With global influences that hail from the Mediterranean and Middle East, Executive Chef Wladimir Arévalo is known for infusing global influences into his menus, and now he will helm the soon-to-open Habibi Miami. Arévalo’s culinary journey began in Caracas, where he grew up watching his mother prepare family meals. Their shared love of cooking inspired his career as a chef, which has been highlighted by stints at South Florida hotspots like Doya, Motek and Baleen. During his tenure at Doya, the modern Aegean restaurant earned a prestigious Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide.
This level of excellence and creative mastery will now be on display at Habibi, Miami’s most anticipated restaurant & lounge of the 2024 season. At the lush French Moroccan supper club, Arévalo will emphasize these fiery and craveable flavors with his use of citrus, smokiness and spices like Ras el Hanout. Diners will dive into Arévalo’s signature and shareable dishes like Shish-Barak Dumplings with Wagyu Cheeks, Garbanzo, Miso and Yogurt, Lobster Lavash Tacos with Herbed Lavash, Apple Slaw, Umami Aioli, Roasted Chicken with Herbed Yogurt, and Mediterranean Sea Bass with Harissa Sofrito Marinade. Desserts like Baklava Cheesecake provide a sweet finish.
Hospitality big Roman Jones tapped Ikam Rebaia to lead the project. The stunning space will be a treat for the senses with a Wes Anderson-inspired retro décor featuring a palette of pink and teal, evoking a Beatles-era Tangier fever dream. Arévalo’s vibrant menu will transport diners to a royal feast with the aromatic spices of Morocco complemented by the techniques of classical cuisine. With a focus on culinary excellence, later in the evening, Habibi will lend itself to nightly roving belly dancers, contortionists and percussionists completing the dinner theater experience.
The bar program at Habibi draws on the North African and Mediterranean lifestyle, showcasing unique ingredients and flavors that induce a strong sense of place. In executing this motif, the beverage team employs techniques like fat washing – the process of toasting seeds to pull out their oils and infusing them in spirits overnight – to achieve rich textures and bold aromas. This is exemplified by the “Ali” Fashioned made with Peanut Butter Washed Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Giffard’s Banana & Honey, Angostura Bitters with Orange Aromatics. Drinks like the Moroccan Margarita made with Patron Blanco, Patron Reposado, Cointreau, Harissa Infused Pineapple Reduction, Lime Juice and Roasted Couscous Salted Rim will perfectly complement the flavors of the menu.
Habibi Miami is due to open Fall 2024. Habibi Miami is located at 452 Northwest North River Drive, Miami, FL.
Photo credit: Habibi Miami