Ask a Chef:
Michelle Bernstein, where should we eat in Miami?

2008 JBF Award winner Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s gives us her favorite hometown picks.

Late Night
Hiro’s Yakko San (305.947.0064, 17040 W Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach)
“It’s open until 3:30 A.M. and frequented by most chefs in Miami. The Japanese tapas are the best. Hiro cooks up traditional dishes like grilled beef tongue, pork belly, crispy bok choy, and burdock root.”

Special Occasion
Joe’s Stone Crab (305.673.0365, 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach)
“Some people find it touristy, but I’ve been going for my birthday since I was five years old. It’s been around for over a century and it still has the best stone crabs, hash browns, stuffed tomatoes, and Key lime pie ever.”

Sunday Brunch
Cote Gourmet (305.754.9012, 9999 NE 2nd Ave., Miami)
“Owner Caroline Poussardin brought her parents from Aix-en-Provence to cook amazing crêpes, eggs, French toast filled with chocolate and berries, sweetbreads, and steak frites.”

Quick Snack
El Palacio de los Jugos (305.264.8662, 5721 W Flagler St., Miami)
“You can get hot and crisp chicharrones, fresh tamales, and really good pan con lechon (roast pig in bread), all while watching women shaving plantains into the fryers. It’s a feast for your eyes and mouth!”

Date Night
Nobu Miami Beach (305.695.3232, 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach)

“I truly believe this Nobu, where Thomas Buckley is chef, is the best there is. Whenever I go, I ask him to make what he feels like, and my husband and I buckle up for the ride.”