STK Miami at ME by Melia Opens Friday

STK is in expansion mode. Recently, the steakhouse opened a location in the Disney Springs shopping and entertainment complex. Now the chain is expanding its Miami operations with a new location at the ME by Melia hotel (1100 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). The restaurant is now accepting reservations for its June 29 opening and beyond, but before the first steak is seared, New Times got a first look at the space. 

During the exclusive tour, Allison James, regional marketing manager of the brand, explained that each STK has its own identity. This time, the restaurant went back to its New York roots and partnered with iCrave, the design studio behind the Midtown Manhattan edition.

The interior is a balance of glamorous and edgy, with a serious Wynwood vibe. The obligatory DJ booth is prominently featured. 

Geometric and pixelated modernistic patterns, courtesy of Indiewalls, abound. The restaurant's art collection includes commissioned works from international and local artists, connecting the location to the city’s vibrant arts district. The art-tech company also installed neon lights that invite guests to "dare to be" above one of STK's banquette-wrapped tables adjacent to the DJ booth.

Unlike it's Miami Beach sister, this locale will offer lunch and outdoor seating, beginning in a few weeks. The menu is still very similar but, there are some new surprises.

The former executive sous-chef of STK Miami Beach, Rafael Linares, will execute menu additions such as a shaved Brussels sprout salad tossed with apple, cranberry, aged goat cheese, and marcona almonds ($15); beef carpaccio topped with Parmesan, pickled mustard, garlic chips, and walnut oil ($16); and king salmon served over roasted baby vegetables, spiced yogurt, and herb salad ($29). To really start a party, guests can order shellfish for the table that includes oyster, shrimp, king crab, and ceviche ($29/mp).   Space at the bar might be scarce during basketball season, but a table might be a worthy option for the bar area's new cocktails, and there's always the communal area. Order the Orlando Pride, combining Tanqueray gin, fresh lemon juice, muddled raspberries, and egg whites. The cocktail is a tribute to the Pluse nightclub shooting, and net proceeds benefit OneOrlando. The drink costs $15, about the price of most cocktails here.