Advertise on podcast: The Whet Palette Productions: Miami Food Blog & Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 everything. And I mean everything: from law school aspirations to battling addiction, building two of Miami’s most respected spots, and redefining success on his own terms. Oh, and we definitely make time for a full-on Taco Bell deep dive (judge us if you want) and some serious guilty food confessions. Crunchy Cheez Doodles, anyone? It's raw, funny, inspiring, and so, so Miami. 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

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 dining scene. Expect insider commentary, personal moments from the night, and the predictions that (almost) all came true. If you’re a Miami-Michelin enthusiast, buckle up. This episode is the raw recap you didn’t know you needed. **Covered in this episode:** * A full ceremony breakdown * All new stars, Bibs, and recommended restaurants * Personal highlights and travel notes * Michelin’s surprising oversights * Upcoming EXCLUSIVE  interview with a former Michelin inspector Listen here: Apple Spotify iHeartradio Amazon Music Audible Visit me on my social media platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Like 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? Message me at [email protected].   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

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 bold flavors, this episode is your all-access pass behind the kitchen doors of one of the city’s most celebrated and anticipated new spots. The Recoveco team also just became a much-coveted addition to the 2025 Michelin Guide Florida. Cheers to them!  Listen here: AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my social media platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Who am I?  I’m a Cuban-American writer and podcaster who’s been telling Spanglish food, life, and travel stories since 2013—long enough to remember when “influencer” was just what your mom called you when you got your abuela hooked on PB&J. 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 cafecito in 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. Just don’t ask me to choose between a Michelin tasting menu and medianoche. I’ll take both, thanks. Like 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? Message me at [email protected].   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

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 • Analyzing differences between US and European Michelin standards • Predicting potential stars for newcomers Itamae, Kojin, and Recoveco • Spotlighting Ômo by Jônt in Orlando as Florida's best tasting menu and worthy of two stars • Discussing how Fort Lauderdale, St. Pete, and Palm Beach will fare in their Michelin debut • Examining common Michelin misconceptions, including why "Michelin-starred chef" isn't a real term • Evaluating which current stars might lose their status and which Bib Gourmands could be promoted • Highlighting notable omissions from this year's additions list Tune in for the follow-up episode after the April 17th ceremony for reaction and analysis of the results. Listen here: AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my social media platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Like 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? Message me at [email protected].   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

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 year as a one MICHELIN-starred restaurant? What did they learn from their collective experience in other kitchens? What led them to cooking? What are some facts guests need to know when dining in at EntreNos? What motivates them? The sky’s the limit when it comes to their drive and vision. EntreNos is one to continue watching as it evolves and defines itself.  Listen here: AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my social media platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Like 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? Message me at [email protected].   Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,   Cheers!   Brenda #entrenosmiami #michelinguidefl #michelinchef #michelinfood #michelinmiami #miamifinedining #miamidining #miamieats #miamifoodblog #miamishores #entrenosseries  Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show

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 Michelin-starred JÔNT, Ratino is finally back in Florida. MAASS (Fort Lauderdale) and Ômo by Jônt (Orlando) have joined the Hive Hospitality portfolio—two of the most exciting and successful openings within the Florida fine dining scene.  In this episode, we discuss: Culinary schoolOpening a restaurantCreating the hospitality groupReceiving Michelin Star recognitionDefining the Bresca, MAASS, JÔNT, and ÔMO concepts Hope for a MICHELIN Guide Florida expansion to Fort LauderdaleFinding daily motivationSouth Florida favorite eatsUpcoming projectsListen here: AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my social media platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Like 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? Message me at [email protected].   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

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 113 Torno Subito 114 Konro 115 Paya 116 Daniel's Florida Steakhouse 117 Sparrow 118 Amano by Oka 119 Sunny's Steakhouse BONUS: 120 Victoria & Albert's 121 OMO by Jont 122 Sushi Saint 123 Bombay Street Kitchen  Featured in this episode: A couple of new and exciting "very Florida" steakhouses, a couple of Italian restaurants with very different offerings, the return of an improved beloved Miami concept, a trip to Palm Beach for a stellar tasting menu, back south to Brickell Key for something special, and a tropical feast in South Beach by one of our city's best restauranteur groups. Hungry? Dale! Listen here: AppleSpotifyiHeartradioAmazon MusicAudibleVisit me on my other platforms: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok Facebook Like 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? Message me at [email protected].   Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,   Cheers!   Brenda #TWPmiamiPODCAST #miamipodcast #miamieats #restaurantreview #miamidining #miamichef #miamifood #miamifinedining #kojin #tornosubito #konro #payamiami #danielssteakhouse #amanobyoka #sparrow #omobyjont #sushisaint #bomb Message Brenda  The Whet Palette Supper Club is officially launching. Support the show