Today we’d like to introduce you to Aitor Garate Berasaluze. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Aitor Garate Berasaluze, a culinary maestro at the age of 29, hails from the scenic Basque countryside, where his journey into culinary stardom began in the family bakery nestled in the mountains of the Mañaria Valley. He moved to Miami in 2019 to be part of the team who would open LEKU at the Rubbel Museum in 2020. He was the head chef there until May of 2021. In addition, we need to share that after two amazing years, in December 2023 LUR chapter concluded.
His fascination with the alchemical process of transforming basic ingredients into bread ignited his culinary dreams. At sixteen, Aitor embarked on a path to culinary mastery, enrolling at the Bilbao Higher School of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs, balancing three years of studies with work on the family farm and in the school’s kitchen, self-funding his education.
Aitor’s culinary journey led him to Azurmendi, a prestigious 3-star Michelin restaurant, where he swiftly rose from a novice trainee to head of the Meat Department. A stint at the Ritz-Carlton’s Abama Hotel in Tenerife showcased his poise in high-stress environments. His career took a global turn with Basking Food, promoting Basque cuisine across Europe and earning recognition through conferences, workshops, and guest chef appearances.
Aitor’s passion reached its zenith at Asador Etxebarri, one of the world’s top restaurants, where he served as head sommelier and contributed to culinary innovation, fulfilling his lifelong love for grilling and fire-cooking. Today, Aitor is the executive chef and owner of LUR, a Spanish Basque restaurant at South Beach Food Hall (formerly TimeOut Market Miami), where his cuisine has garnered accolades, standing as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the culinary craft.
Today, Aitor is the executive chef and owner of LUR, a Spanish Basque restaurant at South Beach Food Hall (formerly TimeOut Market Miami). Additionally, he has opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Edan Bistro, located in North Miami.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Aitor’s path to success has been marked by the inherent challenges of opening new restaurants, a journey familiar to many in the culinary world. Launching his first location, LUR, at the Time Out Market posed a learning curve as he navigated the intricacies of entrepreneurship and the responsibilities of managing his establishment.
The subsequent transition to a brick-and-mortar setting brought its own set of obstacles, with the common challenge of working with fewer resources. Despite these hurdles, Aitor’s resilience and culinary prowess have consistently propelled him forward, showcasing his ability to navigate the typical challenges associated with establishing and growing a restaurant in the dynamic Miami culinary landscape.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Edan Bistro?
Edan Bistro transforms the dining experience by infusing a contemporary flair into authentic Spanish cuisine. The name “Edan” derives from the Basque word, signifying “to drink,” a theme intricately woven into the fabric of our dining ambiance.
Our bistro proudly features locally sourced specialty roasters and seamlessly transitions from afternoon to evening with an enticing selection of Spanish beer and wine. Delighting in European-style breakfast and brunch, Edan Bistro imparts a distinctive charm to mornings.
The menu extends to a Basque a la carte offering, and for those in pursuit of a more opulent gastronomic adventure, our 8-course tasting menu unveils the chef’s ingenuity with a thoughtfully curated array of dishes, epitomizing the finesse and richness of Spanish culinary artistry. Last but not least, our renowned Basque cheesecake stands as an unforgettable finale to the culinary journey at Edan Bistro.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcast: The Wild Project, Nude, and Talent class.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edanbistro.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edan.bistro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdanBistro
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/edan-bistro-north-miami?osq=edan+bistro
Image Credits
@Cravings’nVlogs
