Miami’s race weekend calendar gains a new addition that trades traditional dining rooms for open water. Uchi Miami has partnered with DoorDash Reservations to launch “Miami Drift,” a one-day culinary experience set aboard the yacht Stella Maris, departing from Miami Beach Marina on May 1.
The concept leans into the city’s affinity for movement and spectacle, pairing a curated omakase-style format with the rhythm of the water. It is a format that feels aligned with the occasion, offering a more immersive way to experience the weekend.
The event will unfold across two distinct seatings, allowing guests to choose between a midday lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. or a sunset dinner from 7 to 9 p.m.
Each sailing is designed as a standalone experience, led by Executive Chef Diana Martinez, whose approach to Japanese cuisine shapes the menu. The structure favors interaction, with more than ten courses served through a mix of stations and passed bites, encouraging guests to move through the space while engaging with the food.
The format reflects Uchi’s signature style, where precision meets a sense of ease.
The culinary lineup brings together recognizable Uchi dishes alongside selections created specifically for the event.
Highlights include Hama Chili, a staple that has become synonymous with the restaurant, alongside Sake Crudo featuring salmon, coconut, shishito relish, and papaya. The Shrimp Cocktail introduces a sharper edge with gochujang hot sauce, while A5 Wagyu Nigiri topped with caviar adds a richer note to the progression.
Additional offerings such as Bluefin Tuna Nigiri, Madai Nigiri, and Toyosu Nigiri reinforce the menu’s focus on seafood and sourcing, with each course contributing to a broader narrative of flavor and technique.
A premium open bar accompanies the dining experience, with a cocktail program that mirrors the menu’s balance of refinement and play.
Signature drinks include the Hiro & Zero Spritz and the Tsurai, a spicy margarita variation made with Espolòn and Aperol. Champagne and sparkling selections round out the offering, aligning with the setting and the pace of the event.
The beverage program is structured to move alongside the courses, offering a continuous thread throughout the experience.
Tickets for Miami Drift are priced at $275 per person and are available exclusively through DoorDash Reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will receive detailed boarding instructions upon securing their reservation.
The exclusivity of the format, combined with the limited capacity of the yacht, positions the event as a more intimate alternative within a weekend often defined by scale.
While Uchi Miami remains a fixture in the city’s dining scene at its Wynwood location, this event reflects a broader approach to hospitality. It extends the restaurant’s identity beyond its physical space, adapting its culinary perspective to a new environment.
For guests, the appeal lies in that shift. The experience offers familiar flavors in an unfamiliar setting, shaped by the movement of the water and the energy of the weekend.
On May 1, the focus moves offshore, where the combination of cuisine, setting, and timing creates something that feels distinctly Miami.
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