Miami Chefs Head West to the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen

The FOOD & WINE Aspen Classic (http://www.foodandwine.com/) June 17-19 , is one of the country’s most popular culinary events attracting thousands for special chef tastings, events and seminars. It differs from SOBEWFF in that not only is it set in the gorgeous Colorado Mountains instead of on the beach, but that it hosts smaller and more intimate gatherings. The Main Festival is totally Sold Out, but four of Miami’s favorite chefs headed out West to participate and experience the Aspen Classic, and MIAbites had a chance to ask them a few questions about their trip “Out West” before boarding their plane for the action packed weekend.

Jeremy Ford - Chef de Cuisine - Matador Room The Miami Beach EDITION

1. The FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen is one of the most popular food and chef events in the country. It is totally sold out. Is this your first trip to F&W Aspen?

Yes, this is my first trip – such an honor. I’m going with a great group of chefs and I couldn’t be more excited to represent Miami!

2. What events are you participating in?

I will be participating in the official Welcome Reception on Thursday, June 16 as well as hosting a demo titled “In The Kitchen With Top Chef” on Sunday.

3. What events are you hoping to attend?

I want to take it all in and experience the Classic to the fullest. I hope to attend as many events as possible!

4. Who are you most excited to see or meet?

I’m most excited to meet Nilou Motamed, Food & Wine’s new editor.

5. How does this event differ from SOBEWFF?

I haven’t been so I can’t share too much, but I know atmosphere will play a big part. South Beach Food & Wine Festival is all about Miami – the beautiful sand, sun and beaches. Aspen is on the mountain, the climate is cooler and the air is thinner – both have beautiful backdrops.

6. Jeremy- You won Top Chef this season, are you looking forward to seeing fellow Top Chef Alum and judges? How has being Top Chef changed you, if at all?

It is always good to catch up with “cheftestants” – I will be cooking with two of them during the welcome reception. Top Chef changed my life for the better, I can’t wait to see Tom and Padma and share with them all the great things I have going on. I know it will make them proud.

EventsEllen BowenJune 17, 2016MiamiComment

RECAP: Chef Jeremiah’s Duck Duck Goose

Looking forward to the weekend is a universal pastime – especially if you like to eat.

We all start planning our next weekend as soon as Sunday night rolls around and we are faced with the impending “Work Week”. Those of us into celebrating food can take this to an extreme, filling up the calendar weeks in advance in anticipation of a pop-up, chef collaboration, burger bash or pig-centric party. And these days, Miami has amazing food events seemingly every weekend.

One of my favorites is Chef Jeremiah’s annual P.I.G Event. You all know Chef Jeremiah…the big bearded guy and creator of the first Miami pop-up…Gastropod in Wynwood. The signature Airstream may have been replaced but Jeremiah’s creativity and dynamite food is still there.

I’ll admit it. I’m a huge fan of P.I.G. Not only do I love all pork products, but I’m sold on the idea of going to one event and trying dishes from some of the greatest chefs in South Florida and beyond. I’m there every year.

EventsMIAbites TeamJune 16, 2016Wynwood, MiamiComment

White Nights presented by Zonin 1821 and The Vagabond

As the heat of Summer approaches, our wine desires usually make a shift from reds to whites and rosés. While rosés are all the rage for their blushing colour, light fruit and commonly dry finish, there are hundreds of white wines that are excellent for Summer sipping and many of them come from Italy. Italy is home to somewhere between 800-1000 grape varieties and home many of the finest and lesser known white wines in the world.

The Zonin family has been making wines in Italy for over 200 years. They represent the largest, privately owned vine growing and winemaking company in Italy with estates from Venice to Sicily. Recently Zonin USA and Francesco Zonin, a seventh generation member of the Zonin winemaking family, hosted a private dinner titled, "White Nights" in Miami at the Vagabond Hotel and Restaurant where five of their great whites were paired with Chef Alex Chang’s inventive cuisine.

EventsMIAbites TeamJune 15, 2016MiamiComment

Weekly Nibble: Michaels Genuine in Design District, Pubbelly Burgers, #TOTNSFLa, Shrimp Boil, Paella y Vino and more

Each week, MIAbites presents the Weekly Nibble, featuring curated foodie events in and around Miami. All listings are subject to change, so always call ahead to confirm details, prices and times.

Friday June 10th- Sundown Grillout 6-9 pm -The Miami Design District's Palm Court is the perfect setting for James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz' all-new events series celebrating food and culture – The Genuine Summer Series, presented by Lynx Grills. Kicking off Friday, June 10 from 6-9PM with a Sundown Grillout featuring pairings with special attention to Riesling varietals, presented by The Genuine Hospitality Group’s sommelier and beverage manager Amanda Fraga. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour with passed bites followed by a three-course seated dinner at farm-style tables. The evening will feature live music from Marcus Grant “Mutes & Roots” Jazz Trio$85, plus tax and gratuity. Tickets for Genuine Summer Series are available online in advance, as well as on-site the day of the event (subject to availability). Visit michaelsgenuine.com/summerseries

Events, Weekly NibbleMIAbites TeamJune 12, 2016MiamiComment

Taste of The Nation June 17th Benefits No Kid Hungry

Benefit No Kid Hungry: South Florida’s Taste of the Nation June 17th.

Gearing up for its 28th year, South Florida’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry – the region’s premier culinary benefit featuring top chefs from Miami-Dade and Broward counties –will showcase over 80 of the hottest restaurants from Dade and Broward counties, top chefs, sommeliers and mixologists and an impressive array of auction items.

On Friday, June 17, 2016 from 7PM (6PM VIP) to 10PM, the annual event migrates to Wynwood’s artsy neighborhood and takes place at Soho Studios, a 50,000 square-foot warehouse that will transform into a foodie oasis where top restaurants will showcase their concepts’ delectable bites. The soirée continues with an exclusive after party for VIP ticketholders and chef participants at R House in Wynwood from 10:30PM to midnight. While dishes will differ with bountiful savory and sweet options, one thing will remain the same: the evening’s goal to raise money for No Kid Hungry’s work to end childhood hunger in America.

EventsMIAbites TeamJune 9, 2016MiamiComment

The 1st Miami Latte Art Competition at Threefold Cafe Saturday 6/11

EventsMIAbites TeamJune 8, 2016Coral Gables, MiamiComment

The Genuine Summer Series in Miami Design District

The Miami Design District and it’s art and retail-centric Palm Court is the perfect setting for James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz' all-new events series celebrating food and culture – The Genuine Summer Series, presented by Lynx Grills.

For a three month run, the creative neighborhood’s nucleus with the distinctive Buckminster Fuller Fly’s Eye Dome and the oversized Le Corbusier blue torso by French artist Xavier Veilhan, will reimagine classic outdoor summer pastimes from grilling and picnicking, to a film screening and beer garden, with food by Michael’s Genuine® Food & Drink and its acclaimed chef/owner as host.

The Palm Court is also the home of Schwartz’s light and airy café, ella, making it an ideal destination for the season’s hottest gastronomic events including:

Sundown Grillout June 10

OMG! Picnic & A Movie July 8

Genuine Beer Court August 12

Details and Specific menus below:

EventsMIAbites TeamJune 6, 2016Design District, MiamiComment

Chef Jeremiah hosts Duck Duck Goose on Saturday June 4th

Chef Jeremiah Bullfrog, chef/owner of gastroPod Miami and creator of the popular PIG (Pork is Good), presents Duck Duck Goose (DDG), a new culinary event taking place Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 5pm-9pm. DDG features 12 of Miami’s top chefs showing off their creativity and skill with locally raised and pastured fowl from Lake Meadows Naturals in Ocoee, Florida.

For six years running, Chef Jeremiah has brought together some of Miami’s most exciting chefs to showcase the power of the mighty pig, offering tasty tid-bits such as chicharrónes, smoked pork butt bao buns, a porchetta-rolled whole pig, and bacon ice cream. Now he and his friends are turning their creativity to all things winged. “PIG has more of a rock ‘n’ roll and whiskey vibe,” says Bullfrog. “But Duck Duck Goose is going to be a lot more Champagne and bossa nova. We look forward to fattening your livers!”.

For its inaugural run, DDG is bringing a star-studded lineup of South Florida’s most inventive purveyors of haute cuisine, gourmet street food and craft cocktails, with familiar faces from PIG, new additions, and lots of live fire cooking of poultry on strings.

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 28, 2016Wynwood, MiamiComment

RECAP: Saffron Supper Club Persian New Year at Byblos

Saffron Supper Club is the brainchild of two passionate South Florida foodies, Sara Liss and Maude Eaton. Successful in their own right; Sara is a freelance writer for among others, Miami.com, and Maude hosts popular cooking classes and is an accomplished chef, they started gathering like minded food lovers for specially themed experiences focusing on Middle Eastern food, culture with a dash of poetry.

I was fortunate to attend the recent Saffron Supper Club at one of my favorite Miami Beach restaurants, Byblos, to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year that actually fell in March this year.

Promoted only thru the Saffron Supper Club Facebook page, one must be “in the know” to find out about these well planned, well orchestrated and well priced dinner pop ups. Saffron Supper Club, which describes itself as a “roving pop up dinner club” has hosted over 10 events since it’s inception, including this past January’s Open Sesame at Wynwood Yard…with a menu completely based on tahini.

The Byblos: A Persian New Year's Feast was a celebration that included many attendees dressed in authentic and colorful Persian accessories and jeweled headbands, and began at the downstairs bar and lounge at Byblos.

EventsEllen BowenMay 24, 2016Miami BeachComment

Weekly Nibble: The OBIES, Caviar Russe, Party at The Gale, PB Station collab, Duck Duck Goose and more

Happy Summer 2016! The “snowbirds” have returned North, the winter tourists are mostly gone and by the end of next weekend’s crazy Memorial Day weekend, Miami truly returns to the locals. Many of our favorite restaurants gear up for summer with special menus, cocktails, Happy Hours, and unique events. This week’s Weekly Nibble has compiled some of the best new menu additions and events to help you settle in for the summer heat.

Tuesday May 24th- Newcomer Caviar Russe Miami is offering a one of a kind dining experience on Tuesday, May 24th 2016 at 7:30 pm. Renowned Chef David Valencia will take you on a six course journey around the world, featuring some of the most sought after delicacies starring Caviar, Sea Urchin, Blue Fin Tuna, A5 Kobe, and more. The cost for this decadent experience is $750 per person. Each course is to be paired with Charles Heidsieck Champagne, highlighting "Rare" by Piper-Heidsieck. Following dinner, an intimate and rare LOUIS XIII moment will be hosted by Victor Blanquart, LOUIS XIII ambassador. To reserve a seat, please RSVP to Events@caviarrusse.com Caviar Russe Four Seasons Tower 1441 Brickell Ave. Miami FL.

Thursday, May 26th- Kick-off Memorial Day Weekend at LDV Hospitality’s The Gale Rooftop with Time Out Miami for their first ever Summer Kick-Off Party. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy live music by DJ Troubles and unlimited ice-cold Schöfferhofer beer. Named by Bravo TV as “Best New Restaurant,” Dolce Italian’s Chef Paolo Dorigato will serve up an array of delicious appetizers. The party will continue as the sun sets while guests take in breathtaking views of South Beach. Guests need to RSVP to events.ny@timeout.com to reserve their tickets.The Gale Rooftop Gale South Beach 1690 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

Thursday May 26th- Chef Jose Mendin along with his Executive Chef of PB Station, Guillermo Concha, will pair up with Juliana Gonzalez of Barceloneta to prepare a four-course menu, with each course consisting of a dishes from each chef. The special “Chef’s Choice” menu ($75 plus tax and gratuity) will be offered for one night only at PB Station beginning at 8pm with a special Gin & Tonic after party at the Pawn Broker Bar and Rooftop Lounge. Tickets are $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included) through this link http://pbstation.com/2016/05/12/first-stop-collaboration-dinner/ PB Station in The Langford Hotel 121 SE 1st St., Miami, FL 33131 305-420-2205

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 19, 2016MiamiComment

RECAP: Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party

I find myself making the same statement over and over again when discussing the Miami food scene:

“This city has fundamentally changed in the last 5 years.”

You think that’s an overstatement? Look over the Miami New Times “Best of” list from 2011 here: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2011. With very few exceptions, the winners are either no longer or might not make a “best of” list in today’s competition.

By 2011, the foundational pieces of our current food scene had either started to gain critical momentum or were simply not even on the Miami radar.

Five years ago, Slow Food Miami had their first “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party. In April of 2016, they had their latest. Standing on the terrace of the very chic 1 Hotel South Beach, I felt both privileged to attend and staggered by the fact there were hundreds of us, in this gorgeous setting, celebrating farms and produce.

Miami? The same Miami that gets panned for habitually choosing style over substance? Yup, we’ve come a long way baby.

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 18, 2016Miami Beach, MiamiComment

Estrella Damm Chef's Choice: Downtown and Brickell

Estrella Damm, the only beer brewed in Barcelona, is bringing its Mediterranean flair and flavor to Miami with a special Chef’s Choice experience from May 14th-29th, featuring delicious 3 course meals prepared by 46 top chefs all over the city. With prices ranging from $30 to $70, each meal is paired with an ice cold Estrella Damm beer and an entrée featuring rice and are available only from May 14th – 29th.

Last week we were invited to join other food media to take a tour highlighting some of the participating spots around Brickell and Downtown Miami. We made four stops including COYA, Toro Toro , Tuyo and 1111 Peruvian Bistro. All of the chef’s creations were delicious with a Spanish flair and all very filling – you can expect to see us in some of these kitchens again very soon.

EventsAmber Love BondMay 17, 2016Brickell, Downtown, MiamiComment

The OBIEs: A Taste of South Florida on Friday May 20th

Come savor the flavors of South Florida at the OBIEs Food & Wine event, this Friday May 20th featuring unlimited samplings from over 30 of South Florida's top restaurants and food purveyors and an open bar. Every guest will also receive a complimentary gift bag!

James Beard Award-winning chef/restaurateur Michael Schwartz will headline as the Celebrity Chef for this year’s Orange Bowl Impact and Excellence Awards (The OBIEs): A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue, and healthy lifestyle crusader, author and James Beard Award-winning chef, Rocco DiSpirito, will make a celebrity chef guest appearance at the 2016 OBIES at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Chefs and restaurants from all over the South Florida area will be serving their best bites for a chance to be named Flavor of South Florida.

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 16, 2016Broward, MiamiComment

Harry's Pizzeria Fat Ham Pop Up on Tuesday May 17th

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 10, 2016Design District, MiamiComment

The Inaugural Brickell Restaurant Week is May 12-19

Brickell Living, locally based media and marketing company, hosted its inaugural Brickell Restaurant Week (BRW) May 12-19th with a special KickOff Event, at the beautiful 600 Brickell World Plaza in the heart of Brickell, Miami on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Twenty-five percent (25%) of all net proceeds from ticket sales were donated to their 2016 beneficiary, The Irie Foundation which was founded by DJ Irie in May 2011 to improve the lives of South Florida youth through education and extracurricular opportunities.

Celebrating the growth of dining options in the Brickell and Downtown area, Brickell Restaurant Week which runs from May 12- 19th, will feature special “prix fixe” lunch and/or dinner options at some of Downtown Miami’s newest restaurants such as Zest, EllEVEN Rooftop, Area 31, Marion Restaurant, Touche, American Social, Segafredo, Akoya and more.

Participating restaurants will offer a 3 course Prix Fixe option for lunch at $20 and for dinner at $35. (excluding alcohol, tax and gratuities). Several restaurants will also feature exclusive BRW Ketel One cocktails on their menus that are only available from May 12-19.

For more information and updated participating restaurants visit www.brickellrestaurantweek.com

( Information provided by Brickell Living and subject to change. Please confirm details ahead of time and always make reservations at participating restaurants )

EventsMIAbites TeamMay 9, 2016Brickell, MiamiComment

BRUNCH: Rise & Dine with SOBEWFF founder and author, Lee Brian Schrager

It is no secret that Miamians love their brunch…it may be the most popular weekend activity and for many the favorite meal of the week. Creative Miami chefs have made the weekend tradition so enticing that just making the decision of where to go on any given Saturday or Sunday is a challenge.

Well, this Sunday, that decision has been made for you!

Widely recognized for his creation of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, festival founder Lee Brian Schrager brings his hometown of Miami yet another foodie fête on Sunday, April 24 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Magic City Casino to celebrate the launch of his third cookbook, AMERICA’S BEST BREAKFASTS: Favorite Local Recipes from Coast to Coast (Clarkson Potter; On Sale: April 5, 2016).

Like Schrager’s SOBEWFF, which celebrated its 15th edition this past February, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

The AMERICA’S BEST BREAKFASTS FESTIVAL®, will feature more than 40 of Schrager’s favorite South Florida spots serving up sweet and savory ideations of the most “important” meal of the day. Curated with the support of local food authority Burger Beast, guests will enjoy some of the best eggs, pancakes, waffles, donuts, including a matzo brei from Chef Allen Susser for guests observing Passover, and more. Even McDonald’s will join the celebration, bringing the joy of All Day Breakfast to event-goers with an array of special surprises.

EventsMIAbites TeamApril 19, 2016MiamiComment