Proof Pizza Pops Up at Taurus (Correction)

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated the Proof pop-up dishes would be served at Ariete and Taurus. The pop-up food will be served at Taurus only.

When chef Justin Flit announced his beloved Proof Pizza & Pasta would close its doors March 25, fans of the midtown Miami restaurants clamored for one last meal.

Now the cofounder of Proof has announced the restaurant will pop up at Taurus in Coconut Grove.

Beginning April 20, there will be a wood-burning oven behind Taurus Whiskey Bar, where the Proof pizza legacy will live on (there will be no pasta at this pop-up). Guests will be able to enjoy these dishes at Taurus. Menu items will include Proof classics such as shaved Brussels sprout salad ($9) and truffle pizza with mushrooms, mozzarella, Parmesan ($13).

New options will include a short-rib black garlic pizza ($15) and homemade dips such as charred eggplant, braised heirloom tomatoes, and aged cheddar fonduta ($11), served with Sullivan Street Bakery bread. The Proof burger ($17) will also make a comeback as a Wednesday special, with only 24 available each hump day.
Ariete chef Michael Beltran and Flit cooked together at both of their restaurants within the past six months. Beltran, hinting he has "serious" plans to expand his restaurant exposure, wanted to add another member to his team and couldn't think of another chef he wanted on his team more than Flit. Though best known for his work at Ariete, Beltran is also a chef and partner at Taurus.

Flit, a resident of Coconut Grove, says of their collaboration: "Mike and I have a lot of the same vision — we are all about small businesses and all about the community — and we have a lot of the same beliefs as chefs and restaurateurs. Mike was kind enough to offer this to me, and I am superexcited about it as Ariete has always been one of my favorite restaurants."

The pop-up will last six months, but Flit says it could remain longer.

Proof pop-up at Taurus. Opening April 20 at 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-444-7949; taurusbeerandwhiskey.com. 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday (closed Monday), 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. barbecue Sunday.