Paige Mastrandrea Paige Mastrandrea | September 3, 2021 | Culture, Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Feature, Features, Featured,
Bar area at Sushi Fly Chicken
Groot Hospitality (@groothospitality) continues to take the city by storm as the highly-anticipated three-part Firestone concept has debuted to much fanfare. Launching simultaneously, three unique concepts serve as the latest hip destinations for Miamians to frequent: Sushi Fly Chicken (@sushiflychicken), Winker’s Diner (@winkersdiner) and Toothfairy (@toothfairybakery).
Hokkaido scallop at Sushi Fly Chicken
Sushi Fly Chicken, also referred to as SFC for short, embodies all that Groot Hospitality is beloved for—a sexy atmosphere that serves decadent cuisine until late into the night. Part-restaurant, part-lounge, SFC is helmed by Executive Sushi Chef Tony Mai and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Lithgow. What appears to be a pure takeout destination features a clandestine dining room and lounge upon further investigation through a secret door, featuring dim lighting and a sexy interior design inspired by Tokyo’s Roppongi and Ginza neighborhoods. Truly presenting the best of both worlds, SFC offers everything from brimming, fresh nigiri platters, sushi rolls and lobster prawn toast to crispy fried chicken in three varieties—Southern, Thai or Korean. Pair your bites with a yuzu margarita and get comfortable as the night rolls into an irresistible scene set against live DJ beats.
Up next is Miami’s own taste of nostalgia as Groot presents Winker’s Diner—a true retro-inspired eatery that provides guests with comfort food that transports them back to the glory days. Nodding to Groot Hospitality founder David Grutman’s beloved one-eyed feline, Winker, the project connects personally to Grutman’s inimitable character. Indulge in all-day breakfast items like omelets and pancakes or treat yourself to Winker’s own luxurious spin on the classics—Jah Mama’s crispy chicken sandwich, Dave’s pastrami, cinnamon roll French toast or a decadent prime rib. Leave room for dessert because what could be more charming than sharing a cherry and whipped cream-topped milkshake or banana split?
Toothfairy soft-serve ice cream
And finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent confections and sweet treats from the Toothfairy, helmed by famed pastry chef-partner Dallas Wynne. With soft-serve ice cream, baked goods, mouthwatering cakes and pies, Wynne proves why she has become one of the city’s most coveted pastry chefs. With an Instagram-worthy design by ICRAVE featuring hues of cotton-candy pink and snow-cone blue, the dessert haven is just as pretty to look at as its endless treats are irresistibly delicious. Choose from Wynne’s signature snickerdoodle cookies to oatmeal cream pies or even vegan soft serve that will transport you to a classic malt shop of the 80s. “We’re in the day-and-age in which everything needs to be aesthetically pleasing, but I love that challenge,” notes Wynne. “I love being able to make something that looks just as good as it tastes. That, no pun intended, is the ultimate sweet spot.” 1575 Alton Road, Miami Beach
Photography by: Photos by Michael Pisarri