José Andrés Takes Over Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The visionary chef makes a triumphant return to Miami Beach with Mediterranean Flair
Chef José AndrésBy: Steve Turk
MIAMI BEACH, FL — With a zest for innovation and an unmatched culinary prowess, Chef José Andrés is making a much-anticipated return to Miami Beach. The José Andrés Group has announced plans to take over all food and beverage operations at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, a luxurious Forbes Four-Star property situated at 1 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. This marks a new chapter not only for Andrés but also for Miami Beach’s high-caliber hospitality scene.
A Tale of Two Restaurants
The view of outgoing Fuego y MarThe new restaurant to grace The Ritz-Carlton is Zaytinya, set to replace the existing Fuego y Mar Mediterranean restaurant. This will be the third outpost of Zaytinya, following its original 2002 opening in Washington, D.C., and a more recent addition in New York City last year. The name Zaytinya is a linguistic tribute to the Turkish word for "olive oil," and it sets the tone for a menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. While details about the menu remain under wraps, anticipation is already brewing.
Earlier this year, Andrés’ former SLS restaurant, The Bazaar by José Andrés, was replaced by Elcielo, a Michelin-starred restaurant from Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia. It suggests a Miami Beach culinary landscape that is ever-evolving and deeply competitive.
Beyond the Menu: A Holistic Experience
Taking over the food and beverage operations at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach means that the José Andrés Group will control a large swathe of the guest experience, from in-room dining to the lobby bar and Ritz Club lounge. For a hotel that already prides itself on offering the epitome of luxury, this partnership signifies an elevation of its culinary offerings to match its exquisite lodging experience.
By integrating all facets of food and beverage, the José Andrés Group is poised to offer guests a cohesive and curated experience. One can anticipate synergy between the restaurant, bar, and in-room dining that caters to the refined sensibilities of The Ritz-Carlton's clientele.
When Talent Meets Opportunity
The José Andrés Group currently operates over 30 restaurants across the United States, the Bahamas, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to his culinary ventures, Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief team that recently served thousands of meals following devastating fires in Maui. The dual nature of his roles—both as a top-tier chef and as a philanthropist—provides a broader context to his newest endeavor.
What Comes Next
Though details of the menu and the timetable for Fuego y Mar's closing date are yet to be announced, the group expects Zaytinya to open its doors by the end of 2023. Hiring for various positions at the restaurant is set to commence this week.
As we await the arrival of Zaytinya, one thing is certain: the intersection of José Andrés’ culinary brilliance with the innate luxury of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, promises to redefine upscale dining in Miami Beach, elevating it into a global conversation about food, culture, and the art of hospitality.
