It’s June in Miami, which means the temps are heating up, and so are the barbecues. It’s all about culture, community, and good vibes this month. So cool down with a cold one, get amped up at Pride, and show up for Juneteenth—along with another slew of exciting, nostalgic, and super-chill eats.
The Return of China Grill at Bal Harbour Shops
The word is out, and we’re shouting it from the rooftops. Jeffrey Chodorow’s China Grill makes its triumphant return to Miami today—at Bal Harbour Shops, to be exact. A defining dining concept during the South Beach culinary come-up of the ’90s, and into the ’10s, CG is bringing back its signature high spirit, legendary shareable global cuisine (like OG crispy spinach and lobster pancakes, plus new-era black and gold cod dumplings and Singapore 17 vegetable salad), and upscale cocktails over quality conversation in its shiny, new locale. Expect throwback nostalgia with a fresh ’20s twist at every indulgent turn.
China Grill Bal Harbour is located at 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, FL 33154. For more information, follow their account on Instagram.
Discover a Hidden Slice of SoBe Paradise
The long-awaited UNFRAMED, Autograph Collection, finally had its big reveal. The 149-room boutique hotel, just steps from The Fillmore Miami Beach, welcomes all, draped in vintage decadence with modern touches and futuristic nods. With French designer Rudy Ricciotti at the helm and interiors by LA-based Gulla Jonsdottir Architecture & Design, the escape offers a much-needed SoBe sanctuary with private balconies and garden terraces offering sweeping views. The rooftop is home to Miami-meets-St. Tropez Vilebrequin La Plage, where chefs Gregory Gourreau and Daniel Roy are preparing classic French Riviera-style eats with sustainable yet upscale Magic City flair.
The hotel and restaurant are both open for bookings.
UNFRAMED, Autograph Collection is located at 1685 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the hotel website.
Embark on Tour dé José at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
If you haven’t taken advantage of José Andrés Group’s full-blown epicurean takeover at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, it’s the perfect time to book your ticket for Tour dé José. The newly launched culinary journey spans three concepts over four hours for an unforgettable night of dining and imbibing. Kick things off with a glass of Moët & Chandon, or a smoky marg, paired with Iberico-topped caviar cones and pan tomate. Next, it’s on to Zaytinya for the chef’s tasting menu of flavorful Eastern Mediterranean comfort food (the sauce in the garides mi anitho shrimp dish is literally drinkable, the falafel slid through homemade tahini is perfection, and the baklava cheesecake is simply flawless), matched up with vino. Nightcaps and Greek yogurt with apricot close the night at stunning lobby-level Lapidus Bar—trust us, it’s a vibe.
Tour dé José is available now through December 31, from 4 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required at least one week in advance, and the experience is priced at $325 per person.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is located at 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the hotel experiences page.
Get Immersed in Inflatable Art at Balloon Museum
Enter the whimsical and awe-inspiring world of “Pop Air – Art is Inflatable” at the Balloon Museum at MANA Wynwood Convention Center, a multisensory visit to towering installations featuring lively colors and a unique digital universe. The IG-worthy and family-friendly international sensation is home to the literally-can’t-miss 26-foot-wide “Mariposa” butterfly sculpture, a swimming pool-size ball pit, and much more.
The exhibition runs through September 27. Tickets start at $37.16 for kids and $47.08 for adults, with discounts for teens, seniors, military, Florida residents, adults with disabilities, and family ticket packages.
MANA Wynwood Convention Center is located at 318 NW 23rd St., Miami, FL 33127. For more information, visit the event website.
Devour Artisanal Sandos at Buccan Sandwich Shop
If you haven’t tried the viral beef carpaccio sando from Clay Conley’s Buccan Sandwich Shop yet, you’re officially late to the party. The West Palm Beach sammie staple now has an additional home in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile. Great for a pick-me-up lunch on a rough workday, or a picnic treat en route to the beach, sink your teeth into cold and hot handhelds, like smoked yellowfin tuna salad, crispy halibut, the Buccan steak bomb, and Buffalo chicken. Or, there are salads if you’re behaving. If you’re not, don’t skip the fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie (the tiny hit of sea salt is chef’s kiss) and homemade potato chips. Once you’ve been initiated, it’s time to book a resy at newly opened Buccan Coral Gables for dinner this summer.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Buccan Sandwich Shop is located at 100 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information, visit the official website.
Join the Juneteenth Cookout at Red Rooster
Black history, art, culture, and an all-out cookout converge in Historic Overtown, where everyone’s invited to celebrate the storied destination. Dig into Red Rooster’s signature comfort food, groove to the lineup of local DJs, and peruse the incredible art collection. The bash happens on the patio, but you can grub inside or out, and take a trip to the upstairs pool hall. On your way up, you’ll want to make a pitstop at the new Chicago-steeped corner pop-up Sweet Revolution at The Creamery, where Tracey Marionneaux is serving up beignets, cookies, gelato, boozy shakes, and additional sinful sweets to commemorate the day—or stop by to indulge any other Saturday or Sunday, from 1 to 7 p.m.
Friday, June 19, from noon to 11 p.m.
Red Rooster is located at 920 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33136. For more information, visit the official website.
Show Your Wynwood Pride
Color the streets of Wynwood even louder and prouder as Wynwood Pride hits town this month. Over four weekends, expect a roster of pool parties, drag pageants, and loads of queer joy and merriment. Some of our fave antics to bookmark: WIG! at Las Rosas with FKA Twink, Viola Putx, and Kris (Thursday, June 11); HEDON at Domicile Miami (Friday, June 19); Big Wig Drag Fest at Casa Nube (Friday, June 26); Thirst Trap at The Corner (Saturday, June 27); and Wyn Wyn Drag Brunch with Lady Paraiso and Cielo Paraiso as a fitting family-style grand finale (Sunday, June 28).
Through Sunday, June 28. Times and tickets vary by event.
For more information, visit the official event page.
Get to Chillin’ & Grillin’ at Fooq’s and Lion’s Den
Summer in Miami is officially here, which means it’s time to fire up the grills and implement those chills. This month, Fooq’s and Lion’s Den debut a new summer series laced with eats, sips, beats, and local pop-ups to kick your Sunday Funday into high gear. Hitting the decks are Joe Padilla and Ferny (June 14); David Sinopoli and Erick Paredes (June 21); and Lago and Mark Gorbulew (June 28). Plus, surprise vendor partners each week—Capsool sets up shop with gender-fluid vintage designs on June 21.
Sundays, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Fooq’s and Lion’s Den are located at 150 NW 73rd St., Miami, FL 33150. For more information, visit the official website.