Meet Jimmy Chill

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jimmy Chill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jimmy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I spent years honing my craft and pouring my creativity into other people’s establishments, always soaking up as much knowledge and experience as I could. Over time, I realized I had been waiting for the right moment to strike out on my own. When I finally felt confident in my vision and skill set, I decided it was time to claim the credit and recognition for the work I was doing. That’s how Chill’s Table came to be.

Rather than confine myself to a single restaurant concept, I wanted the flexibility to create truly bespoke dining experiences—intimate dinners, upscale events, and everything in between—where each menu, atmosphere, and detail could be crafted to reflect my personal flair. It’s been incredibly rewarding to have complete ownership over the process, from sourcing unique ingredients to designing every plate, and to share that passion directly with the people I cook for.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Chill’s Table to bring people real, honest food that doesn’t need fancy gimmicks to stand out—just bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and plenty of heart. From the get-go, I knew I wanted a dining experience that felt welcoming rather than pretentious, so I focused on simplicity, seasonality, and nutrition. My goal was (and still is) to create meals that genuinely taste good and make people feel great, without compromising on quality.

Building this business was far from easy. Miami’s culinary scene is brimming with talent, and grabbing attention in a market where plenty of chefs are there for the quick buck was a challenge. Instead of waiting for people to find me, I hit the pavement—printing out flyers, cutting them myself, and posting them at local coffee shops. I relied heavily on word of mouth, forging real connections with clients and other chefs. Little by little, I carved out a niche by offering personal touches, from tailored menus to hand-delivering orders and staying in touch post-meal for feedback.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of doing things yourself. From designing my website and logo to managing the finances, I’ve tackled every corner of this business with my own two hands. Of course, it’s exhausting at times—planning menus, shopping for ingredients, cooking, delivering, cleaning up—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Handling so many aspects personally has allowed me to shape Chill’s Table into exactly what I envisioned: a brand fueled by authenticity and genuine care.

Ultimately, I want people to know that my kitchen is always guided by honesty and soul. I only take on projects where I can deliver an experience I feel proud of—one that lets the ingredients shine and gives clients a healthy, mouthwatering meal without any pretension. That’s what Chill’s Table stands for, and I can’t wait to keep growing this vision while staying true to my roots.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were in town for a week, I’d want to give them a real glimpse into the local Miami scene—minus the tourist traps. Here’s how I’d show them around:

Start with the Sunrise
I’m a big believer in greeting the day by the ocean. The beaches at Key Biscayne are perfect for a morning walk, a quick dip, or just taking in that gorgeous coastal sunrise. If timing is right, catching a full moon there is equally magical.

Local Eats & Drinks

Vice Versa for pizza that hits the spot and cocktails that are surprisingly imaginative.

Tam Tam for absolutely soulful, authentic cuisine by a wholesome chef. It’s the kind of spot where you feel like you’re eating in someone’s home.

Mignonette if we’re craving seafood. It’s a low-key bistro that knows how to treat fish right.

Bettant Bakery: Best baked goods

Edan Bistro for a taste of Spanish flair taken up a notch by a wildly creative chef.

Magic 13 Brewery to explore local craft beers and enjoy the ever-changing lineup of events—they keep things fresh.

‘O Munaciello: Hands down my favorite pizza and pasta spot

Baker & Barista: Some of the best sourdough products in the city & fantastic Italian Coffee.

Let Off Steam
I have a membership at The Break Room, and I’ve joked that it saved me from therapy. It’s a place to smash, break, and relieve stress in the most liberating way possible. If you’ve never tried it, it’s oddly therapeutic.

Creative & Fun Stops
Check out The Paradox Museum if you’re in the mood for something interactive and just plain cool. It’s a playful way to bend your mind and get some off-the-wall photos.

Go With the Flow
Miami is always bursting with pop-up events, art shows, and live music. I like to keep an eye out for local markets, festivals, or gallery nights happening that week. The city’s vibe changes with the season, so there’s always something new to discover.

Overall, I lean toward the laid-back, local side of Miami—places where people actually hang out in their downtime. Whether we’re splitting a great pizza, sipping craft beer, or watching the waves at sunrise, it’s all about finding those moments that remind you why life by the beach is so special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love that this series is all about giving credit where it’s due, because so many people have been pivotal in shaping my path. First and foremost, I have to honor my very first mentor, Tony ElAzar. He taught me the art of truly down-to-earth dining experiences and showed me how powerful honest hospitality can be. Although he passed away two years ago, his influence lives on in how I approach the industry and host every meal.

I also owe a huge thanks to Tom Aviv, who entrusted me with running multiple operations across Israel, Morocco, and the States. That experience pushed me far outside my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to eventually branch out on my own.

Finally, I can’t leave out my mother, who showed me what it means to cook with heart. She poured so much soul and love into every dish, nurturing not just our bodies but our spirits too. Watching her in the kitchen taught me that food is far more than fuel—it’s connection, care, and comfort. Each of these people has left an indelible mark on my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the roles they’ve played in my story.

Website: https://chillstable.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jimmychillo

Image Credits
Photographer 1: Ruth Kim (Miami)
Photographer 2: Snir Soofgi Gueta (Israel)
Photographer 3: Lamia Lahbabi (Morocco)