AltaMar Gets an 'E' For Expansion

After nine years as South Beach's seafood version of Billy Joel's Scenes From An Italian Retaurant, AltaMar is expanding and adding an 'e' for, well, expansion. The new AltaMare will debut in January 2010 in the space next door with executive chef Simon Stojanovic, formerly sous chef at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink. That space, formerly the Press Room, has been completely gutted and redesigned by Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque, who has added a private dining room, chef's table, open kitchen, bar and, most significantly, a dining room that's three times its current size. Menu will also be expanded and feature locally caught seafood, organic meats and homemade pastas. [EaterWire]