Philadelphia-born Chef Michael Schwartz is the James Beard Award–winning chef, cookbook author, and restaurateur behind The Genuine Hospitality Group—and one of the defining voices of South Florida dining. Since opening his flagship Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink in Miami’s Design District in 2007, Michael has built a loyal following around straightforward, seasonal cooking that celebrates fresh, local ingredients in a warm, bistro-style setting.
Honored with the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: South (2010), Schwartz is widely recognized for his commitment to community and responsible sourcing. Since the launch of the Michelin Guide in Florida (2022), Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for four consecutive years, reflecting its long-standing dedication to high-quality, approachable food at exceptional value.
Expanding on that same “genuine” philosophy, Michael has developed complementary concepts, including Amara at Paraiso, a quintessential Miami waterfront restaurant serving bold Latin American flavors. Beyond the kitchen, he supports organizations and causes close to his heart, including Share Our Strength, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Slow Food (including recognition with Miami’s first “Snail of Approval”), and Wellness in the Schools.
Michael is also the author of two cookbooks—Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat and Genuine Pizza: Better Pizza at Home—and his restaurants and recipes have been featured in outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, and the TODAY Show. After honing his skills in kitchens from Los Angeles to New York City, he settled in Miami in the early 1990s—where his honest, vibrant style of cooking continues to define what it means to eat well, with heart.
We are thrilled to travel with Michael through Friuli and Slovenia, a fascinating cross-border region where alpine and Adriatic flavors meet. With its beautiful vineyards, rich culinary traditions, and ingredient-driven cuisine, it’s the perfect setting to experience the kind of cooking Michael does best.
Travel With Michael Schwartz