Design District pioneer and Miami’s culinary landmark, Michael’s Genuine by James Beard Award Winning Chef Michael Schwartz is celebrating 18 years Wednesday, March 12th. In 2007, Chef Michael put Design District on the culinary map starting a revolution on his genuine and ingredient driven cooking philosophy spearheading a new wave of dining for Miami. Since opening, the local and tourist haute spot has received tremendous accolades including a Bib Gourmand by Michelin Guide and named, “Best New Restaurant” in 2008 by The New York Times.
To commemorate this milestone, the city’s first farm-to-table concept is inviting the community, regulars and fans of Chef Michael alike to toast with them all evening. Upon arrival, diners will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne and have the option of experiencing a throwback menu for two ($74 per person) – only offered that evening. Signature drinks and staple cocktails, since opening in 2007, will be priced at $10 including a Bulletproof Manhattan stirred with jim beam black bourbon, cherry-rosemary and fresh lemon and Cabarete Spritz mixed with aperol, st-germain, fresh watermelon juice, sparkling wine, soda and orange bitters. In spirit of their Wednesday jazz nights, guests can also expect a lively performance from a New Orleans style brass band.
Chef Michael shared, “It’s truly an accomplishment, the dining scene has changed but our philosophy and core is still the same…MG is all about sourcing the best ingredients in an unpretentious environment and that never goes out of style.” As for the future of Michael’s, Chef Michael adds, “Hopefully we’ll be able to set trends that lead the way to what it’s important to dining.”
The throwback menu will be served family style highlighting fan-favorite dishes from nearly two decades. Highlights include Chile Chicken Wings alongside creamy cucumbers, King Escabache, Roasted Sweet Onion stuffed with ground lamb and apricots, Steamed Mussels in black rice and harissa broth, Lemon Pudding Cake sprinkled with blueberries and their wildly popular Milk Chocolate Cremoso Espresso Parfait which is still on the dessert menu today. All these highly sought after dishes and their recipes can be found in Chef Michael’s first cookbook Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat.
As the grand finale, a proper birthday wouldn’t be complete without cake. Diners can end the anniversary party with a specialty birthday cake topped with a sparkler made by Pastry Chef Marlena Bella (serves two for $18). Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made on Open Table here. Michael’s Genuine is located at 130 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137. For more info. please visit www.MichaelsGenuine.com.
