2009-01-13 00:27:40 -
The famed 1930s Miami Beach landmark Casa Casuarina (the former Versace Mansion), owned and operated by entrepreneur Peter Loftin, is proud to announce the opening of Loftin's 1116 Ocean, the estate's signature restaurant. This marks the first time in Casa Casuarina's history that the famed estate has opened designated areas to the public.
Once accessible only to Hollywood A-List guests
and private members, Casa Casuarina will be now be available to the community via Loftin's 1116 Ocean, under the helm of acclaimed executive chef Dale Ray. With limited reservations, the restaurant will be open for dinner and private parties only from Monday to Sunday, 7:00 to 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, and Bill and Hillary Clinton, among dozens of others.
The upscale, New American-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 guests between the front terrace, 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; succulent two pound lobsters; and hearty prime cuts of beef, rack of lamb and veal, with accompaniments large enough for sharing. Dishes will also be partnered tableside with a variety of rare sea salts, exotic peppers and condiments. An extensive and impressive wine list is offered to satisfy any wine connoisseur's palate while a signature cocktail menu including the Casatini (a refreshing blend of Effen Cherry vodka and Inniskillin ice wine) is perfect for sipping poolside.
Chef Ray, who has worked under culinary greats such as Michel Richard of Washington, D.C.'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 Monday to Sunday for dinner, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m., Loftin's 1116 Ocean is located at Casa Casuarina, 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Valet parking is available. For more information and reservations, please call 305-672-6604 or visit www.casacasuarina.com.
