The city needed a place like El Tucán Miami, a modern-day cabaret that pays homage to Cuba in the 1940s, with its sparkling crystal chandeliers, crushed velvet stage curtains, gilded arabesque murals and golden palm trees. Designed by Robert Mckinley, principal of Robert McKinley Creative Services and designer of leading New York locales, including Sant Ambroeus, GoldBar and The Surf Lodge, it’s a place of glitz and glamour.
But it’s much more – offering quite a show, including several singers featuring musical styles ranging from Afro-Latin to Parisian pop along with a DJ. There’s also a resident 11-piece Latin orchestra curated by two-time Grammy Award-Winning pianist, composer and producer Marlow Rosado, that is reminiscent of the big bands from the jazz eras of the 40s and 50s.
El Tucán is the third venture of Frenchmen Michael Ridard and Mathieu Massa, who seem to know what Miami wants, witnessed by the success of their other ventures, Baoli and Marion. El Tucan has by far the most varied clientele – everyone from couples, Hispanic and Anglo groups of friends to even a family with a young child the night we were there.
Often in nightclub spots the food is at best mediocre but not so here thanks to New Zealand-born Chef Jean Paul Lourdes who brings with him an impressive culinary pedigree, having worked at three-star Michelin restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, London and Hong Kong. Diners can opt for sitting in the balcony overlooking the dance floor and show, in large tables or banquette seating for groups, or cocktail type tables for couples. The menu is informed by Caribbean and South American cuisine. It’s $85 for a three course tasting menu which includes admission (tax, beverage and gratuity are additional). Or choose to stay at the bar and watch the show for $10 admission plus drinks.
Come for the show, to eat well and to dance (noise level is “energetic” so it’s not about conversation here). We thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Located one block south of Mary Brickell Village, at 1111 SW 1st El Tucan is open Thursday – Saturday, 8:00 pm – 3:00 am. Dinner Reservations: available for up to 15 guests. 8:30 pm Seating or 10:30 pm Seating. For reservations or more information, call: 305-535-0065 or email reservations@eltucanmiami.com
