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

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 guide?Is 2024 a shakeup year for the MICHELIN Guide?What are some essential guidelines to know about MICHELIN?Can't get enough MICHELIN Guide coverage?  Episodes 3, 13, 26, and 29 of this podcast will give you additional Guide information and offer more detailed, deep, geeky dives on this topic. I also recently interviewed Visit Florida's Dana Young on the Michelin Guide Florida's current impact and future. That's episode 41.You can also visit the BLOG for an extensive look at my full Michelin Guide coverage over the last 11 years. Listen here:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other platforms: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookLike what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it’s incredibly helpful. Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2024 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!Brenda Popritkin 

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 Gordon Ramsay100 Shingo101 Ossobucco102 Chateau ZZ's103 Delilah Listen here:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other platforms: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookLike what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it’s incredibly helpful. Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2024 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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 do this. Dale!  EntreNos RAO’s MiamiLOG Fire SignatureErbaMAASS Fort LauderdaleCasa VigilOise Ristorante by Brad KilgoreNew Schnitzel HouseListen here:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other platforms: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookLike what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it’s incredibly helpful. Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2024 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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 Beach County or others in '24 or '25 as the guide expands its Florida coverage? What is and isn’t covered in Visit Florida’s investment with the guide? Do restaurants pay to be featured? Has she tried any of the starred restaurants yet? Have any surprised her? Any favorites? Plus, after the interview concludes, I take a closer look at some of the most popular and controversial MICHELIN myths and facts. Listen here:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other platforms: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookLike what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it’s incredibly helpful. Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2024 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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 ItalyThe success of pecan pie errorsATM 101 lessonsHer favorite South Florida dessertsBuilding a business without experienceHow noes turned into yeses against her will, but to her benefit. Want more Miami food content? Visit me on my other platforms: THEWHETPALETTE.COMInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookLike what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it's incredibly helpful. Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2024 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my "palette"  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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 my list? Use this as a reference when making your next reservation, and as a springboard to keep the conversation about Miami restaurants going.Want more Miami food content? Visit me on my other platforms: THEWHETPALETTE.COMInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookLike what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it's incredibly helpful. Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2024 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my "palette"  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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, and also discuss the few who greatly disappointed. DRINKING GAME: Take a shot every time we say TIKI TIKI or SHIT SHOW. You have been warned!76. Uchi77. Los Felix78. Mila Restaurant79. Byblos80. Skipped # Oops81. La Mar82. QP Tapas 2.083. Marky's Caviar Lounge84. Hiden85. Chica86. The Den87.  Bouchon88. Rakki SushiListen at the links below and on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleSupporting the podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Thank you for listening. For more scoop, visit:InstagramTwitter/XYouTubeTikTokFacebookWEBSITE

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 platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleSupporting the podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Thank you for listening. For more scoop, visit:InstagramTwitter/XYouTubeTikTokFacebookWEBSITE

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 back.Listen in as I chat with Norman about his upcoming TV project, Norman's Florida Kitchen, and the reopening of Norman's in Orlando. What are his thoughts on the term Floribbean? How does he feel about the upcoming generation of cooks? When was the last time he was mind-blown over a dinner at a restaurant? What does his food intake look like? What are his favorite memories with friend, Jimmy Buffet? We also discuss the MICHELIN Guide, James Beard Awards, and much more...Ready? Hit PLAY!  Listen at the Buzzsprout link above and on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleSupporting the podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Thank you for listening. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brenda Popritkin is a Cuban-American writer and podcaster passionate about food, wine, and travel. She has been candidly covering the colorful Miami dining scene for the last ten years, and is on her second podcast season. For more scoop, visit:InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookTHEWHETPALETTE.COM

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 Miami? How does he summarize the change in the Miami food scene since he began writing about it? What restaurants did he think helped turn the culinary tide in South Florida over the last ten years? How does he describe our dining to someone from out of town? What are his thoughts on the James Beard Awards and the continued snoozing of Miami chefs? How does he feel about the Michelin Guide’s Florida arrival? Does he agree with the current Miami list? What are some additions he'd like to see? What are his feelings on Miami food media, the influencer trend, the lack of honest reviews, and press release-type reporting? What are some of your favorite go-to spots in town? What does the future hold for Cobaya? What is on the horizon for Frodnesor dining?Listen at the Buzzsprout link above and on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleSupporting the podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Thank you for listening. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Brenda Popritkin is a Cuban-American writer and podcaster passionate about food, wine, and travel. She has been candidly covering the colorful Miami dining scene for the last ten years, and is on her second podcast season. For more scoop, visit: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebookTHEWHETPALETTE.COM

A candid look at some of the Miami restaurants we recently visited. 68. Mosaico by Maurizio Farinelli69. Le Jardinier70. Tam Tam71. Queen Omakase72. Mamey 73. La Mar Miami74. Casa Mariano75. La Cosecha Argentinian SteakhouseMost of the Miami restaurants discussed in this episode are small operations that, for better or worse,  left a big impression. Listen at the Buzzsprout link above and on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudible  Visit me on my other platforms: THEWHETPALETTE.COMInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my "palette"  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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), the Michelin Guide Florida and beyond, plus his ongoing quest for quality. Listen here or on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudible Visit me on my other media: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!BrendaInstacart - Groceries delivered in as liEnjoy every moment of summer with free delivery on first 3 orders. Get bug spray, pool floats, & eveDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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 food hall concepts, Broward's need for more y mucho más. Somehow, we even managed to review several restaurants while at it too! Listen here or on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudible Visit me on my other platforms: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

An up close and personal look at some of the Miami restaurants we recently visited. Buckle up, butter cup! We discuss it ALL. 61. Queen62. Zeru63. MaryGold's Florida Brasserie64. Walrus Rodeo65. Avra66. Calle Dragones67. Maty'sAs usual, we candidly review each restaurant without holding back. Which new restaurant captivated "the hubs" enough to name it the best opening of 2023? Where can you find one of Miami's OG trailblazing chefs? Which restaurant(s) failed to impress us? Whose branding is trying too hard to not try hard? Where can you go to dine and dance? Which restaurant sat us at the worse available table? How is one of the latest NY arrivals fairing in Sunny Isles? Listen at the Buzzsprout link above and on all major platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudible  Visit me on my other platforms: THEWHETPALETTE.COMInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to sponsor the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my "palette"  to yours,Cheers!Brenda

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 world, Laura has truly led the way for others. In this episode, she candidly shares her insights on the initial challenges of passing the Court of Master Sommeliers exam, her favorite Miami somms, industry pet peeves, and a glimpse into the current South Florida food and wine scene. Laura also discusses wine trends, predictions, and plans for the future. So whether you're a wine expert or just enjoy a good glass of vino, this episode is for you. Don't miss out on this engaging and exciting conversation. Tune in now!Available on all major platforms:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other media: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokLike what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to be the headliner sponsor for the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers, Brenda

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 retain their spots. Listen on all major platforms:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other media: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to be the headliner sponsor for the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers

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, hopefully, shine bright under a new Michelin star soon. Listen on all major platforms:AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other media: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to be the headliner sponsor for the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!Instacart - Groceries delivered in as liEnjoy every moment of summer with free delivery on first 3 orders. Get bug spray, pool floats, & eveDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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 platformsAppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other media: InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to be the headliner sponsor for the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,Cheers!BrendaInstacart - Groceries delivered in as liEnjoy every moment of summer with free delivery on first 3 orders. Get bug spray, pool floats, & eveDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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 Gourmand to a star or two?What is the scoop on the new additions already posted by the Guide?Which restaurants were skipped last year that are a good fit for the 2023 guide? Who should receive the Sommelier of the Year award?For more MICHELIN Miami scoop, listen to Episodes 3 and 13 for deep dives I won't be covering again today.Visit me on my other platforms: THEWHETPALETTE.COMInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to be the headliner sponsor for the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my "palette"  to yours,Cheers!BrendaInstacart - Groceries delivered in as liEnjoy every moment of summer with free delivery on first 3 orders. Get bug spray, pool floats, & eveDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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 May.How do these accolades directly impact our community economically?What is Miami’s official strategy to evolve into one of the nation’s strongest culinary leaders?Where is Miami’s culinary scene headed from here? What makes Miami, Miami? Visit me on my other platforms: THEWHETPALETTE.COMInstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokSupporting my podcast is simple, and I M P O R T A N T. Like what you hear? Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds! Want to sponsor an episode or two? Want to be the headliner sponsor for the 2023 Palette Awards?Message me at thewhetpalette@gmail.com.Thank you for listening. As always, from my "palette"  to yours,Cheers!Brenda