01/18/2026
“Reflection; The return of light, heat, sound, or energy.
Countless times over the past 10 years as I leave Ariete at night I’ve taken a moment to sit in the dining room alone, in silence and usually only with the kitchen lights on.
When you sit in the space, like that. It almost looks like theater, I replay moments from the service or the week in my head. Highlights, lowlights all the same
Now I am being asked to do the same, but in a much grander scale. Reflect on the last Ten years.
I think the definition of reflection is the best way to explain my feelings in this moment.
The return of light, heat, sound, or energy. - even in our most difficult days along this journey. The light at the end of the tunnel has always been bright. Today, that light is the brightest its ever been. Heat, sound and energy has always been what has attracted me to the kitchen, the heat of the moment, the sound of a busy dining room, the energy of a team working towards a similar goal. As I reflect on the last ten years, I have felt all these emotions over and over again and im grateful to have shared them with all of you.
We have accomplished more than I could have ever dreamed of in ten years, its taken a village to arrive where we have. Its taken growth, faith, stubbornness, failure, all of these things have been done in a bullish fashion.
Our most important accomplishment over the last ten years was discovering our purpose, our voice within the community of Miami and being bullish on who we are. We never have wavered in that fact. We are who we are, and we did that together. The city supported us every step of the way. Every person who has stepped through our doors, Hospitality professionals and guest alike. We have learned from all of you.
So what do the next ten years hold, I believe we are not nearly done reaching for higher goals. We are not satisfied. We will continue to push ourselves to be better everyday as we always have.
Thank you all for the last ten years, Thank you for helping us build a home for professionals and guests alike.
Livan said it best. “I love you, Miami”
-Chef
