Israel Aretxiga has spent the last 15 years in professional kitchens across Europe and Mexico, refining his culinary techniques while continually merging Iberian and Mexican flavors. His work has led him to be the executive chef of Zeru, a Basque-Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant with locations in Brickell and Mexico City. Today, Aretxiga is a certified sommelier who continues to cultivate his passion for molecular gastronomy and avant-garde techniques. To celebrate the Miami Art Week festivities, we talked to Aretxiga about where he sources champagne in Miami and where he goes to decompress.
WHITEWALL: Where’s your favorite place to find inspiration in Miami?
ISRAEL ARETXIGA: Vizcaya Gardens in Miami. Walking between the gardens and enjoying the architecture and the views is definitely something you can’t miss and is unique to Miami. The name and the connection with the ocean remind me of Zeru.
“Walking between the gardens and enjoying the architecture and the views is definitely something you can’t miss and is unique to Miami.”
Israel Aretxiga
WW: What’s the best off-the-beaten-path place to see art?
IA: The streets of Miami and its people are pure art. I’ve always enjoyed the people—and the little details of the city are full of art. Besides the museums, the day-to-day keeps that magic flowing in every detail.
“I’ve always enjoyed Miami’s people—and the little details of the city are full of art.”
Israel Aretxiga
WW: What’s Miami’s best-kept secret?
IA: Wine shopping at Maison MURA in Downtown. They have an impressive collection of champagnes and wines to enjoy later at Cape Florida Beach in Key Biscayne.
Miami Insider Israel Aretxiga’s List of Favorites:
1. Vizcaya Gardens
Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
The Vizcaya Gardens are a vibrant cultural hub in the heart of Miami, a space where history, nature, and art converge. One of Miami’s most treasured landmarks, Vizcaya features a Main House with original furnishings in 34 rooms, ten acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, as well as the historic Vizcaya Village. – Vizcaya Gardens
2. Zeru
Courtesy of Zeru Miami.
The award-winning, Mexico City–based hospitality aficionados at Grupo Zeru opened their inaugural international outpost in Miami last year, bringing coastal Mediterranean Basque flavors to Brickell. Zeru Miami unfolds as a sumptuous and elegant space, embellished with a vibrant open kitchen that serves a range of heavenly, authentic dishes.
3. Maison MURA
Courtesy of Maison MURA.
Maison MURA is Downtown Miami’s new experiential retail venue celebrating the joie de vivre of wine and spirits. This first-of-its kind establishment was designed to enhance the way guests discover, learn, acquire, and enjoy premier wines and spirits with a like-minded community. – Maison MURA
4. Cape Florida Beach
Courtesy of Cape Florida Beach.
Cape Florida Beach has been ranked as one of the country’s top ten beaches and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. Over a mile of the beach is open for swimming, but note that there are no lifeguards on duty. – Cape Florida Beach
