From the dawn of time, different foods have defined eras. Much like in history, our Owner and Director of Culinary, Gino Perez-Ferrari, has defined his career the same way. Each time Gino opened a new restaurant, whether in Saudi Arabia, Canada, Ireland, Qatar, Bahrein, Georgia, Florida, or his hometown, Puerto Rico, it was the start of a new era. Here, with AQUI, he brings together the highlights of his culinary career. Through his work and his life, Gino learned one thing to be true: Food brings people together. And by creating a gathering place featuring cuisines from multiple cultures, he brings together both food and people from different backgrounds.

Sourcing the best ingredients for our drinks and culturally rich dishes is one of our core values. We take pride in supporting our community vendors by sourcing ingredients close to home. Our steak is filet mignon, our shrimp is tiger shrimp. Instead of food coloring or synthetic flavoring, we use fresh saffron all over our Mediterranean kitchen.

Nothing makes a space shine like art. With the help of visual artists specializing in photography, painting, and visual arts, the space glows. Our artist partners derived inspiration from the unique light and natural aspects of the space, in addition to the industrial style created by repurposed shipping containers. Their work aims to brighten the AQUI space and the surrounding neighborhood. With each artist working in different mediums, the end product is a space with immense textural interest. Our current installations include collaborations with photographer Peter Nolan, a 360º mural on a shipping container by Christian Feneck, and a super graphic collaboration with Margi Glavovic Nothard and Carol Prusa.

When looking for a coffee partner, the AQUI team wanted to source locally. And Wells Coffee, a family owned and operated coffee roaster based in Flagler Village, fit the bill. Only one thing could make Wells Coffee better, and that’s whiskey. AQUI’s Irish Coffee Program features Wells Coffee in addition to Fighting 69 th Irish Whiskey and fresh whipped cream. The Fighting 69 th Irish Whiskey is locally owned, distilled and imported from Ireland, and named after an American all- Irish citizen militia. With our Director of Beverage, Trent O’Connor’s, army-veteran status, the inclusion of this particular Irish whiskey holds a special place in our hearts here at AQUI.

To say our Co-Owner and Director of Beverage, Trenton J. O’Connor, is a whiskey expert would be an understatement. With a collection of niche liquor and a near cult following of whiskey and bourbon drinkers, it’s safe to say Trent lives and breathes whiskey. And he wears his heart on his sleeve—literally—with bottles of Jack tattooed on his arm. But that’s not all—with over 20 years in the business, he knows the secret to a balanced cocktail. With respect for the classics and an innovative spirit, Trent’s bar menu offers modern twists on classic cocktails, tasting flights, and other inventive drinks highlighting locally sourced ingredients unique to Florida.

Every ingredient we use makes our cocktails special — right down to the ice. With 25 years of ice-slaughtering experience, the Ice Butcher provides us with perfectly clear cocktail ice in sleek cubes and spheres for an elevated drink experience. This pure, slow-melting ice means bolder flavors sustained longer, even for those who nurse their drinks.

Every inch of AQUI was thought out with a focus on community. The Glavovic Studio, where AQUI is located, is an Architects Studio, Gallery and Artist Workspace with a goal of cultivating community conversation. In the AQUI space, the zig-zag bar design encourages conversation, while the backlit bar changes colors to highlight holidays and events that bring people together. While elements of the space quite literally bring the community together, the renovation of the space also celebrates the people and ecosystem of South Florida. The architecture utilizes Florida’s unique light and landscape in combination with strong geometric choices to make the building intriguing. In the AQUI space, we use artwork by regional artists and natural materials specific to the area to bring focus to our local roots.