CHEFS JANINE BOOTH & JEFF McINNIS
For Chefs Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis, food has always been about bringing people together to celebrate life. No matter the cuisine, the duo are known for their culinary execution and menus filled with comfort foods from all backgrounds. After cooking together for 15 years, they are excited to bring their signature made-from-scratch approach to Mi’talia Kitchen + Bar where the menu showcases a modern interpretation of Northern and Southern Italian specialties.
Both chefs have toured Italy in their global travels, exploring the whole country extensively. There, they fell in love with the culture, beauty, and the incredible bounty of Italy’s breathtaking landscapes. From the comfort foods of the northern regions to the seaside cuisine in the south, Italy has continued to be a source of culinary inspiration throughout the years.
Chef Janine Booth was born and raised in the beautiful melting pot of Australia before leaving to travel through Europe and Asia. She eventually landed in Miami, FL, where she has cooked everything from Vietnamese and Northern Thai to Southern food in some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. In 2013, Booth was scouted for Bravo’s Emmy award-winning television show Top Chef, where she cooked and competed against 18 other chefs in New Orleans, LA.
Chef Jeffrey McInnis grew up in Niceville, FL surrounded by the ocean where he spent much of his youth on fishing boats. He began his culinary career at 16, before attending Johnson & Wales University and honing his take on southern cuisine. After appearing on the popular Bravo television show Top Chef, Jeff returned to his Florida roots helming the kitchen at Gigi in Miami. After leaving Gigi, he then earned three James Beard nominations in two years cooking southern food in Miami Beach.
In 2013, Jeff and Janine decided to move to New York City where they opened the quaint Southern restaurant Root & Bone. It was here that Chef Janine’s talents were recognized nationally and she was featured on both the Forbes and Zagat “30 Under 30” list. The restaurant earned critical praise and in 2016 they moved back to Miami to expand their brand.
Mi’talia joins a successful portfolio of restaurants including Root & Bone in Miami and New York City, Stiltsville Fish Bar in Miami Beach, and Roots Coastal Kitchen in Puerto Rico.
I traveled through europe and have explored Italy twice. All the way from the north down to the tiny islands of Sicily. Italy has always astounded me with its culture, beauty and incredible volcanic soil growing some of the most delicious produce I have ever tasted. From the country comfort food in the north to sea side cuisine in the south, this beautiful sun filled country is a huge source for culinary inspiration.
At this new neighborhood locale, the husband and wife team will share their passion for cooking and Italian flavors with their made-from-scratch modern interpretation of Northern and Southern cuisine. Mi’talia will also feature a beautiful outdoor patio perfect for sipping spritzes and cocktails al fresco on warm Miami nights.
