Why we’re excited about these new restaurants from Stephen Starr and Daniel Boulud

Philadelphia and New York restaurateur Stephen Starr is adding to his mini-galaxy of South Florida restaurants with the opening of El Vez. The Mexican joint will be neighbors of Starr chophouse Steak 954 in the W Fort Lauderdale. A deep well of tequila choices will fuel El Vez’s margarita menu. And once you settle on one of a half-dozen fresh guacamole options, dive in to the Veracruzana-style fish with olive-caper sauce. 

Meanwhile, longtime fans of Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro Moderne in downtown Miami were weeping in their crispy pork belly when the chef announced its closure this fall. But they didn’t have to stay sad for long: The world-renowned French chef is opening Boulud Sud in db Bistro’s former space at the JW Marriott Marquis. Like its sister restaurant in New York, Boulud Sud Miami will serve coastal Mediterranean cuisine inspired by the chef’s travels to Spain, Greece, Turkey and beyond. 

This story was originally published December 26, 2017 at 5:12 AM.