Miami’s iconic waterfront destination, Amara at Paraiso by James Beard award winning Chef Michael Schwartz is proud to present the second series of Amara & Friends. In celebration of the magic city’s rich and diverse culture, local community leader Marvin Tapia will serve as co-host where the duo spotlights some of Miami’s most talented culinary artisans. From May through September, Amara at Paraiso will welcome a new chef once a month shining a spotlight on their country of origin. A percentage of proceeds from each dinner will go towards the Miami-based non-profit organization, Viernes Culturales which prides itself on preserving the history and culture of Little Havana.
This year, Chef Michael and Tapia have secured an all-star lineup for the upcoming season as Executive Chef/Owner of Michelin starred Ariete, Chef Michael Beltran will kickoff the series. Schwartz shared, “These events are really one of the highlights of the year for me, I’m pumped up for the lineup of chefs and countries of food that will be represented.” Guests will be able to experience flavors from Cuba, Peru, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico. He also added, “We look forward to showcasing Miami’s cultural diversity through food and spirits, it will definitely be fun and fulfilling [and tasty].”
Special guests and their dinner dates include the following:
- Tuesday May 28th – Cuba
- Executive Chef/Owner and Partner of Ariete Hospitality Group, Michael Beltran
- Tuesday June 11th – Peru
- Executive Chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Diego Oka, *This experience will be themed as a Brugal Maestro Dinner featuring curated rum pairings by Brugal Brand Ambassador, Author & FIU Hospitality Professor, Gabe Urrutia. Spirit lovers and curious palates can sip through 135 years of rum mastery.
- Wednesday July 24th – Colombia
- Executive Chef/Owner of Zitz Sum, Pablo Zitzmann
- Tuesday August 27th – Puerto Rico
- Five-time James Beard semifinalist and Co-Founder of Pubbelly Sushi, Casa Isola, Hitchihaika and June Burgers, Jose Mendin
- Thursday September 26th – Mexico
- Executive Chef/Owner of Tacotomia and World Central Kitchen Disaster Relief Head Chef, Karla Hoyos
Just in time for sunset, the Amara & Friends experience will start at 6:30 PM. Upon arrival, attendees can admire the scenic waterfront backdrop along with passed hors d’oeuvres and a welcome tropical themed cocktail featuring Brugal Rum followed by a Latin inspired 4-course menu featuring bold and vibrant flavors. Within the intimate setting, chefs will prepare and plate dishes from their open-kitchen setting and wood-fired grill for guests to marvel over. Throughout each dinner, an eclectic selection of South American wines by Brazos Wine will be poured – with the exception of the Brugal Maestro Dinner by Chef Diego Oka which features cocktail pairings by Brugal Rum.
Amara & Friends will be priced at $175 per person. Seating is limited for this intimate celebration and reservations can be made on Open Table. Amara at Paraiso is located at 3101 NE 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information including menus, please visit amaraatparaiso.com and follow @amaraatparaiso on social media.







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