For those of you missing chef Philippe Ruiz's exquisite artistry, your ship is ready to come in.
Ruiz, who left the Biltmore Hotel's Palme d'Or restaurant in December, 2011, is finally set to take over the kitchen as executive chef at Lippi, the Mediterranean restaurant that's been in the works since the talented toque announced his departure from the Biltmore. The restaurant is slated for an August, 2013 opening.
See also: Philippe Ruiz Has Left the Biltmore and Palme d'Or
Tunu Puri, an investor at Zuma, is president of this new 210 seat restaurant at Brickell World Plaza, which will feature an inside dining room, bar, and outdoor terrace which seats nearly 100 guests.
The menu is based on a "social sharing concept", and, in keeping with its Mediterranean influences, will feature an abundance of seafood including ceviches, crudos, caviar, and tartars. Lippi will also offer pastas, risottos, salads, and specialty grilled meat dishes -- all under the loving care of chef Ruiz, who is a two-time James Beard nominee for best chef in the South. Ruiz, who was at the Biltmore Hotel from 1999 - 2011, was named Miami New Times' Best Chef in 2007, and in a 2009 review of Palm d'Or, Lee Klein said, "There should never be a conversation about Miami's best chefs that does not include Philippe Ruiz."
Lippi will also host an extensive wine list, with 350 selections, and will feature an innovative cocktail program.
Lippi will be open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and for dinner from 6 to 11:30 p.m. The bar will remain open until 1 a.m. daily.
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