International Smoke
International Smoke is the wildly popular collaboration between award-winning Chef Michael Mina and renowned restaurateur, chef, 2x NY Times best-selling cookbook author, philanthropist, television host and producer, and entrepreneur Ayesha Curry. Inspired by Curry and Mina’s shared love of global travels and international cooking techniques, International Smoke ignites a new spark of flavor and creativity focused on woodfired steaks, seafood, ribs, and vegetarian entrees to create flavorful dishes that are craveable worldwide.
Celebrating food as the heart of the community, International Smoke recognizes that fire is the start of all cooking and every country shares this culinary spark. At the center of the dining experience, the bar offers a community-driven atmosphere – creating a social space where guests can connect with friends over delicious food and drinks for a night to remember. International Smoke is the place to go on a culinary trip around the world with a date, with family, or with friends – no passports required.
About our chef
Chef Michael Mina
Born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in Ellensburg, Washington, Chef Michael Mina began his epicurean journey at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. During his formal schooling, he spent his weekends sharpening his skills with hands-on experience by working in Chef Charlie Palmer’s kitchen at the upscale Aureole in New York City. Early in his career, Chef Mina was presented with a rare and unique opportunity with Chef George Morrone when the duo were asked to develop a concept and create a menu for an upscale seafood restaurant in San Francisco – the city Chef Mina had always dreamed of calling home. In 1991, Chefs Mina and Morrone opened AQUA to rave reviews and national acclaim. Chef Mina served as AQUA’s executive chef from 1993 to 2002, during which time he was awarded Rising Star Chef of the Year (1997) and Best Chef: California (2002) by the James Beard Foundation Awards.
Chef Mina’s culinary and business vision ultimately led to the founding of MINA Group, which now owns and operates more than 30 restaurants around the world. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been honored with numerous accolades including a Michelin star at MICHAEL MINA (2012-2018), James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food & Beverage” inductee (2013), Gayot’s Restaurateur of the Year (2011), Bon Appétit’s Chef of the Year (2005), and more.
Chef Mina and his collection of restaurants have been featured across national media outlets such as Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Food Network, The Today Show, TIME, Robb Report, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator. He has been a featured guest chef at the James Beard House on numerous occasions, has served as a judge on Hell’s Kitchen and Master Chef, and has cooked for three U.S. presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
About Our chef
Ayesha Curry
Ayesha Curry is a renowned restaurateur, chef, 2x New York Times bestselling author, producer, host, entrepreneur and was featured on the prestigious Forbes “30 Under 30” list. Her accessible approach to cooking has made her one of the most sought-after experts in food and lifestyle.
Ayesha is the Founder and CEO of Sweet July, her burgeoning lifestyle brand with a focus to uplift an inclusive and eclectic array of creators through the products sold and stories shared. In 2019 Ayesha launched Sweet July, a quarterly lifestyle magazine that covers a range of topics such as wellness, fashion, fitness, beauty, entrepreneurism and food. Following the launch of the magazine, Ayesha opened a brick-and-mortar Sweet July storefront and café in Oakland, CA and its accompanying website, featuring thoughtfully created products alongside other carefully selected items from Black-owned and female-founded companies. In 2020, Ayesha launched Sweet July Productions, which focuses on creating content centered around food, family, faith and female empowerment. In 2022, Ayesha announced Sweet July Books in partnership with Zando. Sweet July Books will acquire fiction and nonfiction work, with a focus on diverse authors and women’s stories. In 2023, Ayesha launched Sweet July Skin, a new skincare line featuring clean, simple and effective products inspired by Ayesha’s Jamaican heritage.
Ayesha, along with her husband Stephen, is the co-founder of Eat. Learn. Play., an organization dedicated to unleashing the potential of every child and making a positive impact for generations to come.
“100 Best Restaurants in America for a Big Night Out in 2019”
“At International Smoke, Mina & Curry fire up a delicious global grill”
“Elaborate and upscale dishes” – Del Mar Times
“Everything exploded with flavor and was on point texturally and temperature-wise” – The San Diego Union-Tribune
“Show-stopping star”
“Ungodly succulence”
“Downright addictive”
“A literal and figurative cornerstone for One Paseo”
Voted Best BBQ Restaurant 2020
– Ranch & Coast
“Epitomizes all things open flame and slow smoked meats” – Ocean Drive
“The eatery offers a global journey for the taste buds” – New York Post
2019 Michelin Plate Recognition
