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WORK • Thursday Routine
Genuine guy
MICHAEL SCHWARTZ • chef & restaurateur • The Genuine Hospitality Group Neighborhood you work in: Design District & Edgewater
Neighborhood you live in: North Beach
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Thursday is my Amara at Paraiso day. I usually arrive mid-to-late-morning and walk the property. The key to success in a big restaurant like this is to make sure it’s humming along, so walking with our general manager and maintenance team is super important to ensure everything is working. Thursday is a busy day ramping up for the weekend, so we’ve got everything from team meetings to reviewing financials and upcoming events.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Spring is in the air. Chef Randy Zuniga is creating some amazing seasonal dishes at Michael’s Genuine, including a crab agnolotti with zucchini, lemon, tarragon and a lobster soft scramble with melted leeks, and caviar creme fraiche. At Amara, our Sunday waterfront brunch buffet has chef Gastón Yelicich commanding the outdoor grill, cooking up picanha, lamb, chorizo, and salmon.
It’s almost my favorite time of the year: mango season! We always go pretty hard and offer rotating specials at both restaurants. We’re already scheming on some cocktails and activations with my good friend Gio Gutierrez (aka @ChatChowTV) and Havana Club Rum.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
I love lying low when not in one of my restaurants. We’re new to the North Beach neighborhood, so we love checking out little joints in the hood. The Wrapper makes the best chicken shawarma wrap ever. And we always love popping into Bob’s Your Uncle for a cocktail. Recently tried Ezio’s Steakhouse by the Roberta’s team, and will definitely be back.
Any weekend getaways?
I love heading down to the Keys. It just feels like another world, but it’s super close and easy. We love The Southernmost House — try to get a poolside bungalow. We also recently purchased a cabin in Saluda, NC, about an hour and a half flight from Miami and a great, quiet escape.
What was your last great vacation?
Thailand last year was incredible! Bangkok was bustling and exhilarating. Chiang Mai was culturally rich. Krabi and Koh Phi Phi were serene and beautiful. Such a fantastic food scene (and spicy)!
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
My Triumph Bonneville T-100 motorcycle!!
Where are you donating your time or money?
ReThink Food. Over the past four years, we’ve raised more than $1M in support of small, local restaurants that prepare meals for local communities impacted by food insecurity. We launched this initiative in late 2021, asking diners to donate an additional 2% of their check at Amara and Michael’s Genuine, empowering patrons to help address food insecurity.
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MIAMI RESTAURANT LINKS: New Greek restaurant Manoli to open next month in former Sereia space in Coconut Grove • In South Beach, CHO Funky Asian Bistro opens in former Paya space • MiMo’s Blue Collar shutters after 14-year run • On Lincoln Road, Segafredo L'Originale to close 06/21 after 26-year run • Nightclub Electric Pickle reopens tomorrow after 7 years away in new location.
RESTAURANTS • First Word
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