Meet Manuel | Founder & Grillmaster at Alto Asado

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

Hi Manuel, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Honestly, it all started pretty simple. I’ve always loved doing BBQs. Every weekend I’d fire up the grill, invite friends over, and it became the thing everyone looked forward to. I’d spend hours prepping the meat, tending the fire, making sure everything came out just right, not because I had to, but because I genuinely enjoyed it. One day, a friend said, “Manu, you should be doing this for a living, you’d kill it!” That’s when it clicked. I thought, why not turn something I love into something I can share with more people? That’s how the idea for Alto Asado was born, out of good food, good company, and a lot of smoke.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Alto Asado is all about bringing the authentic Argentinian BBQ experience to people’s events, everything cooked live over real wood fire. It’s not just catering; it’s a whole atmosphere. The fire, the smell, the sound; it all creates a moment where people gather, relax, and enjoy good food together. That’s what sets us apart.

What I’m most proud of is how much people connect with it. Seeing guests gathered around the grill, curious, asking questions, and tasting something new is the best part.

Getting here definitely wasn’t easy. It all started as a side job with a friend who shared the same passion for BBQ. Eventually my friend moved on to other projects, and I decided to keep growing Alto Asado on my own. Every challenge, from small to bigger events and from logistics to unpredictable weather, taught me something. Little by little, it started to take shape, and now the business is beginning to grow into something bigger than I imagined.

The biggest lesson has been to stay patient and consistent. Fire takes time, and so does building something real. What I want people to know about Alto Asado is that it’s not just food; it’s tradition, passion, and community all on one plate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely start by doing what I do best, an asado at home. Nothing beats good food, music, and a few glasses of wine around the grill.

After that, we’d go for drinks at Lagniappe, one of my favorite spots in Miami. It has live music and feels a bit like you’re hanging out in someone’s backyard, my kind of place.

We’d take a little road trip to the Keys, because I love the energy there. You can slow down, enjoy the water, and just disconnect for a bit.

Back in Miami, we’d spend a day in Coconut Grove, grab afternoon drinks at Regatta, or maybe try a new spot around the area. It’s perfect for walking around, people-watching, and enjoying the atmosphere.

Honestly, for me the best time isn’t just about the places; it’s about good company, good food, and keeping it simple. That’s what makes Miami so fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d definitely dedicate my shoutout to my dad and the Argentinian tradition of asado. That’s where it all began for me. I grew up spending Sundays with my family, watching my dad at the grill and learning from him little by little. It was never just about the food; it was about the ritual, the patience, and the time shared together. Those moments shaped the way I cook and the way I connect with people today. Everything I do with Alto Asado carries a piece of that tradition and the passion my dad passed on to me.

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Image Credits
Roberto Castellanos and the Alto Asado team