Q&A: #Drive305 x Simon Kim featuring The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo

#Drive305 x Simon Kim featuring The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo from World Red Eye Films on Vimeo.

Miami, FL – July 6, 2021 – It’s summer in the city and the heat is definitely on! As Miami enters one of the hottest and most exciting times of the year, World Red Eye has once again partnered with THE COLLECTION for #Drive305 to bring residents the inside scoop on the most luxurious new cars of the season by collaborating with equally as sophisticated and recognized entrepreneurs throughout the city.

Bringing the heat all the way from New York to Miami for this edition is restaurateur and visionnaire Simon Kim, owner of America’s first Korean Steakhouse, COTE. COTE Miami, an outpost of the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-nominated restaurant, opened in Miami Design District this past winter to overwhelming success and has quickly become one of the most exclusive and sought after reservations in town. The 5,892-square-foot restaurant emulates its flagship, high-energy New York City-based locale and marries the fun and fire of Korean barbeque with the hallmarks of a classic, regal American steakhouse. The result is a unique and convivial atmosphere infusing a fine dining experience with world-class ingredients and service complemented with a show-stopping beverage program.

As a man of business, family, and of course fun, Simon Kim always has something going on and demands a ride as fast-paced and elegant as his lifestyle. World Red Eye caught up with Kim for a daytime spin in the all-new Maserati Ghibli Trofeo to see how he juggles it all, and to discuss his experience working with THE COLLECTION and driving first-hand in the lap of luxury. Read the full Q&A below.

Simon Kim

WRE: You recently opened a Miami outpost of your critically acclaimed Korean Steakhouse, COTE, in the Design District with great success. What has your experience of opening a restaurant down here been like so far?

Simon Kim: We have been blown away by the support and reception we have received from this city and the Miami Design District, and are honored to call Miami our second home. The residents and its incoming tourists have reaffirmed that our two-year vision for bringing COTE to this dynamic city was a home run for the COTE brand. We are working on many different projects to show our love and appreciation for Miami, we cannot wait to share them to our guests!

WRE: Outside of running two highly successful and renowned restaurants across the country, what are a few of your favorite hobbies to do in your free time?

SK: First and foremost spending quality time with my two beautiful children (ages 2 and 3) and my most awesome wife is hands down my favorite pastime (although I wish I could spend more time with them). Being with them is grounding for me, especially with juggling a brand new restaurant. It’s also imperative for me to meditate each morning, and to listen to my breath and to find my rhythm. All day long, my focus is on what other people need. This quiet time allows me to concentrate on what I personally need. Additionally, I enjoy yoga and my newfound hobby of tennis. I’m still learning my way around the ropes, however I’m extremely competitive and am thoroughly enjoying learning the sport. I also enjoy nature and connecting with the mountains and the beach. Nature has a way of healing.

Simon Kim

WRE: What is your favorite thing about Miami? What initially drew you to doing business here?

SK: I had decided to come to Miami two years ago, which was prior to the pandemic. I fell in love with Miami for three reasons. First, for the sunshine and the beaches. Second, with the people who are so diverse, vibrant and welcoming in Miami – who love to dress up and go to dinner and experience fabulousness. And finally, I fell in love with the city’s booming restaurant scene that is home to so many great restaurants, chefs and restaurateurs. I am especially excited by the influences of Latin, Cuban and Peruvian cuisines.

As we expanded our brand, I promised that I would only open COTE in the cities that I want to live in. Before making the decision on where to open our second location, we were incredibly selective with our vision for our expansion and considered L.A., Las Vegas, Chicago and Washington D.C. among a few other destinations; however I ended up meticulously studying this city for six months after one of our partner’s suggested Miami. As far as choosing the Miami Design District, I knew it would be the perfect place for COTE because there was something truly exciting happening here and I wanted to be a part of it. I am such a fan of the vision of Craig Robins. From the outside world, Miami used to be viewed as a beach town. Through Craig, I learned so much about how rich in diversity, culture, fashion, lifestyle and the arts Miami is. It’s one of the most beautifully developed projects anywhere in the U.S. It appeals to both locals and tourists, and it feels like MDD represents the future of Miami. I had the opportunity to pull out after the pandemic struck, however I decided to move forward. I am honored to be a part of the rebuilding of the dining scene in this post-COVID world.

Simon Kim

I promised that I would only open COTE in the cities that I want to live in.

Simon Kim

Simon Kim

WRE: Tell us about your experience working with THE COLLECTION.

SK: At COTE, we always aspire to try and provide the best sense of excellence and professionalism. It was inspiring and a “feel good” to see and experience a business that exudes the same mentality. I had heard a great deal of positive feedback regarding THE COLLECTION, however I was finally able to understand firsthand why they are regarded as one of the most successful car dealerships in Miami.

WRE: What was your experience like driving the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo Sedan? What did you enjoy the most?

SK: It was a true monster with a V8 twin turbo engine that ran like a beast. I was like a teenager driving it – it brought out the kid in me. I’m not the biggest speed junkie, but loved punching on the twin turbo. It was an exhilarating ride, especially with three friends comfortably accompanying me. Driving it in the daytime and nighttime was a romantic experience.

Simon Kim

WRE: Miami is known for its plethora of breakfast spots, with brunch itself being a pastime for many locals. What are some of your favorite spots to get brunch around the city?

SK: I like the culture of brunch and there are so many amazing options. The Miami brunch scene is definitely a force to be reckoned with. My go-to’s are LEKU and Mandolin. They are special places, but I ultimately really enjoy dim sum brunch. Tropical Chinese Restaurant does brunch really well – and Hutong Miami when I’m looking for some satisfying comfort food. If I am looking for a scene, Zuma has a great brunch. Not to divulge too much, but I did hear a rumor that there is a great brunch option being prepared in the Miami Design District…

WRE: What are some places in Miami you would drive the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo Sedan to?

SK: I would drive it to the Cape Florida Lighthouse in Key Biscayne, which is such a beautiful site. I live on the beach and drive daily to the Miami Design District, so it’s a smooth yet powerful ride that would get me to and from work while also enjoying leisurely trips. I rarely get to leave the restaurant, since I’m always in demand. With that being said, there’s no better way to let off some steam than to hear the sound of the engine roaring.

Simon Kim

Simon Kim

At COTE, we always aspire to provide the best sense of excellence and professionalism. It was inspiring to see and experience how THE COLLECTION exudes the same mentality.

Simon Kim

Simon Kim

The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo was a true monster with a V8 twin turbo engine that ran like a beast.

Simon Kim

WRE: The Maserati Ghibli Trofeos are packed with special features. Which ones stood out to you while driving the car?

SK: I have to say the feature that stood out the most was its sport mode capabilities. When set in normal mode the car responds extremely well, but when you turn on its sport mode, it goes from a beast to a super beast.

WRE: How does the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo compare to other cars you have driven?

SK: This car offers the both of best worlds in the sense that it’s a sedan yet it’s bold and offers race-inspired design elements. The horsepower it contains is absolutely astounding.

Simon Kim