Author: The Whet Palette

The Whet Palette focuses mostly on the Miami-Dade and Broward County area, but nothing is off limits; attending 3 Michelin Star dinners in New York City or nibbling on pastelitos in Hialeah are all part of my canvas. Fluent in English and Spanish, I'm a Cuban-American with a passion for food, wine, and travel. I also have an extensive background in interior design, dance, and autism advocacy. It's been a colorful journey! Life, as I know it, is my palette. The Whet Palette. Brenda
by The Whet Palette

Mariel Boatlift’s “Little Heroes”

I stood up and briefly shared “something interesting about myself” on my first day of college in 1990, as instructed by our teacher. “My name is Brenda. I was born in Cuba and came to this country via the Mariel boatlift ten years ago when President Carter opened the borders and allowed over 100,000 Cubans […]

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by The Whet Palette

Somm Like It Hot: Featuring Daniel Bishop

We already know Miami is a hot zone for craft cocktails and beer. Know what else is happening? The wine scene! Follow along as I continue this blog section featuring some of South Florida’s buzziest swirlers, sniffers, and tasters. Meet Daniel Alan Bishop: Fiola Miami’s Head Sommelier & Beverage Director.

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by The Whet Palette

SOMM LIKE IT HOT: Alessandra Esteves

While attending a summer program at Perugia University at age 19, this somm extraordinaire initially fell in love with Italian wine and culture. But before she took the leap into a successful full-time wine lifestyle, she worked for ten years as a corporate attorney, wrote about wine, and hosted a successful podcast named Dama do Vinho. Once she finished her WSET Diploma Level 4, she decided to …

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by The Whet Palette

Top 50 2020 Sips by Mr. Whet Palette

As you know, from following this blog, wine plays a major role in all food experiences.  I am Lawrence, the husband to the force behind The Whet Palette. My part is to (1) not touch the food until Brenda has photographed it, (2) occasionally hold a flash, and (3) pick the vino! With that being […]

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by The Whet Palette

Top 100 Bites: Miami 2020

I chose to expand my annual Top 30 Bites list to 100. Do I even have that many memorable bites to feature? Turns out, I do! I tried my hardest to support as many restaurants as I could these last nine months. I love that it wasn’t easy, and that each photo brought back memories of each visit. You might notice that I experienced some of the highlighted bites as takeout…#because2020. Despite the bumpy road, Miami continued making this exercise tough on me by once again providing the best eats, EVEN in 2020. After much debate over which bites impacted me the most, I have finally committed to a solid 100.

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by The Whet Palette

Miami-Dade Restaurants: Dining During Covid-19

This list is based on *MY* ongoing experience and not meant to reflect every restaurant offering outdoor dining and takeout. There are already many lists for that…elsewhere.

I hope this post encourages diners to continue supporting our local restaurants during this unpredicatble period in South Florida dining.

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by The Whet Palette

SOMM LIKE IT HOT: Featuring Jacqueline Coleman

We already know Miami is a hot zone for craft cocktails and beer. Know what else is happening? The wine scene! Follow along as I continue this blog section featuring some of South Florida’s buzziest swirlers, sniffers, and tasters. Meet Miami born and raised Jacqueline Coleman Freelance wine writer, judge & consultant Business copywriting and […]

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by The Whet Palette

Let’s Talk Food!

I recently visited the 88.9 WDNA Radio studios in Miami to sit with journalist Linda Gassenheimer of Food, News, and Views and discuss the South Florida dining scene and the recent unveiling of my Top 15 Miami Restaurants Palette Awards.  Who made the list? How do I choose which restaurants to include? What happens when a chef leaves […]

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