Kush Hospitality Group’s (KHG) restaurateur Matthew “Kush” Kuscher, announced the opening of Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria (VVV), an intimate Spanish-inspired craft vermouth and natural wine bar that launched on Friday, December 9, 2022. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove and connected to his flagship restaurant LoKal, VVV takes over the space that once housed Kush’s milkshake shop and beer store, Vicky’s House, named after the Kush family matriarch.
“I discovered drinking quality vermouths on a trip to Italy in 2015 but it became a love affair for me during a recent month-long trip to Spain where I dove into the educational side and learned about the history, integrity and the art and science behind it,” explains Kush in a statement. To that end, upon returning from that June 2022 journey he began visiting vermouth bars and experimenting with flavor profiles/ingredients. He eventually lit upon his own personal recipe, dubbed La Mila, which will be one of VVV’s many offerings. He adds, “My mom has always been obsessed with Spain so when I told her my idea – to transform Vicky’s the milkshake bar to Victoria’s she was all in. I also want to eventually retire in Spain but that’s not happening anytime soon, so I figured I’d bring some of my favorite things from Spain to Miami.”
Launched in collaboration with Corporate Beverage Director Cristina Suarez, the first female industry professional to curate and launch a vermouth bar in the United States, the outlet has a strong focus on Spanish wines and ciders, large format craft beers and a bevy of eclectic house-made vermouths. Through research and education Suarez has fallen for vermouth so much so that it has replaced mezcal as her favorite libation. “We’re not expecting people to discover the passion we might have for vermouths but we want them to have a unique, educational and intimate experience and leave here feeling they have learned something new in a cool, sexy space,” Suarez notes.
The first vermouth bar in South Florida, VVV is positioned as both a “waiting room” for LoKal guests and a destination all its own. In addition to great pours, VVV will offer tapas-style small plates, charcuterie boards, Chicken Skins and Sandwich de Mescla, Caviar, Pan con Tomate and more. Vermouths will come in an array of styles and flavor profiles, selections both familiar and exotic. To that end, the menu features two house-made vermouths, sold by the glass, bottle and package-style: Kush’s signature blend, described as “Christmasy and warm on the palate” along with a second craft concoction by Suarez. Her Titi Marie vermouth, which can be made and served after just an hour, as opposed to La Mila’s 30-day fermentation, is more spring than winter, with light floral notes. Also on offer, a handpicked list of natural wines and Spanish ciders poured in the Asturian style of long pouring to inject effervescence.
Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria was designed with approachability in mind, filtered through an “Old World in a Modern Land” spectrum. With a capacity for 25 guests at a time, patrons are invited to be transported across the Atlantic in a space of muted green and red accents with Victorian-style design elements throughout. This includes a back lounge perfect for intimate conversation or a stolen kiss.
Victoria’s Vinos y Vermuteria is located at 3190 Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove. Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday from 5PM to close.
