Nestled in the space formerly occupied by the Ivy restaurant, Bar Rosso & Vinoteca officially opened in Aventura last week. The new venue combines a menu of Italian-American fare with wine education from a staff knowledgeable of the in-house selection.
Executive chef Joshua Medina, formerly of Wish restaurant, created a diverse menu of small plates, fresh seafood and pastas, a selection of mozzarellas, and custom pizzas and panini cooked in a wood-burning oven. The Vinoteca aspect of the neighborhood eatery is evident in the 100 wines served by the glass, and the waitstaff encourages guests, especially groups, to try a variety of vinos by pairing three-ounce and nine-ounce pours with different menu items.
At the entrance, the restaurantβs lounge is anchored by a red mosaic column accented with decoupage wine labels. The loungeβs 21-foot mahogany bar has a white carrera marble top and seats 16. There are also two communal tables ideal for wine seminars and wine and food pairing classes that can seat 50.
The main dining room is decorated with chrome and glass chandeliers, mahogany tables seating 125, and is awash in red lighting. A hand-painted mural adorns one of the floor-to-ceiling windows making up the right wall. Additionally, an old-school jukebox can be played free of charge.
A semiprivate wine room in the rear of the restaurant houses 1,200 bottles of wine and a table for 15. Bar Rossaβs covered outdoor pavilionβdubbed the Parkβspans 1,500 square feet and can seat 125 or host as many as 200 for receptions. The Park also boasts two 30-inch plasma-screen TVs that display a live feed of the exhibition kitchen inside. The TVs can also be used for presentations.
Buyouts are available for as many as 400 for receptions.