The vibrant city of Miami Beach, known for its stunning beaches, art deco architecture, and lively nightlife, offers a myriad of exciting events throughout the year. One event that stands out among the rest, especially for seafood enthusiasts like myself, is the SoBe Seafood Festival. This year the event took place from October 18th to the 21^st.

Attending this festival was an unforgettable experience, filled with delicious dishes, live music, and a picturesque seaside setting.

The SoBe Seafood Festival takes place every year in the heart of Miami Beach, at the beautiful South Beach. With its sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees, South Beach provides a perfect backdrop for a seafood festival. The festival’s location, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Drive, couldn’t be more fitting for a celebration of all thing’s seafood.

As I arrived at the festival grounds, the sound of live music and the tantalizing aroma of grilled seafood filled the air. The festival featured numerous tents and stalls showcasing the culinary talents of local and celebrity chefs. The variety of seafood dishes on offer was simply astounding. From succulent lobster tails to mouthwatering oysters and perfectly seasoned crab claws, there was something for every seafood lover.

Of course, the real star of the show at the SoBe Seafood Festival was the food. I had the pleasure of sampling a wide array of delectable dishes, each with its unique twist on seafood.

While enjoying these scrumptious dishes, I sipped on ice-cold beverages, including craft beers, cocktails, and wines that complemented the seafood beautifully. It was a perfect way to beat the Miami heat.

Aside from the food, the SoBe Seafood Festival also offered a diverse lineup of live music, interactive games, and opportunities to meet the chefs and seafood experts. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of locals and tourists coming together to celebrate their love for seafood.

Attending the SoBe Seafood Festival was a culinary adventure I won’t soon forget. It combined some of my favorite things: fresh seafood, stunning beach views, and a festive atmosphere. The diverse selection of dishes, the opportunity to interact with renowned chefs, and the live entertainment made it a true seafood lover’s paradise.

If you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable Miami Beach experience, mark your calendar for the next SoBe Seafood Festival. It’s a gastronomic journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with unforgettable memories by the sea.

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you Delicious Wishes, xo

Denise

The post A Seafood Lover’s Paradise: My SoBe Seafood Festival Experience appeared first on Savor Our City.

Today’s blog post comes from one of Savor Our City’s very own, Emily Shea.

Food halls are one of the fastest-growing dining trends of the last decade— and for good reason! Originating in Europe and Asia, the food hall trend has reached the states and has proven to be ever-popular. Picture an elevated food-court concept, offering a diverse array of cuisine and cultures.

The Time Out Market in Miami is one such food hall, located in a unique and modern building on the corner of Drexel Avenue. In 2019, the 17,000-square-foot hall was launched with space for 17 kitchens, 3 bars, a demo kitchen, and a video wall. Since it’s opening, Time Out Market has opened food halls in Chicago, Montreal, New York, and Boston.

In 2020, Time Out Market Miami closed due to Covid. They reopened a year later with expanded seating and restaurant space. Although some restaurants had to pack up shop during the closure, many new restaurants have opened up in their place. Here are some of the dining options available to you during a visit to Time Out Market Miami:

Azucar – Homemade Cuban Ice Cream

Benito’s Cafecito – Coffee & Pastries

Chick’N Jones – Modern Fried Chicken

Clyde’s Caribbean – Trinidadian Cuisine

King Patty’s – Jamaican Cuisine and Patties

La Santa Taqueria – Tacos & Quesadillas

Lur – Spanish Tapas & Basque Gastronomy

Necessary Purveyor – Artisanal Sandwiches

Pho Mo – Vietnamese Cuisine by Phuc Yeah

Plants & Bowls – Salads, Smoothies, & Bowls

Square Pie City – Detroit-style Pizza

Yu Me – Japanese Cuisine by Chef Hiro-San

33 Kitchen – Peruvian Cuisine by Sebastian Fernandez

In addition to the restaurants listed above, a full-service bar sits in the center of the market. A booth called “Tunes” features live artists, musicians, and DJ’s most nights of the week. The wide array of food and drinks available is guaranteed to make Time Out Market a must-visit while dining in Miami. It’s a great place to try a bunch of different dishes, often prepared by up-and-coming chefs who can’t yet afford their own brick & mortar restaurant. So, if you’re interested in trying something new, Time Out Market is the place to go!

Parking is available in an attached garage. Be sure to save your receipt from the Market, as a parking discount is offered to all who patronize the hall. Dogs are welcome in the large outdoor seating area at the Market.

Time Out Market is open everyday starting at 12pm and closes at 10pm (11pm on Fri and Sat eves).

You can visit their website for more info.

Until we eat (and drink) again…

We send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post A Break From The Norm: A Look Inside Time Out Market Miami appeared first on Savor Our City.

As a second generation native South Floridian, born and raised in Miami, I have seen a huge transformation in Miami, and in particular, Miami Beach. When we were young, I fondly remember riding on the long stretch of road that connected the main land to the beach; this was an indication that we were getting close to Great Grandmother’s.My Great Grandparents (Bessie & Frank) were direct descendants from Russia, a cute couple, each standing about 5′ tall. I don’t remember Frank too much as he died before Bessie, but my Great Grandma lived until the ripe ol’ age of 106. (She received two letters from the President of the time congratulating her on making it to a 100 years!) Back in that time, Collins Ave/Ocean Drive was lined with condos occupied by the senior community. You would find many of them just hanging out in rocking chairs on the front porches. That was until the developers stepped in and the gentrification process officially took off. Today, the landscape is one of youth and vibrancy. The hip, chic place with plenty of nightlife to keep you busy until the wee hours.

I received an email inviting me come taste A Fish Called Avalon, Located in the iconic Avalon Hotel on Ocean Drive, the setting offers an authentic, sophisticated South Beach experience. Many locals tend to have an impression that dining out in South Beach is for tourists, but I’m here to dispel that belief right here and now, at least when it comes to A Fish Called Avalon.  Now in it’s 30th year, this marks quite a milestone in the restaurant world. Fun fact: this time-tested landmark had been the back drop for the 1983 film, Scarface.

TIME-HONORED SEAFOOD TRADITION IN MIAMI BEACH

A Fish Called Avalon is a legend in South Beach. For nearly 30 years, they have been serving up the freshest seafood and delivering an exceptional dining experience to all who partake. The superb cuisine, relaxed Ocean Drive setting, and impeccable service have been delighting diners for nearly three decades.

Garnering attention for its superb seafood cuisine, impeccable hospitality and intimate setting, the restaurant is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Chef Kal & A Fish Called Avalon offer a seafood-dominated menu with tropical influences using the very best local and seasonal ingredients delivered daily.  Each item shines with a variety of unique presentation and flavors.

Chef prepared a wonderful selection of tastings for my Product Development Manager, Annette and I to taste. We sat on the lovely terrace and it was a beautiful night. Annette and I enjoyed every morsel. Our taste buds were literally (well ok, figuratively) jumping up and down in joy! While I really liked everything that was placed in front of us, I thought the Bang Bang Shrimp were very unique here and were a definite stand out for me. The Macadamia Nut crusted snapper was another nice surprise for me. I am a huge fan of octopus when cooked right and Chef did an outstanding job with this as well. The presentation on the paella was top notch and packed full of fruits from the sea.

Great people-watching spot!

“Over the Top Candy Crafted Cocktail- The Lollipop Mojito” Travel Channel

Sampler of grilled octopus, Bang Bang Shrimp and Diver Scallop

Crab crusted grouper

Sea Salt Crusted Branzino

Spinach risotto

Seafood paella made with orzo

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée made with Pistachio Maple Syrup Tuile, Fresh Berries

Tempting appetizers like the Bang Bang Shrimp and Orzo Seafood Paella for a main course are perfect for a romantic date night to evoke Mediterranean memories. The menu also offers prime and dry-aged steaks, organic chicken, and vegetarian-friendly options each with a perfect complement from the extensive award-winning wine list. Delectable desserts end the evening on a sweet note.

A Fish Called Avalon Accolades

Top 10 Best Restaurants and Best Outdoor Dining Winner in South Florida by OpenTable reviewers.

Ranked 30 of 787 Restaurants in Miami Beach TripAdvisor

A Fish Called Avalon is perfect for romantic dinners, a family affair, or a night out on the town. I can’t wait to go back and hope that I have inspired you to want to check it out as well. Pro tip: Diners can park in the parking garage conveniently located at the corner of 7th and Collins.

For more info on the restaurant, please click here to visit their website:

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post A Fish Called Avalon appeared first on Savor Our City.

Today’s post is a two-for, featuring both a wonderful new hostel/boutique hotel and restaurant we were introduced to right in the heart of South Beach. Founded in 2011, Generator, a London-based brand known for their trendy design-forward European Hostels that feel more like boutique hotels, has just opened its first US location in Miami Beach this past August on famed Collins Ave, just one block from the beach. Generator, remodelled from a 1940’s condo building, offers 300 beds in 105 rooms. One of the unique things about this hostel is that in addition to the traditional shared rooms (which start at $20 per bed per night), is the addition of private rooms that start at just $95/night. Generator is not the hostel you might have stayed at while travelling around Europe (probably in your early twenties). They have pulled out all the stops to create a sense of community, incorporating such amenities as an inviting pool, 2 on-site restaurants, beautifully designed shared and private rooms and several really unique common spaces for guests to interact with one another or just take in the serene environment that’s been created for the solo traveler to enjoy on their own – not to mention the awesome location, right in the heart of South Beach. Several activities are being offered at Generator including yoga, mixology demonstrations, movies, a pool table, DJs and more planned.

I was invited by Desirey, the Event Sales Manager and my lovely host for the afternoon who arranged a tour of the hostel/hotel and a lovely lunch for us at Driftway, one of the two restaurants found on the property. As we made our way past the pool heading towards Driftway, I couldn’t help but notice this amazing mural painted on the side of the building. It had been painted by South African artist Chris Aurett. The food & beverage operations are being overseen by Gui Jaroschy, whose impressive resume includes opening the Broken Shaker in Miami Beach as well as several other locations in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York; managing the Anderson in Miami’s Upper Eastside; and consulting on cocktail menus for Ricochet Lounge, Drunken Dragon and British Airways.

Alex, our Driftway guy let me sample all four of their frozen drinks; the Suze and Coke, OMFG Margarita, Bird of Paradise and the Friesling. I enjoyed them all, but my favorite was the Bird of Paradise which was made with Beefeater Dry Gin, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, Martini Bitter and J Wray Rum, allspice and cubeb pepper.

I am a huge fan of Mexican style street corn and this one did not disappoint with the spicy mayo, Mexican cheese and cilantro

The West coast Kushi oysters were sweet!!!

Kale Salad: with lemon dressing, sherry trumpet mushrooms and spiced pecans. A beautiful medley of flavors and healthy to boot!

Organic Quinoa Bowl: Market veggies, salsa verde, micro herb salad. Another creative, tasty, healthy and satisfying dish that won’t wreck havoc on your waist.

The food and frozen drinks were amazing, as was the ambience and the company. I am looking forward to planning my next Staycation right there at my new favorite place on South Beach.

If you are planning a trip to Miami Beach and are looking for things to do in the area, you might want to consider booking a Savor Our City tour. Private tours are offered for a minimum of 2 guests and groups of up to 50 people. Choose from South Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, Miami Springs, Doral and Brickell. For more info on tours, contact Savor Our City.

Generator Miami is located at 3120 Collins Ave. Miami Beach 786 496 5730

Until we eat (and drink) again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Staycation Alert: South Beach for $20/night…are you kidding?!?! appeared first on Savor Our City.

I had the great pleasure of dining at Chops Lobster Bar’s sister property Lobster Sea Grille in Miami Beach this past week. I came to Miami for the purpose of building & solidifying new partnerships with restaurants in the Miami market for our new culinary tours and experiences being presented to our cruise line and destination management partners. Exciting stuff going on, I tell ya! Anyway, I had met Dawn Bryan, So Florida Marketing Manager for the Buckhead Restaurant Group, a couple years ago when I was invited for a tasting at Chops Lobster Bar by Chef Sean (who, by the way, creates stunning masterpieces, both visually and in taste).

On this occasion, I was joined by my product development manager, Annette, and Dawn. The place is gorgeous, inside and out.  The restaurant occupies the former China Grill spot, for those who need a familiar landmark. Shortly after being shown to our table, Matt approached and asked if it would be ok if he selected the tastings for us for the evening. After confirming we didn’t have any food allergies or specific dislikes, he was given the go-ahead to surprise us. I always enjoy and prefer the tastings to be done this way, actually. To get the evening started, I began with a lovely glass of Cloudy Bay New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which paired exceptionally well with the calamari, tuna tartare and quinoa, and jumbo lump crab cake.

L to R: Rhode Island • Baby Calamari “Sweet Heat” – lightly fried fresno chilies red & yellow holland peppers ; Hawaii • Ahi Tuna Tartare -golden quinoa pine nuts lemon olive oil micro arugula; All Jumbo Lump Crab Cake “Maryland” ($5. supplement) – lemon grain-mustard emulsion

I’m on a Seefood diet: I see food, I eat it. How about you? Nothing like fresh seafood and Lobster Sea Grille has the finest!

Matthew Woods, Lobster Bar Sea Grille’s Dining Room Manager and wine and food pairing expert who took exceptional care of us.

A wonderful variety was presented from the $49 3-Course Tasting Menu served every day through 2018  (5:30 ‘till 7PM for just $39). Today’s Selection was a Turbot fish from Spain – Wood Grilled steamed baby Tuscan kale Greek extra virgin olive oil lemon Santorini capers, Petite filet mignon and potato confit, Lobster morsels (not on the $49 menu, but a favorite item found at both Chops Lobster Bar and Lobster Sea Grille), Brussels sprouts.

Classic • Profiteroles mini puffs vanilla bean ice cream valrhona dark chocolate sauce sugar roasted almonds

L to R: Greek Yogurt • Greek Thyme Honey & toasted walnuts; Tropical Cremeux mango & tonka bean mousse almond coconut biscuit mandarin sorbet; Espresso martini

Lobster Bar Sea Grille is located at 404 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach  (305) 377-2675

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Lobster Bar Sea Grille in Miami Beach Turns One appeared first on Savor Our City.

I recently was invited to check out Via Emilia 9 in South Beach. I had not heard of it before and was super excited to go after taking a peek at their website.

Named after the merchant road in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna (Italy’s greatest gastronomic treasure), ViaEmilia 9 is Miami Beach’s first authentic regional Italian restaurant and market. Emilia Romagna sits on the border with the third-smallest country in Europe, the Republic of San Marino, which happens to be the birth place of my mother-in-law, and a place I had the good fortune of visiting several years ago.

Perfect for lunch or dinner, Via Emilia 9 has something for all palettes and represents the Italian regions of both Bologna and Modena. Never compromising authenticity, Chef Giancarlo “Wendy” Cacciatori imports everything served at Via Emilia 9 from Italy (with the exception of fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs), including bread, which is brought in from the Vasalli Bakery in Ferrara, Italy. Via Emilia 9 has an expert “Sfoglina” or pasta maker on site hand rolling a variety of pastas and raviolis daily and upon request, she can personalize the stuffing of your ravioli or any pasta you’d like to try.

Fresh pasta being rolled by hand daily.

The cozy and inviting setting for a truly authentic Italian dining experience.

To get us started on our culinary journey through the Emilia region, Chef Wendy prepared for us a perfect antipasti plate that included 24 mo aged Parmigiano, 18 mo aged proscuitto di Parma, balsamic pearls (Chef Wendy & Tina import the balsamic from their own barrels in Emilia, where the balsamic sits and ages), fresh figs, artichoke, lemon jam & arugula with a side of gnocco frito (fried dough). Let me just say O – M – G!!!! This platter is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of tasting and I have tasted a lot, trust me! The quality of the imported products is undeniable. I loved (and ate, no…devoured is a more accurate description) everything on that plate. And the fried dough…don’t get me started. It was served piping hot and oh so good! We were served a lovely Lambrusco from the Emilia region to pair and it was nice and light.

The next dish to arrive was the cappellaci di zucca which were made that day (see above picture). These cappellaci were stuffed with pumpkin and marscapone cheese and came with crispy sage butter and topped with fresh Parmegiano cheese. This course was served with a Pinot Nero, a white Pinot Noir made by separating skins from the pulp- a really unique (and tasty) wine. My dining companion and I both LOVED this dish, every aspect of it. Pure perfection.

The next dish delivered to our table was their tagliatelle with prosciutto. I especially liked the bonus piece of grilled prosciutto placed on the top; the crispiness was a unique and welcome addition. A wonderful cabernet had been selected to pair with this course. Again, the freshness of the pasta along with each of the ingredients in the dish stood out to us and is an exception to what is served at most “Italian” restaurants here in the U.S.

For dessert, we delighted in the trio di ciaccolato. Tenerina al cioccolato (homemade chocolate cake), salame al cioccolato to (chocolate salami, an Italian dessert made from cocoa, broken biscuits, butter, eggs and a bit of port wine or rum. … like salami, chocolate salami is formed as a long cylinder and is sliced across into discs for serving) and mascarpone & strawberries. We loved each of the three components of the dish. The most unique I found was the chocolate salami.

Via Emilia 9 recently received a facelift. After two years in business, the traditional Italian eatery underwent renovations to incorporate a new open kitchen plan, an expanded market featuring homemade and imported Italian goods for sale, an eat-in bar, and pasta making station, along with other additions. Via Emilia 9 owners, Chef Wendy and his partner Valentina (aka Tina), decided to open up the space to give diners a look into the daily workings of an authentic Italian kitchen.

Chef Wendy and Tina

“We want to involve our guests in the cooking process and not just the end result. Being able to show people the process behind making food and being able to interact with their food is part of Italian tradition,” said Chef Wendy.

We tried just two of the wonderfu pasta dishes served at Via Emilia 9.  Other dishes you may be interested in trying when you come is their signature dish, the Tortellini in Brodo (tortellini in broth) which is homemade and hand rolled- the tortellini is stuffed with Prosciutto di Parma, parmesan cheese, mortadella, beef and pork.  Other highlights include The Basket from the Emilia Romagna- a charcuterie board that features prosciutto, mortadella, pancetta, parmigiano, as well as fried dough, prosciutto, mortadella, stracchino cheese, and marmalades. Other highly recommended dishes include the Ravioli dello chef, the Tagliatelle Panna Salsiccia e Funghi (tagliatelle with mushrooms, sausage and cream sauce), the Cotoletta alla Bolognese, the Chef’s Filet and the homemade flatbreads.

Via Emilia 9 is also available for catering and private chef services at your own house or event. Happy Hour is offered daily from 4 – 6:30pm featuring bottles of wines & appetizers for 50% off. They also have what looks like an amazing 5 course truffle tasting which I am undoubtedly going to try! You can learn peruse their menu and learn more by clicking here.

Via Emilia 9 is located on 1120 15th Street in Miami Beach and is open daily from 11 a.m. until 11p.m. for both lunch and dinner and brunch on weekends.  Reservations are available by phone at (786) 216-7150.

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post Via Emilia 9, South Beach’s Hidden Gem appeared first on Savor Our City.

I’m very excited to share with you my excursion down to South Beach a few weeks ago to attend my very first Slow Food Miami event, where over 300 ravenous foodies joined an elite group of South Florida’s top chefs for the recent 6th Annual Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party.

What is Slow Food Miami you ask? Slow Food Miami supports our local community from the ground up – from the Edible School & Community Gardens that are planted to encourage the enjoyment of foods that are local, seasonal and sustainably grown; to the local growers and artisan food makers they support for their use of sustainable methods. Planting a fresher future for our children.

All proceeds from events such as The Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” along with donor contributions support local school and community gardens and points South Floridians and visitors to food that is good, clean and fair by identifying and honoring producers, purveyors and artisans who contribute to food and beverage quality, authenticity and sustainability. In its inaugural year (2010), nominations were solicited among Miami-Dade county farmers. Now nominations come from the general public and all nominations are vetted by the Slow Food Miami Snail of Approval Committee and donor contributions support local school and community gardens.

They are a non-profit, 100% volunteer organization. Their local members are passionate about good food, supporting local growers and celebrating Miami’s diversity. By acting locally, we are helping to build a world where the food we eat is good for us, good for farmers and workers, and good for the planet. Slow Food Miami is the local chapter of Slow Food USA and the International Slow Food Association.

Celebrity Chef/Owner of Malibu Farm and author of Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast, Helene Henderson hosted this year’s Slow Food Miami’s “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party. Regarded as Miami’s “Freshest Night Out”, the 6^th Annual celebration was held Friday, March 24, 2017, at the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort. This year, the unforgettable evening under the stars was made possible thanks to a partnership with Eden Roc, The Miami Scout Guide, Just Ask Boo, Vero Water, JetSet Sounds, FOH, J Wakefield Brewery, Menu Men, Inc., and wines sponsored by Twenty-One Wine & Spirits. The tasting party united dozens of the city’s top chefs, and local growers and producers for a night of tasting and honoring Miami’s food scene.

The soirée took place at the spectacular newly renovated Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort with ambient tunes by Michael Casola from JetSet Sounds. The first 100 tickets sold were priced at $75. After that, general admission tickets went to $85 per person with sales ending at noon on March 23. Tickets at the door were $100 per person. All event proceeds benefitted the Slow Food Miami’s Edible Garden Program. VIP Garden Sponsor tickets were available for $750 and included a garden box for a school, free entry to Freshest Night Out with early bird admission at 6:30PM and a signed copy of Helene Henderson’s Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast.

The Eden Roc’s fusion of fun and luxury was the perfect setting for this festive and sophisticated event where the “who’s who” in the South Florida culinary scene mingled about the lovely ocean front property. Guests indulged in tastes from Miami’s best farm-to-table, including a mix of current 2016-2017 “Snail of Approval” honorees and past “Snail of Approval” winners. This year’s chefs and food artisans included:

Helene Henderson (Malibu Farm)

Adrienne Grenier (3030 Ocean)

Paula DaSilva (Artisan Beach House)

Sean Brasel (Meat Market)

Jessica Weiss Levinson (Serendipity Creamery)

Frederic Joulin (Semilla)

Zak Stern (Zak the Baker)

Blair Wilson (Social Club @ The Surfcomber Hotel) * “2017 People’s Choice” Award Winner

Brian Nasajon (Beaker & Gray)

Corey Bousquet and Evan Boomer (The Brick) – *2017 “Judges Choice” Winner

Andres Barrientos and James Bowers (Miami Smokers)

Allen Susser (Books & Books, Coral Gables)

Ray and Shannon Allen (Grown)

Carolina Quijano (exquisito chocolates)

Buster Brown (Counter Culture Kombucha)

Giorgio Rapicavoli (Glass and Vine)

Maria Laura Aleman (Artichoke Foods)

Della Heiman (della test kitchen)

Rene Reyes and John Gallo (Pinch Kitchen)

Isabel and Susana Garcia (Cacao Art Chocolates)

Matthew Kenney (Plant Food & Wine)

Julie Frans (Essensia Restaurant & Lounge)

Muriel Olivares and Tiffany Noe (Little River Cooperative)

Freddy and Danielle Kaufman (Proper Sausage)

Gabe Bernal (Seasons Farm Fresh)

Aaron Dreilinger (Chef David’s Catering)

Chuck Lyons (Verde Community Gardens)

Paul Massard and Chris Nolte (Per’La Specialty Roasters)

Chris French (French Farms)

Carlos Cararas (MIA Beer Company)

Kevin Rusk- Titanic Brewery

Johnathan Wakefield (J Wakefield Brewing)

Ben Conniff (Lukes Lobster)

Cristina Ivory (Angry Booch)

Nick Paton (Kelvin Slushies)

The coveted “People’s Choice” Award, judged and selected by popular vote was awarded to Chef Blair Wilson from Social Club at The Surfcomber Hotel for his amazing sweet and savory pecan-smoked St. Louis ribs with sesame-sorghum barbecue sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and pickled local veggies, while the “Chef’s Choice” Award for the “Best Bite of the Night”, judged by Slow Food Miami’s Chef Host Committee, went to Restaurateur Corey Bousquet and Chef Chris Huff of The Brick for the ultimate comfort food of shrimp ‘n’ grits made with Key West pink shrimp and War Eager Mill grits.. This year the event also featured a live auction including a weekend at Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort and including dinner for two at Malibu Farm, among other surprises. Guests had the opportunity to purchase school garden grants at the event.

Find the “Snail of Approval” list on the Slow Food Miami website, as well as on the upcoming mobile app. The Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort is located at 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140. Discounted valet tickets were available for $20.

Follow #SnailMIA and #SFMFreshestNightOut on Twitter and Facebook for additional 2016-2017 participating honorees and the latest updates.

About Slow Food Miami

Slow Food Miami is a local 100% volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children.” It’s the local chapter of Slow Food USA, a national non-profit dedicated to supporting good, clean and fair food for all that supports our local communities from the ground up – from the Edible School & Community Gardens that encourage the enjoyment of local, seasonal and sustainably grown food, to the local growers and artisan food makers who use sustainable methods.
Slow Food Miami supports its Edible School & Community Garden Program through culinary educational events and fundraising, and aims to raise awareness for good, clean and fair food as a cornerstone of pleasure, culture and community. For more information, visitwww.slowfoodmiami.org.

About Malibu Farm

“Fresh, organic, local” is the motto at Malibu Farm, the soon to open Miami Beach outpost located at the Eden Roc of the hugely popular California farm to table restaurant and magnet for A-listers. Owner, cookbook author and farmer Helene Henderson will bring her signature style of local, sustainable, fresh-off-the-farm fare along with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. With spectacular ocean views, Malibu Farm is set to premier Spring 2017.

About Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort

With an oceanfront location in the heart of Miami’s Mid-Beach and just minutes from Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive and the Wynwood arts district, Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort offers travelers a beachfront retreat synonymous with contemporary Miami luxury. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation that revitalized and re-launched the Eden Roc, this property boasts 418 spacious guest rooms and suites, three stunning pools, 22,000 square feet of spa and fitness facility, the world’s largest Nobu Restaurant & Bar, and will soon be home to the farm-to-fork restaurant, Malibu Farm in Spring 2017. Inspired by the beauty and splendor of the ocean below, Eden Roc rooms and suites offer savvy travelers unique in-room dining offerings and spectacular ocean views, while light and airy furnishings set the perfect seaside scene. For more information and reservations, please call (305) 531-0000 or visit www.edenrocmiami.com.

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

The post SLOW FOOD MIAMI’S 6th ANNUAL FRESHEST NIGHT OUT appeared first on Savor Our City.

Hello Foodie Friends, it was just last month that I was invited to visit a little hidden gem South of Fifth in Miami Beach called Santorini by Georgios and I am already dreaming of my next visit back!  It was a gorgeous day that my friend Laura and I visited and the only thing better than the weather was the hospitality, food and ambience.  The spacious, indoor/outdoor restaurant tucked ay inside the Hilton Bentley was entirely redone with outdoor, poolside and beachside service available.

Santorini by Georgios restaurant presents authentic, fresh Greek and Mediterranean cuisine that is locally sourced and fresh seafood is caught daily. Executive Chef, Owner and Creator Georgios Vogiatzis offers a menu of recognizable, yet creative dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a lively, upscale-casual pool and beachside atmosphere complimented by friendly and professional service.

Santorini by Georgios prides itself on defining what true quality food is with their fresh cuisine, in addition to exceeding every one of their customers’ expectations. Whether it’s a girls’ afternoon luncheon (which is what Laura & I came for), an after work happy hour get together, or a romantic dinner for two, Santorini by Georgios will make sure the challenge to delight their clients is met.

To complement each dish, Georgios has created a refreshing selection of cocktails with in-house made purees and infusions. The beverage program includes full beer and wine lists, as well as large exotic fruit cocktails sold in unique hollowed-out pieces of fruit, such as pineapples and watermelons. (We tried the Pineapple but we had our eye on the Watermelon which I’m sure we’ll try the next time we’re there). The “Giant Bowl” menu also consists of beautifully crafted cocktails in bowls large enough to share – perfect for taking that “I’m on vacation” Instagram photo.

Top left to right: Greek Salad & Calamari Bottom left: Shrimp & Octopus The most flavorful and fresh Mediterranean Food can be found right here at Santorini by Georgios.

Thank you to our hosts Katerina and Georgios for a lovely seafood luncheon by the pool. It doesn’t get much better than this in Miami Beach!

Located in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth Avenue, or “SoFi” as locals call it – the enclave South of Fifth Street – is a vibrant destination and the ideal place for millionaires to live in Miami Beach.

-Valet parking available

-Take-out service is available

–Happy Hour seven days a week

-Weekend brunch with omelette and waffle stations

-Weddings and private event reservations

Well there you have it. We savored every bite we ate and every sip we drank. We truly felt we were transported to the Mediterranean and are very much looking to going back again soon.

They are located at 101B Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, inside the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach.

Phone: (305) 672-6635

Website: www.SantoriniByGeorgios.com

Email: info@santorinibygeorgios.com

Hours of Operation: 7 days a week; 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Until we eat again…

I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

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