Arthur Boothe and Julian Burgos built their reputation on cocktail bars (Death in the Afternoon, Suffering Bastard and the now-shuttered Bitters & Brass), but the dynamic duo of drink is getting into the grape game and will soon open a wine bar in Mills 50.
Lorelei, named after the German siren of lore, will open this February at 737 N. Thornton Ave. across the street from Edoboy. Boothe says the irresistible and perilous mythical figure is representative of his feelings toward the Sunshine State.
“For all its faults and dangers, Florida is still beautiful and captivating,” he says. “The duality of risk and alluring beauty is something that the river siren and Florida both encapsulate. That connection of beauty and caution — just like alcoholic drinks.”
The design inspiration will be coastal/Mediterranean — “to coincide with the climate we have here,” Boothe says.
As far as wine selections are concerned, bottles will focus on “fun and delicious” wines, while by-the-glass options will be “cool and exciting.”
“The aim is to provide a space where people can come and hang out in a relaxed neighborhood vibe without the pretentiousness and gatekeeping type of atmosphere you often find in places that are hyper-specific, like cocktail bars and wine bars.”
And this being a bar named after a maiden who threw herself into the Rhine River, Lorelei will certainly offer a selection of German wines.
“Nothing too heavy, but plenty to share with friends.”
There will be parking on-site but, unlike their other concepts, Lorelei won’t take reservations. And if you can’t grab a seat, don’t go doing anything dramatic like throwing yourself off a cliff and into a river. There will be standing areas for sipping.
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This article appears in Dec 4-10, 2024.