Gazitua client, Ariete Hospitality Group, has had quite a May. It has added to its list of highly acclaimed venues with El Vecino, a cigar bar in Miami Worldcenter’s Caoba Tower. Following several pre-opening industry events, the cigar bar, created by Michelin Star-winning Chef Michael Beltran, is now open for business. If that weren’t big enough, the group’s flagship restaurant, Ariete, was again awarded a Michelin Star at the highly anticipated event held at LoanDepot Park.
EL Vecino Combines Cuban Heritage with Michelin Guide-Caliber Service
El Vecino is a destination for discerning cigar connoisseurs and novices in the heart of Miami's Design District. The bar is inspired by the traditional cigar lounges of Cuba, with a modern twist. Inside, guests can enjoy a selection of cigars from some of the finest cigar makers in the world, as well as craft cocktails and an array of light bites.
“Cigars are a big part of my heritage. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a holiday with family or just a Friday night, a great cigar is always part of the picture. Cigars are part of the ritual of community that I grew up with, and I want to bring that sense of connection to El Vecino.” -Award-winning Chef Michael Beltran
The atmosphere at El Vecino is both elegant and inviting. The space is filled with plush seating, dark wood accents, and warm lighting. Guests can relax or gather around the bar to enjoy a carefully curated cigar or a specialty cocktail. The venue also features an outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying a cigar and taking in the Miami skyline.
At El Vecino, guests can expect Michelin guide-caliber service. The knowledgeable staff is on-hand to help guests find the perfect cigar, making cigar expertise hardly required for a visit. Staff members are also well versed in pairing the cigars with El Vecino’s cocktails. The menu, coordinated by Ariete Hospitality Group’s wine director Adrian Lopez, is described as being comprised of “unusual selections.”
Ariete Again Earns a Michelin Star
The cornerstone of the Ariete Hospitality Group, Ariete, has been awarded a Michelin Star for the second year in a row. Ariete invites guests to experience the Miami Food Story and to join them in writing the next chapter. By focusing on local ingredients and an elevated experience, the classic French technique merged with Chef Beltran’s Cuban roots, Ariete has a story and menu that is uniquely Miami. That story has again resulted in a Michelin Star, the highly coveted award that symbolizes culinary excellence.
About Gazitua Letelier & Ariete
Dedicated to the notion that service, excellence, and hospitality are the cornerstones of any successful food & beverage concept, Ariete, the flagship of the Ariete Hospitality Group, boasts a Michelin Start and 2020 James Beard Awards “Best Chef: South” semifinalist chef Michael Beltran. Luis Gazitua is an investor in the award-winning company.
Gazitua Letelier is a Miami Government Relations and Miami Lobbying firm serving elected officials, businesses, international clients, technology organizations, and trade associations. Miami-Dade lobbying, advocacy, and Miami-Dade Bid Protest are our largest service areas, covering Miami, Miami-Dade, and her municipalities.
