Miami has a quick turnover of people and businesses. For better or for worse, it's part of our nature. The magic of the places that withstand our ephemeral nature is that they become landmarks of the Miami story, of our personal stories. Smith & Wollensky Miami, for example, is where Brad and I celebrated our engagement, where I have toasted friends turning a year older (including a half century birthday!), and where I have cemented new friendships over sunset drinks. It was on their second floor outdoor deck that I unknowingly forced small talk with a Japanese diplomat during a work function. And, it is through their bustling outdoor café that I run regularly during my afternoon runs.
For nearly 20 years, Smith & Wollensky's South Beach location has been the setting of Miami memories, not just for mine but for those of many locals and visitors as well. (The restaurant averages 170,000 guests a year!) Between its gorgeous sunset views and Miami's love for quality steaks and seafood, it comes as no surprise that it is the Boston-based company's highest grossing location. And, thanks to its recently renovated space, it is primed to be an even bigger success in its third decade.
Last week Smith & Wollensky Miami unveiled a serious facelift (because South Beach...) and the place is looking goooooood. Everything you think you know about how the interior is configured has been blown to smithereens, breathing in new life to the bar and dining room areas by opening them up. The outdoor deck on the second floor feels smaller, but has new furniture and a better defined bar that give the space a more purposeful flow than its vast and vacant predecessor. In fact, all of the private dining and event spaces throughout the restaurant—and there are many on both the first and second floor—have been reconfigured and redecorated, offering a variety of sizes, flows, and ambiances depending on the occasion. (The 18 person private dining area may or may not be the perfect setting for my 30th birthday dinner this September.)
Let the record show Smith & Wollensky's new look is on fleek. And, while it will take a few visits to get us accustomed to the changes, they have given us more reasons to come back and make new memories.
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