Date Night: Happy Hour at DÔA and Magique at The Faena
Going out to dinner on Miami Beach has in many cases given new meaning to evening “entertainment”. The starchitect-designed restaurants, the global variety of ethnic cuisines, even the creative tableside presentations and beautiful plating has elevated dining to a new level of “showmanship”.
But, let’s not underestimate the talents of Miami’s artistic world as evidenced by PAMM, the Wynwood galleries, New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet and other art organizations.
On a late spring evening, I was invited to preview the newest show at the Theatre at The Faena, Magique, a high-spirited revue that features the illusionists, Kevin & Caruso, famous for their levitation tricks and mind-bending act, with special appearance from Madame Houdini, whose aerial and strait jacket escape finale is reminiscent of the master Houdini himself.
But even though the Theatre at The Faena does have both a full bar and a light bites menu available (including some amazing looking Black Truffle Croquetas.), we opted to spend pre-theatre at DÔA, and their popular Hora Loca Happy Hour which is from 6 pm- 8 pm nightly.
DÔA, a few blocks south on 20th and Collins, is the newest LatAsian fusion offering from the owners of Zuma and Coya. The beautiful restaurant and globally inspired menu offers its own “entertainment”. And the well-priced Happy Hour includes $7 signature cocktails and wine, $5 beer and an assortment of $5 Bar Bites.
We chose well. Edamame steamed soybeans with seasalt, lightly battered tempura style Crispy Squid with rococo lime mayo, DÔA sweet Ginger Chicken wings, and Chicken Skewer satay with saikyo miso glaze. Other options include Vegetable Spring Rolls and Pork Belly Buns. One could easily make a dinner from this Happy Hour menu.
Sitting at their centrally located bar area with its “Life Is Beautiful” graffiti front panel, the Miami Beach people watching can rival any outside entertainment, but we had tickets for the 8 pm Magique show, so at 7:30 we headed up to the Faena.
If you have not yet been to the Theatre at the Faena, it is quite the intimate and sexy venue. A sort of Speakeasy feel with plush red seating, huge crystal chandelier, and not a bad seat in the house. Also, former home to this past year’s popular floor show, C’est Rouge, Magique plays on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Our table offered a perfect view for the Las Vegas-style floor show with scantily clad dancers, colorful costumes, acrobats and of course,
the glamorous Madame Houdini and Kevin & Caruso, a comedic team that awed the audience with their tricks and illusions.
Magique is a family- friendly show for ages 6 and up, so whether you dine at the Faena or grab a Happy Hour nearby, this makes for a very entertaining evening full of “oohs and ahhhs”.
2000 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL
305 587 2000
3201 Collins Ave. ( Enter on side door of 32nd St)
Miami Beach, FL
786 655 5600