STRAWBERRY MOON: VIP ACCESS

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STRAWBERRY MOON: VIP ACCESS WITH ERIC CHINE

Looking to get into the hottest and newest pool party addition to Miami this summer? Then meet the man who is behind the VIP ropes and much more, Eric Chine.

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Chine went to Kent State University on a wrestling scholarship, where he majored in tourism management. He later moved to Las Vegas in 2011, where he started working for the Wynn and Encore with XS & Tryst Nightclubs.

“I worked with Wynn properties for about six years, gaining most of my experience from all of the different nightlife venues. After the Wynn, I worked for Clique Hospitality Group, opening the Apex Social Club’s rooftop venue. A year later, I resigned to take a Senior Executive Marketing Host position with Kaos Dayclub/Nightclub,” said Eric Chine. Several months later, COVID had shut down the hospitality industry for over a year.

With things finally starting to come back, in March of 2021, Chine got a call from a former Vegas co-worker and a good friend, Robert Yeadon, who was now the Director of VIP Services for Groot Hospitality in Miami. They were looking to recruit some of the top Hosting talents from Las Vegas to go and work in with him in Miami.

“After working ten years in Vegas nightlife, I felt it was a great opportunity & perfect time for real change. They wanted Vegas-style hosts but were picky with who they offered jobs. They were looking for hard-working, disciplined, well-rounded hosts with multiple levels of skill sets,” he said. Chine works on the VIP services side of things for all Groot Hospitality properties, including their newest, Strawberry Moon. “David Grutman and Pharrell partnered up and opened the Goodtime Hotel, where the Strawberry Moon is located. The colors, the décor, the attention to detail. It is definitely top-notch,” he said. Strawberry Moon is a new, contemporary, high-energy, Mediterranean restaurant, bar, and day-tonight swim club tucked above the busy streets of South Beach.

“The exclusivity, I think, is a big reason to want to experience Strawberry Moon, because nobody wants to go to a place where literally everybody can get into. At the same time, I also think that it’s important we maintain a specific standard of service to all of our guests, including the high-end ones,” he said

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP REASONS TO INDULGE AT STRAWBERRY MOON THIS SUMMER?

The Venue: Wrapped in pinks, lagoon blues, and palm greens the space from the enclosed restaurant to the covered dining terrace to the outdoor deck is highly sociable – and spacious.

Celebrity Sightings: With David Grutman having such close and positive relationships with so many celebrities, it’s almost a regular thing to have the opportunity to see some of the biggest A-list celebs at the pool.

The Music: DJs include The Martinez Brothers, DEUX, Loco Dice, Green Velvet, Black Coffee, and more.

Ultimately, Strawberry Moon promises a tropical trinity of the experiential: exceptional food, exceptional drink, and an exceptional visit.

— By Ashlee DeMartino