New Times' Best of Broward - Palm Beach 2013 issue arrives June 13. To celebrate, Clean Plate Charlie is serving up 30 of our favorite tastemakers -- restauranteurs, chefs, bartenders, and other foodies -- that make the South Florida food scene what it is. We'll start with number 30 and lead up to the South Florida's number one. All are listed at the end of the post.
Robyn Almodovar and her food truck Palate Party are hard to miss. The truck comes equipped with a large mouth and a rooftop stage. Robyn comes equipped with signature bright red pants and can sometimes be seen dancing on said truck-roof stage. But behind all that showmanship is a serious and ambitious chef. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, Almodovar held her own against potty-mouthed chef Gordon Ramsay in Season 10 of Hell's Kitchen and is launching a line of hot sauces. One of the few female food truck owners, Almodovar holds her own, serving chef-driven sustainable food while having fun doing it.
The most influential person in my career has been...
My mother, since birth.
When I'm alone and in need of comfort, (and no one is there to watch or judge), the one food or drink I turn to is...
To be completely honest? Celebration donuts from 7-Eleven. They are so good. 1 a.m. is when the fresh batch comes out -- and I am there!
What does South Florida need more of?
We need more local eateries using more local ingredients. We also need the support of more locals eating what us independent small business operators make.
You get to vote one food or beverage trend off the island forever -- what is it?
The one food trend that definitely needs to go away is foam. Foam... air... Same thing.
You have unlimited funds to open a restaurant or bar -- what's the name and what do you serve?
It would be called Grazella's, after my mother. The name means "blessing" My cuisine would be very eclectic. It will be an inspiration of my culinary journey.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years from now I see myself running my own restaurant in the beautiful city of San Diego. That's where I plan to retire.
Dream dinner party for six: Who (living or dead) are you inviting?
OMG. my very own dream dinner party. Well, first I would have my wife of course, my mother, my father, my sister and my nanny. Keep it in the family.
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