By Paige Mastrandrea By Paige Mastrandrea | September 7, 2021 | Food & Drink, Feature,
JIA OPENS IN THE SOUTH OF FIFTH NEIGHBORHOOD, BRINGING THE FIRST HIGH-ENERGY CANTONESE SUPPER CLUB TO THE AREA.
Tea-smoked beef tenderloin PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
Excelling in marrying traditions of the old world with modern and sophisticated elements of the new, Chinese supper club Jia enters the Miami dining scene with inimitable energy. Nestled in the South of Fifth neighborhood, Jia debuts a menu of elevated Cantonese-style cuisine in a setting that is bursting with vibrancy and electricity.
Ken Ray. PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
Enticing programming is one of the main pillars of Jia’s DNA, offering not only a gorgeous dinner venue but also a place to experience a lively night out—with a karaoke night on the books, as well as nightly live music activations and programming curated by L.A.-based artist adviser Hayes Bradley.
Pandan Colada PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
Aside from the entertainment draw, of course, the menu is the star of the show, created by executive chef Weng Choon “William” Lai. The chef hails from a bevy of renowned eateries in Beijing, Thailand, Cambodia and Macao, including Michelin Guidelisted Pak Loh Chiu Chow restaurant in Macao. With a nod to the classics and incorporation of fusion ingredients and flavor profiles, chef Weng Choon presents tongue-tantalizing plates that bring guests on a deliciously satisfying adventure from start to finish. Explore the chef’s hometown through authentic Chinese barbecue cuisine as you indulge in his Master Char Siew—a mouthwatering honeyroasted pork dish—or enjoy a taste of the sea with the Norway cod with black ginger reduction. Late nights Thursday through Saturday, indulge in authentic dim sum platters and other decadent bites that will exceed all of your midnight cravings.
The interior design of Jia PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
Enjoy it all in a setting that is truly captivating and indicative of the venue’s bold spirit. Drawing inspiration from Chinese, art deco and tropical flair, the 2,500-square-foot space was designed by Casa Conde & Associates as well as Jia founder Ken Ray. From Chiang Mai dragon-veiled walls complemented by rustic natural wood accents to eyecatching bamboo chandeliers and a standout 12-person wraparound marble bar, the venue’s design is a work of art in itself.
Signature bamboo chandeliers complement Jia’s main dining area PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
Further demonstrating its dynamic edge, Ray tapped Miami Ink tattoo artists Ami James and Morgan Pennypacker to create custom, handpainted Asian tattoo-style murals that juxtapose brilliantly against the bar’s raffia backdrop, which flaunts elegant chinoiserie decorative art. With every detail, it’s evident that Ray’s vision shines through with a vibrancy that matches the very heartbeat of the city—respecting rich history and culture while elevating the experience with a sophisticated and sexy flair that is uniquely Miami.
Disco Ball large-format cocktail PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
“From the very start, we let the neighborhood and space dictate the Jia concept,” notes Ray. “The South of Fifth community has the heart of a small island in the Pacific and the vibrancy of an exceedingly electric city. There couldn’t be a more ideal spot for Jia’s introduction in Miami.” 808 First St., Miami Beach, @jia_miami
Tang Dynasty mini fish bun PHOTO BY SETH BROWARNIK/WORLDREDEYE.COM
Photography by: