Carlos is a bilingual writer and a food journalist with nearly 30 years of experience. He is also the author of an award-winning memoir published by Simon & Schuster. Throughout his career, he has traded dirty jokes with Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, fed croquetas to Nobel Peace Prize nominee José Andrés, and dodged Cuban soldiers on the island while on assignment. Miami is both his hometown and his muse.
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, 1997
Concentration in journalism, where I developed my skills as a bilingual writer and later became a food journalist. My journey in storytelling also led to the creation of an award-winning memoir.
The New York Times, Miami
Freelancer based in Miami for the Times' food section, contributing as an award-winning memoir writer.
Bon Appétit, Miami
Bilingual writer and contributor based in Miami.
Financial Times, Miami
Freelancer based in Miami, specializing in food journalism.
The Washington Post, Miami
Freelancer in Miami for the Post food section, focusing on culinary narratives.
WLRN, "Sundial," Miami
Hosted a live, one-hour arts-and-culture show four days a week — highlighting longform conversations with a single guest.
Miami Herald, Miami
Food editor and two-time James Beard Award winner, recognized as an influential food journalist.
The Palm Beach Post, West Palm Beach, Fla.
Arts/culture columnist, features writer, and sportswriter, focusing on long-form narrative journalism.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta
Investigative/enterprise reporter in sports, Atlanta Braves beat writer, and general-assignment reporter.
St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati
2 x James Beard Award winner for journalism (2018, 2022), recognized for my contributions as a food journalist.
23 x award winner, Society for Features Journalism, showcasing my versatility as a bilingual writer.
Writer of the Year, Cox Newspapers, highlighting my skills in storytelling.
8 x Associated Press Sports Editors award winner, reflecting my excellence in sports writing.
Penny Bender Fuchs Diversity Fellow, Society for Features Journalism, promoting diverse voices in media.
'Best American Sports Writing,' 2010, a testament to my impactful narratives.
Livingston Award finalist, demonstrating my commitment to quality journalism.
Best Debut Book, International Latino Book Awards, celebrating my award-winning memoir.
"Take Me With You:" A Secret Search for Family in a Forbidden Cuba, by Carlos Frías, an award-winning memoir that reflects his journey as a bilingual writer (Simon & Schuster, 2008).
"I Had to Survive," by Roberto Canessa, Pablo Vierci, with Carlos Frías serving as the English translator, offers a gripping account of survival (Simon & Schuster, 2017).
The Last Night at Tremore Beach, authored by Mikel Santiago and translated into English by Carlos Frías, showcases his talent as a food journalist and storyteller (Simon & Schuster, 2017).
"The Lost Angel," penned by Javier Sierra and translated by Carlos Frías, further illustrates his skill as a bilingual writer (Simon & Schuster, 2011).