Florida which is no stranger to fine dining establishments just got a culinary boost from an indigenous Dominican miracle potion named Mamajuana. The owners of the famous Mamajuana Café in New York opened their doors locally and treated Miami residents to the feel, sights, tastes, and sounds that have had the Big Apple buzzing for years.
A formal ribbon cutting ceremony took place at 6:30 pm with Coral Gables city officials, celebrities and the owners of Mamajuana (Victor Osorio, Carlos Saint-hilaire). Following that welcome into the South Florida community, the kick off celebration commenced and welcomed over 1000 guests during the two day grand opening. Passed hors de oeuvres, Mojitos courtesy of Bacardi, Champagne courtesy of Korbel and fresh rolled cigars courtesy of South Beach Cigar Shop kept guests of this high end soiree smiling as they are they were the first to step foot into Mamajuana in Miami.
Mamajuana represents a place where all five of the senses will delight. Nestled across the street from The Village of Merrick Park Mamajuana Café will embark guests on a journey to a far off paradise. A full-on entertainment and dining experience, Mamajuana Cafe was created for the patron possessing an appreciation for culture, art, and cuisine. The venue is an attraction in itself as it stays true to pre and post Columbian Dominican culture.
The owners of Mamajuana Café considered every detail as they carefully blended pre-Columbian artifacts and feel with old world Spanish architecture. The name Mamajuana itself is derived from a drink created by the Taino Indians who are indigenous to the Dominican Republic. The Mamajuana drink is a concoction made of herbs, roots, rum, and wine which has been used as a cure all that treats everything from impotency to the flu.
Much like the Mamajuana drink the Café acts as a cure all for patrons as the venue transports them from the mundane to an exotic Dominican paradise. One can indulge in amazing cocktails, an award-winning wine list (under the direction of Sommelier Yamil Martinez) and live entertainment. But the real star of the show is the cuisine. Acclaimed Chef Ricardo Cardona, a pioneer of Nuevo Latin Cuisine who created the Mamajuana menu in New York will oversee the kitchen creating the menu in Miami as well. Cardona, who has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, The L.A. Times, and The Chicago Tribune, has worked in a variety of French and American restaurants before accepting his current task at this venue situated in one of the most prominent areas of South Florida.
On Thursday February 19th 2009 the grand opening was like an awards ceremony complete with a red carpet filled with local, regional and national/international celebrities and dignitaries including: Aide to Miami Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Roddy Gomez, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Dominican American National Chamber of Commerce, Florida.
Onlookers will got to feast their eyes on all that equals a wow factor such as the most fabulous exotic vehicles out in the market parked out front courtesy of Elite Luxury Services, body painted models and performers courtesy of Zhantra Entertainment and Drawing on People, music, surprise performances and much, much, more. Once inside the venue, guests had the opportunity to sit amidst the beautiful ambiance the ownership had created, including original artwork by artist Alex Yanes.
Guests, VIPS included: Tito Puente Jr., Fernando Del Rincon, Tony Andrade, Nuestra Belleza Latina Alejandra Espinoza, Shalim, Jorge Moreno, Carlos Navarro, Charytin Goyco, Karol Rosa, Miss Latina International Esther Dollar, Liset Alea, and media will be present as this opening takes everyone on a journey, a fabulous one embracing a concept straight from NYC to the city of beaches and amazing nightlife- Miami.
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Meiling Aquino en Gabbana Restaurant produced by Billy Berroa Jrby berroasports853 views
Looks lovely.
I wonder how many people will happen across this video because they thought it was called the "Marijuana" Cafe.
Well, *ahem* not because that's what got ME here, of course....
Of course not. I was just wondering if when they glance at the title, their minds would lean toward.... well...
Nevermind. Lovely establishment.
*lashes flutter innocently, then saunters away gracefully*
TABULOUS1 2 years ago