What do you get when you combine the words “vintage” and “retro” ? VINTRO ! That’s the name of a new restaurant and bar that is making waves here in South Beach. http://vintrohotels.com/kitchen/

Collins Park neighborhood is the art and cultural hub on the beach and Vintro Kitchen fits in perfectly. Art is everywhere in the hotel and restaurant. Paintings, photographs and unique pieces adorn the public and private spaces. Art is such an emphasis here that it’s website states… “Love that picture in your room? You can purchase it from Vintro’s Pop-Up gallery. Our exclusive limited editions are curated by Zoel. Serving as a hub for emerging and established local and international artists, the gallery displays over 50 amazing works to inspire our senses”. Since the restaurant is the namesake of a 50 room uber stylish and funky boutique hotel, I had hoped it would live up to my expectations. Having spent considerable time in Europe, Vintro immediately transported me back to similar spots on the Cote D’Azure. Lots of wood and leather backed chairs and booths. Vintro Kitchen also has a fabulous indoor and outdoor space. This is achieved by basically having an opened back wall that expands on a beautiful terrace/patio on the canal.

On this breezy and easy Sunday they had a acoustic guitarist complementing the mood. Out on the terrace they have master grill chefs making all sorts of goodness. Lamb chops, chicken and also a cauldron of paella at your disposal. Unique indeed. An air of relaxation permeated the restaurant. It feels more like brunch at a friends country home in Nice,France. We had bottomless mimosas, champagne and sangria. Our glasses were never empty. Vintro had an amazing buffet of all your favorites. Creamy scrambled country fresh eggs, French toast and sausage for brunch purists. They were shucking oyters. Kumomota oysters that is. Fresh pastries and fresh cut fruit adorned the center of the restaurant. Later in the afternoon they had a beautiful woman dropping off langostines at all of the tables. What a yummy touch at a yummy brunch. Art work was present everywhere. What else could one want on a Sunday afternoon.

Service was awesome and the crowd was a perfect balance of locals and hotel guests. This is a gem not to be missed. I ran into Gerry Kelly. Mr Kelly is a iconic marketing legend in Miami. Vintro Kitchen is one of his clients. His affable spirit was infectious. The friendly head chef Keith Suarino made his rounds to interact with the guests. He advised that since they are a new brunch spot that he is still playing with the brunch menu. Rustic Mediterranean is how he described the cuisine. I describe it as deliciously delightful. Foodies should put this on their bucket list when seeking a brunch with style and comfort. Vintro Kitchen is a force to be reckoned with. May the force be with you….At Vintro Kitchen.

Enjoy the pics and my IG Video Short

http://instagram.com/p/wCUmsYiXPL/