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The Magic Touch


Miami’s sexiest nightlife curator Chez Monique Johnson is responsible for creating the feel-good energy that makes Faena’s Living Room the most sought-after gathering spot in the city.

Nightlife curator Chez Monique Johnson
ARTICLE ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN FAENA JOURNAL ISSUE #48 • SPRING 2022

THE LIVING ROOM AT FAENA MIAMI BEACH

“For me, the Living Room is a magical wonderland where people can let their hair down, dance, chill, eat, drink and meet interesting people,” Johnson says.

“My goal is to consistently set a tone that allows people to enjoy themselves in an intimate atmosphere where they don’t have to worry about anything.” “The Living Room is in a category of its own,” explains Johnson. “It’s a work of art: from entering through the curtains, to the chandeliers to the leopard sculptures to the music.” Johnson used to be a regular at the lounge before she assumed charge of the door. “As an entrepreneur, I love that you can hold a business meeting here by day and slip into something fancy and enjoy live entertainment, craft cocktails and beautifully plated small bites by night.” Saying “no” is Johnson’s greatest challenge. “Nine out of 10 times it’s a capacity issue,” she explains.

“It’s our guests who create the cool vibe the Living Room is best known for. My job is to make sure the energy is right and the crowd is eclectic.” 

Featured Cocktail 

Summer Sipper 

Sun rays massaging your shoulders, a warm breeze rolling off the sea, silky sand cradling your feet. This is a scene that begs for a Smoky Paloma. 

The popular Mexican cocktail hails from Guadalajara (a city famous for its tequila), but has become quite well-traveled gracing the menus of hip bars and urbane garden parties alike with its manifold iterations. Faena’s take on the citrusy libation features freshly-muddled grapefruit and lime, but swaps traditionally used tequila for Ilegal Mezcal Joven imported from Oaxaca to give it a full-bodied agave flavor with subtle smoke and lingering heat. A dash of Martini Fiero vermouth adds a hint of bittersweet orange, while a rim of Tajín seasoning provides a piquant kick. 

Article from Faena Journal Issue #48

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"What makes Los Fuegos truly extraordinary is our commitment to the ancient art of cooking with fire,” explained Yassine Belkady, the restaurant’s manager. “We use no electricity whatsoever—just fire, wood ovens, and tradition” Everything has that distinctive char, those bold, nearly burnt flavors that taste almost primal. “When you dine here, you can literally smell the wood and rosemary in the air,” he added. The restaurant’s setting matches its culinary panache. By day, the veranda transforms into an airy ambience when its retractable roof opens to Miami’s brilliant skies. Guests enjoy lunch while overlooking the property’s stunning pool, creating what Belkady called “a completely different experience than any other hotel or restaurant in Miami.” 

Beneath the Tree of Life

Mornings here unfold slowly while guests sip on fresh-pressed juices—like the South Beach, a tropical elixir of coconut water, local citrus, mango, and strawberry, or a vitamin-rich Green Juice packed with spinach, kale, ginger, cucumber, celery and green apple. “The tranquility makes it really special,” noted Joshua Rodriguez, Director of Nightlife. “It’s a place where guests can grab a coffee, a light bite and relax or catch up on some emails.” A menu of delicious appetizers is great for snacking throughout the day, including crispy artichokes with sesame yogurt and sourdough breadcrumbs; prime rib empanadas with llajua sauce; and a vegan option of steamed veggie rice with sweet potato and broccoli. Come golden hour, the energy shifts. On weekends from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, resident DJs set the mood as the bar transitions into a laidback sundowner haunt. The CopaCabana cocktail, a tropical indulgence of banana and apricot liqueur, coconut cream, allspice, and Bulleit Rye, is a guest favorite. “People order it because it’s served in a Faena-branded coconut, but it’s the taste that makes them request another one,” said Rodriguez.

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