The couple recently signed a lease for two spaces at the upcoming El Jardin project, located behind Union Beer and the incoming Velvet Creme Doughnuts. The Barlington Group, the team that revamped Ball & Chain, is behind El Jardin, envisioned as a gathering space featuring a courtyard and beer garden between 15th and 16th Avenue. Though the main entrance is on Seventh Street, visitors can also enter on Calle Ocho.

Sebastian Fernandez and Leslie Ames Brachowicz at Willamette in Oregon, tasting wines for 33 Kitchen.
Photo by Leslie Brachowicz
Named for Brachowicz, the restaurant Leslie will encompass two concepts: One will revolve around a wood-burning pizza oven, and the other will be a more creative kitchen using local and seasonal ingredients. Each space measures 1,600 square feet and will meet at a terrace surrounded by a community garden. Guests sitting in the outdoor courtyard can order off both menus.

Expect fresh and simple dishes similar to those at 33 but with more explosive flavors.
Courtesy of 33 Kitchen
This new beginning also means 33 Kitchen in the Grove will shut its doors. The closure was sparked by a steep rent increase. Brachowicz says, "Even though we have been living in Coconut Grove for 15 years and love it, I think the Grove is too classic, which can be restrictive for an innovative chef like Sebastian." The restaurant will remain in business until further notice, but the two agreed they will need to concentrate solely on Leslie at some point.
33 Kitchen. 3195 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove; 786-899-0336; facebook.com/33kitchenmiami.