The Whet Palette Podcast: Miami Restaurants, Wine, and Travel Brenda Popritkin

A much-respected veteran chef of the Miami culinary scene (Bice at the Victor Hotel, Pelican Cafe, Toscana Divino, and more recently at Le Zoo—to name a few) and mentor to many, Chef Julian Alexander Baker joins me to chat about South Florida's growth and significant changes during his 15 years in Miami. What has kept him in here?What does he think are the city's strengths?What does discipline in the kitchen mean to him?Why doesn't he think South Florida is ready for the MICHELIN Guide yet?Wh...

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes episode of the MICHELIN Guide Florida Ceremony: Miami, Orlando & Tampa. If this is your first time tuning in, here's the scoop. I've been writing about the MICHELIN Guide's Florida potential and eventual guide since 2014—initially on the blog and now also on the podcast. In this episode, I'll be your guide through the latest ceremony. I'll pull back the curtain, revealing how things unfolded, and offer you a sneak peek of the actual event (since I alw...

In this episode, I analyze the MICHELIN Guide Florida and its upcoming April 18th awards ceremony in Tampa. Is South Florida feeling jaded over the Guide?When will negotiations resume for the Florida contract?What do the one, two, and three-star ratings mean? Will any restaurant lose its star? If so, which one (s)?Will the MICHELIN Guide rank up any restaurant? If so, which one (s)?Will Miami see any three-starred restaurant (s) this year?Who are the new restaurant additions to the ...

Listen in as we candidly review the last 15 Miami restaurants we visited. PART 2 of this supersized episode tackles an unlucky celebrity chef's arrival, a couple of Miami historical locations renovated by flashy restaurant groups, another Argentinian concept that didn't deliver on steak, a classy omakase experience with a starry future, a tiny but mighty local fine dining concept, and an elegant supper club where privacy trumps all. Ready to learn more? 97 Palma98 Casadonna99 Lucky Cat by Gor...

Listen in as we candidly review the last 15 Miami restaurants we visited. PART 1 of this supersized episode tackles a Florida homegrown concept and a borrowed NYC one. Three restaurants center their food around a wood fire grill, with only one, a Broward newcomer, emerging victorious and ambitious enough to quickly become the area's best restaurant. Lastly, a couple of established 305 chefs debut new concepts while, sadly, the reimagined return of an old one greatly disappoints. Ready? Let's ...

President and CEO Dana Young updates us on the MICHELIN Guide's current Florida impact since the initial announcement in 2021 and two guides later (with a third on the horizon April 18th).Why is this partnership an ideal fit for the Sunshine State?Are diners choosing us and staying longer in Florida because of our food? Was the initial plan for three guides/years? Is this partnership something she forecasts will continue in Florida long term? Can we expect Broward and Palm Bea...