By Chris Dearman
Nightlife in South Mississippi just got a little hotter with Grammy®-award winning artist Pitbull bringing his tropical cocktail lounge concept iLov305, to the newly renovated Center Bar inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi.
Named after the area code of his hometown, iLov305 is a cool, multi-purpose lounge and cigar bar with the look and vibe of the tropical Miami, offering a variety of cocktails reflecting Pitbull’s festive persona.
Teaming with the creators of globally renowned brand Sugar Factory American Brasserie, international superstar Armando Christian Perez known as Pitbull, aka "Mr. Worldwide,” opened iLov305 to great fanfare when he came to the new venue for its sneak peek opening night.
"It’s an honor to be able to bring iLov305 to Biloxi,” says Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull). "I appreciate the opportunity and know that Biloxi will fall in love with the 305 the same way I did - hence the term iLov305!”
Keeping the party going the next day, DJ Pauly D of the hit show "Jersey Shore” hosted the iLove305 grand opening celebration with a free public performance.
Upon entering, guests will encounter an old Havana-club aesthetic with tropical décor illuminated by neon accents reminiscent of Miami Beach’s famous Art Deco style. The elevated bar has 360-degree seating around an impressive white marble-top counter. On top of the bar serves as a performance space where dancers and musicians provide entertainment, and directly behind the bar, the iLov305 main stage brings the energy of Miami Beach through live performances and musical programming.
At the center of the multi-purpose bar is eighteen custom frozen cocktail machines offering up an assortment of refreshing Caribbean flavors with multiple varieties of mojitos and daiquiris. The cocktail menu showcases a large variety of over-the-top cocktails such as the "Mr. Worldwide Mai Tai,” which is the classic Mai Tai with a 305 twist. Prepared with light rum, dark rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, orange juice and pineapple juice with a grenadine float, the refreshing concoction is served in a mermaid mug with an edible flower and tiki umbrella.
The "Mango Chili Lime” mojito brings the spice with light rum, mango, fresh squeezed orange juice, pineapple juice, muddled mint leaves, fresh lime, and muddled jalapeños. Its garnished with a jalapeño pepper, a lime wheel, mint sprig, and chili lime rim. It is so good I’m already making plans for my next one.
If you are there with friends, give yourselves a treat with "The 305 Grenade,” a mega fruit punch bowl that is meant for sharing. Prepared with Voli Vodka, light rum, watermelon juice, cranberry juice, lemonade, and loaded up with fresh fruit, it’s garnished with tiki umbrellas, beautiful edible orchids, and straws for everyone.
"Miami is known for its thriving nightlife and energetic culture,” says Todd Raziano, general manager of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. "There is no better place to bring that festive energy and lively entertainment to than Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi – the best place to party on the Gulf Coast.”
iLov305 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
777 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS
(228) 374-7625
Sign up for free and stay informed of the newest events and cool places around the coast http://www.228area.com
