The Dish – An interview
with Michelle Bernstein.
We sat down with Chef Bernstein to give you the inside scoop! Named one of South Florida’s top chefs by Ocean Drive magazine, head chef at Azul in the Miami Mandarin Oriental and co-host of Food Network’s Melting Pot, Chef Bernstein recently opened her signature restaurant, MB, at the Fiesta Americana Grand Aqua in Cancun. Bernstein dominated the competition on Iron Chef America in September against Iron Chef, Bobby Flay.
Interview:
Q: Why did you decide to participate in the 2005 Kohler Food & Wine Experience?
A: For starters my fiancé (husband by the time I arrive) is from Wisconsin and grew up in Minnesota as well as my dad. I love the Midwest. And more importantly, partaking in anything hosted by Food & Wine magazine is an honor. Food & Wine magazine does everything whole-hearted while providing an incredible education to food and wine enthusiasts covering all aspects of our delicious industry.
Q: How would you compare a “workday” at the Kohler Food & Wine Experience to your “typical” workday?
A: I don’t consider any of my days typical! But, the best part of doing a Food and Wine event is that I meet new people and get to taste foods I don’t normally have the opportunity to. My typical day is 18 hours, 150 phone calls and 12 hours in the heat! Kohler will be a few wonderful hours of teaching on my favorite subject… food!
Q: What’s on tap?
A: Thankfully I have so much to tell. Most recently, I was just in the Iron Chef competition and I beat Bobby Flay. He was amazing! What else…my new restaurant in Cancun is MB – a beautiful venue in a new hotel in Cancun called Aqua. Also, in November I open Michy's – a neighborhood restaurant in Miami that’s funky retro design meets local ingredients. I can’t wait! And finally, my book should be out early next year and I am consulting on restaurants with Jeffrey Chadrow from the TV show The Restaurant.
Favorite Food & Wine Pairing: Foie Gras and Tokaji
Favorite Wine: This changes as I experience new wines. Pinot Noir right now, it goes so well with my food!
Favorite Culinary Destination/City: New York, Barcelona, Oaxaca, Buenos Aires and
Kuala Lumpur.
Favorite Vineyard: For Pinot Noir - Archery Summit in Arcus Estate, Oregon.
Michelle Bernstein’s 2005 Seminars:
Friday, October 28, 12:30 -1 pm
Ceviche – A Surprising World of Flavors. Three very different ceviches utilizing the same seafood. On the Woodlake Stage. $20
SOLD OUT Saturday, October 29, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Layers of Flavor: Sauces & Marinades. Sauces and marinades that are versatile and add a jump-start to your cooking. On the Woodlake Stage. $20