The South Florida chapter of Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars came together one more time Monday night. This time away from the cameras and inside CALUSSO at the posh Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale.

Chefs Jonathan Kaiser of CALUSSO, Alejandra Espinoza of COTOA, and Jeremy Ford of Stubborn Seed gathered with fellow chefs, hospitality professionals, media, and friends to celebrate their appearance on Season 2 of the Apple TV series. And what a night it was!

The room had a beautiful sense of camaraderie, with so many members of our restaurant community showing up in support. After watching the relentless pursuit of excellence unfold across the Florida episodes, it was meaningful to see the chefs together simply celebrating what they accomplished.

PHOTOS: World Red Eye, The Whet Palette

Guests gathered over cocktails, caviar bumps (naturally), oysters, and bites from the CALUSSO kitchen before the chefs took a few moments to address the room and candidly express their gratitude. I was incredibly honored to serve as the host for that portion of the evening. For me, it felt especially full-circle moment.

A week earlier, viewers also caught my cameo in the COTOA episode as the “influential food blogger and critic” who dined during a very tense, hot Miami night. Then, to stand in that room and have the privilege of addressing the crowd and introducing the three chefs featured felt surreal. Sure, I’ve been covering the MICHELIN Guide for 13 years, but I truly am a fan and supporter of these three restaurants, and have been since day one. Being a part of one of their shining moments brought me great joy. I remain incredibly grateful, and feel very blessed to have played a part in this chapter.

Monday night, though, belonged to the chefs and to a South Florida community that showed up for them in force. That might have been my favorite part of all.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to watch the episodes or visit the restaurants featured this season, you can find everything you need to know HERE.

How many months until MICHELIN Guide Florida 2027?

PHOTOS: World Red Eye, The Whet Palette