Chef Janine Booth Shares Her Haute Secrets To Miami

Photo Credit: Grove Bay Hospitality

Australian-born Janine Booth has made a name for herself in the Miami culinary scene since her arrival in 2010. The star chef began her career at gigi’s restaurant in Miami under Executive Chef Jeff McInnis. Following her time at gigi, Janine landed at the acclaimed Yardbird Southern Table and Bar in Miami Beach in 2011, once again working under the tutelage of Chef Jeff McInnis. After almost two years at Yardbird, Janine decided to return to a cuisine very close to her heart—Northeastern Thai—taking the position of Sous Chef on the opening team of Khong River House. Within three months of opening, the restaurant was nominated for a James Beard award. In Fall 2013, she starred on NBC/Bravo’s Top Chef, competing against 18 other chefs in New Orleans. Following this, she and McInnis brought Southern hospitality to Manhattan as they opened Root & Bone and again returned to Miami in 2016 to open Sarsaparilla Club, where they served up American Dim Sum. Most recently, the pair opened Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami’s Sunset Harbour, where she serves as the Executive Chef. Here, the culinary mastermind shares her haute secrets to Miami.

Where were you born: Perth, Australia

How long in Miami: Since 2010

Neighborhood: Sunset Harbour – work and North Miami – home

Occupation: Chef

Best sushi: Blue Ribbon Sushi

Best Italian: Macchialina

Best new restaurant: Amara at Paraiso

Best hidden gem: Basilic Vietnamese

Best healthy eating spot: American Harvest

Best late-night dining restaurant: Naiyara

Best fine dining restaurant: Stubborn Seed

Best waterfront dining: The Lido Bayside Grill – The Standard

Best dessert: The Dutch

Best cocktails: Broken Shaker

Best place for a romantic date: Le Sirenuse

Best nightclub: El Tucan

Best Sunday brunch: 27

Best rooftop (pool/restaurant): No. 3 Social

Best hotel for out of town guests: The Miami Beach Edition

Best spa: Faena’s Tierra Santa Healing House

Best steakhouse: Houston’s – our daughters favorite!

Best pizza: Mister-O1

Best gym/athletic facility: Reforming Pilates and Modo Yoga

Best weekend getaway/staycation: The Perry Hotel – Key West

Describe your city in three words: Vibrant, Eclectic & Happening

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:  Paddle boarding on Biscayne Bay

All-around favorite spot in Miami:  My backyard!

Best aspect of Miami: The abundance of sunshine!