As Fourth of July weekend approaches, I find myself in a constant state of daydreaming about the Independence Day BBQ that we are hosting for family and friends in Tennessee. I just love a good party…the food, the fun, and the planning.
I know…it's weird, but I love to sit down with a stack of magazines and cookbooks, my moleskine journal, and a pencil to plan a party.
Planning and organization are the real recipes for a successful event, because I actually want to enjoy my friends and family at a party, not run around scrambling to figure out what else I forgot to do.
Here are some tips for throwing a Fourth of July BBQ that you and your guests will enjoy:
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For the past two and a half weeks Downtown Coral Gables has been celebrating their 9th Annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week. From June 6th to June 26th many Coral Gables restaurants have been offering special three-course menus for lunch and dinner. Their hope behind this exciting event is to allow you to taste your way through Coral Gables, giving you plenty of time to try new eateries and return to old favorites, all offering amazing prix-fixe menus at a discounted price.
This year the Taste of the Gables at the Westin Colonnade Hotel on June 2nd played part as the kick off event, where guests were able to sample mouth-watering and delectable dishes from Coral Gables Restaurant Week newcomers and veterans as they battle to win “Best Taste of the Gables.” For the second year in a row Bulla Gastrobar took home the crown.
Coral Gables Restaurant Week also hosted their 3rd annual Blogger’s Crawl featuring five different restaurants showcasing the best items available on their special menus.
The five stops were:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Pubbelly Boys kick off the 2nd Annual James Beard Foundation’s Blended Burger Project , which challenges chefs to create a “Better Burger” by blending chopped meat with mushrooms and other healthy ingredients. Chef Mendin brings his creative touch and unique sense of flavor through a menu of specialty burgers served every Wednesday from June 8 to July 27.
Each week the restaurant adds a special burger, created by a series of Miami “guest chefs”, who will appear in the restaurant on their special night.
$1 of all proceeds from the guest burgers will be donated to the James Beard Foundation initiative.
Chef Schedule as follows:
· Wednesday, June 8- Cari Garcia, Blogger, Fatgirl Hedonist
· Wednesday, June 15- DJ Irie with a recipe celebrating DJ Irie Weekend, June 23-25
· Wednesday, June 22- Lee Schrager, Founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival will helm the kitchen and personally prepare his SOBEWFF® Burger for customers
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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
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