The Whet Palette Productions: Miami Food Blog & Podcast

Miami y Hialeah, this one is for you.

I’m joined by someone who feels like an extension of every 305 childhood: Amy Cao of Vicky Bakery. She embodies everything that makes this brand so beloved: warmth, family, community, and that unmistakable sense of Cuban hospitality that hits you the second you walk through the door. 

We chat about:

• The original Southeast 8th Street bakery and how Cuban immigrants created a community staple.
• Amy’s childhood birthday parties featuring the iconic Vicky Bakery cajitas (proof her future was written early).
• Our high school ties
• Why walking into any Vicky location feels like stepping into your Tía’s kitchen: warm, loud, loving, and hungry.
• Franchising the Cuban way: Vicky University, family values, and the “right fit” rule.
• The goal of 100 locations by 2030, including the newest openings from Key Largo to Hialeah Park Casino.
• The cakes, the croquetas, the seasonal pumpkin offerings, and the refresquitos everyone is obsessed with.
• Amy’s dream chef collabs (yes, Michelle Bernstein and Chef Adrianne, we see you).
• And of course, some classic Brenda tangents, laughter, and plenty of Miami chisme energy.

If you grew up here, if you’ve ever held a red-and-white Vicky cajita at a party, or if pastelitos are your love language… this episode will feel like home.

Subscribe, leave a review, and watch the episode on YouTube to see the pastelito-powered nostalgia in action.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Whet Palette Podcast to hear insider insights on what is next, local initiatives, and how Vicky Bakery is shaping the city’s story.

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On this episode of The Whet Palette Podcast, host Brenda Popritkin sits down with David Whitaker, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, to discuss Miami’s ever-evolving culinary identity.

The last time Whitaker joined the show, Miami had just been named Bon Appétit’s Food City of the Year and was taking its first steps into the Michelin Guide Florida partnership. Fast-forward to today, and the Magic City’s restaurant scene has exploded—claiming James Beard Award wins, Michelin Keys, and countless national headlines celebrating its chefs and culture. This time, Travel + Leisure reported on the  WalletHub report that officially named Miami the "#1 Food City in North America" in September 2025.

Michelin, Miami, and Managing Success

Whitaker credits Miami’s success to both innovation and community resilience.

He highlights how Michelin’s arrival didn’t just reward 17 or so restaurants, it lifted all of Miami’s culinary landscape. From Wynwood to Coconut Grove and Downtown Doral, fine dining has become a lifestyle, not a luxury.

Beyond the Stars: Miami Spice and Local Support

Programs like Miami Spice, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, continue to help both diners and restaurateurs thrive. In 2024 alone, a record 387 restaurants participated, generating more than seven million visits to the GMCVB’s landing page.

The Road Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Whitaker also teases a massive upcoming year for Miami:

• FIFA World Cup 2026 (nine matches hosted locally)
• College Football National Championship
• NHL Winter Classic
• Formula One and Miami Open returning

And through it all, food will remain at the center of the city’s global brand.

The Takeaway

From Michelin stars to farm-to-table innovation, Miami’s dining scene continues to evolve with creativity, resilience, and heart.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Whet Palette Podcast to hear Whitaker’s insider insights on Miami’s culinary future, local initiatives, and the chefs shaping the city’s story.

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How does a CPA from New York end up co-running one of South Florida’s fastest-growing bagel brands? Meet Adam Shidlofsky, co-owner of Mitch’s Bagels, the family-built business redefining what a “New York-style” bagel means in Florida.

Adam joins host Brenda Popritkin to talk about building a legacy with his father — from Mitch’s original old-school diner concept to today’s sleek, tech-driven delis in Flagler Village, Hallandale, and Weston.

Together, they cover everything from airy-fluffy dough philosophy (“they don’t count as carbs if you believe it”) to family values, generational work ethics, and how South Florida’s mix of New York transplants and hungry locals has shaped the brand’s identity.

Notable Quotes

“My dad knew nothing about bagels when he started — but he learned everything, from baking to branding.”

“During COVID, I convinced him I could bring something new: marketing, social media, and a modern twist. One night over wine, he finally said, ‘Okay, go bake bagels at 4 a.m.’ — and I did.”

“Seeing my dad finally take a holiday and enjoy his 60s — that’s one of my proudest accomplishments.”

“Everyone says they’re from New York and ‘know bagels.’ Down here, we’re proving you can find a great one anywhere — if there’s love in the dough.”

From carb myths to family truths, this episode proves that passion and grit rise just like dough, with a little heat, patience, and plenty of flavor.

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CHEERS!

Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 — Intro: Brenda welcomes Adam Shidlofsky of Mitch’s Bagels
01:00 — The most important question: Do bagels count as carbs? 
02:00 — How Mitch’s Bagels began: a father’s fresh start in Florida
04:30 — From Long Island to Coral Springs: Mitch builds his first shop
06:15 — The evolution: from old-school diner to modern deli
08:10 — Adam’s early years and why his dad didn’t want him in the business
09:40 — From CPA to bagel boss: Adam’s pivot during COVID
11:00 — The pitch that worked: convincing Dad over a glass of wine 
12:30 — Learning the ropes: 4 a.m. bagel shifts + corporate double life
14:15 — Earning respect and keeping the legacy alive
15:45 — Mitch steps back: a proud father’s retirement moment
17:00 — What makes Mitch’s Bagels unique (and why New Yorkers approve)
18:45 — The myth of “New York water” — busted
20:00 — Seeds, texture, and the science of a perfect bagel
21:30 — South Florida flavors: from New York transplants to Latin locals
23:00 — Where the brand is heading next

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From Colombia to the Grove

In this episode of The Whet Palette Podcast, host Brenda Popritkin sits down with Mimi Puche, owner of Happy Wine Miami in the Grove — a must-visit Miami destination for wine lovers, tapas enthusiasts, and live-music fans.

A proud Colombian-born entrepreneur and member of the VinFemme Society, Mimi shares her inspiring journey: from her roots in Colombia to achieving U.S. citizenship and becoming the powerhouse behind a thriving Miami wine institution featuring over 3,500 labels and 20,000 bottles.

We discuss:

Her path into the wine world and partnership with her son
Surviving and thriving through the pandemic
Building a space that’s equal parts restaurant, wine shop, and community
Expanding Happy Wine to Cartagena and Barranquilla
Her passion for wine education and future goals for growth

Mimi’s story embodies the essence of Happy Wine: joy, perseverance, family, and the beauty of sharing good wine with good people.

🎧 Tune in, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy this inspiring conversation about life, wine, and the pursuit of happiness — Miami style.

Watch on YouTube or Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform:

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✨ From my “palette” to yours, cheers!
— Brenda Popritkin | The Whet Palette

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Patty Lopez’s journey begins in Hialeah. Her love for food and curiosity led her to New York, where she launched her culinary career. Eventually, she made her way to Italy, where fate intervened at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, introducing her to her husband and business partner, Nunzio Fuschillo. 

Back in South Florida, Patty worked alongside some of our city’s great culinary talents, including at Fort Lauderdale’s Valentino’s, Michael’s Genuine, and Aventura’s Bourbon Steak, before co-founding Effe Café in Cooper City — a thriving spot uniquely located inside a gas station. 

In this episode, Patty reflects on her path, the lessons learned along the way, and the philosophy that drives her approach to running Effe Café.

LISTEN HERE or on your favorite podcast platform: 

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Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda

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For 20 years, she lived a life shrouded in mystery: dining anonymously at some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, and deciding which ones would earn (or lose) the coveted MICHELIN stars. In this rare and candid interview, “P” — a Sicilian-born, Bronx-raised former MICHELIN Guide inspector — shares her fascinating journey from anthropology and food studies to becoming one of the most elusive figures in the culinary world.

From the rigorous inspector training in France, to her most unforgettable meals, to the pressure of evaluating a potential three-star dining experience, “P” takes us behind the curtain of MICHELIN’s closely guarded process. She answers YOUR listener and viewer questions revealing how restaurants are chosen, what really sets a 3-star apart from a 2-star, the truth about “pay-to-play” rumors, why certain stars shocked her, and yes… whether inspectors get a discount on tires.

In This Episode:

• How she became a MICHELIN inspector
• The truth about inspector training & assignments
• What inspectors really look for (and what they don’t)
• How stars are decided and why some ratings surprise even insiders
• Behind-the-scenes challenges, controversies, and unforgettable dining moments
• Advice for young chefs chasing their first star
• Her thoughts on the guide’s evolving global presence and credibility

If you’ve ever wondered how the MICHELIN Guide really works or dreamed of what it’s like to live the “secret star life”  this episode is a must-listen.

LISTEN HERE or on your favorite podcast platform: 

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Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda

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In this exceptional episode, I welcome Yves de Launay, Executive Vice President of the Americas for Château Angélus, one of the most prestigious wine estates in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. With a resume that includes Cheval Blanc, Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Cartier, Yves brings a wealth of luxury industry expertise to this deep-dive into Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

We explore the fascinating multi-generational legacy of Château Angélus, led today by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, only the third woman to run the estate in 250 years. Yves shares insights into the château’s visionary expansion into hospitality—including Michelin-recognized restaurants—and discusses how sustainability, Cabernet Franc-forward winemaking, and the limestone-clay terroir of Saint-Émilion shape the estate’s elegant and age-worthy wines.

Other standout moments:

• Why Château Angélus withdrew from the Grand Cru Classé A classification in 2022
• The story behind the iconic three-bell logo and its spiritual origins
• How Château Angélus is marketing fine Bordeaux to new generations
• Tackling wine counterfeits and navigating U.S. allocations
• Personal favorites from South Florida’s fine dining scene

Whether you're a Bordeaux collector, fine wine investor, or simply love a Right Bank masterpiece, this episode uncorks insider access to one of the world’s most revered estates.

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Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda

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Miami OG alert! Chef Daniel Serfer of Blue Collar and Mignonette joins me for a convo that’s been way overdue. Trust me, it was worth the wait.

He didn’t exactly dream of becoming a chef, much less running a beloved South Florida restaurant inside a hooker motel... but here we are, thriving.

In this special one-on-one, we get into everything. And I mean everything: from law school aspirations to battling addiction, building two of Miami’s most respected spots, and redefining success on his own terms.

Oh, and we definitely make time for a full-on Taco Bell deep dive (judge us if you want) and some serious guilty food confessions. Crunchy Cheez Doodles, anyone?

It's raw, funny, inspiring, and so, so Miami.

Listen here:

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Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda

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The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Florida Ceremony went full throttle.
 
In this juicy, no-holds-barred breakdown, I share what really happened behind the scenes at the glamorous Four Seasons Resort in Orlando.

Hear about the surprising wins, the missed invite, green star revelations, and what these results mean for South Florida’s evolving fine dining scene.

Expect insider commentary, personal moments from the night, and the predictions that (almost) all came true.

If you’re a Miami-Michelin enthusiast, buckle up. This episode is the raw recap you didn’t know you needed.

**Covered in this episode:**

* A full ceremony breakdown
* All new stars, Bibs, and recommended restaurants
* Personal highlights and travel notes
* Michelin’s surprising oversights
* Upcoming EXCLUSIVE  interview with a former Michelin inspector

Listen here:

Apple
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Audible

Visit me on my social media platforms:

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Like what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it’s incredibly helpful.

Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two?
Message me at [email protected].
 
Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda

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Recoveco Miami isn’t just a new restaurant—it’s a story of focus, flavor, and corazón. Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina and Nico Martinez join us to dish on their exciting new opening, the serendipitous journey that led them there, and how they’re carving a fresh space in Miami’s ever-evolving culinary scene. From hidden inspirations to bold flavors, this episode is your all-access pass behind the kitchen doors of one of the city’s most celebrated and anticipated new spots.

The Recoveco team also just became a much-coveted addition to the 2025 Michelin Guide Florida. Cheers to them! 

Listen here:

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Who am I? 

I’m a Cuban-American writer and podcaster who’s been telling Spanglish food, life, and travel stories since 2013—long enough to remember when “influencer” was just what your mom called you when you got your abuela hooked on PB&J.

What started as a passion project has become a trusted, recognizable brand in South Florida’s culinary scene. By keeping it authentic and always showing up with curiosity (and probably a cafecito in hand), I’ve built real relationships with chefs, restaurateurs, and a dedicated following of fellow flavor-hunters.

My coverage ranges from white-tablecloth fine dining to the no-frills neighborhood spots. I was raised on pan con mantequilla, but my appetite spans the globe. Just don’t ask me to choose between a Michelin tasting menu and medianoche. I’ll take both, thanks.

Like what you hear? Supporting my podcast is simple. Please share, review, and/or rate to help the episodes receive more exposure. It takes seconds, and it’s incredibly helpful.

Want to advertise your business or event in an episode or two?
Message me at [email protected].
 
Thank you for listening. As always, from my “palette”  to yours,
 
Cheers!
 
Brenda

Message Brenda

Support the show