Brickell just became a whole lot sexier this weekend. The opening of the new EAST Miami hotel located in the heart of Brickell elevated our simple financial district to a dapper gentleman overnight. Located within Brickell City Centre, Swire Properties Inc.’s $1.05 billion mixed-use development, EAST brings a lot of luxury and embellishment to Miami’s financial district. The arrival of Swire Hotels’ first EAST property in the U.S. gave Brickell a serious Cher Horowitz makeover – new vocabulary and all. And I was totally buggin’ in anticipation for the opening.
This past Friday and Saturday, my SnapChat followers were my official plus one to the opening soirees for Quinto La Huella and Sugar, the two restaurants located inside the fabulous hotel. EAST hosted weekend events in anticipation for yesterday’s official ribbon cutting and welcome from the city of Miami. And, today, Miami’s newest addition to the neighborhood is officially open to the public… but it’s not an real welcome to Brickell without the Brickellista. So let’s explore EAST together shall we?
Quinto la Huella
Uruguay’s world-renowned Parador La Huella, hosted their grand opening event this Friday. Quinto La Huella serves as the signature restaurant for EAST, Miami. Inspired by its location on the fifth (quinto) floor of the hotel, the brand new South American concept features a unique fire cooking method with a parrilla centered at the heart of its kitchen.
Walking into this place I absolutely loved the ambiance… plus the decor matched my outfit! #winning. The beautiful marble bar is the first thing you see upon entering la Huella and I wanted to slide across it like a sexy Uraguanian Marilyn Monroe. Dreams aside… the concept also includes wood fire ovens fueled with local red and white oak and a sushi counter. The menu will certainly have something for everyone. The outdoor dining area overlooks Brickell City Centre and it’s just as intimate as the indoor seating. Perfect for those gorgeous Miami days.
Photos c/o World Red Eye
Sugar
Saturday night my friends and I joined for an intimate party to launch the official opening of EAST, Miami’s Sugar – an Asian inspired 40th floor rooftop bar and garden. The restaurant is gorgeous and while it is Asian inspired the flare is totally Miami. After we toured the venue we landed in the Tea Room which is an intimate and semi private room where guests can enjoy tapas and cocktails. After several lychee martinis, we all decided this would be our spot. The food is impeccable and the ambiance is perfect for Brickellites. 
Photos c/o World Red Eye
The Hotel
The hotel also unveiled the hotel’s grand staircase mural, designed by famed local artist, Alexander Mijares. As art is an integral part of the hotel’s DNA, EAST, Miami’s General Manager, Laurent Fraticelli said he chose Mijares because he exemplifies Miami and he wanted something to reflect its culture. During the event Mijares spoke about his inspiration behind the mural and said “if you look really carefully you can see images throughout the mural of women laying down and dancing.
My favorite thing about the hotel… the elevators. They make you feel like you are going into a trippy time warp through space.
Photos c/o World Red Eye
Since moving to Brickell in 2008, I have seen the community grow and evolve into a sophisticated urban jungle. EAST is the perfect addition to the neighborhood providing a new solace for Brickellites looking for a mini retreat during the week. I’m so excited for what’s to come in the future and hope you are too. xo ~Ev
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.