Shireen's Favorite Things

Friday night fun at Esotico Miami — where tropical vibes meet tiki sophistication.

One step inside Esotico and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a luxurious luau; better yet, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of that famous 60’s movie, “Blue Hawaii,” starring Elvis Presley. #ThankYou, #ThankYouVeryMuch (said in my best Elvis snarl.) From its funky neon signs to the beautiful Hawaiian hand-carved wooden surf boards and pretty Polynesian chachkies, Esotico is a true tropical paradise — with air conditioning and custom-made crafted cocktails — that’ll blow your mind. 😁🍹

Like the “King Ta Moko” (made with gin, passion fruit, citrus and ginger syrup.) The amazing, hand-carved limited edition mug is included in the price. Long live the King! If you’re digging the dry ice, most cocktails come with it when seated at the bar. My favorite of the night, “Vicious Virgin,” which Esotico describes as “blue like the Miami sky and definitely not a virgin.” Lol. The description alone made me wanna try it and it didn’t disappoint. Think drinkable suntan lotion; say, Coppertone. It’s a concoction of mezcal & rum (mixed with Re’al cream of coconut, citrus and almond elixir.) If you’re really feeling the tiki vibe, try “Nu Mai Thai” (with three different types of rums, orange liqueur, passion fruit and a secret ingredient.) Souvenir glass included.

If you haven’t noticed by now, Esotico has major moxie and a lot it has to do with the brain behind the brilliance, Daniele Dalla Pola. Talk about personality: Daniele is quick with a smile, a great laugh and totally believes in what he’s doing, which is nothing less than changing up the restaurant scene in the Magic City. While Esotico is all about originality (with an Elvis flair, because Daniele is a big fan,) it’s also about adding personality to Miami’s Arts & Entertainment District, which hasn’t quite spread its wings yet.

It’s definitely on the cusp, though, and with delicious dishes like “South Sea Hamachi Tiradito” (served in an exotic ponzu sauce)
and “Wahine Dream Bowl” (filled to the brim with tuna, crab meat, avocado, carrots, cucumber, pickled ginger and more,) foodies are sure to love every minute of every meal and you will too, especially if you fancy yourself a social media guru. Believe you me, you’re gonna want a picture with the “Zombie Cocktail” which comes with a creepy hand prop, perfect for a picture on the Gram. The cheeky drink is made with Mezcal and two types of yummy rum. Speaking of, they have more than 200 types to choose from — which definitely comes in “handy” (😂) — when making a wow kind-of-cocktail.

If you like food that’s sweet and savory, the “Anakakia Lobster Roll” is otherworldly, dressed in butter lemon and sherry sauce. And, who doesn’t love a soft, melt in your mouth, homemade roll? Come to mama! Btw, the crescendo of my #Spotlight experience at Esotico was the “Peking Duck” served on a pretty platter with hoisin sauce, chives, and pancakes (I got the half portion.) The duck was so tender and juicy, I was beside myself. I washed it down with a refreshing “Missionary Downfall” (made with rum, peach brandy, agave nectar, pineapple and hint of mint.) If you like smooth and creamy, you’ll wanna order two, because the first one goes down fast and furious. Lol, or at least it did for me.

Ending the night just right, the “Molten Lava Cake,” served with mixed berries and mango sorbet. Each dessert comes with a suggested cocktail — which is sold separately. I tried the sweet and delicious “Sexy Colada” (made with rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, coconut water and a touch of ginger.)

Dinner and drinks at Esotico are only made better by its exciting atmosphere. When I was there last Friday night, a DJ duo was spinning some great singalong tunes, Daniele was showing off his nifty, portable drink cart and I may have had a shot of rum (or two). One thing’s for sure, I smiled and laughed a lot and that’s why the new Miami hot spot is one of my #FavoriteThings. Cheers!

Esotico Miami
On the ground floor of Canvas Condominiums.
1600 NE 1st Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132

Monday – Thursday
Friday & Saturday: 5PM – 2AM
Closed on Sunday

Be Social:
IG: @esoticomiami
FB: @esoticoMIAMI
www.esoticomiami.com