Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Beckham might have hosted the South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash last evening, but the real stars of the show were the meat and cheese that chefs and restaurateurs from across the country served up to thousands of guests.

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Smash burgers, grilled burgers: If you could put some meat between bread, chances are it was served at last night’s Burger Bash as servers campaigned and cajoled ticketholders to vote for their burgers.

Of course, there can only be one (actually two) winners at the Burger Bash.

The first winner was voted on by a panel of judges that included Miami restaurateur Matt Kuscher, comedian Bert Kreischer, model Ashley Graham, Gayle King, DiGiovanni, and influencer Samantha Schnur. Their task was to find the “Very Best Burger” of the evening. The winning burger: Dunwoody, Georgia’s NFA Burger for its Billy’s Classic - a smashed cheeseburger with mustard, pickles, and housemade “sassy” sauce on a Martin’s potato roll.

The all-important “People’s Choice” award was presented to Miami’s La Birra Bar, which, besides having a hometown advantage, had a very good burger. The Crispy Dubai: wagyu patties with American cheese, crispy onions, chimichurri mayo, and black truffle, served with Dubai Fries (skin-on fries with white cheddar and truffled chimichurri mayo).

There you have it — a tale of two burgers: The classic burger was preferred by a panel of judges, while the flashy burger with the catchy name won the hearts of the attendees.

The moral of this story? For every burger, there’s a mouth that craves it.

More festival news to come.

This February 19-22, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary.

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Let that sink in for a moment. For 25 years, the festival has celebrated food, wine, spirits, and chefs in one of the most beautiful places on earth - Miami Beach. The festival takes a village to become a reality. There are hundreds of chefs, cooks, engineers, workers, volunteers, and people working together to create a seamless experience for ticketholders. If one person is serving as ringmaster to this beautiful circus, it’s festival founder Lee Brian Schrager.

Schrager has been with the festival since its modest beginnings as the “Florida Extravaganza”, a one-day event to raise funds for Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Travel Management. The festival still serves as a school fundraiser. To date, the festival has raised more than $45 million to benefit students at its Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management — a feat worth celebrating.

That philanthropy — coupled with the warm weather and good vibes of Miami — makes the festival one of the most loved and visited in the world. In 2024, SOBEWFF generated an estimated $31.2 million in economic impact in Miami-Dade and supported more than 6,200 jobs.

But, enough about numbers. People go to a festival for a good time. And this year promises to deliver, according to Lee Scrager.

“We’re bringing Diplo to the festival,” says Schrager. He’s referring to the 25th anniversary bash, featuring the DJ and Grammy-winning producer on Thursday, February 19. Tickets start at $229 and go up to $12,000 for South Beach ballers who want a VIP table for 12 of their closest friends.

Schrager is also enthusiastic about Foodiecon, the annual event for influencers and the people who follow them. Held on Saturday, February 21, the event promises guests the opportunity to mingle with @keith_lee125, @the_pastaqueen, @realchefrush, @brunchwithbabs, @maxthemeatguy, @owen.han, @healthygirlkitchen, @foodbymaria, @andyeastcoastkitchen_, @cookingwithshereen, @logansfewd, @okaycoolgigi, @succulentbite, @onestopchop_, and @thenaughtyfork.

For Schrager, the most anticipated event is this year’s tribute dinner, honoring venerable Miami chef Michelle Bernstein. The James Beard-winning chef has been pivotal in shaping Miami’s food scene. Bernstein opened her eponymous restaurant, Michy’s, with husband David Martinez in 2006, gambling on a spot on Biscayne Boulevard at a time when it wasn’t a hotbed of culinary activity. But Bernstein persisted, and her food put the neighborhood on the map. That led to other chefs and restaurateurs taking a chance on the area, which is now a thriving neighborhood. Schrager says that Bobby Flay gave him the idea to fete Bernstein. “I didn’t need to be sold, she was already on my mind,” says the SOBEWFF bigwig, adding, “It absolutely should have been Michelle, but with Bobby agreeing to endorse it, it was a home run.”

Schrager is also looking forward to having Sofia Vergara make an appearance at the Grand Tasting Village — always a highlight of the weekend.

I asked Schrager to share his fondest memories of festivals past. “I think when I look back, one of the things I’m most nostalgic about is having Anthony Bourdain here. We went to school together at CIA, and he was just so influential. Losing Tony was a big loss to the entire culinary community.”

And looking forward to another 25 years? Schrager and his team manage to keep the festival fresh and vibrant by incorporating classes, music, and more. The future is as bright and bubbly as the champagne that will be flowing in Miami this February.

Once again, the calendar has reached December. While the rest of the world is shopping for presents and drinking eggnog, Miamians are fighting inane traffic, vying to get their names on party lists, and generally trying to decipher the pomp, circumstance, and nonsense of Miami Art Week.

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What started as the sunny version of the Swiss art fair has morphed into a week of partying, C-list celebrity sightings (with the occasional A-lister spotted in a baseball cap actually buying art while trying not to be seen), and general tomfoolery.

Is there art at Miami Art Week? Yes, there are still legit pop-up galleries and shows.

But the main reason to go to Miami Art Week is to drink a $50 champagne in a plastic flute, take plenty of photos for social media, and eat at the pop-ups that sprout like weeds between the cracks of Miami Beach’s sunbleached sidewalks.

Honestly, the press releases read like something SNL’s Stefan would say. But in the middle of the madness, there are a few gems:

Brunch and Dinner Hosted by Jean-George Vongerichten at Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION

On Friday, December 5th, Jean-George Vongerichten will be hosting a tasting brunch and dinner at Matador Room at The Miami Beach EDITION (2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach). Brunch is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and costs$175++/pp. Tickets & RSVP here. Dinner is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and costs $275++/pp. Tickets & RSVP here.

Michael’s Genuine Bistro at Design Miami

James Beard winner, Michael Schwartz pops up at Design Miami (Convention Center Drive and 18th Street, Miami Beach) with a French take on his Design District classic, Michael’s Genuine. Think escargot in parsley butter, croque madame, duck confit, mussels with fries, and braised short rib frites. The pop up runs from December 3 to 7.

Natural Born Grillers Apocalypse BBQ at Ray’s Hometown Bar

In celebration of Art Basel, Ray’s Hometown Bar Miami (inside the Freehand Hotel, 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach) is hosting “Natural Born Grillers” for a South Florida backyard barbecue, in partnership with Apocalypse BBQ and presented by Resy on December 6 from 3 to 8 p.m. The menu includes BBQ brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sides of beans, cole slaw, mac n’ cheese, cornbread, and esquites. Choose between a barbecue-only experience or barbecue and two specialty cocktails, wine, beer, or mocktails from Ray’s Hometown Bar menu. All tickets include a branded giveaway reusable cup, a trucker hat, and a poolside towel. Guests are welcome to bring their swimsuits for a cooling dip in the pool at Freehand Miami. Tickets on sale here.

Chef Andy Quinn Dinners at Oro

ORO (818 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach) will welcome Andy Quinn (The Noortwyck) for a two-night collaboration dinner timed to Art Basel on December 3rd and 4th. Guests will gather at ORO’s patio terrace starting at 8 pm to enjoy a six-course prix fixe menu by chef Andy’s and Oro’s chef Victor Muñoz. Reservations can be made via OpenTable here, and tickets are $225 per person.

Panther Coffee’s 16th Anniversary

While the rest of the U.S. runs on Dunkin’ or Starbucks, Miami runs on Panther Coffee. This coffee shop celebrates its 15th anniversary during Art Basel — and its flagship shop just happens to be right in Wynwood (2390 NW Second Avenue). On December 4, Panther invites everyone to celebrate with coffee, bites, and a toast with a special limited-edition sparkling wine made in collaboration with Michigan’s MAWBY Winery. RSVP HERE

Cherlato at the Faena Hotel

Let me preface this one by saying that, as a resident of South Florida, there’s only two things that could get me to venture out into Miami Beach during Art Basel: Dolly and Cher.

Now, the news:

Cher’s own gelato (yes, Cher has a gelato) CHERLATO!, is popping up at the Faena Hotel for Miami Art Week. The Faena partnership is a collaboration with Assume Vivid Astro Focus (AVAF), running through December 7.

Is there a chance that Cher, herself, might grace Miami Beach with her presence? Who knows? But, this is the one Art Basel event I am not missing…

Florida is no stranger to standing in line: from hours-long wait times to ride Space Mountain at Disney World to velvet ropes restricting access to Miami’s clubs, queues permeate all aspects of life in the Sunshine State. Some of the longest lines happen at a small farmstand in a small city somewhere between Miami and the Florida Keys.

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Since 1956, people have been waiting in lines for cinnamon rolls from Knaus Berry Farm. The farm, which operates its farmstand and bakery from October through May, is more than a place to get freshly baked goods. For many, waiting in line on the first day Knaus reopens is an annual tradition.

Families — sometimes multiple generations — wait in line even through sudden rainstorms and temperatures reaching into the triple digits. The ones who have done it before bring lawn chairs and umbrellas, cash in hand. The rookies and tourists brave the elements for what seems like an eternity, some just learning of Knaus Berry Farm’s “cash only” policy. Even then, there’s a race against time: when the bakery sells out of its fresh cinnamon rolls for the day, it’s out no matter how long you waited.

For decades, Knaus Berry Farm’s popularity has grown. Reporters from around the world have written stories about the simple farmstand and its addictive baked goods and fruit shakes. The cinnamon rolls are now available for order through Goldbelly (when in season), and Knaus has collaborated with restaurants to offer cinnamon roll ice cream, doughnuts, and other mashups.

With all the subtle nods to progress, many things remained unchanged: Knaus Berry Farm has firmly adhered to its “cash only” policy, not accepting credit cards in person. The farm and bake shop also remained closed on Sundays, a nod to the family’s beliefs.

Miami is a city that is constantly changing — and not all for the better. Giant condos spring up overnight, welcoming crypto bros and other characters. Longtime family-run businesses close due to increases in taxes and rents, and charming spots turn into clubs with resident DJs. Despite the wholesale gutting of Miami history, Knaus Berry Farm has remained a refreshing constant.

Now, things are changing. Yesterday, it was announced that the Knaus family have sold the business to a group of Miami investors, including Joel White and Sunil Bhatt. The beloved farm will relocate to a larger space, about seven miles north of its original location. The new space will also feature a larger baking facility, which is expected to increase production efficiency. The new owners do intend to use the same recipe and ingredients, with a promise that the cinnamon rolls will remain unchanged.

The original staff will stay on, and the Knaus family (including longtime general manager Thomas Blocher) will be retained as consultants.

The new Knaus will accept credit cards and will also be open on Sunday.

It’s encouraging that the same people who have given their entire lives to Knaus will still be there to consult, and the same smiling faces will be baking and helping customers. But I’m honestly shocked by the fact that the “new Knaus” will be open on Sundays. For me, the adherence to tradition and the fact that 9-to-5ers had but one day to get their cinnamon roll fix made the prospect of driving down on a Saturday more of an exciting outing than a mere “cinnamon roll run”.

The fact that the purchase of cinnamon rolls had some obstacles — cash only, closed on Sunday, a limited number of rolls baked per day — wasn’t an inconvenience. The exact opposite — it made those rolls special. When something comes too easily in this world, the magic can disappear.

Will this new location have the same charm? The same magic? Only time will tell. We’ll all have to wait until the fall to find out. As usual, I’ll be there on opening day — and I’ll report back.

Miami is one of those destinations that reads like a dream: turquoise waters lap onto miles of white sandy shoreline. Sophisticated streets filled with art galleries or world-class shopping. Four-star hotels with rooftop pool decks.

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If you go in the summer, you’ll also be hit with humidity that makes you feel like a warm squid has landed on your head and flash floods brought on by intense and sudden storms that roll in out of nowhere.

So why come here in August and September? There’s only one reason: Miami Spice. Each summer, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) offers a two-month promotion from August 1 to September 30, with lunch and brunch menus priced at $35 and dinner menus from $45-$60.

The promotion includes close to 300 restaurants reaching far and wide beyond the typical touristy meccas of South Beach, Coconut Grove, and Brickell. This year’s program also supports Camillus House, a nonprofit organization that provides services for individuals experiencing homelessness, with the first $25,000 of donations being matched by the GMCVB.

Miami Spice started as the Magic City’s version of New York City’s Restaurant Week, and now enters its 24th year. The program is wildly successful and serves two important needs: attracting visitors to Miami during its historically slow time and helping keep restaurants afloat until the fall season arrives.

This year, the program’s efforts are more important than ever since Miami restaurateurs are experiencing a loss in revenue that factors in a myriad of reasons like inflation, rising costs of rent and supplies, and a decline in tourism.

That’s good news for people wanting to spend a weekend dining through Miami (and you should spend a weekend dining through Miami). Hotel rates are typically discounted. A quick look at Hotels.com shows four-star hotel rooms by brands such as Kimpton and Sonesta going for under $200 a night this weekend. Not to mention, Miami’s food scene is worth visiting, and its chefs and restaurateurs are worth knowing, and you’ll be helping support them through their toughest months.

So, how does one choose which restaurants to visit?

First, visit the Miami Spice website, where you can see representative menus for each participating restaurant. Some restaurants offer a much greater value than others, so feel free to compare, but note that those menus are subject to change. Don’t think a big Miami restaurant name like, say, Joe’s Stone Crab, will offer the best value. Remember — stone crabs aren’t in season during Miami Spice, so you won’t be feasting on the restaurant’s signature dish.

Check the days of the week Miami Spice is offered for your favorite restaurant — many of the best places don’t offer Miami Spice meals during the weekend (and some, conversely, offer great weekend brunches with little bonuses like a welcome glass of champagne).

Also, please don’t get suckered in by Miami’s restaurants that offer Instagrammable neon walls, DJ booths, and “soaring water views”. The best restaurants in Miami have none of these things, I can assure you. Instead, look for restaurants owned and operated by local chefs or local restaurant groups. Here are a few of my recommendations to get you started.

Stubborn Seed

Chef Jeremy Ford and his team earned a Michelin star and a Michelin green star for this restaurant’s tasting menu that utilizes items grown on the chef’s farm. During Miami Spice, you won’t receive the full experience, but you will have a fantastic three-course meal for $60 — an extreme value for the level of culinary expertise and service you’ll receive.

Abbale Televivian Kitchen

Though Abbale offers Miami Spice for lunch and dinner as well, go for its weekend brunch. The restaurant’s cozy outdoor seating is filled with colorful pillows, lush bougainvillea, and friendly people.

Joe’s Stone Crab

Every city has an iconic restaurant or two. Miami Beach has Joe’s. Though stone crabs are out of season, here’s a secret: Joe’s fried chicken is outstanding. Order the stone crab bisque, the fried chicken, and Joe’s famous key lime pie for dessert.

Rao’s Miami Beach

If you’ve ever wanted to go to Rao’s in NYC and you never did, go to Rao’s in Miami Beach. It’s not as impossible to get into — but your friends need never know. This is my only “not locally owned” restaurant on this list for that reason alone.

Ghee Indian Kitchen

Chef Niven Patel is one of the most thoughtful chefs in Miami. He sources produce from his farm, Ranch Patel, and takes immense care in every dish to create layers of flavors and excitement in every bite. Patel is also a master with vegetables, so vegetarians and vegans will want to seek out this restaurant.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

Chef Michael Schwartz is of Miami’s most groundbreaking chefs, opening his eponymous restaurant, Michael’s Genuine, back before Dior and Gucci invaded the Design District. Schwartz’s approach to food — keep it local and honest — allows the ingredients to speak for themselves.

Blue Collar

If you want to go where the locals go, then Blue Collar is for you. It’s not in any of the tourist areas (though it’s only a stone’s throw from the Design District), but it’s worth the short Uber ride. Chef/owner Danny Serfer takes classic diner fare to another level. Everything is delicious from the latkes to the burgers to the chicken parm. What’s more, practically everything on the menu is available for Miami Spice (not just a set menu), so you can create your own adventure. It could truly be the best value in town!

Ariete

Chef Michael Beltran combines classic French culinary techniques with his Cuban-American roots at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Miami’s tree-lined Coconut Grove neighborhood. The Miami Spice menu offers some of the best hits, from the venison tartare to Beltran’s hearty pork belly.

Cafe La Trova

If you want the version of Miami you see in the movies —- but actually want some good food and drink, then Cafe La Trova is for you. This restaurant combines chef Michelle Bernstein’s soulful takes on Cuban food with the cocktail stylings of Julio Cabrera and his team of cantineros (the precision bartenders of Cuba). Add a colorful scene filled with music and you’ve got one heck of a night on the town!

If you want to go somewhere with extreme shows of wealth and extremely hot weather, you have two choices: Dubai and Miami. The only difference, perhaps, is that Miami has more humidity and more alcohol consumption.

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Take in point, the recent New York Post report of Miami Beach restaurant, Papi Steak, offering a $33,000 cocktail-in-a-Birkin bag. According to the story, the “It’s Not a Bag, It’s a Cocktail” is made from Belvedere 10 vodka, grapefruit oil saccharum, and Lillet Blanc with a peach garnish and side of caviar, served inside a Birkin bag. The name, of course, is a play on an old Sex and the City episode, where Samantha Jones tries to buy a Birkin, only to be told by a condescending sales associate, “It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin”.

This cocktail comes from the people who serve a $1,000 steak in a briefcase and threw Tiffany Trump a birthday bash back in 2020. In other words, it’s a place where flash is the name of the game.

If you don’t want the orange leather handbag, the “It’s Not a Bag, it’s a Cocktail” costs $150 if you just feel like sipping and not schlepping.

If $150 seems like a dear price to pay for a few gulps of expensive vodka, may we present the newest drink to grace Miami: The $850 Vintage Vault Martini at Michelin-starred Cote Miami.

The cocktail is made with Chopin Vintage Vault, a vintage potato vodka from the brand's first release three decades ago, priced at $3,000 a bottle. The vodka, itself, can be considered the “Birkin” of spirits, since it can only be purchased by invitation, much like the Hermes bag. The precious liquid is paired with orange bitters and caviar. It is not served with any leather goods.

Considering an average martini is about three ounces of liquid, you’re talking $283 an ounce for Cote’s cocktail vs. a mere $50 per ounce for Papi Steak’s version (sans handbag).

There seems to be an expensive martini trend these days.

In New York, you’ll pay $250 for The Gold Room’s Reserve martini, made with Nolet’s Reserve Gin, and in San Francisco’s Empress by Boon, a saffron martini costs $150.

Truly, though, if you want a good martini, you don’t have to decide whether to make your car payment or drink at the bar.

At Cote Miami, for example, you can splurge on the $850 martini or you can enjoy its amazing house Vesper. Half Ketel One vodka and half Tanqueray gin, it’s served ice cold enough to give you that luscious brain freeze and strong enough to take your cares away on a Friday afternoon. And it’s only twenty bucks. A Miami bargain, for sure.

With the summer months coming, Michelin is making moves before the warm weather lull.

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Last evening, Michelin announced its 2025 Florida entries in a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Orlando, surprising the crowd by adding another Two-Michelin-Starred restaurant to the Sunshine State — Orlando’s Sorekara. The restaurant offers a tasting menu highlighting Japan’s 72 micro seasons by chef/owner William Shen. Sorekara joins L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Miami, which retains its Two-Star status for this year.

Four new restaurants received a One-Michelin-Star rating, with chef Ryan Ratino earning a Star at both his Chef’s Counter at MAASS in Fort Lauderdale and his Orlando restaurant, Ômo by Jônt (which is also a James Beard Award finalist in the Best New Restaurant category).

Miami chef Nando Chang’s Itamae Ao received a Michelin Star for its excellent Peruvian/Japanese cuisine. Chang is also up for a James Beard Award in the Best Chef: South category. Konro in West Palm Beach received a Star for its contemporary cuisine by chef Jacob Bickelhaupt and an impressive wine list by sommelier Nadia Bickelhaupt.

Michelin also awarded Green Stars to two Miami restaurants that are also Michelin One-Starred restaurants: EntreNos, for its locally sourced produce, seafood, meat, and even dinnerware created by local artisans; and Stubborn Seed, which sources produce from chef Jeremy Ford’s 5.5 acre farm.

In total, there are now 31 Michelin-starred restaurants in Florida, with 172 restaurants (including Bib Gourmands) rounding out the guide.

More Michelin News

Last week, Michelin announced 16 additional restaurants in its New York Guide. Each restaurant automatically enters the guide and is eligible to be upgraded for Star or Bib Gourmand status, usually in the Fall.

On May 15, Michelin will reveal the restaurants to be included in its Quebec Guide; and on June 15, the Michelin California Guide will be announced in a ceremony to be held at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento.

For more than a quarter century, André Bienvenu was the executive chef at the top-grossing independent restaurant in the United States: Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach.

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According to Restaurant Business, the restaurant’s sales peaked at $49,413,190 in 2024, serving 382,000 meals. For a chef, that kind of restaurant is the pinnacle of a career. “I thought I was going to retire from there. 26 years is a long time,” says Bienvenu, who shares that he loved the family-run Joe’s. “Working for the [Sawitz] family was great. They made you a part of the family and the operation,” he confides.

Still, a long commute and a new opportunity proved it was time to make a change. “I was driving two hours in and two hours back,” he says, adding, “at that point, I wasn’t giving Joe’s what I think it deserved. I also felt it was time for Joe’s to have a new chef.”

Bienvenu and his team opened Catch & Cut, a steak and seafood restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, just a month and a half ago. Though it’s only been a few weeks, the restaurant is off to a great start, with reservations already in high demand.

This posed a question that so many of us face at some point in our lives (and, perhaps especially now): What’s the key to making that big change in the midpoint of your career?

“I would tell people that if you’re truly engulfed in your profession, moving on shouldn’t be scary. I’m 59, and I wasn’t scared at all because I know that I had a strong background, and I was able to use what I learned throughout my career.” Bienvenu said that knowledge and experience can also be transferred to new endeavors. “If someone wants to jump into a new profession, use what you have. There is life outside your current job. Embrace it and have fun.”

The chef’s career gambit has paid off. With a smaller kitchen staff, Bienvenu had found himself being more hands-on in the kitchen instead of doing paperwork in the office. “These days, my office is a laptop by the sushi counter.”

He also found himself rediscovering the joy and passion of cooking. “The first night, I got to work the expo line. I missed this. I get to be a chef again. I felt like I was 20 years old. I went home smelling like the grill, and I felt really good.”

Bienvenu also gets to do something he feels is crucial for the culinary world to succeed: mentor the next generation of chefs. “The staff is fantastic here, and I’m going to teach them everything I know. My goal is to come here to gain knowledge and then go on to bigger and better things. My two sous chefs are loving this approach.”

Bienvenu explains in golf terms: “I’m at the 16th hole, and I see the 18th hole on the horizon. I want to make sure that when I leave this industry, I leave a mark. It’s all about giving back. If I give back to my staff and my guests, I’ll have a great restaurant.”

His management strategy is one of mutual respect: “I told my staff I am never going to yell, and I’m never going to use profanity, but I will hold you accountable.” He’s also against the Yes, Chef ethos. “Just call me André. I’m easy to replace. They’re not. I have to give my people a reason to come back every day. They’ve become part of my adopted family.”

With South Florida now hotter than ever as a vacation destination, Bienvenu’s strategy is to cater to the people who live (and eat) in Fort Lauderdale year round. “I’m going after the locals. My goal is to see customers back three or four times a month. I told the staff, Let this be part of your social life. Know the customers. Learn their names. Guests are getting connected to the restaurant, and we’re getting connected to them. There is no back of the house and front of the house. It’s about running a great restaurant.”

Of course, the food is also top of mind when it comes to making a great experience for guests. Bienvenu created a menu of fresh seafood and steaks that speak for themselves. “I wanted a menu where you recognize everything ont’t he many. I want the food to be simple but fantastic. I want you to have the best sea bass with the simplest technique. The filet is cooked perfectly and is just fantastic. A lot of chefs will masquerade with flavors, and ten years ago I would have added ten different flavor profiles, but in the end people want quality.”

After more than a quarter century of culinary skills, Bienvenu wants to provide the best service to both his employees and his guests. “I want the full package when you come into Catch & Cut. I want you to get to know us and for us to get to know you. I preach this every day. If you’re coming here and you’re spending $100 a person, the expectations are high, and they should be. I tell my staff I will never run a perfect kitchen. I will never run a perfect dining room, but I’m going to try every day.”

Catch & Cut, a seafood and steak-focused fine-dining restaurant, will debut on Fort Lauderdale’s trendy Las Olas Boulevard in January 2025. Catch & Cut will be known for its exceptional seafood, premium stone crabs, sushi and USDA prime steaks from Allen Brothers. The Catch & Cut team prides itself on reviving the art of old-school hospitality and treating guests like family.

Having spent 26 years as executive chef at Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Chef André Bienvenu brings his culinary expertise and New England charm to Catch & Cut. As both partner and executive chef, Chef Bienvenu is proud to share his passion for timeless hospitality and innovative cuisine with the Las Olas community.

Located at 1309 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, the 9,618-square-foot, two-story restaurant offers an upscale diningexperience for 287 guests. The air-conditioned first floor features an open kitchen that will allow diners to watch their meals being prepared first-hand as well as a full-service bar. Guests will also have the opportunity to dine al fresco and enjoy South Florida’s beautiful weather on the patio or rooftop overlooking the bustling Las Olas Boulevard. A weather-sensing shuttered roof protects guests from the elements all year round. Catch & Cut will be available for private parties and special events.

Level two Sommelier Stephan Cole will serve as the general manager and wine director. Cole is a Boston native with nearly two decades in the hospitality industry and most recently served eight years at the helm at Valentino Cucina Italiana in Fort Lauderdale.

The completely renovated restaurant features new décor sophisticatedly designed by Gravity Architecture & Design. The large dining room on the ground floor features a full raw and sushi bar led by Sushi Chef Inyoman Atmaja allowing guests to experience the making of Catch & Cut’s sushi rolls first-hand. A central lounge on the second level will offer guests the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while waiting for their table.

Chef Bienvenu is a true master of his craft, expertly combining innovation and tradition to create culinary masterpieces that captivate the palate and inspire awe. Each dish is meticulously crafted with passion and precision, ensuring a culinary journey that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Catch & Cut sources hand-picked fresh ingredients to infuse every dish with vibrant flavors to elevate guests’ tastebuds to new heights.

Catch & Cut’s menu features USDA Prime beef from Allen Brothers, a Chicago institution since 1893 renowned for its artisanal hand-cut and aged steaks. The signature cocktails, curated by Beverage Manager Joe Vesey, are crafted with precision, pairing top-quality spirits and fresh ingredients with creative presentations. The citrus is squeezed in-house, and all cordials and purées are created from fresh fruits, herbs and spices, offering a funky, vibrant cocktail menu to Fort Lauderdale’s bar and restaurant scene. Additionally, certified Sommeliers Stephan Cole and Natina Rocchio curated an extensive fine wine list to complement the culinary offerings.

A selection of menu items include:

Stone Crabs: Indulge in the rich, buttery sweetness of fresh Florida Stone Crabs perfectly cracked, chilled and served with house Dijon mustard sauce.

Raw Bar items include oysters, a seafood tower, seafood ceviche, shrimp cocktail and Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail.

Featured items from the Sushi Bar include spicy tuna crispy rice, Hamachi Jalapeño Crudo, tuna tataki, Hamachi Truffle Crudo, Las Olas roll, Sunset roll, C&C roll, Keto roll, Hamachi Jalapeño roll, spicy tuna roll, Negi Hama roll, salmon avocado roll and crunchy spicy tuna roll.

Appetizers include Surf & Turf Meat Balls (Maine lobster, beef tenderloin, charred tomato confit and truffle crumbs); Crispy Wrapped Shrimp with lemon ponzu sauce; Northeast Calamari with pickled giardiniera; Pemaquid Black Mussels with Fra Diavolo sauce; and the Dip Trio featuring crab pico, lobster hummus and onion dip served with chips.

Soups and Salads include Stone Crab and Cream Corn Chowder with vegetables and potatoes; Caesar Salad Stack with creamy asiago peppercorn dressing; Crab and Avocado Salad (arugula, shaved pecorino, onions and citrus honey dressing); and the Chop Chop (Iceberg lettuce, shaved Brussels sprouts, blue cheese, red onion, cucumber, tomato, olives and herb vinaigrette).

The Catch menu features Alaskan King Crab (1.5 lb.) the choice of chilled or broiled with garlic chive butter; Maine Lobster Tail (10-12 oz.) the choice of broiled or popcorn style with garlic lemon aioli; Sea Bass seared with steamed shrimp, clam and coconut curry sauce; Mediterranean Branzino roasted with artichokes, oven-dried tomatoes and olive tapenade; Mahi blackened with a roasted corn reduction and salted popcorn salad; Faroe Island Salmon Miso glazed with pickled cucumber onion salad and the Chef’s Catch of the Day.

The Cut menu, featuring USDA prime steaks from Allen Brothers, includes Center Cut Filet Mignon (8 oz.); Prime New York Strip (14 oz.); Prime Bone-In Ribeye (20 oz.); and Chef’s Wagyu Cut of the Day.

The Land and Sea entrées include the Steak Burger (8 oz.) choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion served with seasoned steak fries; 48-Hour Chicken brined and fried naked; New England Hot Pot with lobster, clams, shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes and clam broth; Maine Lobster Roll served with chips; and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with artichoke caper remoulade.

“We are proud to welcome the Fort Lauderdale community to Catch & Cut on the iconic Las Olas Boulevard,” said Chef Bienvenu. “Our menu celebrates fresh, seasonal fare with a unique selection of seafood, Florida’s finest stone crabs and premier-grade beef from Allen Brothers.”

“At Catch & Cut, we believe in reviving the golden era of dining with old-school hospitality—where every guest feels like family. We aim to build strong relationships with our guests and the community, offering the finest dining experience complemented by excellent service and an extensive wine list,” he continued.

The opening hours will be:

• Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy Hour will be offered Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about Catch & Cut, please visit catchandcut.com.

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival kicked into gear last evening with several events, including a marquee event that turns into national news annually.

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As a gentle breeze played through the palm trees on the path leading to the beach, scalpers cried out, “Anyone want tickets” to the passersby as the sound of music wafted through the night air. Was Beyonce playing on Miami Beach?

No — it was the annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival Burger Bash, a popular party that generates the same excitement as a sold-out mega concert.

The “Bash”, hosted by Rachael Ray, is also a way for burger devotees to try dozens of burgers around the country — and vote on their favorite. In addition, a team of judges also vote for their favorite meat sandwich.

North Miami Beach’s La Birra Bar was the top dog last evening, taking home two prizes. The restaurant was presented with the “Best Side Dish” award and a giant check for $2,500 for its “Smashbrowns”, loaded has browns with lime pepper seasoning. In addition, La Birra Bar was presented with the “Peoples’ Choice” award (and a $5,000 check) for its Smash Golden Chimichurri burger: two smashed patties topped with American cheese, fresh red onions, and an Argentinian chimichurri mayo.

The panel of judges chose local Miami smashburger restaurant, Skinny Louie, for the evening’s “very best burger” award and a $5,000 prize for its Wagyu Louie burger with two smashed Wagyu patties, melted smoked gouda, truffle aioli, and pickled jalapenos on a brioche bun.

At the Loews Miami Beach hotel, Alex Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong co-hosted Alex vs. Miami, a more intimate affair that offered bites from some of Miami’s best loved eateries such as Ms. Cheezious and Cheese Burger Baby. The evening was punched up a few notches when chefs from the Food Network and Top Chef culinary universes showed up in support. The crowd went wild when Geoffrey Zakarian, Guy Fieri, Guarnaschelli, and friends took to the stage to rock out to Abba’s Dancing Queen.

Cheese Burger Baby won the judges’ hearts for its classic slider on a pink bun. The bright hue represented both the neon-lit city of Miami Beach and the fact that Cheese Burger Baby is the only women-owned burger restaurant in the city.

The biggest winner of the night? The timeless burger.

The festivities continue this weekend.

Miami Beach is a tourist destination of dreams: white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and neon lights. Restaurants abound here and there’s something for everyone — from sequined drag shows to dark dive bars to Michelin-starred tasting menus and everything in between.

If you’re going to South Beach, bring your wallet and your sunscreen and enjoy the decadence like a local at these spots.

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Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen

Miami Beach is a lot to take in. Crowds, loud music, flashy cars, and flashier people can assault your senses. Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen is a much-needed respite with a patio filled with lush greenery and colorful toss pillows to lounge on as you sip on a spritz and enjoy fresh takes on Israeli cuisine. Best part? The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.

Cheese Burger Baby

When the party’s almost over and you need something to sate your late-night hunger, Cheese Burger Baby is there for you until the wee hours of the morning. If the burgers are good enough for Beyonce — they’re good enough for you.

Joe’s Stone Crab

Miami Beach’s iconic Joe’s Stone Crab has been serving stone crabs (a local luxury) for longer than the city of Miami Beach has been chartered. The restaurant, still family-owned since 1913, is legendary. The restaurant now takes limited reservations, but the traditional way to enjoy Joe’s is to get there when it opens for happy hour at 4:30, add your name to the list, and be one of the first to get seated when the dining room opens at 5 p.m. Though you have to try the stone crabs (when in season), the real hit is the half fried chicken that’s still only $8.95.

Margot Bar & Bistro

Bar Lab’s Elon Zvi and Gabe Orta opened a small natural wine shop in Downtown Miami named Margot. Now, they’ve expanded to South Beach with a charming 70s-themed spot. This time, there’s a full food menu (don’t sleep on the shakshuka), a good wine selection, and a peaceful outdoor patio.

Mac’s Club Deuce

When the Miami Beach sun hits too hard, you need a dark, cool bar to soothe your sunburn and heat stroke. The “Deuce” cures what ails you with a no-nonsense bar. A long favorite of Anthony Bourdain, this is the classic no-frills watering hole that’s been authentically serving up booze and stories since 1926.

Macchialina

Italian restaurants are best when they’re intimate and locally owned. Chef Michael Pirolo’s menu is concise and authentic and is paired with a wine list of mostly Italian varietals. Don’t forget to end your meal with some house-infused grappa at this Michelin-recommended restaurant, located in the non-touristy west end of South Beach.

Palace Bar

This Ocean Drive icon is best known for its high-energy drag shows that spill onto the streets. The Palace is a long-standing tradition in Miami Beach that has served fierceness for three decades.

Red South Beach

Red is one of those restaurants where its executive chef is in the kitchen. Peter Vauthy takes his work so seriously, that everything that comes out of that kitchen is lovingly (and personally) attended to. From C.A.B. steaks to seafood to red sauce classics, Red is simply the best steakhouse in Miami Beach — and you’ll be able to enjoy your food without sparklers, diamond-encrusted meat suitcases, and other SOBE trappings.

Stubborn Seed

Chef Jeremy Ford and his team excel at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. In a land where dropping lots of money on glittering restaurants where the food is disappointing, Stubborn Seed is a shining star. The impressive tasting menu features many dishes using produce from the chef’s farm. The restaurant offers both eight and 11-course tasting menus.

Sweet Liberty

Sweet Liberty is a watering hole for both locals and visitors. Owned by Miami restaurant/bar veterans Dan Binkiewicz, David Martinez, and Michelle Bernstein, Sweet Liberty is a neon-hued place where anything can happen. It’s a lively scene that’s welcoming any time of day — from a 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour to late-night revelry until 5 a.m.

Water Lion

Tucked away inside the Sagamore Hotel in South Beach, Water Lion is a small wine bar featuring vintages carefully curated by owner, Abbe Diaz. There are also oysters, housemade pickles, and plenty of deviled eggs to nosh on. Water Lion feels less like a bar and more like walking into the apartment of a fabulous friend who happens to have an amazing wine selection. It’s my absolute go-to spot for a glass in Miami Beach.

The Michelin Guide has just announced that it will expand its reach to three more cities in Florida.

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The Florida Guide was established in Florida in 2022 but only covered three cities: Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. That proved to be a bone of contention to restaurateurs in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, which are extremely close in distance. For many, it seemed like a slap in the face by Michelin. After all, conceivably, a restaurant only one block north of the Miami-Dade county borderline could have been shut out of the competition simply by being in a different county.

With the announcement, that geographical snafu has been fixed. According to a press release by Michelin, these new cities will be eligible for entry in the 2025 Michelin Guide, which is traditionally announced in late Spring.

The Florida Guide will encompass the entire state in 2026, according to Michelin, bringing the Guide to cities such as Jacksonville, St. Augustine, the Florida Panhandle, and the Florida Keys. The Keys is especially ripe for several Michelin nods including the much-loved Louie’s Backyard in Key West and Jeremy Ford’s newly opened restaurant Salt + Ash at the Hawk’s Cay Resort in Duck Key.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, said of the announcement, “Florida continues to raise the bar with its emerging culinary talent, international influences, and the palpable passion of its local restaurant communities.”

With this news comes speculation as to which restaurants might be included.

In Fort Lauderdale, chef Ryan Ratino’s MAAS, located at the Four Seasons, is a strong contender for a Star, as is Evelyn’s the Mediterranian restaurant located at the same property. The Katherine, an intimate restaurant by Timon Balloo that offers an eclectic menu that tells the story of his life with wife and partner Marissa Katherine Balloo, is just the kind of restaurant that is deserving of a Star — independently owned and operated and chef driven with a clear story and care to detail. At the Ritz-Carlton, chef Paula DaSilva continues to serve excellent food at Burlock Coast, making it worthy of recognition.

In Palm Beach, Cafe Boulud and Clay Conley’s Buccan are top contenders for a Michelin Star.

There area also a host of smaller restaurants that deserve accolades including Rino Cerbone’s excellent Italian restaurant, Heritage, and Larb Thai-Isan, an unassuming restaurant tucked inside a strip mall.

I suspect Michelin will make an announcement in the coming weeks — or even days — to tease the first few additions from these cities. Stay tuned.

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) returns to Miami Beach (and Miami) in just two weeks.

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This year, more than 500 chefs, bartenders, and industry professionals will gather to host over 105 events during an action-packed four days. The festival, now in its 24th year, will take over multiple venues from its now-famous giant tents directly on the sand to dozens of restaurants and other spots throughout Miami and Miami Beach from February 20 to 23.

Dubbed, “Spring break for chefs” by many, the festival attracts thousands of locals and visitors who flock to SOBEWFF for its flavor-filled fun-in-the-sun vibes.

Festival founder Lee Brian Schrager says it’s clear to see why SOBEWFF is one of the most anticipated food festivals in the country. “We’re in the right place at the right time of the year. Miami has beautiful beaches and it’s a great food destination”.

Schrager is correct. In the past two-plus decades, Miami has grown from a beach town to a cosmopolitan destination with a sophisticated food scene. It’s the home of several chefs who have earned James Beard awards, most recently Valerie Chang, who won the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South for her Midtown Miami restaurant, Maty’s. In 2022, Michelin came calling, making Miami an official Michelin Guide city.

Schrager says that each year, more and more people are coming to Miami Beach to make an entire weekend of savoring its food and drink scene by combining SOBEWFF with dining at some of the city’s best restaurants.

A bonus?

The table next to you might be filled with familiar faces such as Martha Stewart or Anne Burrell. “Talent comes down and they want to try Mimi or Mother Wolf or Sparrow,” says Schrager, adding, “they go to our Burger Bash and then they try out some new restaurants.” Of course, no trip to Miami Beach would be complete without iconic places like Joe’s Stone Crab, and Mac’s Club Deuce.

If you’re planning a weekend in Miami and Miami Beach for SOBEWFF, Schrager suggests a blend of festival events peppered in with some local dining experiences. “I think that you should reserve one evening and one lunch to check out the local scene,” he advises.

Out of more than 100 different SOBEWFF events, Scrager has chosen five favorites for your consideration.

First and foremost, the ultimate festival insider recommends Best of the Best, the swanky soiree held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel, and features some of the best restaurants in the country offering food paired with luxe wines and champagnes.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Miami experience, the Miami Bakery Brunch offers a taste of some of Miami’s most iconic sweet and savory baked goods in a gorgeous setting. The brunch, hosted by Miami’s favorite baker, Zak Stern, offers unlimited brunch items paired with cocktails and mimosas.

Fans of Food Network’s Alex Guarnaschelli won’t want to miss Alex vs. Miami, hosted by Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong. This interactive evening offers bites from some of Miami’s most loved restaurants along with a lively culinary competition.

If you like a high-energy afternoon, you must attend the Drag Brunch hosted by Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski and The View’s Ana Navarro. This fabulous afternoon features food, drink, and performances by Mistress of Ceremonies Athena Dion with special guests Meatball, Alexis Michelle, and Randy Roberts. The drag brunch is an annual shop-stopper of an event, so get your tickets early.

Finally, have you even been to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival if you haven’t been to the Grand Tasting Village (GTV)? Honestly, this is like Disney with alcohol. The GTV offers an afternoon of eating, drinking, celebrity sightings, culinary demonstrations, freebies, music, dancing, and more — all directly on the sand (so be sure to wear your flip-flops).

Today, Michelin has announced the addition of 10 restaurants to its Florida Guide (which consists of restaurants in three cities only - Miami, Orlando/Winter Park, and Tampa), bringing the number of eateries to more than 140.

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These additions are automatically added as “recommended” restaurants. Still, they can be upgraded to a Bib Gourmand or star status at the yet-to-be-announced fourth Florida Star Ceremony, anticipated to take place in Spring 2025. If Michelin adheres to its rotation of venues, this year’s ceremony should take place in Orlando.

Breaking down the crop of 10 newly anointed Michelin restaurants, six are located in Miami and four are in the Orlando area. Tampa, the third city recognized in the Florida Michelin Guide, received no new additions.

On a promising note, most of the restaurants added to Michelin skew to casual and affordable. In a state that has become increasingly expensive to live and visit, Michelin acknowledging smaller, mom-and-pop eateries is welcome, indeed.

For example, Grand Central, located in Miami’s Upper West Side neighborhood, is a tiny restaurant located next to some seedy storefronts. Inside, chef/owner Nuno Grullon serves up a menu best defined as refined comfort food — everything from oysters and prawns over risotto to a fantastic burger and an elevated chicken pot pie.

Following, find the 10 new Michelin restaurants in Florida, along with Michelin’s notes. The entire Florida Michelin Guide can be found here.

Miami

Cotoa
Cuisine: Latin American

Miami is no stranger to ceviche, but the one at this casual Ecuadorian counter inside a cheery food hall in downtown stands out among them. Pristine mahi mahi in a smooth blend of coconut, ginger, and peanut and garnished with thin strips of watermelon radish is a winning combination with plantain chips. Across a nicely curated menu, Chef Alejandra Espinoza has other ideas that show equal levels of tropical flair. Her riff on traditional chicken stew using sweet plantain dough is as satisfying as her local fish wrapped in banana leaf. A scoop of ice cream or a mug of frozen cacao juice make for a refreshing send-off. One bit of housekeeping: Diners are seated and can order from any of the restaurants in the court from their server.

Grand Central
Cuisine: Contemporary

This narrow nook of a restaurant by Chef Nuno Grullon hides in plain sight along Biscayne Boulevard. The unassuming location runs in stark contrast to what’s happening in this friendly dining room set with white tablecloths and a bar that stretches the length of the room. Warm buttermilk biscuits garnished with thyme are a welcome start, followed by an eclectic roster of bistro dishes that show wonderful levels of care and thought. Pan-fried baby artichokes are a delightful pairing with pancetta hollandaise. Chicken pot pie gets a makeover with heritage chicken and black truffles, and there’s even a lavish duck pithivier finished with cranberry demi. Dessert hits all the right notes with a proper chocolate ganache cake that is all too easy to finish.

Itamae Ao
Cuisine: Peruvian

A restaurant within a restaurant, this 10-seat counter by Chef Nando Chang in Midtown looks to set a new standard for Nikkei cuisine in the region. Those familiar with the chef’s past work in the Design District will take heart in how classic Peruvian-Japanese flavors as well as signature dishes have been reworked, reimagined, and refined. Searing levels of acidity and spice figure prominently on this bold tasting menu, often in the form of leche de tigre. From lobster bisque with sweet potato gnocchi to creamy rice with Hokkaido scallops and parmesan, the cooking possesses style and substance in spades. Sourcing is a priority, with whole fish flown in from Japan, later to be broken down and occasionally strung up in dry-aging fridges along the wall.

Palma
Cuisine: Contemporary

Dressed head to toe in concrete and lit with candles, this narrow room in Little Havana is out to make a mark. The staff totals less than five, including Chef Juan Camilo Liscano and his sous who cook, plate, and clear with impressive efficiency. The lean team, however, turns out a stylish and agreeably priced tasting menu that changes with great frequency. Grilled baby corn brushed in burnt eggplant aioli and wrapped in aged sirloin is a thrilling start, followed by delicately steamed flounder enrobed in a smooth sabayon made of mussels. Brioche made with roasted plantains is the only staple, and what a staple it is. Beautifully shaped, nicely crusted, and served hot with caramelized coconut butter, it is impossible to resist.

Sereia
Cuisine: Portuguese

Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa runs restaurants across the globe, and now he turns his attention to Coconut Grove. Drawing inspiration from the Iberian coast, the seafood-focused menu spotlights largely Portuguese preparations. Begin with a basket of traditional breads kept warm on hot stones and served with smoked butter. Anything with rice, naturally, is a smart way to go, like the bomba rice with grilled carabineros. Salted cod flecked with crispy shoestring potatoes and capped with black olives and chives is another highlight. Dessert is a particular strength, and a recent favorite featured sweet rice custard, rice foam, and calamansi sorbet. The dining room, meanwhile, is all comfort and class with cream tones, cozy banquettes, and wood accents.

Torno Subito
Cuisine: Italian

“I’ll be back soon” is the English translation of Chef Massimo Bottura’s colorful rooftop restaurant in downtown Miami. Blocks of red, yellow, and green match custom plates by Richard Ginori. As playful as the setting may be, the kitchen is serious about honoring the chef’s vision for modern Italian cuisine. An amuse of leftover bread, tomato pomodoro, and Parmesan foam made from the rinds is as sustainable as it is satisfying. Risotto made with saffron, langoustine, and orange is a light take on a rich classic. And yes, there is the famous tortellini dish drawn from the chef’s childhood and yes, it is as wonderful as one would hope. An Italian-heavy wine list, a spritzy cocktail selection, and a breezy terrace round out the experience.

Orlando/Winter Park

Coro
Cuisine: Contemporary

Chef Tim Lovero has fashioned a singular take on the neighborhood gem at this contemporary spot in Audubon Park. Step inside and feel instantly at home, thanks in part to a warm, first bite from the kitchen delivered moments after arrival. It's just the beginning of an enjoyable meal crafted from their ever-changing, shared plates-style menu. Warm potato naan is served with whipped chicken skin butter and marmalade; impossibly tender lamb shoulder is even better with butternut squash purée and sautéed greens; but dessert is the scene stealer, taking the classic fries and a milkshake combination and turning it on its head with panna cotta, crispy sunchoke, cocoa nibs, and diced French fries.

Sorekara
Cuisine: Japanese

In a world of uniformity, Sorekara proudly forges its own path. This Baldwin Park restaurant is unlike anywhere else you've been, offering a surprising and delightful culinary journey that revels in turning expectations on their head. Chef/owner William Shen's tasting menu highlights Japan's 72 micro seasons with highly original dishes infused with a sense of whimsy (note the course designed to mimic a 7-Eleven snack run or the "nigiri"). Whether it's madai sporting a distinctive riff on tradition or a deeply savory bowl of kegani sourced from Hokkaido, there is an elegance and refinement threaded throughout the meal, which progresses through multiple rooms across several hours. Another hint that this is far from typical? Sorekara is open for one seating, only a few nights a week.

UniGirl
Cuisine: Japanese

Set within the Mills Market, this casual concept from Chef/owner William Shen (and named for his pup, Uni) draws a line before it's even open. It's no wonder, as everyone is here clamoring for a taste of their onigiri, on offer until they sell out. The menu is a moving target, with ever-changing availability alongside a host of daily specials like a Japanese curry hash brown (if you're lucky). Made and served in sealed bags, the classic triangles are best eaten immediately while the filling and rice are still warm. It's all spot-on, whether filled with a crispy fried chicken thigh or tuna enlivened with mustard. Unagi is a fan favorite, with cubes of barbecued freshwater eel enhanced with a sweet sauce complemented by the well-seasoned rice.

Ômo by Jônt
Cuisine: Contemporary

Chef Ryan Ratino's lauded D.C. restaurant, Jônt, is more than just the inspiration for this offshoot. This Winter Park restaurant echoes that spirit and sensibility (think classic French techniques married with pristine Japanese ingredients), albeit with a few Florida touches. The larger space allows for discrete moments at each meal, while three tasting menus run the gamut from tightly edited and more affordable to loaded with luxury ingredients. No matter the selection, expect refined dishes punctuated by the seasons, as in chawanmushi with an autumnal twist of braised sweet potato, kombu, and brown butter sauce. Scallop prepared two ways demonstrates the kitchen's deft hand while chocolate and hazelnut kakigori is an elegant tribute.

Roman Feral at Casa Neos

Artist and contemporary sculptor, Roman Feral, will preview a curated showcase of his works. Guests can also enjoy a custom lava cake adorned with Roman’s iconic logo and butterfly motif, alongside the Krysalis cocktail—a specialty creation inspired by his art. Roman’s biography and artwork will also be integrated into Casa Neos’ menus. Through the end of the month.

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Chef’s Table Diner Pop-Up at Macchialina

Throughout Miami Art Week week, the Chef’s Table Diner will host dining events and daytime activations.

The diner events will feature Washington DC’s Michael Rafidi, winner of the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, and Chef’s Table chefs Kwame Onuwachi, Evan Funke, and Nancy Silverton. Each chef will create a one-night-only elevated diner menu paired with beverages from New Orleans’ Jewel of the South. Daytime activations will feature Chicago’s James Beard Award-winning Kasama (featured on the FX hit The Bear) and Dayglow Coffee.

December 4th

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayglow Coffee

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Habibi Diner with Michael Rafidi

December 5th

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayglow Coffee

7 p.m.to 10 p.m.: Afro-Caribbean Diner with Kwame Onuwachi

December 6th

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayglow Coffee

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Kasama LECs (The breakfast sandwich as seen on The Bear)

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: AutoGrill with Evan Funke

December 7th

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayglow Coffee

7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: CaliDiner with Nancy Silverton

More information about the Chef’s Table Diner can be found at chefstable.com or @chefstableofficial on Instagram.

Topo Chico at Gramps Getaway

On Sunday, December 8th from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Topo Chico and Gramps Getaway on Key Biscayne will host performances by Coral Morphologic, Psychic Mirrors, Pablo Arrongoiz, aka "DJ Fitness", DJ Ray and DJ EZ Dee. Watch the sun set with an open bar happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. with Topo Chico cocktails, exclusive Topo Chico merch, and a take-home “Sabored Sounds” CD.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation Exhibition at R House

Wynwood’s R House is collaborating with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to create a pop-up art exhibition available to the public starting on Wednesday, December 4th, and open throughout art week until Wednesday, December 11th, 2024. The activation will transform R House into an art exhibition highlighting the works of Hiero Veiga, Sam Kirk, Rae Senarighi, Bikismo, Antonyo Marest, and Emma Hack, each representing one of the stages of living with HIV/AIDS. The exhibition is open December 4 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., December 5 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., December 6 from 4 p.m. to midnight, December 7 from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, December 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m, and December 9, 10, and 11 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

New York’s Shinji’s Bar at Vice Versa

On Wednesday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m., ViceVersa will be hosting New York’s Shinji’s Bar. Shinji’s beverage director Jonathan Adler will be on hand to show off the bar’s imaginative, theatrical cocktails that are rooted in technique and often inspired by pop culture. Select drinks ($18 each) include Honeypenny (Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, mead, honey, flowers, beeswax), Extreme Aviation (Bombay Sapphire gin, St. Germain, plum kernel distillate, flowers, lemon), and Carrot Brulee (Patron Reposado tequila, Dusse VSOP cognac, carrot caramel, carrot green bitters, lemon).

Superbueno at the W South Beach

New York’s Superbueno cocktail lounge pops up at the W South Beach Hotel on December 6th and 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fruit fresca cups on behalf of Marriott Bonvoy and American Express.

The Sagamore Art Brunch

On Friday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Sagamore hosts its annual brunch with a live performance by the South Florida Symphony, food, cocktails, and art. event that includes art activations, live performances by the South Florida Symphony, gourmet catering by Paul, and cocktails. Purchase tickets here.

Hive Art Week

From December 5th to 8th, the interactive art space Hive also offers several food and drink options including a Modelo make-your-own michelada station and an Aperol spritz lounge.

Chicago Style at Veza Sur Brewing Co.

On Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 8 p.m., Veza Sur Brewing Co. and Choose Chicago host a tribute to Chicago with live mural art painting, cocktails, and music by DJ Ill-Set.

Jon & Vinny’s at the Rubell Museum

On Friday, December 6 from 9 to 11 a.m., get an early start with complimentary Jon & Vinny’s breakfast pizzas and early access to the Rubell Museum’s sculpture garden.

Vita Coco at Smorgasburg Miami

On Friday, December 7 from 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, December 7 from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.; Smorgasburg Miami and Vita Coco collaborate on a coconut-themed weekend with vendors offering coconut dishes.

In the 1950s, tiki restaurants were the rage throughout the United States.

Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, a Texas native better known as Don the Beachcomber, is credited for igniting the spark with the opening of his eponymous Don the Beachcomber restaurant and lounge in Hollywood, California in 1934.

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Soon, tiki lounges and restaurants sprung up throughout the country. In 1956, brothers Bob and Jack Thornton built the Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale to the cost of $350,000 — the most expensive restaurant built that year. That stretch of Fort Lauderdale was mostly open land populated by retirees and some cattle grazing — but it was a short drive from the tourist mecca of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

The sprawling restaurant featured nightly dinner shows where tourists and locals could watch hula girls and fire dancers while eating fried rice, or downing one too many Rum Barrels at the Molokai Lounge. The restaurant was an instant hit, generating $1 million in revenue that first year.

For decades, the Mai-Kai continued to be Fort Lauderdale’s most beloved restaurant and tourist attraction. While the city changed around it, the restaurant — still owned by the Thornton family — remained largely unchanged. Repairs and upgrades were made as needed, but the Mai-Kai remained its own kitschy 1950s time capsule.

Then, in October 2020, the restaurant abruptly closed after a burst pipe in the restaurant’s kitchen caused extensive flooding. For a while, the restaurant was thought to be closed for good, with the land sold for yet another strip mall, when Bill Fuller stepped in. The managing partner and co-founder of Miami’s Barlington Group and Mad Room Hospitality, partnered with the Thornton family to renovate the South Florida tiki palace and reopen it. Fuller gave new life to Ball & Chain, a nightspot in Little Havana that saw great musicians like Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole play. Fuller, who retained much of its original charm, knew that the Mai-Kai, which is listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation, needed to be brought up to code while still retaining all of its charm. Fuller enlisted a crack team which included experts from Disney and Universal to keep the Mai-Kai as close as possible to its original feel.

Four years and $20 million later, the Mai-Kai softly reopened partially last weekend to invited friends and family. Though the main dining room, gift shop, and tiki gardens are not open yet, its Molokai Bar welcomed guests for the first time in four years. In addition, a new outdoor patio bar opened and a ten-foot-tall volcano was installed.

Guests overflowed from the bar into every square foot — each dressed in their best Tiki attire from Hawaiian shirts to flowered dresses.

The verdict? The Mai-Kai looks great! At first glance, she looks the same. The cocktails are the same potent potables filled with rum, various juices and bitters (the Mai-Kai famously never tells you what’s in your cocktail and bartenders make cocktails behind closed doors, leaving you to suspect that they’re all basically the same). I went Saturday evening at 10:15 p.m. (the earliest reservation I could snag) and the kitchen was backed up and most items were sold out, including a nostalgic PuPu Platter. But the drinks were sweet and potent, the bartenders were friendly, and the vibe was electric. Even though I didn’t get my crab rangoon — and they weren’t selling tiki mugs yet (I was this close to putting that mug under my shirt and leaving a twenty-dollar bill wrapped in a bar napkin), there was plenty of people watching.

As three sarong-clad dancers presented the restaurant’s famed “Mystery Drink” (a $100 tiki bowl cocktail meant to be shared by four people) and set it on fire, dozens of people applauded.

There’s no set word on when the Mai-Kai’s dining room will reopen (though I suspect it’s any day now), but it’s good just having a taste of this piece of Fort Lauderdale history back.

Update: An opening date for the Mai-Kai dining room has been announced. The restaurant will open November 22, 2024 for its dinner show and dining.

Torno Subito Miami, a restaurant by Massimo Bottura, opens tomorrow in Downtown Miami — on the roof of a food hall.

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If you think that sounds like an unusual place for one of the world’s greatest chefs to plop down a restaurant, you’d be correct.

But Torno Subito isn’t meant to be some overly prissy restaurant. Instead, it’s a Fellini-esque eatery filled with a mixture of primary colors that offers everything from wood-fired pizzas to eight-course tasting menus.

Bottura first opened the Torno Subito concept in Dubai in 2019 with chef Bernardo Paladini at the helm. The restaurant, Bottura’s only venue outside of Italy, offers a Riviera-themed restaurant decorated in beachy, pastels of greens and pinks. The restaurant received a Michelin Star for its casual-yet-beautiful fare.

For the Miami iteration of Torno Subito, the same chef — Bernardo Paladini — has moved to the Sunshine State to helm the kitchen. He’s been here for over a year now, prepping the team and firing up the giant yellow wood-burning oven that churns out pizzas and other items.

The restaurant doesn’t officially open until tomorrow, but it’s been soft-opened for about a week. I had dinner there the other night and found it utterly charming from the entrance to the limoncello nightcap on the outdoor patio.

Although the restaurant is attached to the Julia & Henry Food Hall (and is a partnership with the food hall’s operators, King Goose Hospitality), you enter Torno Subito from a separate red entrance around the corner. From there, you’ll take a red elevator to the rooftop restaurant, which is smaller and far more casual than I had expected. Navigating the space between the thin, red bar and the open kitchen and yellow oven, you‘ll find the dining room.

The space is decorated in bright pop culture reds, yellows, and blues, giving you the feeling you’ve stepped into a Roy Lichtenstein poster. The 70s-inspired lighting includes Sputnik chandeliers and a hanging plastic cloud lamp, circa Conran’s 1980.

The patio (quite unlively on a humid, rainy Miami summer evening), offers the same red bar (an indoor/outdoor affair) and cozy seating, with some claustrophobic views of Miami’s mass of high rises springing up like mushrooms after a storm. The music continues the 1970s-Italian-pop culture vibe with a mix of pop from Italy and the USA (I particularly dug an Italian band covering the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer”).

The restaurant offers either a la carte dining or the “La Dolce Vita” tasting menu of eight courses of the restaurant’s greatest hits for $165 (with an optional wine and cocktail pairing for $110). Since this was my first time experiencing the restaurant, we opted for the tasting menu but I can see myself returning to dine at the bar for a glass of wine and a dish.

The first course was an excellent bread, accompanied by Bottura’s own olive oil from Modena. Other dishes included a take on a shrimp cocktail, a scallop finished in the wood oven, and a Milano/Portofino risotto (cooked in both langostine juice and bone marrow to signify two different regions). The seabass porketta — a piece of Mediterranean seabass, stuffed with pork bacon — was outstanding, as was the pizza my friend received as a pork-free substitution (unlike other restaurants that offer tasting menus, the staff happily changed dishes on the fly to accommodate her dietary restriction).

The standout dish was the tiny, doll-sized tortellini filled with equal parts beef and pork. The precious pastas are served in a creamy parmigiano reggiano sauce. The dish, I am told, was inspired by Chef Bottura’s Nonna. It’s a rustic dish that’s made heavenly in this iteration. It’s offered on the a la carte menu for $52, which may seem steep until you learn that one woman hand makes hundreds of tortellini each morning for that day’s service. That tortellini is the equivalent of a Hermes Birkin bag.

Torno Subito is an interesting concept. If you walked into the restaurant with no idea who Massimo Bottura was, you might think it was just another Italian bistro that made its way to Miami, as so many do.

At some point, however, the knowledgeable staff, pristine food, and attention to detail clue you in that you’re not in some tourist trap of a restaurant.

I will return for another visit to Bottura’s technicolor vision of the Italian Rivera. The tortellini alone is worth an encore.

If you’re from anywhere in the world, planning a summer vacation in Miami might be the most boneheaded move you’ll make.

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Instead of basking in a tropical paradise with gentle tradewinds, you’ll encounter daily temperatures inching up to the triple digits, humidity that will turn any outfit into a wet sponge, and the daily threat of monsoon-like storms that can cause flash flooding on city streets. Let’s not forget the threat of tropical storms, hurricanes, and mosquitos the size of Labradoodles.

There’s only one reason to visit Miami in the Summer — Miami Spice. Each summer, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) offers a two-month promotion from August 1 to September 30, where more than 250 Miami restaurants offer prix fixe, three-course meals for $30 or $35 (depending on the restaurant) for lunch and brunch, and $45 or $60 for dinner.

Miami Spice started as the Magic City’s version of New York City’s Restaurant Week, and now enters its 23rd year. The program is wildly successful and serves two important needs: attract visitors to Miami during its historically slow time and help keep restaurants afloat until the fall season arrives.

The annual question that comes up this time each year is whether all of the participating restaurants offer menus that are a good value. The answer is a resounding “No”.

To participate, each restaurateur is supposed to submit a menu to the GMCVB that reflects a three-course meal that should reflect a 30 to 40 percent discount from a comparable meal at the restaurant. That would reflect a considerable value to the consumer.

In reality, many participating restaurants cheapen out when it comes to Miami Spice. I’ve seen steak houses offer a menu that doesn’t even include steak, places that consider one sad defrosted shrimp an appetizer, and too many places phone in offerings like farm-raised salmon or grilled chicken.

There are also a ridiculous amount of chain restaurants that, frankly, shouldn’t be allowed to participate in a promotion designed to help local restaurateurs through Miami’s toughest months.

So, how does one choose which restaurants to visit? Here are a few tips:

1. Visit the Miami Spice website, where you can see representative menus for each participating restaurant. The restaurants can (and do) change their menus, but you’ll get a good idea of what to expect. The site will populate the menus throughout July, so check back often.

2. Don’t think a big Miami restaurant name like, say, Joe’s Stone Crab, will offer the best value. Remember — stone crabs aren’t in season during Miami Spice so you won’t be feasting on the restaurant’s signature dish. A better bet would be to go to Joe’s Takeaway in the summer and get a picnic to-go.

3. Miami Spice does, however, offer the opportunity to dine at Michelin favorites like Cote Miami (which usually offers a carnivorous dinner), Estatorio Milos for fish flown in daily from the Mediterranean, and the distinctly Miami experience that is Café La Trova.

4. Check the days of the week Miami Spice is offered for your favorite restaurant — many of the best places don’t offer Miami Spice meals during the weekend.

5. Check the restaurant’s website and compare the Miami Spice meal to an actual meal at the restaurant.

6. Be on the lookout for “upcharges” to the Miami Spice menus at restaurants — they can double or even triple your check.

7. Conversely, look for restaurants that offer generous “add-ons” like a complimentary glass of wine, an amuse bouche, or bubbles at brunch.

In the coming weeks, Broken Palate will analyze the menus and recommend the restaurants worthy of your dollars. For now, make those hotel reservations, stock up on sunscreen and anti-frizz hair mousse, and take a look at the participating restaurant list.

• 1107 Steak and Bar

• 27 Restaurant and Bar

• 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant

• A Fish Called Avalon

• A Love Story Winery and Bistro

• Aba Miami - Bal Harbour

• Amal Miami

• Amalia Restaurant

• American Social

• Americana Kitchen

• Area 31 Brickell

• Aromas Del Peru Coral Gables

• Atlantiko -The St. Regis Bal Harbour

• Avra Estiatorio Miami

• Azabu Miami Beach

• Azzurro Italian Restaurant & Bar

• Bagatelle Miami

• Bakan

• Balan's

• Baleen Kitchen

• Baoli

• Bar Central at SLS South Beach

• Bar Collins

• Barsecco

• Bayshore Club

• Beauty and The Butcher

• Bellini

• Blind Tiger

• BLT Prime

• Blue Collar

• Blue Matisse Restaurant and Nau Lounge

• Boulud Sud

• Brasserie Brickell Key

• Brasserie Laurel

• Bugatti Bistro

• Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables

• Bulla Gastrobar Doral

• Bulla Gastrobar The Falls

• Bunbury

• Byblos Miami

• Certo

• Cafe Catula Fine Restaurant and Art Gallery

• Cafe Americano Brickell

• Cafe Americano Ocean Drive

• Cafe La Trova

• Cafe Prima Pasta

• Cajun Boil Seafood Restaurant

• CalaMillor Gourmet Experience

• Calle Dragones Miami

• Cane Fire Grille

• Cartagena at SLS South Beach

• Casa Isola Osteria

• Casa Mariano

• Casa Neos

• Casadonna

• Cecconi's Miami Beach at Soho Beach House

• Cerveceria La Tropical

• Champions Bar & Grill

• Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Bar

• Chica

• Chug's Diner

• ConSentido

• Cote Miami

• Crust

• DiLido Beach Club

• Dolce Italian Restaurant

• doma Restaurant

• Donna Mare Trattoria

• Dragonfly Izakaya & Fish Market

• Earls Kitchen + Bar

• Eating House

• Essensia At The Palms Hotel & Spa

• Estiatorio Milos

• Fabel Miami

• Fairways at the Biltmore

• Ferraro's Kitchen Restaurant

• Fiola Miami

• Fontana

• Fratelli La Bufala

• French Bistro

• Gekko

• Giselle Miami

• Glass & Vine

• Gold Coast Kitchen + Cocktails

• Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Brickell

• Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Pinecrest

• Hakkasan

• Happy Wine in the Grove

• Havana 1957 - Breakwater

• Havana 1957 - Ocean Drive

• Havana Harry's

• Hell's Kitchen Miami

• Hotel AKA Brickell

• Hutong

• Il Mulino New York

• Isabella's

• Jaguar Restaurant

• Jarana Aventura

• Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant

• Joey Aventura

• Joia Beach Restaurant and Beach Lounge

• Kao Sushi & Grill

• Kaori

• Katsuya South Beach

• Ke-Uh at Acqualina Resort

• Kissaki Sushi

• Koko

• Komma Restaurant

• Komodo

• Korner67

• La Terraza Cafe & Bar

• Le Jardinier Miami

• Le Zoo Restaurant

• Levant

• Level 6 Rooftop Restaurant

• Lido Restaurant and Bayside Grill

• Lido Restaurant at The Surf Club

• Lira Beirut Eatery

• Los Fuegos at Faena Miami Beach

• LPM Restaurant & Bar

• LT Steak & Seafood

• Mamo Restaurant Miami

• Marabu

• Mareva 1939 at the National Hotel

• Marfil Bistro

• Mastro's

• Mayami

• Mayu Miami by Aromas del Peru

• Mercato Della Pescheria Miami Beach

• MesaMar Seafood Table

• Mignonette

• MILA Restaurant

• Minty Z

• Mirabella

• Morton's The Steakhouse - Coral Gables

• Morton's The Steakhouse - North Miami

• Mosaico Kitchen + Bar

• Mr. Chow Miami

• News Cafe

• Nikki Beach

• Noma Beach at Redfish

• North Italia - Aventura

• North Italia - Miami Brickell

• North Italia Dadeland

• Novecento Aventura

• Novecento Brickell

• Novecento Doral

• Novecento Key Biscayne

• Ocean Social

• Oh! Mexico

• Ola Restaurant

• Old Lisbon Sunset Drive

• One K

• Orilla Bar & Grill

• Osteria

• Pao by Paul Qui at Faena Miami Beach

• Paperfish Sushi

• Papi Steak

• Pascal's On Ponce

• Pasta

• Perl By Chef IP

• Petralunga

• Pink Taco

• Pinstripes Aventura

• Pisco y Nazca Coral Gables

• Pisco y Nazca Doral

• Pisco y Nazca Kendall

• Planta Queen

• PLANTA South Beach

• Platea Miami

• Playa Miami

• Prime 54

• Prime Italian

• Primo's Italian Restaurant and Bar

• Pubbelly Sushi Brickell City Centre

• Pubbelly Sushi Dadeland

• Pubbelly Sushi Miami Beach

• Pubbelly Sushi Aventura

• Red Rooster Overtown

• RED South Beach

• Redfarm Miami

• Reunion Ktchn Bar

• Root & Bone South Miami

• Rosa Sky Rooftop

• Rusty Pelican

• Ruth's Chris Steak House

• Sérêvène Miami

• Sala'o Cuban Restaurant & Bar

• Salty Flame

• Salumeria 104

• Salvaje Miami

• Sawa Restaurant & Lounge

• Seaspice

• Serena Miami

• Sexy Fish Miami

• Sha Wynwood

• Social Club

• Sofia Design District

• Stiltsville Fish Bar

• Strand at Carillon Miami, The

• Sushi | Bar Miami

• Swan

• Talavera Cocina Mexicana

• Taquerias El Mexicano and Los Altos

• Tequiztlan Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar

• The Amalfi LLama

• The Capital Grille

• The Deck at Island Gardens

• The Gibson Room

• The Hampton Social - Brickell Miami

• The Henry

• The Palm - Miami

• The Pilot House Bar & Restaurant

• The River Oyster Bar

• The Wagyu Bar

• Toku Modern Asian - Miami

• Toro Toro

• Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab

• Tulum

• Tur Kitchen

• Two Chefs Restaurant

• UVA Restaurant & Bar

• Varsol Sushi Bar

• Via Emilia 9

• Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge

• Vinya Table

• W Miami

• Whitney's Restaurant

• Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

• Zaytinya South Beach

• Zeru Miami

• Zoi Restaurant & Lounge

• Zuma Miami

The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix returns to Miami this weekend, turning the city’s Hard Rock Stadium into the Miami International Autodrome for three days of fast cars, celebrity sightings, food, and drink.

Major F1 players will race including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Though the official race occurs Sunday, May 5, the Autodrome is open starting Friday for practice sessions, qualifying races, and general merriment.

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Of course, this being Miami, attendees show up less for the racing and more for the food and drink on site.

A few tips for visitors coming to Miami for race weekend:

There is no decent public transportation to the Autodrome, located somewhat halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Driving is a nightmare, as is ride-sharing. Last year, I was stuck in traffic that simply did not move for about an hour, so plan accordingly. To make matters worse, Donald Trump is scheduled to watch the race on Sunday, so add Secret Service motorcades into the mix if you’re attending.

The Autodrome is also famously hot — it’s mostly dark tar, the cars add heat, and Miami’s weather forecast is mid-80s and sunny, so wear neat, comfortable clothes. There’s a lot of walking, so heels are out — try some fashion kicks instead.

Don’t even think of bringing a large bag into the race campus. The only items allowed are clear plastic bags that do not exceed 12′ x 6″ x 12″, small bags or fanny packs that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″, empty plastic or silicone drinking containers up to 32 oz, or diaper bags (that are subject to search). Aerosol cans (including sunscreen) are also prohibited.

Once inside the Autodrome, look for food and drink from some of Miami’s best restaurants.

Brewery Cervecceria La Tropical at the Croytp.com terrace will offer beers brewed from decades-old Havana recipes. Over at the West Food Hall, find highlights from Downtown Miami’s Julia & Henry’s including items by Karla Hoyos (Tacotomia), Jose Mendin, and Pubbelly Sushi, along with Michael Schwartz’s Harry’s Pizzeria.

Over at the MIA Marina and Yacht Club you won’t find dolphins, but you will find a recreation of beloved Miami Beach bar, Sweet Liberty, featuring food by Michelle Bernstein.

The Beach Food Hall will serve food from Havana 1957, Cortadito Coffee House, Cafe Americano, Oh! Mexico, and Barsecco.

Sip on the Miami Grand Prix’s official margarita at the Tequila Herradura Fan Zone, where you’ll find cocktails, live DJ performances, and shaded areas.

If you have tickets in premium areas, look for some elevated dining experiences including Italian dishes from Jose Mendin (Casa Isola), Vietnamese fare from Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea), Southern American cuisine by Michael Schwartz (Amara at Paraiso), Florida-inspired brasserie fare by Brad Kilgore (MaryGold’s by Brad Kilgore), and Mexican dishes by Karla Hoyos (Tacotomia).

And if you’re celebrating (or just feeling bougie), the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Garden will serve Ella’s Oysters.

Other local Miami fare scattered around the campus includes food by Cheeseburger Baby, Sushi Maki, Bodega, Dos Croquetas, Novevento, Editor Pizza, Casa Tua, and more.

Finally, look out for concepts by heavy hitters Major Food Group and Groot Hospitality.

There are also several satellite events throughout the city, with some very much tied to the sport of racing and others just taking advantage of the name.

The Autodrome is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at 347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardens; f1miamigp.com. Tickets start at $450 and work their way up to the skies.

Life Outside the Autodrome

If you’re looking for activities outside of the Autodrome, head over to Wynwood for Racing Fan Fest in Wynwood Marketplace. Restaurant chain North Italia will give out free food and drinks and will host interactive cooking demos. There will be a gamified racecar experience in partnership with DoorDash and more. The Fan Fest is located at 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami through Sunday, May 5. For more information visit Eventbrite.

Himkok, voted the tenth best bar in the world, will pop-up at Julia & Henry’s Food Hall in Downtown Miami on May 3 and 4th. Purchase a ticket for two cocktails by the Homkok team or RSVP a la carte for free. Seating times are 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. at 200 E. Flagler St., Miami. For more information visit eventbrite.com.

Finally, ballers won’t want to miss Once Upon a Kitchen. This culinary adventure, in collaboration with W South Beach, will have diners enjoying a collaborative dinner created by Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy) and Virgilio Martinez (Central in Lima, Peru). The chefs will walk guests through the stories behind each of the courses in an immersive, dreamlike environment. This exclusive dinner costs $2,500 per person and is held Saturday, May 4th at 7 p.m. at the W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Purchase tickets at thegr8experience.com.

After four days of events, parties, seminars, and tastings, the 23rd South Beach Wine & Food Festival wrapped up last evening.

With more than 100 different happenings ranging from a pasta-making class to a pickleball tournament, there truly was something for everyone.

Although it is physically impossible to attend all — or even most — of the soirees connected to the weekend, the weekend is a great way to spot new trends, enjoy food from around the country, and connect with friends.

From winning burgers to celebrity spirits, here are the best moments of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival 2024 — see you on the beach in ‘25!

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Burger Bash Winners

One of the festival’s signature events, the Burger Bash is the annual party that celebrates hamburgers and gets the most national attention. The party, hosted by Rachael Ray, is also a way for burger devotees to try dozens of burgers around the country — and vote on their favorite. For the third time, Miami-based fast-casual restaurant, Pincho, won the People’s Choice award for its “Jalapeno Delight”, a signature beef patty topped with jalapeno jack cheese, jalapeno bacon, jalapeno bacon jam, and jalapeno cilantro aioli. The fast-casual restaurant previously won in 2015 and 2019. The restaurant chain has recently expanded to Texas, with three locations in the Lone Star state. Other winners include Cowy’s Burger as the judge-based best of the evening, and Hate Mondays Tavern receiving the Plant-Based Violife award.

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Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

Each year at the festival, Guy Fieri brings his Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives to life with an event showcasing various restaurants featured in the series.

The best part is that most restaurants are small mom-and-pop establishments that normally wouldn’t be showcased nationally if not for the show — and the subsequent SOBEWFF event.

Although there were some standout restaurants like Tampa’s Blackbrick Chinese and Denver’s Tocabe: An American Indian Eatery, the much-deserved winner was the chicken and biscuit from Memphis’ Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken. The delicious chicken is coated in a signature “corruption” seasoning, then drizzled in a sweet and spicy blend of honey and hot sauce. One of the best bites of the evening — and the weekend. Tuckaway Tavern in Raymon, New Hampshire, and Martin’s Bar-B-Cue Joint in Nashville took the second and third-place titles, respectively.

Art of Tiki

Tiki aficionados and rum lovers look forward to the annual Art of Tiki Cocktail Showdown at the festival, where some of the country’s best tiki bars and cocktail lounges compete in the competition sponsored by Appleton Jamaican Rum.

This year, judges chose the Bird of Fortune cocktail from Miami’s Beaker & Gray. The Wynwood-based cocktail bar is no stranger to the Art of Tiki - each year its team not only creates a fantastic cocktail, but they dream up an entire story around it, with the Beaker & Gray bartenders dressed as Zoltar fortune tellers, wishing “good fortune” to all who stopped by for a drink and a shot! The People’s Choice award went to Bar Hana in Sarasota, Florida.

Celebrity Booze

There’s no stopping the celebrity-endorsed booze craze, as evidenced by the slew of star-studded libations. During the weekend, you might have been poured a glass of rose by Elizabeth Banks at her Archer Roose booth at the Grand Tasting Village or enjoyed a few fingers of Four Walls, a new Irish American Whiskey brand from Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day.

With Spring officially on the horizon, it’s time to start stockpiling the incredibly chuggable “Gin & Juice” cans by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.

The newly launched Crossfire Hurricane rum by none other than the Rolling Stones premiered at the festival. The liquid is a blend of Caribbean rums from Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic that are aged for up to five years in charred oak barrels.

While the rum has some lovely spice, banana, and caramel notes that worked very well in a Dark & Stormy, it’s the bottle that’s the selling point for me and all Stones fans. The bottle has the famous Stones Hot Lips logo featured prominently on the bottle, making it the coolest addition to any home bar.

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival returns to its iconic white tents on the sands alongside the Atlantic Ocean featuring a bevy of chefs, food personalities, mixologists, and winemakers in attendance - and among them Jewish and Israeli chefs who are shaping the national food scene.

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Widely recognized as one of the biggest gourmet gatherings, the four-day festival brings together Food Network personalities and more than 500 chefs and wine and spirits producers for a cornucopia of events.

And in a year when many Jewish and Israeli chefs have been feeling the tension that Israel’s war on Hamas has wrought on their industry, the events at this year’s festival will hopefully be a respite from negativity.

On the docket for this year’s festival is a kosher dinner hosted by Miami baker Zak Stern, an Israeli breakfast master class led by chef Sam Gorenstein of Abbalé Telavivian Kitchen, and a champagne dim sum brunch hosted by Jewish Food Network star Molly Yeh. New York Times best-selling author Jake Cohen will be featured prominently at this year’s FoodieCon event, a summit celebrating culinary content creators with panel talks and food demos. And Friday night’s “Best of the Best” event will feature Jewish culinary trailblazers Tom Aviv who recently opened Israeli restaurant Branja (named Best Restaurant of 2023 by Eater Miami) as well as Miami-based chef Isaac Perlman of PERL.

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While the South Florida community has not been immune to the controversies of the war, Jewish and kosher restaurants here have seemed less prone to harassment than in other parts of the country - namely, Michael Solomonov, whose restaurant Goldie in Philadelphia was the target of anti-Israel protests.

For Lee Brian Schrager, founder and director of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, the inclusion of kosher events and Israeli chefs is a reflection of the strong Jewish presence in Miami. “It’s South Florida, there’s a big Jewish audience here, and the same way we have an Indian dinner or a vegetarian dinner, we cater to the community.”

Schrager is also the founder of the New York City Wine and Food Festival which, over the past two decades, combined with the South Beach festival, have collectively raised more than $50 million for their respective benefiting charities. “Our focus is always on being inclusive,” says Schrager. “We have a lot of diversity in our programming with the drag brunch, the JJ Johnson cookout, and the Overtown event with Marcus Samuelsson. We’re always trying to do things that appeal to our local community.” He added that a benefit of having lesser-known chefs participating in the festival is the ability to reach an audience they may not otherwise have. “One of the best things about participating in the festival is that they get out in front of people who haven’t yet been to their restaurants. Our events introduce people to diverse talent from all over the country, predominantly from Miami.”

This is true of the kosher dining audience, who are sometimes left out of the culinary fireworks more commonly displayed in non-kosher settings. The kosher dinner hosted by Zak Stern, also known as Zak the Baker, teams him up with local chefs Timon Balloo who is of Chinese, Indian-Trinidadian heritage, and Nando Chang, who presides over a Peruvian Japanese sushi bar.

For Stern, the chance to cook a kosher dinner at the festival is an opportunity for representation. “I think the festival understands that South Florida has a thriving Jewish community that’s passionate about food, culture, and tradition,” says Stern. “South Florida has over half a million Jews, that’s a bonafide diaspora that deserves its place at the Food and Wine Festival in Miami.”

For cookbook author and self-proclaimed “nice Jewish boy from NYC” Jake Cohen, participation in the festival is an extension of his lifelong mission of celebrating Jewish food. “What I’m focused on is proudly sharing a love of food, a love of Jewish culture, and pride in Israel,” says Cohen. The crowd for FoodieCon, which appeals to those more likely to get food inspiration from TikTok and Instagram, will likely skew younger and is more likely to be immersed in social media than the usual ticket-holders at the festival. And while Cohen has always been a vocal advocate for the Jewish community through his large social media reach, the events of October 7th found him navigating promotional outreach for his latest cookbook - “I Could Nosh” - amid Israel’s war. “My energy is best suited towards invigorating pride in our community. Especially at a moment like this when people want to turn inward or hide. This is my time to double-down on what I do - to turn to Shabbat, to ritual, to cooking,” says Cohen. “My recipes are all rooted in the diaspora. You can’t separate it from the story of Israel and our journey throughout history.” He’s excited to break challah with fellow chefs and to serve his potato kugel to festival-goers. “Food is a unifying force,” says Cohen.

For tickets to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, visit sobewff.org.