The Whet Palette Productions Food. Wine. Travel. Life.

Star Power at Fiola Miami

What’s that? Another restaurant has opened in Miami? Prices are high? Prime hours are blocked on OpenTable? Packed at all hours? So? What else is new? Sounds just like another day in South Florida. Restaurateurs, chefs, investors and everyone in between continue flocking south, trying to sway their way into our hearts and stay for the long-haul. Ha! If it was only that simple. Curious and hungry (as usual), I made a reservation and have visited several times. Spoiler alert: I can now say I am swayed and impressed.

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.

SOMM LIKE IT HOT: Featuring Natascha Patterer

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 kick off this new blog section featuring some of South Florida’s buzziest swirlers, sniffers, and tasters.
Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.
These somms are on fire!

Llegó la Navidad at La Placita Miami

I woke up this morning shimmying around the house while humming songs I’d never heard of until last night. Why? Well, I attended La Placita’s first Christmas festival: ¡La Parranda! This was chef Jose Mendin’s fifth event in Miami (the others took place as SOBE’s Pubbelly) and probably the liveliest one I’ve been to. Side note: I’ve attended them all #truestory. Read more…

Top 12 Miami Restaurants of 2018

And exhale.

What a year of exceptional culinary growth and panache for our feisty Magic City! I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much enthusiasm by local diners, tourists, and the industry alike. I’m not saying it was a smooth ride, but even the heated discussions arrived fueled by passion and pride. Ahora si! Full steam ahead, Miami!

Before we kick off 2019 with tremendas ganas, I’d like to list my Top 12 Restaurants for 2018.

Top 30 Bites: Miami 2018

Warning, scroll at your own risk: serious Miami foodporn ahead. How did I choose just 30 bites to fit into one general category? I didn’t think I could do it, to be honest. I considered revising the list to 31, 32, or 33 items and changed my mind a zillion times. Finally, I figured it […]

by Brenda Popritkin

NAOE MIAMI: Kingdom of Cory

One of South Florida’s most well-respected restaurants hides behind a nondescript single door, and a sheer white curtain. NAOE, a natural Japanese cuisine hideaway, continues to receive high rankings and accolades without any signs of slowing down. And yet, “Where is that?” is still a question I often get. Two words, Miami: Brickell Key.

Scrapbook: COI at Alter for Michelin On the Road (Miami)

Scrapbook: COI at Alter Collaboration Dinner for Michelin On the Road (Miami)