Beyoncé and Jay Z eat here
No one is really sure what's happening with music's power couple right now -- we're hoping these divorce rumors are their cute idea of a cruel joke, considering their current tour where the two act hopelessly in love and pretty much laugh in our face. Regardless, when they hit up the Magic City, where did they go to eat? Yep, Wynwood. Joey's to be specific. Remember that earlier comment about awesome date spots? Point proven.
Locally sourced produce
Quite possibly the best thing about the neighborhood are all the locals who've been part of Miami's resurgence and movement toward supporting the community. Miami's first craft beer is brewed right here, for God's sakes. JugoFresh is 100 percent organic and produced locally, and it doesn't get any more mom-and-pop than Panther Coffee. But perhaps the biggest locally sourced feat came with the opening of Kush. Owner Matt Kuscher sources his beef for his burgers from Cowart Ranch in Sumterville, Florida. Same goes for the key limes used to make homemade key lime pie, and the alligator for the alligator bites. These people care about what they're putting into your body, and that's admirable.
It's only getting better
Two words: Michael Shikany. The Miami native has a resumé that speaks volumes -- Tao, Gramercy Tavern, Le Bernardin. And now he's opened Shikany smack in the middle of the neighborhood he says was an obvious choice because of its potential and the fact that "the Beach is done in terms of cuisine." At Shikany, the chef's imagination takes guests to far-away places -- off the menu for an 18-course degustation menu.
Today, Mignonette opens in the neighborhood. It's the city's first oyster bar and collaboration between Danny Serfer from Blue Collar and Ryan Roman from the blog MiamiRankings.com. Serfer refers to the concept as "fucking fancy," a juxtaposition of upscale yet modest food in an unassuming setting. The same can be said for Shikany. Together, the duo is pushing boundaries and going forth with a fresh concept for not only the area but also Miami as a whole. And they chose this neighborhood. That says something.
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