Upon opening in Wynwood in 2016, the Asian-inspired eatery KYU immediately took Miami by storm. Since then, the restaurant has gone on to open locations in New York City, Las Vegas, and Mexico City, with co-founder Raheem Sealey largely at the helm throughout the process. After a brief time away to open Drinking Pig BBQ in Northern Miami, Sealey has returned as the executive chef of KYU Global. Today, Sealey continues to hone in on what makes the restaurant so special, championing fan favorites like tuna crispy rice, truffle wagyu toast, and Korean fried chicken slathered in chili butter. In honor of Art Basel and Miami Art Week, we asked Sealey where he finds inspiration in Miami and where he goes to see the city’s best art.
Courtesy of Raheem Sealey.
WHITEWALL: Where’s the best spot to find inspiration in Miami?
RAHEEM SEALEY: I find most of my inspiration in my own kitchen and from being with my family—which is the most important thing to me. Outside of my own kitchen, I go to places that bring me joy, that I’ve been going to for a long time, and that are places that feel just like home, such as KYU in Wynwood, Gabose Korean BBQ in Fort Lauderdale, or Macchialina in Miami Beach.
“I find most of my inspiration in my own kitchen and from being with my family.”
—Raheem Sealey
WW: What’s the best off-the-beaten-path place to see art?
RS: I would say Wynwood, but I guess that isn’t too off-the beaten-path anymore! That being said, it’s still one of the best places to find art in Miami. Other than that, any street that isn’t overly developed, you can always find something to see!
“Wynwood is still one of the best places to find art in Miami.”
—Raheem Sealey
WW: What’s Miami’s best-kept secret?
RS: How to make the cornbread from Drinking Pig BBQ. Now that’s a recipe my wife would never share!
Miami Insider Raheem Sealey’s List of Favorites:
1. KYU
Courtesy of KYU.
KYU is a Miami restaurant to its core, so renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and wood fired, globally-inspired offerings that outposts have cropped up in New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico City. In the restaurant’s airy, expansive Wynwood dining room, music pulses as servers bring out signature dishes like tuna crispy rice and truffle wagyu toast. Guests can watch chefs work in the wood-fired open kitchen, employing traditional yakiniku techniques to grill Korean fried chicken slathered in chili butter, smoked bone marrow topped with shiso chimichurri, and beef brisket crusted in sesame seeds. Cocktails are also innovative, featuring ingredients like charred shishito peppers, Vietnamese cold brew, and Japanese sweet potato.
2. Gabose Korean BBQ
Courtesy of Gabose Korean BBQ.
Gabose Korean BBQ is a comfortable space located in Fort Lauderdale with an extensive menu of Korean standbys and do-it-yourself tableside charcoal grills. – Gabose Korean BBQ
3. Macchialina
Courtesy of Macchialina.
Located in the heart of South Beach’s residential community, Macchialina is a favorite among critics, locals, and in-the-know tourists, who flock to the casual neighborhood eatery to indulge in Chef Michael Pirolo’s rustic yet sophisticated Italian fare. Macchialina’s award-winning pastas are made by hand and inspired by fresh, local ingredients, combined in seasonal and imaginative ways. – Macchialina
4. Wynwood
Photo by Nika Kramer. Courtesy of the artist and TimeOut.
Full of eclectic restaurants, bars and shops, Wynwood offers visitors countless opportunities to enjoy the best of international contemporary art, whether in galleries or simply on the street, where colorful murals make it a go-to place for Instagrammers. – Wynwood
