Chef Valeri Fuentes Brings Fresh Vision To Verde At PAMM, Unveils Art-Inspired Menu
Verde at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) has a new voice in the kitchen, and it’s bringing bold new flavors to one of the city’s most iconic dining destinations. Chef Valeri Fuentes, the newly appointed executive chef, is stepping into the role with a clear vision: to merge Miami’s vibrant cultural influences with the artistry that surrounds her.
Fuentes, who has already made waves in Miami’s culinary scene, joins Verde after a series of high-profile roles, including chef de cuisine for Constellation Culinary Group at events like the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix and Marc Anthony’s wedding. Her global culinary journey—spanning Patagonia, Caracas, Buenos Aires, and Miami—has shaped her distinct approach to food, one that is both inventive and deeply rooted in Latin American flavors.
“I’m honored to join Verde’s incredible team and bring a fresh perspective to the food here,” Fuentes shared. “PAMM’s art collection is a huge inspiration, and I want every dish to tell a story, just like the works that adorn these walls. I’m excited to celebrate local ingredients and flavors that reflect the diversity of this city.”
Fuentes is already making her mark with a new seasonal menu that draws direct inspiration from the museum’s current exhibition, José Parlá: Homecoming. Diners at Verde will now have the opportunity to experience the fusion of art and food in an entirely new way. Each dish on the menu is accompanied by a QR code, which, when scanned, reveals the artwork that inspired it.
The Mojito Cuban Tiradito ($19), for example, is a vibrant starter inspired by Parlá’s “Homecoming (Before Time, the First Migrations).” The dish combines mahi-mahi with mint oil, lemongrass, Cubanelle pepper, jalapeño, and even mojito jello shots for a refreshing twist. The Mango Salmon ($34), another standout, is a pan-seared salmon dressed in a Tajín-roasted mango sauce, with soy-glazed carrots and a touch of wasabi oil—an homage to Parlá’s “Return to Miami’s Ancestral Circle.”
Desserts are just as imaginative. The Dragon Fruit Key Lime Mousse ($17), inspired by “Rorschach Polyrhythm,” features a playful combination of white chocolate crumbles, dragon fruit, and raspberry coulis, making for a visually striking end to the meal.
But it’s not just about the high-end dishes. Fuentes has also infused Verde’s menu with fresh takes on small plates and larger entrées that are sure to become staples. Highlights include Butternut Squash & Chorizo Arancini ($16) and the reimagined Mediterranean Sea Bream ($34), now enhanced with panko, Parmesan cheese, and chimichurri.
There’s something distinctly Miami about Fuentes’ menu: a bold, colorful blend of cultures and flavors, which reflects the city’s unique food scene. Whether it’s the crispy Brussels Sprouts ($16) with spicy mayo or the new take on a Pérez Chopped Salad ($19) with orange segments and pomegranate seeds, every dish feels like a celebration of local, seasonal ingredients.
“I want people to feel like they’re not just eating food, but experiencing something creative and reflective of Miami’s dynamic culture,” Fuentes said. “Each plate is an expression of the city, the art, and the people who call it home.”
Verde is open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit pamm.org/dining or follow @VerdeMiami on Instagram.