Miami’s culinary world holds its breath as our restaurant scene awaits the verdict from the prestigious and often controversial MICHELIN Guide. Drawing on my experience after accumulating 317 Michelin stars from dining at restaurants worldwide, I take a deep dive into the upcoming April 17th ceremony and offer more than just predictions.

This year marks a significant expansion for the Florida list, with Fort Lauderdale, St. Pete, and Palm Beach joining the spotlight for the first time. As I dissect the current landscape of Stars, Bib Gourmands, and Recommendations, I examine which restaurants might rise, fall, or maintain their status based on the patterns established over three previous ceremonies.

My analysis goes beyond simple speculation. I break down what “very good in its category” actually means for one-star establishments, why American and European standards differ so dramatically, and how certain restaurants manage to coast on reputation while others continuously innovate. From homegrown concepts like Itamae, Kojin, and Recoveco to established players like L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, each establishment’s merits are carefully evaluated.

Most exciting, perhaps, is the emergence of Ômo by Jônt in Orlando – potentially Florida’s next two-star restaurant – and what its success means for the state’s culinary evolution. Meanwhile, hopeful newcomers to the guide, like Maass in Fort Lauderdale and Konro in Palm Beach, represent exciting additions to our growing gastronomic landscape.

This episode offers essential context to appreciate what makes the Michelin stars shine so brightly in the South Florida culinary constellation. Join me for an insider’s perspective that only comes from years of passionate exploration, analysis, and a lot of consumed calories.

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Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda