The couple’s return to Miami quickened the pulse of area foodies who truly missed the soulful flavors the chefs once brought to the table. If James Beard is to be believed, Chef McInnis and Yardbird were worthy of recognition as Best Chef: South and Best New Restaurant the last time McInnis called Miami Beach “home.” While most folks hoped they might open another down home kitchen, Booth and McInnis defied expectations with an American Dim Sum concept on the shores of South Beach called Sarsaparilla Club at the Shelborne Hotel.

The Sarsaparilla Club menu combined flavors both innovative and familiar to fans of the culinary duo including Asian-style street foods, a terrific selection of vegetarian dishes and a surprising riff on classic fried chicken that takes a turn in a Thai curry marinade. Admirers of Miami’s Chef Bee (who runs NaiYaRa Restaurant in the Sunset Harbour District) may detect the influence of his Vietnamese and Northern Thai flavors that so enchanted Chef Booth when she helped him open Khong River House on Lincoln Road Mall in 2012. This unique fusion of McInnis’ homey inspirations and Booth’s bright notes made a meal at The Sarsaparilla Club a revelation.

That creative effort has now run it’s course and the pair will shutter the Shelborne dining room to relaunch the Sarsaparilla space as a Florida outpost of Root & Bone in early December. For the moment, their hearts are set upon perfecting the down home flavors of Florida seafood at Stiltsville.

South Beach Magazine took some time to find out what life is like for the dynamic duo as they work through the first season of this brand new seafood restaurant in the former Joe Allen space in trendy Sunset Harbour. McInnis is calling upon his formative years cooking and fishing along Florida’s panhandle to inspire this more casual venture where the team hopes to build a rooftop sundeck to host nightly happy hours. Whatever happens next, you can be sure South Floridians will be listening for the dinner bell whenever it rings for these camera-ready craftsmen.

We were big fans of your work in South Florida before you moved to New York to open Root & Bone. Please tell us what it is like returning to Miami – living and working as chefs here once again.
We absolutely love this city and everything it has to offer. The sunshine, blue skies and beaches makes for the perfect atmosphere for us to be as creative as possible while allowing us to find a little more balance in our lives.

What is your favorite thing about being a chef in Miami right now?
We are so thrilled to be back here in Miami, especially at a time when the culinary scene is really developing and chefs are so inspired. We are seeing so many amazing restaurant concepts popping up, and we are proud to be part of this growth and transition.

If you hadn’t decided to become a chef, what would you be doing?
Jeff: I have always been good at two things – cooking and fishing – so I think I am in the right place!

Janine: I have always been very creative and one of my favorite parts of opening restaurants is concept development. I think I would go into brand and concept development.

What made you decide to go into business together?
We are both equally passionate about our business and work really well together. We both have our strengths and areas of the business where we flourish so we make a really great team.

It must be tough to find a sense of balance in life and work while running successful restaurants for you two. How to you make it work? Do you find the dynamic of taking on so much responsibility changes the way you work together?
Living in Miami makes life a dream! This city, the ocean, the air here does wonderful things for both of us. We make sure we schedule time to spend as a couple, so we are able to completely switch off from work. We love checking out new restaurants, swimming at the beach and going paddleboarding. Scheduling time for us helps us find balance and calm in our work as well.

Obviously you’ve thought a lot about creating a new approach to our local restaurant scene. What do you think the Miami food scene needs most and what would you like to see go away?
Janine: The food scene here has expanded so much and chefs are slowly filling the gaps in the market, but Jeff and I find ourselves constantly hunting for Indian food and local seafood!

When you’re not at work, where do you like to dine in South Florida?
We love little local spots like Macchialina where they make our favorite pastas, Visa-01 and Lucali serve up our favorite pizzas, Byblos for Mediterranean is amazing and NaiYaRa for our Thai fix.

When you are cooking at home for yourself or your friends & family, what’s your go-to dish?
Jeff: We love focusing on vegetables and getting experimental with whatever is in season. Although we love meat, it is the side dish in our house. Janine also has a really sweet tooth, so she loves making awesome healthy desserts.

How has cooking in Florida changed or inspired you as a chef? Do you find your menu is influenced by the produce available in Florida?
The seasons in Florida are so unusual and we love it! Getting heirloom tomatoes in January and strawberries soon after is amazing. The accessibility to farmers in Florida has developed hugely in the last few years and we are sourcing a huge amount of our produce, honey and dairy from local farms.

What’s one thing you want diners to know about the menu at your restaurant, perhaps your favorite dish, an unexpected entree or the inspiration behind one of the dishes you decided to include on the menu?
We are really proud of our fried chicken. In each of our restaurants we have a version of fried chicken but each one is particularly special.

South Florida diners are eager to discover new local restaurants for the first time. What do you hope they discover about your South Beach eatery?
We are incredibly excited for our project in Sunset Harbour, where the focus is Florida seafood. We will be building out the rooftop of our space so our guests can enjoy their meal while watching the beautiful sunset over Biscayne Bay.

Stiltsville Fish Bar 1787 Purdy Avenue South Beach 786-353-0477

Dinner Sunday -Thursday 5pm – 11pm, Friday & Saturday until midnight. Brunch Friday through Sunday 11am – 3pm. Happy Hour weeknights 5pm-7pm

More info on Stiltsville Fish Bar

With parking costs escalating and increased concerns about commuter traffic, free trolleys provide a welcome relief for local commuters. Travelers to Miami Beach now enjoy a broader range of hotel choices from budget to luxurious with easy access to all the excitement of South Beach from the more quiet and family-friendly hotels in the northern part of the city. Some of the perks of the new trolley service include free Wi-Fi on board the vehicles plus real-time tracking and next bus information through the city’s mobile application available on Google and Apple stores.

Hours of Operation

Monday to Saturday 6am to midnight
Sunday 8am to midnight

Approximate Running Times

Every 10 – 15 MINUTES (Middle Beach Loop and North Beach Loop)
Every 20 MINUTES (Collins Express)

Collins Express

Board the Collins Express Trolley in South Beach and make stops at

Washington Avenue/17 Street
Lincoln Road/Washington Avenue
Collins Avenue/21 Street
Collins Avenue/22 Street
Collins Avenue/24 Street
Indian Creek Drive/29 Street
Collins Avenue/31 Street
Collins Avenue/38 Street
Collins Avenue/43 Street
Indian Creek Drive/40 Street
Indian Creek Drive/43 Street

Board the Collins Express Trolley in North Beach and make stops at

Collins Avenue/69 Street
Collins Avenue/73 Street
Collins Avenue/77 Street
Collins Avenue/85 Street
Harding Avenue/87 Street
Harding Avenue/85 Street
Harding Avenue/81 Street
Harding Avenue/77 Street
Harding Avenue/75 Street
Abbott Avenue/72 Street
Abbott Avenue/69 Street

Additionally, Collins Express serves all bus stops along Collins Avenue between 44 Street and 63 Street.

South Beach Loops (Blue and Green)

Starting November 19, 2017, the City of Miami Beach will launch the South Beach Loop, a series of ten new low-floor trolley vehicles that will circle South Beach in both directions from 20th Street in the Sunset Harbour District to South Pointe Park. These city circulators will navigate Washington Avenue, circle to Alton Road and bisect the city along 17th Street, 11th Street and South Pointe Drive. This service will run 365 days a year with runs starting daily at 6am and ending every night at midnight (Sunday service ends at 8pm). Access to popular shops and supermarkets, exciting restaurants and the hot new entertainment district along the western edge of the city is easier than ever before.

South Beach Blue Loop

South Beach Green Loop

Middle Beach Loop

The new Middle Beach Trolley Service connects the residential shopping district along 41 Street to Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road Mall. An added perk for residents and visitors who wish to take advantage of lower priced hotels and private rentals in the Mid-Beach area, the route travels between Mount Sinai Hospital, the 41 Street Commercial Corridor, 42 Street Garage, 36 Street Park, The Bass Contemporary Art Museum in Collins Park, the Miami Beach Convention Center and Botanical Gardens and Lincoln Road Mall.

With a rising number of savvy travelers utilizing the Airport Flyer shuttle service that connects Miami International Airport and Miami Beach, the addition of Mid Beach and North Beach Loops adds a vital free connection for guests staying at Mid-Beach Resorts, as well as North Beach locations including Surfside. Travelers who wish to access the popular kosher markets and restaurants along 41 Street can utilize the Middle Beach Loop to shop and dine.

North Beach Loop

With the launch of luxury resorts along the northern reaches of Miami Beach, guests may access the serene residential areas of Miami Beach, North Beach and Surfside utilizing the North Beach Trolley Loop. The new system provides easy access to Allison Park, Publix on 69 Street, North Shore Open Space Park, O Cinema, North Beach Bandshell, Normandy Isle Park and Pool and other destinations.

Get the App

Using Miami Beach’s new mobile application from TSO MOBILE,
commuters will be able to view all trolley routes, check on timetables,
see detailed stop information and plan their daily trips.

Let’s get started…

1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Versace Mod
An elegant oasis in the heart of the Ocean Drive scene, Gianni’s at The Villa, Casa Casuarina offers a unique glimpse at the design legacy of Gianni Versace who purchased and renovated every inch of this landmark property during his happiest days on Miami Beach. Under the watchful eye of Chef Thomas Stewart, the restaurant remains an icon of opulent style with millions of tiny, hand-set mosaics adorning the walls and reflecting pools. Enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars at this magic Miami mansion.

112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: See and Be Seen
Home to such decadent delights as the infamous Kobe Beef Hot Dog (recently featured on Real Housewives of New York), Prime 112 steakhouse has hosted some significant A-Listers in politics, sports and cinema. Popular for lunch and dinner, the action centers on the main floor dining room where guests angle their chairs to keep one eye on the front door at all times. Expect loud, lavish parties, plenty of pricey prime beef and delicious sides served with prompt professionalism.

1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Casual Sophistication
A hidden gem tucked inside the stately Betsy Hotel, LT Steak & Seafood offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner to lucky travelers and savvy locals who enjoy Chef Laurent Tourondel’s clasic French techniques and straightforward American ingredients. While the hotel and dining room are tastefully appointed and perfect for a quiet conversation or a family gathering, the tables along the busy sidewalk are a prime spot for Ocean Drive people watching. Open 7 days.

1 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Laid Back for Bicycle Riders
Providing the perfect morning escape for visitors and locals (who frequently arrive on wheels), Cafe Nikki serves up straightforward brunchy bites like fresh juice, strong coffee, still-warm pastries and a delicious quiche. Unlike the adjacent nightclub which has a dressier atmosphere and a fully laden brunch buffet on weekends, the alfresco cafe is perfect for a chat with friends, a romantic rendezvous or a grab-and-go snack. Serving Monday through Saturday 9am-4pm.

1458 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Busy Bistro
The one spot on the strip where you’ll likely encounter locals, Front Porch Cafe is an upscale diner with a semi-healthy menu, ample all-day dining options and a fairly-priced happy hour from 4pm – 7pm. Located within the Z Ocean Hotel at the northernmost point of Ocean Drive, the restaurant has satisfied hungry South Beachers for more than 25 years. We like the breakfast tacos, the granola pancakes (particularly when hungover), and the Porch Burger served with a choice of tasty craft beers.

1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Drag Queen Scene
Bawdy and bouncy, bold and bodacious! The Palace Food Bar is part of South Beach legend because it hosts the naughtiest drag show in town. Miami’s most daring performers may wander into traffic, straddle a taxi or dance on the hood of a parked car because a great song is blasting from the speakers. This alfresco terrace overlooks Lummus Park and a stretch of sand popular with muscular men in tiny swimsuits. We like the #SundayFunday tea dance party that elevates our mood most weekends.

400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Breezy Beach House
Looking for a hidden gem? An easy breezy cafe in the mellow SoFi District (South of Fifth Street), The Local House provides a perfect escape for brunch, dinner, coffee or cocktails. Located just inside the Sense Hotel, this petite beach club feels like a trip to the Hamptons (without all the drama of actually navigating that NY attitude). Enjoy mimosas by the pitcher, crab cake eggs benedict or a selection of appetizers and a few cocktails as the sun sets. You’re welcome!

800 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Classic South Beach
One of the original hangouts on Ocean Drive, the News Cafe (circa 1988) remains an icon of all things South Beach because it never closes! Whether you’re entertaining out of town guests, wide awake from jet lag or simply seeking a prime sidewalk location to watch the world stroll by, “the News” is the place to take your friends for a strong cup of coffee, a juicy burger or a satisfying brunch. You’ll find us there at happy hour when drinks are 2 for 1 weeknights from 4pm – 7pm.

1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Candy-licious
A newly popular destination within the Art Deco elegance that is the Hotel Victor, Sugar Factory American Brasserie stimulates our obsession with all things sweet and shiny, decadent and delicious! Check out the colorful collection of candy, the over-sized shakes topped with everything from cheesecake to bacon and the chillaxing choice of sundaes and snowcones perfect for a South Beach summertime escape. Grown-ups can enjoy massive tropical cocktails while the kids feast on sweets.

900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Vibe: Latin, Loud & Proud
While not technically a restaurant, this popular Latin nightclub serves food and cocktails to a giddy crowd who stand transfixed by the thundering soundtrack, the live bands and lithe dancers who mingle on the dancefloor and gyrate atop the bars. We include Mango’s Tropical Cafe in our Ocean Drive line-up because it represents that “only in Miami” experience many people seek out during their brief visits to the Art Deco District. Open 7 days a week until the wee hours. Don’t miss it!