Chris Sopher, cofounder of the New Tropic, says this program is much more than a contest. "We need more places built for locals in Miami. It was fantastic to see so many unique concepts from Miami's chefs and restaurateurs — many new, many with decades of experience. I'd like to eat at almost all of them, so I'm hopeful the people we couldn't bring forward will still make their ideas happen."

Food from the Avenue, a British-diner concept.

Courtesy of the New Tropic

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Ron Gottesmann, cofounder and principal of NR Investments, the company behind the growth of this neighborhood, was impressed with the number of entries. “The response we’ve received for A&Eats has been beyond anything we could have anticipated. There is an unparalleled amount of culinary talent and vision, coupled with a genuine passion and desire to bring something unique to Miami, which is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. While we can only announce one winner for this specific contest, we hope to continue to support these incredible entrepreneurs and small businesses in the future by providing the platform needed to showcase their aptitude through the Arts & Entertainment District.”

Nearly 100 hopefuls submitted proposals. A panel of professionals from the district shortlisted the submissions based on originality, know-how, and community. These 11 semifinalists will be whittled down to five finalists, who will compete in a cook-off November 19 for the ultimate prize. Four of the five finalists will be selected internally, with the fifth chosen by popular vote. The semifinalists include a mix of established chefs and brands such as Jeremiah Bullfrog's Noodlehead, an expansion of Leo Holtzman's Cocktail Collection to include food and entertainment, and Stephanie Vitori'sCheeseburger Baby, which has two locations and a food truck.

Other semifinalists include Art & Craft (a café, cocktail bar, and art gallery); the Avenue (a British-style diner offering refined pub-food classics and American craft beers); Block (serving "blocks" of food based on omakase dining); Cilantro Gastro Pub (serving Indian and Peruvian tapas-style cuisine); House of Poke (featuring fast-casual Hawaiian poké-inspired dishes); Little Bird (a gastropub offering Miami-inspired food and local craft beer); Rumba (showcasing modern Caribbean cuisine and a rum bar); and Triciclo (serving contemporary Spanish cuisine with Mediterranean influences and good wines). 

To learn more about the concepts and to vote, visit thenewtropic.com. Voting ends October 14, and the finalists will be announced October 16, giving them ample time to practice for the final elimination cook-off November 19.