South Florida restaurateur/caterer Ken Lyon is expanding his empire. Lyon, owner of Fratelli Lyon, a popular Italian eatery in the Design District and Lyon + Lyon Catering, is opening The Cape Cod Room at The Bath Club, 5937 Collins Ave., Miami Beach.

The retro-classic style seafood tavern -- housed in the historic portion of the Bath Club -- built originally in 1926 -- opens to the public Nov. 1. It seats 75 (including bar and poolside) and will initially serve dinner Wednesday through Saturday nights, with brunch on Sunday.

Lyon, 53, says he based the restaurant's menu and décor (subtle touches include black-and-white nautical photos by Morris Rosenfeld and Sons) on his experiences growing up in the New England area. Born in Worcester, Mass., Lyon summered with his family on Cape Cod -- and it was there that he first began to cook professionally.

The menu features appetizer-sized Ipswich Fried Clams, Nantucket Bay scallops, Provence-town Seafood Stew and desserts such as Indian pudding and Scottish shortbreads with lemon curd. Chef is Jorge Cardenas of New York; manager is Bevon Braham (formerly with The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables).

In addition, Lyon + Lyon is now the exclusive caterer for the Bath Club property, which features a fully restored Mediterranean-style clubhouse with numerous function rooms.

``Not sure how much I'll be seeing him,'' lamented Ken's wife of 14 years, Suzanne Litt Lyon, who turns 44 on Sunday.

An assistant buyer for At Ease on Sunset, she also serves as a wardrobe consultant -- and part-time restaurant hostess when needed. The couple, who live on Belle Island, met at Lyon Fréres et Compagnie, the Lincoln Road marketplace Ken Lyon operated during the 1990s.

``Luckily, the new restaurant is not far from home,'' Suzanne said.

For Cape Cod Room reservations, call 305-864-1262.

BARTON G NEWS

Coincidentally, another South Florida restaurateur/caterer has expanded his empire, too.

Barton G. Weiss, renowned for his over-the-top events and Barton G The Restaurant in South Beach, launched Prelude by Barton G at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami last week.

The open-to-the-public restaurant (Tuesday through Sunday) offers patrons ``Diner's Decisions'' -- any three dinner/dessert menu items for $39; any two lunch/brunch items for $23, plus an extensive by-the-wine-list and an a la carte bar menu. For reservations or information, call 305-757-7900 or go to www.preludebybartong.com.

EMERGING FASHION

The Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort, 16701 Collins Ave. in Sunny Isles Beach, will host the Fashion Designers Expo of Florida on Oct. 30 and 31.

The festivities kick off Friday at 8 p.m. with ``PINK hits the Runway''. Models, including America's Next Top Model Season 4 contestant Tiffany Richardson, will showcase pink fashions from emerging designers (including alums from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale). The event is free and open to the public ($25 for a guaranteed seat). On Saturday, the Pink Masquerade Gala features a dinner at 6 p.m., followed by a fashion show at 8 p.m. and after-party from 11 p.m. on. Tickets start at $75, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the local Susan G. Komen for the Cure chapter. For details, visit www.fashiondesignersexpo.com

HALLOWEEN FUN

Adults can don a costume (or not) and howl at the moon this Saturday night at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach's first Halloween-themed Full Moon Party. The event takes place at the DiLido Beach Club, 1 Lincoln Road on South Beach.

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