Chef Aaron Brooks: From Four Seasons to Fire-Cooked Flavor in Miami's Little River

Send us a text The sizzle of fat dripping onto hot embers, the aromatic smoke wafting upward, and the unmistakable char marks on a perfectly grilled steak – few things speak more directly to our primal connection with food than cooking over live fire. For Chef Aaron Brooks, this elemental approach to cooking bridges his Australian roots and his current home in Miami's vibrant culinary landscape. Growing up on Australia's Gold Coast, Brooks found himself drawn to the kitchen rather than the famous surf breaks. Under his mother's guidance, he developed an appreciation for quality ingredients and the joy of bringing people together around a table. "Mom was always getting me to try new things," he recalls, describing how she embraced diverse cultural influences in her cooking. These early experiences laid the foundation for a culinary philosophy centered on simplicity, quality, and genuine hospitality. Brooks' journey from backpacking Australian cook to executive chef took him through Four Seasons properties in Vancouver, Boston, and finally Miami, where he spent years leading Edge Steak and Bar before making the leap to Sunny's Steakhouse in the city's burgeoning Little River District. This transition allowed him to return to his passion: hands-on cooking with a focus on exceptional ingredients prepared over live fire. Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials. Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you're a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK's high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! Support the show Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling. Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time. We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open . Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality. 📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com