In June 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable transatlantic journey that wove through two vibrant culinary destinations: Chicago and Northern Italy. What started as a trip to attend the James Beard Awards turned into a week-long celebration of food, culture, and community. 

By the end, I was transformed—exhausted yet profoundly energized. 

PART 1: CHICAGO

Friday, June 13

Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings

Hotel Chicago Downtown

EL ideas

Hawksmoor x Sip & Guzzle

The trip began in the steamy morning haze of Miami, where I boarded an American Airlines flight to Chicago. By late morning, I had touched down at a rainy O’Hare and was quickly en route to lunch at Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings. With their hand-folded dumplings and savory broths, it was the ideal meal to kick off the journey. TIP: Check in on the Yelp app en route to the restaurant to save time and reduce your wait. The space is small and highly sought after. 

After checking in and settling in at the centrally located Hotel Chicago Downtown, I prepared for the evening. 

First up was EL ideas. Tucked into a nondescript corner of the city’s West Side, the restaurant’s unassuming entrance gave way to an open-kitchen dining room. It felt part underground supper club and part culinary theater. Chefs moved fluidly between their stations and the dining floor, plating, explaining, and joking with one another. Diners were also encouraged to walk around and engage with the kitchen staff. 

In terms of the food, there were definitely fun touches throughout the meal; however, some elements felt gimmicky and slightly nostalgic rather than forward-thinking. The signature French Fries and Frosty (a playful take on potato leek soup paired with nitro-poached vanilla ice cream) was certainly clever. Still, I wonder how many times a returning guest might find the same novelty interesting? An issue that plagues even the almighty Alinea. 

While it may not rank among my all-time favorite Michelin-starred dining experiences, I genuinely appreciated the evening and remain happy I tried it.

Not long after, I crossed town to Hawksmoor for the first in a fun lineup of events offered by the James Beard Foundation (JBF). Shingo Gokan’s Sip & Guzzle (#5 North America’s 50 Best Bars), popped up for the night. Best known for its Japanese-American dual identity: Sip (sophisticated Japanese room with a formal cocktail program) & Guzzle (high energy and offering Japanese beers, classic highballs, and cocktails). A Yuzu Margarita (Patron Silver Tequila, Yuzu, Shiso, Pink Salt) and Tomato Tree (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Fruit, Flower, Leaf,  SAP) later, I called it a day.

Saturday, June 14

TRUCE

Pequod’s Pizza

Millenium Park

Paris Baguette Bakery

Navy Pier

Oriole

Starting the day at TRUCE in Bucktown was perfect. They hosted a Coffee & Cocktails Welcome Party for JBF. The breakfast spread included bagels, egg wraps, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, and a fresh fruit salad. I loved experiencing this neighborhood gem. It’s a place I would frequent if I lived nearby. The B-A-N-A-N-A-S (banana, genmai, coconut, espresso, cream of coconut) and Lavender Miel (lavender honey, green cardamom, espresso, lemon zest) Lattes left quite the impression. 

I would have stayed and indulged longer if it weren’t for stop # 2 of the day. You don’t go to Chicago without paying your respects to the pizza gods. After years of being a die-hard Lou Malnati fan, I finally skipped it and headed to Pequod’s Pizza instead. For once, I was thankful there was a wait time. It helped me digest the morning’s decadent lattes. Famous for its caramelized crust and deep-dish heft, I can now add Pequod’s to my pizza hitlist when in town. The obnoxious amount of cheese easily won me over. 

A visit to Millennium Park came next, snapping the obligatory Bean selfie with dozens of other tourists. I conquered a four-mile stroll around the area, even visiting nearby Navy Pier, only to end the afternoon with yet another bite at Paris Baguette Bakery. What was I thinking? Well, I wasn’t thinking, but the Pistachio Strawberry cake slice and macchiato made me do it. Promise. 

Later that night, I headed to Oriole, a two-Michelin-starred spot and longtime favorite. Having visited twice before, I returned for my third experience with high expectations. 

The open kitchen continues to offer a theatrical view into the culinary process, and the ceiling adorned with vintage posters and prints brings an urban vibrancy to the otherwise sleek and intimate setting. The ambiance is quaint and elegant. Yet for all its polish, this visit lacked the spark that once defined Oriole for me. 

To start, there was a noticeable dip in service quality—less precise, less warm, and a touch disengaged. Moments that should’ve felt curated and personal instead felt mechanical. The pacing was fine, but the magic that usually sets it apart was muted.

The food, as expected, was beautiful and thoughtfully plated. The usual hit-after-hit flavor crescendo, however, wasn’t in place. After the welcome sips and bites at the atrium bar area, highlights included the rich Foie Gras opener (Michigan strawberries), served at the kitchen counter, and the new-to-me Razor Clam (Kanzuri, green almond, spruce tip). Most of the rest failed to impress. Even dishes I’ve had before, like the capellini, were off.

I did fully enjoy the drink offerings, from a bottle-fermented Masumi Sparkling Sake to the 2003 Château Troplong Mondot and the luscious 2016 Disznókő Tokaji Aszú finale. 

Silver lining: Just a couple of days after my visit, Chef Noah Sandoval was named Best Chef at the 2025 James Beard Awards—a well-deserved recognition of his talent and the vision he’s built throughout the years. Here’s hoping that the accolade inspires a refreshed energy at Oriole, one that rekindles the brilliance that originally set it apart.

Sunday, June 15

John’s Food and Wine

Publican Quality Bread

Cafe Yaya

James Beard Foundation Panels

Smyth x Atomix Collaboration Dinner

Pedal to the metal, Sunday started at John’s Food and Wine, for Spirited Storytelling: A Morning of Cocktails and Conversation with Andrew Friedman, Adam McFarland, and Tom Rogers. The JFW team discussed their journey while guests enjoyed light bites and sips.

A stop at Publican Quality Bread followed for the Sunday Smokeout with One Off Hospitality & Friends. To the tune of a DJ, smokers and a stacked lineup of food stations celebrated the spirit of the James Beard Awards, welcoming guests. 

The afternoon was packed with thought-provoking panels at the Kendall College Atrium, including Everyone’s a Critic and What is American Food Culture?

By now, I was becoming Uber’s favorite client. I hopped on yet another car to visit Cafe Yaya with one goal in mind: pop in to their Sunday Hangout event. Why? James Beard Award finalists would be cooking, and I wanted to give a proper welcome to South Florida’s very own Nando Chang of Itamae AO, who was up for (and eventually won) Best Chef: South Finalist. Sadly, despite the incredible amount of food available, I could not have another bite. The day was still young and I needed a breather. 

I finally made it back to the hotel for some rest before heading back out to dine at three Michelin-starred Smyth, where New York’s two Michelin-starred Atomix would be collaborating on an incredible menu. And that’s how to properly end a Sunday.

Monday, June 16

The James Beard Awards Ceremony and After Party

With another long day ahead and an early flight looming, I took the morning slow. I briefly left the hotel to meet some friends from South Florida at Guinness Brewery before spending the afternoon packing and preparing for the James Beard Awards ceremony. Heels, gown, nerves—all checked! 

Attending the awards was magical. For years, I’d followed the event from afar, but being present in the Lyric Opera House’s grandeur—with velvet balconies and golden trim—increased the anticipation. Chefs, journalists, advocates, and visionaries gathered with electric pride to celebrate excellence in American food culture. It truly felt like the Oscars of our world, and my culinary patriotism was at its peak. 

The honorees’ joy and emotional stories moved me. Watching recipients on stage reminded us that food is identity, resilience, and revolution. The JBF’s standard is intense and their ‘Good food for good‘ mantra has never felt clearer. I carry that purpose forward.

Following the awards, the celebration continued at the epic Union Station, where the official reception took over the stunning Beaux-Arts atrium.  The space was transformed into a gilded culinary wonderland—booths pouring cocktails, chefs plating bites, and music rising up into the soaring archways. It was glamorous, generous, and wildly inspiring. Celebrated guests in attendance casually walked around, (Oh, hi Nina Compton! Miami misses you. Let’s take a selfie!). There was a palpable camaraderie and a celebratory sense of accomplishment. The energy of that night stayed with me long after I returned to my hotel.  

The James Beard Foundation is nothing short of transformative. It was an honor to be part of something so meaningful. I am deeply and forever grateful for this opportunity.

PART 2  – Onward to Italy

Tuesday, June 17 

With a full heart and even fuller suitcase, I checked out of my hotel and flew to Newark before boarding my overnight flight to Milan. Ahead lay a different kind of culinary journey: one rooted in heritage, terroir, and Italian hospitality.

The trip started with a smooth and luxurious flight aboard United Polaris Business Class. Thank you, Amex points! My spacious seat reclined into a lie-flat bed, and I enjoyed plush bedding and carefully curated amenity kits. The experience felt like a warm welcome into vacation mode. Even though, in reality and true Whet Palette fashion, there would not be a second to spare during this “vacation.” The personal space and in-flight service were impeccable. The long-haul flight to Italy was not just bearable but downright enjoyable. 

Awaking and looking outside my window to the imposing and stunning Swiss Alps made it a reality: I really did make it back to Italy!

Wednesday, June 18

Hotel Roma e Rocca Cavour

Bed & Breakfast Alma

Piazza Duomo

At Milan Malpensa, I picked up my rental car for the drive to Turin. I immediately regretted my choice of a mid-size SUV on narrow streets. Despite its comfort, the car brought stress: parking, roundabouts, and aggressive drivers. Exhale, Bren—you’re in Italy!  

First stop: Hotel Roma e Rocca Cavour. But no rest—my room wasn’t ready. I stowed my luggage and walked to the nearest cafe for a pressed sandwich and two cappuccinos (milk after 11 am, I know, bad girl!). The server didn’t judge, so that’s a win. 

After finally checking in to hotel #1, I unpacked, showered, and quickly packed for an overnight in Alba. I picked up my friend, checked in to lodging #2 (yes, same day), and got ready for dinner. Alba impressed from the start. Bed & Breakfast Alma blends classic Italian design and modern flair—soft lighting, custom wallpapers, and curated vintage furniture made it feel like a dream. 

My room was cozy and stylish. Uniquely designed bathrooms featured terrazzo tiles and brass fixtures. Even the common area invited relaxation—though, pressed for time, we couldn’t linger. From our window, we watched locals gather below. Alba’s narrow streets invited aimless wandering. But our focus was clear: dinner at Piazza Duomo, one of Italy’s most acclaimed restaurants. 

After meeting our (awesome) innkeeper, Carlo, and quickly changing, we walked a block and a half, past the piazza. to find the unmistakable magenta wall of Piazza Duomo.

Our table overlooked Alba’s Piazza Risorgimento, adding quiet charm as the sunset painted the scene. Dinner at the three Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo was experimental and hyper-local. Many Michelin-starred restaurants wax poetic about art, sustainability, and philosophy, layering their menus with lofty narratives that sometimes feel (and perform) like fluff. At Piazza Duomo, however, Chef Enrico Crippa doesn’t just speak the language of artistry—he lives it. This truly showed in every dish. 

Crippa has built his reputation on research and an uncompromising respect for ingredients. His approach transforms produce—especially the many vegetables, flowers, and herbs we sampled, freshly harvested from his own gardens—into remarkable dishes we devoured. 

That authenticity was also recognized on the global stage the next night at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, where Duomo climbed several spots, reaffirming its standing among the world’s most exceptional dining destinations. Of course, we snapped a selfie with Crippa too! 

And with that, our hectic but outstanding Wednesday ended. Our slow stroll back to the B&B felt as though we were the only people in town. There was something I loved about my heels echoing in the empty streets as we animatedly discussed our extraordinary dinner. The keys jingled loudly as I clumsily attempted to open the iron gate back at Alma, our charming inn inside a restored 1800s building. And I couldn’t stop laughing. Too much wine perhaps.  

Thursday, June 19

Farmacia del Cambio

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Early the next morning, I packed to head back to Turin. Despite telling Carlo we wouldn’t have time for breakfast, he prepared a generous spread: cakes by his chef daughter, juices, cookies, breads, jams, and a fresh cappuccino. Alma’s hospitality stood out, making our brief stay unforgettable. I look forward to repeating it one day. 

The drive back was uneventful, thankfully. We finally returned to our hotels in Turin briefly to change. Instead of relaxing for the long night ahead, we rallied to explore more of the city and have a strong late lunch (where no cappuccinos were harmed). 

Located right next to the legendary Ristorante del Cambio in Turin, Farmacia del Cambio offered a casual yet refined dining experience. Outside, the facade stood proud on a cobblestoned piazza, waving the Italian flag beneath its stately windows. We were lucky to score seats inside, although the locals seemed able to sit outside in the scorching heat, smoking and eating. Not for this Floridian. The exquisitely restored 19th-century pharmacy, now a bistro, with its polished wood cabinets and crystal chandeliers, felt like dining inside a jewel box.

Our lunch was as much a feast for the eyes as it was for the palate. Everything about Farmacia del Cambio—from the food to the ambiance—was timeless yet understated Italian sophistication.

Several sweets and espressos later, we finally settled back at the hotel, recharging for the night ahead. 

Another first for me, attending the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. The evening would unveil the new list, and culinary royalty was, once again, everywhere. It was an unforgettable celebration of the global food community. Even with a city-wide transportation strike, I found a trusty Uber to get me to the ceremony. With an ambitious 6pm to 2:30am timeline for this event, I knew we were in for an interesting night.

The two-hour reception held at the Lingotto Fiere created the appropriate pre-awards buzz. Guests were then ushered to the theater next door for the ceremony portion. As expected, history was made once again. This time, Peru’s Maido stole the #1 spot. Following closely were Asador Etxebarri (Spain, #2) and Quintonil (Mexico City, #3). Despite the ceremony being hosted in Italy, only four Italian restaurants made the main top 50 list: Lido 84 at #16, Reale at #18, Le Calandre at #31, and Piazza Duomo at #32. 

The party didn’t stop after the awards ceremony. At the official confetti-filled 50 Best After Party, co-hosted by the one and only Massimo Bottura, the energy was electric. DJ Benny Benassi spun a live electro-house set, and yes, Bottura himself made a surprise DJ cameo—who knew?! It was a wild, joyful celebration. I felt lucky just to be in the room. Even Franco Pepe served up crispy pizzas that stole the show. I won’t disclose how many I “tried.”

From toasting with culinary icons to dancing at the afterparty, every moment felt surreal. I met incredible talents behind the world’s top restaurants and others shaping gastronomy’s future. Drunk on a culinary high, I returned to my room still pinching myself over the events of the week: physically tired, but emotionally wired. 

Friday, June 20

Torino to Milan

NH Collection Milano CityLife

We checked out of the hotel in Torino and headed to Milan. What should have been a short commute of under a couple of hours, turned into an eight-hour odyssey. From a semi-failed hangry hunt to find an Autogrill (I blame Tucci in Italy) with full seating, to a roadblock we encountered three times (National Lampoon’s Vacation much?) in Asti due to a bike tour, and enough roundabout traffic to last a lifetime, this was not a day for the faint of heart. The experience concluded with the rudest front desk staff member I have ever encountered at a hotel. Still, the light at the end of the tunnel prevailed. And that was the promise of dinner at three Michelin-starred Ristorante Enrico Bartolini. 

Against all odds, after a completely wasted day in Italy, I managed to check in to the hotel with exactly half an hour left to get ready.

This former church-turned-hotel, the NH Collection Milano CityLife, is a statement in adaptive reuse. Its neoclassical façade gives way to a sleek, modern interior with soaring white arches, terrazzo flooring, and sculptural lighting that cascades from the ceiling like a constellation.

From the welcoming lobby lounge (sans receptionist) to the serene and well-appointed guest rooms, every inch felt curated and comfortable. And so I got ready as quickly as possible, happily ignored my car that was now parked nearby, and summoned my bestie…Uber. I even sprung for a black car. Take that, lost day!

Welcomed at Enrico Bartolini with some champagne and a snack, the host asked how my day had been. My face said it all; the second pour of Dom Pérignon meant he understood. All hail Italian hospitality!  This was my second visit to Bartolini, the previous one just a couple of months before. If the Michelin Guide ever introduced a star beyond its coveted three, this restaurant would be the first to earn it. 

Housed inside the MUDEC museum, this stunner stands as one of the most impressive dining experiences I’ve ever encountered. Their insanely creative one-of-a-kind wine book displays the current list and eventually becomes a piece of displayed art on the wall in the atrium. The designs change constantly. Expert decanting and wine service is provided, of course. This time, we were treated to a 1961 Gaja Barbaresco, a true collector’s bottle, as part of a blind tasting challenge. I failed to guess it correctly, but I still won because I was blessed to enjoy the bottle. Who? Me? Bad day? Never. 

Think of this restaurant as a gallery where canvases are plates with endless brushstrokes of flavor. Over the course of the three-hour performance, we were treated to a masterclass in boundary-pushing, precision, and plated perfection, accompanied by mind-blowing attention to detail. I never wanted the opening procession of snacks to end. Impossible to choose a favorite. Dish after dish, there was no shortage of the WOW factor, often enhanced with tableside presentations. The hospitality is always charismatic, genuine, and refreshingly unpretentious. Ristorante Enrico Bartolini at Mudec curates a spectacular immersive experience that deserves to be framed and starred again. 

Finally, we headed back to our hotels, and enjoyed the first (and only) unrushed night and morning of the entire week. 

Saturday, June 21

CONFINE- Pizza e Cantina

Pave Milano

Piazza Duomo

Verso Capitaneo

The morning challenge on this day was returning the car to a rental place that felt intentionally hidden. But I found it. Not sure how, but I was able to do so without a single scratch on that car. 

Up next, lunch. We met at CONFINE – Pizza e Cantina and enjoyed a pizza tasting menu. Francesco Capece, a Salerno-born pizzaiolo named Best Pizza Chef Under 35 at the Food & Wine Italia Awards, has redefined the art of pizza in Milan. All in for the haute couture of pies. A brief stop at Pave Milano for some delicious pistachio gelato and an inexpensive impromptu hair blow-out at a nearby salon topped the afternoon for me. 

Back at the hotel, I packed and relaxed before the last dining adventure of the trip. 

On the way there, my non-English speaking driver insisted on telling me stories about the Duomo. I did my best to tell him I wasn’t really interested in visiting the Duomo. “Too many visitors, I don’t care to visit it again for now” I said. But the driver insisted. I found it puzzling. Not only did he insist, but he dutifully continued to discuss it as he pulled up to the Duomo and announced we had arrived. I started to look at my app to show him where I was headed, which was most certainly not the Duomo. But then I realized, this night’s restaurant is situated right on the Piazza Duomo. I missed that little detail. Oops.

To access Ristorante Verso Capitaneo, the two Michelin-starred brainchild of the Capitaneo brothers, you have to find the hidden door, get past the door security, walk down an ac-less hallway, go up the elevator, and enter through the glass door with the small restaurant name on it. Got that? 

We sat at the chef’s counter, which doubled as a stage. Behind it, a sleek, open kitchen pulsed with quiet intensity. The plating was surgical. Each dish arrived as if it had been painted into place. The most beautiful presentations I’ve ever seen. I admit, for the first half of the experience, despite loving every dish, I felt distracted by the lack of cool AC in the space. Looking around, I could tell who the Americans were. We were the ones fanning ourselves with the menus. 

The plates on the tasting were visually stunning and delicious. Each impressed with precision, approach, and intensity of flavor. Even on this last day where palate fatigue could have set in, I still enjoyed it all. The final bite, the Panettone Soufflé, was probably the best I’ve had in Italy: not too sweet, silky, and decadent. As we lingered over our last courses and laughed about the heat, I felt deeply and overwhelmingly grateful for this trip of a lifetime.

Sunday, June 22

Returning Home

The next morning, I boarded my flight home. I returned to Miami transformed by what I tasted, who I met, and what I learned.

This journey reminded me that the future of food is collaborative, borderless, and rich with storytelling. From dumpling counters in Chicago to DJ-fueled parties in Turin, the message was the same: food is a reflection of culture. Food is identity. And when you travel to eat and eat to understand, you never really come home the same.