"I took a first look inside this new American steakhouse from the creators of Queen Miami Beach, which opens to the public on May 11 in the former El Tucán space in Brickell and even jokingly 'pays homage' to Major General Marquis de Lafayette — just kidding. Designed by Carlos Rodriguez of Escala Forma Studio and Mathieu Massa of Mr. Hospitality, the interior is purposely over-the-top, with a dark jewel-tone palette of mahogany, oak, and leather punctuated by bright, maximalist decor that aims to evoke the opulence of a bygone era. Executive chef Kylian Goussot, whose background includes stints at Michelin-starred restaurants and work with chefs like Joël Robuchon and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, created a menu of luxurious starters such as caviar-topped deviled eggs, fried chicken, and fettuccine alongside raw bar items and salads; mains focus on specialty steaks (including dry-aged NY strip and a baby tomahawk that can be finished with sauces or even foie gras) as well as truffle roast chicken, rack of lamb, grilled branzino, and the Lafayette Cheeseburger, while desserts are by pastry chef Nelson Mendonca, formerly of Alain Ducasse’s team. The steakhouse will be open Sunday to Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to late." - Olee Fowler