Building restaurant empires

For so long now I've been reading how Miami is becoming a cultural mecca, with a downtown bayfront soon to be home to world-class art and science museums and the already thriving, put-us-on-the-world-map performing arts center.But lately it's the world-class, passionate chefs in our Magic City that are giving us national attention. And these guys are building restaurant empires as they climb to the top of the culinary ladder.I'm talking about Michael Schwartz and John Kunkel. In the last few years they've been making headlines throughout the food world, growing their restaurant empires one delectable, scrumptious and unique idea at a time. With The Genuine Hospitality Group and 50 Eggs Restaurant Group (respectively), Schwartz and Kunkel have single-handedly become the go-to guys for a good meal in Miami.I've yet to try Schwartz's newest creation Restaurant Michael Schwartz at The Raleigh but have had the pleasure of dining at Michael's Genuine and Harry's Pizzeria more than once and at The Cypress Room. I even had the opportunity to interview our James Beard winner and he was well -- completely genuine, just like the name of his first eatery. What a delight to talk to this down-to-earth phenom. I knew a little about him after reading at length about his career in the Miami Herald. I've already been recommending his restaurants every chance I get and that certainly won't stop now.As for Kunkel, the passion he exudes for his craft is unmatchable. When I read his profile in the Miami Herald I knew he was the real deal. Especially when he talked about his passion for Asian cuisine and how hits his favorite spot in the late afternoon when he knows the owners and staff will serve the absolutely most authentic food of their homeland that they grew up eating. I'd already eaten at Khong River House so I wasn't surprised after all, the meal I had there was beyond spectacular.My other fave 50 Eggs spot is Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, where I've also been multiple times and every time have had the same incredible experience from the food, to the atmosphere to the staff to those amazing bourbon drinks (hey, I'm a bourbon girl). For sure Swine Southern Table & Bar is a definite MUST TRY (the sooner the better!).I say, keep the empire growing and I'll keep eating your fantastic food. And even better, keep Miami at the forefront as a dining mecca, it's time to let the country discover our little secret.