The 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida results have arrived, and as expected, the reactions were immediate.

In this episode, I break down the winners, the surprises, and the predictions that came true. From Emelina and Mutra earning their first stars to notable Bib Gourmand additions and some glaring omissions, we’ll dive deep into what the results mean for Florida’s evolving dining scene.

But this episode goes far beyond the list itself.

I tackle the increasingly heated debate surrounding Cuban culinary identity, the ongoing arguments about who deserves credit for shaping the future of Cuban-influenced fine dining, and why I believe the entire conversation has drifted away from what actually matters: the food.

I’ll also address some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the MICHELIN Guide. This includes accusations of pay-to-play, inspector qualifications, and why criticism is healthy, but only when it’s rooted in experience, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand.

Finally, I zoom out to discuss something even bigger than MICHELIN: the state of Miami food media, who gets to shape the narrative of a city, and why preserving the story of Florida’s culinary growth matters now more than ever.

Whether you love the guide, hate the guide, or simply enjoy following the conversation, this is one of the most important discussions I’ve had all year.

Grab a glass of wine. Sit back.

LISTEN HERE

Or on your favorite podcast platform.

WATCH HERE

From my “palette” to yours. 

Cheers!

Brenda