As Ariete Turns Three, Michael Beltran Stays True to His Vision

With a three-year anniversary on the horizon, Michael Beltran says he and his team have learned many things since opening Ariete. The most important lesson: Be authentic to your mission.

"You can't run away from who you are," says Beltran. "Don't be scared what people are going to say about you. Who cares? We have fritas and we have foie gras. We take pride in our Cuban heritage."

Beltran says he strives continually to improve the restaurant and evolve its menu. "Change and learning go hand in hand. Continuing my education each and every day not only improves my restaurant but improves me as a chef as well." One thing, however, remains constant. "You will always get an American-influenced plate with an addition that is strictly Cuban."

In celebration of its three-year anniversary this Sunday,  the restaurant will serve a special three-course family-style menu priced at $50 per person. For an additional $10, attendees can add chef Beltran’s foie gras as a middle course. A limited a la carte menu will offer signature items such as the Chug burger, fritas, and pastrami-style short rib. For dessert, all diners will be treated to a complimentary slice of Publix birthday cake. 

A pop-up cocktail bar, hosted by Chat Chow's Gio Guitterez, will offer a selection of $7 drinks during the celebration that features live music.

The anniversary party will also celebrate the restaurant's new late-night happy hour. Launching on Friday, January 25, and then available every Friday and Saturday, it will feature drink specials, late-night bites, and a rotating selection of pastelitos by Pastelito Papi. After-hours specials will be available from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the bar, dining room, and on Ariete’s patio.

Ariete anniversary celebration. Sunday, January 20, from 6 p.m. to midnight at 3540 Main Hwy., Miami; 305-640-5862; arietemiami.com. Table reservations for the anniversary celebration are suggested.