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deanjamesmax

@deanjamesmax

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- Multiple James Beard Nominee
- 2010 king of American seafood
- Cookbook author
- Global chef restaurateur
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Some weekends remind you that the art of living well has as much to do with curiosity and connection as it does with what is on the table.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, for the 4th Annual Amelia Island Cookout, the weekend unfolded around a shared appreciation for food, craftsmanship, and the people who bring both to life. From fishing expeditions and fresh catches prepared alongside world-renowned chefs to conversations about spices, the architecture of flavor, and the stories behind their craft, each experience offered a deeper appreciation for the thought and passion that go into a remarkable meal.

The most memorable moments, however, often happened between courses. Sitting across from these chefs, sharing stories about work, purpose, and the things that make life meaningful, was a reminder that a passion pursued wholeheartedly has a way of bringing people together. Around the table, fellow epicureans of different generations gathered over a common love of discovery, good conversation, and the pleasure of savoring something extraordinary.

All of it, framed by the thoughtful hospitality that makes a stay at @Ritzcarlton feel so distinctly its own.

A weekend devoted not simply to what we eat, but to how we live: with curiosity, generosity, and an appreciation for the things worth slowing down for.

Thank you, @ritzcarlton for a weekend beautifully served.
#RCPartner @ritzcarltonameliaisland

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We are flipping the switch and putting Kerri in the hot seat as @deanjamesmax interviews her about himself!

This week on Forking Around with Flavor South Florida, Kerri sits down with legendary Chef Dean Max for a conversation packed with kitchen stories, leadership lessons, and a little friendly competition!

🌴 From the iconic 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale to the Cayman Islands, Chef Dean dishes on:

🍴 Mentoring chefs Paula, Jeremy, and Pushkar—and watching their careers take off.

👨‍🍳 Why accountability in the kitchen means facing the customer when things go wrong.

💰 The REAL business of restaurants, from understanding the numbers to the importance of a marketing budget (you KNOW Kerri has thoughts! 😂).

🏝️ The tropical restaurant concept he still dreams of bringing to life.

And for the grand finale? Chef Dean flips the script and puts Kerri in the hot seat! 🎯 Does she really know her guest? Spoiler alert: She did her homework! 😉

🎙️ Watch/listen to the full conversation on Forking Around with Flavor South Florida.

📍 @podplus.studios
🤝 @altimacaviar | @altimapalmbeach

#ForkingAroundWithFlavor #FortLauderdaleEats #HospitalityIndustry

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The Amelia Island Cookout 2026

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@ritzcarltonameliaisland thank you guys for the beautiful experience!

#chef #fishing #catchandcook #ritzcarlton #snapper

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Great chefs create incredible dishes. Great leaders create incredible chefs. 👨‍🍳🔥

This week on Forking Around with Flavor South Florida, Kerri sits down with legendary Chef Dean Max for a conversation packed with kitchen stories, leadership lessons, and a little friendly competition!

🌴 From the iconic 3030 Ocean in Fort Lauderdale to the Cayman Islands, Chef Dean dishes on:

🍴 Mentoring chefs Paula, Jeremy, and Pushkar—and watching their careers take off.

👨‍🍳 Why accountability in the kitchen means facing the customer when things go wrong.

💰 The REAL business of restaurants, from understanding the numbers to the importance of a marketing budget (you KNOW Kerri has thoughts! 😂).

🏝️ The tropical restaurant concept he still dreams of bringing to life.

And for the grand finale? Chef Dean flips the script and puts Kerri in the hot seat! 🎯 Does she really know her guest? Spoiler alert: She did her homework! 😉

🎙️ Watch/listen to the full conversation on Forking Around with Flavor South Florida.

📍 @podplus.studios
🤝 @altimacaviar | @altimapalmbeach

#ForkingAroundWithFlavor #FortLauderdaleEats #HospitalityIndustry

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Quite possibly the best pig I’ve ever cooked Wednesday night ! I’ve been inspired once again from the cookout vibes ! All that talent surrounding you just elevates your game to another level. #staywild out there ! You can do anything you believe you can !

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Some of my favorite moments from the 2026 Amelia Island Cookout! ☀️🌊
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What an incredible week filled with amazing food, old friends, new friendships, and plenty of unforgettable memories.
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From sunrise on the beach with surfboards and horses to fishing on the open water, pickleball, incredible meals, and more than a few champagne showers, there was never a dull moment.
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I laughed, learned, got a little competitive, ate incredibly well, and made memories I’ll be talking about for years.
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As amazing as the food was, it was the people who made this experience so special. Getting to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and spend time together outside the kitchen was something I’ll always be grateful for.
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A huge thank you to everyone @ritzcarltonameliaisland the Cookout team, all the talented chefs, and everyone behind the scenes @jkmarlin31 anna@helengrace____ @shanelotz Nate, Marcello, who made this week possible. And a special shoutout to @chefbernardguillas for making sure we never took ourselves too seriously and always had a good time!
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Until next time, Amelia Island! ❤️🥂

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@ritzcarltonameliaisland puts on one of the absolute best cookouts every year. It’s amazing to see how this community comes together every year. Tons of different chefs and restaurants but it feels like one big family pushing for the same goal. If you truly love food, you can’t miss this event.

#ameliaisland #ritzcarlton #RCpartner #foodlover #foodreview

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I came for the culinary magic. I left with something that I never saw coming -read on!

RUN, don’t walk to this event next year!! @ritzcarltonameliaisland
#ameliaislandcookout
as it was filled with absolute JOY!

The obvious - the JOY of cooking, eating, experiencing 😍 and watching these INSANELY talented chefs work, teach, serve, entertain! (Belly laughter was served up daily right along their taste sensations…and I so love to laugh!)

The not so obvious? Walk through any door any day of the event, every single day/night and you’ll discover how each of these beautiful souls
and their radiant presence infuses every moment with the same warmth, creativity, and passion that define their culinary artistry (and, oh my, that artistry!!🤩)

MANY times just a bite rendered me speechless (and you guys who know me know that I’m not often left speechless 😬🤣😇!)

I came to experience the magic of their genius in my favorite home Island hotel for my bday gift to myself and treat my foodie senses among the company of fellow foodies.

I left knowing the real magic in their success was in their hearts - and feeling incredibly lucky that they had touched mine!

Their brilliance was expected. Their beautiful, kind, caring, JOY-FILLED spirits were the surprise!!!

Thank you, Chefs, for the genuine love and admiration you have for one another; the warmth and happiness you literally infused into every gathering and that permeated every moment - No egos, no competition, just showing up to celebrate and support one another while opening your hearts to those of us lucky enough to experience this magic!

Your artistry excites, amazes and tantalizes but it is the joy radiating from your souls that I am in awe of and will hold dear, forever!

What an experience!! (Ha, guess I’m no longer speechless, lol, but it was a story to be told - 🌟
both for the family these guys and gals have created with each other -and, for inviting me in❣️🙏💖)

See you next year (if not before!!🤗)

With love, gratitude and in friendship to each of you -
What a gift!! 🎂
Kristy

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Flashing back to 3030 Ocean days where it all began… Pushkar Marathe share some behind the scenes in this episode! 🔥

Chef Pushkar Marathe, the creative force behind Stage Kitchen & Bar, Ela Curry & Cocktails, Mango Mercado and Boca Brasserie, shares his advice for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the restaurant industry.

Plus, Pushkar joins Kerri Paizzi to talk about the butter chicken that Stage guests refused to let disappear, his culinary journey from India to Switzerland and South Florida, Michelin Guide recognition and why listening to customers is key to keeping a restaurant thriving.

🎙️ Watch/listen to the full conversation on Forking Around with Flavor South Florida.

📍 @podplus.studios
🤝 @altimacaviar | @altimapalmbeach

#RestaurantEntrepreneur #SouthFloridaFoodScene #ChefLife

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Episode 02 | Dean Max — Food, Business & Life in South Florida

In this episode of The Wolf of Woolbright, we’re joined by Dean Max for an honest, entertaining conversation about food, business, and what makes South Florida such a unique place to call home.

Dean shares his personal journey, the experiences that have shaped his career, and his perspective on the local food and hospitality scene. We explore the role great restaurants play in bringing communities together, the evolution of South Florida’s dining culture, and what it takes to build relationships and succeed in a competitive market.

From great food and local favorites to business, community, and the South Florida lifestyle, we cover plenty of ground and share a few laughs along the way.

No scripts, no unnecessary production. Just a great conversation with an interesting local personality.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

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Amelia Island Ritz Cookout
@deanjamesmax
@keyflatcheur
@ritzcarltonameliaisland

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