Because life's too short to eat bad food.

Epic Night of Food & Drink with Jamie DeRosa, Brandon Baltzley and Jeremiah Bullfrog

stefandshar — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:26:02 +0000

On Monday May 20th, three badass chefs will unite for an epic evening of food and drink when Tongue & Cheek’s Jamie DeRosa joins forces with CRUX’s master chef Brandon Baltzley and GastroPod’s Jeremiah Bullfrog. The chefs have created a unique seven-course menu, accompanied by cocktail pairings, to showcase the innovative, technique-driven cuisine each chef is known for. I’ve eaten Jamie and Jeremiah’s food separately, but combine it with Baltzley’s artistic, concept-driven style and you have a rockstar menu. Baltzley will also be selling and signing copies of his Bourdain-esque book, Nine Lives: A Chef’s Journey from Chaos to Control. Its ridiculously good, trust me. Its rare to see such an awesome collaboration of culinary talent in an intimate setting. This dinner is not to be missed.

To purchase tickets, email miamichowdown@gmail.com.

Eating House: Take 10

stefandshar — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:04:35 +0000

There’s no denying my love for Eating House. Other restaurants have come and gone, moving up and down my Top 10 list the second the food turns from delicious to mediocre. Eating House, however, has maintained its throne for a while. Since losing its “pop-up” shtick and turning into a brick-and-mortar restaurant, these guys have been killing it with the food. Sticking with a static menu has allowed them to hone their skills, perfecting each dish and making it better than the last time you had it. Last Friday, my friend and I embarked on a food journey at Eating House that involved stuffing out faces til our pants no longer fit comfortably and making inappropriate sounds at the pasta. Great success.

We started with salt roasted beets with citrus, violet, and buttermilk. The description, however, doesn’t even begin to capture the flavor harmony happening on this plate. The sweet, tender beets contrast the crunchy salt molecules, tangy buttermilk drops, and delicate flowers and herbs. Its creative, ethereal, aesthetically pleasing, and more importantly, tasty as hell. It is a beautiful take on the classic beet and goat cheese salad.

Giorgio has become notorious for his chicken & foie-ffle dish. Rightfully so. The candied bacon and maple ranch dressing adds that sweet and salty combination that will blow your mind. The fried chicken, never fatty and always perfectly golden brown, is best when dipped in the syrupy sauce. My friend, an Eating House virgin and non-pork eater, audibly moaned while eating the candied bacon. I was partly embarrassed, but mostly proud.

The carbonara. This mother f-ing carbonara. It. Will. Change. Your. Life. If you don’t like this plate of house-made pappardelle with a runny egg, hints of truffle, mountains of microplaned parmesan, and toasted breadcrumbs, I don’t need you in my life. My friend, the newfound carnivore, actually said “I wish you weren’t here so I could eat this by myself.” Selfish carnivore. This secret ingredient in this dish is, undoubtedly, umami. The underlying saltiness from the egg, bacon, and cheese combine to form that inexplicable fifth flavor, leaving a savory, balanced note lingering on your taste buds. If you had carbonara at Eating House when it first opened, this one is different. Its better, in every way. Go back and order it. Trust your girl.

We also had the Korean BBQ brussels sprouts with a 64 degree egg and crispy egg noodles. When in doubt, put an egg on it. No pictures because, well, we’re savages and ate it too quickly. This was a solid winner, albeit a bit salty, likely from the soy sauce and a heavy hand of hoisin. (Say that 5 times fast). They’re smokey and sweet, yet still maintain the texture and inherently grassy tang of the sprout in its purest form. If you didn’t like Brussels sprouts before, these will become your new favorite food. You will crave them.

Poached pears with pear caramel, shortbread, and vanilla. I hate to gush (actually, I don’t care), but these were tasty little morsels. I didn’t really get why all the crumbs, powder, and crackers were hiding the beautifully poached pears. Then, I took a big spoonful and it made sense. The whole was better than the sum of its parts. Scoop a little pear, a little ice cream, and a little shortbread crumble for the perfect bite. It was comforting and rich in the same way a hot cup of apple cider with a cinnamon stick warms your innards and makes you all tingly inside. Order this for dessert, its quite tasty.

I saved this photo for last because, well, its gorgeous. I know Giorgio is a badass with his graffiti art, tattoos, and Biggie jams, but the man plates pretty. And he owns it. Swag. Although the passion fruit was noticeably absent, the lychee gel cubes were a pleasant surprise amongst the crushed ice and mint. It had a little too much crunchy ice and not enough substance to make this a must order but they just got a new shaved ice machine that will, no doubt, take this to another level. I will be back for it.

Food Porn Friday: Joe’s Stone Crabs

stefandshar — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:01:19 +0000

As season comes to an end (tear, tear), this week’s food porn features the sweet, tender, extra large stone crabs notoriously served at Joe’s, where simplicity is at its finest. Sunday nights at this 4th generation Miami establishment have become a family tradition. We order the same meal every weekend: grilled tomatoes, coleslaw, chopped salad, fried sweets (the thick ones, obviously), and onion rings. Those crunchy, salty onion rings. Oh how I’ll miss thee. I’ll even miss the brief moment of fear that my hair will get caught when the tuxedo-clad waiters adorn my neck with a plastic bib. No matter how many ice cold crustaceans we devour, there’s always, unsurprisingly, room for dessert. Warm, crispy apple pie a la mode. Tangy, crumbly key lime pie. The rich, chocolatey brownie with vanilla bean ice cream. My dad’s unapologetic tone when he orders all three. See ya next year, Joe’s.

Mother’s Day Dining

stefandshar — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:43:59 +0000

I’ve been getting tons of requests for Mother’s Day dining suggestions, so below is a compiled list of great brunch/dinner options at some of my favorite restaurants around town. The menus provided are directly from the restaurants themselves because, well, nothing’s worse than getting surprised with an exorbitant prix-fixe price when you sit down and expect an a la carte meal. I speak from experience when I got slammed with a $30 plate of eggs in New York at brunch on Easter because I was unaware of the “special” holiday pricing. Take a gander at the delish menus some of Miami’s best chefs have created in recognition that Mother’s Day should be one of relaxation, unlimited mimosas, and, best of all, no dishes.
Miami’s most buzzed about eatery at the newly renovated Gale South Beach, Dolce Italian, is celebrating moms with a classic, four-course Italian Mother’s Day menu on Sunday. Start off with delectable appetizer options including Prosciutto Melone or traditional Pea Soup served with croutons and ricotta. Next enjoy house made pastas in honor of mom like Ravioli della Mamma – spinach, ricotta, butter and sage or Lasagna alla Bolognese. Mainplate offerings include Orata al Forno – roasted dorade served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables or Veal Scaloppini Principessa – potato puree, asparagus gratin and lemon sauce. End the night with the your choice of a signature Italian dolce including Tiramisu – mascarpone, lady fingers and cocoa powder or Torta della Nona – Italian cheesecake, raisin almond crust and honey.

The Dutch at W South Beach wants to spoil your mom with a special Mother’s Day Brunch for the whole family. Chef de cuisine Conor Hanlon’s roots-inspired American prix-fix brunch offers diners a delicious three-course menu, and an endless amount of celebratory champagne and bloody Mary’s to sip on. The brunch menu will be served on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., $80 per adult and $45 per child. First course offerings include a choice of Warm Potato Latke with smoked salmon, dill, red onion, lemon crème fraiche; Heirloom Tomato Salad – local burrata, watercress, aged balsamic; classic corvina ceviche with celery and Fresno chile; Homemade Granola Parfait with seasonal berries and yogurt; Poached White Asparagus on brioche toast with bruleed blue cheese and soft herbs or Field Greens Salad – shaved garden vegetables and lemon vin. Next, diners can select their entrée of choice among mouthwatering options such as The Dutch Burger with secret sauce and crispy fries; Soft Scramble with paddlefish caviar, tobiko, furikaki and scallion; soft poached eggs with homemade biscuit, blue crab, chipotle hollandaise and cilantro; Formaggi Ravioli with artichoke, olive and zucchini in a spicy tomato sauce; seared sea scallops with basil polenta, pepperonata and pine nuts or roast chicken with wild rice and quinoa and dill yogurt dressing. A decadent dessert table prepared by acclaimed pastry chef, Joshua Gripper, will be available at the end of the meal for diners to indulge in.

For a relaxing and delicious brunch, bring mom to one of my favorite new brunch spots: Oak Tavern. The innovative small plate, neighborhood tavern in the Miami Design District invites moms to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or bubbling mimosa this Mother’s Day paired with brunch. On Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. diners can relax and enjoy the restaurant’s newly launched brunch menu that has garnered rave reviews from foodies and writers alike. Enjoy menu favorites such as shrimp & grits served with slab maple bacon, poached egg and tomato-chile gravy; coconut-crusted French toast topped with maple butter and mixed berries; blueberry pancakes served with vanilla-orange butter and maple whipped cream. Egg dishes range from The Basic (two eggs & toast); jumbo lump Blue crab served with fingerling potato hash and topped with two fried eggs, spinach and beet relish; and “Shakshuka” a Middle eastern dish featuring wood oven baked eggs, tomato stew, and sheep’s milk feta, with grilled bread to mop it all up.

Toro Toro is celebrating Mother’s Day with a memorable Sunday Brunch. Renowned Chef Richard Sandoval will be offering unlimited, signature cocktails including pisco sour, margarita, caipirinha, mojito, mimosa or michelada; Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut and Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne by the glass; and an endless array of small plates, along with a selection of grilled meats cooked to perfection. DJ Tavin will be on-site spinning and mixing tracks for guests to enjoy. The Mother’s Day Brunch menu will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and priced at $49 per person including unlimited cocktails and champagne. On the menu, cold small plates include Toro Toro’s innovative caramelized bacon guacamole; smoked swordfish dip; lobster tiradito; jumbo lump crab ceviche, and more. A selection of hot small plates will also be offered such as pulled pork enchiladas and fried egg; chorizo arepa benedict; smoked salmon media noche and fried egg; pan dulce con cajeta and ancho chocolate sauce, among others. From the rodizio, a sizzling array of churrasco will be offered family-style for the entire table to indulge in.

BLT Steak, Miami’s chic, modern American steakhouse located inside the iconic Betsy Hotel, is offering diners a delicious prix-fixe blackboard dinner menu to celebrate Mother’s Day. This special three-course feast is available on Sunday, May 12, 2013 and will be priced at $60 per person; tax and gratuity not included. Menu items will be available for purchase a la carte as well. Appetizer selections include Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Salad – avocado, cucumber, micro watercress and yuzu dijonnaise ($16); zucchini blossoms – squash, eggplant, house made ricotta and parmesan emulsion ($14). Entrée offerings available include spiny lobster served with oyster mushroom tortellini and cherry tomato romesco ($38); orp Prime filet served with foie gras butter and truffle maderia sauce ($56) (prix-fixe supplement $10); paired with mouthwatering side selections like mac and cheese – white cheddar, black truffle and bacon crust ($10) or Paradise Farms malabar spinach served with kale, spring garlic and Meyer lemon zest ($12). To end the evening with a sweet treat, enjoy either a Ginger Berry Float – ginger ale, raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry sorbet ($10) or dark chocolate bon bons with nougat, salted caramel and ganache ($10).

Kick back and relax this Mother’s Day at SUGARCANE raw bar grill, Midtown’s favorite neighborhood hot spot. On Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the talented executive chef, Timon Balloo, and regional pastry chef, Jill Montinola, are offering diners an array of sweet and savory Mother’s Day brunch dishes, along with their regular, inventive menu of artisanal cocktails and eclectic small plates. To celebrate mom, guests can indulge in a selection of specials including crispy oyster served with greens salad and citrus vinaigrette, poached Maine lobster offered with celery root slaw and brioche; stewed shrimp eggs benedict – sun dried tomato hollandaise sauce; farro hash served with farm egg and pancetta; and white chocolate raspberry bundt cake accompanied by lavender crème fraîche.

On Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Miami’s culinary, cultural phenomenon, SUSHISAMBA Miami Beach, invites guests to celebrate Mother’s Day with a special a-la-carte Mother’s Day Brunch menu packed with exotic, flavorful cuisine. One of Miami’s top Brazilian bossa nova bands will be on-site playing classic Samba tunes for all to enjoy.

Start off the celebration by treating the guest of honor to a drink in her name – Mom’s Sambatini – plum sake, vodka, guava, lime, blackberry, topped off with Zonin prosecco ($12). Savory selections include Churrasco and Eggs – grilled hanger steak, red chimichurri, organic eggs any style, potato and mizuna salad ($18); Lobster Eggs Benedict – miso-yuzu hollandaise ($18); King Crab Cake Benedict – Sriracha hollandaise and ikura ($18); South American Frittata – lingüiça, asparagus, heart of palm, manchego cheese ($14); Shrimp and Polenta – organic poached egg , manchego ($16); Samba Cobb Salad – slow-cooked chicken, organic egg, apple smoked bacon, avocado, wasabi ranch

dressing ($14); Wagyu Sliders – aji panca ketchup, shredded lettuce, tomato atop a sesame brioche ($16); Smoked Fish Plate – white fish, salmon, trout, homemade bagel chip ($15); and King Crab and Palmito Salad – papaya, passionfruit vinaigrette, candied cashew ($22). For those with a sweet tooth, this dessert menu can’t be topped. Specialty pastry dishes include doce de leite French toast served with fresh berries and sesame whipped cream; housemade quinoa waffles – kuromitsu and vanilla-cinnamon butter; warm Churros served with spiced caramel and Peruvian chocolate dipping sauce; yuzu yogurt parfait – blueberry-mochi granola, sake gelée, blueberry foam and kuromitsu biscuits.

Scarpetta will host an Italian-inspired buffet style brunch priced at $79 per person, including unlimited Bloody Marys, bellinis and mimosas; $37.50 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children under 4. Menu highlights include appetizer, carving, pasta and dessert stations featuring: assorted antipasti, Selection of Italian meats and cheeses, sirloin of beef, spaghetti and duck & foie gras ravioli.

If you are spending Mother’s Day in Broward, The Grateful Palate, is opening its doors from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for a specialty a la carte brunch menu filled with flavorful sweet and savory dishes that the whole family will enjoy.

Start off with a selection of global appetizers including blinis with honey truffle butter and maple syrup; mini ham and cheese empanada with roasted tomatillo salsa; charred wedge salad – baby iceberg, crispy figs, crumbled blue cheese and mandarin vinaigrette; Heirloom tomato & fresh mozzarella stack; and shrimp cocktail martini with a spicy cocktail sauce.

Mouthwatering mainplate offerings include Crab Cake Eggs Benedict ($16); grilled hanger steak with truffle poached eggs and frites; goat cheese and spinach frittata with mesclun salad; Belgium pancake stack with fresh berries, dulce de leche and whipped cream; salmon tartare with alfalfa sprouts; Poor Man’s Wagyu Burger – two fried eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese and served with onion rings and Grateful Palate Signature Cobb salad – grilled chicken, eggs, golden beets, bacon, avocado and cherry tomato. A special children’s menu will also be available including Grilled Cheese served with fries ($8); chicken fingers served with yuca fries ($8); and Pancakes with sausage, eggs and potato hash ($8). Decadent dessert options available include the signature Grateful Sundae Indulgence ($8); milk chocolate cheesecake with dark chocolate ice cream ($10); and deconstructed key lime pie ($7).

Food Porn Friday: Cinco de Mayo Margarita Recipes

stefandshar — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:45:21 +0000

Staycation: Sense Beach House

stefandshar — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:46:48 +0000

I’ve been getting the travel itch lately, but between work and overpriced airfare, venturing outside Florida has become increasingly difficult. Luckily, Miami is within driving distance to some of the prettiest beaches and vacation spots in Florida. With summer right around the corner, its the perfect excuse to explore local, boutique hotels and immerse yourself in the surrounding restaurants and culture. Sense Beach House is the perfect place to escape for a weekend staycation, and in my case, only requires crossing the Macarthur Causeway.

Located on Ocean Drive, with its rooftop pool overlooking South Beach, this charming little gem oozes relaxation. Guests can bounce back and forth between the beach and the pool or, in my case, just post up at the pool all day with a cocktail in hand. No sand, no shlepping beach chairs, no men in spandex.

The Local House is the on-site, nautical-themed restaurant, featuring Mediterranean and Latin-inspired cuisine. the plush chairs, flickering candles, and mirrored bar creates a Hamptons-esque feel. The food is surprisingly impressive, with dishes like black seafood risotto, lamb sliders, octopus carpaccio, and goat cheese croquettes with spicy guava cream. The bartender has created a stellar drink menu, with specialties like “Down the Rabbit Hole” (Scotch, raspberries, fresh mint, ginger ale, sugar) and “Beyond Good and Evil” (rum, Triple Sec, jalapeno, lime, passion fruit).

Black Seafood Risotto with shrimp, calamari, piquillo peppers and sweet peas

Goat Cheese Croquettes

Lamb Sliders on soft brioche rolls with feta, piquillo peppers, sprouts and indian tomato confit [Photo credit: Thrillist]

Octopus Carpaccio with chorizo dust, fried capers, heirloom tomato, orange segments and lemon aioli [Photo credit: Thrillist]

The rooms are gorgeous as well, with two different color palettes depending on your mood.

Blue Room

Sand Room

Vacations don’t have to entail weeks of planning, tons of money, or dealing with airport security lines. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, girls’ retreat, or just a few days to decompress, Sense Beach House is the perfect spot to hide out for the weekend and rediscover the perks of living driving distance from South Beach. And you won’t even need to measure your liquids into plastic baggies.

Meet Miami Cocktail Company

stefandshar — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:51:48 +0000

Miami weather has been absolutely perfect lately, with long, sunny days, and rain-free nights. In essence, the perfect day drinking environment. With beach body season just around the corner, however, long gone are the days of high-calorie margarita mixes and sugary, frozen Miami Vices. Sob. Thankfully, I’ve discovered a new, local cocktail company serving up 99.9% natural bottled beverages, with zero carbs, zero sugar, and only 37 calories per serving (the caloric equivalent of sipping a vodka soda). Meet your new, summer best friend: Miami Cocktail Company. I recently met up with the guys behind Miami Cocktail Company at Vintage Liquors in Midtown to learn about (and taste test) their new products.

Simon Benstead & Ross Graham [Photo credit: Short Order]

These guys are redefining the cocktail industry with the launch of Miami Cocktail Company’s guilt-free, artisanal cocktail line. For the bottles, they chose a vertical design and retro theme, paying tribute to Miami’s 1950s’ Art Deco era. Although the bottles are hand-held and appear slim, they contain 15% premium top-shelf alcohol liquor, so beware. In addition to being low-cal, the premium cocktails are sodium- and gluten-free, with no additives, preservatives or artificial flavors. I sampled the company’s first ready-to-serve, currently available cocktails: Piña Colada and Old Time Sweet Tea. I also got a sneak peak at their next flavor: Classic Margarita.

My favorite was the tropical, coconut water-based Piña Colada, which I didn’t want to put down. I actually poured myself another glass when I got home and managed to get a healthy buzz after one drink. Success. The Sweet Tea was reminiscent of polo matches, croakies, and a hint of seersucker pants. The flavors were nicely balanced, and the vodka definitely added a kick at the end. I loved the Classic Margarita as well, and appreciated the company’s goal of “keeping it local” with key limes. The common denominator among each drink was that the liquor was the star and the flavor steered clear from the cloying sweetness typically associated with bottled cocktails. The bottles are perfect for poolside drinking, girl’s nights, or even those times when you need a stiff drink, but don’t feel like pulling out the cocktail shaker.

Sweet Tea

Classic Margarita

For an extra homemade touch, the guys suggest squeezing a fresh lemon over the Old Time Sweet Tea and pouring the Piña Colada into a clear pitcher over ice, with fresh pineapple and a few cherries. In addition to the Margarita, Miami Cocktail Company will soon be rolling out additional flavors like passion fruit caipirinha, cherry margarita, classic mojito, and pink lemonade.

The bottled beverages retail for $14.99 and are available across Miami at Vintage Liquors, with national distribution planned for this spring.

BLT Steak at the Betsy Hosts Jack Daniels Whiskey Dinner

stefandshar — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:41:27 +0000

On Thursday May 9 at 7 p.m., one of my favorite Miami restaurants, BLT Steak at the Betsy, will host a special whiskey dinner featuring the venerable Jack Daniels Brand’s product line. The four-course feast, created by BLT Steak chef de cuisine Matt Ratcliffe, will pair courses with sipping whiskeys. Beforehand, guests will gather in the Betsy’s exclusive and beautiful B Bar space for hors d’oeuvres and the featured cocktail of the evening, the “Papa Double Rye”. Michael J. Ring, the Jack Daniels Whiskey brand champion, will be on hand to discuss the nuances and details of the brand’s signature spirits being served: unaged Tennessee Rye Jack Daniels; Tennessee Honey Whiskey; Gentleman Jack; Jack Daniels Tennessee sour mash whiskey, and Jack Daniels single barrel. I bet the honey whiskey will pair beautifully with BLT’s insanely delicious, golden brown popovers. The menu follows:

Pass Around

Local cobia sashimi / pickled fennel / pistachio / grapefruit emulsion

Jackman Ranch Wagyu tartare / grapefruit / dill crème fraiche / toasted coriander seed

“Papa Double Rye” Cocktail

2 oz Jack Daniels unaged Tennessee Rye, ¾ oz fresh lime juice,

½ oz fresh grapefruit juice, ½ oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

1st course

Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey glazed pig ear / wild cherry tomatoes /

Paradise Farms baby greens / chow chow

Jack Daniels Tennessee honey whiskey

2nd course

Oak smoked scallops / Vidalia onion puree / Granny Smith apple and pecan gremolata

Gentleman Jack

3rd course

Sweet tea marinated Muscovy duck breast / pickled Georgia peaches

braised local mustard greens / whiskey jus

Jack Daniels Tennessee sour mash whiskey

Dessert

Chocolate torte / vanilla brown butter ice cream / sour cherries

Jack Daniels single barrel whiskey

Food Porn Friday: Coconut Crusted French Toast at Oak Tavern

stefandshar — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:28:05 +0000

What makes this French toast food porn-worthy? Rum caramel? Chocolate sauce? Caramelized bananas? House-made whipped cream? Yes. All of the above. The french toast itself was crispy on the outside and warm and custardy in the middle. The heat from the brioche melted the chocolate, sending it streaming down into the pool of maple syrup. The caramelized bananas melted in my mouth. As long as Oak Tavern is 10 minutes away, I’ll forever forgo cooking French toast at home.

The chicken and waffles with maple hot sauce and the pork belly eggs benedict were equally as scrumptious. Enjoy these photos and drool accordingly.

Chicken & Waffles with maple hotsauce and slaw

Before: buttermilk biscuits, crispy pork belly, kale, hollandaise, and smoked pimento

…and after

VERITAGEMiami

stefandshar — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:07:34 +0000

The United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival is marking its 18th year in a big way – by changing its name to VERITAGEMIAMI and bringing in one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, Daniel Boulud, to headline the four-day event, April 17 – 20, 2013. The new name reflects the evolution of the event, which over time has become much more than simply a food and wine festival.

“VERITAGEMIAMI is where food, wine and friends come together for a greater purpose with uncompromising quality and fun,” said Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade. “VERITAGEMIAMI is the place to be for people who enjoy great wine and food experiences, engaging with one another and doing good for the community.”

Bringing added excitement to this year’s festival is Chef Daniel Boulud who will be the featured chef at the popular Friday, April 19 interactive dinner taking place at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami; home of Boulud’s Miami outpost of db Bistro Moderne. Chef Boulud will guide more than 600 guests in the preparation of a three-course meal at their tables.

Daniel Boulud

On Wednesday, April 17, Wynwood Walls in the Wynwood Arts District will house a craft beer tasting. With vibrant murals as the backdrop for the evening, guests will “tap” into nearly 100 craft beers and micro-brews at dozens of tasting stations. Along with the brew, guests will sample bites from some of Miami’s top restaurants including Bloom, City Hall, the Daily Melt, Joe’s Stone Crab, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Oak Tavern, Pride and Joy, Shake Shack, Timó, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, among many others.

On Thursday, April 18, the Village of Merrick Park hosts a Fine Wine Tasting. While the event returns to a familiar location, this year’s edition offers many new elements. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chianti from La Cacchiatora. Adjacent to registration, guests will find the Domeniul Coroanei Segarcea “piazza” where the winery will pour its award-winning wines from VeritageMiami’s 2012 “Best in Glass Wine Challenge” among other treats. The garden area will be transformed into a Martini & Rossi lounge in celebration of the brand’s 150th anniversary and feature the music of Spam All-Stars. At the Celebrity Cruises’ kiosk, guests will have the opportunity to create their own custom spice rub. Lining San Lorenzo Avenue will be more than 65 wine producers and importers displaying a collection of 300 wines from around the world, as well as top restaurants and caterers including Brasserie Central, Edge Steak & Bar, George’s Restaurant, Sawa, Trulucks, Tuyo, and many more.

For more information, visit http://www.veritagemiami.com or http://www.facebook.com/veritagemiami or follow us at http://www.twitter.com/veritagemiami.