2021 STARCHEFS MIAMI RISING STARS
March 15 to March 30
Fresh off our New York City and Boston issues—heavily marked by the COVID-19 pandemic—we weren’t sure what to expect as we headed to Miami. A crippled tourism industry? Super-spreading parties under Florida’s comparatively relaxed restrictions? The real picture was more nuanced than we could have ever anticipated.
As we met with scores of chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and artisans, we discovered a unmistakable shift in the Miami food scene’s identity. An identity that shifted away from haute hotel restaurants and towards chef-driven community hubs. One that heavily focuses on utilizing local ingredients and flavors, uplifting neglected neighborhoods, and cooking from the heart instead of catering to the desires of tourists.
The class of 2021 Miami Rising Stars are examples of these dedicated, mindful, and intentional professionals who are helping Miami to find its culinary voice. Thanks for having us, Miami. We can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 20 professionals are recognized not only for their exception food and drink, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local South Florida community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit www.starchefs.com/risingstars/about.
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CHEF
Michael Beltran
Ariete Hospitality Group -
CHEF
Tristen Epps
Red Rooster Overtown -
CHEFS
Luciana Giangrandi & Alex Meyer
Boia De -
CHEF
Jon Nguyen
Tran An -
CHEF
Pablo Zitzmann
Zitz Sum -
GAME CHANGERS
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Nando & Valerie Chang
Itamae -
RESTAURATEURS
Presented by The Montague Company
Randy Alonso & Chris Hudnall
Lost Boy Dry Goods -
CONCEPT
Monica "Mika" Leon
Caja Caliente -
COMMUNITY
Presented by Kikkoman USA
Jamila Ross & Akino West
Rosie’s Miami -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by Butter of Europe
Samira Saade
Bachour -
BAKER
Matteson Koche
El Bagel -
BUTCHERS
Presented by Niman Ranch
Jason & Melanie Schoendorfer
Babe's Meat & Counter -
ROASTER
Sergio Boppel
Great Circle Coffee Roasters -
BARTENDER
Presented by Campari
Will Thompson
Jaguar Sun -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
J.C. Santana
The Bastion Collection -
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Michael Schwartz
The Genuine Hospitality Group -
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Alissa & Jeremy Frice
Frice Cream
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Monday, March 15 to Monday, March 30. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, cocktails and beverages that wowed the StarChefs editorial team.
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Ariete
Tamal en Cazuela, Sea Urchin, Sofrito, Popcorn, Pork Fat Foam
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Babe's Meat & Counter
Cuban Sandwich: Niman Ranch Smoked Ham and Roast Pork, Swiss, Mustard, Pickles
