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Yuca, one of the longest-running Lincoln Road restaurants, has seen a lot of changes to the pedestrian mall that it calls home.
The restaurant, an acronym for “Young Urban Cuban American” opened in 1989 in Coral Gables, where a young chef named Douglas Rodriguez earned two Beard nominations, before moving to Miami Beach in 1995.
The restaurant also serves as hangout for many Latin music stars who try out new material at the upstairs lounge and club, most famously Albita Rodriguez. Still one of the most stylish restaurants on Lincoln Road, Yuca continues to attract crowds, and is a magnet for politicians, celebrities, and locals who want to power-dine on nuevo Latino cuisine.
To celebrate the restaurant, the City of Miami Beach is designating Yuca as the “Official Cuban Corner of Miami Beach” on Friday, May 31.
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To celebrate the restaurant, the City of Miami Beach is designating Yuca as the “Official Cuban Corner of Miami Beach” on Friday, May 31.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., the public is invited to celebrate with free mojitos and appetizers. The restaurant will also host free Salsa classes, courtesy of Salsa Fever. In addition, several celebrities are expected to attend (although only Willy Chirino’s name has been released).
At around 10:30 p.m., Miami Beach Commissioner and Vice Mayor Michael Gongorra will present a Proclamation to Yuca, officially declaring it Miami Beach’s “Cuban Corner”. Willy Chirino will also receive the Key to the City.
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