Laid-back charm
Islander Resort Islamorada, Nofar Pilates, Champagne Bar at The Surf Club, Rao’s, Casa Cuba, best martinis, MORE
On Monday, we dropped the FOUND Summer ‘26 Report, a roundup of our favorite new Miami restaurants, cultural finds, and getaways from the second quarter of 2026. Paid subscribers get access to Summer Reports across all FOUND cities (perfect travel cheatsheets). Here’s the full set:
ASK FOUND
Today, three PROMPTS for which we seek your answers:
What’s your favorite specialty bookstore?
I need a caterer for a casual summer party. Any ideas?
What Miami store or service do you love to recommend?
If we publish your answer, we’ll comp you a 90-day paid subscription to FOUND Miami. Hit reply or email found@itsfoundmiami.com with more answers or questions.
WORK • Thursday Routine
Making memories
IGNACIO GARCIA-MENOCAL (above, center) • CEO • Grove Bay Hospitality Group
Neighborhood you work in: Coconut Grove
Neighborhood you live in: Pinecrest
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
By the time Thursday arrives, our office is pretty quiet. For morning fuel, I usually head over to a ventanita at Casa Cuba in South Miami. As we head into a busy weekend, most of our team is deployed at the restaurants supporting operations and ensuring guests have a great hospitality experience.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Our agenda is centered on our corporate team participating in different meetings to ensure everyone is aligned on the priorities for the week. We start with our directors’ meeting focused on operational execution. We discuss opportunities across concepts, talent development, as well as culture and standards. After lunch, we go into our P&L meeting, where we focus on revenue trends, costs, margins, and profitability. We end the day meeting with our sales team to discuss private event inquiries and opportunities for that week and month.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
My go-to spot is AZ, a hidden speakeasy at the Biltmore Hotel. I also love going to the Champagne Bar at The Surf Club or The Living Room at Faena. My drink is almost always a smoky old fashioned.
How about a little leisure or culture?
Beach and training, that’s my reset. Time by the water gives me perspective and clears my head. A good workout keeps me disciplined and sharp.
Any weekend getaways?
I usually like staycations in Miami Beach at either the Ritz-Carlton South Beach or The Miami Beach EDITION. I love stopping by Rao’s for dinner.
What was your last great vacation?
With my two sons, to California. We rented a house on the beach in Malibu. Mornings started with coffee and the sound of waves, and afternoons were spent in the water and relaxing. The sunsets and views were unreal. The best part is making memories with my kids. As much as I love building restaurants, these are the moments that truly matter.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I’m building a house in Coral Gables that I’m designing just how I want it.
MIAMI WORK AND PLAY LINKS: Soho House’s Miami Pool House closes for makeover into Soho Health Club • Fanny, Freddie tighten screws on condo buyers • Riviani buys South Beach building that previously housed China Grill • Welcome to Miami, Giannis: a Greek’s guide to South Florida • The ‘Mah Jong’ sofa has officially entered pop culture.
REAL ESTATE • First Mover
Three for-sale properties in Coral Gables that came to market in the last 30 days.
→ 1042 Sorolla Ave (Coral Gables) • 4BR/2BA, 2436 SF house • Ask: $3.2M • 1926 Spanish-style home on corner lot w/ detached 2-bedroom casita, wood-burning fireplace, pool • Annual taxes: $22,807 • Days on market: 2 • Agent: Ana DeCollongette, Coldwell Banker.
→ 1253 Obispo Ave (Granada) • 3BR/4.1BA, 2846 SF house • Ask: $3.75M • remodeled single-level home w/ detached yoga studio and heated pool near Granada Golf Course • Annual taxes: $46,768 • Days on market: 9 • Agent: Brett Harris, Bespoke Real Estate.
→ 9501 Kerwood Ct (Kerrwood Oaks, above) • 7BR/7.1BA, 7169 SF house • Ask: $8.495M • custom Mediterranean estate in gated Banyan Lakes enclave overlooking nature preserve, third-level observatory, resort-style pool • Annual taxes: $56,363 • Days on market: 6 • Agent: David Siddons, Douglas Elliman.
GOODS & SERVICES • FOUND Wellness
Progressive pilates
With white brick walls, natural light, and soft, neutral tones, Nofar Method feels more like a boutique hotel than a Pilates studio. But don’t let the calming aesthetic fool you: the workout is not to be taken lightly. The South Beach studio (by way of New York) brings a refreshing mix of approachability and precision, thanks in part to the warm, no-nonsense energy of founder Nofar Hagag and her team.
Classes are 50 minutes, split between 25 on the reformer and 25 on the Cadillac. And while the movements can get intense, Nofar’s style is grounded. The intimate classes mean teachers often learn everyone’s name, and offer gentle corrections and encouragement.
The playlist is usually a blend of classic pop and laid-back house, energizing without being overwhelming. Single classes run $49 per, with a 5-class pack $225, and a 10-class pack $395. Private sessions range from $150 to $325. –Katelin Stecz
→ Nofar Method (South Beach) • 1370 Washington Ave, Ste 201 • Daily 7a-7p.
MIAMI RESTAURANT LINKS: After 15-year run, Yardbird shutters abruptly on South Beach • Reports of the death of Miami Beach cocktail bar Stormy Monday have been greatly exaggerated.
CULTURE & LEISURE • It’s the Cup
CF Monterrey v Inter Miami • Leagues Cup • Nu Stadium (Freedom Park) • Sat @ 8p • C654, $319 per
Mumford & Sons • Hard Rock Live (Davie) • Thu @ 730p • sec 115, $645 per
Mon Laferte • The Fillmore (Miami Beach) • Fri @ 8p • orch ctr, $466 per
GETAWAYS • Islamorada
Simple pleasures
After a few wonderfully chaotic days eating and drinking my way through Key West, I wasn’t quite ready to head straight back to Miami. Instead, I broke up the drive with two nights at Islander Resort in Islamorada. After undergoing a transformation, then reopening early last year, this little resort’s new look felt fresh to me, without losing any of the laid-back charm that makes the Keys the Keys.
GETAWAYS LINKS: Iconic Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar in Islamorada hits market for $23M • Faena planning Faena Tulum, with residences, ocean club, and Faena Tulum Hotel • Tradewind Aviation now booking Caribbean flights through spring 2027 • Why Alaska should be your next luxe getaway.
BARS & RESTAURANTS • The Nines
Martinis
The Nines are FOUND’s distilled lists of the best in Miami and surrounds. Paid subscribers can access the complete Nines archive.
Bar Centro by José Andrés (Mid Beach), Ancient Olive, deconstructed w/ olive oil-washed gin, plus side of juiced olive for sipping at Andaz, walk-ins only