The Shelborne By Proper, Miami Beach’s newly reimagined oceanfront icon, ushered in a bold new culinary era, celebrating the debut of its signature restaurant, Pauline, and intimate cocktail lounge Little Torch.

The glamorous evening unfolded with an exclusive dinner led by Culinary Director, Abram Bissell - a Florida Keys native whose Michelin-starred pedigree brings refined creativity to the coast, and an electrifying special performance by DJ Cut Copy. The celebration began with handcrafted cocktails in Little Torch, where local luminaries and culinary insiders sipped on signature Shelborne Martinis. Guests then moved into Pauline for an intimate seated dinner where they were introduced to the Latin-Caribbean-inspired flavors of its menu - a vibrant expression of Florida’s coastal bounty. Flavorful starters such as Sopa de Calabaza and an impressive tower Tres Conchas featuring fresh oysters and passion fruit, scallops with cashew and sorrel, and crab cocktail set the evening's stage. Masterfully crafted dishes, including Rock Shrimp Fideos, Charred Avocado Salad, Charcoal-Roasted Hearts of Palm with black truffle mangu, and Manzanilla Olive-Stuffed Chicken, were served family style, each striking a balance of technique, flavor, and storytelling. Ending on a sweet note, Fior di Coco “Coco Flameante” drew guests in for a fiery tableside moment of excitement, as Canela “Shells” were complemented by delectable Coquito carafes, with in mini-martini glasses for the perfect dip or sip. 

As the night fell, the energy shifted to The Bar for a special DJ performance by Cut Copy, where guests immersed themselves in live DJ sounds and toasted to a new chapter of hospitality for Miami Beach.

Image credit: World Red Eye and AJ Woomer