I took a tour of Ariete, a new Grove restaurant

I met Jason Odio (left) and Chef Michael Beltran, at their new Coconut Grove restaurant, Ariete.

Ariete is located at the former La Bottega space at 3540 Main Highway but that is where the similarity ends. Ariete is a brand new concept, created by Jason and Michael, who have been friends since high school. They put a fence and a hedge up, to separate themselves from Calamari, next door. The restaurant is not open yet and I did not try the food, but I like the location and concept. Ariete, means "lord of the manor" or "battering ram."

"We feel they both fit our concept," says Jason.

Jason took me on a tour of the space, as the construction workers did their thing around us, Jason says it should all be done by the end of the week. And while they will have a soft opening some time in January, the grand opening is January 15, 2016. They will however have a special seating on New Year's Eve. More on that later.

Ariete, is clean, open and totally renovated, including the wine cellar below, which has a huge industrial kitchen behind it. The restaurant is food driven; it will all be fresh, local and what's in season is the theme. The menu will change depending on what is available during different times of the year.

Chef Michael is known from the Cyprus Room and working with Chef Norman Van Aken at other places. Jason is a local guy, a Grovite, who goes back to the days of Oak Feed; his father once owned a fish place on McFarlane Road, where NY Pizza is now, and Jason lived next door once. Jason owned and ran restaurants and clubs in South Beach and Brickell including Sidebar, and now he is thrilled to be home. He feels the renaissance of Coconut Grove and wants to be part of it.

House specialties include a 32 oz Porter House steak with Bernaise and red pepper beef jus, which is meant for two people. There is also Whole Fish, local fish, ravioli, Smoked Pork Chop, Duck l'orange, a house burger and so much more.

Appetizers include Burrata, Oxtail & bone marrow pie and Foie Gras, just to name a few. There are appetizers called "Snacks" and sides like veggies, fries and potato aligot. Plans call for an outdoor patio area in back and Ariete will feature a Sunday supper-style, family-friendly feel, with shareable entrees. Lunch and brunch hours will follow.

While the restaurant is opening January 15, they are having a special seating on December 31, for New Year's Eve. There will be one seating. First come, first accommodated by reservation only.

That menu for that night includes Champagne, bitter greens, Mackerel Tarter, Homemade Ravioli, local fish, bone in Rib Eye and a lot more. Ask them about the menu.  

Cost is $95 per person / $145 per person with wine pairings.

For reservations for New Year's Eve, please email: reservations@arietemiami.com