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.
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.”
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
Related Articles
The Faena Questionnaire: Andrés Reisinger
Our rendition of the Proust Questionnaire is a unique take on the famous parlor game that gained popularity, although it was not originally created by Marcel Proust, the renowned French essayist and novelist. Proust believed that by responding to these questions, individuals unveil their genuine essence.
Art, Cultural Adventures, and Current Affairs
Faena Rose is an exclusive private members’ club dedicated to art and culture, founded on the principles of community, cultural enrichment, patronage, and VIP access. Its mission is to enrich members’ lives through world-class programming and to foster a genuine sense of community.
Let The Sun Come In
In anticipation of a new restaurant opening at Casa Faena this fall, Brazilian artist João Incerti has created a vibrant tropical oasis in the hotel’s dining room with his mural titled “Let the Sun Come In.” We spoke with Incerti about his artistic journey and the inspiration behind this stunning artwork.
A Kaleidoscope of Rare Finds
Big Bang has a new influx of one-of-a-kind crafted designs from around the globe. Offerings span from vibrant jewelry and handbags to exclusive swimwear and ready-to-wear pieces, each telling a unique story of craftsmanship and creativity
Spiced Up at Los Fuegos
For the months of August and September Miami Spice brings a culinary spectacle to Los Fuegos offering an unforgettable dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Argentina’s finest flavors and its mastery of fire-based cooking.
Resonant Rhythms
In The Living Room, music reflects the soul of Miami’s vibrant energy. Resident acts from Alfredo Rivero’s American Gipsy to music from Liset Alea, a founding member of the Parisian bossa nova band Nouvelle Vague, captivate audiences on a weekly basis
Sip & Savor Summer Flavors
Restaurant Pao by Paul Qui is redefining seasonal dining with new summer ingredients, an art-inspired cocktail menu, a new wine class, and a must-try Miami Spice menu.
Learn the Delicate Craft of Sushi-making
Promising a summer of delicious discovery, El Secreto’s chef Erik Melendez is launching an interactive two and-a-half-hour sushi-making class this summer.
Beat the Heat
From cryotherapy and hydrating IV drips to summer facials and seasonally priced Miami Spa Months treatments, Tierra Santa offers a myriad of ways to cool down when the heat is high.
Carmen, The Cabaret
In a bold and original move, Faena Theater is set to present a formidable cabaret rendition of Georges Bizet’s 19th-century opera “Carmen,” reimagined by the creative minds at Quixotic, an award-winning performance art collective.