MIAMI, FL - Dining in Miami will never be the same after a culinary adventure at Kaori, opening on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016. Italian Celebrity Chef Walter Martino will unveil his divine journey of the senses that will be unlike any other dining experience. This will be the first restaurant by the "Million Dollar Chef," where guests will be surrounded in a cutting-edge, 360-degree cinematography technology with art, ambient music, intoxicating scents, and exclusive seating. Italian and Japanese influences will combine to execute the pioneering and stunning dishes crafted with only the best ingredients.
Kaori – translates to 'inner beauty' in Japanese – is Chef Walter Martino's first project of this kind, "I chose Miami to be the home of my very first restaurant because I feel the worldly audience will appreciate my culinary vision," said Chef Walter Martino. He believes the city's culture is a perfect reflection of his luxurious cuisine fusing global flavors into the electrifying experience of Kaori. Dishes are influenced by the Chef's Italian heritage and passion for the Japanese cuisine. Plates are meant to be shared and to captivate diners showcasing not only pronounced presentations, but, also by each custom-designed plate where the dishes are finished tableside.
Prior to opening Kaori, Chef Walter served as a private chef in Ibiza where he served a variety of high-end clientele including, the Prince of Dubai. He designed the most expensive plates in the world, which was a masterpiece of art glistening in solid gold and 84 diamonds. The Royal Prince then purchased the plate for one million euros after dinner in Ibiza, giving Chef Walter Martino the title of "Million Dollar Chef." Since that plate, Walter Martino has created three more valued by Ben Gioielli at the Venetian in Las Vegas, where they are now on sale for 7.8, 9.7 and 12.5 million. L'Oro di Bacco is another of his unique creations, a bottle of champagne valued at 1.7 million euros containing 24k gold and hundreds of diamonds, a unique piece for collectors and currently only available for exhibition.
The menu at Kaori comprises of small intricate plates designed for guests and groups to share and experience amongst each other. Each dish has its own unique personality and the cuisine is divided between the inventive Kaori rolls including a version made with Bresaola Wagyu Beef, Caciotta DI Bufala Cilento, Iceberg, Mango, Giusti Balsamic and Truffle Honey ($26), sashimi, ceviche, brocheta or indulgent homemade pastas like the Fagottini Stuffed with Caciotta White Truffle of Alba Piemonte served in Pistacho of Bronte Sauce ($12). Sushiotto is a signature section at Kaori that harmoniously combines risotto and fresh fish ranging from a saffron essence to a rich calamari ink ($18-22). For a grand finale, desserts include a vegan option and an explosive Chocolate Cake ($12).
Premium spirits are only available at Kaori, in addition to the finest wines and champagnes in the world. The mixology program was curated by Nick Nistico who successfully developed programs for Volver by Chef Jose Garces and the Regent Cocktail Club in Miami, FL. Cocktails are thoughtfully performed featuring options like a cherry wood Smoked Old Fashioned served in a Smoked Snifter Glass, Bell Pepper Caraway shaken with Red chili and cilantro oil dots and an Apricot Fig infused beverage. Drinks range from $17-43.
Kaori is an intimate setting where guests ignite their senses through the hypnotizing sounds, technology, beauty, taste and scents. There are 12 tables inside the restaurant seating a total of 24 with an additional 6 seats behind the interactive Chef's Table for a memorable experience by the one and only, Chef Walter Martino. A lounge area is also outside the restaurant where guests are welcomed to order from the menu. Culinary enthusiasts have the ability to take the ultimate voyage among three lavish tasting menus where extravagant ingredients will be utilized including edible silver and gold and paired with only the finest liquors, champagne and wines which are priced at $300, $500 and $700.
Kaori is only open for dinner with operating hours from 6- 12 PM, located on 1250 S. Miami Avenue in Brickell. On Friday and Saturday the restaurant is open until 2 AM serving dishes from the raw bar and cocktails starting at 12 PM. Reservations can be made on Open Table or by emailing [email protected]. For more information visit www.kaoribywm.com and spark senses by following Kaori by WM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. With an increase in interest from all over the word and limited seating, Kaori is now accepting reservations. The restaurant is expected to reach maximum capacity nightly.
About Kaori by Walter Martino
Kaori is a revolutionary culinary journey of all the five senses pioneered by Chef Walter Martino. Designed with state-of the art technology, seating inside is limited to 24 patrons along with a chef private chefs table and outdoor lounge seating. The luxurious and innovative cuisine comprises of international cuisine, combining flavors of the world and different processing techniques from the 'savoir faire' of the renowned chef. Walter Martino bases himself between Miami and Ibiza and travels the world delivering his luxurious catering services to billionaires, celebrities, royalty and anyone who wants to embark on a culinary adventure unlike no other. Kaori is only open for dinner and closed Mondays with operating hours from 6- 12 PM, located on 1250 S. Miami Avenue in Brickell. On Friday and Saturday the restaurant is open until 2 AM serving dishes from the raw bar and cocktails starting at 12 PM. For more information please visit www.kaoribywm.com.