The Hoxton - Miami (CLOSED)

Open Door Number One and you see an urban beach house, let's call it The Hoxton, where you can kick back in a comfy couch and have a casual drink (or three). It's Happy Hour and you're ready for some tasty bar bites and a reprieve from the grind. Walk over next door and open Door Number Two and you enter Boxpark, an intimate restaurant serving fine cuisine and following a slow food philosophy. Hey, nice place for a date. The night is young, you're up and running and it's time to open Door Number Three: Harvey Wolf, a sultry lounge that will take things up a notch.

This is the trio of delights that will await us in the Axis condominium building in Brickell, where the former Mare Nostrum Restaurant and The Lucky Clover Irish Pub used to be at 1111 SW 1st Avenue. Santiago Rodriguez, formerly the Director of Worldwide Operations for Nobu, and founder of Vassili Group, has spearheaded this vision, designing the space to be one continuous evening of British-inspired fun.

With Chef Matt Hinckley

Mint Coco-Berry Blast

While Boxpark and Harvey Lounge haven't opened yet, The Hoxton has been wooing crowds since October 2012. Executive Chef Matt Hinckley, formerly of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, is the culinary talent dishing up some impressive cuisine. Offering a "New England" beach house menu with items such as oysters, mussels, and a delicious clam bake, the Hoxton is quickly becoming a place to kick back and relax with friends while enjoying some live music in a trendy setting. Both The Hoxton and Boxpark's philosophy of slow food and local sourcing is the foundation in the selection of the ingredients, quality, and preparation of their dishes. Chef Hinckley's experience while he lived in Alaska and got to see how they harvested their vegetables in accordance with the amount of sunlight they had helped in the formation of his "back-to-the-basics" approach in the kitchen. In his own words, he practices a "Jeffersonian approach to cooking; taking it back to what it was like before the industrial revolution."

New England Clam Bake

I recently visited The Hoxton and experienced their luscious libations, creative bites and inviting ambiance for myself. To add to the fun, I got a sneak peek of the gastronomical treats that will await us at Boxpark, scheduled to open very soon. I was impressed. The vibe of the place was laid back and the cocktails were refreshing and creative. Check out the line-up below and make sure to wear a bib because I promise you are going to drool!

Fried Florida Alligator

Saffron Ricotta Crostini

(Above) New England Clam Bake - an enticing medley of maine lobster, middleneck clams, swan's island mussels, colossal shrimp, local corn and new potatoes. (Left) Fried Florida Alligator with datil pepper sauce. The alligator had a perfect texture and the seasoning was delicious. I absolutely loved the dipping sauce. (Right) Saffron Ricotta Crostini with basil and evoo. Light and refreshing.

Charcuterie

Meatball Sliders

A Sampling of their Daily Bread

(Above) Charcuterie Platter - a scrumptious sampling of Duck and Tasso Hams, Pork Rillon seasoned with Florida Keys Salt, Rabbit Liver Pate prepared with a tangerine marmalade, Whipped Juniper Lardo, Braunschweiger pig head garnish, and Porchetta Di Testa cranberry orange mostarda. (Left) Meatball Sliders made with grass-fed Florida veal berkshire pork and topped with local mozzarella.(Right) Sampling of Daily Bread -Alaskan sourdough, semolina bread, challah, and pumpkin poppy crackers.

House Pickles

Buffalo Frog Legs

Local Heirloom Tomatoes

(Above) Tasty House Pickles served with fresh, local vegetables (Left) Buffalo Frog Legs served with Habanero Sauce and local blue cheese (Right) Local Heirloom Tomatoes tossed with wheatberries, pine nuts, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette. (Below) Ice Cream Sandwich - Oskar Blues Brewery "Ten-Fidy" imperial stout ice-cream cookie. A grand finale with a kick!

Ice-Cream Sandwich

I had a great time at The Hoxton and both the food and service were wonderful. I can't wait until Boxpark and Harvey Wolf join the ranks and make this a one night stop of cocktails, food, and night life. Stay tuned to my page and I'll let you know as soon as it happens! For more information, you can visit The Hoxton online at http://www.hoxtonmiami.com/ or call them at 305-677-8466.