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Back in March, Eating House‘s Giorgio Rapicavoli announced he was planning a cocktail lounge named Drinking Room next door to his Coral Gables restaurant.
Rapicavoli has decided to introduce his beverage concept the same way he did his wildly successful Eating House — with a pop-up.
This time, the chef is returning to South Beach with Drinking Room, a temporary cocktail lounge at Hotel Astor on Washington Avenue.
See also: Giorgio Rapicavoli Cooks at Casa Vincola Zonin Event, Leaks New Projects
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The lounge will be located on the ground level of the property, which is undergoing a renovation to restore it to its original art deco splendor. Drinking Room will feature bar seating and sofas for lounging. There’ll also be a game room where guests can play a rousing (and tipsy) game of Twister or Monopoly.
Rapicavoli, known for his creative food recipes, is eager to share his passion for mixology with guests. Drinking Room will showcase his shaking skills and culinary prowess. Look for signature cocktails made with local produce, smoked flavors, and (you guessed it) ham.
Cocktails will include the Tenth & Washington ($11), made with tequila, guanabana, lime, jalapeño, and cilantro; Go Green Man ($11), with English gin, celery juice, citrus, and celery bitters; Maria Full of Grace ($10), with mezcal, smoked tomato, barbecue bitters, and chile de arbol; and Goin’ H.A.M. ($9), with jamón serrano-infused bourbon, and manzanilla sherry.
Small plates include “carbonara” croquetas ($9) with arborio rice, black truffle, bacon, and parmigiano; lobster sliders ($13) with butter “aioli” and celery; lettuce wraps ($10) with chicken thighs, cilantro, pickled carrot, and peanut; rock shrimp ceviche ($13) with red onion, coconut milk, and raw corn; housemade pickles and marinated olives ($8); a selection of cured meats ($18); a cheese board ($14); smoked pork steamed buns with charred onion and creamed corn ($9); and empanadas with korean barbecue, kimchee, green onion, sesame ($11). For dessert, there are ice-cream sandwiches made with Azucar’s Abuela Maria ice cream ($4).
During Art Basel, Singaporean chef Janice Wong will partner with Rapicavoli to create edible art installations.
Drinking Room pops open Tuesday, December 3, through New Year’s Eve, and will be open Monday through Wednsday from 5 p.m. to closing and Friday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to closing.
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