With Hispanic Heritage Month beginning September 15, Miami is a natural place to celebrate the chefs, bartenders and hospitality leaders whose work reflects the many cultures and culinary traditions that shape South Florida.
Miami’s food scene is deeply connected to its Hispanic and Latin American communities. From Cuban cocktail traditions and Peruvian cuisine to Puerto Rican and Latin influences, these culinary professionals bring their heritage, experiences and perspectives into the restaurants and hospitality businesses they lead.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, here are four Miami-based chefs and hospitality leaders to have on your radar.
Julio Cabrera, Maestro Cantinero and co-owner of Café La Trova in Little Havana, is one of the most recognizable names in Cuban cocktail culture.
Born in Cuba, Cabrera has spent decades working in hospitality across Havana, Italy, Mexico and the United States. His career has earned international recognition, including the title of Best American Bartender at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and the 2023 Roku Industry Icon award.
At Café La Trova, Cabrera continues to preserve and share the traditions of the Cuban cantinero. The Little Havana destination has become known for its cocktails, Cuban food, live music and dedication to the culture behind the bar.
Beyond the restaurant, Cabrera is also committed to mentoring the next generation of bartenders and keeping Cuban cocktail traditions alive.
For anyone interested in Cuban culture, cocktails and Miami’s hospitality scene, Cabrera is a name worth knowing.
Chef Michelle Bernstein is a Miami native and James Beard Award winner whose cooking reflects the diverse influences of South Florida.
Born and raised in Miami with Jewish and Latinx heritage, Bernstein has built a career around vibrant, Latin-inspired cuisine influenced by her travels and her South Florida roots.
Alongside her husband and business partner, David Martinez, Bernstein has been involved with several Miami hospitality destinations, including Michelle Bernstein Catering, Café La Trova, La Cañita, Sweet Liberty and Sra. Martinez.
Her influence extends beyond the kitchen. Bernstein has become a familiar face in the culinary world through television and media, while also supporting food education and community health through her work with Common Threads.
Her career is a reflection of Miami itself: multicultural, creative and constantly evolving.
Born in Lima, Peru, Executive Chef Martha Palacios brings more than two decades of culinary experience to her role at JARANA in Aventura.
Palacios’ culinary journey has taken her throughout South America, including Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Chile. She also spent a significant part of her career in Japan, adding another international influence to her approach to food.
Her connection to Peruvian cuisine began at home. Palacios was influenced by the cooking of her grandmothers from Cuzco and Lima, experiences that helped shape her appreciation for traditional flavors and cooking with love.
Throughout her career, she has worked with acclaimed Peruvian establishments including Panchita and La Mar by Gastón Acurio.
Today, at JARANA, Palacios continues to showcase the flavors and traditions of Peru while bringing her own experiences and perspective to the kitchen.
Her accomplishments have earned her recognition in Peru, including being named “Best Female Chef” by El Comercio in 2022.
Chef Sharon Fernandez brings more than 15 years of culinary and operational experience to her role as Operations Support Manager and Executive Chef at LIME Fresh Mexican Grill.
Proudly Puerto Rican and raised in Tampa, Florida, Fernandez’s Hispanic heritage has played an important role in her approach to food, family and hospitality.
Her culinary career began with an early achievement: winning the Taste of Florida competition while in high school. She later received a scholarship to Johnson & Wales University, beginning a career that would take her through restaurant management and culinary leadership.
Fernandez eventually became a General Manager at Franktitude before taking on a leadership role with LIME Fresh Mexican Grill. Today, she helps support the brand’s growth while bringing together her culinary background, operational expertise and Latin roots.
Her story is another example of how Hispanic heritage continues to influence the people shaping Miami and South Florida’s hospitality industry.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the many cultures, traditions and individuals that contribute to the culinary identity of Miami.
These four professionals represent different backgrounds and experiences, but each demonstrates how heritage can influence the way food is prepared, cocktails are crafted, restaurants are operated and hospitality is shared.
From Cuban cantinero traditions in Little Havana to Peruvian cuisine in Aventura and Latin and Puerto Rican influences across South Florida, their work is part of the larger story of Miami’s diverse food scene.
As Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, these are just a few of the culinary voices worth following as you explore Miami’s restaurants, bars and cultural experiences.
Looking to experience more of Miami’s food and culture? Miami Culinary Tours offers food tours that explore the neighborhoods, flavors and stories that make the city unique.
This site uses Google reCAPTCHA V3. Read the privacy policy and terms of service for more information.
