Well, hello again!

October certainly didn’t slow down. Between new restaurants, podcast conversations, television celebrations, and a few memorable meals (for better or worse), plenty has been happening around The Whet Palette.

If you’ve missed a few posts or episodes, I’ve got you covered.

From Knife Edge to CALUSSO: A Full-Circle Moment

Last time, I shared the excitement of finally seeing my cameo on Apple TV+’s Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars. But this story has one more chapter! The South Florida cast reunited at CALUSSO in Fort Lauderdale to celebrate the season, bringing together chefs Alejandra Espinoza of COTOA, Jonathan Kaiser of CALUSSO, and Jeremy Ford of Stubborn Seed.

I had the pleasure of introducing all three chefs before they addressed the room. After months of keeping my involvement in the series secret, it was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside the chefs I’ve supported and followed throughout their journeys. Cocktails, caviar bumps, oysters, and plenty of familiar industry faces made for an unforgettable evening.

READ: Knife Edge South Florida Chefs Celebrate at CALUSSO

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On the Podcast: Raz Shabtai and a Historic MICHELIN Star

My latest podcast conversation takes us from a grandmother’s kitchen in Jerusalem to one of Miami’s most talked-about restaurants. Chef Raz Shabtai of Mutra joins me to discuss his remarkable journey, the memories that shaped his cooking, and the significance of leading the world’s first kosher restaurant to earn a MICHELIN Star.

We talk family, ambition, identity, and the winding road to recognition. And because this is The Whet Palette, there are plenty of laughs along the way. Just listen to the beets section. Ew.  But seriously, it’s a beautiful reminder that behind every acclaimed restaurant is a human story worth telling.

LISTEN: Mutra’s Raz Shabtai — The Story Behind a Historic Miami MICHELIN Star

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This Time, I Was the Guest! Kids & Fine Dining

A little role reversal! This time, I was on the other side of the microphone. I joined FIRST SEATING PODCAST for a conversation about a topic that tends to stir up plenty of opinions: Do children belong in fine dining restaurants?

When are kids ready for the experience? Should restaurants be more accommodating? And what about the diners paying a pretty penny for a special evening? As someone who’s spent years dining in some of the world’s finest restaurants, I certainly have thoughts on the subject. Shocking, I know.

It’s a conversation about more than just children at the table. It’s about expectations, consideration for fellow diners, and whether fine dining should have an age limit or simply a certain level of etiquette.

And I’m curious where you stand. Kids at fine dining restaurants: absolutely, absolutely not, or it depends?

WATCH: Should You Bring Kids to Fine Dining? When Children Are Ready for the Experience

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SUPPLEMENTS: Restaurant Reviews, Real Talk & a $328 Mistake

The next installments of SUPPLEMENTS, my subscriber-only podcast extension, are shifting from MICHELIN controversies to restaurant reviews.

First up: Nove in Fort Lauderdale, NUNA at the Four Seasons Miami, and ELYU in Coral Gables. Also on the discussion list are Maple & Ash, A Pasta Bar, and Altamura. I’ll be digging into the food, service, atmosphere, value, expectations, and the little details that can make or break a dining experience.

And speaking of details…

How does a $196 dinner turn into a $524 credit card charge? That happened to me recently at Maple & Ash Miami. Yes, an extra $328. The money has since been refunded, but the story doesn’t end there. From discovering the overcharge to navigating the restaurant’s response, there’s plenty to unpack about hospitality, communication, and what happens when things go wrong at a pretend luxury restaurant. I’ll be sharing the entire experience in an upcoming SUPPLEMENTS episode. Receipts included. Literally. Great hospitality isn’t just about what happens when everything goes right. It’s about how you handle things when they go wrong. The good, the bad, and the occasionally expensive. You know I have opinions.

JOIN SUPPLEMENTS ON APPLE PODCASTS or SUBSCRIBE THROUGH BUZZSPROUT.

And don’t forget: our private subscriber Instagram community launches November 1!

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Fresh From My Palette: A Taste of the Philippines

One of my latest discoveries took me to Little River for a Friends & Family preview of Anako, a new Filipino restaurant from chefs Leicel Ros and Nancy Dominguez.

Let’s say I immediately fell in love with the chili garlic noodles with prawns and the Duroc pork tomahawk. And don’t even get me started on the sauces. The space is welcoming and casual, but nothing about the cooking is casual. Anako is one to watch, and I’m already looking forward to another visit.

READ: Anako Miami — First Impressions of Little River’s New Filipino Restaurant

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Peru Is Calling. The 50 Best Restaurants: The Countdown Is On!

The global dining world is getting ready for one of its biggest nights of the year! The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards will take place on November 4 in Lima, Peru, marking the first time the ceremony is being held in the country.

And the suspense has already begun. The organization just revealed its extended 51–100 ranking, featuring restaurants across six continents and 36 cities. A few interesting takeaways? Italy’s Uliassi leads the extended list at No. 51, SingleThread in Healdsburg, California, is the only U.S. restaurant represented at No. 93, and Peru’s own Mil in Cusco lands at No. 95.

With the first half of the rankings now public, the big question remains: Who will take the No. 1 spot? Last year’s top honor went to Lima’s Maido, making Peru an especially fitting host for this year’s celebration.

I’ll be keeping an eye on the announcements, surprises, and inevitable debates. Because if there’s one thing restaurant rankings guarantee, it’s that everyone has an opinion. Myself included.

EXPLORE THE 2026 RANKINGS AND UPCOMING AWARDS

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What’s Next? The Best of South Florida, MICHELIN Secrets & More

It’s almost that time again! My annual Top 25 South Florida Restaurants of 2026 list is on the horizon, and I’ve got some decisions to make.

Who stays? Who goes? Who moves up? And which newcomers have earned a coveted spot? After another year of dining, revisiting old favorites, and discovering new contenders, a few surprises may be in store. Some restaurants have strengthened their positions. Others? Well, consistency matters.

And speaking of consistency…

Could another interview with a former MICHELIN inspector be on the horizon? Mayyyyybeeeee.

Let’s just say there are still plenty of questions worth asking, and you know I’m not shy about asking them. Stay tuned. The year isn’t over, and neither are the conversations.

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And that’s a wrap! For now, anyway.

If you’ve enjoyed catching up, leave a comment, share this newsletter with a fellow food lover, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you haven’t joined SUPPLEMENTS yet, there’s plenty more to hear on the other side of the microphone.

As always, I want to hear from you! Which restaurants deserve a spot on my Top 25 South Florida Restaurants of 2026? Who should move up, and who’s overdue for a little reality check? Drop your picks in the comments.

Thank you for continuing to read, listen, share, and support The Whet Palette. There’s plenty more cooking behind the scenes.

Until next time, eat well, drink better, and never settle for mediocre.

Cheers!

Brenda