Esteemed mixologist Valentino Longo introduces ViceVersa cocktail bar and restaurant in downtown Miami.
Mussel eschabeche with charred leek and potato chips. PHOTO: BY CLEVELAND JENNINGS
Valentino Longo, Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender 2020, embarks as co-owner of Miami’s new ViceVersa in downtown Miami, merging his rich Italian heritage with his Miami experiences. His resumé, a masterpiece spanning global hospitality landmarks in Rome, London and Miami, culminates in the opening of this singular bar. Each cocktail at ViceVersa tells a story, blending Italian spirits like vermouths and bitters with the freshest local ingredients.
The cocktail program at ViceVersa illustrates the brilliance of simplicity with an underpinning complexity. The menu offers fourteen intriguing cocktails divided into three categories: The Negroni Family, Martinis and Signature Cocktails. The Negroni Family’s base is the ViceVersa MI-TO, a Dolce amaro blend paying homage to the origins of the Americano. Signature creations like the Negroni Punch, tailored for four, offer communal enjoyment. Martinis such as the Avanguardia weave together dry sherry, fermented vermouths and citrus infusions.
Negroni from ViceVersa PHOTO: COURTESY OF RC VISUALS
Complementing the liquid artistry, Jaguar Sun’s chefs Carey Hynes and Justin Flit’s culinary fare maintains the ethos of simplicity and quality. From fresh raw bar selections to neo-Neapolitan pizzas boasting daily-stretched mozzarella, each dish is crafted to perfection.
ViceVersa’s 60-seat interior delights, helmed by an emerald green bar with walnut accents, and slate green walls adorned with bronze palm fronds that create an inviting yet opulent setting. Artwork from Jean Vaquier aka Forzer bedecks the space with unique works of art and ties it all together with the logo, menu and uniforms that he also designed.
“My hospitality journey has opened my eyes to novel techniques and ingredients, all while keeping true to my Italian roots,” Longo reveals. “At ViceVersa, we aim to present this journey, intertwining my past and present in every sip.” The Elser Hotel, 398 NE 5th St., Miami,@viceversamiami