The Whet Palette Productions Food. Wine. Travel. Life.

by The Whet Palette Productions: Blog & Podcast

FROM TERROIR TO TABLE: A TRUFFLE DINNER EXPERIENCE

S5 E73 MICHELIN Guide Florida: Perspective & Predictions

The MICHELIN Guide Florida returns on May 28 and if you’ve been following along, you already know this isn’t just another announcement. The guide has expanded statewide. The ceremony is gone. And the questions surrounding consistency, standards, and direction feel louder than ever. In my previous coverage, I broke down how 2025 revealed a more […]

Miami City Ballet’s Carmen: Passion on Stage

Miami is a vibrant city rich in culture, exemplified by the Miami City Ballet’s recent production of Carmen. Choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, it masterfully blends classical and Spanish influences, highlighting the powerful story of Carmen. Attending local performances is vital to supporting the artistic community and appreciating the city’s cultural depth.

by Brenda Popritkin

Two Nights, Two MICHELIN-Starred Restaurants: Airbnb x The Whet Palette

These are not reservations.These are experiences. In partnership with Airbnb, I’m hosting two intimate dinners this April inside two of South Florida’s MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Dinner with a Food Writer: I’ll be there throughout the evening to share as much perspective as you want on our city, the restaurants, and their place within the MICHELIN Guide. […]

by Brenda Popritkin

Discover Cala de Mar: A MICHELIN Key Luxury Cliffside Retreat in Ixtapa

Cala de Mar Ixtapa, a five-star boutique resort on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, offers tranquility and luxury with 59 suites featuring private plunge pools. Recognized with a Michelin Key, it combines personalized service with stunning views and unique dining experiences. Ideal for romantic getaways and serene escapes, it promises unforgettable moments.

S5 E72 The Fire Behind Apocalypse Miami: Smoke, Setbacks, and Success

From Cancer Survivor to Pitmaster: The Story Behind Apocalypse Barbecue Miami may be known for cafecito and croquetas, but in this episode we’re talking about another side of the city’s food story: barbecue. In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Budnechky, the brawn behind Apocalypse BBQ, to discuss: This episode is about much more than smoked meat. If love […]

You Are Invited: From Roots to Rise DINNER

A Celebration of Florida’s Culinary Lineage An intimate, one-night-only dinner, celebrating the depth of Florida’s culinary roots and the vision shaping its future. To see a chef redefining Florida dining today, cooking alongside the pioneer who helped establish its culinary identity, is exceptionally rare. This exclusive one-of-a-kind evening brings together Chef Norman Van Aken, multiple-time James […]

North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 Announces New Orleans Ceremony After Las Vegas Debut

Hold onto your crawfish boils, because North America’s tastiest party on the planet is about to hit the Big Easy! After a debut that lit up the glitter of Las Vegas like a neon jambalaya bowl, North America’s 50 Best Restaurants is back for round two. This time, they’re bringing the heat Southern-style. Last year’s inaugural ceremony at […]

by Brenda Popritkin

COURANT MIAMI MAGAZINE: Into the Woods

“It usually starts in an elegant dining room. A server leans in and whispers: Fresh Alba truffles have arrived.” But what is a truffle, really? Why is it so in demand… and so expensive? For Courant Miami Magazine’s latest issue, I traveled to Piedmont to trace one of Italy’s most elusive ingredients from forest to […]

by Brenda Popritkin

MICHELIN Guide Florida 2026 Will Be Revealed Digitally on April 14th: No Ceremony, Statewide Expansion Confirmed

UPDATE (March 18th) According to the MICHELIN Guide, “the announcement, originally scheduled for April 14, will now be issued on Thursday, May 28 (still) via official press release and on the MICHELIN Guide channels. As previously shared, this year marks the first time the Florida selection will expand to cover the entire state. On this date, chefs will […]