On the Miami hotel bar scene, B Bar inside the Betsy Hotel is the newest concept from Big Time Design Studios’ Callin Fortis. Its color palette features dark reds, shades of lavender and deep purple, while the reflective black vinyl ceiling gives the venue a mirror image feel. Some cocktails on the menu include the Blue Velvet (Hendrick’s Gin infused with blueberries and raspberries, shaken extra cold with Luxardo Maraschino Original), the Black Pearl (Corner Creek Bourbon, fresh blackberries and elderflower liqueur) and the signature Josephine (apricot liqueur and Thousand Flower runny honey). www.bbarmiami.com.
Elsewhere in Miami, The Strip opens in South Beach March 4. The décor of the two-level club, designed by Lisa Halloran, is described as “the Golden Age of Hollywood … [stepping] into a very naughty femme fatale’s boudoir.” It will feature velvet seating, suspended swings, 12-foot crystal chandeliers and walls covered with leather, fringe and feathers. Entertainment will feature burlesque shows and cutting-edge performance art from the team of Emmy-nominated Glenn Douglas Packard, DJ Jeffrey Tonnensen (music stylist for The Strip), contortionist Wild Child and performer, vocalist and songwriter Tokyo Diiva. www.thestripmiami.com.
New to New York City is Wall & Water inside the Andaz Wall Street. The restaurant, which opened late last month, offers a “market-to-table” seasonal menu from Executive Chef Maximo Lopez May. Its interiors, designed by Rockwell Group, reflect the fresh, natural direction of the menu with hand-blown glass wall sconces and materials like end-grain bamboo and cerused oak. Many design elements give a nod to the hotel’s location on Wall Street, such as the slate-colored walls, chestnut curtains and glass doors that feature a pattern inspired by the watermark of dollar bills. The seasonal wine list is complemented by a full bar with signature cocktails. www.wallandwaterny.com.
Another NYC hotel will become home to a new bar when The Roosevelt Hotel opens Vander Bar in April. The street-level bar on the corner of Vanderbilt and 45th Streets was named through the hotel’s “Name Our Bar” contest, in which guests and friends of the hotel submitted more than 1,500 entries to earn naming rights. Five contestants had the idea for Vander Bar, and they will receive VIP treatment at the grand opening party, a two-night stay in a suite, Broadway tickets, daily breakfast and their names inscribed on Vander Bar’s bar stools. Vander Bar will offer a full bar, a variety of beers on tap and happy hour dishes. www.theroosevelthotel.com.
Have a bar, nightclub or restaurant about to make its debut? E-mail details to Managing Editor Emily Hanna Mayock, ehanna@questex.com.