The Whet Palette Productions Special Events

S5 E75 MICHELIN Guide Florida 2026: Hot Takes, Hard Truths, and a Few Receipts

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. […]

North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026: Winners, Surprises, and Highlights from New Orleans

After covering the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony in Las Vegas last year, I arrived in New Orleans this week knowing the awards themselves are only part of the story. One thing that became increasingly clear throughout the week is that this gathering is about far more than a numbered list. The conversations […]

Two New Stars and a Bib Gourmand Upgrade: Inside the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida Digital Reveal

The results are officially in. The 2026 Florida selection of the MICHELIN Guide has arrived, marking the state’s first fully digital reveal and the Guide’s first statewide Florida expansion. This year, the industry and food enthusiasts tuned in online instead. Streaming live through the Guide’s official YouTube channel and once again hosted by Java Ingram, […]

MICHELIN Guide Florida Said ‘Log On.’ The 2026 Reveal Is Going Fully Virtual

The MICHELIN Guide just added yet another twist to Florida’s 2026 selection reveal. After months of speculation surrounding this year’s format, the Guide has officially confirmed that the Florida selections will now be unveiled through a virtual livestream experience airing May 28th at 2 p.m. EST on the MICHELIN Guide YouTube channel. A traditional press […]

FROM TERROIR TO TABLE: A TRUFFLE DINNER EXPERIENCE

This is not just another dinner. It is a deep dive into the world of truffles from terroir to table, inspired by my recent time in Alba, Piedmont, where truffle culture is treated with the same reverence as fine wine. Expect storytelling, education, indulgence, and the kind of shared table energy that turns strangers into […]

by Brenda Popritkin

Two Nights, Two MICHELIN-Starred Restaurants: Airbnb x The Whet Palette

These are not reservations.These are experiences. In partnership with Airbnb, I’m hosting two intimate dinners this April inside two of South Florida’s MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Dinner with a Food Writer: I’ll be there throughout the evening to share as much perspective as you want on our city, the restaurants, and their place within the MICHELIN Guide. […]

You Are Invited: From Roots to Rise DINNER

A Celebration of Florida’s Culinary Lineage An intimate, one-night-only dinner, celebrating the depth of Florida’s culinary roots and the vision shaping its future. To see a chef redefining Florida dining today, cooking alongside the pioneer who helped establish its culinary identity, is exceptionally rare. This exclusive one-of-a-kind evening brings together Chef Norman Van Aken, multiple-time James […]

by Brenda Popritkin

Tears, Triumphs & a New Northeast: Inside the MICHELIN Guide’s 2025 Reset

In the grand hall of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia this week, the MICHELIN Guide signaled a shift. With Philadelphia and Boston officially joining the “Northeast Cities” category, and a fresh star system already stirring commentary, this year’s ceremony felt like a pivot point in American dining. A night that surprised with emotion, warmth, and genuine connection.

A Taste of Tradition: Loire Valley Wines by Armand Mellot

There’s something special about experiencing old-world tradition in a new-world setting. Last week, Armand Mellot—representing one of France’s oldest family-run wine estates—brought a taste of the Loire Valley to the Sofia Design District in Miami. The setting: an intimate lunch with a handful of curious palates and open notebooks, all eager to taste.

Masterclasses and Wine Tastings: Vinous Icons in Miami 2025

Vinous Icons: Miami 2025 is a prestigious wine tasting event featuring 100 fine wines and renowned producers from around the world. Scheduled for November 14-15 at Bloom Ballroom, Jungle Island, it offers masterclasses and tastings of exceptional wines. Attendees can enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and stunning Miami skyline views.