Photo Credit: Groot Hospitality
Hospitality power player David Grutman has long been an influential fixture in the Miami scene. First starting out in the nightlife industry, Grutman made a name for himself, particularly with the massive success of his two hot Miami nightclubs, LIV and STORY. Most recently, Grutman has ventured into the culinary hospitality scene, first introducing downtown’s haute dining destination, Komodo and its exclusive upstairs lounge, Komodo Lounge. He then opened shop in the bustling Miami Design District with the chic and casual breakfast and lunch eatery, OTL. This winter, he introduced an innovative plant-based concept with Chef David Lee that hails from Toronto called Planta in Miami’s sophisticated South of Fifth neighborhood. Therefore, it can be safely stated that Grutman knows every spot, from A-list destinations to holes-in-the-wall, that the Magic City has to offer, and certainly has the magic touch of bringing out the best of his beloved city. Here, the Haute 100-lister reveals to Haute Living his ultimate haute guide to Miami:
Where were you born: Naples, Florida
How long in Miami: 22 years
Neighborhood: Sunset Harbour
Occupation: Founder of Groot Hospitality—so I run LIV, Story, Komodo, Komodo Lounge, OTL and most recently we opened Planta. There’s more coming too.
Favorite Restaurant: Too hard to choose, Miami’s food scene is taking off—it all depends on what I am in the mood for.
Best Sushi: Plant-based sushi? Planta. All other sushi? Komodo.
Best Italian: Prime Italian
Best dessert: Foodgōd Baked Alaska Surprise at Komodo. If Cheban created it, you can bet it’s next-level.
Best place for a romantic date: Casa Tua
Best Sunday brunch: Jaya at The Setai
Best place for a power business meeting: Komodo, hands down. It’s right in the center of Brickell’s financial district so it’s the place to be downtown. If you’re on the beach, then obviously Joe’s Stone Crab is the best.
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: KITH and Hustle Vintage’s Instagram Store. Kaia is going to be rocking their stuff before you know it. I also love Shoe Gallery.
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Chrome Hearts
Best Spa: Lapis The Spa at Fontainebleau
Favorite Charity Event: When Style Saves has a weekend long give-away to underprivileged kids in Miami’s community. It’s amazing, they give clothing and school supplies to over 5000 kids who could otherwise not afford it. We get involved to make the event super fun and have our crazy LIV dancers and entertainment on site.
Favorite Cultural Event: South Beach Wine and Food Festival – obviously I love The Grutman Experience!
Favorite Cultural Institution: The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Best Steakhouse: Prime 112
Best Pizza: Lucali
Best Lunch: OTL. It’s my favorite Design District hang out. Everyone’s welcome to just come by for a coffee or stay the day and get work done or have a casual meeting.
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Anatomy…it kicks my ass.
Best way to get around Miami: The SS Groot! It’s my favorite thing to do when we have friends visiting. There’s no other place you can go boating nearly 365 days a year.
Best thing to happen the past year: Kaia was born and she changed our world forever. She’s amazing and Isabela is an amazing mother.
Best Private Jet Service: JetSmarter
Best Museum/Exhibit: Museum of Ice Cream
Describe your city in three words: Crazy, fun and unique
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Little Havana Calle Ocho
All-around favorite spot in Miami: Wynwood
Best Aspect of Miami: Miami is really a melting pot of culture. People come to this city from all over the world and call it home, and that’s a beautiful thing. I could live anywhere in the world and we choose Miami.
