NEW ON WASHINGTON AVENUE
Meet Georgios Vogiatzis, Owner of Bar Habana & El Patio Restaurant
New restaurant on 660 Washington Avenue If you've ever strolled along Miami Beach, chances are you're familiar with the name Georgios Vogiatzis. Georgios is renowned as the proprietor of Santorinis south of 5th, and now he's embarking on an exciting new venture at 6th and Washington within the Anglers Hotel called Bar Habana & El Patio Restaurant.
Over the years, his infectious spirit has captivated sports stars, entertainers, politicians, locals and beachgoers alike with his warmth, happiness, and joyful demeanor.Georgios Vogiatzis isn't just a restaurateur; he's the embodiment of a culinary enthusiast. With a profound passion for food, he views dishes as more than mere sustenance; they represent a magical fusion that transcends cultural boundaries and fosters unity. To Georgios, every plate signifies harmony and connection in our diverse world.
This philosophy shines through in the culinary masterpieces meticulously crafted in his kitchens, promising an unforgettable dining experience.The Washington Avenue BID caught up with him recently and thought you'd enjoy hearing a little more about his new concept.
Q&A
WAVE - What makes your business a must-visit destination on Washington Avenue?
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Georgios Vogiatzis - All I can say is prepare to be tantalized by a fresh, incredibly tasty menu paired with special classic drinks of the highest quality. Picture yourself immersed in the most beautiful ambiance imaginable, within the spectacular property that is an oasis of colonial style nestled in the heart of Miami Beach. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and lush English garden greenery, your dining experience will transcend the ordinary into the extraordinary. Like many of my visitors at Santorini's, we have experience in creating a perfectly manicured atmosphere with the perfect dining experience that will make your taste buds delightful.
WAVE - What inspired you to start your own business?
Georgios Vogiatzis - Hospitality is not just a job for me; it's a passion that runs deep. I thrive on the opportunity to bring joy to others and to witness the smiles that light up their faces when they savor our food.
There's something truly magical about how food has the power to uplift spirits and create moments of genuine happiness. In my eyes, serving goes beyond mere tasks; it's an art form, a special talent that requires genuine care and dedication to our customer's satisfaction. This same attitude permeates every corner of our kitchen. While anyone can cook and assemble ingredients, we approach each dish with love and intention, aiming to nourish more than just the body but also the soul.
For me and my team, this fusion of hospitality, serving, and cooking is not just a job—it's an inspiration that drives us to create memorable experiences for each and every guest we welcome through our doors.
El Patio Restaurant
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WAVE - Could you share a little bit about the story behind your business name?
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Georgios Vogiatzis - Marc Lawrence, the owner of the Anglers Hotel, and I teamed up to elevate the Hotel to new heights. Marc's meticulous attention to detail impressed me from the start, making our partnership a natural fit. Together, we've added our own unique touches and special pieces to amplify the allure of his previous bar, lounge, and restaurant.
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Our vision? To create a vibrant environment where friends can gather, indulge in authentic tapas, and savor Spanish and Mediterranean specialties. At El Patio, our restaurant, we've curated a menu bursting with fresh, vivid flavors, aromatic spices, and high-quality ingredients that harmonize with the bounty of local Florida farms and the richness of Caribbean fish and seafood. All of this is set against the backdrop of a lush green patio atmosphere on the Washington Avenue Promenade.
From the moment you step onto the block, you'll feel the warmth of our welcoming environment. It's not just about what you see—it's about the feeling, the attitude, the essence of celebration that our name embodies.
WAVE - What sets your business apart from others in the same industry?
Georgios Vogiatzis - At the heart of our business, we are deep-rooted in commitment to our community and neighborhood. As locals ourselves, we genuinely care about our neighbors and residents, viewing them not just as customers, but as part of our extended family. We're grateful that they recognize us as a destination for quality food and service, but what truly sets us apart is the way we treat each individual with warmth and familiarity.
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This dedication to community is also why tourists find solace in what we offer. We go above and beyond to make them feel at home and valued during their vacation. It's this seamless blend of hospitality and family-like atmosphere that defines our ethos and sets us apart in the industry.
WAVE - Why Washington Avenue?
Georgios Vogiatzis - Having been around for quite some time, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformation of Washington Avenue under the guidance of Troy E. Wright, the Executive Director of the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District. Situated at the heart of Miami Beach, Washington Avenue boasts a wealth of stunning historical buildings and a plethora of options for hotels, bars, restaurants, and shopping, all just a stone's throw away from the beach.
With my new concept, strategically positioned in this prime location, I'm poised to thrive alongside the resurgence of Washington Avenue to its former glory. I'm also deeply impressed by the concerted efforts of the police department and city officials, who share a common vision for the revitalization of Miami Beach, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and desirable destination for locals and visitors alike. We will do our part.
Bar Habana - Step into Bar Habana and be transported to the heart of Cuba during its golden era – the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Our cocktail menu is a curated collection of authentic, original blends from yesteryears, alongside new, fun creations inspired by the original cocktails of Cuba and the sunny vibrance of Miami Beach. Indulge in our Bar de Tapas, where the essence of Cuban and Spanish seaports come alive through a selection of homemade tapas.
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Owner: Georgrios Vogiatzis
Restaurant: Bar Habana & El Patio Restaurant
Location: 660 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Reservations: Link
Instagram: Link
MUHAMMAD ALI
60TH ANNIVERSAY
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MUHAMMAD ALI
The Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) is set to host a landmark tribute event honoring the unparalleled legacy of Muhammad Ali, commemorating the 60th anniversary of his historic victory over Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964.
Experience the life-changing history and timeline of Muhammad Ali as we celebrate the pivotal moments that catapulted Ali into becoming a global icon.
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Why Washington Ave?
Washington Avenue holds a unique place in the history of Muhammad Ali's illustrious career. Home to the renowned 5th Street Gym, where Ali honed his skills, it was also the location where he secured his first heavyweight title at 17th and Washington.
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MUHAMMAD ALI
HISTORICAL TIMELINE EXHIBITION OPEN
UNTIL JUNE 1, 2024
555 WASHINGTON AVENUE
HOURS 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK
ALI
Muhammad Ali (born January 17, 1942, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.—died June 3, 2016, Scottsdale, Arizona) was an American professional boxer and social activist. Ali was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions; he successfully defended this title 19 times.
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Ali's journey from his Miami childhood to his legendary bouts like the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila is commemorated in the Historical Timeline and Tribute located at 555 Washington Avenue, situated in the vicinity of the renowned Angelo Dundee 5th Street Gym. Countless individuals harbor personal anecdotes of encounters with Ali, moments that provoked profound thought or catalyzed life-altering changes.
These cherished memories can be revisited and honored at the Historical Timeline and Tribute, serving as a poignant reminder of Ali's enduring impact on our lives and perspectives.
When Clay was 12 years old, he took up boxingunder the tutelage of Louisville policeman Joe Martin. After advancing through the amateur ranks, he won a gold medal in the 175-pound division at the 1960 Olympic Games in Romeand began a professional career under the guidance of the Louisville Sponsoring Group, a syndicate composed of 11 wealthy white men.
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In his early bouts as a professional, Clay was more highly regarded for his charm and personality than for his ring skills. He sought to raise public interest in his fights by reading childlike poetry and spouting self-descriptive phrases such as “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He told the world that he was “the Greatest,” but the hard realities of boxing seemed to indicate otherwise. Clay infuriated devotees of the sport as much as he impressed them. He held his hands unconventionally low, backed away from punches rather than bobbing and weaving out of danger, and appeared to lack true knockout power. The opponents he was besting were a mixture of veterans who were long past their prime and fighters who had never been more than mediocre. Thus, purists cringed when Clay predicted the round in which he intended to knock out an opponent, and they grimaced when he did so and bragged about each new conquest.
On February 25, 1964, Clay challenged Sonny Liston for the heavyweight championship of the world. Liston was widely regarded as the most intimidating, powerful fighter of his era. Clay was a decided underdog. But in one of the most stunning upsets in sports history, Liston retired to his corner after six rounds, and Clay became the new champion. Two days later Clay shocked the boxing establishment again by announcing that he had accepted the teachings of the Nation of Islam. On March 6, 1964, he took the name Muhammad Ali, which was given to him by his spiritual mentor, Elijah Muhammad.
For the next three years, Ali dominated boxing as thoroughly and magnificently as any fighter ever had. In a May 25, 1965, rematch against Liston, he emerged with a first-round knockout victory. Triumphs over Floyd Patterson, George Chuvalo, Henry Cooper, Brian London, and Karl Mildenberger followed. On November 14, 1966, Ali fought Cleveland Williams. Over the course of three rounds, Ali landed more than 100 punches, scored four knockdowns, and was hit a total of three times. Ali’s triumph over Williams was succeeded by victories over Ernie Terrell and Zora Folley.
Then, on April 28, 1967, citing his religious beliefs, Ali refused induction into the U.S. Army at the height of the war in Vietnam. This refusal followed a blunt statement voiced by Ali 14 months earlier: “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Vietcong.” Many Americans vehemently condemned Ali’s stand, though one of Ali’s earliest defenders was famed sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, who had covered and praised the fighter since the beginning of his career as Cassius Clay. Ali’s position was especially controversial because it came at a time when most people in the United States still supported the war in Southeast Asia. Moreover, although exemptions from military service on religious grounds were available to qualifying conscientious objectors who were opposed to war in any form, Ali was not eligible for such an exemption, because he acknowledged that he would be willing to participate in an Islamic holy war.
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Ali was stripped of his championship and precluded from fighting by every state athletic commission in the United States for three and a half years. In addition, he was criminally indicted and, on June 20, 1967, convicted of refusing induction into the U.S. armed forces and sentenced to five years in prison. Although he remained free on bail, four years passed before his conviction was unanimously overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court on a narrow procedural ground.
Meanwhile, as the 1960s grew more tumultuous, Ali’s impact upon American society was growing, and he became a lightning rod for dissent. Ali’s message of Black pride and Black resistance to white domination was on the cutting edge of the civil rights movement. Having refused induction into the U.S. Army, he also stood for the proposition that “unless you have a very good reason to kill, war is wrong.” As Black activist Julian Bond later observed, “When a figure as heroic and beloved as Muhammad Ali stood up and said, ‘No, I won’t go,’ it reverberated through the whole society.”
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AWARD WINNING
RESTAURANTS - HOTELS - BARS
CONGRATULATIONS TO STEVE ADKINS!
SOUTH FLORIDA TOURISM PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
A WASHINGTON AVENUE BUSINESS
This week the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) voted Steve Adkins as the South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year award. Mr. Adkins is the President of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. The award represents a cross-section of the local hospitality and tourism industry who have contributed to elevating Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s travel and tourism industry to one of the most admired and successful in the world. Additionally, they enthusiastically supported programs to create an educated, professional industry workforce for the future.
STEVE ADKINS HOLDING THE TROPHY
WASHINGTON AVENUE HISTORY:
There’s no denying that Muhammad and The Beatles were all skilled at delivering powerful hits in their own rights. It wasn’t until February 18, 1964, however, that their paths eventually crossed at Miami Beach’s 5th Street Gym on Washington Avenue. more
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5TH & WASHINGTON
Photo: Express Newspapers via AP Images
re DISCOVER
WASHINGTON AVENUE
ON WASHINGTON
Seawell Fish N' Oyster
Located within Kimpton Angler's Hotel in famed South Beach, Seawell Fish N' Oyster lures you with local ocean bounty. Our menu approaches regional favorites with a modern take in dishes like his low country boil, fish dip smoked in house and lobster bisque en croute.
6TH & WASHINGTON
