Best Secret Menu Project Podcasts (2025)

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S4 E69 Miami’s Culinary Glow-Up: Featuring GMCVB's President & CEO David Whitaker 37:30

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21d ago37:30

37:30

Send us a text 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…

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S4 E68 Mitch’s Bagels: A Father-and-Son Story of Family, Food, and Entrepreneurship 32:01

1M ago32:01

32:01

Send us a text 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 orig…

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S4 E67 Featuring Mimi Puche of Happy Wine in the Grove 36:39

1M ago36:39

36:39

By Brenda Popritkin

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S4 E66 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Effe Café's Patty Lopez 1:15:50

2M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

Send us a text 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 wo…

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The Secret Star Life: A Former MICHELIN Guide Inspector Reflects 1:34:16

3M ago1:34:16

1:34:16

Send us a text 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 fro…

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S4 E64 The Fine Wine Icon of Saint-Émilion: EVP Yves de Launay on Château Angélus, Terroir, and Timeless Elegance 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

Send us a text 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 B…

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S4 E63 Big Flavors, Bigger Heart: Daniel Serfer’s Very Miami Chef Story 1:12:09

6M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Send us a text Miami OG alert! Chef Daniel Serfer of Blue Collar and Mignonette joins me for a convo that’s been way overdue. Trust me, it was worth the wait. He didn’t exactly dream of becoming a chef, much less running a beloved South Florida restaurant inside a hooker motel... but here we are, thriving. In this special one-on-one, we get into ev…

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S4 E62 From Bibs to Bubbles: A No-Filter Recap of the 2025 Michelin Guide Florida Ceremony 26:36

6M ago26:36

26:36

Send us a text The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Florida Ceremony went full throttle. In this juicy, no-holds-barred breakdown, I share what really happened behind the scenes at the glamorous Four Seasons Resort in Orlando. Hear about the surprising wins, the missed invite, green star revelations, and what these results mean for South Florida’s evolving fine…

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S4 E61: Inside RECOVECO Miami with Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina and Nico Martinez 1:16:08

6M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

Send us a text Recoveco Miami isn’t just a new restaurant—it’s a story of focus, flavor, and corazón. Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina and Nico Martinez join us to dish on their exciting new opening, the serendipitous journey that led them there, and how they’re carving a fresh space in Miami’s ever-evolving culinary scene. From hidden inspirations to bo…

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S4 E60 MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025: Perspective & Predictions 35:16

8M ago35:16

35:16

Send us a text Delving into the world of the MICHELIN Guide ahead of the April 17th ceremony in Orlando, Florida, this episode offers expert predictions based on my perspective after accumulating 317 Michelin stars from dining at restaurants worldwide. • Breaking down Michelin's rating system and what "very good in its category" truly means • Analy…

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S4 E59 CHEF SPOTLIGHT featuring EntreNos' Osmel Gonzalez and Evan Burgess 1:19:40

8M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

Send us a text This Miami pop-up, EntreNos, quickly captured the hearts of Miami food enthusiasts with its unwavering commitment to sourcing all things Florida. Chefs Osmel Gonzalez, and Evan Burgess stopped in to share their journey. How did they connect with Tinta y Cafe? What are the short and long-term goals for EntreNos? How was their first ye…

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S4 E58 Florida Chef Spotlight: Ryan Ratino of MAASS, Bresca, Jônt and Ômo by Jônt 1:10:19

10M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Send us a text Chef Ryan Ratino attended Orlando’s Le Cordon Bleu in 2009. He launched his culinary career as a Junior Sous Chef at Shula’s Steak House (Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort) and spent three years working under Todd English at Bluezoo. Life has come full circle. Although he owns D.C.'s One Michelin-starred Bresca and Two Michel…

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S3 E57 Miami Restaurant Reviews 112-123 PART 2 48:49

1y ago48:49

48:49

Send us a text Picking up where we left off, the hubs and I review our personal experiences from the last 16 (new to us) Miami restaurants we visited. This is OUR opinion on OUR experience dining at each. We chose and paid for every restaurant featured. Receipts? Got 'em! There's much to tell, so this will be a two-part episode. PART 2 112 Kojin 11…

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S3 E56 Miami Restaurant Reviews 104-111 PART 1 43:08

1y ago43:08

43:08

Send us a text It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. The hubs and I review our personal experiences from the last 16 (new to us) Miami restaurants we visited. This is OUR opinion on OUR experience dining at each. We chose and paid for every restaurant featured. Receipts? Got 'em! There's much to tell, so this will be a two-part episode. PART …

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S3 E55 Miami CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Elastika's Joe Anthony 57:02

1y ago57:02

57:02

Send us a text South Florida Chef Joe Anthony left his home in Delray Beach to pursue his culinary dreams in New York City. Over a decade later, he finally returned home to open Elastika, a modern American restaurant at the stunning Moore Building in the Design District. An alum of two Michelin-starred Restaurant Daniel, The Modern and Gabriel Kreu…

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S3 E54 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring La Mar Miami's Diego Oka 1:09:53

1y ago1:09:53

1:09:53

Send us a text Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Chef Diego Oka decided to attend culinary school on a whim. A chance encounter in a supermarket with chef extraordinaire Gaston Acurio sparked the start of an incredible career. As South Floridians, we are fortunate to have Chef Diego Oka as one of our top talents. His passion for Miami knows no bounds.…

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S3 E53 Culinary Insights from Jhonatan Cano: A Global Perspective 1:05:07

1y ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Send us a text Allow me to introduce Jhonatan Cano, a seasoned professional in the culinary world. AKA: @memoriesofagourmand As the Director of Operations for Hive Hospitality (one Michelin-starred Bresca D.C., two Michelin-starred JONT D.C., MAASS Fort Lauderdale, and OMO Orlando), Jhonatan's leadership has set the bar high. With a passport stampe…

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S3 E52 Exploring Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli's Culinary Journey and Passion for Miami 1:32:49

1y ago1:32:49

1:32:49

Send us a text Miami-born, Argentine-Italian, two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, Forbes’ “30 Under 30 List," and first-ever Miami contestant to win Chopped...twice. No big deal. Giorgio Rapicavoli reflects on his culinary journey. From the early days of the wild startup pop-up days of Eating House, he has matured into the chef and owner of Ea…

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S3 E51 Daniel Figueredo's Winning Formula for Sanguich de Miami: From Fashion to Flavor 59:35

1y ago59:35

59:35

Send us a text Daniel Figueredo and his wife, Rosa Romero, founded Sanguich de Miami in 2015. But life wasn’t always mojo pork and croquetas. The road to launch and reach success took many colorful detours. A background in marketing, architecture, and design within the fashion industry shaped Daniel's business approach and steered his vision when h…

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S3 E50 MIAMI CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Zitz Sum's Pablo Zitzmann 1:22:58

1+ y ago1:22:58

1:22:58

Send us a text Brenda Popritkin engages in a deep conversation with acclaimed Miami chef Pablo Zitzmann, known for his Coral Gables restaurants No Name Chinese and Zitz Sum. Explore Chef Zitzmann's fascinating journey from his German-Mexican roots in Bogotá, Colombia, through his culinary adventures across Asia, to reaching his goals within the Mia…

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S3 E49 Featuring Miami Food Blogger & Content Creator Cari Garcia of Fat Girl Hedonist 1:51:17

1+ y ago1:51:17

1:51:17

Send us a text The 2010 South Florida culinary scene has significantly evolved since Cari Garcia began her food blog. Through the years, she successfully transitioned her brand's model from restaurant reviews to recipes and giveaways, and turned challenges into opportunities. Recently, an unexpected incident prompted her to leave her healthcare car…

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S3 E48 SOMM LIKE IT HOT Featuring Vinya Wine's Allegra Angelo 1:20:47

1+ y ago1:20:47

1:20:47

Send us a text Meet the fascinating Miami sommelier Allegra Angelo of Vinya Wine. From NYC's Jean-Georges to Michy's and La Mar, Allegra shares the journey that brought her to Miami and kept her here. Knowledgeable, passionate, and #teamMiami all the way. What's not to love? Ready to dive in? Let's go! LISTEN here: Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon …

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S3 E47 Discover Ventanitas: A Window into Miami's Coffee Culture with Daniela Perez Miron 22:38

1+ y ago22:38

22:38

Send us a text We are about to get very 305. If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, you are about to find out. I am talking, of course, about Miami’s very own VENTANITAS. We all have a personal story and relationship with them. Daniela Perez Miron is here to discuss her very special book Ventanitas: A Window into Miami’s Coffee Culture. Miro…

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S3 E46 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Julian Alexander Baker 1:34:53

1+ y ago1:34:53

1:34:53

Send us a text 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? Wh…

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S3 E45 MICHELIN Guide Florida Ceremony 2024: Behind-the-Scenes 20:12

1+ y ago20:12

20:12

Send us a text 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 …

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S3 E44 MICHELIN Guide Florida: Perspective & Predictions 2024 24:41

1+ y ago24:41

24:41

Send us a text 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 MICHELI…

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S3 E43 Miami Restaurant Reviews 97-103 PART 2 53:49

1+ y ago53:49

53:49

Send us a text 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 futu…

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S3 E42 Miami Restaurant Reviews 89-96 PART 1 41:17

1+ y ago41:17

41:17

Send us a text 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 …

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S3 E41 Exclusive: Visit FLORIDA's Dana Young on the MICHELIN Guide's Current Impact & Future 17:54

2y ago17:54

17:54

Send us a text 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 ini…

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S3 E40 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Casa Gioia's Mari Angeles Rubio 1:26:26

2y ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Send us a text Dominican pastry Chef Mari Angeles Rubio of Casa Gioia brings joy to Miami with her delicious desserts: all the custom cakes, but never ever cupcakes (ni tampoco cake pops, sorry). Listen in as she passionately shares her story. We chat about: Her time in Italy The success of pecan pie errors ATM 101 lessons Her favorite South Florid…

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S2 E39 Top 23 Miami Restaurants of 2023: Palette Awards 23:23

2y ago23:23

23:23

Send us a text The PALETTE AWARDS are for the TOP 23 MIAMI RESTAURANTS I feel offer the most well-rounded and top experiences. I reserved, ordered, photographed, ate, and paid at these restaurants. No one asked nor paid me to do so. Supporting our local restaurants brings me joy, and I am passionate about Miami’s food scene. Did your favorite make …

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S2 E38 Miami Restaurant Reviews 76-88 59:40

2y ago59:40

59:40

Send us a text Our dishing and dining means you get the real unfiltered scoop as we experience it. The hubs, Lawrence, returns once again and joins me to review every visit and offer his perspective. We have spent the last several months returning to many Miami favorite restaurants. In this episode, we will highlight which ones continued to impress…

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S2 E37 SOMM LIKE IT HOT Featuring Karina Iglesias 1:01:37

2y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Send us a text Natural wine enthusiast Karina Iglesias talks all things vino and Miami in this special addition to my SOMM LIKE IT HOT series. Listen at the links below and on all major platforms Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon Music Audible Supporting the podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episode…

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S2 E36 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Norman Van Aken 1:19:17

2y ago1:19:17

1:19:17

Send us a text Chef. Author. Mentor. Pioneer. All around Florida badass. Chef Norman Van Aken needs no introduction, really. His contributions to the Florida culinary community have been and continue to be endless. As the founding father of New World Cuisine, he once upon a time created an identity for Florida from which to launch and never looked …

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S2 E35 Featuring David Rosendorf on Food for Thought, Cobaya, and all things Miami eats 1:35:46

2y ago1:35:46

1:35:46

Send us a text Owner of the OG Miami food blog, Food for Thought, FRODNESOR on all things social media, cofounder of the Cobaya Miami underground supper club, and an occasional food writer for publications around town, attorney David Rosendorf stops in to discuss his long-lived love for Miami food. What prompted him to launch the blog and Cobaya Mi…

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S2 E34 Miami Restaurant Reviews 68-75 58:06

2+ y ago58:06

58:06

Send us a text A candid look at some of the Miami restaurants we recently visited. 68. Mosaico by Maurizio Farinelli 69. Le Jardinier 70. Tam Tam 71. Queen Omakase 72. Mamey 73. La Mar Miami 74. Casa Mariano 75. La Cosecha Argentinian Steakhouse Most of the Miami restaurants discussed in this episode are small operations that, for better or worse, …

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S2 E33 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Effe Cafe's Nunzio Fuschillo 1:37:17

2+ y ago1:37:17

1:37:17

Send us a text Why are Broward residents making lines to score Italian Chef Nunzio Fuschillo's baked goods? I won't gatekeep any longer. The secret is officially out and these are the magic words: Cooper City. Gas Station. Effe Cafe. In this episode, we discuss Nunzio's journey to South Florida, his deep ties to Miami culinary royalty (and Hialeah)…

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S2 E32 Featuring Gina Pelaez of MIAMI FOOD FAMILY 1:35:29

2+ y ago1:35:29

1:35:29

Send us a text Restaurateur, Content Creator, and Social Curator Gina Pelaez stopped in to chat, and chat we did. We explore her food journey and the creation of the Miami Food Family brand. Naturally, we Hialeah gals also discuss its history and ongoing growth, Miami's food influencers, the hot South Florida restaurant scene, the flighty nature of…

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S2 E31 Miami Restaurant Reviews 61-67 53:46

2+ y ago53:46

53:46

Send us a text An up close and personal look at some of the Miami restaurants we recently visited. Buckle up, butter cup! We discuss it ALL. 61. Queen 62. Zeru 63. MaryGold's Florida Brasserie 64. Walrus Rodeo 65. Avra 66. Calle Dragones 67. Maty's As usual, we candidly review each restaurant without holding back. Which new restaurant captivated "t…

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S2 E30 SOMM LIKE IT HOT Featuring Laura DePasquale 1:18:13

2+ y ago1:18:13

1:18:13

Send us a text I am pleased to introduce you to Laura DePasquale, a Master Sommelier, wine educator, and Senior Vice President of the Artisanal Wine Division at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. Laura's inspiring journey in the wine industry is nothing short of captivating. From her beginnings as an artist to becoming a trailblazer in the wine worl…

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S2 E29 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony: Florida 2023 22:35

2+ y ago22:35

22:35

Send us a text The MICHELIN Guide came to town to unveil Florida's new BIB Gourmand and One Star recipients at LoanDepot Park. I was fortunate to attend and witness all the action from beginning to end. Listen in as I give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the ceremony and share which restaurants made the cut and which ones didn't retai…

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S2 E28 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Brasserie Laurel's Ashley Moncada 25:57

2+ y ago25:57

25:57

Send us a text Guest Chef Ashley Moncada of the new Brasserie Laurel shares some insight into the restaurant's concept with the Ariete Hospitality Group, her quest for heat, love of butter, and her "Mini Mike" monicker. But, don't fall for her coy demeanor. Moncada is a confident beast in the kitchen, ready to capture your full attention and, hopef…

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S2 E27 CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Featuring Fiola's Danny Ganem 1:44:53

2+ y ago1:44:53

1:44:53

Send us a text Guest Chef Danny Ganem of Miami's Fiola dishes it all. His quest to be the best he can be, as a father, chef, and mentor, leaves no stone unturned. Focused and methodical, Ganem is slowly paving the way to a brighter future. Listen at the link above and on all major platforms Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon Music Audible Visit me on…

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S2 E26 MICHELIN Guide Miami: 2023 Perspective & Predictions 24:35

2+ y ago24:35

24:35

Send us a text This episode tackles all things MICHELIN Guide Miami, as I see it, based on my dining experience: 82 restaurants, 219 stars, and counting. What is the meaning of the MICHELIN Guide stars? How does South Florida compare to other cities and Europe? Should any restaurant be removed from the list? Who should be ranked up from a Bib Gourm…

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S2 E25 GMCVB's President David Whitaker: Bon Appetit's Food City of the Year and the MICHELIN Guide's Return to Miami 21:12

2+ y ago21:12

21:12

Send us a text Tune in as I candidly chat with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) president and CEO, David Whitaker, about Miami's current culinary spotlight. Bon Appétit’s April issue naming Miami their “2023 Food City of the Year” – the first time they recognize an entire city. The upcoming MICHELIN Guide Florida selections in…

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S2 E24 SOMM LIKE IT HOT Featuring Sarah Phillips 53:02

2+ y ago53:02

53:02

Send us a text We already know Miami is a hot zone for craft cocktails and beer. Know what else is happening? The wine scene! Follow along as I continue my SOMM LIKE IT HOT blog section and continue a podcast crossover featuring some of South Florida’s buzziest swirlers, sniffers, and tasters. Meet Sarah Phillips of the Wines by Sarah: wine educato…

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S2 E23 Miami Restaurant Reviews 55-60 55:20

2+ y ago55:20

55:20

Send us a text Kicking off the podcast's Season 2 with a close look at some of the Miami restaurants we recently visited and you, the listener, wanted to hear about the most. 55. Brasserie Laurel 56. Beauty and the Butcher 57. QP Tapas 58. Rancho Patel 59. Eating House 60. Tambourine Room As usual, we candidly review each restaurant without holding…

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S1 E22 Top 22 Miami Restaurants of 2022: Palette Awards 22:48

3y ago22:48

22:48

Send us a text The PALETTE AWARDS are for the TOP 22 MIAMI RESTAURANTS I feel offer the most well-rounded and top experiences. I reserved, ordered, photographed, ate, and paid at these restaurants. No one asked nor paid me to do so. Supporting our local restaurants brings me joy, and I am passionate about Miami’s food scene. Did your favorite make …

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S1 E21 MIAMI CHEF SPOTLIGHT: Kojin's Pedro Mederos (now The Chef's Counter at Hachidori Ramen) 2:00:53

3y ago2:00:53

2:00:53

Send us a text Listen in as I chat with Miami chef Pedro Mederos of Kojin (now rebranded as The Chef's Counter at Hachidori Ramen). From South Florida to California's wine country and everything in between (culinary school, Taco Bell, love, Singlethread, Alter, dumplings, Miami diners, omakase, Michelin, D&D, Pokemon, and babies), we discuss it all…

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S1 E20 Miami Restaurant Reviews: 47-54 1:25:13

3y ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Send us a text This episode is brought to you by WINE ACCESS and its MICHELIN GUIDE Wine Club. A candid look at some of the restaurants we recently visited. Once again, the hubs and dining partner-in-crime, Lawrence, joins me as co-host for this developing Miami restaurant review series. Dale! Click play to listen! 47. Zitz Sum 48. Leku Miami 49. F…