The Whet Palette Productions: Miami Food Blog & Podcast

Brenda Popritkin
  • 4.8 (26)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

I’m a Cuban-American writer and podcaster who’s been telling Spanglish food, life, and travel stories since 2013. What started as a passion project has become a trusted, recognizable brand in South Florida’s culinary scene. By keeping it authentic and always showing up with curiosity (and probably a wine or cafecito on hand), I’ve built real relationships with chefs, restaurateurs, and a dedicated following of fellow flavor-hunters. My coverage ranges from white-tablecloth fine dining to the no- frills neighborhood spots. I was raised on pan con mantequilla, but my appetite spans the globe. Beyond the plate, I bring a background in interior design and dance, giving me a flair for aesthetics, rhythm, and storytelling that resonates with our vibrant audience. Think of me as your go-to guide for all things delicious, beautiful, and culture-soaked. Listen in as I tap into a hyperlocal community that’s vibrant, loyal, and always ready for the next bite (or adventure). Just don’t ask me to choose between a Michelin tasting menu and medianoche. I’ll take both, thanks. Brenda

  1. S5 E71 Chef Jonathan Kaiser on Calusso, Pier Sixty-Six, and Raising the Bar in Fort Lauderdale

    FEB 2

    S5 E71 Chef Jonathan Kaiser on Calusso, Pier Sixty-Six, and Raising the Bar in Fort Lauderdale

    Fort Lauderdale is having a moment, and Chef Jonathan Kaiser is part of the reason why. In this episode, I sit down with the South Florida native and the chef leading Calusso at Pier Sixty-Six Resort to talk about his journey from early kitchen obsession to high-level fine dining. We dig into what he learned cooking under Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas, why sauce is everything, the tiny details that make a restaurant feel truly luxurious, and what it takes to keep standards sky-high when you’re pushing serious covers. Also: the origin story behind his Instagram name, his obsession with consistency, the cheese dessert I’m obsessed with, and the restaurants he actually sneaks off to when he’s not running a kitchen. Hint: it has the word PANDA in the name. Yup, that one.  If you’re curious about Fort Lauderdale’s culinary glow-up, what Michelin standards look like behind the pass, or why “luxury” is really just a thousand tiny decisions done correctly, this one’s for you. LISTEN AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleor on any major podcast platform.  WATCH on YouTube Cheers! Brenda Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    1h 12m
  2. S4 E70 Cajitas, Community & Cuban Coffee: The Vicky Bakery Story with Amy Cao

    11/28/2025

    S4 E70 Cajitas, Community & Cuban Coffee: The Vicky Bakery Story with Amy Cao

    Miami y Hialeah, this one is for you. I’m joined by someone who feels like an extension of every 305 childhood: Amy Cao of Vicky Bakery. She embodies everything that makes this brand so beloved: warmth, family, community, and that unmistakable sense of Cuban hospitality that hits you the second you walk through the door.  We chat about: The original Southeast 8th Street bakery and how Cuban immigrants created a community staple.Amy’s childhood birthday parties featuring the iconic Vicky Bakery cajitas (proof her future was written early).Our high school tiesWhy walking into any Vicky location feels like stepping into your Tía’s kitchen: warm, loud, loving, and hungry.Franchising the Cuban way: Vicky University, family values, and the “right fit” rule.The goal of 100 locations by 2030, including the newest openings from Key Largo to Hialeah Park Casino.The cakes, the croquetas, the seasonal pumpkin offerings, and the refresquitos everyone is obsessed with.Amy’s dream chef collabs (yes, Michelle Bernstein and Chef Adrianne, we see you).And of course, some classic Brenda tangents, laughter, and plenty of Miami chisme energy.If you grew up here, if you’ve ever held a red-and-white Vicky cajita at a party, or if pastelitos are your love language… this episode will feel like home. Subscribe, leave a review, and watch the episode on YouTube to see the pastelito-powered nostalgia in action. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Whet Palette Podcast to hear insider insights on what is next, local initiatives, and how Vicky Bakery is shaping the city’s story. LISTEN AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleor on any major podcast platform.  Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    40 min
  3. S4 E69 Miami’s Culinary Glow-Up: Featuring GMCVB's President & CEO David Whitaker

    10/30/2025

    S4 E69 Miami’s Culinary Glow-Up: Featuring GMCVB's President & CEO David Whitaker

    On this episode of The Whet Palette Podcast, host Brenda Popritkin sits down with David Whitaker, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, to discuss Miami’s ever-evolving culinary identity. The last time Whitaker joined the show, Miami had just been named Bon Appétit’s Food City of the Year and was taking its first steps into the Michelin Guide Florida partnership. Fast-forward to today, and the Magic City’s restaurant scene has exploded—claiming James Beard Award wins, Michelin Keys, and countless national headlines celebrating its chefs and culture. This time, Travel + Leisure reported on the  WalletHub report that officially named Miami the "#1 Food City in North America" in September 2025. Michelin, Miami, and Managing Success Whitaker credits Miami’s success to both innovation and community resilience. “Once you get to the top, managing success is much harder than building to success,” he notes. “But what a privilege it is to maintain our position as one of the world’s top dining destinations.” He highlights how Michelin’s arrival didn’t just reward 17 or so restaurants, it lifted all of Miami’s culinary landscape. From Wynwood to Coconut Grove and Downtown Doral, fine dining has become a lifestyle, not a luxury. Beyond the Stars: Miami Spice and Local Support Programs like Miami Spice, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, continue to help both diners and restaurateurs thrive. In 2024 alone, a record 387 restaurants participated, generating more than seven million visits to the GMCVB’s landing page. “Food is synonymous with lifestyle,” says Whitaker. “It’s incumbent on all of us to continue to support our chefs. We can’t take them for granted.” The Road Ahead: 2026 and Beyond Whitaker also teases a massive upcoming year for Miami: FIFA World Cup 2026 (nine matches hosted locally)College Football National ChampionshipNHL Winter ClassicFormula One and Miami Open returningAnd through it all, food will remain at the center of the city’s global brand. “Miami is where you go if you want to make it big as a chef,” Whitaker adds. The Takeaway From Michelin stars to farm-to-table innovation, Miami’s dining scene continues to evolve with creativity, resilience, and heart. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Whet Palette Podcast to hear Whitaker’s insider insights on Miami’s culinary future, local initiatives, and the chefs shaping the city’s story. LISTEN AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleor on any major podcast platform.  Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    38 min
  4. S4 E68 Mitch’s Bagels: A Father-and-Son Story of Family, Food, and Entrepreneurship

    10/18/2025

    S4 E68 Mitch’s Bagels: A Father-and-Son Story of Family, Food, and Entrepreneurship

    How does a CPA from New York end up co-running one of South Florida’s fastest-growing bagel brands? Meet Adam Shidlofsky, co-owner of Mitch’s Bagels, the family-built business redefining what a “New York-style” bagel means in Florida. Adam joins host Brenda Popritkin to talk about building a legacy with his father — from Mitch’s original old-school diner concept to today’s sleek, tech-driven delis in Flagler Village, Hallandale, and Weston. Together, they cover everything from airy-fluffy dough philosophy (“they don’t count as carbs if you believe it”) to family values, generational work ethics, and how South Florida’s mix of New York transplants and hungry locals has shaped the brand’s identity. Notable Quotes “My dad knew nothing about bagels when he started — but he learned everything, from baking to branding.” “During COVID, I convinced him I could bring something new: marketing, social media, and a modern twist. One night over wine, he finally said, ‘Okay, go bake bagels at 4 a.m.’ — and I did.” “Seeing my dad finally take a holiday and enjoy his 60s — that’s one of my proudest accomplishments.” “Everyone says they’re from New York and ‘know bagels.’ Down here, we’re proving you can find a great one anywhere — if there’s love in the dough.” From carb myths to family truths, this episode proves that passion and grit rise just like dough, with a little heat, patience, and plenty of flavor. 🎧  LISTEN AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleor on any major podcast platform.  CHEERS! Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 — Intro: Brenda welcomes Adam Shidlofsky of Mitch’s Bagels 01:00 — The most important question: Do bagels count as carbs?  02:00 — How Mitch’s Bagels began: a father’s fresh start in Florida 04:30 — From Long Island to Coral Springs: Mitch builds his first shop 06:15 — The evolution: from old-school diner to modern deli 08:10 — Adam’s early years and why his dad didn’t want him in the business 09:40 — From CPA to bagel boss: Adam’s pivot during COVID 11:00 — The pitch that worked: convincing Dad over a glass of wine  12:30 — Learning the ropes: 4 a.m. bagel shifts + corporate double life 14:15 — Earning respect and keeping the legacy alive 15:45 — Mitch steps back: a proud father’s retirement moment 17:00 — What makes Mitch’s Bagels unique (and why New Yorkers approve) 18:45 — The myth of “New York water” — busted 20:00 — Seeds, texture, and the science of a perfect bagel 21:30 — South Florida flavors: from New York transplants to Latin locals 23:00 — Where the brand is heading next Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    32 min
  5. S4 E67 Featuring Mimi Puche of Happy Wine in the Grove

    10/06/2025

    S4 E67 Featuring Mimi Puche of Happy Wine in the Grove

    From Colombia to the Grove In this episode of The Whet Palette Podcast, host Brenda Popritkin sits down with Mimi Puche, owner of Happy Wine Miami in the Grove — a must-visit Miami destination for wine lovers, tapas enthusiasts, and live-music fans. A proud Colombian-born entrepreneur and member of the VinFemme Society, Mimi shares her inspiring journey: from her roots in Colombia to achieving U.S. citizenship and becoming the powerhouse behind a thriving Miami wine institution featuring over 3,500 labels and 20,000 bottles. We discuss: Her path into the wine world and partnership with her son Surviving and thriving through the pandemic Building a space that’s equal parts restaurant, wine shop, and community Expanding Happy Wine to Cartagena and Barranquilla Her passion for wine education and future goals for growth Mimi’s story embodies the essence of Happy Wine: joy, perseverance, family, and the beauty of sharing good wine with good people. 🎧 Tune in, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy this inspiring conversation about life, wine, and the pursuit of happiness — Miami style. Watch on YouTube or Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeartRadio Amazon Music Audible ✨ From my “palette” to yours, cheers! — Brenda Popritkin | The Whet Palette Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    37 min
  6. S4 E66 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Effe Café's Patty Lopez

    09/22/2025

    S4 E66 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Effe Café's Patty Lopez

    Patty Lopez’s journey begins in Hialeah. Her love for food and curiosity led her to New York, where she launched her culinary career. Eventually, she made her way to Italy, where fate intervened at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, introducing her to her husband and business partner, Nunzio Fuschillo.  Back in South Florida, Patty worked alongside some of our city’s great culinary talents, including at Fort Lauderdale’s Valentino’s, Michael’s Genuine, and Aventura’s Bourbon Steak, before co-founding Effe Café in Cooper City — a thriving spot uniquely located inside a gas station.  In this episode, Patty reflects on her path, the lessons learned along the way, and the philosophy that drives her approach to running Effe Café. LISTEN HERE or on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon Music Audible Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,   Cheers!   Brenda Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    1h 16m
  7. The Secret Star Life: A Former MICHELIN Guide Inspector Reflects

    08/12/2025

    The Secret Star Life: A Former MICHELIN Guide Inspector Reflects

    For 20 years, she lived a life shrouded in mystery: dining anonymously at some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, and deciding which ones would earn (or lose) the coveted MICHELIN stars. In this rare and candid interview, “P” — a Sicilian-born, Bronx-raised former MICHELIN Guide inspector — shares her fascinating journey from anthropology and food studies to becoming one of the most elusive figures in the culinary world. From the rigorous inspector training in France, to her most unforgettable meals, to the pressure of evaluating a potential three-star dining experience, “P” takes us behind the curtain of MICHELIN’s closely guarded process. She answers YOUR listener and viewer questions revealing how restaurants are chosen, what really sets a 3-star apart from a 2-star, the truth about “pay-to-play” rumors, why certain stars shocked her, and yes… whether inspectors get a discount on tires. In This Episode: How she became a MICHELIN inspectorThe truth about inspector training & assignmentsWhat inspectors really look for (and what they don’t)How stars are decided and why some ratings surprise even insidersBehind-the-scenes challenges, controversies, and unforgettable dining momentsAdvice for young chefs chasing their first starHer thoughts on the guide’s evolving global presence and credibilityIf you’ve ever wondered how the MICHELIN Guide really works or dreamed of what it’s like to live the “secret star life”  this episode is a must-listen. LISTEN HERE or on your favorite podcast platform:  Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon Music Audible Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,   Cheers!   Brenda Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    1h 34m
  8. S4 E64 The Fine Wine Icon of Saint-Émilion: EVP Yves de Launay on Château Angélus, Terroir, and Timeless Elegance

    07/10/2025

    S4 E64 The Fine Wine Icon of Saint-Émilion: EVP Yves de Launay on Château Angélus, Terroir, and Timeless Elegance

    In this exceptional episode, I welcome Yves de Launay, Executive Vice President of the Americas for Château Angélus, one of the most prestigious wine estates in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. With a resume that includes Cheval Blanc, Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Cartier, Yves brings a wealth of luxury industry expertise to this deep-dive into Bordeaux’s Right Bank. We explore the fascinating multi-generational legacy of Château Angélus, led today by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, only the third woman to run the estate in 250 years. Yves shares insights into the château’s visionary expansion into hospitality—including Michelin-recognized restaurants—and discusses how sustainability, Cabernet Franc-forward winemaking, and the limestone-clay terroir of Saint-Émilion shape the estate’s elegant and age-worthy wines. Other standout moments: Why Château Angélus withdrew from the Grand Cru Classé A classification in 2022The story behind the iconic three-bell logo and its spiritual originsHow Château Angélus is marketing fine Bordeaux to new generationsTackling wine counterfeits and navigating U.S. allocationsPersonal favorites from South Florida’s fine dining sceneWhether you're a Bordeaux collector, fine wine investor, or simply love a Right Bank masterpiece, this episode uncorks insider access to one of the world’s most revered estates. Listen here: Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon Music Audible Visit me on my social media platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,   Cheers!   Brenda Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

    49 min
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4.8
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About

I’m a Cuban-American writer and podcaster who’s been telling Spanglish food, life, and travel stories since 2013. What started as a passion project has become a trusted, recognizable brand in South Florida’s culinary scene. By keeping it authentic and always showing up with curiosity (and probably a wine or cafecito on hand), I’ve built real relationships with chefs, restaurateurs, and a dedicated following of fellow flavor-hunters. My coverage ranges from white-tablecloth fine dining to the no- frills neighborhood spots. I was raised on pan con mantequilla, but my appetite spans the globe. Beyond the plate, I bring a background in interior design and dance, giving me a flair for aesthetics, rhythm, and storytelling that resonates with our vibrant audience. Think of me as your go-to guide for all things delicious, beautiful, and culture-soaked. Listen in as I tap into a hyperlocal community that’s vibrant, loyal, and always ready for the next bite (or adventure). Just don’t ask me to choose between a Michelin tasting menu and medianoche. I’ll take both, thanks. Brenda

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