CH'I

First Look: Inside Ch’i, Brickell’s New Chinese-Latin Restaurant and Bar - Eater Miami

"The teams behind South Florida hotspots like the Wharf, Red Rooster, Stubborn Seed, Glass & Vine, and more, have officially opened the doors to their latest outpost Ch’i (stylized CH’I), a massive four-in-one space inside Brickell City Center offering a variety of Chinese food with Latin twists, drinks, and music. Partnering up for the first time are Grove Bay Hospitality Group and Breakwater Hospitality Group to bring to life the 12,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor space that includes three bars, two DJ booths, and multiple lounge and dining areas. The space is divided into four sections: the garden, the Mercado, the lounge, and the main dining room. Guests enter the main space through the Mercado, which is modeled after markets seen throughout Asia offering casual, counter-service dishes like soups, salads, bao, rotisserie, and wok items. The space is decked out with retro neon signs, floor-to-ceiling walls lined with antiques, and video games. In the back of the Mercado customers can find the entrance to the Lounge, which showcases two large murals by artist Mallory Dawn atop a mirrored wall, and more than 150 paper lanterns strung overhead. The lounge serves up a variety of cocktails, and even bottle service for those who really want to get the party going. Ch’i’s main dining room features up a menu of contemporary Chinese cuisine with Latin spins created by chef Rafael Perez Cambana, who has done stints at kitchens like GKB in Wynwood, the Setai in South Beach, and the Mandarin Oriental in Miami. Menu highlights include ropa vieja spring rolls, Peking duck tacos, shrimp enchilada dumplings, and 32-ounce porterhouse steak served with a lemongrass ginger chimichurri. Inside the dining room guests will find crystal chandeliers hanging above columns lined with tropical palm fond wallpaper, large floral murals, and plenty of jewel-tone decor. Ch’i’s outdoor terrace garden area features an island bar, cabana seating, and a large-scale light installation intertwined with greenery. Guests can order from the Mercado menu during the daytime, while at night the space will host DJs and offer a more lounge-like atmosphere. Ch’i is now open daily inside Brickell City Centre at 701 South Miami Avenue. The Mercado and the garden are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and from 11 a.m to 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. The dining room and lounge are open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday." - Olee Fowler