We recently had the chance to connect with Erim Lavan and have shared our conversation below.
Erim, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
What I’m being called to do now is expand Dish beyond restaurants into other parts of Miami’s lifestyle – spas, salons, shops, and wellness. For a long time, I was hesitant, because restaurants have always been our foundation and I wasn’t sure if branching out would dilute the brand. But what I’ve realized is that it’s the same audience, the same readership, and the same need.
Independent businesses outside of dining need the same support our restaurant partners do – consistent visibility, thoughtful coverage, and someone to help tell their story. And on the other side, people need a trusted place to turn for recommendations, whether they’re choosing where to eat or where to take care of themselves. That’s the vision for Dish Life, and it feels like the natural next step.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Dish Miami, a platform that helps locals and visitors navigate Miami’s fast-changing dining scene with consistent, insider coverage. In a city where a new restaurant opens almost every day, consistency matters. Dish Miami keeps our readers in the know while giving independent restaurants the steady visibility they often can’t achieve on their own.
Running a restaurant is already a massive undertaking, and yet staying current on social media has become essential. We step in as the insider voice that connects restaurants with diners, building trust on both sides.
Right now, I’m especially excited because we’re expanding that same philosophy beyond dining. With Dish Life, we’ll be curating Miami’s wellness and lifestyle world – from spas and salons to shops and experiences – with the same thoughtful, insider approach. Just as we’ve done with restaurants, the goal is to help consumers navigate the city with confidence while giving independent businesses the visibility they deserve. Ultimately, Dish Miami and Dish Life are about being a trusted guide to living – and dining – well in Miami.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
“I think what breaks the bonds between people is a lack of trust. Trust comes from knowing that someone will do what they’ve promised without needing to be reminded. That’s been our approach from the beginning: whether it’s a restaurant or a small business, our partners don’t have to be in constant contact with us to know they’re being represented.
They can open our Instagram or visit our website at any time and see their stories, their coverage, their presence woven into the conversation. Even if we haven’t spoken in months, they know we’re working on their behalf. That steady visibility is how we’ve built confidence with our partners, and it’s at the core of what we do.”
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self not to wait for the perfect time to begin. It’s never perfect, and you’ll figure things out along the way. Starting Dish Miami wasn’t a neat or linear process, but every step – even the difficult ones – has been deeply rewarding. I’d remind myself that trust, persistence, and creativity matter far more than having everything mapped out. And most importantly, I’d say: don’t let the fear of failure stop you from starting. The process of building something meaningful is where the real growth happens. And I suppose I’m still telling my older self the same thing now, as I embark on Dish Life.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in media and hospitality is that *bigger is always better* – the flashiest restaurant, the influencer with the biggest following, the loudest campaign. In reality, those things don’t always translate to what people actually connect with.
At Dish Miami, we’ve built our platform on the opposite idea: that trust and taste matter more than hype. People want recommendations that feel real, whether it’s a restaurant where the food is consistently excellent or a local business that genuinely delivers on its promise. That’s the space we’ve carved out, and it’s why people turn to us when they want something authentic.”
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve lived most of my life giving my best without expecting praise. For me, it’s about discipline and integrity. I start every day at 5am with a two-hour Ashtanga practice and meditation, not because anyone is watching, but because it grounds me and starts my day with intention. The same applies to business: in sales, marketing, and PR, the work is often invisible – when things go wrong, you’re blamed, but when things go right, the credit goes elsewhere.
I’ve learned to find satisfaction in the work itself, in building something consistent and authentic. For me, it comes down to discipline and authenticity — if we’re doing our best, reward is inevitable.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dishmiami.com
- Instagram: @dish.miami
- Linkedin: Dish Miami
- Facebook: @dish.miami
- Other: Tik Tok: dish.miami
Image Credits
Morgan Carter; Skincare by Amy Peterson; Ateena Beauty Concept
