On December 2 in Miami, Authentic Hospitality opened its third iteration of the New York hotspot Ray’s inside the Freehand Miami. Joining its other locations—including Jac’s on Bond, Pebble Bar, Georgia Room, and Bar Calico—it was buzzing with energy and flowing with good vibes, great drinks, and an exceptional dive bar ambiance, welcoming supporters and creatives from all over the globe, including artists, writers, TV stars, hostility gurus, and more. Whitewall spoke with Authentic Hospitality’s Co-Partners, Carlos Quirarte and Matt Charles, its Marketing Director, Kaitlin Prince, and its Public Relations Director, Madison Fishman about what their favorite happenings during Miami Art Week entailed.
Best Shows
Photo by Piercarlo Quecchia. Courtesy of Miami River Inn, Alcova Miami, the photographer, and DSL Studio.
KAITLIN PRINCE: Alcova was incredible. The tucked away location in Little Havana made it feel like a true discovery and the artists were so friendly and talented. My favorite was Lucas Muñoz Muñoz and his technical director who together made an insane speaker set up—it was playing in the courtyard greeting guests and they just sold one to Diplo!
Best Moment
Ray’s Hometown Bar. Photo by World Red Eye.
CARLOS QUIRARTE: Opening of Ray’s Miami. The energy in Miami is absolutely electric, and hearing locals say that Ray’s feels like it’s been around for years is the highest compliment we could ask for. It’s a testament to how quickly we’ve been embraced by this incredible local community. We’re genuinely excited to be here, and already, it feels like we’ve found our home in the heart of Miami Beach.
Best Vibes
Courtesy of Sunny’s Miami.
MATT CHARLES: Sunny’s MIA. We had an amazing team dinner at Sunny’s. The team was kind enough to give us a tour and explain the journey of the restaurant. The attention to detail was second to none—from the wine cooler to the bathroom wallpaper. Drinks, food, and service were all incredible!
Best Discovery
Courtesy of Monty’s.
MADISON FISHMAN: That Monty’s will actually give you a #4 painkiller if you jokingly ask for it.
