Chef michael schwartz biography

Schwartz opened Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in 2007, attracting diners to the newly developed Design District.
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The Philadelphia-born owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group, James Beard Award Winning Chef, and cookbook author, Michael Schwartz is the face of the South.

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Michael Schwartz

The Philadelphia-born owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group, James Beard Award Winning Chef, and cookbook author, Michael Schwartz is the face of the South Florida restaurant industry and a nationally recognized celebrity chef. Since his flagship, Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink, first opened in Miami’s Design District in 2007, locals and tourists alike have come to embrace and crave its refreshing combination of laid-back, bistro atmosphere and straightforward food emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.

Honored with the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: South in 2010, Schwartz is recognized by his peers and the diners that flock to his restaurants for his commitment to community and responsible, seasonal food sourcing.

Branching out from this straightforward approach, Michael has since successfully developed complementary concepts focusing on great service and delicious food, with a genuine culture embraced by employees and guests alike.

The Genuine Hospitality Group of restaurants include three fine dining restaurants, Amara at Para

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Genuine Hospitality Group

Born in Northeast Philadelphia in 1964, Michael and his older sister Jamie were raised by his mother Judy and father Marvin who were both Philadelphia natives themselves. Marvin owned an auto supply shop in Michael’s younger years, his mother Judy spending her time at home while her husband was off at work until their divorce when she took up a career in real estate. Having grown up in the era of convenience, Michael did not find much of his inspiration in the food he was eating at home, his memories of cooking at home not extending far beyond cutting white bread for Thanksgiving every year to make stuffing. It wasn’t until Michael’s father encouraged him to begin looking for a job at age 15 that his love for food and cooking began to flourish. When Michael graduated from high school in 1982, he did not have much interest in going to college. After taking some business courses at Buck’s County Community College just to appease his parents, Michael ultimately dove headfirst into his cooking career rather than continuing his education.

Michael

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Michael Schwartz

Love, Secrets, and Second Chances—February’s Must-Read Books Await!

MICHAEL SCHWARTZ, a James Beard Award winner and former Top Chef guest judge, is the chef-owner of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Miami and the Cayman Islands. Since opening in March 2007, the restaurant has been lauded by the press, including the New York Times, Food & Wine, Gourmet, Esquire, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Series

Books:

Michael's Genuine Food, February 2010
Hardcover