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Spasso - Cooking Class

Cooking Class at Spasso


Mexican Independence Day
When: Friday, September 16, 11am-Midnight
Where: Down N’ Dirty Tacos and Tequila Bar {1144 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.604.0323}
What: This Mexican taqueria invites guests to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with all-day specials and an exclusive happy hour event. On Friday, September 16, guests can indulge in a prix-fixe menu, along with beer and shot specials, from open to close. A fun–filled happy hour will run from 4-6pm, and will include Partida Tequila, a live DJ, sombreros, piñatas, and more.
Burgers, Babes & Booze
When: Sunday, September 18, 3pm-Sundown
Where: W Miami {485 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.503.4400}
What: This Sunday, celebrate National Cheeseburger Day at W Miami. Starting at 3pm, this event invites guests to head to the terrace of 15th & Vine, mingle with some of Miami’s favorite female chefs, and indulge in their most inventive cheeseburger creations. Participating chefs include: Nicole Votano of DIRT, Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar, Cindy Hutson of Zest, and Jessica Sanchez of Loba. The cost of the event is $35 per person, and includes four sliders of the guest’s choice, two sides from 15th & Vine, and one beer from a local Miami brewery. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite HERE. For more information, send an email to [email protected]
National Bourbon Month
When: Through September 30
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.538.2000}
What: September is National Bourbon Month, and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach has turned into a bourbon lover’s paradise. Throughout the month, guests will find bourbon-infused Bon Bon’s at Chez Bon Bon, specialty cocktails at Bleau Bar and Scarpetta, and special High West cocktails at StripSteak. Running with the trend, StripSteak will also offer bourbon flights at the bar, and its tableside Whiskey Ceremony will feature High West Whiskey for this month only. During StripSteak’s weekly Cigar Social, guests can order a High West Whiskey flight for $25++ per person. Finally, through Breakeven at StripSteak, patrons can sit at the bar and get a taste of exclusive, limited-edition bourbons at the restaurant’s break-even price.
Mani in Pasta (Hands in the Pasta)
When: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10:30am-2:30pm
Where: Spasso {3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305.441.0219}
What: Have you always wanted to learn how to make fresh pasta? Are you curious to know how focaccia leavens? In this cooking class, guests will learn both. Led by Chef Gaetano, of Spasso, future cooks will get a hands-on lesson working with various cuts of egg pasta, from tagliatelle and pappardelle, to ravioli, tortelloni, and more. At the end of the course, participants will get a diploma, as well as a chance to savor a wine-pairing lunch featuring their own dishes. Each class lasts four hours and costs $49 per person.
Ladies Night Out with Free Prosecco
When: Every Thursday, 4-8pm
Where: Spasso {3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305.441.0219}
What: Every Thursday at Spasso, wind down with your girlfriends, as ladies enjoy free Prosecco from 4-8pm.
Happy Hour
When: Daily
Where: Spasso {3540 Main Highway, Coconut Grove; 305.441.0219}
What: Spend the Happiest Hour(s) of your day at Spasso! During the appropriate hours, enjoy a 5 for $5 happy hour menu, which includes your choice of one of five Neapolitan-style Pizzettas, wine by the glass, and select cocktails—like the fresh Sorrentino, which is made with rum, Limoncello, and lemon and orange juices—for $5 each.
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

march of dimes signature chefs

Dozens of fundraising events take place in Miami throughout the year, but the upcoming Signature Chefs Auction benefiting the March of Dimes is one of our all-time favorites. Accompanied by a silent auction, chefs from some of the top local restaurants will serve up samplings of their favorite dishes. This will be followed by a sit-down dessert and live auction, where guests can bid on exclusive dining experiences, travel, and more.

Proceeds from the 2015 Signature Chefs Auction will allow March of Dimes to further its mission through research and community programs to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The 18th-annual Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA will take place on Thursday, October 29, from 6:30-9:30pm at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables. 

We had the chance to catch up with participating Chef Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar {2500 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables; 305.441.0107} to discuss giving back to the local community and what he has in store for the upcoming event.

DiegoSolano2

DiningOut: We last spoke in April. What has been going on at Bulla? Have there been any additions to the menu?
Chef Diego Solano:
Yes, we actually created several new lunch, brunch, and dinner items that we are very excited about! These include the Bikini and the Garbanzo Frito [brunch], the Arroz Negro con Pulpo and the Solomillo de Cerdo with beer sauce [lunch], and the Coca de Frutas [dessert].

You talked about plans for opening a new concept, Pisco y Nazca. How is the project coming along?
Pisco y Nazca will be opening late October at The Palms at Town and Country in Kendall. It will definitely set a new standard for Peruvian cuisine in South Florida. This concept will show the passion we have for hospitality and pioneering amazing cuisine.

Tell us about Bulla’s involvement with local charities.
We are always enthusiastic when it comes to helping our community through events that bring awareness to local and national charities. It goes back to our roots in hospitality, as it truly makes us feel great when we take care of others. Giving back to the community is both an honor and a privilege.

At the moment, we are participating in the No Kid Hungry campaign, where each diner at our restaurant donates a certain percentage to the cause for the month of September.

What about the March of Dimes specifically drew you to the Signature Chefs Auction?
Children are the future, so we saw a real value in helping the March of Dimes organization.

You have so many amazing dishes on your menu. How do you even begin to decide what you want to serve at an event like this?
When creating new dishes, we always strive to present food that really showcases our style of cuisine and that represents our brand.

What is the dish you plan on preparing for the upcoming event?
We will be serving Insalada de Pulpo with heirloom tomatoes, grilled octopus, and cucumber.

Will Bulla have any auction items up for bid?
Yes. We are auctioning off a four-course wine pairing where I will cook my own created dishes and Joel Mesa, our mixologist, will assist in choosing the wines.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

STK Miami

It’s been six years since Michael Jackson’s untimely death, but his legacy continues to be celebrated around the world. With 13 Billboard No. 1 singles and countless other chart-topping, everyone-knows-the-words hit songs, it’s only fair that we take the time to appropriately honor the King of Pop.

And STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988} is doing just that. In honor of what would have been Jackson’s 57th birthday, this Saturday, August 29, from 8pm-midnight, the South Beach steakhouse is joining other STK outposts for a unique dinner party featuring Jackson’s greatest hits.

The night will feature classic MJ tunes spun by DJs Danny Stern and Martial along with chef’s Jackson-inspired dishes and entertainment such as trivia games and special giveaways. There will also be specialty cocktails, including “Thriller Shots,” “Dirty Diana” (Brugal Anejo rum, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice) and the “Smooth Criminal” (Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, Bulleit bourbon, and Kahlua).

We hope to see you there! It’s going to be a “Scream.”

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor

Bucks Beer Garden Raleigh
By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor

Looking for a fun, casual, and—dare we say—affordable evening in South Beach? You’re in luck. The iconic Raleigh South Beach {1775 Collins Avenue; Miami Beach 305.612.1163} recently introduced Buck’s Beer Garden & Bonfire, a laid-back German beer-garden-inspired event taking place the first and third Thursday of every month from 6 to 10pm. With a name inspired by the hotel’s antlered logo, this outdoor extravaganza takes place in the hotel’s Backyard Oasis, a tropical setting behind the pool.

Bucks Beer Garden Raleigh

Surrounded by bonfire pits and picnic tables, guests can enjoy an evening complete with food stations from Restaurant Michael Schwartz (think: bratwurst, kielbasa, knockwurst, and currywurst topped with sauerkraut and beer-bathed onions) and draft beer from local craft breweries that change each month. And the best part: it’s FREE to attend. You’ll have to option to “pay as you go,” by purchasing tickets for food, beer, wine, and other bar drinks (one ticket = $1).

Complimentary lawn games such as corn hole, ping pong, and giant Jenga will be on hand for guest entertainment while do-it-yourself s’mores kits can be purchased for fireside roasting.

Bucks Beer Garden Raleigh

The next Buck’s Beer Garden will take place this Thursday, April 2, at 6pm, featuring beers from Boca Raton’s Funky Buddha Brewery.

BLT Steak Betsy

By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor 

On Monday, March 9, 20 incredible women gathered at BLT Steak at the Betsy Hotel {1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305.531.6100} for a breakfast salon in honor of International Women’s Day.

BLT STEAK

It was a who’s who of Miami’s influential women, all of whom work in and/or vehemently support the arts, music, education, and other community-driven initiatives. Invitees were asked to bring along a woman that they admired—mothers, daughters, friends, mentors, co-workers, and more. It was clear that in most cases, the admiration was reciprocal.

blt steak betsy

While many might associate BLT Steak with being only a lunch/dinner place, the quiet art-filled dining room—which opens daily at 8am—was the perfect setting for such an event. We sipped coffee and freshly-squeezed orange juice while noshing on fresh fruit, mini croissants and pastries, and creamy granola-topped parfaits. The Betsy is also known for its outstanding brunch—don’t miss out on trying the BLT Popover Eggs Benedict, a Betsy favorite.

Popover Eggs Benedict

The Betsy has been involved in women’s issues since its founding. After all, the hotel is named after America’s “founding mother” Betsy Ross. It is also very active in the local community, sponsoring salons that invite artists and thought leaders to head up conversations about various issues. The salons are one of the cornerstones of the PACE (Philanthropy, Arts, Culture, and Education) program at The Betsy. Since opening The Writer’s Room in 2012, there have been over 70 such events, featuring many prominent art world figures, such as “Joy Luck Club” novelist Amy Tan and flutist Eugenia Zuckerman.

Exterior 1

International Women’s Day was the perfect occasion for such a salon. The annual event has been celebrated since the early 1900’s and today is recognized as an official holiday by countries all over the world.

Among the respected guests in attendance were Deborah Briggs, VP of Philanthropy at the Betsy; Violette de Ayala, founder and president of Femfessionals; Norma Jean Abraham, philanthropist and founder of new teahouse Serendip-A-Tea; Carlene Sawyer and Ruth Greenfield, arts activists from Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation; Cristina Cartaya, principal of Our Pride Academy and advocate for special-needs community; Wendy Silva, a local entrepreneur, singer, and Doggie Day Care owner; and many, many others.

Carole Ann Taylor, Rosie Gordon Wallace, Norma Jean Abraham

DiningOut was truly honored to be included in such an intimate gathering and to be surrounded by such inspiring women.

By Sherri Balefsky | Contributing Writer

March isn’t just about green beer and parades. Miami has much to offer this month in the way of parties, dinners, and special menus. Here are the five Miami food events you just can’t miss.

Semilla French Gastro Week
1. French Gastro Week at Semilla
Monday, March 9 – Saturday, March 14
Chef Frédéric Joulin of Semilla Eatery & Bar has invited his Michelin-starred and Maîtres Cuisiniers de France friends (Chef Jean-Jacques Noguier of La Ferme de l’Hospital Restaurant in Bossey, France; Chef Jean-Christophe LeBascle of La Manufacture in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France; and Chef Yvan Zaplatilek of Paris’ Yvan Restaurant) to join him in his kitchen for a weeklong celebration dedicated to French cuisine. To make reservations, call 305.674.6522.

hearts and stars gala

2. Hearts and Stars Gala
Saturday, March 14
The Little Lighthouse Foundation, a local charity dedicated to helping children and families that struggle with educational, financial, and medical hardships, will host its annual Hearts and Stars Gala: Casablanca at the private waterfront in Miami Beach.  Sponsored by Haute Dining and Credit Suisse, this intimate soirée is one of South Florida’s premier philanthropic events, where guests can enjoy an open bar of top-shelf beverages, light hors d’oeuvres from some of Miami’s best restaurants, and live entertainment from Drums of the Sun all while supporting a very important cause. While the gala is now sold out for the fifth year in a row, guests can still attend the Hearts & Stars Gala Kickoff Party, which will take place on Friday, March 13, at Hyde Beach at the SLS. Donations can be made at hydebeach.com/heartsandstars.Fontainbleau Cellar Wine Series

3. Cellar 1954 Wine & Dinner Series
Tuesday, March 17
The Fontainebleau hotel announces the return of its monthly Cellar 1954 wine series with a decadent meal at its newest dining venue, StripSteak by Michael Mina. Presented by Chef du Cuisine Derrick Roberts, diners will enjoy an exclusive four courses, each paired with a different varietal from Sonoma Valley’s Adobe Road Winery hand-selected by Owner/Winemaker Kevin Buckler.

Palme D'Or

4. Louis XIII Whiskey Dinner at Palme d’Or
Friday, March 20
The award-winning Palme d’Or restaurant at the Biltmore hotel in Coral Gables will host Louis XIII de Rémy Martin Ambassador Victor Blanquart for an exquisite dinner prepared by Chef du Cuisine Gregory Pugin and paired with selected wine. A highlight of the evening will be the rare chance to taste of the famous Louis XIII Cognac.

Uvaggio BBQ

5. Uvaggio’s Booze, BBQ, and Blues Birthday Bash
Sunday, March 22
Uvaggio Wine Bar celebrates its one-year anniversary in Coral Gables with a fun-filled afternoon of live blues music, barbecue dishes prepared by the restaurant’s very own Season 5 Top Chef contestant Bret Pelaggi, and, of course, lots and lots of wine. Another bonus: all ticket proceeds will go toward the Buckhams, a local family whose young daughter was recently diagnosed with Wilms’ Tumor and has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past few months.