Zulma Torres 
Celebrating the Flavors and Faces Behind Miami’s Food Scene
Hispanic Heritage Month shines a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals shaping Miami’s culinary and hospitality scene, whose talents are inseparable from the cultures that raised them. James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein channels her heritage into inventive, boundary-pushing menus. Meanwhile, world-renowned Cuban Maestro Cantinero Julio Cabrera safeguards the artistry and ritual of classic cantinero traditions. Peruvian Executive Chef Martha Palacios brings the bold, layered flavors of her homeland to the table, and Puerto Rican Chef Sharon Fernandez draws on Latin roots to craft dishes that feel both personal and universal. Together, their work reflects how Cuban, Peruvian, and Puerto Rican traditions continue to enrich the city’s food and beverage scene, offering guests an experience rooted in authenticity and passed down through generations. Beyond the plate and the pour, these leaders mentor rising professionals, ensuring their cultural knowledge and craftsmanship carry forward. Their success illustrates a broader truth about the hospitality industry: creativity flourishes when heritage is embraced rather than diluted, and diversity becomes the very foundation of excellence.
Chef Michelle Bernstein
James Beard Award–winning Chef Michelle Bernstein, born and raised in Miami and of Jewish and Latinx heritage, is celebrated for her vibrant Latin-inspired cuisine that reflects her global travels and South Florida roots. Alongside her husband and business partner David Martinez, she leads acclaimed ventures including Michelle Bernstein Catering, Café La Trova, La Cañita, Sweet Liberty, and the newly reopened Sra. Martinez. A beloved TV personality and culinary tastemaker, Bernstein continues to shape Miami’s dining scene while championing food education and community health through her work with Common Threads.
Executive Chef Martha Palacios
JARANA Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar
With a vibrant career spanning over two decades, Martha Palacios has seasoned her keen culinary skills across South America, stirring up flavors in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. Her international exposure is vast, including a significant decade in Japan. Born in Lima, Peru, Martha’s culinary journey was shaped by her education at San Ignacio de Loyola University and by her grandmothers’ teachings in Cuzco and Lima. With significant roles at renowned establishments like Panchita and La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Martha’s leadership as Executive Chef at JARANA in Aventura highlights her commitment to authentic Peruvian cuisine and the philosophy of cooking with love. Beyond her culinary achievements, Martha’s dedication to her family and her joy in both the kitchen and personal life reflect her passion, earning her recognition such as the title of “Best Female Chef” by El Comercio in 2022.
Executive Chef Sharon Fernandez
Proudly Puerto Rican and raised in Tampa, Florida, Chef Sharon Fernandez brings over 15 years of culinary and operational excellence to her role as Operations Support Manager and Executive Chef at LIME Fresh Mexican Grill. Her Hispanic heritage has deeply shaped her passion for food, family, and hospitality, fueling a career rooted in culture and community. After winning the prestigious Taste of Florida competition in high school, Fernandez earned a scholarship to Johnson & Wales University, launching a path that would take her from General Manager at Franktitude to leading one of LIME’s top-performing locations. Today, she plays a vital role in LIME Fresh’s growth, blending her Latin roots, culinary expertise, and leadership to inspire teams and elevate guest experiences across the brand.
Master Cantinero Julio Cabrera
Julio Cabrera, Maestro Cantinero and co-owner of Café La Trova in Miami’s Little Havana, is a world-renowned bartender celebrated for preserving the legacy of Cantinero-style cocktail culture. Born in Cuba, Cabrera’s career spans decades across Havana, Italy, Mexico, and the U.S., culminating in international acclaim, including being named Best American Bartender at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and the 2023 Roku Industry Icon. Today, Cabrera mentors the next generation of bartenders while leading Café La Trova, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars.
Culinary Excellence Meets SoFlo Glamour at Palm Beach Food & Wine Fest
