Planning a corporate holiday party? Here’s a list of six new venues that cater to groups.
1. The Spa at Icon Brickell opened its in-house movie theater and party room in May. Designed by Phillip Starck, the theater has white-draped walls and is outfitted with navy blue couches seating 36. The venue has holiday-themed movies like Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Carol planned for the month of December, but other films can be shown upon request. The adjoining party room can accommodate an additional 40 for events. On-site restaurants Café Icon and Eos can provide catering.
2. MaiTardi opened in October in the former Brosia restaurant space in the design district. Recognizable for its mosaic-walled courtyard, the Italian restaurant can seat 80 on the patio or host as many as 150 for receptions. For private events, the indoor dining room can seat 30 or accommodate 45 for receptions.
3. Action Yacht Charters and Events has just added a new 78-foot catamaran to its fleet. The Caribbean Spirit can accommodate as many as 125 people and has a full cabin below with bathroom and kitchen facilities. There is fixed seating for 93, rail seating for 32, and a trampoline net area for additional guests on deck. Three crew members accompany each charter and the boat is U.S. Coast Guard Certified. The company can provide catering and entertainment services as well as arrange water sports equipment.
4. MI-VI lounge is scheduled to open at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in mid-December. Formerly the Sport of Kings Lounge, the 15,000-square-foot space is being redesigned with a “House of Windsor meets Studio 54” design, according to its president, seasoned nightlife promoter Gerry Kelly. The venue’s open layout will feature a 40-foot stage and six bars and be able to accommodate 400 seated or 1,000 for receptions. Catering is handled in house.
5. The latest addition to the Coconut Grove bar scene, Switch opened on Halloween night. The 1,093-square-foot venue has a 30-foot bar, 10 plasma TVs, a built-in DJ booth, and can seat 80 or hold as many as 200 for buyouts. As its name implies, the bar will switch its theme and cuisine every few months; it is currently serving a mix of Spanish and Italian tapas.
6. La Bottega Enoteca Sociale, a retail wine shop with underground wine room, opened in Coconut Grove in mid-October. The private room, known as La Cava, is located underneath Calamari Italian Seafood and is outfitted with leather sofas and club chairs and has wine racks lining the walls. Ideally suited for private events, the space can accommodating groups of 40.
