Renovations at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Nearing Completion
The $1 billion renovation and expansion of the magnificent Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach is progressing toward its targeted completion date of July 2008. The photo above shows a new entrance to the rear of the hotel.
Here’s a look at a few of the notable culinary offerings planned for the Fontainebleau…
Gotham Steak: Executive Chef and Owner of New York’s mainstay restaurant Gotham Bar and Grill, Alfred Portale will bring his Michelin star-rated cuisine to Fontainebleau Miami Beach. A crowning achievement, Chef Portale was named “Most Outstanding Chef in the Nation” by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, an honor bestowed upon the working Chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. The restaurant will expand upon the modern American steak house featuring raw seafood towers, an expanded menu of prime and exotic meats and a wine selection of more than 500 wines from around the world. The Jeffery Beers International-designed, two level, 16,000- square-foot restaurant will offer indoor and al fresco seating. Focal points of the room will include a brilliant chandelier of strung, hand-blown glass, an open, exposition kitchen and a two-story, glass enclosed wine cellar.
Italian Restaurant: Honored by Food & Wine magazine as one of 2004’s “Best New Chefs,” Scott Conant will create a regional Italian menu offering recipes in his unique style of cooking. Crisp, clean flavors prepared in layers will reflect the quality and nature of the fresh ingredients, previously experienced in his two New York City restaurants, L’Impero (honored with a James Beard Award in 2003 for “Best New Restaurant” in the country) and Alto. Warm and friendly service will complement Chef Conant’s distinctive cooking style and his ability to “finesse the most sublime flavors out of the simplest ingredients.” The dining concept combines the honesty and simplicity of Italy’s cucina rustica with the ambitious refined notes of alta cucina. The food will be inspired by the seasons, using farm-fresh products – to be served during lunch and dinner. Late afternoon and late night cocktails will be served in the lounge. Designed by David Collins, the ocean and poolside restaurant will seat 360 guests, including intimate gatherings on five outdoor, residential-style dining patios.
Chinese Restaurant: Alan Yau, the restaurateur who is acclaimed with re-inventing the Japanese food industry in the United Kingdom by improving traditional recipes with modern techniques, is also the man behind the leading London restaurant and Michelin Star recipient, Hakkasan (the only Chinese restaurant in Britain to hold this rating). Yau will bring his award-winning Cantonese cuisine to Miami Beach in sleek, sophisticated style. Set atop the spa building, the Chinese restaurant will offer guests stunning views of the beach indoors and on the al fresco patio. A vast menu of new world wines and sake will complement savory dinners and a unique setting by French interior designer Christian Liaigre.
Oceanfront Grill: This eclectic, two-level restaurant overlooks the beach and Fontainebleau poolscape. With an atmosphere inspired by the Cote de Azure and St. Tropez, the Beach Club’s bars will serve a full range of trendy cocktails, spirits, sangria and frozen beverages. The menu will provide a great selection of tapas-style snacks attractively presented and freshly prepared with an emphasis on quality. Simply prepared southern French cuisine with an outstanding selection of appetizers oysters, Fruits de la Mer, salads, crudités, as well as char grilled seafood and meats will be complemented by refreshing chilled desserts.
2 Responses to “Renovations at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Nearing Completion”
March 7th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I liked the old lagoon sized pool better than this new pool !
March 7th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Yes, I’ve heard that sentiment expressed several times.
The Fontainebleau has been such a high profile part of Miami Beach for the last 54 years that many people have had strong opinions on the many changes that have occurred over the years. The City’s Design Review Board really scrutinized the current changes in progress heavily.
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