Taylor Swift's Favorite NYC Restaurant Coming to Fort Lauderdale (Sort of)
Plus, José Andrés opens Zaytinya South Beach and Ho Chee Boon opens Blue Whale in San Francisco.
José Andrés Opens Zaytinya in South Beach
Chef José Andrés has opened an outpost of Zaytinya at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. The restaurant officially opened today and marks the return of the master chef and humanitarian to Miami Beach (Andres closed The Bazaar at the SLS in early 2023). The restaurant combines the flavors of Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, according to Andrés who says, “Zaytinya is a celebration of the honest, delicious flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean that have inspired the world for centuries.” Zaytinya is a partnership between Andrés and chef/partner Aglaia Kremezi. This is the third location for Zaytinya: the South Beach restaurant joins locations in Washington D.C. and New York City.
Anthony Vitolo, chef at Taylor Swift-Approved Emilio’s Ballato, to Open a Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale
There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that 2023 has been Taylor Swift’s year. The singer/songwriter has just wrapped up this year’s portion of her record-breaking Eras tour, released a coinciding film, and possibly found true love. If you live in Fort Lauderdale and you want some of that Swift charm to rub off on you (or you’re a Swiftie who also loves Italian food), then you’ve got some good news. According to Page Six, Anthony Vitolo, executive chef at New York City’s Emilio’s Ballato, will open a restaurant at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The chef has partnered with Rob Crosoli (E11Even) on the venture, dubbed, Vitolo. The restaurant will offer classic Italian fare, using Vitolo’s family recipes. The eatery should be open in time for Swift’s next South Florida tour date, which is slated for October 2024, so Swifties should make dinner reservations accordingly.
Ho Chee Boon opens Blue Whale in San Francisco
Chef Ho Chee Boon, who opened over 30 restaurants including the Michelin-starred Hakkasan New York in 2012, has just opened Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge in San Francisco’s Marina neighborhood. The restaurant, currently in a soft opening stage, will offer guests seasonal dishes and flavors from his extensive travels and background including a selection of salads, small bites, entrees, and rice and noodle dishes.
Guests can dine in one of several environments including a private dining lounge, a dining room, and a backyard retreat, accessed through a long, mysterious corridor.