MiamiCentral, the new 11-acre mixed-use development in the heart of downtown Miami and future home of the Brightline train service, has introduced Central Fare, a dynamic, urban marketplace. Central Fare will offer authentically crafted and carefully curated culinary experiences featuring chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Richard Hales of Blackbrick Chinese; and Andres Barrientos and James Bowers of Miami Smokers, among others.
In addition to Monger by the Voltaggio Brothers, the founding artisans of Central Fare include Azucar Ice Cream Company, Blackbrick Chinese, Doggi's, Miami Smokers, Romanicos Chocolate, Rosetta The Italian Bakery and Toasted Bagelry & Deli.
The 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature separate kitchens and coordinating dining areas to represent three distinct culinary resources: fishmonger, butcher and green grocer. Guests will be able to curate their own meals through an interactive menu inspired by a vital yet simple part of most people's daily lives: the grocery list.
"Mirroring the vibrancy and cultural diversity of Miami, Central Fare will reflect the eclectic energy of its residents and travelers, providing authentic, well-crafted experiences bringing together food, beverage, ideas and community," said David McIntyre, senior vice president of operations for MiamiCentral and Brightline. "This will be the new gathering place, a unique culinary destination, showcasing the talents of both local and national artisans, tastemakers and chefs."
Opening in summer 2017, Central Fare will encompass approximately 50,000 square feet on the first and second levels of MiamiCentral. Featuring six restaurants and more than 20 food and retail purveyors, Central Fare and the Voltaggio restaurant are being designed by award-winning global hospitality design and concept firm, AvroKO.
The signature dining experience at the heart of Central Fare will be Monger by the Voltaggio Brothers, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio's first collaborative restaurant in Florida. Known for their time on Bravo's Emmy-winning season of "Top Chef," the two have also been featured on various programming for the Cooking Channel, Food Network, and the Travel Channel, and their co-authored cookbook, "VOLT ink," was released in 2011 to great acclaim.
For Central Fare's architectural inspiration, AvroKO looked to the design philosophies of iconic Miami architect Morris Lapidus; the original railroad that Henry Flagler brought to Miami; and the natural landscape and materials of Florida. AvroKO combined these elements to create a contemporary market for the Miami of today.
The open area of Central Fare will take patrons on a culinary journey with a range of food and beverage offerings that are crafted by local and regional producers who focus on authentic experiences.
"Our restaurant group has always been at the forefront of change in Miami," said Richard Hales, chef/owner of RH Restaurant Group that includes Blackbrick Chinese. "We believe MiamiCentral is the future of how we live, travel and work in our great city."