WORK • Thursday Routine
ANI MEINHOLD • restaurateur/co-founder • Phucs Hospitality Group
Neighborhood you live in: Brickell
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Thursday mornings are all about setting the tone. My workspace at home is a burst of energy: double screens, vibrant art on the walls, and sunlight streaming through my living room. I wake up early, around 630a — just in time to see the sunrise over Brickell’s skyline and treetops. My mornings begin with coffee and water, followed by meditation on my balcony. A clutter-free space is non-negotiable; I can’t focus otherwise.
What’s on the agenda for today?
We’re gearing up for an exciting lineup of events. February is packed with Valentine’s Day, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and Miami Boat Show. During Women’s Month in March, we spotlight incredible women in hospitality. Plus, we’ve just launched a delicious new menu at Phuc Yea.
How about a little leisure or culture?
Lately, I’ve been embracing more me time. My mornings are for journaling and meditation, and I’ve been diving into podcasts and audiobooks on everything from marketing to spirituality. On the horizon, I’m eyeing the new Jose Parla exhibit at PAMM and going back to the Super Blue installation. 2025 is all about shedding that old skin and stepping into new, vibrant experiences.
Any weekend getaways?
Puerto Rico is always a vibe for soaking up the sun and recharging by the ocean. I always stay at El San Juan. My father was the general manager when I was a child before we moved to the United States, so I grew up in that hotel. Some of my can’t miss spots are Guavate for lechon cooked a la bara streetside, and Bacoa for a mountainside bougie Puerto Rican dinner. My friend chef Xavier Pacheco is the chef-owner there; he's just amazing. I also love La Placita for something authentically San Juan. It’s a marketplace with shops and restaurants, fresh juices, and prepared foods. It’s lively and exciting. La Cocina al Fondo is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant showcasing Puerto Rican farm-to-table cuisine. And lastly Mar y Rosa is a spot that was just opened by my good friend Jose Mendin — I'm dying to visit.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
My bottle of Bond No. 9’s Island! It smells like vacation, and the ombré teal-to-green bottle is as stunning as the fragrance itself.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Legacy in Wynwood is my go-to gym. The team is amazing, especially my coach Ezekiel, who’s helping me get back to my pre-hip replacement fit.