Though Jean-Georges Vongerichten is one of the world’s most famous chefs,
his skills extend far beyond the kitchen. A savvy businessman and restaurateur,
Jean-Georges is responsible for the operation and success of over 60 restaurants
worldwide. In Miami, Jean-Georges takes in the scene around him, a paradise of
possibility. The colorful, multicultural cuisine that saturates the city with spice and
personality. The ocean in view, flowing with fish, shrimp, and oysters. The tropical
landscape with flowers in constant bloom, palms swaying in the breeze. Every
element will inform his food and beverage programming at Miami Tropic.
Born and raised on the outskirts of Strasbourg in Alsace, France, Jean-Georges’
earliest memories are of his mother’s cooking. At the age of 16, he began his
culinary journey washing dishes in a work-study program at Auberge de l'Ill as an
apprentice to Chef Paul Haeberlin, then went on to work under Paul Bocuse and
Louis Outhier at L’Oasis in Southern France.
With this impressive foray into the restaurant industry, Jean-Georges continued
his training at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, the Meridien Hotel in Singapore, and
the Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong. Jean-Georges’ global travels inspired his love
for the exotic and aromatic flavors and ingredients of the East. In 1986, he moved
to New York, where he cemented his reputation at Lafayette at The Drake Hotel
and in 1991, opened his first restaurant, JoJo. 51 years later, his global footprint is
unparalleled with restaurants in 13 countries and counting.
His signature cuisine abandons the traditional use of meat stocks and creams
and instead features the intense flavors and textures from vegetable juices, fruit
essences, light broths, and herbal vinaigrettes. Jean-Georges’ culinary vision has
redefined industry standards and revolutionized the way we eat