fbpx

The Commodore Opens at The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove

Inside The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, a vintage-inspired cocktail bar slings Manhattans, Negronis and elevated snacks. The dimly lit space, featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, plush leather couches and a fireplace, feels more like a quintessential study room than one of Miami’s newest watering holes.

But that’s the point. Located in one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, The Commodore pays homage to Coconut Grove’s storied past.

“Miami has been very good to us, and we are thrilled to continue our work here at such a unique property in Coconut Grove, a neighborhood rich in color and history,” says John Meadow, founder and president of LDV Hospitality, which owns The Commodore.

The Commodore offers a lineup of classic and unique cocktails with a menu of bites. Standouts include the Socal, a mezcal-based drink with lime, orgeat and cucumber juice, and the Spicy Raspberry Collins, blended with vodka, lemon juice, jalapeño syrup and St. Germain.

And, just in time for the holidays, The Commodore added the Smoked Apple Pie to its menu, infused with Toki whisky and skillet-roasted gala apples, followed by a splash of Disaronno amaretto (an Italian almond liquor) and a smoked cinnamon stick. Head mixologist Bradley Carnation says it was inspired by seasonal market apples and the Godfather cocktail (amaretto and scotch).

“This cocktail is all about balance, so we went a little heavier on the whisky and added smaller amounts of amaretto compared to the classic recipe,” Carnation. “After we came up with the base, we realized we needed another spice element, which is where the bitters came into play. Overall, it’s as simple as its original version, but the amount of prep work and infusion make it very special.”

As for food, executive chef Abel Veulens and sous chef Miguel Fajardo are behind a 10-item menu including mushroom toast; beef sliders on brioche buns with caramelized brandied onions; and chicken wings smoked for 32 hours and served with herbed Greek yogurt and hot sauce.

Besides The Commodore’s old-time indoor spaces, there’s a semiprivate landscaped patio with an eclectic collection of cocktail tables and chairs.

“When you walk into The Commodore, you don’t feel like you’re in Miami anymore,” Carnation says. “The Commodore’s ambience instantly puts your worries aside and provides a sense of calm as if to say you have escaped the madness of your life, which is something I think not many places can do.”

 

Smoked Apple Pie

Ingredients

3 Gala apples

2 1/2 ounces roasted apple-infused Toki whisky

1/2 ounce cinnamon-infused Disaronno

3 dashes Angostura bitters

Infusion directions

Pan-roast apples until golden. Pour apples and Toki into container. Infuse for three days. Use three apples per bottle.

Add cinnamon sticks to Disaronno bottle and infuse for two days. Strain out cinnamon.

Cocktail directions

In beaker, mix Toki, Disaronno and bitters. Add ice and stir. Strain over ice cube in rocks glass. Light end of cinnamon stick and put out flame in the cocktail.

You May Also Like

Casa Sensei in Fort Lauderdale Launches Dine-in Deal for Cruisers 

The Japanese/Latin fusion restaurant offers waterfront dining and happy hour specials.

Minty Z Opens Second Location in Midtown Miami

The plant-based Asian dim sum concept offers Asian fusion cuisine designed for sharing.

Capital Tacos Readies for Launch of Tamarac Location

The award-winning restaurant chain will open its doors on June 8.

Michelin-Recognized Ariete Hospitality Group Opens El Vecino in Miami

The premier cigar and cocktail bar is the third Ariete Hospitality concept that has opened at the WorldCenter.

Other Posts

The Dish: All Hail Queen Miami Beach

The showstopping concept from Mr. Hospitality takes destination dining to new heights.

Tom Aviv, Masterchef Israel Champion, Brings His American Venture to Upper Buena Vista

The Israeli sensation’s restaurant offers an innovative menu and retro vibe that transports guests to Tel Aviv in the 70s.

Bar Lab’s Christine Wiseman Receives Top Bartending Honor From North America’s Best Bars

The Miami-based lifestyle consulting and precision management agency focuses on creative hospitality, event planning, market branding and innovative beverage programs.

Padrino’s Opens New Plantation Location Featuring Contemporary Design and Cocktail Menu

The Cuban restaurant continues to offer its beloved homemade classics that are true to its authentic roots.