Nikki Marina brings South Beach scene to Hollywood
5/25/2004 3:04:37 PM by Bobbye Kenyon
Nikki Marina Hollywood Restaurant & Bar, the newest Penrod’s creation, is
a sophisticated restaurant, lounge and marina complex that brings the
global panache of South Beach to Hollywood’s scenic Intracoastal
Waterway. In addition to its Hollywood and South Beach addresses, the
company has exotic Nikki locales in Marabella, Spain; St. Tropez,
France; St. Barth, West Indies; and a new complex slated to open in
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. “There are lots of exciting locales for future
Nikki establishments throughout the U.S. and around the globe,”
marketing manager Billy Berrios said.
Nikki Marina caters to both jetsetters and hip locals via a prestigious
level of VIPservices. “We’re offering consistency to the same global
crowd that travels to South Beach,” Berrios explained. “We opened this
past February and we’re already on the map. Guests can experience the
South Beach atmosphere without the drive.”
The restaurant, which is easily accessible via land or sea, welcomes
guests with a serene, tropical décor and is dressed throughout in the
signature white theme found at each Nikki locale.
The tiered platform seating lends to people watching and adds to the
aura of the Nikki mystique. Curving bars create a cool and flowing
atmosphere inside, while floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer a
splendid panorama of the Intracoastal. An array of waterside tables is
available for those who opt to dine al fresco. The palmtree adorned,
sunken patio provides guests with a balmy escape, while lounging on
exotic bamboo beds or sipping a cool mojito at the bar.
Adiverse crowd, which spans the 21-65 age group, enjoys the culinary
accomplishments of chef Donna Wynter. The tantalizing menu serves up
Caribbean flair with a myriad of seafood appetizers, including a jumbo
lump crab and lobster cake drizzled with balsamic rum syrup and “Stamp
& Go” Bacalo Hush Puppies, a unique dish accompanied by an
exquisite passion fruit tartar sauce and zesty chayote slaw.
An array of splendid salads makes the choice difficult; however, the
signature Nikki Marina Salad with mesculin greens, tempura pears,
toasted cashews, ruby red grapefruit, stilton cheese and
champagnevanilla vinaigrette is superb.
The entrée selection covers every option: chicken, pork, seafood and
sizzling steaks. The chicken satay features a wonderful combination of
sesame chicken sautéed with Asian vegetables in a spicy peanut sauce
accompanied with bamboo steamed rice. And, the dessert menu offers
several luscious creations (all are baked on the premises), as well as
the “must try” crème brulee cheesecake. This decadent specialty of the
house is an exquisite finale to the Nikki Marina dining experience.
Hours after the sun has set, the nightlife shifts into high gear,
especially on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Dining tables are removed
from the restaurant, which then transforms into a pulsating club scene
complete with dance floor. DJ Snezana (from the Pearl Lounge in South
Beach) plays international – all world, all style – music, while Kid
Fresh spins hip hop that gets the crowd moving.
The Nikki theme transcends a dining and entertainment experience.
It’s a lifestyle: the brand has expanded via Nikki Music, Nikki
Clothing and Nikki Style. Global ambience has arrived on Hollywood’s
Intracoastal Waterway with impeccable flair.
Bobbye Kenyon can be contacted at BJKRACING@aol.com