The world’s biggest food stars are coming to Miami. Here’s where they want to eat
The country’s food lovers want to see what Miami’s got cooking.
Thousands of celebrity chefs, restaurateurs and gourmands who travel for their next food adventure will descend on the South Beach Wine & Food Festival Feb. 19-23 — but they also want to see what other good eats Miami has to offer.
Miami’s food scene, as we know, continues to take bold leaps forward, with chefs, bakers and restaurants noted by everyone from the James Beard awards to Esquire to USA Today.
Word gets out.
So we asked some of the most influential food folks where else they’ll be dining while in Miami.
Andrew Zimmern
Award-winning host of the new MSNBC series “What’s Eating America”
Brad Kilgore restaurants: Alter and Kaido along with Ember and Brava are the four restaurants operated by Chefs Brad Kilgore and his wife Soraya. I think Brad is one of the most exciting young chefs working in America today and I think his cooking is brilliant. I always look forward to dining at his restaurants.
Alter: 223 NW 23rd St, Miami. Kaido/Ember: 151 NE 41st St #117, Miami
Fritanga Montelimar: Traditional Nica fare cooked by grandmothers, still the best kept secret in town.
15722 SW 72nd St., Kendall
Taquiza: I like the North Beach location of this insanely delicious taqueria. The best tortillas in Miami and superb tacos de lengua. Love this place!
7450 Ocean Terr., Miami Beach
Where to find him at the festival: Hosting Bacardi’s Beach Carnival among several other events. https://sobewff.org/carnival/
Isaac Toups
Chef/owner of Toups Meatery in New Orleans, Bravo’s “Top Chef,” author: “Chasing the Gator”
Ariete: I definitely want to venture outside of South Beach and hit some areas I’ve never been to. I hear Ariete in Coconut Grove is the place to get some great Cuban-American inspired food, and I’m all about it.
3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove
Broken Shaker: I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the Broken Shaker. I think it’s time to check it out and grab a drink (or three).
2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach
Stubborn Seed: I’m friends with Jeremy Ford so I’m really looking forward to eating at his spot Stubborn Seed. I’ve been meaning to go there for quite some time, so I’m finally making the time to eat there with my wife Amanda this year.
101 Washington Ave., South Beach
Where to find him at the festival: Beachside Barbecue with Guy Fieri, Feb. 22: https://sobewff.org/bbq/
Mike Brewer
Copper Vine in New Orleans
Sweet Liberty: My friend John Lermayer helped open this spot in South Beach and I haven’t been since his untimely passing. It would be nice to go relive some memories!
237 20th St., South Beach
Yambo: This Nicaraguan fritanga is awesome! I can’t wait to get tacos de pollo and pescazones at this funky spot in Little Havana.
1643 SW First St., Little Havana
La Sandwicherie: I owned a place in New Orleans called The Sammich so I seek out cool little sandwich joints. The Saucisson Sec and Brie sandwich with about a quart of vinaigrette is calling my name.
Several locations including the original, 229 14th St., Miami Beach
Mac’s Club Deuce: I will probably grab a couple cold beers at Club Deuce too!
222 14th St., South Beach
Where to find him at the festival: Barilla’s Italian Bites on the Beach, Feb. 20. https://sobewff.org/italian/
Scott Conant
Chef/founder of Scarpetta, “Chopped” judge
Macchialina: I can’t go to Miami without stopping at Macchialina for dinner at least once. The trattoria serves rustic Italian cuisine and is run by my good friend, Chef Michael Pirolo.
820 Alton Rd., South Beach
Bar Alter: Located next to Alter, I can always count on Bar Alter for innovative and delicious cocktails before or after dinner. The energetic vibe is great for catching up with friends.
223 NW 23rd St., Wynwood
Where to find him at the festival: Tribute dinner honoring Marcus Samuelsson, Feb. 22. https://sobewff.org/tribute/
Pablo Salas
Innovative Mexican chef, owner of the new Fort Lauderdale spot Lona Cocina
Bakan: It is a restaurant that is working with Mexican flavors, the atmosphere is always good and the elegant touches in both its food and decoration are aesthetic and very well maintained.
2801 NW 2nd Ave., Wynwood
La Gringa Tostaderia: A daring concept with a very good flavor, which is taking the risk of presenting to Miami a small portion of Mexican cuisine, but very well prepared.
At the Timeout Market: 1601 Drexel Ave., South Beach
Spanglish: A bar with a fresh and elegant concept, a short menu with fusions but very well executed in flavors and presentation.
2808 N Miami Ave., Wynwood
Where to find him at the festival: Sandwich showdown with Jeff Mauro, Feb. 22. https://sobewff.org/sandwich/
Molly Yeh
Chef, cookbook auther, blogger
La Sandwicherie: My friend Doug introduced me to this cute little sandwich shop years ago when I was in Miami auditioning for the New World Symphony and I’ve been dreaming about their soft warm sandwiches with melty brie ever since. I’m going to eat one by the pool! Extra cornichons!
Zak the Baker: I have been admiring his babka, hummus, challah, and everything from afar on Instagram for what feels like years! It’s all so beautiful, all of my favorite foods. I’ve sent multiple friends there, but I haven’t been yet and I’m looking forward to ordering literally everything.
295 NW 26th St., Wynwood
Books and Books: I am going to bring my husband, Nick, because his favorite thing to do when traveling is to spend entire afternoons in bookstores. This one is so great because it’s cute and it has great sweet potato fries. [The menu is designed by James Beard award-winning chef Allen Susser.] A dream!
Several locations including the original, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables
Where to find her at the festival: Hosting Dim Sum & Disco, Feb. 22. https://sobewff.org/dimsum/
Lee Wolen
Chef/partner of Michelin-star-rated Boka
Ember: I’m friends with Brad Kilgore and always enjoy his food. I’m excited to check out his newest place.
Le Chick: I’m very curious about rotisserie right now and have heard Le Chick Miami is a place I must see.
310 NW 24th St., Wynwood
Where to find him at the festival: Best of the Best, Feb. 21. https://sobewff.org/bob/
Josh Capon
Chef/owner Lure Fishbar
Hometown BBQ: Love what [Billy Durney] does in Brooklyn and excited to see what he has brought to Miami.
1200 NW 22nd St., Allapattah
Mister 01: For pizza, Mister O1 always. The truth is that the food scene in Miami is on fire and there are lots of great places.
Several locations including the original tucked inside an office building, 1680 Michigan Ave., South Beach
Where to find him at the festival: Hosting Oyster Bash, Feb. 21. https://sobewff.org/oyster/
This story was originally published February 18, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
