Miami's first chocolate factory, Exquisito Chocolates, is set to move to a new facility in Little Havana in May, which will be more than double its current size. Founded by Carolina Quijano, the company has gained popularity for its single-origin chocolate and ethical sourcing practices. The expansion will include a café, fresh pastries, beer and wine pairings, ice cream, and chocolate-making classes. Exquisito Chocolates has won the top prize at the 2023 National Good Food Awards and has collaborated with notable Miami names. The new location will also offer an expanded menu and the opportunity for customers to observe the chocolate-making process.

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, a cornerstone of Miami's Design District, celebrates its 17th anniversary with cake and Champagne for diners. Chef Michael Schwartz, who opened the restaurant in 2007, has since established the Genuine Hospitality Group and earned a James Beard Award and a Michelin Bib Gourmand tag. The restaurant, known for its 'genuine' philosophy and fresh food, has undergone renovations and menu updates under executive chef Bradley Herron. The celebration runs from March 18 to 22, offering complimentary Champagne Lallier and birthday cake with dinner reservations.

Miami's Wynwood Marketplace will host 'Back 2 The Video Store: A '90s Speakeasy Bar' pop-up from March 8 to April 28, offering a nostalgic experience with '90s themed decor, cocktails, and entertainment. The event, created by Bucket Listers and Swarm, features retro arcade games, VHS tapes, and themed cocktails named after '90s and 2000s movies. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, including a Blockbuster-themed brunch and a '90s disco night, with prices ranging from $22 to $45.

Miami's culinary scene is expected to embrace authenticity, storytelling, and cultural diversity in 2024, according to four top local chefs. Valerie Chang, Tristen Epps, Brad Kilgore, and Monica 'Mika' Leon predict trends such as vegetable-centered menus, casual dining with high-quality dishes, chef-driven ventures offering quality food at affordable prices, and a celebration of various cultures through food. Michelin Guide and James Beard Awards have been influential in recognizing local talent, and chefs are striving for originality and recognition. Miami's food landscape is seen as dynamic, with an emphasis on local farming, global influences, and the chefs' personal stories.

La Palma, a historic hotel in Coral Gables designed by H. George Fink in 1924, has been restored by Maven Real Estate Group, led by Marc Schwarzberg and Jose Ortega. The building, which has changed names and owners over the years, is now a mix of retail and commercial space, including two restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs and various businesses. The restoration, completed by Torre Companies, aimed to preserve the original Mediterranean design while updating the structure for modern use. La Palma has also been added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring further protection.

Chef Jose Mendin, known for his successful culinary concepts, has opened the first standalone location of June Burgers in Downtown Dadeland, Miami. The burger-centric spot reflects Miami's spirit and Mendin's Puerto Rican heritage, offering six unique burgers with high-quality ingredients and locally baked brioche buns. The menu includes the June Classic, Shiitake San, Big Kahuna, La Parisienne, Lechon Burger, and Texan, with vegetarian options available. The new location also features Korean fried chicken, Wagyu sausage hot dogs, various fries, and a happy hour with drink specials.

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is set to open its sixth South Florida location in Coral Gables on January 27. The new outpost will feature a casual atmosphere with an all-day neighborhood bar appeal, different from the speakeasy vibe of its other locations. The Miracle Mile location will offer indoor and outdoor seating, a 26-seat mezcaleria, and a new cocktail and mezcal menu. Daily specials will include margarita Mondays, taco Tuesdays, wine Wednesdays, and on-tap Thursdays. The Coral Gables menu will have rotating flights of tequilas and mezcals, specialty margaritas, shareable cocktails, and mocktails. Additional Bodega locations are planned to open in downtown Miami and Wynwood by the end of 2024.

Sebastian Aloi, an Argentine movie producer turned restaurateur, has opened a new Argentinian restaurant named Muchaaachos in Normandy Isles, Miami, inspired by Argentina's World Cup win and the 'Muchachos' anthem. The restaurant, which he opened with partners Leandro Cabanillas and Katie June Burton, offers live-fire cooking and a menu crafted by Argentine chef Sebastian Benitez, featuring traditional Argentinian dishes with a modern twist. The menu includes a variety of meats, vegetable-centric dishes, and classic desserts, complemented by a wine list curated by Karina Iglesias and a selection of classic cocktails. Muchaaachos aims to celebrate Argentinian culture and fútbol, welcoming a diverse clientele regardless of their background or interest in the sport.

Miami's food and drink events for the week include a coquito-making class with Biscayne Bay Brewing Company's David Velasquez, holiday doughnuts at The Salty, a caviar and champagne dinner at Nossa Omakase featuring Antonius caviar and Barons de Rothschild champagne, and a Nutcracker dining experience at Issabella's. The events are scheduled from December 18 to December 24, with various offerings such as a gingerbread latte doughnut, eggnog cinnamon roll doughnut, and a 16-course omakase dinner.

South Florida restaurants are offering a variety of new brunch menus, featuring classic and innovative dishes. Casadonna partners with Groot Hospitality and Tao Group Hospitality to offer a coastal Italian-inspired brunch. Doya presents an Aegean-inspired menu, while Emmy Squared combines pizza with brunch classics. LPM Restaurant and Bar brings a French Riviera flair, and The New Schnitzel House introduces a menu by chef Juan Garrido. Noma Beach, Seaspice, Social 27, Swan, and Toku each offer unique brunch experiences, with options ranging from Mediterranean tapas to Asian-inspired dim sum. Prices and availability vary, with some offering bottomless beverage options and special seating like private waterfront cabanas.

The Black Pepper Food & Wine Festival, celebrating Black-owned dining establishments in South Florida, returns to Overtown, Miami, for its third year. The festival, co-founded by Alexis Brown and Joel Franklin, will feature over 25 vendors, including vegan and Caribbean options. It begins with a chef cook-off event in partnership with EatWell Exchange, a nonprofit focused on nutritious diets within cultural norms. The festival offers cooking and mixology demonstrations, live entertainment, and children's cooking classes by Black Girls Cook. It remains free to the community, supported by sponsors like the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust.

Miami hosts several food and drink events this weekend, including Whiskylucan's grand opening in Little Havana, a Peruvian Independence Day celebration at La Mar, Smorgasburg's Asian street food festival, Gulfstream Park's Taste at the Track, and a Venezuelan heritage celebration at LoanDepot Park during a Marlins game. The events feature complimentary drinks, live music, unlimited food stations, cultural workshops, and themed merchandise.

Soulfly Chicken has opened its second Miami location in the Design District, offering American comfort food with Southern classics. Founded by chef Troy Tingling, the restaurant has expanded following the success of its Wynwood location. The new Mia Market location provides a sit-down experience with new menu items, including salads, sandwiches, and vegetarian options. Signature dishes and desserts are highlighted, and the restaurant uses patented technology to cook chicken with less oil. Soulfly Chicken has also partnered with the Miami Dolphins and participated in local events.