Six Michelin-Starred Chef Michael White to Open First Standalone Florida Restaurant in Coral Gables: MIKA
Culinary icon and six Michelin-starred chef Michael White, creator of New York City’s legendary Marea, is set to debut his first standalone restaurant in Florida. Located in the vibrant Coral Gables neighborhood of Miami, MIKA will showcase White’s celebrated Riviera-style cuisine while paying homage to the region’s rich bounty of local seafood and produce.
The restaurant’s menu will feature White’s signature dishes, including carpaccio-style crudos, handmade pastas, and expertly grilled proteins. Guests can anticipate beloved classics like langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and the indulgent rosemary sea salt bistecca alla fiorentina. With a focus on fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flair, MIKA promises to be a celebration of flavor and innovation, anchored in the unique culinary traditions that White has mastered over his illustrious career.
While Chef White is renowned for his fine dining expertise, MIKA will offer a more approachable, yet sophisticated experience. The restaurant aims to serve as a welcoming neighborhood spot, offering unapologetically delicious food in a warm, convivial setting. White’s fresh take on hospitality will blend his extraordinary skillset with a genuine, down-to-earth dining atmosphere, setting MIKA apart as a destination for both locals and visitors alike.
White’s vision for MIKA is backed by an impressive partnership with Alex Pirez, founder of the luxury design-development firm Mocca Group, and Matt Safchik, a seasoned Miami food and beverage operator. Together, they chose Coral Gables for its burgeoning culinary scene and the opportunity to serve a truly local audience. Their collaboration brings not just another restaurant to Miami but an elevated and thoughtfully curated dining experience that integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood’s evolving food culture.
Chef Michael White’s legacy in the culinary world is well-established, with accolades that include six Michelin stars, a coveted two-star rating at Marea, a James Beard Award, and a three-star New York Times review. Known for his Mediterranean coastal cuisine, White spent nearly a decade living in Italy, where he honed his craft and developed his distinctive style of cooking that draws from the coasts of Italy, France, and beyond. His culinary expertise has graced the kitchens of top-tier restaurants such as Spiaggia, Fiamma Osteria, Alto, Convivio, Osteria Morini, and Ai Fiori.
MIKA is set to open later this year within The Plaza Coral Gables, a new upscale hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For those eager to experience Chef Michael White’s latest culinary venture, more information can be found at mikacoralgables.com.
Feast Your Eyes: All the Michelin-Starred Restaurants Illuminating Miami’s Culinary Skyline in 2024
The gastronomic universe recently witnessed the unveiling of the third edition of the Florida Michelin Guide, a much-anticipated event that reverberates through the culinary world. Like clockwork, this annual celebration of exceptional dining experiences showcases a plethora of establishments, each vying for the coveted Michelin stars that symbolize excellence in the culinary realm.
Shining Stars and Gastronomic Delights
For aficionados of fine dining, the Michelin Guide serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to gastronomic nirvana. With its meticulously curated selection of restaurants, the guide offers a glimpse into the epicurean wonders awaiting adventurous palates. This year’s edition of the Florida Michelin Guide continued the tradition of spotlighting the crème de la crème of the Sunshine State’s dining scene, particularly in the opulent enclave of South Florida.
Once again, the spotlight fell predominantly on the upscale, Eurocentric restaurants dotting the culinary landscape of South Florida. These establishments, known for their impeccable service, exquisite ambiance, and, of course, delectable cuisine, reaffirmed their status as titans in the realm of fine dining. From the chic streets of Miami to the idyllic shores of Surfside, these culinary havens continue to captivate diners with their gastronomic prowess.
The Stars Align: Miami Reigns Supreme
Miami, the vibrant epicenter of Florida’s culinary scene, once again emerged as the undisputed champion of the Michelin Guide, claiming the lion’s share of coveted stars. Among the illustrious winners were newcomers like EntreNos, Ogawa, and Shingo, each heralding a new era of gastronomic innovation. Meanwhile, stalwarts such as L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon proudly retained their coveted two-star status, a testament to their unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.
Notably, a constellation of one-star winners from the previous year continued to shine brightly, including Ariete, Boia De, Cote, and Elcielo Miami, among others. These culinary gems, each offering a unique culinary journey, reaffirmed their status as paragons of gastronomic delight, drawing discerning diners from far and wide.
Beyond the Stars: Celebrating Culinary Diversity
While the Michelin Guide’s star ratings often take center stage, it’s essential to recognize the myriad culinary treasures that may not fit neatly into its three-tiered hierarchy. Enter the Bib Gourmand awards, an unstarred category that celebrates high-caliber restaurants offering exceptional value. In a nod to culinary diversity, this year’s guide celebrated a diverse array of cuisines, from classic French fare to tantalizing Mexican seafood and everything in between.
Amidst the accolades and celebrations, it’s crucial to acknowledge the broader impact of the Michelin Guide on the culinary landscape. As the global standard of restaurant reviews, Michelin’s influence extends far beyond the confines of its star ratings. From shaping dining trends to driving tourism, the guide plays a pivotal role in shaping the culinary zeitgeist.
As we reflect on the latest edition of the Florida Michelin Guide, we’re reminded that culinary excellence knows no bounds. Whether adorned with stars or flying under the radar, each restaurant contributes to the rich tapestry of Florida’s vibrant dining scene. As diners, let us embark on a gastronomic odyssey, guided by our insatiable curiosity and boundless appetite for culinary discovery.
Is Miami the ‘Best Food City of the Year’ in the Country? Bon Appétit Thinks So
Miami is experiencing a dining moment with its 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, renowned wine and food festival, multiple James Beard Award semi-finalists, and an average of one new restaurant opening every 15 seconds.
Now, another celebration is in order! Miami has been hailed as the “food city of the year” by Bon Appétit magazine in its most recent issue.
While editors toured the nation in search of daring new restaurants, they agreed that Miami was the one city they kept wanting to visit, according to editor-in-chief Dawn Davis.
According to Davis, “The always-evolving city is buzzing with opportunity, and a wave of creative chefs and restaurateurs have picked up on that air of possibility. It’s led to a spate of daring, exciting restaurants that are contributing to the city’s rich culinary history while bringing entirely new dimensions to the dining scene.”
Numerous popular eateries in Miami have been singled out by the magazine as “restaurants we fell for.” Itamae, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Miami’s Design District that was recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand (a restaurant that offers exceptional value) last year, came in first place on the list. The restaurant, which began as a seller in the previous St. Roch food hall, was where the magazine’s cover photo of seafood was taken which is now called MIA Market.
Other establishments applauded by Bon Appétit writers include Suite Habana Café in Wynwood, El Turco Turkish Restaurant in Upper Buena Vista, Rosie’s in Little River, a favorite for Southern brunch, Zak the Baker in Wynwood, Broken Shaker cocktail bar at the Freehand Hotel in Miami Beach, which was named one of the 50 best North American bars in 2022, Paradis Books & Bread wine bar and pizza restaurant in North Miami Beach, and Jaguar Sun in Miami.
In 2022, the Michelin guide also named El Turco and Zak the Baker as Bib Gourmands.
The magazine also gives Chef Sebastian Vargas accolades for opening Krüs Kitchen, a Bib Gourmand restaurant, and Los Félix, a Michelin-starred establishment, under one roof in Coconut Grove.
Michelin Names 8 New Miami Restaurants to The Florida Michelin Guide
Eight new Miami additions to the Florida Michelin Guide were unveiled by Michelin. The Michelin Guide classified the businesses as “New,” encouraging diners to try new and exciting restaurants in Miami.
The yearly Michelin announcement of Bib Gourmands and stars has yet to be released and Michelin occasionally “teases” its annual guides by presenting brief lists in prominent cities.
The announcement was explained in a statement by Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guides, “We improve our digital tools to further strengthen the bonds that unite us to food lovers. By revealing some of the new additions made by our inspectors throughout the year.”
According to the press release, any of the 8 restaurants on the list may be awarded a Bib Gourmand or star during the annual star ceremony.
It mostly indicates that the Michelin team of inspectors is actively looking for restaurants in Miami to include in the 2023 Florida Michelin Guide. A restaurant also needs to merit its inclusion in the annual guide. Ten restaurants in Miami received one star when the Florida Guide was published in June 2022, giving them a total of 65 spots. The only establishment to be awarded two stars was L’Atelier de Jol Robuchon. The coveted three-star rating only goes to a select few great restaurants like the French Laundry, Alinea, and Eleven Madison Park. No Miami eateries have ever received this honor.
No location or date for the 2023 Michelin Florida Star Reveal Ceremony has been determined. The ceremony was previously Orlando in June 2022.
Michelin Guide Florida: New Miami Additions, February 2023
Brasserie Laurel- French-inspired cuisine inside downtown Miami’s new Miami Worldcenter.
Rosie’s- Brunch garden in Little River with Akino West as Chef.Fiola Miami- Coral Gables Italian restaurant by Michelin-starred, Fiola D.C.
Walrus Rodeo- Wood-fire cooking by the Boia De team.Lido- Surf Club with a champagne bar and delectable Italian food.
Lion & the Rambler- Chef Michael Bolen makes a classic spin on American cuisine.
Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt- Modern/classic French and Asian inspired dishes.
The Gibson Room- American fare with modern inspired cocktails.
Miami Bar Ranked No. 21 for 50 Best Bars in the World
One of the top bars in the world is once again located in Miami. The cocktail bar, restaurant, and music venue known as Café La Trova in Little Havana has climbed the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars for 2022 for the third year in a row!
Café La Trova was ranked No. 21 in the yearly list of 50 Best Bars in the World with a ranking of No. 6 for Best Bars in the United States.
This old-world Cuban bar in Little Havana was founded by Michelin-starred chef Michelle Bernstein, her husband David Martnez, and cocktail guru Julio Cabrera.
Cabrera’s father owned a bar in Cuba before Castro was in power. His father taught him everything he knows which he showcases through Café La Trova’s nightly mixing shows. Along with the shows, it’s very common for Cabrera to dance among the patrons.
Café La Trova’s menu includes classic daiquiris and cervacas but their award-winning drink is the Buenavista cocktail. This drink includes Bombay Sapphire gin, cucumber, mint, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and sugar.
Café La Trova also features a dinner menu with classics like handout steak empanadas, jamon Serrano croquetas, arroz con pollo, and vaca fritz sliders.
Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th Street in Miami.
Award Winning and “America’s Favorite Chef” Thomas Keller is Opening a New Bistro in Coral Gables.
Bouchon Bistro, the acclaimed French restaurant owned by Chef Thomas Keller, will debut in Coral Gables in the early months of 2023, according to the chef and his staff. Along with his upscale American eatery the Surf Club Restaurant in Surfside, it will be his second restaurant in Miami.
The French Laundry, Per Se, and the freshly starred Surf Club Restaurant are all three-star Michelin restaurants owned by the renowned chef. Chef de cuisine Thomas Castellon, a former employee of Keller’s the Surf Club Restaurant and TAK Room, will take over the kitchen at Buchon’s Miami branch.
Similar to the menus at the Bouchon restaurants in Yountville and Las Vegas, the menu in Miami will feature seasonal French cuisine in addition to traditional selections like steak frites, roast chicken, mussels, and escargot.
Around 160 people will be able to dine at Bouchon Coral Gables, which also has 30 outside seats and a separate private dining area. Longtime Bouchon colleague Adam D. Tihany of Tihany Design in New York City, who created both Bouchon locations, will design the area.
The restaurant will open in the La Palma building, a historic Mediterranean-style structure constructed in 1924 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, at 2101 Galiano Street in Coral Gables. The building was originally designed by architect H. George Fink.
According to Keller, “Since opening the Surf Club Restaurant four years ago, it has been a great privilege to re-establish relationships in South Florida. We were enamored with the rich history of the La Palma building and Coral Gables neighborhood and we look forward to introducing our classic French bistro to the community.”
Gordon Ramsay is Set to Open his First South Florida Restaurant in South Beach
London-based Asian-infused restaurant Lucky Cat is making its way to South Beach, thanks to Gordon Ramsay. The celebrity and Michelin-starred Chef recently signed a lease for the restaurant in the South-of-Fifth neighborhood.
Lucky Cat will be located at 119 Washington Avenue on the ground floor of the Yukon building. According to the listing, at 9,000 square feet, the space was asking for $75 per square foot for 10 years. Other noteworthy restaurants that are within walking distance include; Prime 112, Carbone, and Joe’s Stone Crab.
The restaurant itself will feature Ramsay’s classic open kitchen, private dining rooms, raw bar, chef’s table, and a lounge. You will also be able to enjoy some of Lucky Cat’s classic recipes like spiced Herdwick lamb chops, Lucky Cat Oscietra Caviar, Monkfish Tikka Masala, and much more!
DAY BOAT BBQ MACKEREL black vinegar, smoked olive oil
BUNS & DUMPLINGS
PORK & GINGER GYOZA spiced black vinegar
SHRIMP & HERB DUMPLING brown butter soy
BEEF & SMOKED MARROW PUFF smoked hot sauce
BONITO FRIED DUCK BAO spicy hoi sin, pickled cucumbers
TOFU & SPICY AVO BAO
SMOKED BRISKET BAO yuzu mustard, pickled cucumbers
VEGETABLES, RICE & NOODLES
PADRON PEPPERS holy basil
BBQ CORN smoked ponzu cream
MAITAKE & SUMMER TRUFFLE
STEAMED RICE
SWEETCORN XO RICE
SWEETCORN & CRAB XO RICE
SZECHUAN & CASHEW NOODLES
Gordon Ramsay has many restaurants in the United States including Atlantic City, Orlando, Baltimore, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas. This will be his first-ever South Florida restaurant. The Lucky Cat is expected to open in the fall of 2022.
Photo Credit: Londonontheinside.com
Michelin-Starred Restaurant Carbone – Makes Debut in South Beach – Plans to Open Additional Eateries in Miami
One of the hottest spots in Miami right now is the Michelin-starred Carbone restaurant. With its remarkable menu, retro-style French décor, and its iconic location; Carbone has become a staple in the South Beach neighborhood in such a short time.
This Michelin-Starred restaurant is the first of many restaurants that Major Food Group plans to open. This hospitality company is ran by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick; whom also opened the original Carbone in New York in 2012. They are also in the process of working on restaurants in Miami’s Design District and the Brickell Neighborhood.
Located at 49 Collins Avenue, this luxurious and Ken Fulk design is truly awe-inspiring. Captains fitted in Zac Posen tuxedos guide customers through menu options and salads are prepared tableside for the full Carbone experience. The menu includes raw-bar platters featuring stone crab claws, crab knuckle sandwiches, spicy rigatoni, or veal parmigiana.
Carbone is the first piece of the expansion and the Major Food Group plans to open a private member’s club with Japanese food this spring as well as a French-style Steakhouse in Brickell in September.
Carbone remembers his first trip to South Beach for the Wine & Food Festival in 2012, “I remember vividly one of the first trips we took here together. We had an absolute blast. If you told those kids who were drunk at La Sandwicherie back then that they would be opening on First and Collins, that would have been their dream come true. That’s as good as it gets.”
The Major Group isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Zalaznick states that “I’ve been here for the last 10 months. As I spent more and more time here, I really realized that this city is an incredible place to live and work in a full-time capacity.”
COTE – the Michelin-Starred Steakhouse – has Arrived to the Miami Design District
Welcome to COTE!
Welcome to the brand new Michelin-starred restaurant in downtown Miami, COTE. Located at 3900 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami’s Design District, this 5,892 square foot Korean Steakhouse will merge the energy of a big city vibe and the fun night-life of Miami. Mixing the flavor of Korean barbeque as well as the style of a classic American steakhouse, COTE definitely creates a world-class atmosphere and cuisine experience.
Introducing Executive Chef, David Shim
Creating the one-of-a kind masterpieces is Executive Chef, David Shim, native of Seoul, South Korea. Shim has gained experience and fame at Gramercy Tavern, Veritas, and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in New York City. He was originally approached by Chef, Simon Kim to create and launch COTE in New York City. In 2018, COTE was awarded a Michelin star and is deemed by New York Times, “The Absolute Best Steakhouse in New York City” and “One of the Best New Restaurants in America,” by GQ.
COTE Miami features 100+ seat dining area with interactive smokeless state-of-the-art tabletop grills at every dining table, dry-aging room, and two private dining rooms. Not only is the ambiance intimate and inviting, but their menus are truly creative and awe-inspiring!
The bar at Cote Miami
Menu
One of Chef Shim’s signature creations include a 45-day USDA dry-aged beef, delicious side dishes, impressive cuts of Korean beef, and a Steak Omakase™ experience. Other menu items include:
COTE’s Grand Opening is Friday, February 12th, 2021, with reservation only days of February 10th and 11th. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, they are also providing a V-Day menu but don’t wait too long to book a reservation, they are filling up fast!
