“We were looking for a group that could not only match with the identity of E11even but have its own personality as well,” Gino LoPinto, working accomplice of E11even, says in regards to the firm’s partnership with the Restaurant People. “And we’ve found it right here, where it’s not about ego, but about the best quality and service,” he tells New Times.
The Restaurant People is perhaps best known for high-energy Broward endeavors, including YOLO restaurant/lounge on Las Olas Boulevard, waterfront dining destination Boatyard, Tarpon River Brewing, and sushi hotspot Sun Surf Sand on Fort Lauderdale Beach. For Giselle, the space itself is “elegant, sexy, and fun,” within the phrases of Alan Roth, Miami accomplice of the Restaurant People.
In a chat with New Times, he says, “so far, during our friends-and-family events, everyone has been in awe. In the middle of our dining space, we have a catwalk, and into the later part of the night, people are using that catwalk. In fact, already, we’ve had Mr. Wonderful [Kevin O’Leary] get up there, as well as Kiki Barth from Real Housewives of Miami. I know Drake is going to get up there one day, too.”
Beyond the dining room. which is draped in marble scaffolding, lush greenery, and tables that can seat two to ten people, a highlight is the “Dream Room.” Considered the crown jewel of the concept, it is layered in French lace with baroque touches and ceilings loaded with three-dimensional, wood-carved details.
Other components of Giselle include a 14-seat marble bar with a digital art display case showcasing a seductive interpretation of the spot’s namesake by Frank Kelly and the lounge/terrace. With skyline views and black marble tables, a neon mirrored sign proclaims a quote from the enigmatic Giselle – “I’ll be here if, by chance, you’ll be here too.”
Miami-bred Gustavo Zuluaga has been tapped as government chef on the meals and beverage entrance. Among Chef Zuluaga’s accomplishments, he has served as the manager sous chef on the two-Michelin-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and government chef at Fort Lauderdale’s Dune by Laurent Tourondel.
The menu consists of seductively titled sections, together with the “Finer Things” (e.g., steak, seafood, champagne, and tequila pairings), “First Glance” (appetizers together with bluefin tuna truffle cones, a steak tartare, and Kurobuta pork ribs with a Yakinuka glaze) and “Seaduction, Indulgence, and Desire” (sea and steak choices, together with a flaming Australian Wagyu tomahawk that serves two to 4).
“Thus far, the tomahawk has been a favourite… we gentle it on fireplace tableside, and it’s one thing,” says Roth. “People love a present.”
On the cocktail entrance, E11even’s vodka model seems in a handful of signature gadgets, together with the “Head Over Heels,” with glowing rosé, raspberry, and lemongrass. Serving as much as three, it is served in a glass stiletto.
The opening of Giselle comes as E11even celebrates its ninth anniversary. On the milestone, LoPinto says, “and now we’re coming into a decade in Miami, the sexiest metropolis on this planet. We have been lacking the restaurant house… and now we have launched one thing wonderful.”
Giselle. 15 NE eleventh St., Miami; 305-358-9848; gisellemiami.com. Wednesday by Sunday 6 p.m. to late