SoFi Agave
The transformation is complete: Beginning today, the old Tuscan Steak space is El Scorpion Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar. Ownership includes Jeffrey Chodorow, and son Zach Chodorow, said to have a heavy influence in the project. Décor is by Owen Kamihira, who long-toothed locals will recall as designer of Red Square, which years ago was right next door to where Scorpion is now. Expect an extensive, moderately priced menu and 100-plus pure blue agave tequilas.
433 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; 305-532-4544.
A Cerveza Kind of Happy
Salsa Fiesta Urban Mexican Grill's new happy hour, every Monday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m., brings two-for-one premium domestic and imported beers (Corona Extra, Corona Light, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Heineken, and Stella Artois). Plus plenty of Mex snax such as flautas, nachos, taquitos, and so forth.
2929 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-400-8245.
Must Be Something in the Water
Taco Bell founder Glen W. Bell passed away this week, and in his obituary was this rather startling fact: In the late 1940s, when Bell opened his first taco stand in San Bernardino, California, one of his nearby competitors was the original McDonald's.
Mixing It Up at Clarke's
Next Monday, January 25, at 6 p.m., Clarke's Miami Beach will bring together the Florida Room's John Lermayer and some of the nation's top mixologists (such as Dale DeGroff) for an agave tequila dinner. There will be a bit of a seminar, tastings, and cocktails; then Michelle Bernstein and Clarke's chef Robert Mignola will prepare a four-course meal to be paired with the spirits. Tickets cost $125 each.
840 First St., Miami Beach; 305-538-9885.
