Entrepreneur João Mendez Miranda’s Top Restaurants in New York City

Brazilian philanthropist and digital marketing innovator João Mendez’s journey began in the entertainment world at an early age before founding Latin America’s largest event and influencer marketing agency at the age of 24.

Currently at the helm of a number of successful marketing businesses and charities, including Ingresso Digital, MegaDreams and Tudo Pela Inteligência, he continues to make his mark in the digital world and beyond.

Currently based in Orlando, Florida, Mendez began her career in the luxury real estate market in Rio de Janeiro before seizing the budding opportunities presented by celebrity and influencer marketing. His fruitful experience in real estate and digital marketing ventures led him to spread across the world to pursue his true passion of creating opportunities for the underprivileged.

Please enter Soulphia. Founded in 2017 and boosted by Mendez in 2019, Soulphia was founded with a mission to provide digital employment, education, and language opportunities to women experiencing homelessness. Soulphia, led by Mendez, connects women living in shelters across the United States with people from all over the world who want to learn English.

Soulphia currently has a global team of instructors delivering online classes to thousands of students in over 40 countries around the world. The organization helps change the lives of these students by bridging educational gaps and creating a platform built on mutual growth and understanding.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of something so impactful. This is a cause that has truly tangibly changed the lives of so many women,” Mendes says.

Mendez’s efforts in the field of philanthropy include supporting numerous initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and improving access to affordable health care services for those most in need. It is included.

Now, Mendes’ focus has shifted to his latest project, Tudo Pela Inteligência. TPI aims to empower individuals to meet the evolving demands of AI technology, moving towards a future where technological advances and human expertise can coexist in harmony. Mr. Mendez and TPI are committed to turning potential unemployment into new opportunities for growth and innovation by offering a variety of resources to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to work with AI technology. I have been working hard on this.

Mendez’s interests extend beyond entrepreneurship to a lifelong love of adventure travel. An avid fan of traveling the world, Mendez has developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and cuisines along the way.

“Travel is a form of education,” Mendez insists. “It expands your horizons, helps you understand different cultures, and introduces you to a world of unusual cuisines. I’ve fallen in love with so many places over the years.”

New York City in particular has become a favorite destination for businessmen. For years, CEOs have been drawn to the city’s vibrant food scene, especially its seafood offerings.

“New York City’s seafood scene is unparalleled,” Mendez says. “No other city in the world can match the freshness, diversity, creativity and quality of New York.”

That being said, here are his top three seafood restaurants he frequents in the Big Apple.

le bernardin

At the top of Mendez’s list is Le Bernardin, a three-Michelin-starred French seafood restaurant in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Under the direction of Chef Eric Ripert, Le Bernardin has earned a globally recognized reputation for its exceptional seafood cuisine. A longtime fine-dining enthusiast, Mendez is particularly impressed by the restaurant’s artistic presentation and complex flavors.

“Every dish at Le Bernardin is a work of art,” says Mendes. “The flavors are complex and balanced, and each dish is so delicately expressed that it’s almost embarrassing to disturb it.”

Standout menu items include the Almost Raw Bar and the Smoked Salmon Caviar Croque Monsieur, each boasting a unique blend to please your palate. But for Mendes, what really sets Le Bernardin apart is its commitment to sustainability. From sourcing ethically caught seafood to minimizing food waste, Le Bernardin’s philosophy aligns with Miranda’s own values. This conscious approach, combined with the restaurant’s elegant ambiance, captures the very essence of fine dining.

hancock street

A short walk south from Le Bernardin passes through New York’s scenic Washington Square Park and stops at Mendes’ next location, Viennese-contemporary Hancock Street in the West Village. Featuring a cozy 75-seat interior dining room with a landscaped walkway. Hancock Street with garden views. We offer a satisfying menu that combines crudo, homemade pasta, fresh oysters, and premium cuts of meat.

“If you’re going out with a group who’s wondering where to eat, this is the perfect place,” Mendez says. “We’re in Lower Manhattan, so if you’re looking for a cozy place to hang out after work, stroll around town, go to the park, or just eat some good food, Hancock Street is the place for you. is.”

Among an impressive lineup that includes prime steak tartare, duck radiatore, and king salmon en croute, Mendez recommends the amberjack and fluke crudo.

“We have some of the freshest fish in the city here, and the raw bar is amazing,” Mendez says. “Serge Becker and John MacDonald have done an incredible job creating one of the best restaurants in Manhattan.

Marea

Next on Mendez’s list of admirers is Marea, a coastal Italian-style seafood restaurant overlooking the scenic south end of Central Park. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael White, Marea is world-renowned for its fresh, high-quality seafood dishes and unique blend of Italian flavors, including signature caviar and white truffles. .

For Mendez, every visit to Marea is an experience that begins with the star of the show: the Regalis Two-Tone Osetra Caviar. “Every time she gets to Marea, she has to start with caviar,” Mendes admits. “This is one of those special dishes that I treat myself to, and Marea’s caviar is top-notch. It’s a delicate indulgence that sets the tone for the rest of the meal.”

From there, the culinary journey continues with a variety of homemade pastas, but the octopus and bone marrow fusilli is a personal favorite. “It’s a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Italian cuisine: simple ingredients cooked to perfection,” he added. He also praises Marea’s extensive wine list, which perfectly complements the menu, and the restaurant’s exceptional service, which makes every meal a memorable experience.

Cucina 8 1/2

Adding to Mendes’ New York favorites is Cucina 8 1/2, a lively Italian restaurant located in the heart of New York’s theater district. With traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list, Cucina 8 1/2 offers warm, authentic Italian cuisine. Led by a team of expert chefs, this restaurant is known for its homemade pasta, fresh seafood and quality meats prepared using the freshest ingredients.

“Cucina 8 1/2 is a hidden gem,” exclaims Miranda. “The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the food is always exceptional.” He particularly recommends the poached swordfish pesce spada, finished with pecorino romano broccoli rabe. ”

“The swordfish was perfectly cooked and the salmoriglio perfectly brightened and complemented the herbal notes,” he added. He also praised Cucina 8 1/2’s wine list, saying it offers a wide range of Italian wines that pair perfectly with the food. In addition to the food, Miranda appreciates the restaurant’s warm atmosphere and excellent service, and believes that every visit is an enjoyable experience.

Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Finally, tucked away inside New York City’s legendary Grand Central Station is the landmark Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Known for its extensive selection of oysters and modern twists on classic seafood dishes, Grand Central Oyster Bar is a must-visit for those seeking a dining experience steeped in history and character.

“Grand Central Oyster Bar is a New York classic. The atmosphere is totally unique, the seafood is always top-notch, and the history alone is worth the trip,” says Mendez.

Opened in 1913 by Cornelius Vanderbilt and revived by Chef Jerome Brody, the Oyster Bar offers a variety of high-quality shellfish and cocktail pairings. Mendez’s favorite is the signature Oyster Rockefeller, which combines the freshness of the sea with a rich, decadent sauce. But beyond the food, Mendez also praises the restaurant’s timeless charm, its vaulted Guastavino tile ceiling and commitment to serving fresh seafood in a truly iconic setting.