Terrazza Rings in One Year

A year ago, the Shore Club, part of the renowned Morgan's Hotel Group, underwent a transition from its previous restaurant Ago to the now just a year old Terrazza at the gorgeous property. Food and beverage director Matthew Iacobucci has helped open numerous other Morgan's properties on South Beach, like FDR at the Delano, and is a long time member of the prestigious company. Iacobucci sat down and talked with Eater about how the restaurant's first year has been, the ups and downs, and their wildly popular brunch.

What inspiration brought about the change to Terrazza from Ago?
Ago's time was up and we wanted to take it in another direction. The inspiration is the entire Shore Club property. We wanted to tie in what we do at Sky Bar and have the property really flow. From the restaurant to the pool to the bar, but with it staying Italian. Since it had been previously, we wanted to continue with that but make it more casual and fun.

How did the opening go?
It was a lot of fun. It was crazy too because we never officially closed, we were still open for breakfast during the transition. This was one of the most unique openings I've done since we didn't have that opportunity to close and rebuild- operations were still going.

A year later, what has changed at the restaurant?
We've expanded on our menu's food offerings and our wine selection as well. We've transformed our inside dining experience to be a little more formal, where outside is more casual.

What are the challenges you face as the food and beverage director?
The everyday challenges are balancing such a big operation from having Sky Bar, the pool, room service, catering, and the restaurant. It's a 24 hour operation. The reason I'm able to balance that is because of the amazing team I have.

What is your focus at the restaurant right now?
Art Basel (laughs). Also, we want to continue to grow group and large party dinners. Family-style. That sort of thing. It's a great place for large groups.

What's been your biggest success at the restaurant this past year?
Our ladies brunch. We launched that over the summer and it's been very successful. It's doubled our business on Sunday afternoons. It's $32 for all-you-can-drink Bloody Marys, Mimosas, or Bellinis for ladies. For guys to do it, it's $20 additional, and it includes unlimited small single plates.

When you're not at the Shore Club, where are you eating out?
Yakko-San in Aventura. And I'm a burger and beer guy as well, so I love B&B... Love their onion rings.

What does Terrazza have in store for the future?
We want to continue to evolve with the Miami dining scene, keeping our menu and cocktails fresh with exciting offerings. We are going to be launching a weeknight dinner feature. Not sure what it will be yet, but with some kind of prix fixe menu.

[Photo Credit: Adeline Ramos]