemon and mustard aioli.
For guests seeking lighter options, the Green Goddess ($20) salad combines arugula, romaine, cucumber and green peas with house-made dressing, while Tropical Sunshine Salad ($12) with seasonal fruit, berries and agave is a refreshing starter.
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites
Strawberry Moon’s updated breakfast and brunch menus offer a broader selection of morning favorites inspired by tropical flavors and indulgent weekend dining. New additions include the Dulce de Leche Waffle ($19), topped with banana, Chantilly cream and candied walnuts, and the Avocado & Sweet Potato Toast ($22), featuring feta cheese, heirloom tomato and everything seasoning on multigrain toast.
Guests can also enjoy signature breakfast staples, including the Strawberry Moon Breakfast ($21) with eggs, breakfast potatoes and toast; the Seaside Benedict ($32) with bluefin lump crabcake and lemon hollandaise; and the South Beach Lox ($23), served with smoked salmon, cream cheese and roasted garlic vinaigrette.
Available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekend brunch is complemented by $39 bottomless sips, featuring guests’ choice of mimosas, rosé or Bloody Marys, creating the perfect pairing for a leisurely South Beach afternoon.
Signature Cocktails
The restaurant’s beverage program has also been revamped with tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and large-format pitchers designed for social gatherings. Standouts include the Strawberry Moon ($18) made with Ketel One vodka, strawberry purée and St-Germain; the Purple Reign ($21), featuring Código Reposado tequila and butterfly pea-infused lavender; and the Spicy Mango-Rita ($21), combining tequila, mezcal, habanero and mango purée. The menu also offers frozen Piña Coladas ($18) and Strawberry Margaritas ($18), wellness shots ($6), cold-pressed juices ($12) and an expanded champagne and bottle service program for poolside celebrations.
Photo Credit: The Goodtime Hotel
Pura Vida to Open New Kendall Location
Pura Vida Miami, the all-day café and lifestyle brand, announces the opening of its newest South Florida café at Palms at Town and Country in Kendall. Following the success of its Dadeland Mall café, Pura Vida Miami is deepening its presence in Kendall with its second location in the neighborhood. The opening underscores the brand’s continued commitment to its home market, further strengthening its presence in one of Miami-Dade’s most established residential communities.
Located at Palms at Town and Country, the popular Kendall shopping, dining and entertainment destination, the new café marks Pura Vida Miami’s second location in the area. For the proudly Miami-born brand, the expansion reflects a continued focus on deepening its presence in the neighborhoods that have shaped its growth.
True to the brand’s core philosophy, the menu is anchored in high-quality sourcing, thoughtful preparation, and vibrant flavors. Prepared without the use of seed oils, the offerings emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients, whole grains, and premium proteins, including Pura Vida Miami’s recently introduced 100% grass-fed and grass-finished steak. Guests can enjoy signature avocado toasts, pasture-raised egg dishes, customizable salads, wraps, bowls, artisanal coffee, matcha, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açaí bowls, and fresh-baked goods. Designed to appeal to a broad range of dining preferences, the menu includes vegan, gluten-friendly, and more indulgent options.
Just in time for summer, Pura Vida Miami is introducing two refreshing seasonal beverages available at most Pura Vida Miami locations. The Watermelon Refresher combines fresh fruit, lemon juice, and coconut water for a light, hydrating option, while the Whipped Coco Americano pairs the energizing boost of double espresso with hydrating coconut water, coconut sugar, and a whipped cool foam – the first of its kind for the brand – for a refreshing twist on the classic iced coffee. High-resolution imagery is available here.
The Kendall location reflects Pura Vida Miami’s clean, coastal-inspired, design-forward aesthetic, with natural materials, warm wood tones, and greenery creating a bright, welcoming environment. Designed as an all-day destination, the space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, encouraging guests to gather, work, and unwind throughout the day.
Pura Vida Miami Kendall is located at 8525 Mills Dr, Unit 301, and will be open Monday-Saturday: 8 am–9 pm; Sunday: 8 am-8 pm.