Miami Living Magazine

The ocean breeze, moonlit sky, wooden tables, wicker chairs, seafood dishes and rum-based cocktails — this isn't the Caribbean, but it very well could be. It's South Beach. More specifically, The Rum Line, a new tropical outdoor oasis at 1601 Collins Ave., hidden on the terrace of the St. Moritz Towers at Loews Miami Beach, adjacent to Lure Fishbar. And it's just what South Beach needed. As its name suggests, the Caribbean-inspired al fresco bar features well-made rum-centric concoctions and tropical-influenced dishes that are great to share — but you don't have to. It's that good. Owned by New York City restaurateurs Joshua Pickard, John McDonald and Josh Capon of Mercer Street Hospitality, they envisioned a place that celebrates the rich cocktail history of the 1930s to 1960s. "The origin of the bar's name hails from the prohibition era when ships from the Caribbean transported rum to Florida's coasts to supply the speakeasies," said award-winning Bar Director, Rob Ferrara. "We're bringing back the rum renaissance by paying homage to Hemingway and the brilliant minds of that time with classic cocktails at an accessible price, in a laid-back environment." Ferrara brings their vision to life with cocktails such as the Hemingway Daiquiri ($15), consisting of Bacardi Heritage, Luxardo Maraschino, Fresh Grapefruit and Lime. The drink menu includes a unique blend of old and new school cocktails, daiquiri concoctions, punches, beer and wine, to name a few. Rest assured, Ferrara uses other spirits, too — not just rum — like vodka, gin and scotch. Drinks start at about $5, but if you and your friends are up for the challenge, take on the most expensive item on the menu, which is good for three to four people — the Treasure Island ($200). It's a mix of Avuá cachaça, Dolin Dry, Jojo's Green Tea, St. Germain, pineapple and apple juice, and lime spices, all topped off with champagne. Just know, you have been warned. Some drinks are served in festive cups, like porcelain tiki skulls, scorpion bowls and Talisker Storm-rinsed glasses, perfect for conversation starters under hanging strings of dazzling lights. Wooden communal tables, cushioned wicker chairs beneath large canopies and lush green palm trees surrounding the entire tropical terrace offer guests a night of comfort and island bliss. And the delicious bar bites satisfy guests' Caribbean cravings. Such dishes include fresh Chilled Oysters ($3.25) or Crispy Oysters ($17), which are equally as tasty, succulent Grilled Shrimp Skewers ($19) with mango salsa and micro cilantro, The 'Old Havana' ($14), a scrumptious sandwich made of pork belly, mortadella, pickles and cheese, and savory Baby Back Ribs ($23) covered in guava barbeque sauce and Thai sauce, among many other delectable dishes to choose from. The Rum Line is opened Thursday through Sunday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. But as you sit (or stand) atop a breezy bungalow, under the stars with a drink in your hand and food in the other, you're not going to want to leave paradise. So let's get a hammock set up ASAP. ML MIAMI LIVING 109 FOOD Jump in the Line… Retreat to The Rum Line for a taste of the Caribbean Words by Maureen Aimee Mariano

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