The Hot New Thing

Perhaps you’ve cruised down Coral Way and noticed the towering new night spot that stands so incongruously apart from the other buildings on the tree-lined street. How could you not? What with the old-school Cuban-style policía vehicles parked out front, and the giant glowing sign, La Bodeguita del Medio seems light years away from its Cuban ancestor. But this reportedly $10 million establishment is indeed meant to be a very big, very flashy, very Miami homage to the legendary hole-in-the-wall where Ernest Hemingway famously fell in love with the mojito, and celebs like Nat King Cole and Marilyn Monroe savored the delights of our island neighbor.

As you’d expect, La B del M has more than a few mojitos on the menu, including what’s being touted as some of the best Cuban cuisine in the city. The venue seeks to expand beyond merely representing the glowing nostalgia of pre-revolution Cuba by presenting a different form of entertainment every night of the week. Monday is Brazilian night. Tuesday brings belly dancing. Wednesday is the ladies’-night fashion show, where models in the hottest Village of Merrick Park couture strut across the stage. Thursday is international night. And on Fridays and Saturdays, the supper club will pulse with DJs, dancers, and choreographed, ornately costumed shows by the Zhantra entertainers. Stop by tonight to check out the hottest new night spot.
Starts: Dec. 29. Daily, 2007