More News On The Karu & Y Closing
Karu is closed, but not forever, which is good, because otherwise we'd have to feel really badly for the owners who sank a ton of money into renovation just 16 months ago:
Opened at a cost of $25 million in September 2006, Karu seemed over the top even by Miami standards, with a massive chandelier by glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mercedes-Benz shuttle service to the nearby performing arts center and a chef trained in Spain's cocina de autor.While we don't have much faith in this one particular restaurant turning Overtown around (especially when it can't afford to keep its doors open), we do think that area will eventually be on the upswing, given the trend of downtown revitalization. It's just way too close to downtown to remain so depressed forever. That said, we still think that day is quite a bit off.The decor will remain, but the menu ''will go to the Mediterranean side,'' Sotomayor says, with ''a big-name chef'' replacing Alberto Cabrera.
A $3 million lounge renovation will be finished in time for the March 25-30 Winter Music Conference, Sotomayor said, with the restaurant reopening thereafter with backing from ``a high-roller company, not from Miami.''
Putting a pricey restaurant in a depressed area was not necessarily folly, says Karu's former publicist, Susan Brustman: ``In other cities, restaurants have turned neighborhoods around.''
As for the changes, we're curious to hear who this big-name chef will be. (We're wondering if said chef has already been selected, or if the owners just decided they need to look for someone with a 'big name.') As for the proposed menu changes, towards a more Mediterranean theme, we're underwhelmed. It's been done. A lot.
Closed: Karu Restaurant & Y [MP: South Florida]
Posh Karu restaurant closes -- for now [Miami Herald]
Karu Restaurant & Y [MenuPages]
Comments
A Mediterranean theme is a failure before the doors re-open. Keep Karu as a club and leave the idea of a restaurant alone. Cabrera proofed that there was a reason why he was fired from the previous 4 restaurants he worked at. Plain and simple, he is just not a very good chef. Karu's problems are more than just the food, no one will go there for any theme concept. Maybe in 3 to 4 years when the area builds up.
Posted by: Alain Fetengier | February 12, 2008 04:10 AM
Another closing to report. The Restaurant at St. Michel in Coral Gables previously Chef Innocent at St. Michel, closed it's doors last week. The two partners whom were leasing the restaurant from owner Potamkin, simply ran it into the ground. Now, will Potamkin get back into the restaurant business and re-open St Michel??
Posted by: Emily Contreras | February 12, 2008 04:16 AM
Thanks Emily for the heads up!
As for Karu, I agree with you Alain. It's going to take a few years for that area to improve. Not that I'd discourage a restaurant from testing the waters and possibly bringing some change; it just seems stupid to pump $25 million into the venture.
Posted by: Carolina | February 12, 2008 09:46 AM
Alain,
I was never fired from a job I don't know where you get your facts. As far as me being a good chef, you can come and try my food at the at the award ceremony for the national rising star chef. You are what's wrong with Miami. I grew up in Miami and I am dissapointed in hearing such attacks. I have sat back and read all of these ridiculous blogs and the fact is we did an outstanding job at Karu.
Posted by: Alberto A. Cabrera | February 19, 2008 11:15 AM
I have been to Karu and it was horrible your dishes don't make sence. From my sources you were fired from Chispa, La Broche, the Diner and Karu and Y. I don't need to go there, you have proven yourself at Karu. Don't you read the reviews!!!
Posted by: Alain | February 20, 2008 07:18 PM