I was a huge fan of Jaguar Sun and Proof, especially with chefs Carey Haynes and Justin Flit, so I couldn’t wait to try their newest joint venture, Vice Versa, which opened in the summer of 2024 at 398 NE 5th Street, inside the lobby of the new Elser Hotel. Located across from Bayside, Vice Versa is small, lively, and buzzing with energy. It is an Italian aperitivo bar with a Miami twist.
With space for about 50-60 excited diners, the restaurant’s emerald green interior is dark, moody, and modern, featuring playful prints, marble table tops, and bronze palm fronds sconces. The menu is compact but packed with excellent choices, offering raw bar highlights like the incredibly fresh scallops in tomato water or the fiery royal red shrimp with a cherry bomb that will set your taste buds ablaze. The Caesar salad is another standout, and there are other interesting bites, but the real star here is the pizzas, made with a 24-48 hour fermentation process.
Light, with a perfectly blistered, airy crust, these Neapolitan -style pizzas might just be my new favourite in Miami. We tried the classic Margherita, which I loved for its slightly sweet tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The mushroom pizza, with white sauce, maitake mushrooms, and Parmesan, was equally delicious. There were 7 different options to choose from.
Vice Versa is a collaboration between the Jaguar Sun team and a Roman bartender Valentino Longo. The restaurant’s name reflects the idea that there is no specific time for an aperitivo- it’s always the right time. The drinks are exquisite, focusing on Italian-inspired cocktails, including expertly crafted Negroni, Spritzes, Martinis, and fortified wines. Valentino’s expertise shines through the drink offerings. Valentino is an award-winning bartender who began his career at the Hotel de Russie in Rome, then moved to the Ritz in London, and later worked at the Champagne Bar at the Surf Club at the Four Seasons Hotel in Surfside, Miami.
The desserts at Vice Versa may be limited to gelato, but don’t let that fool you-they are exceptional. Homemade, creamy, and bursting with flavour, the vanilla and pistachio gelatos were rich and luxurious, while the plum and blood orange sorbets were incredibly refreshing and delectable.
Vice Versa is open seven days a week from 5pm, and the staff is warm and welcoming as ever. You can valet park or there is parking across the road near Bayside. Though the absence of Jaguar Sun leaves a void in my heart, the opening of Vice Versa has helped fill it. (I also hear they offer a Proof burger on Mondays!) I also eagerly anticipate the reopening of Sunny’s later this year.
Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
11/01/2024
