Where the Chefs Eat is a series in which we ask Miami chefs to list their favorite local restaurants. In this installment, we spoke to Michael Pirolo -- previously chef at Scarpetta, now chef and partner of Macchialina on Alton Road -- about his preferred Magic City spots.
By night, Michael Pirolo makes peerless pastas at his South Beach restaurant Macchialina. By day, he trades his cavatelli for turkey sandwiches and runs a sandwich pop-up shop called Pirolo's Panino.
Both take place in the same site. Which might suggest Pirolo doesn't get out much. But he does.
Here are Pirolo's top five Miami restaurant picks. Find him here on his nights off.
"Simply put... it's family! Nina Compton is one of the most talented chefs in the city."
"Everything they do here they do well. I especially like the papas a la huancaína (Peruvian potatoes with sea urchin)."
"Giorgio Rapicavoli is doing really special things out in the Gables."
"I know they are my partners and it's tacky to name them, but -- if I'm being honest here -- I have to say it is still my go-to spot."
"Jamie DeRosa is a great chef. I love the chicken pot pie with peas and carrots and a biscuit crust."
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