18 MARCH 14-20, 2024 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | ART | STAGE | NIGHT+DAY | METRO | RIPTIDE | LETTERS | CONTENTS | ▼ WYNWOOD POPULAR ASIAN RESTAURANT KYU REOPENS Guess Kyu’s back! In 2022, Wynwood lost one of its most iconic restaurants, Kyu, and the strip along NW 25th Street never seemed quite the same. First opened in 2016, the pan-Asian, wood- fired restaurant led by executive chef and Eleven Madison Park alumnus Chris Arellanes shuttered after suffering severe damage from a series of storms, forcing it to close for more than two years. However, after extensive renovations, Kyu is back. As of March 6, fans of its famous roasted cauliflower and beef short ribs can fi- nally rejoice with a sigh of relief. “On behalf of the entire Kyu team, we are thrilled to be reopening our doors in Wyn- wood for longtime fans and new faces alike,” says Jordan Sayfie, Kyu’s founder. The biggest change in the restaurant? A reimagined, sleek interior led by award-win- ning Miami designer Mark Alan Diaz. The in- dustrial feel of the restaurant, which covers 4,000 square feet (24 patio seats and 114 in- door seats) has been softened with more nat- ural elements and wood tones. Guests are greeted by an impressive, hand- crafted host stand made of oolite, also known as “Miami Limestone,” as they enter. Warm, honey-colored tambour wood details that stand in contrast to dark leather and gold metal finishes flood the interior dining room, helmed by a backlit gilded bar that sits oppo- site Kyu’s open kitchen. The menu is still as delicious as memory serves for those who have visited before. Many Kyu classics are back, like the “Krunchy Kale” with nam phrik and togarashi, beef short ribs with sesame crust and sweet soy, the lauded and drool-worthy Korean fried chicken with chili butter and braised spinach, and Kyu’s famed roasted cauliflower with goat cheese and shishito-herb vinaigrette. For those wondering if there will be new menu items, this is the case. Chef Arellanes has added new fare that’s exclusive to the Mi- ami location, which he hopes will quickly be- come new favorites at the restaurant. One of these dishes is the “Mimmos Burrata,” made with sudachi citrus green tomatoes and pick- led peppadews. The cocktail menu also comes with a hint of nostalgia. Classics like the “She-So Spicy,” a spicy shiso sour made with Milagro blanco, cucumber, mint, shiso, yuzu, and Thai chili, are back on the menu. As for new cocktails, the beverage team got to work putting to- gether exclusive Wynwood-only libations like the “Que Bola?,” which is a Cuban high- ball made with Toki Japanese whiskey, mamey fruit, and white chocolate, as well as the “Old Slabside,” a black-garlic Manhattan featuring Angels Envy bourbon, sweet Japa- nese bermutto, and black garlic. Since times have evolved and non-alco- holic cocktails have become popular, Kyu has also added zero-proof cocktails like “Frank the Tank,” which is a rhubarb spritz, and “Spring Solstice,” which mixes non-alcoholic pink peppercorn Ritual tequila and Lyre’s Or- ange with smoked strawberry and lime. In 2021, Kyu announced plans to expand its operations into Manhattan as a part of a global expansion fueled by a partnership with Britain-based Reuben Brothers, a private eq- uity investment firm with real estate holdings around the world. Kyu Mexico City opened in August 2020 and is operated by Kyu’s original partners, who formed Scotch and Bacon Hos- pitality Group. Now, there are locations across New York City, Miami, Mexico, and Las Vegas. All in all, guests can expect a mix of old and new as they reacquaint themselves with a Miami favorite or try it for the first time. Kyu. 251 NW 25th St., Miami; 786-577-0150; kyurestaurants.com. Wednesday and Sunday 5 to 11 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight. CINDY FERREIRO ▼ WYNWOOD BACK 2 THE VIDEO STORE SPEAKEASY POPS UP AT WYNWOOD MARKETPLACE Remember going to the video store on a Friday night and picking out your favorite movie tapes before streaming services and DVDs were even a thing? Bucket Listers and SWARM, the Mi- ami-based event company behind Wynwood Marketplace, are taking Miami back to the video store with a ‘90s speakeasy pop-up. Through Sunday, April 28, Miamians can head to Wynwood Marketplace for a complete throwback to “simpler times” in the 1990s. The Back 2 The Video Store: A ‘90s Speakeasy Bar pop-up is inspired by the ‘90s with neon lights, lava lamps, retro arcade games, and shelves filled with VHS tapes of classic mov- ies and TV shows from the era. “We wanted to create a space where peo- ple could come together to relive the magic of the ‘90s,” says Derek Berry, president of expe- riences at Bucket Listers. “From the moment you step through the doors, you’ll be im- mersed in a world of nostalgia, complete with themed cocktails, live DJ sets spinning ‘90s hits, and a cozy atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.” Among all the video store decorations, find a throwback cocktail list for the true speak- easy experience. Upon entering, guests will receive a classic membership card to be used as a drink ticket in the bar. As you roam around the movie shelves, the VHS tapes available “for rent” are actually your cocktail selections inspired by the best ‘90s and 2000s movie releases. Themed cocktails include the “Mean Girls” made with vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, watermelon syrup, and topped with cotton candy, and the “Men in Black” made with Ube, spiced rum, cachaça, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Other cocktail options on the menu in- clude “Toy Story,” “Karate Kid,” “Indiana Jones,” “Jaws,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “Halo.” Check out the back of each movie tape; in- stead of a synopsis, guests can find the drink recipe before bringing the selection to the checkout counter, where a “Videotender” will prepare the cocktail. The experience offers three tiers, starting with general admission, which allows guests to exchange one drink ticket for their choice of cocktail or mocktail. Prices vary, but they start at $22 for 90 minutes inside the pop-up. For those ready to solve the ‘90s versus ‘00s movie superiority debate, try the Block- buster-themed brunch at the venue. Tickets start at $45 per person, featuring a 90-minute reservation, a main entrée, and bottomless mimosas. The choice of entrée includes the breakfast quesadilla, tostadas, steak and eggs, huevos rancheros, a burrito, and chilaquiles. To experience a ‘90s disco night, the “Video Killed the Radio Star” DJ Party ticket starts at $28 per person and offers a welcome cocktail and four hours of dancing to nostal- gic and popular tunes. “We’ve put a lot of thought into every as- pect of the experience, from the decor to the menu offerings,” says Berry. “We want to bring nostalgia all while introducing new generations to what the ‘90s were all about.” Back 2 The Video Store: A ‘90s Speakeasy Bar. 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami. Friday, March 8 through Sunday, April 28. Tickets can be purchased via bucketlisters.com. RACHEL COSTA KYU photo Kyu’s famous roasted cauliflower dish is back on the menu in Wynwood. “WE WANTED TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD COME TOGETHER TO RELIVE THE MAGIC OF THE ‘90S.” Ndo you LIKE what you see? CHECK US OUT FOR UPCOMING PARTIES AND EVENTS! facebook.com/miaminewtimes
