giuseppe cipriani (1900–1980) founded Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1931. cipriani who was working at the hotel europa in venice, loaned an american customer, harry pickering, 10,000 lire in 1929. not expecting to ever be paid back, cipriani was surprised when in 1931, harry pickering showed up in venice and paid the 10,000 lire, and an additional 30,000 lire, which cipriani used to open his bar. cipriani named the bar after harry and, as well, his first born arrigo. the bar was an instant success and frequented by celebrities over the years. 80 years later, it remains a privately owned company with restaurants worldwide. in miami, on opening night, over a month ago, i was a bit disappointed. i am hesitant to try chain venues, even if they are upper scale restaurant chains. even at a price, quality and service do not often come as a package. somehow i knew things would change, and as i never give up, Cipriani delivered. the venue is in the rear of the Icon Brickell, facing biscayne bay. the atmosphere and super service are just right, and the menu offers the delicious typical italian traditional dishes. this restaurant was a luvFAB when i was a teenager and visited venice often. thereafter, it became a luvMUST destination for lunch in new york. in miami, the properly chilled Bellini, their icon cocktail, found a new home. Cipriani in miami is for thebestdressup now!
