Shining Stars
Andy Giambarba, aka AndyMiami, checked in with some of South Florida’s young local heroes in the field to share their hopes for the next decade.
Devin Braddock
Her Biz Card Says: Head pastry chef for Ariete Hospitality Group, Miami
Who She Really Is: Full-time miracle worker, turning out incredible pastries for three restaurants with the scrappiest of “We WILL get it done” attitudes
Looking Ahead: “I hope to see a city with dozens of bakeries, each with their own line out the door. A city that celebrates differences more than it does now. And I hope to see a lot of the underdogs on top! That will happen when people understand that they no longer have to leave Miami to grow.”
Brandon Wells
His Biz Card Says: Owner, roaster at Wells Coffee in Fort Lauderdale
Who He Really Is: Artisan, musician, celebrator of community and deep things
Looking Ahead: “Full of great neighborhoods, with gathering places that celebrate locals. I hope to see people in these neighborhoods making remarkable contributions to quality of life and connectivity. Seeing people believe that there’s a place for crafting of all kinds.”
Jackie Sayet
Her Biz Card Says: Brand director, Genuine Hospitality Group
Who She Really Is: Dynamo and OG of brand excellence. Way before you even knew about social, she was creating a buzz around all of chef Michael Schwartz’s projects.
Looking Ahead: “Where people doing things the right way, win. Where makers, with curiosity and creativity, produce in an authentic expression of themselves. Infinite creation and reinvention. Respecting what came before and learning it’s a part of what we are and will be.”
Tamer and Claire Harpke
Their Biz Cards Say: Owners, farmers at Harpke Family Farm
Who They Really Are: Generous and tenacious souls. Chefs celebrate their friendship with the Harpkes as much as they do their stellar products.
Looking Ahead: “With restaurants staffed by chefs and servers who can tell the stories of local farmers. A deepening of the trend toward consciousness around ingredients. That will translate into respectful pricing that reflects the product and work of our community of farmers. And hopefully more access to land.”
Jamila Ross
Her Biz Card Says: Co-owner, Copper Door B&B, Miami
Who She Really Is: Creator of comfort, awareness and memories for her guests and her neighbors in Overtown
Looking Ahead: “I see growth as a thoughtful progression towards what provides greater guest experiences. Owners and operators finding balance and giving as much weight to excellence in operations as they do to making guests feel comfortable.
Margot Eisbart
Her Biz Card Says: Events manager, Mandolin Restaurant
Who She Really Is: Front of House fanatic, menu collector and dissector
Looking Ahead: “I’m in a place I always said I’d love to be – that restaurant where the staff and environment truly feels like family. I never want to leave. That’s what I hope for everyone working in the front of house everywhere. I’m hoping for a city where the folks who care outweigh the ones who don’t.”
James DiGioia
His Biz Card Says: Regional sales manager, Counter Culture Coffee
Who He Really Is: Purveyor of hospitality, after-hours music producer, experienced manager in JBA-winning restaurant in Baltimore
Looking Ahead: “I want to see incredible hype around places that are doing it RIGHT – not about being an owner, or having an opening. I want to see hype around OPERATING – doing the right things over and over and over for your customers. That’s the kind of integrity we can be known for.”
Aaron Brooks
His Biz Card Says: Executive chef, Four Seasons Hotel, Miami
Who He Really Is: Lambassador, charcuterie genius, natural mentor, consummate professional
Looking Ahead: “Miami has accelerated in a remarkable direction in a very short period of time. There are some very talented young chefs. What I hope to see is the development of those under them. Who’s next? What kind of projects will they bring to the city?”
![Elad Zvi Elad Zvi [9] His Biz Card Says: Managing partner, Bar Lab (The Broken Shaker MIA, LA, CHI, NYC) Who He Really Is: Passionate ambassador of his adopted home town and the people within it Looking Ahead: “Realizing that this city has the best setup on the planet. I want so many others feel the same embrace we felt when we opened. I hope for a continuation on soulful places like we’re seeing now, with creatives pushing the envelope, focusing even more on local – and all with the right inspiration.”](https://ediblesouthflorida.ediblecommunities.com/sites/default/files/styles/ariticle_portrait__322x483_/public/images/article/article_details/elad-zvi-bar-lab.jpg?itok=Rat3MhAJ)
Elad Zvi
His Biz Card Says: Managing partner, Bar Lab (The Broken Shaker MIA, LA, CHI, NYC)
Who He Really Is: Passionate ambassador of his adopted hometown and the people within it
Looking Ahead: “Realizing that this city has the best setup on the planet. I want so many others feel the same embrace we felt when we opened. I hope for a continuation on soulful places like we’re seeing now, with creatives pushing the envelope, focusing even more on local – and all with the right inspiration.”
Amanda Fraga
Her Biz Card Says: Head sommelier, Genuine Hospitality Group
Who She Really Is: Wine experience and education evangelist. Hospitality pro. Unstoppable force.
Looking Ahead: “I want to see conscious conversation catch up with consumption. Nothing makes me happier that discussing the reason wine was made and our connection to it. I’d love to see conversations about ‘wholesome wine’ going on between somms and staff, then staff with guests.”
Johnathan Wakefield & Maria Cabre
Their Biz Cards Say: Owner/founder and brewmaster, head of brewery operations, J. Wakefield Brewing
Who They Really Are: Some of the most focused and innovative people in craft beer. The heart of craft beer in the heart of Miami.
Looking Ahead: JW: “Bottom line, a larger craft beer culture, more local involvement on every level from those who enjoy it to those who write about it.”
MC: “Appreciation for each other, on a local, state and national level. We’ve been able to collab with some incredible brewers and get to know some amazing purveyors like our cocoa nibs from Exquisito Chocolate. There’s SO much room for more.”
