David Grutman & Bad Bunny Host Private VIP Preview of Gekkō

8/11 Gekkō Grand Opening from World Red Eye Films on Vimeo.

Miami, FL – August 11, 2022 – Bad Bunny and David Grutman’s dining concept, Gekkō, offers a fresh and exciting twist to the traditional steakhouse, bringing in elements of Japanese culture that are reflected in the venue’s exquisite cuisine and luxe, vibrant decor. Signature dishes include premium steak cuts, unique sushi options, and top quality seafood appetizers, combined with rich design accents that transport guests to a unique and intimate nocturnal world.

The pair welcomed a number of celebrities last night including Karol G, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, David and Victoria Beckham, Derek Jeter, Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, among many others. Guests enjoyed passed bites and signature drinks from the new Japanese steakhouse while dancing to tunes, courtesy of Zack Bia, as he took over the turntables.

World Red Eye went behind the scenes with David Grutman and Bad Bunny, for an exclusive first look at yet another major new addition to Groot Hospitality’s portfolio, and discussed the vision behind this new space. Read the full Q&A below.

WRE: Could you tell us about the concept behind Gekkō? What was the inspiration?

David Grutman: Gekkō is a Japanese-inspired steakhouse. It has innovative twists on classic steak preparations, and all of our food is made with the precision and modernity of Japanese cuisine. We also have some incredible sushi offerings on the menu. Gekkō, when translated from Japanese to English, means “moonlight.” With this restaurant, we wanted to create something very evening-focused. We wanted to spark that feeling of energy you get before and during a night out.

WRE: What sort of experience could guests expect?

DG: Think of your go-to steakhouse. Then, imagine that with a Miami spin, a ton of texture, color, and great music. With all Groot properties, we aim to create experiences you can’t get elsewhere. And I really feel we’ve made something completely one-of-a-kind with this restaurant.

We wanted to spark that feeling of energy you get before and during a night out.

David Grutman

WRE: How would you categorize the cuisine at Gekkō?

DG: It’s definitely anchored around steaks, but there’s a good amount of sushi, too. We round out the menu with chicken, fish, and a plant-based option or two. But definitely, it’s a steakhouse in feel.

WRE: What are some of your favorite menu items?

DG: It’s hard to pick, honestly. I go through dozens of tastings in the lead up to a restaurant opening, so that we can refine the menu and make it as strong as it can possibly be. We have this new dish, it’s Otoro with 24K gold flakes sprinkled on top. I think it’s going to blow people away.

Gekkō is more than intimate. It’s sexy.

David Grutman

WRE: How did this partnership between David and Bad Bunny happen?

DG: I knew Bunny through life in Miami, really. We originally met at Komodo, another one of our places. Over time, I found out that he was a sushi fanatic. We started speaking casually at first about a steakhouse and sushi concept, and the idea just kept going and gaining momentum. Now, here we are.

WRE: What differentiates Gekkō from other Groot Hospitality restaurants?

DG: That’s a good question. I’d say it’s one of our most elevated restaurants. Papi Steak is high end, as is Komodo, but Papi is very celebratory and high energy, and Komodo is big in scale. Gekkō is more than intimate. It’s sexy.

WRE: What made you decide on this particular venue?

DG: We had our eye on the space for a while. Truly. It’s at the heart of Brickell, which is in the heart of Miami city. You can’t get much more central.