Q&A: Doheny Room: From LA to MIA
Alex Mitchell & Paulo Cardoso
Miami Beach, FL – July 28, 2017 – With countless years of conquering the entertainment and nightlife scene it only seemed fitting that Alex Mitchell and Paulo Cardoso would come together to bring something new and unique to Miami’s ever growing nightlife lineup, the first East Coast output of Los Angeles famed Doheny Room. Tucked away behind closed doors in the back of Delano’s lobby, Doheny Room offers a refined, yet stylish atmosphere, catering to those looking for an experience that’s a bit more cultured and not so “clubby”. Sceney yet discreet, the concept’s Miami outpost offers much of what has made the space a choice locale for the who’s who in Los Angeles. A contrast to many Miami hotspots, Doheny Room at Delano is bringing something different to the table advocating socializing and dancing, engaging guests with the ‘anti-club’ playlist. Trading your typical house & top-40 rap for classic & indie rock, 80’s jams and golden era hip-hop, the musical stylings of the lounge evokes a refreshing sense of nostalgia for a sophisticated collection of clientele.
World Red Eye caught up with the two men behind Miami’s new go-to spot, giving us a closer look into how their experience has gotten them where they are today and how Doheny Room is pushing the boundaries and changing the way we party.
Alex Mitchell
Creating a successful nightlife spot is really about being different and having a great team. There is no such thing as one man doing it all.
Alex Mitchell
WRE: How did you get your start in the nightlife industry?
AM: I was living in NYC when I was approached Tony Theodore to work as host in a few venues he was handling. I was a young man born in Brooklyn making my way through the modeling scene and going out with my friends to places like Tunnel, Ajax, System Limelight and Supper Club. Back then big names such as Micky Rourke, Bruce Willis, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell would be out and about constantly. The city was more alive then I had ever seen it. I loved meeting new people and even more than that, hosting friends. As my network grew I expanded to working with nightlife icons such as Nelson and Anthony at Supper Club and Club USA; Alon Jibli and Danny A, Unik, Dimitrie and KIKI, the list goes on. I carried on through Miami before making my way to Los Angeles to work as an on-air TV host for networks such as E! Entertainment, Showtime and The Travel Channel. I still continued to host events throughout all those years. The entertainment and nightlife industry truly go hand in hand. I’ve built a nationwide network and have many people to thank for that. But, after many years and always keeping a home in Miami I am back in Miami where I have always loved and now at Dohney Room in Delano.
PC: I moved to Miami Beach in 2000. Mynt Lounge was the hottest club in town at the time with all the who’s who. I made friends with everyone and soon after was offered a job hosting their parties. It just took off from there.
Paulo Cardoso
It’s exciting to see Miami continuously growing with more intellectual and tasteful ideas that are helping establish a sub culture away from the glitz and glam.
Paulo Cardoso
Alex Mitchell & Paulo Cardoso
WRE: How have you seen Miami’s club scene evolve throughout the years?
AM: I have seen the Miami Scene at its best and its worst and over the past few years it has been coming back strong. I moved to Miami after New York and immediately started working with Nicola Servo at a placed called Bar None. From there working with Eric Omores at Bash to Living Room with the Milon Brothers and many others before ending up at Mynt and Rock Bar. Chris Paciello owned Liquid which and Joia on Ocean was the place to eat if you could even get sat. Back then, Miami was on fire and very exclusive; you couldn’t buy you’re way in either, you either knew the right people or waited. With New York it was all about quality at that time, not quantity. Miami had a good run for many years and is now back stronger than ever.
PC: I’ve seen clubs go from ultra lounges, to mega clubs, and now I feel it’s starting to get back to tasteful and intimate lounges and bars. With the expansion of Miami’s municipalities like Wynwood, Calle Ocho, Miami Design District and Brickell to name a few, there is more options for everyone to explore. It’s giving people the chance to be more creative and open new concept spaces. It’s exciting to see Miami continuously growing with more intellectual and tasteful ideas that are helping establish a sub culture away from the glitz and glam.
Paulo Cardoso & Alex Mitchell
WRE: What does Doheny Room bring to the Miami club scene that differs from other spots around town?
PC: Doheny opens at 9:00 p.m. and offers an intimate atmosphere with great music at an earlier hour than your typical places that open at midnight. We are curating a room that feels like a living room for people to dance and interact with a great crowd and eclectic music. We don’t play your typical top 40’s and fist-pumping club type of music. Our DJ’s are well versed with the history of music and we play every genre from Rock-n-Roll, Indie, Alternative, and Hip-Hop old and new. The DJ’s do a great job of blending all these genres seamlessly and that’s what keeps people coming back.
WRE: For those who haven’t been yet, describe the vibe of Doheny Room?
PC: Doheny is a transplant originally from Los Angeles. The room feels like you’re in a Hollywood celebrity’s private lounge. The dim set lighting, the craft cocktails and unique playlist gives the room a welcoming and quaint environment. The space is designed so that everyone is “in the VIP”. It’s not a place where anyone would feel inferior because they can’t access a certain area or get’s lost in a crowd.
WRE: How would you compare Miami’s nightlife scene to other major cities such as New York City and Los Angeles?
AM: Miami’s nightlife scene to me is one of the most diverse scenes I’ve ever seen in my life. There is such a mix of so many different cultures in such a small radius. On top of that, we are such a tight knit community. We always take amazing care of our locals. Miami is also known for bringing the latin flavor which gives this city a sex appeal like no other.
Venus Williams & Alex Mitchell at Venus Williams at Doheny Room Fridays on April 14, 2017
WRE: In your opinion, what goes into creating such a successful nightlife spot?
AM: Creating a successful nightlife spot is really about being different and having a great team. There is no such thing as one man doing it all. So many people don’t get credit for all the hard work they put in but if it wasn’t for everyone from the managers, staff, PR agencies, promoters and sponsors most paces wouldn’t exist.
PC: Like Studio 54 and any iconic club, the most important thing is to have the right crowd. Curating a room where you have the right crowd that blend together, make new friends, and frequent eventually become’s something bigger than just the venue itself.
WRE: What’s your working relationship like working with one another? Do you guys work together closely when it comes to making decisions about Doheny Room?
AM: My relationship with Paulo is great. We have been friends for about 15 years and also have a lot of the same friends, we really compliment each other. He has his strengths as I have mine and together we cover all our bases. We pretty much touch base on everything so that if anything needs to be dealt with we are fully informed so either of us can handle it. There really are no egos between us. If one feels strongly about something we back each others play. I think the best thing about us is the support and love we get from all the other venues and people around town. It’s not a competition to us. We have take care and supported everyone and each venue through the years and fortunately they have truly shown the love back..
WRE: What’s your favorite thing about Miami?
AM: My favorite thing about Miami? That’s a hard one. There is a lot I love about this amazing city. I love how Miami truly takes care of its own. We are a tight knit community and really look out for one another. I love how there is such a great mix of so many cultures in such a small radius; it gives Miami such great energy. Lastly, the beach life. I’m a huge fan of the ocean and it truly eases my soul. It’s a beautiful life here, from boating with friends to drinks with sunset views on the bay, it’s paradise. You couldn’t ask for a better lifestyle.
PC: I love the year-round good weather, the beaches in South Florida and the tight knit friends that have become family. I also love how colorful and lively the city is and that it’s ever growing.
WRE: Where do you hope to see yourself career wise 10 years from now?
AM: Honestly, I don’t like to think that far ahead. I love to let life happen as it may; it’s more exciting that way. I believe things are going to happen the way they are suppose to and that’s just the way I like to live. I’ve been pretty blessed so far with a loving family, great friends and success. I have faith that I’ll be in good hands as the years continue.
PC: When I started nightlife I thought I wouldn’t be doing it for more than a couple of years, but here I am 16 years later. Nightlife is great and I’m fortunate to have been able to adapt and be apart of this city’s ever growing culture. I think in 10 years I’ll eventually be out of the nightlife scene, take some of the connections and knowledge to build something small like a surf hotel and bar somewhere in Central America surfing as much as I can. I think by then it’s time to enjoy more of the day life.
Skylar Hauswirth & Pleasure P at Doheny Room Fridays on May 12, 2017
Alex Mitchell & Paulo Cardoso at Doheny Room Fridays on June 16, 2017
Miami’s nightlife scene to me is one of the most diverse scenes I’ve ever seen in my life. There is such a mix of so many different cultures in such a small radius. On top of that, we are such a tight knit community. We always take amazing care of our locals.
Alex Mitchell
Paulo Cardoso & Alex Mitchell at Doheny Room Fridays on May 5, 2017
Alex Mitchell & Chris Sariego at Venus Williams at Doheny Room Fridays on April 14, 2017
Kyle Jay & Alex Mitchell at Doheny Room Saturdays on June 2, 2017
Alex Mitchell & Patrick Pizzorni at Doheny Room Fridays on June 16, 2017
Nick Montealegre, Cameron Klippsten, & Alex Mitchell at Doheny Room VIP Preview on April 7, 2017
Alex Mitchell & Ana Machado at Doheny Room Saturdays on July 8, 2017
Marcus Aral & Alex Mitchell at Doheny Room Saturdays on July 8, 2017
Alex Mitchell, Lisa Hochstein, & Lenny Hochstein at Doheny Room Saturdays on July 8, 2017
Paulo Cardoso & Flip Falca at Doheny Room Fridays on May 5, 2017
Paulo Cardoso at Doheny Room on June 9, 2017
Paulo Cardoso & Tyler Newell at Pleasue P at Doheny Room Fridays on May 12, 2017
