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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.