The Routines issue
Sunny's Steakhouse, Nina Johnson, FEAL Hospitality, O Miami, Luca Osteria, MORE
ABOUT FOUND • Routines
FOUND Routines chronicle how notable Miami area residents — across industries, neighborhoods, and interests — spend their days and nights, from the first meeting to the final nightcap or weekend getaway.
The best routines are vibrant snapshots, full of personality, useful intel, and actionable recommendations. Collectively, they paint a picture of lives well spent in and around the city.
Know someone who would make a great FOUND Routine? Hit reply or drop us a line at found@itsfoundmiami.com.
WORK • Thursday Routine
The sun also rises
WILL THOMPSON • owner • Sunny’s
Neighborhood you live in: North Miami
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
There’s not nearly as much routine as I’d like; I’d say chaos is the routine. But a normal flow is: Get up, check the first round of emails, make coffee, and take an hour or so to catch up on admin stuff. That’s the most productive part of my day. From there, once the team is onsite at Sunny’s, it’s making sure people have what they need to hit the ground running, and making sure they know you appreciate them. Depending on the day, we’re focused on getting ready for service and identifying all the small stuff. There’s always something — things we forgot to order, what did we think was coming in today that’s not? Everybody’s scrambling a little bit. No two days are exactly the same.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Today we went live telling the world we’re ready to go — and Resy went completely down. So the last hour’s been spent reaching out to anyone I could to get that sorted. Then, freak out. It’s gonna be our first service, so it’s particularly interesting, making adjustments to the floorplan, layout, checking music and lighting levels. Making sure permits are printed and hung where they’re supposed to be. Then, checking in with the kitchen and seeing if there’s anything we need to take care of with the menu. It’s a very long list, and everything is significant in seeing whether we have a good night or a bad night.
Any bar or restaurant plans this weekend?
Not this weekend, or any weekend for… a while. But I like to get out and support my friends Alex and Luci at Boia De and Walrus Rodeo; they’re obviously great. I really enjoyed Recoveco in South Miami recently. I like going over to Palma. If I have a chance, I like a small, independent restaurant; that always makes me feel better than supporting a corporate chain.
Any weekend getaways?
I think if you can get to Mexico for a couple of days, that’s as good as it gets. Even if it’s Mexico City, I’ve given up on trying to seek out fine dining and just like going where everything around you is delicious and pretty great. Here in Florida, I have some friends in St. Augustine with a bar called Boat Drinks; it’s just a fun town. It’s old, it feels like Florida — but not the Miami kind of Florida. There’s surprisingly good food there; it’s just a good hang, like Key West, without the fuss.
What was your last great vacation?
It was probably before I moved to Miami. I used to get to travel for work a bit and we went to Jamaica to see the Hampden distillery, and to Oaxaca. Not necessarily to see one distillery, but to just sorta bounce around. Another time we did a Moscow bar show and had events out in St. Petersburg, which was pretty insane.
What stores or services do you always recommend?
Sweat Records and Technique Records are always worth celebrating. We used to do a record night at Jaguar Sun when we were just getting started, and being able to go out to a couple record stores and find great things was a real treat.
–10/10/24
WORK • Thursday Routine
Hanging around
NINA JOHNSON • senior director • Nina Johnson
Neighborhood you work in: Little Haiti
Neighborhood you live in: Shorecrest
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Thursdays are often busy for us because it’s our typical opening day. I’ve owned a contemporary art gallery in Miami since 2007, so I have my daily routine down pat — though a big trick is trying not to let anything become routine, no matter how long you’ve been at it. I often bring my dog to work. I sit down at my desk and get right to email, after which I run through my to-do lists. I try to get this done before noon, because once the clock strikes 12p, I never know who may walk through the door. Walking visitors through the shows is still often the best part of my job.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Today, we’re working on prep for Miami Art Week. This year we’re opening three shows by Patrick Dean Hubbell, Estefania Puerta, and Josue Sanchez. Este will be flying in next week to hang her show early so we can give PAMM’s incredible International Women’s Committee a sneak peek in advance of the fairs, and we’re preparing for that.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Tonight I’m headed to Sunny’s. I’m thrilled that it’s back, and you can find me there (along with everyone else) at least once a week. The atmosphere is gorgeous, the music is always on point, and who doesn’t love to end their night with a steak and a chilled Manhattan? For a sunset drink, always The Cleat!
How about a little leisure or culture?
My boys play baseball, so three days a week you can find me on the field. I’ve come to love it. When it's the season, we take them to Marlins games as often as possible.
Any weekend getaways?
This weekend I’m headed to Goldeneye, Jamaica.
What was your last great vacation?
My last trip was to New York City to see my husband Daniel Milewski play at David Zwirner for Jarrett Earnest’s “Feint of Heart” release, a compilation of art essays by Dave Hickey. I still love staying at The Bowery Hotel. I also loved eating at The Commerce Inn.
–11/14/24
WORK • Thursday Routine
A moveable feast
MOHAMED ALKASSAR • founder/CEO • FEAL Hospitality
Neighborhood you live in: South Beach
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
I’m at my desk at home drinking Earl Grey tea with six scrambled eggs and avocado topped with chino, a condiment of spicy dried mango shreds gifted to me by the family of my business partner, chef Niven Patel, on our trip to India.
We currently own five restaurants across South Florida and I start my morning focused on recently opened projects, as well as the critical path for upcoming openings. Today, I’m closing out construction for Ghee Wynwood, which opened in December, then reviewing the lease for Ghee Atlanta, our first step towards national expansion.
What’s on the agenda for today?
I’ll meet with Niven at our South Beach restaurant Paya for morning cafecito. He’s filleting fish in the early morning, so once I shut my laptop, I head over there. We’ll walk over to Rosetta Bakery on Lincoln Road for two cappuccinos; it’s definitely my favorite coffee on South Beach. I can’t help but order something sweet, so I go for their apple strudel. After that, I’ll head to Ghee Wynwood for a manager meeting. I try to visit at least two of our restaurants a day whenever possible.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
I’m going to swing by Macchialina — get the polenta. I also like Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery for a late-night drink; it’s a hidden gem of a bar, dark, cozy, with a great playlist and good drinks.
How about a little leisure or culture?
Sunday mornings, I go to Under the Mango Tree for the best matcha latte with homemade almond milk. I usually take my bike and ride to South Pointe Park. Cruising the boardwalk is the best way to start your day — the view is breathtaking. Smith & Wollensky has an outdoor bar that’s totally worth grabbing a glass of wine for sunset. Soho Beach House on a Monday is fantastic — you avoid the crowds and get to enjoy the beautiful water. At least once in your life, make time for an airboat tour in the Everglades and see some alligators.
What was your last great vacation?
Madrid. The city has unmatched energy; it’s invigorating on so many levels and the culture is deeply rooted in dining out. Visit Bodega de la Ardosa for the best tortilla in town. It’s a bar that’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night. Casa Dani is your casual spot for the best baby lamb chops, a cut that I just can’t seem to find in the United States; their salmorejo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pulpo gallego are also top-notch. Walk over to Parque de El Retiro for a leisurely walk; it’s beautiful and located by my favorite neighborhood, barrio Salamanca. In between lunch and dinner, Mercado San Miguel is a great spot to snack on some Jamon Iberico de Bellota and a few croquetas while enjoying a glass of wine.
All this food is just priming you for the main event, dinner at El Pescador, my favorite restaurant in Madrid. It’s old-school Madrid, no music, no entertainment, simple food executed to perfection. Order the carabineros (scarlet prawns), razor clam escabeche, and their signature uni shells stuffed with European spider crabs.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
My GIANT bike FastRoad AR2 is perfect for city errands and fitness.
–03/27/25
WORK • Thursday Routine
Miami rhapsody
MELODY SANTIAGO CUMMINGS • executive director • O, Miami
Neighborhood you work in: Little River
Neighborhood you live in: Miami Shores
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
O, Miami recently moved into a bright, sunny new office space within the former Little River Post Office. It’s quickly become a joyful gathering place — not just for us, but for our wider network of teaching artists and collaborators. After nearly five years of working from home, I really value the energy of being in person with our team.
Our walls are lined with our Civic Publishing projects, Day-Glo posters, poetry street signs and poetry ephemera from the last 15 years of programming. It feels a little like walking into a living O, Miami archive. And this month, we’re especially excited to be installing a poem on the building’s facade in collaboration with our friends at Free Plastic. It’ll be an effective way to root our presence in the neighborhood and invite poetry into public space.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Right now, I’m in the thick of producing, attending, and celebrating the 14th annual O, Miami Poetry Festival, which runs from April 1-30. Our mission is to reach every single person in Miami-Dade County with a poem, and this year that means over 40 events and programs — from a poetry workshop in a cemetery, to prototyping a custom domino set, to hosting a photo zine-making session at the Miami Zine Fair or a Puerto Rican picnic at Roberto Clemente Park.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
For happy hour, Offsite is a short walk from our office and I often drop in for a quick refueling. Come supper time, Recoveco in South Miami is my new favorite restaurant. It’s a casual, intimate setting of 34 seats. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. (I can’t wait to go back on April 29 for an exclusive O, Miami dining experience.)
How about a little leisure or culture?
At Frost Science’s planetarium, O, Miami debuted a new original pre-show animation UniVerse, which features original poems written by Miami-Dade students. I love Bookleggers library and their storytime on Saturdays. Browsing their endless stacks of books is a perfect way to spend a hot or rainy day indoors. For live music, it’s the Miami Beach Bandshell. I also like visiting Legion Park’s farmers market on Saturdays and Vizcaya Village on Sundays — the fresh tropical fruit juice from Clive is a must.
Any weekend getaways?
Just a few hours from Miami, Anna Maria Island is a serene, Old Florida beach community that’s a perfect weekend escape. While the island is still recovering from last year’s devastating hurricane season (the iconic pier remains closed for now), the community has rallied to bring it back to life. It’s best explored by bike or golf cart, allowing you to ride to the beaches, ice cream shops, and beachfront bars and restaurants. The sunsets are breathtaking, especially from places like The Sandbar or Beach House. For something casual, Poppo’s Taqueria is a go-to for fresh, quick tacos and burritos, or check out the Donut Experiment for customized, made-to-order donuts.
What was your last great vacation?
We always visit Cape Cod in the summer and I love spending time in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. My most memorable vacation was spent at The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin. This set of charming cottages and lofts have the best views of Nantucket Harbor overlooking the boats and gorgeous scenery. Dogs are very welcome and they provide the cutest pet accommodations with goodie baskets and special dog tags and treats.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Easy Peasy, an inclusive and welcoming tattoo shop and gathering space. Also, Rose Coloured Floral for fresh flowers, and Little River Cooperative for plants and garden service.
Where are you donating your time or money?
O, Miami of course, specifically investing and volunteering in our poetry in schools program, Sunroom. And again: Bookleggers, Miami’s first and only free bookstore. They’re expanding access to books and engaging the city through thoughtful and thematic popups. And Miami Freedom Project for Democracy, which advocates for climate, economic, health, immigrant and racial justice across our community. Co-founder Ana Sofia Pelaez is a force of nature.
–4/17/25
WORK • Thursday Routine
Power chef
GIORGIO RAPICAVOLI • chef & owner • Luca Osteria, Eating House, Mayfair Grill
Neighborhood you work in: Coral Gables & Coconut Grove
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
At around 7ish, I head straight to the gym. Thursday usually consists of a mid-level workout, which begins with a five-mile run with Team Soul, then we’ll head to the Crossfit Soul gym, and I’ll either do the workout of the day or some strength stuff — gymnastics or bodybuilding. I’ll workout until maybe 10:15 or so. Exercise is a crucial, important part of my day, so I do my best to avoid taking calls or meetings in the morning.
After the gym, I’ll make myself breakfast, which is pretty much the same thing every day, a shake with collagen and whey protein, and Greek yogurt with a nice granola and fresh fruit.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Today I’m headed to a P&L meeting. We didn’t always have these back in the day when we were a small restaurant, but we’ve grown up. We have 50+ employees that rely on us to run the restaurants as best we can, so it’s something we take seriously now. Once I’ve wrapped my meetings, I’ll grab a quick, healthy lunch, maybe something from Rice on Giralda Avenue, or one of the healthy fast-casual spots in the area.
Once 4pm hits, we do pre-shift, go over any menu specials or changes. Sometimes I’ll do wine tastings too. I usually have a couple tastings a week, because I also handle the wine menu at both Luca and Eating House. Service starts at 5pm and I’ll spend the rest of the night commanding the kitchen and expediting or overseeing service, and sometimes, helping out with wine service.
How about a little leisure or culture?
Most of my leisure time involves running. I just ran my first marathon in December and I’m running the Chicago Marathon in October. I’m also planning a group run from the restaurant, where hopefully a bunch of industry people will join us. After my runs, I like to pop into the Vizcaya Farmers Market and grab a fresh juice. I also enjoy taking my son, Luca, to LNB Grovestand for rainbow smoothies and tropical fruit on the weekends. I don’t go to as many concerts or shows these days, but my next big one is in Atlanta in April to see Glassjaw and Poison the Well.
Any weekend getaways?
To me, there's nothing better than driving down to the Keys for lunch. It’s usually not even a whole weekend thing, but it’s nice to take a day to just drive slow, take in the beauty of the Keys, and relax. I’ll usually stop anywhere that feels good at the moment for fresh seafood. I like Key Largo Fisheries a lot, and there are some cool breweries in the area, like Islamorada Brewery & Distillery.
What was your last great vacation?
Italy, just over a year ago. My family is from Piemonte, and I think it’s the most spectacular and most overlooked region in the country. The wine is amazing and it’s just so beautiful. Alba is an amazing little town to visit, and of course there’s the capital, Turin. Make sure you get a Bicerin, which is a three layer chocolate, coffee, and milk beverage invented there. I always get my fill of carne cruda, which is this region’s version of beef tartare, and tastes like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. The University of Gastronomic Sciences (also known as Slow Food University) in Pollenzo is also a must. There’s an insane wine cellar, and the restaurant at Albergo dell'Agenzia right on the campus has the best panna cotta in the world.
What store or service do you always recommend?
I love USA Sports Therapy — specifically the Coral Gables location — that’s where my PT work is done. I don’t do physical therapy to treat an injury, but I do it to prevent them. I’ve been going to USA Sports Therapy for three years and these guys have kept me really healthy and feeling great. I also love J Flo Therapy. My boy Mikey is my massage therapist, and he’s awesome.
–02/06/25