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Miami developers have big plans for the Arts & Entertainment District. This area, just south of Wynwood, is home to the Adrienne Arsht Center, Pérez Art Museum Miami, and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.
One of the latest projects to begin is Canvas Condos, a 513-unit, 36-story condominium to be located at 1630 NE First Ave.
Although groundbreaking won’t happen until later this year, with a completion date of 2017, there’s already buzz about the restaurant to be located in the space.
See also: El Bulli Veteran Najat Kaanache on Opening of Piripi: “We’re Very Close”
According to a representative for Canvas, Otabe: An Invitation to Eat will open on the ground floor of the building, “which will be better for locals given its easy, walk-up location”. The Japanese hibachi restaurant will feature a modern menu with a lively bar scene. The indoor/outdoor restaurant will also feature stunning views of Miami.
Kevin Aoki and Roman Jones make up the team behind the project. Son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, Kevin Aoki is president of the Aoki Group, which owns several restaurant concepts, including Doraku, with locations in South Beach and Brickell. Son of rock star Mick Jones, Roman Jones is a partner in the Opium Group, which owns Miami Beach nightclubs Mansion, Set, and Mokai.
Roman Jones also plans to open another dining concept at Filling Station Lofts, also located in the A&E District. Though no name has been announced, look for that restaurant to open this year.
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