Yesterday, the temperature in Tampa, Florida reached the high 80s, but inside The Tampa EDITION it was positively on fire. Last night, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony brought out the top talents from the Sunshine State relishing the moment with French Bloom (non-alcoholic bubbly that's natural and organic) and Frerejean Frères Champagne. In addition to the perfect dollops of caviar from Petrossian were a diverse selection of Florida cuisine showcasing the breadth of the state's culinary landscape—bites from One MICHELIN Star Lilac (the restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Tampa EDITION), Orlando Bib Gourmand Bombay Street Kitchen, and Miami Bib Gourmand Chug's Diner satiated and calmed the chefs' nerves ahead of the big news.
After a warm welcome from The MICHELIN Guide's International Director Gwendal Poullenec, host Java Ingram was joined on stage by President and CEO of Visit Tampa Santiago C. Corrada, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young, CEO of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau David Whitaker, and Cassandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando. But as the first awards were doled out, chefs and past winners including the 2023 Young Chef Christina Theofilos of Bib Gourmand Psomi, chef David Shim of One MICHELIN Star COTE Miami, and Malyna Si of One MICHELIN Star Capa in Orlando watched with pride and excitement. Young Chef 2024 winner Tam Pham of Bib Gourmand Tam Tam shared that it was his mother who inspires him while Sommelier award winner Gabriela Ospina of Miami One Star Boia De said the best pairing with a great bottle is the right company. Exceptional Cocktails Award winner Justin Levaughn of Orlando Bib Gourmand Otto's High Dive explained that the same meticulous attention and dedication shown in the kitchen is demonstrated in equal measure (and deliciousness) at the bar. Ending on a calming note, Israel Perez of One MICHELIN Star Victoria & Albert's shared it's a collective team effort that makes a restaurant stronger.
Next up were the Bib Gourmands, which saw four new additions including haute, but not haughty, Streetlight Tacos, and One MICHELIN Star Soseki owner Mike Collantes's new spot Sushi Saint. Then it was time to introduce two new Green Stars—Kaya in Orlando and Miami One Star Los Felix and Krüs Kitchen. But it was the announcement of the new One Star additions (there were nine) that brought the crowd to cheers. Chef Wei Chun of new One Star Kōsen was so overjoyed he quickly threw off his jacket to slip into his Lafont chef's whites. And to finish the evening retaining Two MICHELIN Star L'Atelier du Joël Robuchon Miami culinary director Alain Verzeroli was joined on stage by the executive chef James Friedberg, and Chief Operating Officer of the Bastion Collection Deleon Pinto. After a celebratory toast, avec Champagne bien sûr, the chefs got together for group pictures and lots of celebrating.
All images courtesy of: Zach Hilty/BFA.com
