Michelle Bernstein’s Cena Was Miami’s Saddest Closure of 2016

As we put a cap on 2016, Eater surveyed a group of friends, writers, and all around experts for their take on the past year. We asked them eight questions: from top standbys to top newcomers, from best meals to restaurants they’ve broken up with. All will be answered by the time we turn off the lights at the end of the 2016. Responses are related in no particular order; all are cut, pasted, and (mostly) unedited herein. Readers, please do add your survey answers in the comments.

Jackie Gutierrez-Jones (UrbanDaddy Miami): Little Bread. Ugh. I can't even talk about it. Still processing the loss.

Laine Doss (Miami New Times): Cena by Michy. Michelle Bernstein's food is comforting and beautiful. I was there when the stoves were being taken out and it was the saddest moment. Michelle's restaurant was the anchor of the neighborhood and it was just a shame that her hard work had to end so abruptly. The only good part is that you just know she's planning something else -- she has to.

Evan Benn (Indulge Miami): Tie: Basil Park. Chef Tim Andriola was doing great things with good-for-you food. Thankfully, his decadent flagship, Timo, is still open next door. And Barbacoa, chef Joshua Marcus' taqueria-meets-American BBQ joint tucked inside an after-hours deli.

Giovanny Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV/Eater Miami Contributor): Alex Chang leaving Vagabond. Sucks that Miami wasn’t ready for Chang. We sure as hell enjoyed every brilliant bite.

Matthew Meltzer (Thrillist Miami): Basil Park. That was the most innovative place I've ever been here, in terms of healthy food, And another one of those rare restaurants where literally everything on the menu was good. Cena by Michy is a close second. That was the best burger I've had in Miami, and it was gone before I ever got to try it again.

Steven Scharf (The Chowfather): . While the arrival of Paulie Gee's and Antico Pizza strengthened the improving Miami pizza scene which includes one of the best restaurants in town, Lucali and the underrated Visa-01 but the sudden loss of Kings County Pizza left a major void in NY style pizzerias in the sixth borough. Additionally, although the restaurant technically didn't close it lost its heart and soul with the loss of young rising star chef Alex Chang. A disappointing blow to the Miami scene. And the Saddest and Biggest closure was Michy's. Miami isn't Miami without its BEST chef, Michelle Bernstein in the kitchen.

Sara Liss (Miami.com): Bazi for sure. Love everything Chef Michael Pirolo does and this one was great, too.

Olee Fowler (Eater Miami): Little Bread shutting down out of the blue was really a shame. I miss that Cubano.