Playful yet elegant, the 194-room South Beach icon The Delano is synonymous with style and sophistication. Guests get a taste of whimsy as soon as they step through the lobby which welcomes eager extravagance in nine beautifully conceived areas. Originally designed by visionary Philipe Starck, the property houses a stunning international collection of furniture and objects, including works from renowned artists Antonio Gaudi, Man Ray, Charles and Ray Eames, Salvador Dali and Mark Newson.
For years The Delano has acted as Miami’s primo example of SoBe Art Deco architectural style. More recently the iconic hotel has blossomed into a high-profile celebrity hang-out boasting two acclaimed restaurants, subterranean nightclub, cocktail lounge, private media room, curated lifestyle shop, rooftop wellness retreat and solarium and poolside cabanas and bungalows.
After marching up Ocean Drive I whisked my way through the hotels enviable lobby and spilled out onto a breezy veranda. I was seated at Delano’s signature restaurant Bianca and immediately found myself adventuring through their cocktail list a la iPad. Whilst sipping on a Black Mule I couldn’t help but appreciate the vibe here. Enjoying an afternoon snack on Bianca’s perch allows lazy lunchers to gawk at the pretty people who stroll by on their way to the hotels legendary turquoise pool. In the course of one hour one can indulge in that quintessential South Beach glitz and glamour as bronzed babes wearing skimpy bikinis, oversized beach hats, stoic stilettos and Marc Jacobs bags stroll past.
Best to accompany your people watching parade with a few dishes from Bianca’s Italian inspired kitchen. Be sure to start off with their light Fuji Apple Salad featuring endive, candied pecans and creamy buttermilk lemon dressing. If you’re looking for a heavier bout of sustenance focus on the Chef’s house-made pastas: a decadent umami forward Truffle Tagliatelle or creamy guanciale adorned Carbonara.
The Feast:
Black Mule
grey goose cherry noir, ginger beer, lime juice
Fuji Apple Salad
belgian endive, candied pecans, chives, buttermilk lemon dressing
Meat Balls
12 hour gravy
Beef Carpaccio Grande
gorgonzola polenta, roasted cipollini
Carbonara
rustichella spaghetti, guanciale, egg, black pepper
Truffle Tagliatelle
handmade pasta, seasonal truffle, cream
