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.

  • 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.