Haute 100 Miami Update: Michael Schwartz

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today, we are focusing on Miami’s culinary genius Michael Schwartz. Why? Because the renowned chef of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink was honored once again with the James Beard award!

What MADE Him Haute: Known for his delectable and unpretentious food, Chef Michael Schwartz is the owner of one of the most celebrated restaurants in Miami: Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, in the Design District. Throughout his career Schwartz has received critical acclaim from top publications, and he was a 2009 nominee for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, and he is up for the award again in 2010. Since the age of 16, Schwartz has been fascinated by the art of cooking. He revolutionized the Miami culinary scene in 1994 with the opening of the South Beach landmark Nemo. Today, he continues to dazzle diners, who flock to his casual neighborhood restaurant to indulge in his special brand of organic farm-to-table cuisine.

What MAKES Him Haute: “With Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, I set out to create a neighborhood place that feels like the real deal – where there’s always something you want on the menu and what goes into the dishes is simple, fresh and pure,” says Michael Schwartz. Last night, our beloved Chef Schwartz was named 2010 Best Chef: South by the most prestigious organization in the culinary world, the James Beard Foundation. Akin to taking home an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Tony, or Pritzker Prize, this is the highest honor that a chef can claim, and Schwartz did so with pride, beating out worthy competitors like Zach Bell of Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court in Palm Beach, Scott Boswell of Stella! in New Orleans, John Harris of Lilette in New Orleans and Christopher Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Ala. Reservations for two, please.

Related articles on HauteLiving.com:

• Culinary Power Players
• Chef Michael: Fast Food for the Art Walk
• James Beard Comes Calling in Miami