Jorge and Irene Korge

More than 1,200 party animals, the human kind, united at the Zoological Society of Florida’s Annual Fundraiser, Feast with the Beasts at Miami’s Metro Zoo, where diners feasted on great food from over 40 top restaurants, (Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Gotham Steak, Kitchen 305, Town Kitchen and Bar) and open bars serving premium liquors keeping guests warm during the cool evening.  Belly dancers, fire dancers, and wild animal encounters delighted partygoers at every turn throughout the night.  The Miami Heat Dancers kicked off Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party that got everyone in the mood to burn off some calories and dance the night away.

 Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included Commissioners Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Sally Heyman, Katy Sorenson and County Manager George Burgess.  Broadcast news anchors: Dan Le Batard, Lissette Gonzalez, and Bob Mayer.

 For more information on future events visit www.miamimetrozoo.com.

Chef Colagreco

The W Hotel is known for its celebrity-packed parties and its over the top service, but recently we had the pleasure of enjoying an elegant luncheon hosted by Graffigna Wines of Argentina, featuring a beautiful (yes, the dishes were visually stunning) lunch prepared by world-renowned chef,  Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur located in Menton, on the Côte d Azur .  

With the aid of Victor Marcantoni, Graffigna’s enologist, each dish was paired with the perfect wine to best bring out its essence and flavors.

 The Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio 2009 was paired with the delectable oysters in a shallot cream with pears and garden cress and the giant prawns in an osetra caviar broth.

The Graffigna Grand Reserve Torrontes 2009, our personal favorite, was paired with scallops in cream with Vitelotte potatoes and Moroccan lemons. One of the prettiest and most delicious dishes we’ve had in some time.

Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec 2006 and the Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 complimented the pork belly with orange, lime, and wasabi.

The grand finale was  the ivoire chocolate millefeuille,   which we were unable to try.  If we ever find ourselves in Chef Colagreco‘s neighborhood in the lovely French Riviera, we’ ll make sure and drop by Mirazur for a taste of the decadent dessert.

Overall, the Graffigna luncheon was sensational, with a great mix of delicious wines and dishes and an interesting international crowd.  Graffigna Wines are available in select stores in Miami.  Colagreco is Graffigna’s chef ambassador as part of its commitment to “dare to be different” and based on the menu that I enjoyed and tasted they seem to be headed in the right direction.

The ninth annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival has come and gone, leaving the South Beach sand wine soaked, the air tinged with delicious aromas and our scales tilting in the wrong direction.  This year’s festival boasted an unprecedented number of events, with more than 50, 000 attendees, and over $2 million raised for the Florida International University (FIU) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.

The Amstel Light Burger Bash kicked -off the four day festival on Thursday night. Bobby Flay, Daniel Boulud, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, and Michael Symon all under one tent is any foodies dream, and this year’s carnivorous romp made that delectable dream come true as chefs from all around our nation battled it out to see who could come up with this year’s People’s Choice Award for “Best Burger.” The party, held in a giant tent behind the Ritz Carlton, was a blast, the cool weather adding to the already high-spirits of SBWFF lovers, who didn’t seem to mind the smoke and barbecue “fragrance” which permeated their lungs, hair and clothing.  Last Year’s defending champ, Spike Mendelsohn, wore a heavyweight championship belt, boxing trunks, robe and gloves and had the Rocky theme song blaring from his section, while serving his classic burger with American cheese and bacon on a soft bun accompanied with a cotton candy milk shake (yummy!).  Masaharu Morimoto’s burgers were rumored to be among the best, as evidenced by the line of people waiting that spanned the length of the tent.  The Iron Chef won for best “toppings” and was awarded a Tiffany Heinz Ketchup Bottle.  The 2010 People’s Choice Award winner was Michael Symon of B Spot and his Swiss, pastrami, and coleslaw burger (Pepcid, anyone?).  Former champ, Mendelsohn graciously handed over his heavyweight belt to Symon to solidify the win.  Our very own, Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food (who in our humble opinion makes the best burger in Miami) took top honors earning the Allen Brothers Golden Grill Award – the judge’s choice for best burger for his bacon cheeseburger on brioche with a side of crispy hominy with chili and lime. Other celeb-chefs spotted included Sandra Lee, Michael Chiarello, Sunny Anderson, Rocco DiSpirito, Jeff McInnis, Govind Armstrong, Tim Love, Carla Hall, Art Smith, Anne Burell, and Michael Schwartz among many others. The delightful dessert selections from Jeni’s Splendid Gourmet Ice Creams (almond brittle and Cocoa Zin and salty caramel-ooh la la!) and Levain Bakery’s 6 oz cookies (yes, almost half a pound) capped off a perfect evening. 

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 Situated in the heart of the Palms Hotel and Spa, Essensia is a jewel within a jewel.  Executive Chef Frank Jeannetti has created a four-course journey aptly named Jeannetti’s Indulgent Journeys: Culinary Creations from Farm to Table.  Known for his use of organic, sustainable, and seasonal components, Jeannetti’s menu embraces his culinary genius with locally grown ingredients; crafting a menu that is sure to please the palate.  The menu we sampled included heirloom tomato carpaccio with a micro green salad, poached Maine Lobster, pink peppercorn crusted prime beef tenderloin (my favorite) in a sensational Cabernet mushroom compote, and a citrus trio for dessert; a delicate Key Lime pudding cake.  Read the rest of this entry »

Stephanie March and Bobby Flay

It’s no secret that the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SBWFF) is taking over Miami, specifically South Beach this weekend.  What the World Series is to baseball fans, the SBWFF is to eaters everywhere.  Foodies have been revving up their taste buds since the last crumb was consumed at the end of SBWFF 2009, some wishing they had four stomachs like the bovines.  Well it’s back so prepare for an influx of culinary gastro fiends to invade our turf and enjoy the chef-lebrity sightings.  Here is a run down to help you organize your week as you prepare your medicine cabinet with antacids and digestive aids to get you through.

On Thursday, February 25, Rachael Ray will be hosting the Amstel Light Burger Bash at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.  The festivities take place from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., where guests get the chance to vote for their favorite burger. Defending 2009 Burger Bash People’s Choice Award Winner, Spike Mendelsohn, (Washington, D.C.), will be fighting to keep his title.  Making its competitive debut this year is New York City’s critically acclaimed Bill’s Bar & Burger with Chef Brett Reichler at the grill.  Also joining the Bash, are heavy hitters Bobby Flay, Marcus Samuelsson, Stephanie Izard, and Masaharu Morimoto just to name a few. A portion of the VIP preview reception proceeds will benefit Rachael Ray’s nonprofit Yum-o!® Foundation.

 On Friday afternoon, the honorable Pierre Vimont, French Ambassador to the United States, will officially open the “Celebrate France!” tent during Wine Spectator’s Trade Day.  The ribbon cutting will take place at 12:30 p.m. on 13^th and Ocean, giving the phrase “Viva la France!” a whole new meaning.   Food Network star Sunny Anderson, the Cooking for Real host, will also be appearing at the VIVA booth from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

Culinary forces unite to help Haiti.  From Monday, February 1, through Sunday, February  7 .  Twenty of South Florida’s finest  restaurants,  and U.S. Fund for UNICEF, will be participating together in an effort to send relief to Haiti.  Diners will be given the option to contribute funds by adding their donation onto their checks.

 Participating restaurants include:  Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami, Café Sambal at Mandarin Oriental Miami, Eos at the Viceroy, The Grill at The Setai,  The Grill on the Alley, Jaguar Ceviche, La Marea at The Tides, Lime Fresh Grill, Luna Corner Pizza, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Michy’s, Ortanique, Perricone’s,  Red the Steakhouse,Quattro, The Restaurant at The Setai, Solea at W South Beach, SRA. Martinez, Talavera Cocina Mexicana, Talula, Two Chefs, and Wish at The Hotel restaurants. For more information, please contact Susan Brustman or Larry Carrino at Bustman Carrion Public Relations, 305.573.0658 or BCPR@brustmancarrinopr.com.

SUSHISAMBA,  Sunny Isle’s Kitchen 305, Miami Beach’s Café Prima Pasta, LUCKY STRIKE, MAYA Tapas and Grill, and MORENA will also be collecting donations for Haitian relief to assist the American Red Cross. Patrons will be able to add contributions on their checks, as well.  One hundred percent of the proceeds collected will be  donated for relief supplies and  financial resources to aide the victims of this devastating tragedy. For more information, please contact Abbi Johnson at  www.Treskoipr.com.