New Dinner Series Showcase Farm-to-Table (the Real Deal), Local Chefs, Causes
As South Florida’s season approaches, look for new dinner series featuring top chefs cooking at stunning destinations. Tickets make a thoughtful holiday gift, too.
Taste of Redland Locavore Experience
Taste of Redland Locavore Culinary Experience
Tickets and information: tasteofredland.com/locavore
South Florida’s local champions are kicking off their new series promoting farm-to-table dining prepared by top chefs in some of the most gorgeous locales in the Redland. Presented by Miami Spice architect Steve Haas, the series will run from November through June and includes dining and entertainment.
Sat., Nov. 17 – November Harvest Dinner, featuring chefs Cindy Hutson, Allen Susser and Maxi Fava, with a special performance by the South Florida Symphony's 50-piece orchestra. Hosted at Takoda Farmstead and TILT Farms.
Sun., Dec. 16 – December Harvest Brunch, hosted at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary.
Sat., Jan. 12 – January Harvest Dinner, hosted at Takoda Farmstead and TILT Farms.
Sun., Feb. 10 – February Harvest Brunch, hosted at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary.
Sat., Mar. 16 – March Harvest Dinner, hosted at Takoda Farmstead and TILT Farms.
Sun., April 21 – April Harvest Easter Brunch, hosted at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary.
Sun., May 12 – May Harvest Mother's Day Brunch, hosted at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary.
Sat., June 8 – June Harvest Dinner, hosted at Takoda Farmstead and TILT Farms.
Garden Dinners at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Tickets and information: mbgarden.org
The idyllic garden is launching its dinner series in their subtropical oasis, featuring South Florida’s best chefs. “Being in the Garden in the evening is magical,” says director Sandy Shapiro. “It’s a habitat set in the center of the buzzing beach.” Convention Center Drive has reopened and the façade of the new building is extraordinary. Dates are Nov. 15, Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), Mar. 14 and April 11.
Chefs Stand Up at the Standard
Tickets and information: miamichefs.splashthat.com
This year’s dinner series at The Standard hotels focuses on the immigrant rights arm of the ACLU. Upcoming dinners include Jamaica-Chinese/Trinidadian chef Anya Peters (pictured) on Nov. 8. “The immigrants who make up our service industry deserve to be celebrated through food,” says Angela Dimayuga of The Standard International. “This is a joyful opportunity to participate while helping donate to the ACLU Immigrant Rights Project.”
Swank Table at Loxahatchee Groves
Tickets and information: swankspecialtyproduce.com
Since 2011, Swank Farms has hosted al fresco dinners that raise money for local charities.
Coming up:
Dec. 2 – Reveillon Dinner – Chefs Rick Mace (Cafe Boulud Palm Beach), James King (3800 Ocean), James Versfelt (The Shelborne), Mark Militello and Sebastian Setticasi (Josie’s Ristorante), pastry chef Zachary Detweiller (EAU Resort & Spa).
Jan. 6 – Farm Market – Chefs Clark Bowen (Boulud Sud Miami), Michael Hackman (Aioli), Danny Serfer (Mignonette and Blue Collar), Suzanne Perrotto (Brulé Bistro), pastry chef Devin Braddock (Mignonette).
Jan. 27 – Chinese New Year – Chefs Joe Ferro (The Admirals Club), Danny Ganem (The Betsy), Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Group), Raheem Sealey (KYU), Marianne Daly (Bazille).
Feb. 10 – Throw Back the Music of the 70s – Chefs Brendan Conner (Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering), James Everett (Driftwood), David Schroeder (Brick & Barrel), Thomas Op’t Holt (50 Ocean), baker Loic Autret (Loic Bakery & Cafe).
Mar. 10 – Vegetable Love – Chefs Eric Baker (Mazie’s), Clayton Carnes (Cholo Soy), Jorge Ramos (Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach), Nina Kauder (Beach Scene Productions), pastry chef Bashar Al Shamali (Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach).
Mar. 31 – 3030 Ocean Reunion Dinner – founder Dean Max (DJM Restaurants), Paula DaSilva (Burlock Coast at the Ritz Carlton), Jeremy Ford (Stubborn Seed), Adrienne Grenier and Brooke Mallory (3030 Ocean), Pushkar Marathe and Niven Patel (Ghee Indian Kitchen), pastry chef Huma Nagi (3030 Ocean).
April 7 – Vetu de Blanc 6th Annual White Party – Chefs Jose Gamez (Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Brad Kilgore (Alter), Michael Pirolo (Macchialina), Andris Salmanis (City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill), baker Jennifer Johnson (Johnson’s Custom Cakes).
April 28 – The Three Little “Gloucestershire” Pigs – chefs Kevin Darr (Louis Bossi Boca Raton, Daniel Ramos and Jason Brown (Red Splendor), John Thomas (Sassafras), Jeremy Carrier (Sweetwater), pastry chef Kursten Restivo (Palm Beach Marriott).
FarmersDirect Dinners
Urban Oasis Project sponsors regular dinners that showcase farmers and the produce they grow. Dinner prices are reasonable (around $40) and past events have taken place at Earth N Us Farm and Little Haiti Cultural Center. Their next event, featuring Produce and Pantry farmers Gio and Andrew, takes place at Lincoln's Beard Brewery with chef Danny Ramirez of The Westchester food truck. Find out more here.
Night at the Burger Museum Dinners
Mingle among the Dog-n-Suds collection and other comfort food memorabilia, then sit down to a five-course meal that revisits long-gone restaurant dishes at the Burger Museum. Their first Night at the Burger Museum Dinner is Tues., Dec. 4 at 7pm with chef Phil Bryant,formerly of Yardbird, Swine and The Local.
Each seat at a table will include the 5-course meal along with refreshments for $49 plus tax. The 5th course is dessert by Cindy Lou's Cookies. Tickets here.
