December 08, 2016

The Arketekt By Aficionados To Open In Miami’s Financial District January 2017

Brickell’s Wine/Spirits Boutique and Speakeasy Bar launches its first restaurant concept

MIAMI (November 21, 2016)—The group behind the local favorite Aficionados Brickell Wine/Spirits Boutique and Speakeasy Bar are opening their first restaurant, The Arketekt By Aficionados, in the heart of Miami’s Financial District in January 2017. After over 20 years in Pembroke Pines, nine years in Coral Springs, and seven years in Brickell, the owners have decided to venture into the culinary world. Tucked off of Brickell Avenue and 12th Street, the 60-seat restaurant and bar will be open for lunch and dinner, weekend brunch and offers outdoor seating as well as a private dining lounge.
The Arketekt, derived from the phonetic spelling of the word architect, signifies “one who creates.” This will apply to all aspects of the concept, playing off of the creativity and cultivation of the food, drink and music throughout the space. With the rapid expansion of the Downtown Miami area, The Arketekt will serve as a venue for residents and business people alike to make themselves at home in this unique and friendly space.

Under the consulting culinary direction of Chef Jean Paul Desmaison, former owner of well-known eateries, La Cofradia in Coral Gables and Jean Paul’s House, The Arketekt’s kitchen will present modern American cuisine with a hint of South American flair. The carefully curated menu will offer dishes such as Charred Pork Belly (Roasted corn & queso salsa, sherry vinaigrette), Shrimp a la Plancha (Avocado crema, quail egg tartare, pisco thousand island), Braised Short Ribs (Aji Panca Adobo and corn risotto) and Florida Snapper (Vidalia onions, sour orange escabeche and yuca cake).The Arketekt will also feature a craft cocktail menu with signature drinks including the Tobacco Boulevardier (Bulliet Rye, Fernet Branca, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, tobacco garnish), Rosemary Spritz (Rum, rosemary syrup, lemon, Aperol, Yuzo tonic), and The Life In Violette (Gin, lime, green Chartreuse, Crème de Violette). The bar program takes inspiration from its neighbor, Aficionados Speakeasy Bar, utilizing unique spirits, rare liqueurs and only the freshest ingredients. A notable component to The Arketekt’s beverage program is the extensive wine list and half bottle program that allows guests to experience multiple flavor palettes.

The restaurant is designed by Ximena Estadella, who combines imagination and creativity to develop unique spaces all across Europe and the United States. The Arketekt will feature rare Cherry woodworking, plush velvet armchairs, custom raw wood tables, vintage oriental carpets and crystal ambient lighting creating the ultimate homage to the classic British style cigar room. Originally from Spain and now based in Miami, Estadella is responsible for the interior design of Wynwood Diner and La Galeria and NO NAME in Madrid. Estadella’s designs have become milestones in their cities, as well as inspiration for others, and her aesthetic adds to the impact that The Arketekt will have on its surrounding community.

Arketekt will be open for lunch and dinner Monday – Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Sundays from Noon 10 p.m.