Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2021, 208-room Hilton Aventura Miami will feature well-appointed accommodations, a robust culinary program, artful touches, premium business services, and vibrant lifestyle amenities. Modern-line architecture by Prime Design Associates welcomes guests with a white and gray exterior and an interior canvas of grays and warm neutrals with metallic highlights. A stylized artistic presence is evident by oversized garage murals and the black-and-white lobby and in-room art canvases. The main reception of white marble flooring, cozy leather lounge chairs, and a modern glass fireplace frames an extravagant welcome. The well-appointed guest rooms and suites start at 406 sq. ft., with many boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and most providing sweeping views of South Florida. Additional room features include a segmented leather headboard, and modern white couches and desks offset by black and white flooring, accents, and artwork.

A highlight is the seventh-floor lobby, an elevated deck with the signature restaurant, Gala, as well as MuseBar, Hilton Executive Lounge, The Reserve Café, Library (a separate gathering area with large-screen viewing and private alcoves), and a lively rooftop pool with skyline views and private cabanas. The spaces are complemented by several dining options. Gala serves guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and a modern, South American-inspired menu reflective of Miami’s love of fresh seafood and tapas. MuseBar pairs floor-to-ceiling views of Aventura with specialty cocktails and light bites in a refined yet spirited setting highlighted by a featured centerpiece of silver sculptures suspended high above the bar. The Pool Bar offers hand-crafted salads, sandwiches, and other light bites, along with colorful cocktails servicing the poolside cabanas by day and offering an after-dinner retreat by night. The Reserve Café proudly serves Starbucks coffee and other on-the-go snacks and refreshments.

Hilton Aventura Miami will offer multiple dining options with fresh, seasonal cuisine for all palates. The two signature locations, Gala and MuseBar, are inspired by the Muse’s role for the ideas, influence, entertainment, and inspiring creative endeavors. Gala serves guests breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and a modern, South American-inspired menu reflective of Miami’s love of fresh seafood and tapas. Complementing Gala is MuseBar, a bustling bar offering floor-to-ceiling views of Aventura, specialty cocktails, and light bites in a refined yet spirited setting highlighted by a featured centerpiece of silver sculptures suspended high above the bar. The Pool Bar offers hand-crafted salads, sandwiches, and other light bites, along with colorful cocktails servicing the poolside cabanas by day and offering an after-dinner retreat by night. The Reserve Café serves Starbucks coffee and other on-the-go snacks and refreshments. Individually prepared meals are also available for in-room dining or delivery to area businesses and residents.

Hilton Aventura Miami will also become the city’s second-largest event space with more than 15,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor function space, a grand ballroom capable of accommodating up to 600 persons, six breakout rooms, the area’s only event-dedicated kitchen, and on-site audio-visual services.

“The hotel’s prime location, beside the Lehman Causeway across from Aventura Mall, welcomes travelers and locals alike with amenities beyond the optimal shopping location,” said general manager Kai Fisher. “We plan to bring a touch of South Beach to Aventura and North Miami by carefully curating an ambiance that offers premium amenities for the discerning luxury traveler, as well as vibrant lifestyle amenities for those seeking to socialize and relax in an upscale, yet laid-back environment. I’m particularly excited to see the Executive Lounge and rooftop pool come to life. As we move into 2021 and beyond, we look forward to showcasing our grand ballroom and event spaces for special occasions, conferences, and weddings.”

Nightly rates start from $319++. For more information or to book, click here. Check out renderings of the upcoming hotel below.

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This rooftop bar, accessed by a private elevator inside The Dalmar, features design elements like clean lines, natural materials and open space in alignment with its 1950s and 60s motif. Guests can enjoy plush seating with deep-hued furniture in a variety of textures and patterns. The indoor lounge is accented by natural wood and brass as well as abundant greenery and a working piano. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural lighting and an open concept. Just outside, guests can take in the sweeping city and ocean views from the open-air patio separated from the main lounge by a sliding glass partition.

Sparrow’s main bar offers an assortment of inventive cocktails separated into three categories: Cruise Control, Adventurous and Group Format. Cruise Control features easy-to-drink fruity infusions like the Apocalypso with Plantation 3 Star Rum, Avua Prata Cachaça, mango, lime juice and mint. Those seeking something more daring can try an offering from the Adventurous menu, like Kill The Lights with Elijah Craig Bourbon, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, spiced pineapple and angostura bitters. The Group Format menu includes a selection of signature drinks presented tableside for large parties. Sparrow also offers a wide selection of wines, ciders and draft beers.

The patio bar cocktail offerings are more playful, in line with its eclectic decor including mosaic planters and a large colorful mural by local artist Amauri Torezan. Guests can choose from fresh, colorful and crushable cocktails that incorporate seasonal fruits, herbs and citruses.

Both indoor and outdoor spaces offer a creative menu of shareable plates curated by Culinary Director Wes Hamilton. These light bites incorporate crisp flavors and local favorites. Menu items include Sweet Corn Fritters with Avocado Remoulade, Lobster Ceviche, Crispy Mushroom Steamed Buns and more.

Jake Wurzak, president of Wurzak Hotel Group and the brain behind the Dalmar, is bringing innovation to the Fort Lauderdale community through his unique designs and inventive cocktails. “We’re ready for everyone to experience this special space and give it a vibe unlike any other. Sparrow will absolutely be the place to be in Fort Lauderdale.”

See SFBW’s previous Great Places and Spaces article about the Dalmar.

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“My co-founder and I came up with the idea and did it as a school project… we got a C,” he recalls, chuckling. “That professor has asked me to come and speak to the class for the last 15 years.”

His professor keeps calling him back because the C project became Walk-On’s Bistraux and Bar, a wildly successful franchise with 30 locations and counting. Founded in 2003 by Landry, a former walk-on basketball player at Louisiana State University, Walk-On’s recently opened its 30th location in Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 26. The second location in Florida boasts an impressive menu of food, beer and specialty cocktails served with a unique community spirit.

The franchise is rapidly expanding – Landry mentions between six and eight new locations in the works in the South Florida area alone. Each location will feature the same menu of New-Orleans style food and hold multiple TV’s on every wall to allow fans to watch their favorite teams as they enjoy hushpuppies and gumbo.

Of course, when the New Orleans Saints are playing, all screens are tuned in. The team’s Quarterback, Drew Brees, is Walk-On’s co-owner and proudly represents the brand both on and off the field. He calls it “a great place to bring my family, teammates and business colleagues” and, as Landry mentions, is very involved in the company. “Drew bought into the concept about five years ago. He would stop into our New Orleans location all the time and just fell in love with the brand.” Brees now owns a quarter of the Walk-On’s franchise.

More locally, the Fort Lauderdale location is owned by Craig Colby and operated by his son Tyler as the Bar Manager. Colby’s passion for the Walk-On’s brand is tangible.

“When you walk into one of these, you’re just so wowed,” he says. “This kind of thing is never going to die – nothing can kill restaurants with a social environment like this.”

This sentiment rings true in the community spirit persistent throughout the Walk-On’s brand and its devoted team members. Before each shift, the staff gather in the kitchen for a “rumble,” during which they can be heard throughout the restaurant shouting “Who are we?” “Walk-On’s!” What do we do?” “Win!”

Walk-On’s is also focused on supporting the local community. Landry’s outreach plans involving local charities, schools and little league teams to spread the Walk-On’s wealth where it’s needed the most.

“Sixteen years ago, we had two hands and two feet. We had to hit the streets and get involved with the people that supported us. We never got away from that,” Landry says. “We’re not just the next chain coming to town – we’re going to be a little different.”

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Guests can cozy up to the extensive bar to enjoy inventive cocktails, over 200 whiskeys and complimentary tapas. Behind the bar rests a 17-foot shelving unit housing the many bottles of whiskey and backlit by alluring red lights. Bartenders use a rolling ladder to reach each customer’s whiskey of choice.

The cocktail menu includes unique creations like the Jack D. Armstrong made with High West Double Rye, chocolate bitters, brown sugar, Filthy Black Cherry and smoked orange zest poured into a cedar-smoked glass. Ask for something sweet and you’ll get the Pink Lady with Tito’s Vodka, lemon juice, spooned honey, raspberries and a healthy serving of prosecco to top it off.

Those looking for a more lively atmosphere can sip their drinks in the furnished courtyard joining the Quarterdeck and Whiskey Neat locations. On any given night, guests can enjoy live music from local bands or an on-site DJ.

For more information about Fort Lauderdale’s newest whiskey lounge, visit whiskeyneatbar.com.

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The National Hotel

Where: 1677 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

What: A romantic dinner for two at Tamara’s Bistro includes live jazz and a menu of grilled oysters and pistachio encrusted lamb chop. Or keep it casual with a poolside cabana dinner with candles and a private guitarist.

Cost: Dinner at Tamara’s, $95; cabana dinner, $150

Reservations: 305.532.2311

Shooters Waterfront

Where: 3033 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale

What: Drink, Dine and Fall in Love this Valentine’s day. Enjoy our Valentine’s day special Surf n Turf, Filet Mignon,  Lobster Tail, Saffron whipped potatoes, asparagus, demi glace, and live music. Served for dinner February 14^th-16^th.

Reservations: 954.566.2855; info@shooterswaterfront.com

Diplomat Prime

Where: 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood

What: The steakhouse serves “Love a la carte” dinner specials including a wine pairing option, raw bar tower special and a trio caviar tasting.

Reservations: 954.602.8331

Beach House Pompano

Where: 270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach

What: A romantic three-hour dinner gives you an ocean view as well as a complimentary bottle of Moet.

Reservations: To rent an upstairs booth please email the event coordinator at pbazile@beachhousepompano.com. For all other reservations call 954.607.6530

Dune

Where: 2200 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

What: After being greeted with champagne, wine pairings and complimentary roses, enjoy a dinner of filet mignon, head on prawn, scallop and more.

Cost: $75

Reservations: 754.900.4059; dunefl.com

Coco Asian Bistro & Bar (pictured above)

Where: 1841 Cordova Road, Fort Lauderdale

What: In addition to long-stemmed roses for the ladies, chef/owner Mike Ponluang has created an a la carte Valentine’s menu that includes grilled King prawns and seared otoro sushi in miso sauce. Keyboardist Rich Hurt and singer Babylyn will perform Feb. 14-16, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Reservations: 954.525.3541; cocoasianbistro.com

1 Hotel South Beach

Where: 2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

What: Enjoy a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner at WATR, the resort’s rooftop restaurant overlooking the ocean. Expect five-star Japanese/Peruvian cuisine, like ceviche de pulpo and miso-glazed corvina.

Cost: $95

Reservations: 1hotels.com/south-beach

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