FAMED GLOBAL RESTAURANTEUR, ARJUN WANEY TO OPEN FIRST NEIGHBORHOOD LATASIAN EATERY BOASTING EXPANSIVE BAR, LOUNGE & OUTDOOR TERRACE, OPEN DAILY TILL 5AM
The highly anticipated DÔA (pronounced <dow-ah>), is slated to open its doors this November at 2000 Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach. It is the latest venture from globally renowned restaurateur Arjun Waney (of Zuma, Coya, La Petite Maison and The Arts Club). An Asian Cantina concept, DÔA is a true neighborhood eatery serving high quality Chef driven LatAsian cuisine. Meaning “The Door” in Japanese, Waney explains that DÔA will be the entrance to incredible food, drinks, fantastic service and an electric ambiance.
So what is LatAsian cuisine? “We invented the word,” says Waney. “We are not Japanese; we are not Chinese – we are strictly Nikkei and Chifa. The flavors are unique to the Asian influenced cuisine born in Latin America. We greatly look forward to showcasing this type of food and its unique diversity to the country and the world.”
Not only will DÔA be Waney’s first foray onto Miami Beach, it will also be a more casual and affordable destination, remaining open until 5:00 AM, seven days a week. “We chose the location near Collins Park because we truly feel the neighborhood is underserved in our segment,” says Arman Naqi, Vice-President and Director of Development. “We are not looking to compete; we are looking to complement the neighbors,” Naqi adds, referring to the cluster of high-end restaurants, night clubs, bars and lounges that cater to Miami’s A-list crowd. “We want people to think of us as an approachable mainstay for dinner, weekend brunch and late-night dining. We are a fantastic option for spending your evening prior to hitting the club, but also affordable and healthy to grab a bite before heading home. One will be able to eat at the restaurant several times a week”.
DÔA Miami Beach will be open seven days of the week for unique offerings in dinner, weekend brunch and late-night dining. The menu will consist of shared raw, steamed and robata grilled signature dishes showcasing Nikkei, Chifa and Peruvian flair. Expect Ceviches, Makis, Skewers, Steamed Buns, Dim Sum, Hot Pots and several signatures from the charcoal robata. Must tries include the selection of Steamed Asian Buns, the DÔA rice hot pot and, of course, the Arjun Scallop Tartar named after the visionary himself. “It is a menu of signatures and best sellers, says Waney. Chef Carlos Estarita is young, talented and extremely creative. He worked for me at both Zuma and Coya Miami. We had Carlos train with Chef James Berckemeyer, a creative genius and celebrity Chef from Lima, Peru. His food is so fantastic. James has cooked for Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations and President Obama.”
A South Florida native, Chef Carlos Estarita is loyal to Waney and has risen through the ranks at his Miami restaurants, despite being just 24 years old. Prior to joining the DÔA team, Chef Estarita most recently ran the kitchen at Coya Miami and was a member of the opening culinary team at Zuma Miami in 2010. DÔA culinary collaborator, Chef James Berckemeyer hails from Lima, Peru and is the Chef-Partner at the acclaimed COSME restaurant located in the affluent San Isidro. Chef Berckemeyer was recently chosen to cook for 400 people at the United Nations in Geneva for Ban Ki-moon’s last dinner as part of a showcase on Peruvian cuisine. COSME was also shortlisted as one of the restaurants President Obama planned to visit during a recent trip to Peru.
In keeping with its mission to honor the LatAsian heritage, DÔA’s bespoke beverage program will include classics such as the Pisco Sour, Chilcano as well as other unique signature cocktails such as The Nikkei Spritz, Cuzco 75, DÔA Lychee Martini and the Apple & Shiso Mojito. In addition to pursuing DÔA’s seasonally changing cocktail menu, guests can choose from an array of traditional Asian spirits, which include a selection of Sake and Japanese Whiskey, as well as Latin spirits Pisco, Tequila, Mezcal and Rum. “Value is the name of the game for us. The drink offering is delicious, yet simple.” Says Arjun Waney. According to Waney, James Shearer, Global Group Beverage Director for Zuma, Roka and Oblix, assisted the team in creating DÔA’s eclectic bar menu.
DÔA was designed by Richard Saunders of the esteemed, London-based Sagrada Studio. The 5,200 square foot indoor space will feature 160 seats, a central island bar, DJ booth, lounge area, maki counter and an expansive outdoor terrace on Collins Avenue. “Every corner of the restaurant has been carefully curated and the open kitchen format invites our guests to embrace the exhibition factor” says Arman Naqi. The intimate space will showcase an array of artistic talent and host a range of events and live entertainment, including DJ performances to set the mood several nights a week. The restaurant welcomes guests to experience the chefs preparing the food and take in its distinct sensory aspects from the food to the décor and the music.
DÔA Miami Beach is slated for opening this November 2016 and Arjun Waney’s appetite does not stop there – “we are highly ambitious and want to open many of these restaurants domestically and internationally. We plan to open DÔA next in Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago and Boston.”
DÔA is a welcomed journey designed to take guests on a unique experience exploring the multi-dimensional flavors of Nikkei and Chifa styled cooking. From the ambiance, service, and drinks to the menu and décor; DÔA invites both local residents and seasonal visitors of Miami alike to experience the vibrant culture and cuisine at this approachable and unique every day neighborhood eatery.
