This year saw the openings of many significant event and meeting venues in South Florida, including restaurants from big-name chefs, private rooms, hotels, bars, lounges, event spaces, meeting spaces, spas, and more—even a screening room. Here's a look at the most notable venues to open in South Florida in 2011.
Photo: Courtesy of Trio on the Bay
1. The Dutch
Chef Andrew Carmellini opened the Dutch at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences in November after much success at its New York location. The 170-seat restaurant features indoor and outdoor space, a private area for 14, and salads, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts on the root-inspired menu.
Photo: Courtesy of The Dutch
2. High Bar at Dream Hotel
Dream South Beach opened in June and features 108 guestrooms, Tudor restaurant with seating for 104, and rooftop lounge High Bar outfitted with an infinity pool, casual seating areas, and space for 275 guests.
Photo: David E. Durbak
3. South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center
The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center debuted in October with a 966-seat main stage theater with stucco walls and velour curtains. In the activities building, two spaces are available for events: a 2,160-square-foot theater lab and a dance studio with more than 1,500 feet of space.
Photo: Robin Hill
4. New World Center
The Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, which opened in mid-January, offers 30,000 square feet of space in its performance hall, a 7,000-square-foot projection wall, and a 2,400-square-foot multipurpose room.
Photo: Claudia Uribe
5. Elle Spa
Fashion magazine Elle opened its first Elle Spa at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach in June. The 22,000-square-foot spa boasts rooftop V.I.P. cabanas, a hair and nail salon, group exercise studio, and beachfront fitness center.
Photo: Brett Hufziger
6. Miami Beach Cinematheque
The Miami Beach Cinematheque, which debuted its new home in February, features a screening room with 75 plush, stadium-style seats. It can hold 240 for a cocktail reception.
Photo: Courtesy of Miami Beach Cinematheque
7. B Ocean Fort Lauderdale
The B Ocean Fort Lauderdale opened in February with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Atlantic Ocean from three meeting and event spaces that occupy the penthouse floor. The 3,180-square-foot Infinity Ballroom accommodates 250, the Horizon Ballroom holds 150, and a 506-square-foot boardroom fits 40 people in a theater or reception setting.
Photo: Courtesy of B Ocean Fort Lauderdale
8. Trio on the Bay
The restaurant and nightclub Trio on the Bay space has 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space divided into six private areas.
Photo: Courtesy of Trio on the Bay
9. Haven
The 2,000-square-foot gastropub Haven seats 120 and has a range of high-tech audiovisual branding options including streaming images on walls.
Photo: Courtesy of Haven
10. Philippe Boca Raton
Philippe Boca Raton, a 9,000-square-foot Chinese eatery, opened in August with a modern design, private cellar, and two private dining rooms.
Photo: Courtesy of Philippe Boca Raton
