Thriving Design District Poised for Brooklyn-like Success with
Chefs Leading the Way

MIAMI - May 10, 2010 – For years tourists have flocked to Miamiâ€â„¢s South Beach area for the utmost in dining, nightlife and shopping. With more and more tourists, the attractions have spread to the further reaches of Miami. Some of the newest hotspots have been discovered, not on Lincoln or Collins, but instead in between NE 39th and 43rd Streets and between NE 2nd and North Miami Avenue, in downtown Miamiâ€â„¢s bustling Design District.

What started out with one modern furniture company opening its doors in the late â€Ëœ90â€â„¢s, has quickly snowballed into a design district unlike any other in the country. In almost a Brooklyn-like model for success, the Design District has quickly become home to art galleries and design showrooms, gourmet restaurants churning out rave-reviews, clothing boutiques and chic speakeasies with lines around the block. Much of this can be attributed to Miami being chosen as the satellite venue in 2002 for Art Basel, with much of the activity going on a few streets from the Design District. The truth is this thriving area has been on the verge for years, with restoration projects and new development always underway, but what Miami is really witnessing in the Design Districts is the power of a chef, or chefs as the case may be.

Michael Schwartz paved the way with his Michaelâ€â„¢s Genuine Food & Drink. Schwartz was quickly followed by a trail of well-known and respected South Florida culinary geniuses like Michelle Bernstein, Jonathan Eismann, and Ken Lyon. The Food Networkâ€â„¢s South Beach Wine & Food Festival even branched into the Design District this year to highlight the work of these respected chefs. Now the Design District has begun attracting highly regarded worldwide names including Chef Andrea Menichetti, who is set to open Vino E Olio with owner Alessandro Cecconi in September.

Vino E Olio will be among a select few restaurants in all of Miami who can claim a Michelin-rated chef. Menichetti comes directly from Montemerano, in the heart of Maremma in the Tuscan area of Italy. He worked in his familyâ€â„¢s critically acclaimed restaurant, Da Caino, learning from a long line of culinary geniuses in the family, including his mother, two Michelin Star Rated chef, Valeria Piccini. â€Å“No one has brought authentic Tuscan cuisine to this region quite like I can,â€Â explained Andrea, â€Å“real Tuscan fare is simple, genuine and flavorful, itâ€â„¢s not salad and breadsticksâ€Â.

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With thousands visiting Miami each year, many will make their way to this hip new neighborhood that is attracting foodies from around the globe. Upon Vino E Olio opening in a few short months, the restaurant is sure to bring the Design Districtâ€â„¢s culinary status to a whole new level.

To learn more about Vino E Olio visit www.facebook.com/vinoeolio or follow the restaurant on Twitter @vinoeolio.

About Vino E Olio:
The newest addition to the Design Districtâ€â„¢s culinary renaissance, Alessandro Cecconiâ€â„¢s Vino E Olio will bring a new level of Italian cuisine never before seen in Miami. At the helm, Chef Andrea Menichetti is sure to delight the most discerning tastebuds with his rustic Tuscan cuisine. The son of Michelin star rated Valeria Piccini, gastronomy runs through Menichettiâ€â„¢s veins, his parents are the founders of Da Caino, one of Italyâ€â„¢s most revered restaurants. Inspired by the district, owner Alessandro Cecconi choose glass lit walls casting colors in all directions for the dining room and magnificent acoustics, very befitting of the restaurantâ€â„¢s eccentric downtown location. Guests will have the option to dine al fresco on a stunning outdoor terrace, part of the 220 seat eatery. Chef Andrea Menichetti is currently available for private functions and demonstrations prior to the grand opening of Vino E Olio this September 2010. Vino E Olio will be located at 139 NE 39th Street in Miami; further information will soon be available on www.vinoeolio.com.

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Media Contact:
Megan Palmer
AMG PRWorks
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305.856.8004 x304

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