Born in Hialeah, raised in Little Havana, and trained at some of Miami’s most celebrated restaurants under legendary chefs, Mike is at the forefront of a new generation of South Florida chefs helping the region establish itself as a destination for world-class cuisine and define its culinary voice for the long haul.
Emma Bengtsson, an innovative and reputable mentor chef, led Aquavit in NYC to two Michelin stars within a year of becoming Executive Chef. She became the first Swedish woman to hold two stars and the second in the U.S. Known for elegant Nordic dishes, she was also granted the prestigious Michelin Mentor Chef Award in 2003.
Chef Michelle Bernstein, James Beard Foundation Award-winner is a Miami native of Jewish and Latin descent. With her husband and partner, David Martinez, they own and operate Michelle Bernstein Catering and a host of successful concepts including: Miami Beach cocktail bar, Sweet Liberty; Little Havana’s Café La Trova; and La Cañita and Sra. Martinez.
Rawia Bishara, a visionary chef and proud Palestinian, opened Tanoreen in 1998, now New York’s premier Palestinian restaurant. A three-time James Beard Award nominee, she has authored Olives, Lemons, and Za’atar and Levant. Her culinary excellence has earned Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and features in The New York Times and Bon Appétit.
Rachel Bossett began her career at Grand Central Bakery before training under chef James Miller at Cafe Besalu. She attended The French Culinary Institute in 2010 and worked with Betony, Major Food Group, and Marcus Samuelsson. Now at Dirt Candy, she highlights African contributions to American foodways through her culinary work.
Originally from Lyon, Chef Daniel Boulud is widely celebrated as one of America’s leading culinary authorities. Since arriving in New York City in 1982, he has continually evolved his cuisine and expanded his reach to properties across the U.S., as well as Toronto, Montreal, Dubai, Singapore, and The Bahamas.
Amy Brandwein, chef/owner of Centrolina and Piccolina da Centrolina, is a seven-time James Beard Award nominee. She showcases Italian cuisine with seasonal Mid-Atlantic ingredients and partners with DC Urban Greens. A dedicated advocate for healthy eating, she supports World Central Kitchen, DC Central Kitchen, and mentors through Les Dames d’Escoffier and The LEE Initiative.
Eric Brown, a Wakefield native, discovered his love for restaurants at 14. After training at Johnson & Wales and working at Gracie’s, he gained Michelin-starred experience in Chicago. Returning to Providence, he launched Thick Neck and later opened Frank & Lauries in 2024, earning acclaim for inventive, ingredient-driven menus showcasing New England farmers.
Fueled by passion, grit and a knack for artful innovation, David Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in modern American cuisine with his signature whimsical, […]
Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore, a renowned pastry chef and entrepreneur, co-founded Alter in Miami, earning a James Beard Best New Restaurant nomination. She served as Executive Pastry Chef at Brava by Brad Kilgore and launched MadLab Creamery. Expanding to San Francisco, she continues showcasing her creativity and expertise in pastry.