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

Chicago the Musical in Miami

Oh, Chicago! How I love to love you!

I’m talking about the musical, although my heart beats excitedly for the windy city as well.

I first saw the show five years ago while in New York City at the Ambassador Theater, an outstanding architectural landmark. The unusual theater shape and vertical seat placement allowed for an intimate, up-close experience, regardless of a guest’s seating location. Blame it on my almost 30-year dance background, but I am guilty of nit-picking shows when the dance talent falls short of my expectations. I mean, it’s Broadway, no excuses and this happens way too often. Thankfully, I clapped harder than ever for that performance and loved every second. Perhaps I fell into a deep first-timer spell, but I believe it was more than that. The acting, dancing, and command of the stage were second to none. Exceptional.

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.

Órale, Tacology!

As if I needed another reason to love Miami’s newest star, Brickell Centre. Executive Chef Santiago Gomez (Cantina La Veinte, Nobu, and NYC’s Michelin-starred Daniel) is currently celebrating the one-year anniversary of his saucy hot spot. And let me tell you, when it comes to Mexican food, la fiesta no termina en Tacology. The larger than life space drew […]

by Brenda Popritkin

Shhh, it’s Hiden

IMPORTANT UPDATES * August 18th, 2021 Hiden Changes While I once counted — and obsessed over— Hiden as one of my favorite restaurants (read the FULL review below), and placed it high on my TOP MIAMI RESTAURANTS list, my feelings about it have changed. I have decided to provide the following update, given this post […]

Amara at Paraiso

This new project by Miami boss, chef and owner Michael Schwartz (Michael’s Genuine, Genuine Pizza, Harry’s Pizzeria, and Fi’Lia), will not be a hidden gem for long.

by Brenda Popritkin

Seaspice: Miami AF

It’s been four years since I first visited Seaspice (then Seasalt and Pepper) when they first opened in the winter of 2013. Given South Florida’s random culinary rules and often flighty patrons, it’s an impressive achievement for them to be still standing and enjoying great success. Cruising that long on the Miami dining horizon takes vision, […]

by Brenda Popritkin

La Petite Maison: La Grande Déception

June 2022 UPDATE: I finally went back to LPM and had a completely different experience. The dining room layout, and hospitality has significantly improved. Menu standouts, such as the escargot and warm prawns will keep me going back. The gate-keeper manager was no longer there thankfully. Also, the restaurant wants to be addressed as LPM […]

South Florida James Beard Awards Semi-Finalists Media Lunch

Once in a while, I get to attend fun events such as this one representing The Whet Palette. This was an easy invite to accept. Yes, please. In case you aren’t familiar with the James Beard Foundation, know their mission is “… to celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture […]

by Brenda Popritkin

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

THREE WYNWOOD

Hidden within the Wynwood Arcade complex, and surrounded by an area saturated with art, inquisitive visitors, and a touch of free-spirited chaos, this new empire sits quietly. . . and regally. The restaurant, edgy rooftop outdoor-lounge, and upcoming cooking school make up an ambitious and exciting trilogy by one of our very own: Floridian, New World Cuisine founding father, author, and chef-in-the-know Norman Van Aken.