A few years back, you could get a good cocktail or two in Miami, sure. But more than likely, you'd be served Margaritas made with a corn syrup-laden mix. Maybe you could get a decent martini, but you'd probably wind up with Red Bull and vodka in a plastic cup at a trendy hotel pool bar, instead.
Gabriel Orta and Elad Zvi saw the potential for a true cocktail culture in Miami. Forming Bar Lab, the duo started creating spirited beverage menus for some of the best bars and restaurants in town. They also helped form a community among Miami mixologists.
Then, the Bar Lab guys opened Broken Shaker, Miami's first pop-up bar. Their cocktails, fashioned from premium spirits, house made infusions, custom bitters, and fresh herbs were innovative and downright delicious. Then, in the flash of an eye, Broken Shaker was gone...
Orta and Zvi spent the summer of 2012 on tour, but came back to Miami in the fall to rebuild and reopen a permanent Broken Shaker. We'll drink to that!
The most influential person in my career has been:
Elad: I get inspiration from different people that have impacted my life in different ways.
Gabe: My dad.
When I'm alone and in need of comfort, (and no one is there to watch or judge), the one food or drink I turn to is:
Elad: Ramen noodle soup.
Gabe: Arepa with eggs.
What does Miami need more of?
Both Elad and Gabe: Cocktail lounges
You get to vote one food or beverage trend off the island forever -- what is it?
Elad: Long Island iced tea.
Gabe: Apple martini.
You have unlimited funds to open a restaurant or bar -- what's the name and what do you serve?
Both Elad and Gabe: Oaxacan-inspired food with the worlds best selection of mezcal.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Elad: With a healthy family and several cocktail bars.
Gabe: Surfing in the South Pacific, and owning several businesses to pay for my expensive surf travels.
Dream dinner party for six: Who (living or dead) are you inviting?
Elad: Kurt Cobain, The Dali Lama, Thomas Keller, my wife and daughter.
Gabe: David Chang, Mick Jagger, Kelly Slater, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mom.
New Times' Best of Miami 2013 issue arrives June 13. To celebrate, Short Order is serving up the top 30 tastemakers in the 305. These people have helped shape the Miami food scene into what it is today. We began with number 30 and will lead up to the county's number one. A Q&A session is included in each post.
2013 Tastemakers
26. Todd Erickson of Haven Gastro-Lounge
25. Keith Kalmanowicz of Earth N' Us Farm
24. Victoria Nodarse and Aimee Ortega of Spice Galore
23. Tom Wilfong and Vanessa Safie of Copperpots
22. Robert Montero of the Cypress Room
21. Frodnesor of Food For Thought
20. Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House
19. Matthew Sherman of Jugofresh
18. Peter Schnebly of Schnebly Redland's Winery & Miami Brewing Company
17. Margie Pikarsky of Bee Heaven Farm
16. Muriel Olivares of Little River Market Garden
15. Brian Mullins of Ms. Cheezious
14. Suzy Batlle of Azucar Ice Cream
13. Freddy and Danielle Kaufmann of Proper Sausages
12. Robert Tejon of Misfits Home-Brewers and Gravity Brewlab
11. Paula DaSilva of 1500° at Eden Roc
10. Andres Tovar of Con Sabor a México Carnitas Estilo Michoacán
8. Larry Carrino of Brustman Carrino Public Relations
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