It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since our beloved Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, the spot that really put the Design District on the map, first opened. But just like that, it’s March 13th, 2017... and here we are.
Originally touted as a “neighborhood spot,” today, Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink – the brainchild of Philadelphia-born owner of The Genuine Hospitality Group, cookbook author and James Beard Award-winning chef, Michael Schwartz – has become known for its laid-back, bistro atmosphere and thoughtful, straightforward food made with fresh Florida ingredients. And to celebrate its latest milestone (something Chef Schwartz doesn’t take lightly), this iconic MDD restaurant is both taking us back and looking ahead, offering classic dishes from its 2007 opening and launching new specials for the restaurant’s now-regulars.
“When you put everything into something and your family and staff depends on you to make it work, it’s an incredible responsibility,” reflects Schwartz. “We have always cooked the food we want to eat and embraced the freedom in that even though it hasn’t been easy. We have so much to be thankful for, especially our guests who have stood by us for so long and believed in our passion for putting better product on the plate. I’ve always said the secret to good food is... good food. And that’s what Genuine is all about.”
To add to the celebration, starting March 14, MGFD will kick-off the next ten years with its first-ever Genuine Happy Hour, offering half-off cocktails, wine, beer, oysters and not-so-average snacks every weekday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Of course, because it’s Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink, these “snacks“ are anything but traditional snack food: think shrimp toast “banh mi,” crispy pig ears with chili and lime, classic deviled eggs, falafel with tahini sauce and pickles, and kimchi with peanuts. If that doesn’t make for a happy hour… well, we don’t know what will.
Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink is open seven days a week. Lunch is available Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Afternoon service is available Monday through Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dinner is available Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to Midnight; and Sunday, from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is available every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
