Slated to debut this fall along the Miami River, the Habibi team has just dropped a big announcement: Chef Wladimir Arévalo, formerly the executive sous chef of Doya and corporate executive sous chef of Motek, will run the show in the kitchen.
Arévalo has made a name for himself in South Florida's dining scene with his ability to weave global influences into his dishes. During his time as sous chef in the kitchen at Doya, a popular Wynwood restaurant serving Aegean cuisine, the establishment earned a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide, which it still carries 'til this day thanks to its talented team of chefs and cooks.
At Habibi, Arévalo is ready to take things up a notch.
The menu will offer a dining experience inspired by Moroccan royal feasts with a modern twist — think bold spices and dishes like shish-barak dumplings stuffed with Wagyu cheeks, lobster lavash tacos with apple slaw, and branzino. Tea service and tableside dessert carts will also be on offer, including ice cream with Turkish mastic and halva cheesecake.
The venue's interior, designed with a Wes Anderson-inspired retro aesthetic, will evoke the opulent charm of Sgt. Pepper's Beatles-era psychedelia, outfitted with crystal chandeliers, Turkish rugs, velvet booths, and silk draperies. The outdoor patio will host sunset parties, while the indoor bar will offer tableside hookah service with custom infusions and flavors.
The restaurant's interior, designed with a Wes Anderson-inspired retro aesthetic, will feature a palette of pink and teal, evoking the opulent charm of a Beatles-era Tangier.
Habibi Miami photo
As for the drinks, the bar program at Habibi is equally ambitious, drawing on North African and Mediterranean influences to create cocktails that are as innovative as the food. Here, techniques like fat washing will be used to create rich, flavorful drinks like the "Ali Fashioned," which features peanut butter-washed Angel's Envy bourbon, Giffard's Banana & Honey, and Angostura bitters with a hint of orange. Another standout is the Moroccan margarita, a mix of Patron Blanco, Patron Reposado, Cointreau, harissa-infused pineapple reduction, and lime juice, all topped off with a roasted couscous salted rim.
As Miami's dining scene continues to evolve, Habibi is one to watch. With its combination of creative Middle Eastern cuisine, live entertainment, and opulent Moroccan Riviera flair, it's set to be one of the year's most exciting openings right in the heart of our city.
Habibi Miami. 452 NW North River Dr., Miami; habibimia.com. Opening fall 2024.
