Ecco Pizzateca + Lounge Announces Opening

New Lounge brings Pizza, Music and Cool to Downtown Miami

Miami—December 12, 2008—Ecco Pizzzateca and Lounge is just what the “downtowners” ordered -- a hip, new venue offering gourmet style and organic pizzas, live music and a great ambiance. Downtown’s newest hot spot will be located on the ground floor of the historic Huntington Building on the corner of SE 1st Street and 2nd Ave, amidst the city’s Central Business District.

Downtown’s revitalization efforts just took a giant leap forward with the addition of its newest restaurant and lounge. Ecco Pizzateca and Lounge will not only serve up delicious pizzas, it will also offer a comfortable venue for people to meet for lunch, enjoy a great cup of coffee or socialize during weekly happy hours, which will feature local artists on their quest to music fame.

Downtown Miami, historically known for its 6 p.m. checkout time, is gradually beginning to bring in the crowds after hours and during the weekends with the influx of more restaurants, condos and bars. An area that has long been considered a business district is becoming a thriving urban center, convincing more people to make a move to the city life.

One person who is considered an avant-garde in the Miami nightlife scene is Aramís Lorié, who created buzz in the Design District with the opening of ‘The District’ in 2003. His recent foray in downtown with the success of PS14, a bar/lounge featuring live music, led him and partner, Brian Basti to expand further into the area with their newest locale, Ecco Pizzateca and Lounge. As “downtowners” themselves, Lorié and Basti realized the need for a venue such as Ecco and the positive impact it will make in the area, enhancing the ‘live, work, play’ philosophy. Toward that end, Lorié and Basti have combined all the right elements to attract the locals.

“Our concept in opening Ecco is to encourage people who work in downtown to stay here long after they have left their offices,” said Lorié. “We are going to create a cool and relaxing atmosphere where neighbors can socialize and people from other areas can come and see what we have to offer. We also want to provide a venue where local young, budding artists can come and get their feet wet performing in front of a live audience.”

Ecco’s interior design is luxurious with a modern-day, urban feel. The 4,500 square foot space is adorned with crystal chandeliers and eclectic furniture. High ceilings and windows add to the dramatic effect and overall atmosphere of the lounge, which lends itself to private parties and gatherings. The focal point of the lounge is a sleek, full liquor bar, which will offer patrons an array of drinks, international and domestic beers, and wine selections.

Lorié’s and Brian’s love of Italian food inspired them to collaborate with Chef Massimo Fabio Bruni from Italy. The three-time award-winning pizza chef champion* developed Ecco’s menu and provided formal training for creating authentic, Italian-style pizzas. Aside from delectable pizzas, Ecco will also offer a special menu serving vegetarian meals with organic vegetables, whole-wheat options and a selection of signature salads and antipastos.

*1st Place Campionato Italiano di pizza tipica regionale,
*1st Place Campionato Italiano trofeo greci,
*2nd Place Campionato italiano di pizza piccante a scalea

Aside from great food and a full liquor bar, Ecco will feature entertainment with a variety of live musical performances featuring disc jockeys, piano acts and bands. High definition plasmas will continuously display sporting events, fashion and concerts; and free Wi-Fi will be available adding to the guests’ enjoyment.

Opening on Thursday, January 15, 2009, Ecco Pizzateca and Lounge will serve lunch Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and host happy hours on Friday’s 4 p.m. through 11 p.m. Beginning in February, Ecco will release a new schedule of daily happy hours. Ecco is located at 168 SE 1 Street.

For more information or to schedule your private party, please visit http://www.eccomiami.com/ or call 305.960.1900.