French invasion! Olivier Martinez is planning to bring a taste of France to South Florida.
The 46-year-old half-Spanish actor is opening a restaurant on South Beach early next month.
“I love the interesting and international people I have met in Miami,” the Unfaithful and S.W.A.T. actor tells People magazine. “So when my friend Michael Martin said he found a space for a restaurant and lounge where we could bring in the best aspects from the South of France, I was excited and wanted to get involved.”
Martinez, currently dating Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, and Martin are partnering with restaurateur Jean-Phillippe Bernard to open Villa Azur, featuring the seasonal ingredients and international flavors of Saint-Tropez, where Martinez and Martin have spent many a night enjoying fine food and wine.
“Olivier and I love Miami and want to bring the glamour and allure of the South of France to this melting pot of a town,” Martin says.
The French and Italian-inspired menu will include entrees like penne pasta with vodka and caviar cream sauce and a veal filet mignon stuffed with artichokes, tomatoes and cheese.
Villa Azur’s lounge and bar area features a library with numerous art and design books, as well as couches for guests to sip champagne and enjoy plates of oysters with caviar and Martinez’s special olive bread, which he enjoys in France.
The restaurant, designed by Francois Frossard, will be outfitted in antique woods and chandeliers with a mix of contemporary and old pine furniture.
“Olivier knows that we are doing something special together where people can get a touch of Saint-Tropez glamour in South Beach,” says Martin.