Blazing Kitchen, an ongoing interactive culinary event will blaze a trail of culinary demonstrations, seminars, tastings, and a Battle of High School chefs cook-off  at The 2^nd Annual Miami Wine & Spirits Expo to be held  Friday, February 24 through Monday, February 27 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Blazing Kitchen Miami showcases the talents of chefs and sommeliers from renowned local restaurants and hotels to enable Miamians to discover and enjoy exquisite food, wines, beers, and spirits.  "You can learn about chocolate sculpting from master pastry chef Michel Chiche (Qzina);  taste paella, sushi, grass-fed beef from Uruguay from the best restaurants in town; compare the best domestic and international craft beers; learn about of tasting wine and how to identify the different aromas and components from one of the best sommeliers in town, Sebastien Verrier (St. Regis Hotel), and find out all about Bordeaux and its crus from Court of Master Sommelier Pascal Legrand," explains Culinary and Special Events Director Victor Passalacqua.

One of the highlights of Blazing Kitchen:  Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and Mrs. Raquel Regalado will preside over the award ceremony at the High School Mystery Basket Culinary Competition on Sunday, February 26, at 5 p.m. pitting two of Miami-Dade’s best: Mast Academy vs. Braddock High.

Another treat: Cooking with and for kids.  Junior Chef Alexandre (11) will demonstrate how fast, easy and safe it is for kids to prepare their own meal  on Sunday, February 26, at 6 p.m.

The timing with the SoBe Wine and Food Festival is not serendipitous:  "This Expo is for food and wine lovers at all levels and all budgets," says Passalacqua.

Tickets are $75 (or $120 for two days). Admission is complimentary for accredited trade and press  who can register online or bring a business card; service industry associates can bring a copy of their liquor license for entry.   Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL

For additional information, schedule, tickets and registration, please visit www.miamiwineexpo.com. Or contact Victor Passalacqua, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Philippe Chow Miami, which reopened in South Beach at 36 South Ocean Drive offers a three-course prix fixe lunch Monday through Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m.

The special three-course lunch menu lists Appetizers including House Salad, Chicken Satay, Crispy Seaweed, Vegetable Dumplings and Chicken Lettuce Wraps; Entrees including Chicken and Broccoli, Crispy Beef, Beijing Chicken, Steamed Sea Bass with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce and a Tofu Vegetarian Plate, all served with white rice; and Dessert, including Sorbet or Ice Cream by Pastry Chef Keith Freiman, served with Coffee or Chinese Tea. The restaurant is also introducing a $29 “Power Lunch” that uses the same prix fixe menu and includes a martini, perfect for executives who wish to impress.

Philippe Chow Miami is is open Monday through Saturday for lunch from 12 to 3 p.m. or for dinner from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.   36 South Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.674.0250. www.philippechow.com.

Mare Nostrum is offering a specially priced three course executive lunch menu  Monday through Friday, at $19.95, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Choices include starters like Goat cheese and onion tart,  Crab and shrimp with lobster bisque and a grilled tarragon and garlic crostini; Croquetas de jamon,  Ceviche, Bacon and leek quiche, red snapper crudo with blood orange and fennel. For entrees there’s Paella de pollo, catch of the day, pasta of the day, 10 oz skirt frites, Marinated pork chop; and for dessert: ice creams and flan de turron

Mare Nostrum, 1111 SW First Avenue, right off of Brickell Avenue; directly across the street from the Brickell Avenue Metrorail MetroMover station.   786-691-2770.    marenostrumrestaurant.com.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, The Setai South Beach created the “Romance Is” Package (available February 1 through November 30) designed to set and keep the mood long beyond Valentine’s Day.

The package starts with a bottle of Taittinger Champagne and Teuscher Chocolate Champagne Truffles upon arrival; a fresh bouquet of roses and The Setai Grand Breakfast daily.

Romance customization includes a five-course candlelight dinner in The Restaurant prepared by Executive Chef David Werly with Champagne Taittinger Rosé; a private Champagne and Caviar tasting lead by Head Sommelier, Dwayne Savoie followed by a gourmet dinner for two;  Couple’s Balinese massages, Pilates and yoga sessions,  a private helicopter tour to take in Miami and the Keys from the sky.  Water lovers can hop on Jet Skis to explore South Beach’s coast. Or, embark on a land tour via a Ferrari F430 Spyder or Mercedes-Benz CLK550.

After an extensive renovation Charlotte Bistro chef/owner Elida Villarroel and Chef de Cuisine Andrew Gilbert have launched a moderately-priced small plates menu where classic French dishes meet modern Miami influences. Diners can choose from a selection of small plates and sides ($4-$14) like tender lamb croquettes with a fresh mint sauce, crab risotto with a truffle emulsion; escargots with garlic & parsley; tender duck confit and crispy fried rabbit with mashed potatoes and red-eye gravy. Meatless selections include eggplant timbale, artichoke gratin and green olive and basil soup, amongst many other offerings.

Larger plates ($14-$34), meant to be shared, include locally caught fish of the day, a NY Strip Steak with blue cheese butter and for veggie-lovers, a fresh vegetable paella, showcasing seasonal veggies at their peak. Desserts include Chef Elida's signature chocolate soup, Quesillo Criollo, a rich custard, house-made fresh ice creams, including comfort food classic, caramel bananas.

Every Sunday, from 11AM-4PM,   Sunday afternoons with friends and family at affordable prices include arepitas, mini arepas stuffed with your choice of pernil, tender roasted pork shoulder, or Venezuelan-style black beans with cheese, classic French omelettes, house-made sausages and, for those with a big appetite, juicy carne asada, fresh salmon and the ever-popular steak and eggs.

Charlotte Bistro, 264 Miracle Mile is open for dinner Wednesday from 5:30pm-9:30pm and from 5:30pm-11pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays. Brunch will be served from 11am-4pm every Sunday.  (305) 443-3003 charlottebistro.com

The Betsy-South Beach is offering two classical music salons, with  musicians from Florida International University and University of Miami.

On Thursday, January 19 at 7:15 PM is FIU's Amernet Quartet, and   on Saturday, January 28 at 6 PM is UM artist in residence, Tenor Dennis Petersen singing Schubert, with UM Opera Director, Alan Johnson at the Piano.

These programs are presented free of charge to the public as part of the Philanthropy, Arts, and Culture program at The Betsy, located at 1440 Ocean Drive in South Beach. The Betsy is also home to award-winning chef Laurent Tourondel’s restaurant BLT Steak.

A nice addition to the Brickell area, The Farmers Market will run year round, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Central Park Miami, on the corner of South Miami Ave. and Coral Way.  This is the 9th Farmers Market operated by The Market Company, owned and managed by Claire Tomlin in different parts of town.

Brickell has become a residential area and,  according to market manager Martin Bates, is ripe for a weekly gathering place where neighbors can meet weekly over fresh local produce grown in Dade County; local honey made by Redland beekeepers; freshly baked breads; French patisseries; locally made fresh mozzarella;  a nice selection of prepared foods such as BBQ, salads, empanadas and such; a coffee booth featuring super premium single origin coffees and more…

On time for the holidays, vendors are bringing out handmade soaps and creams, orchids and a nice selection of potted fresh herbs and lots of gift items for the holidays...

The Brickell Farmers market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Park Miami, 1300 South Miami Avenue, downtown Miami.

The Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market will be open the Fridays before Christmas and New Year’s – 23rd and 30th.   Vendors are taking orders for special delivery for holidays affairs, says organizer Claire Tomlin.   For additional information: www.themarketcompany.org

Ruled by the magnificent and formidable fire-spitting  beast, The Year of the Dragon is the most powerful sign in the Chinese zodiac.

And to celebrate the Chinese New Year the Mandarin Oriental Miami has a host of events planned including an elaborate exhibition of Chinese art in the hotel lobby, a private talk and dinner with Chinese Artist Fung Ming Chip on Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm,  festive menus at Café Sambal and an exciting Al Fresco party on the hotel’s private beach.

The cost of a three-course dinner at Café Sambal, paired with wines is USD 75 per person - plus tax and gratuity. The cost of the Al Fresco party on Saturday, January 28,  from 7pm to 10pm., is USD 95 per person in advance or USD 110 at the door, plus tax and gratuity and includes open bar,  festive Chinese delicacies, a majestic dragon dance and artistic demonstrations on the private beach adorned with red and gold lanterns, ornate candles and other traditional Chinese decorations.  There will be a live DJ and a variety of Chinese entertainment plus open bar all night long. All guests will receive a traditional ‘red packet’ filled with wishes of good health and good fortune.

For more information or to make reservations, please call (305) 913 8358.  Mandarin Oriental, Miami.  500 Brickell Key Drive.

Wednesday, January 11, Starting at 12:15 pm,  The second annual Jazz in the Gables series returns with its lunchtime concerts every Wednesday beginning January 11 beginning with FREE lunchtime music at the Coral Gables Museum Plaza (285 Aragon Ave), through  March 28. 

Trumpet player extraordinaire Troy "Satchmo" Anderson kicks off the concert series performing with his band in a tribute to his idol Louis Armstrong. Lunch from Tropico Restaurant will be available for purchase.  There will be prize drawings every week.

The 50-seat little bistro Loulou, in the locale Indochine occupied for 8 years,  ensconsed between Tobacco Road and the river Oyster Café,  is offering French-like “formules” or prix fixe meal. 

Every day specials on the formule $15, a 3-course lunch with appetizer, lunch and dessert,  include catch of the day or a meat dish (on the day I went it appetizer was a organic zucchini flan, mains was octopus or branzino over a rich chickpeas , tomatoes and potato casserole or a duck cassoulet , great for this season’s weather, with duck confit, sausages, beans and a lot more, and dessert with either  a fruit salad or a cream or cake).  Among the week’s specials Beef Bourgignon; mussels, Coq au Vin, Couscous and Bouillabaisse.

The owners, partners  Jackes Ardison and Victor Passalacqua, both veterans of the restaurant industry,  are focusing on organic and sustainable produce, fish and meats for their French-inspired menus which lists many French classics such as soupe à l’oignon gratinée, escargots and terrine of foie gras for appetizers, followed by charcuterie and cheese tras, salads, sandwiches such as croque  monsieur and merguez; and mains from Steak Frites and roast chicken to fish and pastas.

Loulou, le petit bistro, is open for lunch and dinner daily and serves late-night tapas. 638 South Miami Avenue, Downtown Miami, 305-379-1404, www.loulou-miami.com

Through December 31, ask your boss to come in to the restaurant, Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and receive one free lunch  at Russell's Blue Water Grill in Palm Beach Gardens, an ocean- and farm-to-table eatery  owned by Russell Beverstein and Chef Charles Coe.  Beverages and/or liquor, tax, and gratuity are not included in this free lunch promotion.

Russell's Blue Water Grill serves lunch Monday through Saturday, and dinner nightly.   2450 PGA Boulevard (at the SE corner of Prosperity in the TJ Maxx plaza) in Palm Beach Gardens,   561.318.6344 www.russellsbluewatergrill.com

On the heels of the recently completed $65 million comprehensive revitalization, including a new front entrance, outdoor pool and pavilion, new chef-driven Ironwood Steak and Seafood restaurant and iBAR, as well as enhanced golf courses and landscaping, PGA National Resort & Spa’s executive chef Gordon Maybury is offering a new menu.

The list highlights locally caught Wahoo, crab-stuffed Maine lobster and a raw bar complete with the freshest shellfish and sashimi, alongside high end steaks such as “Tomahawk for Two” – a 32-ounce cross of Waygu and Black Angus beef, dry-aged for 21 days -- cooked at 1,200 degrees in its state-of-the-art Vulcan 1200 broiler.

“My vision with the new menu for Ironwood Steak and Seafood is to create a modern American steakhouse using the finest quality ingredients from local Florida farms, day-boat fishermen and the best cattle ranches in the country," said chef Maybury

Ironwood Steak and Seafood’s floor-to-ceiling wine room with over 1,000 bottles of the best vintages nationally and internationally will also cellar wines produced by PGA TOUR golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, Nick Faldo and Luke Donald. “While we’re best known as one of the world’s finest golf destinations,” declared Joel Paige, Vice President and Managing Director, “our superb cuisine, array of wines and unparalleled customer service put us on the map as a culinary destination.”

For more information about PGA National visit www.pgaresort.com or call (800) 533.9386.

Through December 31st the Memphis-style High Steaks BBQ offers a buy one platter, get another one for 50% off deal from a menu of BBQ’d and grilled beef, chicken, pork and shrimp platters like jerked-around half chicken ($12); baby back ribs ($20 full rack/$14 half rack); and the house favorite, Memphis style ribs, ($20 full rack/$14 half rack) served with hush puppies and a choice of French fries & slaw, or red beans and rice. The menu lists appetizers — Jalapeño Cheddar Hush Puppies ($5); BBQ Pork Sliders ($7); and Johnnie Be Good Chili ($5 cup/$7 bowl)— salads, soups and sandwiches.

High Steaks BBQ is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. 57 NW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL 33125, just two miles south of Miami International Airport.   305.642.7447 .  www.highsteaksbbq.com.

Complimentary screening under the stars on Bizcaya Fountain Terrace, with hot toddies and fresh-out-the-oven cookies are open to the public  -- no reservations required -- at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami on  Saturdays from 7 p.m., December 3: A Christmas Story; December 10: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas; and December 17: It’s A Wonderful Life;

Bring an unwrapped ‘tween toy or gift card and they’ll personally deliver them to children in need just in time for the holidays

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami, 3300 Southwest 27^th Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-644-4680, www.ritzcarlton.com/coconutgrove

The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co., at 1119 5th St., (5th and Alton)  Miami Beach is offering a free menu for children under 12, Monday - Friday,  with the purchase of any $5 menu item.

The children's menu includes a choice of bagel and spread; egg & cheese bagel sandwich; Tuna Salad Bagelwich; Pizza melt and fruit salad. Brookly Water Bagels is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.brooklynwaterbagels.com 305-674-7425