What happens when a son of Napoli, the birthplace of pizza, the creative genius of an artist and scientist, and the passion to move to a more sustainable world converge, you have a template for a new concept: PURA PIZZA.
Artist and creative force behind Pura Pizza is Diego Santanelli. He started his creative path at an early age in a familial environment comprised mainly of doctors and scientists. Santanelli himself became a dentist and practiced for many years.
He traveled throughout the world, volunteering in Madagascar with Médecins Sans Frontières. In 2008 he decided to entirely focus on his oeuvre. Influenced by Pollock’s “action painting,” Santanelli created a technique he calls “branching” based on the principle of vigorously spilling large quantities of paint on the surface of the canvas, allowing the materials to mix as they please and be displaced through the force of gravity.
The canvas is covered with several layers of paint, whose trajectory on the surface of the canvas is masterfully controlled by the artist. The result is robust surfaces that remind us of mystic landscapes. His work was recently shown at Art Basel Miami.
Diego Santanelli, Michela Galante, Claudio Minghetti
In opening Pura Pizza at 5885 Sunset Drivehe is collaborating with his business partner Claudio Minghetti, and business development consultant Michela Galante, who is the “connection from my mind to the world,” as Santanelli gleefully noted.
Coming to SOMI is a unique pizzeria, which offers a glimpse into a sustainable lifestyle. The team is collaborating with University of Miami professor Daniel Hicks who presents a class in “sustainable management.” The pizzeria is a model for UM students and it is anticipated that certain classes will be held there. At Pura Pizza, customers are served by staff whose uniforms are made from reclaimed materials, tables are made from reclaimed wood of Tennessee whiskey barrels, Wyoming wooden fences and Taylor Guitars. All ingredients are organic and the pizza is prepared in energy appliances.
5885 Sunset Drive | 305.456.1672 | www.purapizza.com (in development)
When the popular New Chinatown restaurant on US1 closed a few years ago to make room for new construction, many were left without a gourmet Chinese restaurant in town. It’s been a while, however opened a couple of months ago is WU’S KITCHEN & WINES, located in the space occupied by Mundo Kitchen on Madruga Avenue.
Jian Wu in front of artwork by Peter Johann Stüde
It is here that Jian Wu, a young protégé of New Chinatown’s owner Mr. Shun Wah Leung, who ran the restaurant for decades, decided to bring gourmet Chinese food back to South Miami. Wu had worked for Mr. Wah for five years after coming to Miami with his family from Canton in 2005. Jian is joined by his brother Jianchao “Kenny” Wu who manages the kitchen.
Jian brings the lessons learned from New Chinatown and the ethic instilled by Mr. Wah: attention to detail, exceeding expectations, with quality of food and excellent customer service.
The kitchen uses fresh ingredients with produce sourced locally and spices, flour and rice imported from China.
Pictured are: Mu Shu Shrimp, Curry Beef, Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and General Tso’s Chicken.
Opening in early February, the intimate restaurant seats twenty-four, and is open seven days from 11a to 10p (Sun-Thurs) and 11a-11p (Fri-Sat). The works of abstract artist Peter Johann Stüde adorn the walls of the restaurant.
1535 Madruga Avenue | 786.391.2387 | 786.401.6153 Delivery & Take-out Available
SOMI welcomes THE SALTY DONUT to their new home in South Miami at 6022 South Dixie Highway approximate to where FOX’s Restaurant was located.
On opening day Friday, May 24, the lines were wrapped around the store all day long. It was an excitingly busy weekend and certainly a “memorable” one for The Salty Donut creators
and their staff.
Andy Rodriguez and Amanda Pizarro founded The Salty Donut in 2015, and after a year of developing the recipes and concept, they launched Miami’s first artisanal donut shop in Wynwood. Their product has drawn acclaim as a top tier donut shop in the country, and we very much appreciate that The Salty Donut is now here in SOMI.
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- Andy Rodriquez and Amanda Pizarro at the SOMI Grand Opening with their one month old baby boy.
6022 S Dixie Hwy | 786.409.4714 |
SOMIBIZ BRIEFS & BUZZ…..
PLANET 57 OPENS ON JUNE 1ST
Planet 57 boasts of the best of pizza, Italian and Puerto Rican food coming together. With more than twelve restaurants in Puerto Rico, the owners of PIZZA PLANET RESTAURANTS decided to bring the franchise with a twist to Miami.
Planet 57 is a family-oriented restaurant with full bar, serving over
80 signature drinks from Guava Margaritas to Passion Fruit Mojitos.
Located at the Shops at Sunset Place street level at 5701 Sunset Drive.
Come, hop on board the spaceship and enjoy this new way of food in SOMI. Open Sunday – Thursday 11a – 10p, and Friday – Saturday 11a – 2a.
VICTOR SINCLAIR TABACALERA
had its Grand Opening on Saturday, May 11th. The store is located at 5910 US 1. Made in the Dominican Republic by Jose Dominguez, Victor Sinclair cigars are a high-quality and affordable line of handmades that deliver flavor in spades.
OPENING IN JULY
Coming to SOMI is La Taberna de Ignacio, an authentic Spanish restaurant whose location in Hialeah has been drawing customers with their delicious cuisine and entertainment since 1998.
The cuisine is prepared with the freshest seafood and meats, and their Spanish chefs are committed to offer customers a piece of Spain in every dish.
La Taberna de Ignacio will have live music Tuesday through Sunday, and Flamenco shows at 8p on Friday and Saturdays. Come eat, drink and dance the night away.
5894 Sunset Drive.
& HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN
SOMI is known for great family-fun events. Join us for the annual 5K race/walk through the streets of South Miami on the first Sunday of June, and come to Palmer Park
for the annual July 4th celebration.
SOMI is known for great family-fun events. Join us for the annual 5K race/walk through the streets of South Miami on the first Sunday of June, and come to Palmer Park
for the annual July 4th celebration.
CONGRATS
Photo by John David Arroyo
Family, friends and customers joined in celebrating
“Miss Georgia’s” 25th anniversary with Mack Cycle & Fitness.
Pictured with Georgia are owner Mary Jane Mark with husband Mark Losada and daughters Rachel and Sandy.
Congratulations Georgia!
