Chef Michael Smerda
Private Chef In Fort LauderdaleI am a German chef with a Master's in culinary arts. I hosted my own cooking show in Augsburg and was able to publish three cookbooks in Germany. I’ve lived in America for nine years now. When I moved to the US I was the executive chef of two successful German restaurants, Hofbrau Haus and its sister restaurant Bavaria Haus. I was able to run these simultaneously for over two years. I then set my ambitions on the Miami food scene and felt I needed to expand my experience in America to something more upscale. For the next year, I was Executive Sous Chef in what was then one of the top 10 restaurants in Brickell, the great Coya. I then had an opportunity to take over, as Executive Chef, the Canvas restaurant at the iconic Sagamore art hotel, a historic Art Deco building in the heart of the south beach. I made this my home for over three years. In this building, I was recognized as the top 10 platings and food presentation, in South Beach, with the very popular Miami New Times. I believe I was able to prove I had a place in the Miami fine dining food scene. I was with Guy Fieri in the Food Network show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, I also developed a new service business in customized 3D food printing and laser food engraving. This new technology let me customize and personalize food in so many ways. I never stop learning new techniques and food trends.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
.... a religion. Very simple. Food is powerful. It influences our world, the way we live, and the way we enjoy life.
I learned to cook at...
Germany. I graduate in the Culinary Institut Kermes Munich with masters in culinary art
A cooking secret...
respect for the food.
My menus
Beef Empanada with diced Potato, Celery, Peas, Carrots and Onions
“Pa amb oli” – toasted Bread with fresh diced Tomatoes, Chipotle Chili, pickled Sardines, Cilantro and the best Olive Oil
Grilled "Sobrasada" - Chorizo diced and sauteed in Red Wine, and Fig Jam served on toasted Bread
Miami Vice Slider, Crab Cake with Mango Chutney Mayo, Lettuce and in Lime Juice and Chili pickled Onions in Hawaiian Bun
Pulled Pork Slider with slow roasted Pork, sauteed Onions, Lettuce and Cilantro – Garlic Sauce
“Miami Style” Bruschetta, diced Tomatoes, Mango, Chili, Crab Meat, Lime Zest, red Onions and Garlic - Peppercorn Oil on toasted Baguette
Cucumber Bites with spicy Hummus and Queso Fresco
Watermelon Bite willed with Feta Cream, Balsamic Reduction, and fried Rosemary
Cuban Cigar, Cuban Sandwich in a look of a Cuban Cigar, pulled Pork, Pickles, Mustard, Mayo, Ham, Cuban Bread and pickled Swiss Chard
Fried Avocado Praline with Nacho Breading and Pico de Gallo
Salmon Avocado Ceviche, with Avocado, Spring Onions, Olive Oil, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, topped with Cilantro and served with Pitta Bread
Banana Lentil Salad with Bell Pepper, Parsley, Cilantro, and white Balsam Vinaigrette
Octopus Ceviche, with Tomatoes, Limes, Black Olives, Green Chili, Cucumber Dice topped with Aioli and served with Totopos
Cold and spicy Tomato Gazpacho with Bell Peppers and sauteed Shrimps
Pink Shrimp Salad with red Onions, Tomato, Mango, Cilantro in Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
Cold Avocado Soup with pulled Chicken and Cilantro
“Hialeah” Chicken Salad with roasted Chicken, Celery, Mango, Pineapple, Rice, Raisins, Mango Chutney and Cuban Dressing
Black Bean Shrimp Salad with diced Peaches, Lettuce, Mint and Cajun Vinaigrette
Pan-fried Fillet of "Corvina" on roasted Peppers, smoked Paprika with Potato Croquettes
Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Lemon, served with “Tumbet” Potato and Vegetable Towers and baked Artichokes
Pan Scared Mahi – Mahi with Jasmine Rice Pilaf with toasted Almond and fire roasted Corn, roast Shallot - Key Lime Butter Sauce and West Indies spiced sauteed Carrots
Orange - Chili Seared Ahi Tuna, seared rare with a sauteed Pink Shrimps, steamed jasmine Rce, pickled Ginger , Coconut Wasabi Sauce & sweet Soy Reduction
Cuban Pork Crisis an " International Flavor Incident " - Mojo marinated slow roasted Pulled Pork Shoulder, Black Beans, Jasmine Rice, Queso Fresco, pickled Red Onion and Maduro Plantains
Tamarind – Guava BBQ Beef Short Ribs, homemade Guava BBQ, with roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes, crispy Haystack Onions & Basil Puree
Jerk seared Chicken Confit, with Sweet Potato Hash, crispy smoked Bacon, caramelized Onions, roast Corn, wilted Greens & Rum spiked Chili - smoked Plum Glaze
Floribbean Style Paella with Mahi - Mahi, Gulf Shrimp, Jerk Chicken, Calamari, Chorizo, Tomato - Sofrito Broth, Jasmine Rice, roast Poblano Rouille & Plantain Chips
Pan Seared Gulf Grouper, in Key Lime – Basil Butter seared Shrimp, Yellow Rice Pilaf , warm Sangria Tomato Vinaigrette & crispy Plantain Chips
Warm Floribbean Pound Cake soaked with Spiced Rum from Miami Rum Club and served with Caramel – Mandarin Ice Cream
Lemon - Tequila Mousse with Raspberries
Café Con Leche Custard with Chocolate - Chili Sauce
Banana Pudding with Rum Raisin Sauce
Mango Cheese Pie with Guava Sauce
Key Lime Pie Dessert with Cookie Crumbles, Strawberry Coulis and torched Meringue
Lemon - Tequila Mousse with sugared Raspberries
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Cheddar beignets with sesame dressing
Vegan Akami Sushi with marinaded Bell Pepper and pickled Ginger
Goat Cheese Bite with Red Beet Gel and Figs
Wild Mushroom Choux Buns with Parmesan Cheese
Apple Risotto in Apple Skin Cannoli
Sweet Pea Flan with Spinach and Pea Velouté and pickled Shalott's
Beetroot Ravioli with Gorgonzola Filling and Raspberry Dressing
Quinoa Mango Salad with Feta Cheese, Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato and Parsley
Mushroom Dumpling in Miso Consommé and Pickled Ginger
Mushroom Consommé with Egg Noodles and Spring Onions
Silky Tofu Ceviche in Lime Vinaigrette with Cucumber, Mango, Avocado, Radish, Chili and Cilantro
Sous Vide cooked and grilled Wedge of white Cabbage filled with Celeriac Puree, on Lemon - Herb Cous Cous and barbecued Pearl Onions
Stuffed Heirloom Tomato with Labneh, Garlic Chips and Rosemary Velouté
Egyptian Falafel with Duka, Tomato Risotto and smoked Paprika Sauce
Lasagne alla Portofino with Parmesan, Mozzarella, Pesto Sauce and Pine Nuts
Rollo di Spinachi, In Pasta rolled Spinach, Ricotta and Parmesan Cheese in roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
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Crispy fried Besan Bites with Yoghurt Dip
Crispy fried Lentil Bites with Moong and Urid Dhal, Onions, Ginger, green Chili and Cilantro served with Raita Yoghurt Dip with Cucumber and Mint
Onion Bhajias with Fennel Seeds, Turmeric, Chili, Cilantro and Brown and Black Cumin served with Mango Chutney and Cilantro – Mint Chutney
Samosas filled with Potatoes, Peas, Onion, Ginger, Coriander and Cumin served with Mango Chutney and Cilantro – Mint Chutney
Spicy Tomato Soup with red Chili, Mustard Seeds, Asafetida, Cumin, Turmeric and Garlic
Cauliflower-Potato Soup with Turmeric, Coriander, Garlic, black Mustard Seed and Yoghurt
Masoor Dhal, with Orange and Red Lentils, Tomatoes, Green Chili and Spices
Madras Curry Vegetable Soup with Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, Garlic and Coconut Milk
Potato Curry with Fennel Seeds, Curry Leaves and Aamchoor
Spicy Spinach-Panir-Curry with Tomatoes, green Chili and Cumin
Sambar Style Veggies with Toor Dhal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Zucchini, Eggplants slowly braised in Tomato Sauce with Spices
Veggie Curry with Parsnips, Eggplants, Cauliflower, Potatoes, Bell Peppers, Ginger, Onions, mild Curry and Spices, slowly braised in Coconut Milk
Eggplant Curry in Coconut Milk with Tamarind, Curry Leaves and Spices
Baghaar Onion – Potatoes, sauteed in Ghee, with Chilis, Black Sesame Seeds and Cilantro
Kashmir Style Cauliflower, slowly braised in Joghurt, Ginger, Cardamom, Chili, Cinnamon, Cumin and shaved Almonds
Masoor Dhal with Onions, Turmeric, Ginger, Chili and Scallions
Spiced Basmati Rice with Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Glove, Cardamom, Cinnamon and Black Sesame Seeds
Tomato Rice with Black Sesame Seeds, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic and Chili
Rice Kheer Pudding with Almond Milk, chopped Pistachios and Mango Salad
Grits Pudding with chopped Almonds, Pistachio and Coconuts
Shahi Tukra with Condensed Milk, with Saffron, Cardamom, copped Almonds, Pistachios and Cashews
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Mini Potato Pancakes within Stone Beer cured Wild Salmon and Lemon – Dill Sour Crème
Choux Bite with Foie Grass Pate and Grapes and Spätburgunder Jam
Smoked Trout Salad Bite in a pickled Cucumber and Salmon Caviar
Duck Bratwurst on toasted Sour Dough Bread with Bavarian Style Sweet Mustard Aioli
Red Beet Tatar with Goat Cheese and toasted Hazelnuts
Crispy Sauerkraut Bon-Bon with fine diced Kassler Ham
Cured Fillet Mignon with marinaded Root Vegetables and Bacon Mayonnaise
Beef Tatar Hand chopped by order Beef Tatar with Chiemsee Whisky from Germany, smoked Paprika, Cucumber Chutney, fried Capers, fried Onions, crispy mini Rösti and nutty Pumpkin Seed - Aioli
Vitello Trotato thin sliced cooked Veal, smoked Trout Sauce, Capers and Arugula and Lemon - Olive Oil
Napkin Dumpling Carpaccio, with Arugula, Black Forest Ham Chip, pickled Red Onions, rosted Pumpkin Seed Oil and Wheat Beer Vinaigrette
In Burgundy marinaded and tender braised Veal Cheeks, served with fluffy and crispy Pomm Douphine, braised Red Cabbage with Figs and Ginger Pears Pearls
Roasted Rabbit with Bacon in Morrell Sauce in white Wine Sauce served Potato Rosti and Herbs
Whole Trout pan fried in Lemon Butter with sauteed Spinach in Cream and steamed Fingerling Potatoes
Roasted half Duck served on braised Red Cabbage with Lingonberries and pan-fried Napkin Dumpling
Crème Bavaroises (German Style Panna Cotta) made with Tonka Bean and Madagascar Vanilla, Strawberry Sauce and fresh black Berries
Dampf Nudel (Steamed Yeast Dumpling) filled with Plum Jam, served with Vanilla Sauce and topped with toasted Poppy Seeds
Kaiser Schnarrn (Souffled Pan Cake) with in Austria Rum-soaked Raisins, Vanilla, toasted Almonds, served with Black Cherry Compote and Sour Cream Ice Cream
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Chips and Guacamole, mixed Corn Chips with fresh made Guacamole, Sour Cream and Salsa
Scallop and Prawn Aguachile with green Chili, Cucumber, Tequila, and Totopos
Queso Fundido with Chorizo, with Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese baked Tomato Salsa with Celery, Onion, Tequila, diced Chorizo, served with Totopos
Queso Fundidio with Mushroom Al Ajillo, with Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese baked Portobello Mushrooms, Onions, Tomatoes, Arbol Chili, Mexican Beer, served with Totopos
Fiery little Chicken Tostadas, with Chipolte Chili, Herb Mayo, Avocado and fine shredded Lettuce
Black Bean and Chorizo Empanada
Lobster Empanada with Chervil, Parsley, Lime Hollandaise
Black Bean Soup with Tomatoes, Chipotle Peppers topped with Feta Cheese and fresh Salsa
Corn Soup with flame grilled Sweet Corn, Chili, Cumin and Garlic, topped with Sour Cream and Cilantro
Roast Tomato Soup with Guajillo and Ancho Chili, topped with Sour Cream, diced Avocado, fried Tortilla Stripes and Feta Cheese
Tree Tomato Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Yellow and Green Tomatoes, Pineapple, Feta Cheese, Thyme and Parsley
Sea Bass Cheviche, with Lime and Grapefruit Juice, Vanilla, Red Onions, Cucumber, Cilantro and White Balsamic Vinegar, served with Totopos
Octopus Ceviche, with Tomatoes, Limes, Black Olives, green Chili, topped with Alioli and served with Totopos
Salmon Avocado Ceviche, with Avocado, Spring Onions, Olive Oil, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, topped with Cilantro and served with Pitta Bread
Rajas Taco with grilled Poblano Chilies, Creme Fraiche, Onions and Lancashire Cheese
Steak and Cheese Taco, flame grilled Skirt Steaks, fried Beans, Guacamole, Cheddar Cheese
Crispy Prawn Taquitos with spicy Avocodo Salsa
Truffly Mushroom Quesadilla, with grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Red Onions, Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, black Truffle Oil
Mole Amarillo, in Mole slow braised Pork, Potato, Butternut Squash, green Beans and Cauliflower, served with steamed Rice and warm Tortilla
Tinga de Pollo, slow cooked Chicken, wit Tinga Sauce (Chipotle, fire roasted Tomato, Onion, Garlic and Oregano), served with steamed Rice, warm Tortilla, Guacamole and Lime Wedges
Pork Pibil, slow braised Pork with Habanero and Scotch Bonnet Chili, Cumin, Garlic, Cider Vinegar, Allspice and Onions, served with steamed Potato in Cilantro Butter
Peanut Praline Ice Cream on Mango Salad with Anise-Chili Syrup
Passion Fruit Creme Brulee, served with Strawberries in Heavy Cream and Tequila
Chocolate and Cinnamon Parfait Ice Cream with grilled Pineapple and dark Caramel
Dark Chocolate - Avocado Mousse with caramelized Banana
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Scallop Tartare with Lime, Cucumber, puffed Rice and Honey-Miso-Black Truffle-Vinaigrette
Salmon Crostini Honey smoked Salmon Pate, Scallions, Dill, crispy fried Salmon Chicharron on toasted French Baguette
Grilled Scallops, on crispy toasted Herb Baguette and Yuzu Mayo
Blue Cheese Gougeres with green Pepper and Raspberry
Burrata with grilled Peaches, smoked Duck Breast, Passion Fruit Vinaigrette and Lettuce
Caprese 2.0 Burrata on white Tomato Jelly, crispy baked Tomato Tuile and Basil Cream
Oyster 007 Steamed Oyster with Vodka Creme, Apple – Celery – Fennel Pickling, Vodka Caviar and caramelized Anis Seeds
Seared Thun Fish Tartare with White Chocolate, Passionfruit Leche de Tigre, Celery Salad, and Crispy Rice
Sous vide cooked Egg Yolk on a liquid Herb Salad with Leek Hay and Truffle Puree
Pouched Lobster on green Gazpacho with Thyme Buerre-Blanc and Mellon Julienne
Cauliflower Puree with Ossetra Caviar in Tomato - Macis Emulsion
Red Beet Confit with Crème Fraiche, Tarragon Mayonnaise and Imperial Caviar
Jelly of Beef Essence with Chawanmushi Cream and Beluga Caviar
Potato Espuma with crispy baked Sour Dough Bread Chip, pickled Onion Paddles and Mushroom Carpaccio
In Lemon Butter pan fried Lobster on Scallop Tatar, Celery Jelly and creamy Lobster Bisque Flan
3D printed Nautilus Pasta with Seafood Chowder, Salmon Caviar, Lobster Mousse, Lemon Caviar, Lobster Tail in Buerre-Blanc and grilled Sardine
Dry aged Rib Eye Steak on Potato - Cauliflower Puree , Balsamic Plum Sauce and fried Sage
Braised Short Rib on Red Cabbage Chutney, caramelized Mustard Seeds and Rosemary
Sous vide cooked and grilled Pork Belly with salted German style soufflé Pancake with Mole Sauce
Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Cream, Lemon Jelly, Mash Potato, roasted Rice- and Black Garlic Powder
Sous Vide cooked roasted Duck Breast with Orange Blossom Honey Glaze, Brussels Sprouts and Pommes Paolo
Sea Salt Ice Cream, Chocolate Praline Tart and iced Berries
Variations of Pears with Pear Sorbet, Ginger Streusel, Honey Cream, candied Ginger, Wheat Beer Sabayon and Pear Puree
White Chocolate Mousse with Cardamom Espuma and Blood Orange sorbet
Berry Tartlet with Tonka Bean – Vanilla Cream and Champagne Glaze
Red Grape Sorbet with frozen Grapes, fresh Mint served with Champagne
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Cucumber Cup. One Bite Size Cucumber Cups filled with Beet Hummus and black Sesame Seeds
Falafel Flat Bread Bite with Baba Ganoush, grilled Zucchini, grilled Bell Peppers, shaved Parmesan, Black Olive Tapenade, Herb Oil, Cracked Pepper, Sea Salt
Fire grilled Vegetable Tatar with Tomato Aioli, Parmesan Chip and crispy Rosemary
Lamb Meat Ball on Tomato Salad with Arugula, Rosemary - Garlic Sour Dressing served in a Glass
In Almond breaded Shrimps on grilled Vegetabels
Eggplant Bites, Sliced and pan-fried Eggplant filled and rolled with Goat Cheese, sun-dried Tomatoes, Thyme, Parsley and Garlic
Flat Bread Bite with Tomato Sauce, Tuna, Artichokes and Mozzarella Cheese
Burratta Salad. Mixed Saisonal Lettuce, Burratta, pickled Mushrooms, toasted Pine Nuts, Grape Tomatoes, Balsamic, Olive Oil, cracked Pepper and Sea Salt
Catch of the Seafood sautéed with Grape Tomatoes and white Wine served with Garlic Couscous
Mediterranen Bread Salad with toasted Sour Bread Croutons, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Lettuce, Olives and Basil Vinaigrette
Feta Cheese in crispy Herb Crust on Arugula, Radicchio and Bib Lettuce, Olives
Gnocchi in Gorgonzola-White Wine Sauce with sautéed Pears
Roasted Cauliflower with Chick Peas, Tahini Dressing, Mint and toasted Pine Nuts
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta Cheese, in spicy Honey caramelized Sweet Potato, toasted Sun Flower Seeds, Mint, Parsley and Lemon Vinaigrette
In Barolo slowly braised Lamb Shoulder, with Moroccan mashed potatoes, Broccoli with toasted Almond Butter and glazed Carrots
Branzino Fillet on Celeriac Puree with Lemon Oil, grilled Broccoli and sauteed Grape Tomatoes
Flame grilled and in Olive Oil confit Porterhouse Steak with Oregano - Rosemary and Garlic, Polenta, sautéed Grape Tomatoes with Kalamata Olives
Muhamarra grilled Chicken with Couscous and Sweet Pepper-Herb Salad
Roasted Rack of Lamb on warm Carrot Salad with Lemon-Scented Yogurt Sauce, Mint, Cilantro and pan-fried Potatoes
Sea Bass with Potato Scales served on Arugula Sauce with Fondant Potatoes, Broccoli Brulé with Pine Nuts
Crème Brûlée with Lavender and marinade Berries
Warm Orange Honey Cake with Almonds and Pistachio Ice Cream
Oven warm Mallorca Bread Pudding with Cognac Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream
Basil - Orange Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce
Melon Salad with Lime, toasted Sesame Seeds, Honey-Ricotta, Pistachio and drizzled with Honey
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Lobster Beignets with glazed Pearl Onions and Lemon-Thyme Mayonnaise
Mini Potato Pan Cakes with smoked Salmon, Red Wine Pickled Onions, Capers, Dill - Lemon Sour Cream
Feuillete of poached Quails’ Eggs, on Morels with Hollandaise sauce
In Sea Salt baked Baby Potatoes stuffed with Roquefort Cheese Cream and Chives
Ratatouille Bite, Tatar of grilled Vegetables with crispy Rosemary on Parmesan Chip
Ratatouille Salad. Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant and Tomatoes, Sprouts, Rosemary Vinaigrette and Baguette
Galettes with Roquefort and Goat Cheese, bitter Salad, toasted Walnuts and Honey - Cidre Vinaigrette
French Onion Soup with Croutons and Gruyere Cheese
Fillet of Sea bass 'au Pistou, Summer Vegetables, Gruyere Cheese, Herb Pesto and Parisienne Potatoes
Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant and Tomatoes, Sprouts, Rosemary Vinaigrette and Baguette
Quiche Lorraine with Spinach and Gruyeer Cheese
Lyonnaise Salad, crisp mix of Lettuce, with Bacon Bits, pouched Egg, French Mustard Vinaigrette and sliced Baguette
In Lemon Butter pan fried Lobster on Scallop Tatar, Celery Jelly and creamy Lobster Bisque Flan
Coq au Vin blanc, cooked in Chardonnay with Root Vegetables, Herbs and fresh baked Baguette
Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Herbes de Provence with Polenta and green Beans
Boeuf la mode with Root Vegetables and Red Wine Risotto
Branzino Fillet on Celeriac Puree with Lemon Oil, grilled Broccoli and sauteed Grape Tomatoes
Crispy-scaled Sea Bass with baked Potatoes in cream, Broccoli Mousse and Arugula Sauce with Pine Nuts
Salmon en Papillote Salmon Fillet steamed with Fennel, Lemon, Tomatoes and Herbs in a Parcel, served with pan-fried Potatoes and Olives
Crème Brûlée with Lavender and marinade Berries
Pear Tart with Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Honey
Mousse au Chocolate with Berries
Berry Tartlet with Tonka Bean – Vanilla Cream and Champagne Glaze
Crème Bavaroise with Tonka Beans and Raspberry Sauce
Strawberry and Basil Eclair
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