Chef Jeremiah of Gastropod: #TNTShowdown Chef Profile

The Taco & Tequila Showdown #TNTShowdown is locked in for Sunday November 8th 6-9 pm at the Vagabond Restaurant and Bar.  12 chefs and bartenders will battle it out to be selected for best taco and tequila drink and to whet your appetite and give you a little back story, MIAbites will be profiling each of the chefs leading up to the event. Tickets to #TNTShowdown are $65 in advance and available on Eventbrite link here. 

Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog: Chef/Owner of Gastropod Miami :

As I sit down to write a few words about the one and only Chef Jeremiah, I turn on Steve Earle’s Transcendental Blues and pour myself a bourbon. Seems appropriate inspiration for a few thoughts about Miami’s native son with a rebellious, yet substance-driven style.  His stints in world-renowned kitchens, such as El Bulli, noma, Spice Market, and WD-50, along with his commitment to serve the Miami community with “no nonsense establishments that serve great food, affordable prices, and a no bullshit attitude” (his words) illustrate why he remains one of Miami’s most revered chefs.

I first became acquainted with Chef Jeremiah when I visited his streamliner gastropod during the genesis of Miami’s food truck boom, but my sincere admiration for him was born when I attended his post-noma cobaya dinner with around fifteen meticulously plated dishes served out of two food truck kitchens to a crowd of diners in a Little Haiti warehouse.  That's fifteen plates of courage most chefs wouldn't even consider attempting. Not Jeremiah. He is a chef with a vision, but the vision is always about the food first and foremost. His dishes may sometimes be risky, but never just for the sake of cool. They consistently present stories of substance, thought, and creativity. 

MIAbites posed a few questions to Chef Jeremiah in anticipation of his upcoming participation in the TNT showdown.  Here's what he had to say:

How has being a chef/owner in Miami changed over the last few years?

The scene has evolved into a supportive ecosystem where a great group has emerged into sort of a community. Diners have become more aware and trusting, which is amazing. 

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

A cook.

What is your personality in the kitchen: Angel or Demon?

A MOTHERFUCKIN’ MONSTER

What ingredient could you not live without?

Salt

What's your least favorite ingredient?

Haven't found one yet

What is the last dish you cooked for yourself?

Ramen

Your favorite restaurant other than your own (naturally)?

Proof

If you cook alongside any chef…alive or dead, who would it be?

Steve Santana

What is the craziest taco combo you have ever had? 

Not crazy, but cabeza de toro in the streets of Mexico. 

Can you give us a hint as to what you plan on submitting as your “Signature Taco” at TNTShowdown? 

Over the years, we’ve done some crazy combos out of the gastropod. For this, we will probably go simple…well-seasoned and good technique. 

Why do you think YOU will win?

Kurtis Jantz and i are stoked to be working together on this collaboration. If we aren’t too drunk by the start time, it should be in the bag.  

Taco & Tequila Showdown #TNTShowdown is presented by MIAbites and The Liquid Projects and will be held Sunday November 8th 6-9 pm at the Vagabond Restaurant and Bar. Join us! Tickets available for $65 advance sale on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taco-tequila-showdown-tntshowdown-tickets-18300424061