Restaurants
SHADY DISTILLERY OPENS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Shady Distillery Offers Unique Craft Spirits with a Touch of Controversy.
November 19th, 2020
Nestled in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk, Shady Distillery is making waves in the craft spirits scene with their small-batch, handcrafted creations. The distillery, housed in a 20,000 square foot space adjacent to Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, takes pride in its blend of old world and new world techniques, using only the finest ingredients to create their unique lineup of spirits.
Head Distiller Jonny VerPlanck, a seasoned veteran with two decades of experience in the industry, brings his passion for rum and craft distillation to Shady Distillery. With meticulous attention to detail, VerPlanck and his team have been experimenting with different variations of vodka, rum, and bourbon, resulting in their first releases, “Shady” Vodka and the limited-edition “RECOUNT 2020” Vodka.
“Shady” Vodka, a gluten-free and carb-free spirit, is a testament to the distillery’s commitment to small-scale production and superior quality. Distilled seven times from corn and meticulously filtered, this 80-proof vodka offers a smooth and pure taste that is best enjoyed “Straight Up Shady.”
For those seeking a bit of controversy, Shady Distillery’s “RECOUNT 2020” Vodka is a must-try. With an 81-proof blend, this limited-edition spirit pays homage to the uncertainties surrounding the 2020 election, a year that will forever be remembered as “Shady.” As Florida has often played a pivotal role in national elections, Shady Distillery embraces the local spirit by offering a unique vodka that invites drinkers to watch the fiasco unfold while sipping on their preferred shade of doubt.
Beyond their enticing lineup of spirits, Shady Distillery has plans to enhance the customer experience. Soon, they will offer “Shady” Experience Tasting Tours, providing an immersive journey into the world of craft distilling. Additionally, the distillery plans to introduce small batch custom labeling for the holidays, allowing customers to add a personal touch to their favorite spirits.
Located within Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, Shady Distillery is not just a place to indulge in finely crafted spirits; it’s also an integral part of a vibrant community. The distillery’s presence contributes to the development of the area, with plans to house office spaces, art galleries, and music studios in its 20,000 square foot area.
If you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area and seeking a unique craft distillery experience, Shady Distillery is a must-visit destination. Their dedication to small-scale production, superior ingredients, and their creative approach to crafting spirits inspired by shady moments in history make them a standout in the industry. For more information, visit their website at www.shadydistillery.com and prepare to embark on a journey of craft distilling with a touch of controversy.
This 10-seat omakase opening in Miami is about to be one of the hardest reservations to get. Takay on Coral Way combines high-level sushi, intentional design, and a guest experience that feels personal from start to finish.
March 17, 2026
Miami, if you love a beautifully done omakase, this is one to have on your radar.
There is a new omakase concept opening this spring on Coral Way, and it already feels like the kind of place people will be trying to get into early. Takay is an intimate 10-seat experience created by founders Glen Kotlyarski and Yoni Matz, bringing together serious culinary pedigree with a very intentional, guest-focused vision.
Let’s start with the people behind it, because that is really what defines this concept.
Chef Glen Kotlyarski leads the culinary experience, bringing more than 2 decades of fine-dining expertise. His background includes the Jean Georges group and Miami’s Michelin-starred Hidden, and that level of precision and discipline is felt in every course. His approach draws from traditional Edomae sushi techniques, while staying grounded in seasonality and balance.
Alongside him, co-founder Yoni Matz brings a strong hospitality perspective shaped by years of building and operating restaurant concepts. His influence is clear in the overall experience, which is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and engaging rather than overly formal or intimidating.
And you feel that from the moment you arrive.
The space, designed by Japan based architecture firm KTX, is quietly stunning. Guests enter through a Japanese Zen garden, setting a calm and intentional tone before stepping inside. The interior blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with subtle Miami influence, featuring natural materials, soft lighting, and a sculptural wooden wave installation inspired by The Great Wave off Kanagawa. The entire room is designed to slow you down and bring your attention fully into the experience.
Takay’s omakase follows a classic Edomae style, with two nightly seatings, each centered on a 17- or 20-course progression. Seafood is flown in from Japan and paired with seasonal ingredients from local farms, allowing the menu to evolve continuously.
The experience moves through sashimi, nigiri, and composed dishes, with each course prepared directly in front of guests and thoughtfully explained. It feels interactive, personal, and immersive, making the entire evening feel intentional.
It strikes that rare balance where the experience feels polished and high-level, but still comfortable enough to fully enjoy without overthinking it.
When it opens, Takay will offer a 17-course signature omakase at $225 per person and a 20-course extended omakase at $275. Each seating includes a welcome beverage, with optional sake, champagne, and wine pairings available.
Takay is located at 2296 Coral Way in Miami and will be open Tuesday through Saturday with seatings at 6 pm and 9 pm.
In a city known for large, high-energy dining scenes, Takay introduces something a little more intimate and intentional. It is the kind of place that focuses on the details, and those are usually the ones that stand out the most.
Reservations are expected to be limited. Learn more HERE
Date Night Done Right: Experience the Classy Interior, Delicious Drinks and Inventive Menu at Sourbon – Photos and Review of The ‘Sourbon Kitchen and Bar’ & Cocktail Bar ‘The Lab’ in West Palm Beach, Florida
From Fresh Buns to International Awards: The Recipe Behind La Birra Bar’s Championship Burger Success. (more…)
Discover Gabriella’s Modern Italian in Delray Beach—an upscale dining hotspot known for house-made pastas, luxury ambiance, celebrity sightings and unforgettable “Show & Substance” hospitality.
An Unexpected Door in Wynwood Opens to Tartuflanghe Loft, Where Michelin Level Craftsmanship and Italian Heritage Shape an Unforgettable Evening.
Experience Miami’s premier steakhouse, Hereford Grill. From decadent Venezuelan starters to world-class dry-aged steaks, exquisite cocktails and sophisticated ambience, this is fine dining redefined.
The Hidden Speakeasy Rewriting Romance at Love Letters at Nine01 Inside Hyatt Centric Las Olas with Crafted Cocktails, Romantic Games and Handwritten Love Letters.
For 13 Years, This Miami Beach Five-Star Family Restaurant Has Mastered French Cuisine with a Spanish Soul.
Penn & Teller Mark 50 Years of Magic with an Unforgettable Night at the Seminole Hard Rock
The Thorn: A Powerful, Unforgettable Night at the Kravis Center
From “4” to Forever: Lou Gramm Returns for Foreigner’s Historic South Florida Performance
-
Music3 weeks agoFantasies of Rock & Roll Become Reality
-
Entertainment4 weeks ago
Camelot Brings the Crown to Boca
-
Entertainment3 weeks ago
A Beautiful Night at Island City Stage
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Mia Rosebud to Serve Bel Paese Favorites This Easter
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
Mickey + Friends Makes Magic in Miami this Spring
-
Press Releases4 weeks ago
The South Florida Watermelon Festival Returns This Weekend!
-
Press Releases3 weeks ago
Palace Bar Is the Pulse of Miami Beach Pride 2026
-
Music3 weeks ago
Beach Tested, Crowd Approved: Wheeland Brothers Ride Into Tortuga
