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Fooq’s cuisine is a flavorful fusion that brings Foulquier’s Persian and French upbringing to life, like tahdig, a classic Perisan dish.
n 2015, an ode to both Iranian and French culture was born in a new restaurant: Fooq’s. Located a block from Miami’s infamous Club Space and E11EVEN, Fooq’s specializes in “Feel Good Food,” which includes great ingredients and a forward thinking wine program. The visionary behind Fooq’s is Miami-based David Foulquier, a two-time Michelin star and a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient from New York City, who has left his mark on Miami. Although he considers his upbringing to be “pretty French,” Persian culture definitely runs through his veins. There was a balance between French culture, where food and wine is important, and Persian culture, which puts an emphasis on hospitality and entertainment. “We were always the host family that would be cooking food and having people over,” he said. “All my grandmas and aunts would be hanging out, playing cards, drinking chai every night. It was a thing in my house.” This upbringing made Foulquier passionate about hosting and serving people along with special dishes and, as he likes to put it, “sharing my joie de vivre (joy of life) with other people.” Not only did Foulquier begin cooking for himself at a young age, but he also realized he wanted to cook for other people. “It’s very important in life that from as early as you can, you identify what it is you do well, what it is you enjoy doing and find the right balance of the two,” Foulquier said. He attended Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality, which put him on track for working and learning the ropes of hospitality at fine-dining restaurants. In
The interior setting of Fooq’s in Downtown Miami is warm and welcoming, adorned with wooden tables and striped cushioned benches.
Winter 2020 DISTRACTION 21
