Girl Power, Interviews with Female Chefs, Vintners and Entrepreneurs

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Since January 3, 2010 I’ve been doing “spotlight” interviews here on SouthFloridaFoodandWine.com. I started with bloggers and writers in the first year with the premise of shining the spotlight on those who give exposure to eateries, drinking establishments and related products, it was originally called “Bloggers in the Spotlight”. In year two, [2011] I segued to “Chefs in the Spotlight” focusing mostly on South Florida Chefs with the occasional Vintner or Event Director in the spotlight. 2012 brings us to year three and I’ve expanded the reach even further as I’ve scored the occasional nationally known or “celebrity” chef if you will, along with well known Vintners and Restaurateurs. The South Florida Food and Wine Spotlight Series has been well received since day one and continues to be one of the best read features on this site.

Taking the Spotlight Series a step further I’ve created a new page; this one you’re reading right now, titled Girl Power, Interviews with Female Chefs, Vintners and Entrepreneurs. Being a part of the girls club, it is very important to me that professional women get their due time in the spotlight. You can expect to read more interviews from women in the Hospitality industry moving forward and just to make sure you don’t miss one Girl Power Sunday Spotlight, this special page has been created as an ongoing reference celebrating none other than “Girl Power”.

Thank you to all my readers who have been loyal Spotlight readers since January 3, 2010.

Chef Michelle Bernstein

Restaurateur Donatella Arpaia

Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery

Margareth Henriquez, President and CEO Krug Champagne

Dena Marino, Chef/Owner MC Kitchen

Marci Boland, chef/owner L’Hermitage Catering & Gourmet Emporium

Francy Deskin, Chef de Cuisine, The Office Delray Beach

Cindy Hutson, Chef/Owner Ortanique

Elisa Valderrama, Chef at Mesazul, Doral Golf Resort & Spa

Virginia Philip, Master Sommelier, Virginia Philip Wineshop & Academy

Fatima Mullins, Owner Ms. Cheezious

Paula DaSilva, Executive Chef 1500°

Cynthia Cosco, Passaggio Wines

Julie Frans, Signature Chef at The Palms Hotel & Spa

Aniece Meinhold, Pious Pig Restaurant Group

Pam Starr, Vintner, Crocker & Starr Winery

Dini Rao, wine curator at Lot18.com

Christina Tosi, momofuku milk bar

Diana Pace and Cristina Vives, Shocolaate

Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar

Andrea Sans-Araiza, Pastry Chef Bourbon Steak Miami

Kimberlee Nicholls, Markham Vineyards Winemaker

Akiko Freeman, Freeman Vineyards Winemaker

Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, Master of Wine

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