The Whet Palette Productions Miami Beach Restaurants

Post-Quar Success for Miami Restaurants: Ariete and Stubborn Seed

Week 2 of post-quarantine dining did not disappoint. It’s true, the fate of the restaurant industry as a whole, amidst the coronavirus era, remains to be determined. Pero also, those who say it can’t be done shouldn’t interrupt those doing it, and doing it well. Enter Stubborn Seed and Ariete. Jaw-dropping opening weekend.

Instead of simplified versions of their pre-quarantine menus (as they ease into the new routine), both restaurants charged full-steam ahead. All aboard!

If you were looking for a sign on when to take the plunge and venture back out…this is it.

Top 15 Miami Restaurants of 2019: Palette Awards

The talent making up our Miami culinary scene continues to unapologetically redefine itself, cement its roots, and come out swinging. When compared to other cities, it’s obvious our food and beverage programs are newer and growing. Still, as they dance to the beat of their own drum, it’s hard to ignore the current rhythm and vibe output.

SOMM LIKE IT HOT: Featuring Jacqueline Pirolo

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 new blog section featuring some of South Florida’s buzziest movers and shakers swirlers, sniffers, and tasters. Bookmark this page and check back often for updates. Managing Partner/Beverage Director at Macchialina […]

by Brenda Popritkin

Sushi by Bou Miami

LONG STORY SHORT Disappointing and not for me. A perfect example of a newcomer dog and pony show, one with excess flash and no substance. Miami may be quick to initially follow a red carpet path, but also brutally greedy with its loyalty. What remains once the novelty fades? Probably not this. THE LONG STORY […]

by Brenda Popritkin

California Dreamin’ at Silverlake Bistro Miami

Going back to Cali? Hmm, I don’t think so.

The talented team behind cult-favorite La Fresa Francesa, chef Benoit Rablat and Sandy Sanchez, gifts South Florida another gem: Silverlake Bistro. Knowing their history, I knew I’d probably be in for a treat. Several visits later I confirmed this restaurant also demands our full attention.

by Brenda Popritkin

Buyer’s Remorse at The Den (Azabu)

“Did you hear about Azabu? It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant that just opened in Miami!” Or so I misleadingly heard and read over and over. Except that’s not factually accurate and there’s so much wrong with that statement. This rumor has become a terrible game of telephone throughout our city. Sushi Azabu is actually not currently ranked on New York City’s Michelin Guide. As per my research, the last time it received a one-star rating was on October 2015 (when the 2016 recipients were awarded) and has not yet regained its star (the 2019 list was announced today).

by Brenda Popritkin

The Surf Club Restaurant by Thomas Keller

The Surf Club Restaurant brings classic dishes and stellar service to South Florida. It’s not a void that needed to be filled, but rather an addition to our growing collection of brilliant chef-driven concepts. Already sailing smoothly and only in its first week, the forecast looks promising.

Habitat by José Mendín

I waited for the dust to settle before visiting the new Habitat by José Mendín. The space, formerly occupied by Chef Tom Colicchio’s Beachcraft, seemed untouched. And that’s a good thing. The interiors, in sandy neutrals and beachy woods, remain as stunning as ever. Now, I”m hopeful this new venture by the Food Comma Hospitality Group (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Pubbelly Sushi, Baja Bao, PB Ysla, and PB Burger) can survive our temperamental dining scene. This is Miami, after all, restaurant revolving-door capital. Offering a complete sea to table experience, Mendín’s new dishes aim to apply modern techniques to create new flavor profiles drawing from Spanish, Latin and Asian traditions.

by Brenda Popritkin

Confection Confessions: 6 Miami Women Who are Crushing the Pastry Mold

Top Ten Restaurants 2017

Choosing just ten restaurants for this list was almost an impossible task. How do I leave this one out? And that other one? Maybe I should make the list longer? What to do? But, what an outstanding problem to have. More importantly, what an outstanding year! If I listed it here, then it means the […]