2008-11-26 06:20:53 - Casa Casuarina (former Versace Mansion), owned and operated by Peter Loftin, Loftin's 1116 Ocean, with acclaimed executive chef Dale Ray at the helm, has opened to the public.

Located within the famed 1930s Miami Beach landmark Formerly offering members-only access to the breathtaking property, it will mark the first time a Casa Casuarina restaurant is open to the public. With limited reservations the restaurant will be open for dinner and private parties only Tuesday - Saturday, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m.

'Casa Casuarina is iconic. The property is too

magical not to offer to a wider audience,' says Loftin, who recently opened the manse to historical tours and has hosted celebrity guests including Madonna, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Bill and Hillary Clinton, among dozens of others.

The upscale Mediterranean inspired restaurant, embraces the magic and allure of the famed mosaic tiled mansion formerly owned by Gianni Versace, and will offer al fresco seating for 120, on the front terrace, in the central courtyard and at the mansion's breathtaking grotto pool. The fabulous stone encrusted Medusa Room will be open to members, celebrities and invited guests only.

Loftin's 1116 Ocean will offer diners beautiful first courses and salads, simply prepared, eight ounce portions of fish and prawns with delicate sauces, 2 pound lobsters with hand- cut French fries, hearty prime cuts of beef, rack of lamb, veal and Muscovy duck, with sides large enough for sharing. Dishes will be partnered tableside with a variety of rare sea salts, exotic peppers and condiments.

Chef Ray, who has worked under culinary greats such as Michel Richard of Washington, DC's Citronelle, Jean-Louis Palladin of The Watergate Hotel restaurant and famed chef Charlie Trotter, brings an impressive combination of passion, experience and expertise to the South Florida dining scene. Utilizing a method of pristine preparation that delicately accents the food's natural flavors, his tantalizing menu is organized in traditional, a la carte, steakhouse fashion and will offer diners an unparalleled dining experience.

Open Tuesday- Saturday for dinner, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m., Loftin's 1116 Ocean is located at Casa Casuarina, 1116 Ocean Drive, South Beach. Valet parking available. Reservations: 305-672-6604