Our man in Miami gets our mouths watering with his world dining experiences…

A record that always reminds you of Ibiza

Honestly, my track ‘Don’t’ is the biggest reminder of my visit to Ibiza because of the massive rush I got when I heard Pan-Pot play it at Space Ibiza. It caught me by complete surprise and I’m still in awe that I got to experience that instead of just seeing or hearing it online.

Your perfect breakfast would be…

Marshmallow Apple Jacks with milk. Keeping it simple and classic.

The most unusual thing I have ever eaten…

Fried pig ears…not all that uncommon in Miami.

The dish that reminds me of my childhood

Cuban food in general always brings back memories from my childhood. Especially Chicken Fricase that both my parents and grandparents used to make. It’s definitely one of the dishes I’m always looking forward to when family time comes around.

Who taught you to cook?

My parents are Cuban so naturally food was a huge part of my upbringing. I was always watching both of my parents and grandparents in the kitchen and picked up whatever I could from whatever they were making.

Your favorite 3 restaurants in your home town/city

Miami’s food scene is always growing. Right now, my three favorites would be…

Swine Southern Table & Bar in Coral Gables

Pub Belly in Miami Beach

…and Islas Canarias with their world famous croquettes (hands down the BEST in Miami).

5 other restaurants from around the world you love

In no particular order…

Fish Shack, Ibiza, Spain

Cueva Del Chango, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Austin Texas BBQ (in general, it was all amazing)

The Bazaar by José Andrés, Miami Beach, FL USA

Yemanja, Oranjestad, Aruba

A DJ or musician that has surprised you with their cooking skills…what did they cook

It’s great to see the more human side of DJs and what they do in their off time. I’ve seen that Joseph Capriatti can cook up some mean Italian dishes. Also, even though he’s not a DJ, Louis Diaz (pictured), Club Space’s talent buyer, is one hell of a chef. That’s definitely where we find some common ground and are constantly challenging each other with new dishes, like a chocolate soufflé that he bet me I couldn’t perfect (safe to say he was wrong.)

Your guilty pleasure food. You know you shouldn’t but you always do…

Anything chocolate…it’s a pretty common problem to have.

What is your signature dish?

At the moment, it has to be my ribs with my chocolate soufflé for dessert. My wife recently bought me a smoker as a gift and I’ve been hooked for the past several months. Would love to find a BBQ contest somewhere in Miami and put my skills to the test.

If you could have a master-class with a celebrity chef, who’d you pick and why?

I’m a big fan of Bobby Flay and his culinary works. I regularly visit Bobby’s Burger Palace, in Miami. It may not be the most gourmet meal, but it’s damn good. Would love to experience some of his other restaurants.

Dead or alive – 3 famous people you would invite around for dinner…

Dwayne Wade, Jim Morrision, Jimmi Hendrix

A dish you have yet to master…

Recently, I’ve been exploring some new options with my smoker. My next culinary endeavor is a smoked brisket. I’ve had great progress with it so far but it’s still “okay” in my book. I’m working hard to get it 100% right- and my friends definitely don’t mind the free food ☺.

Your favourite pizza topping

Cheese, cheese, and more cheese. Can’t ever go wrong with cheese, especially when there are some specialty cheeses on the menu.

Your biggest ever food cock up

Burning fries because I forgot. Fries are so important and it’s not uncommon I get caught up on the other dishes and forget to check on them.

A dish you just cannot stomach:

Anything raw. I definitely don’t get along with raw foods. Very minor exceptions when it comes to Sushi, but I usually try to stay on the cooked side.

You get in from the club pissed, dive in the fridge and usually come out with…?

If you ever catch me on a marathon set, it’s not uncommon that I have a friend pick something up for me on the way. Whenever I close down Club Space (Miami), I have to stop by one of the Cuban Cafeterias on the way home to pickup the classic Café Con Leche and Cuban-style toast.

The most expensive meal you have ever had?

My family is full of foodies so it’s not uncommon to find us having something special for a birthday or special occasion. The most expensive meal I had was a Wagyu Beef sirloin that we were treated to. I can’t remember specifically where, but WOW that stuff is ridiculous – I’d eat it forever if I could.

The most disgusting thing you have ever eaten at a festival

(Music) Festival food is pretty disgusting and over-priced. I do my best to avoid it at all costs.

The last time you used a cook book for a meal…

Cookbooks and websites are great for getting ideas. If it’s a dish that I don’t know how to make, I’ll try to follow the recipe the first time around but I always throw in my own signature into the dish. After that first time, if it’s something I really liked I’ll go all out and make it my way 100%.

Ibiza…

Spanish food is top notch and it’s even more special when you’re there because there are a few everyday foods that you can’t get in the United States (their cured blackfoot ham AKA Jamon Iberico Pata Negra). Food and ingredients in Spain compared to the U.S. is like night and day.

My favourite restaurants on the island…

You know how I feel about narrowing it down to one….there are just so many hidden gems throughout the island.

My top pics are…

Can Berri Vell in Sant Agust…

…and El Carmen in Cala d’Hort.

The best sunset spot for a cold drink…

Hands down, El Carmen in Cala d’Hort has some amazing food, drinks – and the most stunning view of Es Vedrà for sunset. It’s a stones-throw away from Es Vedrà, which is said to be one of the most magnetic places on Earth. As you approach the area, you get unexplained goose bumps, every hair on my arm stood stiff and your cell phone loses service. Experimental Beach in Las Salinas comes in at a close second with stunning colors and a endless view of Ibiza’s mountain ranges.

Your favourite Ibiza dish

If seafood is your thing, you MUST try the Sopa Marinera at El Carmen. When I ordered it, the waiter instantly knew I was tipped off about it from a local. A little while later, they brought out this massive pot filled to the brim with seafood.

If you’re not a big fish person, Can Berri’s Vell’s Cochinillo should be considered a delicacy. It’s slow roasted for 12+ hours and it melts away in your mouth.

The perfect 24 hours in Ibiza would be…

I’d start off by renting a car for the day so that I’m can fully explore the island and find any hidden spots. My first stop would definitely be the spa at Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena. This place is nestled on top of a mountain on a lesser populated area of the island. The spa consists of a series of hot tubs that overlook the mountains into the ocean. This place could literally be heaven on earth.

On my way out from Na Xamena, since I’m always hungry, I’d make a quick stop at Pizzeria Es Vergé, a nearby Italian-run mom and pop pizza and pasta shop where everything is homemade.

From there, it’s on to one of the hidden Calas that are scattered throughout the island. This past trip I ran into Cala d’en Serra. Hidden behind what appears to be an abandoned hotel (they never finished construction for whatever reason). It’s essential that you go exploring and experience the true beauty of the island outside of the clubs and parties. If you spend your entire trip partying, you’ve completely missed the point of a trip to Ibiza.

After wrapping up at Cala D’en Serra, Ibiza’s famous hippie markets are not something to miss. I’d make my way to Cala Benirrás, where one of the larget hippie market gathering is to pick up some one-of-a-kind products made by local artisans. You can literally find practically anything there. Here’s where the music kicks in-  no, not what you’d find at one of the nightclubs. At sunset, hundreds gather around dozens of performers for a sunset drum circle. Drummers, guitarists, fire dancers, and musicians of all kinds provide the soundtrack for one of Ibiza’s most famous sunsets. The vibe and energy there are unbelievable.

Afterwards, make a quick dash to Can Pau for a more traditional Spanish meal. They serve an amazing steak that you grill yourself over a hot stone right at your table. If we’re not in the shopping mood, I’d definitely hit El Carmen in Cala d’Hort to catch dinner and the sunset overlooking Es Vedra. This is why I’d rent a car for a day or two. Cala d’en Serra and Cala Benirrás are on the complete opposite side of the island from Playa D’en Bossa (where a lot of the clubs are). While at El Carmen, don’t forget to order the Sopa Marinera (mentioned earlier in the interview). Finally, head back to wherever I’m staying to relax a bit and get ready for a night out. Where you’ll find me depends on the night and lineups. In my last trip, I checked out Revolution and ENTER at Space Ibiza, Music On and HYTE at Amnesi -, and Circoloco at DC-10, among other parties as well. Oh, and don’t forget the drink Hierbas Ibicencas after dinner (it’s traditional to have it as a digestif and at the club). Funny enough, a shot of Hierbas is cheaper than a bottle of water at practically every club. Ibiza’s also one of the only places you’ll find it, so enjoy it while your trip lasts!

After a long night out, if you can make it back to the spa at Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena, you’ll leave feeling brand new.

Highly recommended.

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