Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink: A Friendly Restaurant Profile in Miami

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a popular restaurant located in the heart of the Miami Design District. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and fresh seasonal ingredients, which are used to create homemade, modernized comfort food. Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a flagship neighborhood bistro owned by James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Schwartz.

The restaurant offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, making it a great place for a casual night out or special occasion. The menu features a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including housemade short rib, crispy pork belly, and wood-fired pizzas. With its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and creative cuisine, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has become a go-to spot for foodies and locals alike.

Whether you’re looking for a quick layover meal from the airport or a relaxing evening out with friends, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a must-visit destination in Miami. With its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience that is sure to impress.

History of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a neighborhood bistro located in the Design District of Miami, Florida. The restaurant opened its doors in 2007 and quickly gained a reputation for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and warm hospitality.

The restaurant’s founder and chef, Michael Schwartz, is a James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur. He is widely credited with helping to pioneer the farm-to-table movement in Miami and has been a vocal advocate for using locally sourced ingredients in his cooking.

Schwartz’s philosophy of using fresh, seasonal ingredients is evident in every dish served at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink. The menu features a range of dishes that showcase the flavors of the season, from wood-oven roasted meats to fresh seafood and locally grown produce.

Over the years, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has become a beloved institution in Miami’s culinary scene. The restaurant has been named one of the best restaurants in America by GQ magazine and has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Bon Appétit.

Despite its success, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink remains committed to its roots as a neighborhood bistro. The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its delicious food, ensures that it remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Location and Ambience

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is located in the heart of Miami’s Design District at 130 N.E. 40th Street, Miami, FL 33137. The restaurant is situated in a bustling area surrounded by other trendy restaurants, art galleries, and high-end boutiques. The location is easily accessible from the airport and other parts of Miami.

The restaurant’s ambience is warm and inviting, with a minimalist decor that features exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and wooden tables and chairs. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the restaurant’s lively atmosphere. The restaurant is well-lit, and the natural light that streams in through the large windows adds to the overall inviting feel of the space.

The restaurant has a casual and friendly vibe, with a staff that is attentive and welcoming. The dress code is casual, and diners can feel comfortable in anything from jeans to dressier attire. The restaurant is suitable for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner for two to a lively night out with friends.

Overall, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink offers a welcoming and lively atmosphere that is perfect for a night out in the Design District.

Menu Highlights

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Miami is renowned for its vibrant neighborhood atmosphere and fresh seasonal ingredients. The menu boasts a wide range of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate.

One of the standout dishes on the menu is the Wood Oven Roasted Octopus, which is served with a delicious blend of crispy potatoes, celery, and olives. The octopus is cooked to perfection, with a tender texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes.

Another must-try dish is the Short Rib Empanadas, which are stuffed with tender short rib meat and served with a tangy chimichurri sauce. The empanadas are crispy on the outside and packed full of flavor on the inside.

For those looking for a lighter option, the Grilled Peach Salad is a great choice. Made with fresh arugula, goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Finally, no visit to Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink would be complete without trying one of their signature pizzas. The Margherita Pizza is a classic choice, made with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and basil. The crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making it the perfect vehicle for the delicious toppings.

Chef’s Profile

Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz is a renowned chef and restaurateur who has been making waves in the culinary world for over two decades. He is the owner of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, a popular restaurant located in Miami’s Design District. Schwartz is known for his innovative approach to cooking, which combines classic techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Schwartz grew up in Philadelphia and began his culinary career working in various restaurants throughout the city. He eventually moved to Miami, where he worked as a chef at various high-end restaurants before opening Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in 2007.

Schwartz’s cooking style is heavily influenced by his upbringing in Philadelphia, where he was exposed to classic American cuisine. He is also inspired by the local ingredients and flavors of Miami, which he incorporates into his dishes whenever possible.

At Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Schwartz and his team focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and approachable. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of small plates, pizzas, and entrees, all of which are made with the highest quality ingredients available.

Schwartz’s commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients has earned him numerous accolades over the years, including a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the South in 2010. He has also been named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs and has been featured on the cover of Bon Appétit.

Overall, Michael Schwartz is a talented chef and restaurateur who has made a name for himself in the culinary world by staying true to his roots and his commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Customer Experience

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is known for its warm hospitality and friendly customer service. The restaurant’s staff is always ready to greet guests with a smile and make them feel welcome.

The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with dim lighting, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere. The decor is simple yet elegant, with wooden tables, exposed brick walls, and an open kitchen that allows guests to see the chefs at work.

The menu at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is designed to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant’s chefs are known for their creative use of local produce, meats, and seafood, and guests can expect to find a variety of dishes that are both familiar and innovative.

In addition to the food, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink also offers an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers. The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff is always happy to make recommendations and help guests find the perfect drink to complement their meal.

Overall, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink provides a memorable dining experience that is both delicious and welcoming. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a lively night out with friends, this Miami restaurant is sure to impress.

Awards and Recognition

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has received numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding cuisine and hospitality. Chef Michael Schwartz’s commitment to using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following.

In 2023, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink was awarded the prestigious Michelin Florida Bib Gourmand, recognizing the restaurant’s exceptional quality and value. Additionally, Chef Schwartz was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Chef in the same year.

This is not the first time Chef Schwartz has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation. In 2010, he won the Best Chef: South award for his innovative and locally driven cuisine at Michael’s. The restaurant has also been named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Wine Program.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has also been recognized by other publications and organizations. The restaurant has been featured in the New York Times, Food & Wine, and Bon Appétit, among others. In 2021, Michael’s was named a Miami Rising Star by StarChefs.

These accolades are a testament to Chef Schwartz’s commitment to excellence and his passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

Community Involvement

Michael Schwartz, the award-winning chef and restaurateur behind Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, has always been committed to giving back to the community. He believes that it is essential to support the local community and help it grow. Over the years, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has been involved in several community initiatives and events.

One of the most notable community involvement events that Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has participated in is the Miami Spice program. This program is designed to promote the local restaurant industry and encourage people to try new restaurants. Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has been a part of this program for many years and has always been a crowd favorite.

In addition to participating in the Miami Spice program, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has also supported local charities and organizations. For example, they have worked with the Miami Rescue Mission to provide meals for the homeless. They have also supported the Miami Children’s Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has also been involved in sustainability initiatives. They have partnered with local farmers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients for their dishes. They also compost their food waste and use eco-friendly packaging.

Overall, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is a restaurant that is committed to supporting the local community and making a positive impact. Whether it’s through participating in community events or supporting local charities, Michael Schwartz and his team are always looking for ways to give back.

Future Plans

Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has been a staple in Miami’s Design District since it first opened in 2007. As the restaurant continues to evolve and grow, it has several exciting plans for the future.

One of the most significant upcoming changes is the expansion of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink to new locations. The Genuine Hospitality Group, which owns and operates the restaurant, has plans to open new locations in other cities across the United States. While no specific locations have been announced yet, the expansion is a testament to the success and popularity of the restaurant.

In addition to expanding its physical footprint, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is also looking to expand its menu offerings. The restaurant has always been known for its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and it will continue to do so in the future. However, the restaurant is also exploring new flavors and techniques to incorporate into its dishes. This experimentation will allow the restaurant to continue to surprise and delight its customers.

Finally, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is committed to giving back to the community. The restaurant has a long history of supporting local charities and organizations, and it will continue to do so in the future. One of the ways it plans to give back is by sourcing more ingredients from local farmers and producers. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports the community but also ensures that the restaurant’s dishes are as fresh and delicious as possible.

Overall, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink has big plans for the future, including expanding to new locations, experimenting with new flavors, and giving back to the community. As the restaurant continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a beloved destination for foodies in Miami and beyond.