MIAMI – A new lounge opens Friday on the downtown Miami location along the Miami River that was formerly known as Seasalt and Pepper, a trendy 200-seat celebrity haven that is now Seaspice.
Miami's restaurant scene drama can be confusing. Just when a legal conflict among owners marred the Seasalt and Pepper name, a Sea Salt Naples restaurant claimed the trademark.
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The Miami.com favorite changed its name to Seaspice and threw a party during Art Basel. Sammy Sosa and Diego Boneta were there. A tip for those trying to keep up with the changes: Don't visit Seasalt.com. It belongs to a provider of "quality Marlin" with a Jamaican contact.
In a space adjacent to Seaspice, 422 NW North River Dr., a new lounge opened to the public Friday night with dozens of fresh orchids. It's organic design in white and light wood was meant to focus all eyes on architect Santiago Jose Palaez's sculptural installation.
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The menu includes "crudos," Spanish for fresh uncooked food. As an invitation to the restaurant opening said the "crudos" are "lightly dressed with infused oils, sea salt, citrus and fresh herbs." Chef Angel Leon, formerly of Sugarcane, offers "a hot-stone selection" of "sear premium meats and seafood."
Leon (not to be confused with the Spaniard culinary genius formerly with the Sheraton in Miami) was hired to manage the two kitchens after executive Chef Alfredo Alvarez quit. He is no longer overseeing the kitchen.
"Chef Benjamin Goldman formerly of Shikany was since brought in and is currently the executive chef," Tayo Otiti, the restaurant's TARA, Ink. publicist.
Behind the scenes of Seaspice are attorney Robert Zarco, of downtown Miami, as the registered agent, restauranteur Yunexy Eloy and the owners of the Hemingway Warehouse, Alexander Jaimes and Carlos Alvarez Miranda.
Miranda, who also co-owns Timbuktu and 630 Catering, registered the Modern Garden Miami name late last year, records show. The concept offers the feel of "outdoor porch seating" with 500 feet of docking space.
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