Johnson & Wales ZEST Awards Celebrates Miami's Culinary Scene

All photos by Laine Doss

The nominees and winners of the first annual ZEST awards.

Last evening, Johnson & Wales University celebrated the best and brightest luminaries in the Miami culinary scene at the first annual ZEST awards.

The ceremony followed a cocktail reception at the university's North Miami Campus Academic and Student Center where students of the school's culinary program prepared and served passed hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails.

The winners were selected by the university's culinary instructors,members of the university's epicurean society, and Miami Magazine staff, and were announced by WPLG and Sun Sports broadcaster Johanna Gomez, in the following categories:

<The Culinary Innovator award was presented to Bjoern Weissgerber of Zuma, pictured (from left) with Jen Karernick the dining critic at Miami magazine (fo0rmerly of New Times, Bruce Ozga Dean, Culinary Education at Johnson & Wales University, North Miami Campus, Loreen Chant, President, Johnson & Wales University, North Miami Campus.

The Best Restaurant 2012 award was presented to Sra. Martinez. Michelle Bernstein was out of town, so was not present to receive the award.

The Newcomer of the Year award was presented to Juliana Gonzalez of Barceloneta Spanish Bistro & Mercat, pictured (from left) with Jen Karernick, Bruce Ozga, and Loreen Chant.