Overall, nine Miami-based restaurants, bars and chefs made the cut. The annual award ceremony, which many call the Oscars of the culinary world, was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic. The organization also completed an overhaul of the policies and procedures in 2021. Below is a list of the semi finalists this year in Miami and throughout the State of Florida. Finalists will be announced on March 29th and winners’ gala will be June 5th in Chicago.
Outstanding Restaurateur: Mohamed Ali Alkasar and Niven Patel, Alpareno Group (Ghee Indian Kitchen, Orno, and Mamey). Miami, Fl. – Jimmy and Johnny Tung, (Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, Doshi, and Camille). Orlando, FL.
Outstanding Chef: Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. Miami, FL.
Outstanding Restaurant: Ariete. Miami, FL.
Emerging Chef: Akino West, Rosie ‘s. Miami, FL,
Outstanding Bakery: Zak the Baker. Miami, FL.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Manuel and Jesus Brazon, Caracas Bakery. Doral, FL.
Outstanding Bar: Café La Trova. Miami, FL.
Best Chef: (Timon Balloo, The Katherine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.) (Jeremy and Cindy Bearman, Oceano Kitchen, Lantana, FL.) (Fernando, Nando and Valerie Chang, Itamae, Miami, FL.) (Rick Mace, Tropical Smokehouse, West Palm Beach, FL.) (Pushkar Marathe, Stage, Palm Beach Gardens, FL.) (Henry Moso, Kabooshi Sushi, Orlando, FL.) (Lojo Washington, Queen of Sheba, West Palm Beach, FL.).