The Taco & Tequila Showdown #TNTShowdown presented by MIAbites and The Liquid Projects 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 further 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 Giorgio Rapicavoli : Eating House

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli is Miami’s first Chopped winner, named a James Beard Rising Star Semifinalist and one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30.” At the tender age of 29, he has already fashioned an impressive career in the culinary world. Born in Miami to an Italian mother and an Argentine father, Rapicavoli’s love of cooking blossomed at age five when he and ma’ would spend Sundays in the kitchen making her beloved pomodoro sauce. The meals became more elaborate and roles reversed between teacher and student, but tradition carried on – as far as today.

Although never graduating from the Culinary Arts program at Johnson and Wales University, Rapicavoli dropped the program just one semester short of graduation to dive full-force into the restaurant industry where he took turn working under renowned chefs, including Robin Haas and Adam Votaw.  He was named executive chef at Chispa in Doral at just 21 and then honed his craft during his three-year executive chef stint at 660 at The Angler’s on Miami Beach. 

Launched initially as a pop-up in February 2012, Eating House was instantly a Miami foodie and media favorite, creating a cult following of avid patrons chomping at the bit to see what Rapicavoli would create next.  Eating House took over the Cafe Ponce space permanently in 2014 much to the delight of his loyal fans.  As a chef, Rapicavoli is anything but typical—you won’t catch him wearing chef whites and crocs at either of his restaurants. Instead, he runs his kitchen floor and front of house while sporting printed aprons, his signature SEE glasses, and one of his 200-plus pairs of shoes. 

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

I don't know if much has changed for since we opened EH in 2012. What has changed has been my appreciation for foods that are good for you, natural & usually vegetarian.

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

I would probably be making perfumes or designing menswear

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

A Demonic Angel

What ingredient could you not live without?  Your least favorite ingredient?

I couldn't live without Olive Oil and there is nothing I despise more than Yellow Mustard

What is the last dish you cooked for yourself?

Local eggs fried in Lucini olive oil over Homestead avocado

Your favorite restaurant other than your own (naturally)?

My favorite restaurant in the world is Alinea! 

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

I would cook alongside Julia Child! She started it all for me.

Let’s talk tacos:  Corn or Flour?  Hard or Soft? What is the craziest taco combo you have ever had? And where?  Can you give us a hint as to what you plan on submitting as your “Signature Taco” at TNTShowdown?  

Corn tortillas are the way to go. Specifically if Steve Santana is making them. 

Why do you think YOU will win?

I think we'll win because our taco will be a mix of fun & flavor

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