Best Chefs

Michelle Bernstein and Michael Schwartz

This is a lifetime achievement award one can win only once. The first five inductees were Norman Van Aken, Mark Militello, Allen Susser, Pascal Oudin, and Philippe Ruiz. This year's entries into our hallowed hall of fame are two toques who have been wowing Miami diners for more than a decade and who are, at the moment, presiding over the pinnacle of their careers. Michelle Bernstein and Michael Schwartz are not only the hottest, most talked-about chefs in South Florida (or, for that matter, Florida), but also their respective restaurants, Michy's and Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, are near universally acknowledged as the very best we have. Bernstein broke into the big-time ranks during her dazzling stint at Azul in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel; Schwartz made his name as chef/co-owner of SoBe's perennially popular Nemo. Both had to deal with obstacles on their way up — need we remind Michelle of her short work at The Strand, or Michael of his ill-fated helming of the Atlantic Restaurant? — but they worked hard, with full integrity and passion, until they succeeded on their own terms. That the two are known to be genuinely nice, humble human beings only makes the story of their rise that much sweeter.

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  • Best Portuguese Restaurant (1)
    2008-11-25 14:32:55
    Just to let you know that Fernando the chef that was at Coimbra is now the co-owner and...
  • BEST PLACE TO MEET SINGLE MEN (1)
    2008-11-21 00:27:30
    I purchased two suits from this store on the basis of one of their radio , advertisements. I...
  • Best Powerboat Rental (1)
    2008-11-17 00:40:43
    The correct link to this fabalous Luxury Yacht Charter company is www.MiamiCharters.com...
  • Best Jamaican Patty (1)
    2008-11-13 09:52:39
    Marie's Patties on US1 and SW 160th St tops the list as well.
  • Best Late-Night Dining (1)
    2008-11-06 10:39:54
    This place truly is a fantastic bistro. Having lived in Europe I can not say I have seen one...

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