Seems like yesterday when Vinya Key Biscayne opened in 2021, as the Island was coming out of the pandemic-related restrictions.
Now, as the popular gathering place gets ready to celebrate its fourth anniversary, Islander News had an opportunity to visit with the Vinya team and learn more about them.
We sat down with General Manager Daniel Alonso, originally from Mexico City/Puebla, Mexico. Alonso knows the island well after six years at the Ocean Club. He is passionate about supporting local businesses and creating new partnerships, and Alonso shared how proud he feels to be part of the Vinya family.
“Almost a year in, I feel grateful for every member of our team and the incredible work they do,” Alonso said.
Vinya’s Pork Bao buns.
Alonso highlighted some of the long-standing staff members who have been key to Vinya’s success.
One of them is Chef Arturo Valdéz from Barranquilla, Colombia, happily married and father of one. Valdés has been with Vinya since day one starting as a cook, becoming Head Chef after two years. He now oversees the administrative and logistical operations of the kitchen. Working in Key Biscayne has allowed Valdés to get to know the customers personally, learn their tastes and take pride in hearing that Vinya is one of their favorite dining spots.
Vinya is known for offering a personalized experience as guests can enjoy the lively bar and front tables or opt for a more private indoor setting. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine selection for corkage, delivering a sophisticated dining experience with top-quality food and a warm atmosphere.
The menu changes every six months, highlights seasonal ingredients and supports local products. Signature dishes have included Morcilla spring rolls, Scallop Galliano and braised short rib, with the new menu featuring exciting additions such as Pork Bao and Hamachi crudo.
The Key Biscayne team’s chemistry is part of what makes Vinya so special.
Sommelier Allegra Angelo, a recent James Beard Award semifinalist, and a native of Connecticut, is famous for her wine tastings and different events she does on Sundays.
Lucas Di Chenna, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the Supervisor of Waitstaff and has been with Vinya for three years. Di Chenna is well-known and loved by regulars.
Vinya’s Hamachi Crudo.
Juan Rodríguez, or “Juancito”, from Bogotá, Colombia, is a bartender whose creative cocktails have helped him develop a cult-like following among customers. His signature drink is the Category 5, made with Santa Teresa Rum, Savoia, pineapple Giffard and Finocchietto.
Luis Rivera, from Lima, Peru, works as a bartender alternating between both the Coral Gables and Key Biscayne locations. With four years at Vinya, he’s best known for his signature Peruvian Pisco Sour.
Maggy Whitman, from Nebraska, has been part of the team for two years. She manages morning retail operations, supervises mixology and is the creative mind behind Maggy’s Mary, a tropical twist on the Bloody Mary made with Malibu vodka, celery, lime and mango soda.
Ashley Celikbas, from Pennsylvania, has been with Vinya for one year. She is a Sommelier and server with a strong background in wine, holding a WSET Level 3 certification and also serves as a retail specialist.
Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Carla Cabrera, works behind the scenes and gets praise from all team members. Cabrera is a steady hand in supporting the entire kitchen operation team and is much more than tending to the dishwashing operation. Though she doesn’t interact directly with customers, Cabrera’s hard work and dedication never go unnoticed, often the last one to leave and always ready to help wherever needed.
Vinya also extends its signature experience beyond the restaurant, offering catering services tailored to your event including bartenders, chefs, servers and personalized food and drink options for private gatherings. They can even arrange wine tastings for your private parties.
“We’re so grateful for our loyal customers who keep coming back; many even know us by name,” Alonso said. “They come for the service, the food, the drinks… but what we love most is that many of them have truly become friends.”
Vinya Key Biscayne, Happy Hour runs 4-6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. There is a special $9 Happy Hour drink menu, including Vinya’s Havana Club Daiquiri and Margarita (choose Sicilian or Spicy Passion Fruit), or Vinya’s Patio Pounder Wine for $9.
The Happy Hour bites menu includes Cod croquetas (2pc) $7, Salmon Tartare or Pork Bao buns (2pc) $9, the popular Wagyu slider for $8, and a special Mangoes with Sesame-Chili Oil for $10.
If you go
Vinya Wine & Market is in the Galleria Shopping Center at 28 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne. They open at 10 a.m. every day (except Thursdays when they open at Noon) and close at 10 p.m. Mon-Wed and Midnight from Thu to Sat. They close at 6 p.m. on Sundays. You can reach them at (305) 361-7007 or by visiting vinyawine.com.
For the last #tasteofkeybiscayne feature, click here.