China Grill Management Back in South Beach with Nautilus Cabana Club

The wait is finally over as South Beach’s Nautilus, a SIXTY hotel, is set to opens its doors on October 1^st with the coinciding launch of Nautilus Cabana Club, a pristine European-style beachside dining experience. Iron Chef’s Alex Guarnaschelli was selected by China Grill Management, who operate and manage the club, to head up the restaurant’s kitchen. She will bring her talents to South Beach along with chef de cuisine Lucas Marino. The duo will collaborate side-by-side creating health-conscious Mediterrean infused dishes that will entice taste buds with local ingredients. From fresh grilled fish to savory light salads, the menu will emphasize Guarnaschilli’s rich flavored vegetarian plates, but will still include succulent options for all patrons.

The casual-yet-chic Nautilus Cabana Club is located in the newly transformed Nautilus boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Art Deco district and will feature a combination of amenities, including an indoor seating area with mid-century furnishings, accents of wood and brass, and a stunning blue marble bar. The outdoor seating option will span a total of 2,500 square feet of wood deck wrapped in an array of opulent landscaping along with cabanas and a state-of-the-art salt water stepping pool. On the surrounding lawns, guests can take in beachside views on Bolivian hammocks and further indulge in the Miami sanctuary.

Jason Pomeranc, CEO of Sixty Hotels, discussed the behind the scenes planning of the restaurant, “When developing this concept we wanted to be more than just a restaurant, we wanted to create an experience, you can eat, dine, lounge anywhere and move throughout our hotel comfortably. Under the direction of Alex Guarnaschelli, the restaurant will be a tropical oasis for both guests and locals seeking simplicity, exceptional service in a serene setting.”

The woman of the hour, Alex Guarnaschelli, is a veteran in the kitchen with a jam-packed resume to prove it. The Chopped judge, star-studded chef, and author of her own book, Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook, will create what she calls a “beachy and fun” atmosphere to showcase her creations and give South Beach a taste of what she is made of.

Located at 1825 Collins Ave, the public will be sure to flood the scene to hone in on all the excitement. Guests will be greeted in the Driftwood Room at the entrance of the hotel which was originally designed by architect Morris Lapidus in 1950. The room offers up a nod to his famous “Staircase to Nowhere” which greeted guests once upon a time along with an orchestra.  Now, upon arrival, guests will embark on their gastronomical experience in Guarnaschelli’s kitchen.