Tag: top chef

by Brenda Popritkin

Welcome to Miami, Michelin Guide. What took you so long? Part 1

It hasn’t happened. Yet. But it DOES seem to be in the works. Full stop. Que? Suzie Sponder, Senior Director of Communications at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, confirmed there is not only interest but there should also be an update next week when they meet with the Michelin Guide… again. “We are waiting for them to finalize a contract that will be signed between Miami, Visit Florida, Orlando, and St. Pete.” Sure, this isn’t official yet and it might take a long time for a guide to actually happen. But we are allowed to be a little excited, right?

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by Brenda Popritkin

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.

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by The Whet Palette

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.

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by Brenda Popritkin

Stubborn Seed

Miami soil is sprouting up some excellent eats. This new South of Fifth gem couldn’t have arrived at a more perfect time; our dining scene is on an exciting upswing. It’s harvest season, 305 style.

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by The Whet Palette

Byblos

Located in the beautiful space formerly used by Catch (by Season 3’s  Top Chef winner Chef Hung Huynh, who is no longer with the company) and within the Shorecrest building, Byblos delivered an impeccable experience I’m eager to repeat. I had every intention of solely trying their Miami Spice Menu. And I did. Sort of. After being cheerfully greeted by the hostesses, our […]

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by The Whet Palette

Beachcraft

Gone are the dark, sultry, and clubby STK interiors that existed before Beachcraft’s big remodel. The result is gorgeous. The Meyer Davis interior design team (also the designers responsible for The Dutch) did an incredible job creating a Hamptons-meets-SOBE look. The chic interiors may scream glam, yet they are still warm and inviting. I wouldn’t mind moving in! But, sadly, that’s where the restaurant props end.

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by The Whet Palette

New kid on the block- SIENA TAVERN

I’ve been meaning to visit Chicago’s Siena Tavern for a while, but I’ve never gotten around to it.  Back home, for nostalgic reasons, the sight of the abandoned former China Grill space always saddened me. Luckily for me, I now get to enjoy Siena Tavern in my own backyard and see the 5th and Washington corner come […]

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by The Whet Palette

Touché Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant

At first glance, Touché seemed like yet another warehouse in a somewhat forgotten part of town. Once we drove around the back, we found the main parking area and the entrance to E11even Nightclub. To enter, we took the outside elevator (located to the left of the main E11even double doors.) Touché is located on the third floor of the […]

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