At the third annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival (www.rumrenaissance../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css April 25 – May 1) at the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach, Florida, members of the International Rum Expert Panel — from authors and historians to collectors, proprietors and mixologists — known as the RumXPs www.rumxp../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css, will evaluate more than 100 nominated spirits during a blind tasting competition to be held April 27-29 . “For the rum experts, judging these fine rums is truly the best part of the Rum Renaissance Festival,” said Robert Burr, RumXP member and Miami Rum Renaissance Festival organizer.
Tickets to the Grand Tasting Event are available for $25 per day. VIP passes that grant full access to all VIP rum parties and grand tastings are available online for $250 each. For more information, visit www.rumrenaissance../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css.
George Chryssaidis, owner of Athena Café in St. Augustine and creator of Frixa Olive Oil is hosting an Olive Oil Recipe Challenge. The Grand Prize is a 2-nightstay at The Westcott House, one of St. Augustine’s luxurious bed & breakfast inns, dining at his three restaurants (Athena Café, Georgie’s Diner and Café Alcazar www.TheCafeAlcazar../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css) plus a case of Frixa Olive Oil www.FrixaOliveOil.net
Official Rules: Send recipe via email to Leigh Cort Publicity ~ leighcort@bellsouth.net by July 15, 2011
1. NAME OF RECIPE
2. A brief story about the recipe, not to exceed 100 words
3. Name, address, telephone # and email (No previously published recipes will be considered).
4. All ingredients and preparation instructions.
All submitted recipes become the property of FRIXA OLIVE OIL and will not be returned.
Judging: Entries will be judged by George Chryssaidis and CHEFS from his three restaurants.
Who can enter: Entrants must be 18 or over. There are no substitutions or transfer of prizes. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. By acceptance of prizes, winners consent to use of their names and/or photographs for publicity purposes without further compensation. Winner will be notified by August 1, 2011.
An appetizing documentary in every sense, Jiro Dreams of Sushifollows 85-year-old master sushi chef Jiro Ono, paying lushly photographed homage to the process of preparing the artisan sushi that earned Ono's esteemed Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant three Michelin stars.
From the complicated relationship between Jiro and his sons to the ins and outs of the tuna auction, this spirited film profiles all aspects of Jiro's craft in mouth-watering style and detail.
For tea lovers, South Florida offers a wide variety of tearooms to sit back, sip or slurp herbal, black, white or green teas.
(Source: Let's Have Tea)
Let’s Have Tea
The Shops at Stirling Place 6923 Stirling Road Davie, FL 33314 (954) 584-8888 www.letshavetearoom../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css
Tea time at this quaint, English-style tearoom resembles the rigid rules you would follow in England. First, be prepared to be served on your right and hold your teacup on your left hand. Servers usually will place three-tiered trays with savories, scones and sweets. They’re usually passed around the table in that order. This tearoom can accommodate a modest number of 30 guests. Call in advance because the establishment is by reservation only.
For those looking for a high-brow way to spend the afternoon, how about English tea at the Biltmore’s lobby as an “accomplished” classical guitarist performs. The hotel is a historic South Florida icon whose tower is landmark. The vaulted ceiling and majestic mantled fireplace provides all the features that would resemble England’s finest tearooms. Tea is served at 3 and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the hotel lobby.
(Source: CBS)
Tea ‘N Sanity
13022 SW 120th Street Miami, FL 33186 305-951-2448 www.tea-n-sanity../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css
This isn’t exactly a tearoom, but they do offer free tea tastings and custom make teas for people with certain medical conditions. The Apothecary is also a natural medicine store that offers tea served buffet style and also offers tea for those on special diets.
(Source: Vienna Coffee House And Bistro)
Vienna Coffee House & Bistro
5724 South Flamingo Road Country Side Shops Cooper City, FL 33330 954-680-6599 www.viennacafeandbistro../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css
This coffee and bistro establishment also offers high tea with a menu that includes scones with Devonshire cream and jam. The three tiered tray also mixes in petit fours and fresh fruits. The tea is served on fine bone china with rose petals decoratively placed over the white lace tablecloth. The high tea starts at $29 per person and serves a maximum of 25. Reservations must be made in advance.
Lea’s Tea Room is also a full fledged restaurant that offers everything from beef Carpaccio to onion soup. But the tea menu features about 30 traditional and exotic teas including black, white and green teas. Some are iced. The best time for tea, which is served daily, is from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Brewers Association -the national non-profit association representing the majority of today's U.S. breweries, and publishers of CraftBeer../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css-will celebrate American Craft Beer Week (ACBW) May 16-22, with local events held nationwide.
Thousands of today's beer enthusiasts, beginners and hard core geeks will toast craft beer, with ACBW events predicted to take place in all 50 states.
For an expanding list of events visit the official calendar on www.CraftBeer../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css.
Chef Thomas Keller — French Laundry, Per Se — has become the third American chef (after Julia Child and Alice Waters) to be inducted into the French Legion d’Honneur for promoting French cuisine here.
Check out the above photo of Keller seated next to the legendary Paul Bocuse, who presented the official medal to Keller during a reception at Per Se yesterday. Also pictured, from left to right: Alain Ducasse, Eric Ripert, French ambassador François Delattre, Keller’s fiancée Laura Cunningham, Daniel Boulud (who nominated Keller), and Jerôme Bocuse (Paul's son and VP of Bocuse d'Or USA).
Hollywood types Dana Delaney, actor turned wine peddler Kyle MacLachlan, and producer Brad Lewis also attended the ceremony along with Beard President Susan Ungaro and Food & Wine’s Dana Cowin. Congos to Chevalier Keller!
Beginning Monday, April 18 through Monday, April 25, 2011, Rosa Mexicano - South Beach and Mary Brickell Village - offers a Passover a La Mexicana menu featuring complimentary family-style snacks. Each table will receive a Mexican take on the traditional sedar plate - escabeche judeo, comprised of pickled cucumber, carrots, cabbage and jalapeño peppers as well as zhug, an Israeli spicy salsa made with cilantro, garlic, and jalapeño. A la carte selections will include a variety of appetizers ($8-$8.50), entrees ($18),sides ($5), as well as desserts ($8).
on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 10 a.m. there will be a 3 course lunch and an exclusive Passover a La Mexicana cooking demo, $30 per person(exclusive of gratuity), $10 from each ticket sold will be donated to Best Buddies, a not-for-profit organization helping communities develop volunteer opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reservations at for this event are required, sign up at www.rosamexicano.com
Rosa MexicanoSouth Beach, 1111 Lincoln Road, corner of Lincoln and Alton Road, Miami Beach. (305) 695-1005.
Rosa Mexicano, Mary Brickell Village, 900 South Miami Avenue. (786) 424-1001
EAT ♥ PLAY ♥ BE HEALTHY : A food and fun event for the entire family at the Miami Science Museum
The 3rd Annual Heart of a Chef (HOAC) — A Florida Heart Research Institute Foodalicious Festival for the entire family — will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2011 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Miami Science Museum. This year Florida Heart Research Institute is putting an emphasis on the prevention of childhood obesity along with educating people of all ages to live a heart healthy lifestyle through fun food-related activities.
Activities include free food tastings and food demonstrations; Wine with The Wildlife — two wine tasting seminars for parents and people over 21; and healthy substitution seminars.
There will be a series of cook offs:
- Battle of Chefs pitting Whole Foods chefs VS. chefs of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy;
- Miami Dade Senior High Food Competition;
- Cook-off between 1500◦ Executive Chef & Hell’s Kitchen runner up Paula DaSilva VS. 1500◦ Sous Chef and fellow Hell’s Kitchen contestant Ben Walanka. Joining the teams will be 1500◦ kitchen staff Adrienne Grenier and Gerard Ladso Sr.
Also scheduled “What’s In Your Lunch Box”, a presentation by Slow Food Movement and Cindy Hill, founder of Once Upon a Carrot, a community based organization dedicated to fighting childhood obesity, as well as live and musical entertainment and science-oriented activities organized by the Miami Science Museum staff.
Co-Chairs of the Heart of a Chef for the second year in a row, Jimmy Morales and daughter Nora welcome Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida — this year’s presenting sponsor, and Whole Foods — the title sponsor which continues to support this initiative annually. Other sponsors include GOYA, HealthCorps,, Miami Children’s Foundation, Brustman Carrino PR, Panache, Le Cordon Bleu, Nespresso, SmartWater, I Heart Olive Oil, CBS4, and The Gallery Interiors to name a few.
Admission: Adults: $25, Children (12 or under): $10, Family Package: Two Adults and Two children for $50. Miami Sciences Museum Members receive a discount by entering your promo code and save $10 on Family Packages. Ticket price includes entrance to all museum galleries, planetarium shows, and the wildlife center. Miami Science Museum, 3280 South Miami Avenue,Miami, 305-646-4200. To purchase tickets online and SAVE and for additional information on activities please go to www.heartofachef.org or contact Staci Ehrenkrantz at (305)586-7025.
2011 Cognac Writer's Contest The Cognac Board (BNIC) and The Palate Press Advertising Network are inviting bloggers in the US to compete in the 2011 Cognac Writing Contest. By writing a post about Cognac, bloggers have the chance to win one of three amazing prizes. First Prize is an all-expenses paid trip to France for the Cognac Blues Passions Festival (6-9 July) with visits to Cognac houses, vineyard tours and VIP access to festival events. The second place winner will receive $500, and the third place winner will receive 3 bottles of exquisite Cognac.
Bloggers should submit their stories to Cognac@palatepressads.info prior to the post's publication. The first round of judging will be based upon how many page views the post receives. The second round of judging will be done by a panel of judges from the U.S. and France. The last day to enter is April 10, 2011; only US bloggers can apply.
New Cocktail Conversation on Facebook The BNIC opened a fun new discussion on the Cognac Maniacs Facebook page (http://www.facebook../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css/CognacManiacs). If you have a favorite Cognac cocktail that you’ve “improved” to fit your tastes, share it with three of America’s top Barmen: Todd Appel from Chicago, Allen Katz and Junior Merino. The three experts will discuss your recipe with you, give you some tips and share their insights about your favorite drinks. The forum is open from March 14th to April 4th. All spirits lovers are invited to join the conversation!
RA Sushi in South Miami invites everyone 18 years-old and older to enter its MAKI MADNESS sushi-eating contest on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 6-close. MAKI MADNESS is limited to the first 40 entries. Deadline to register is Friday, April 8. Applications are available at RA Sushi in South Miami, 5829 SW 73rdSt. (across from The Shops at Sunset Place) or on Facebook at www.facebook../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css/RAsushiSouthMiami.
This sushi-eating contest will take place in rounds and heats. MAKI MADNESS eaters will be gaming against their opponents and a lot of sushi rolls. During the first three rounds, the competitors who demolish two uncut RA Sushi signature Tootsy Maki rolls (crab mix, shrimp and cucumber topped with tempura bits) in the fastest amount of time during their heat advance to the next round. The “final six” competitors will compete in the championship “sushi showdown.” During this final round, opponents will eat as many Tootsy Maki as they can in three (3) minutes.
The grand prize eater will receive free sushi for a year, a $600 value (12 $50 RA Sushi gift certificates,) as well as bragging rights as the RA Sushi MAKI MADNESSchampion. Second place will win a $100 gift certificate, third place will receive a $50 gift certificate and fourth place will get a $25 gift certificate.
Drink specials throughout the event will include well drinks ($4), Cosmopolitans ($5), Apple Martinis ($5) and Kirin and Kirin Light ($5). Lastly, a special guest DJ will be mixing hot beats throughout the night. RA Sushi in South Miami, 5829 SW 73rd St., Miami, FL 305-341-0092
Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami are hosting their 3rd Annual al fresco Tropical Brunch in the Redlands at Schnebly’s Winery on Sunday, April 10, from 11am - 2pm. Three Le Cordon Bleu students will be presented with Les Dames Culinary Scholarships, and 3rd Grade Teacher Pat Kuentzel of South Miami K-8 Center will be recognized for her outstanding achievements in the classroom and school garden.
Located in Florida’s Redland, a farmland area rich in fruit orchards and vegetable farms, Schnebly’s winery is a bucolic Napa Valley-like state-of-the-art winery for tropical fruit wines, with waterfalls and shaded picnic areas, a setting ideal for the display of exquisite foods prepared with local products by Les Dames d’Escoffier.
There will be live music and wines as well as a spectacular silent auction all in benefit of student scholarships for women seeking careers in the food, beverage and hospitality. Schnebly Redland’s Winery, 30205 SW 217 Ave., Homestead.
Les Dames d’Escoffier is an international, invitational service organization comprised of professional women in food, beverage and hospitality whose goals are education, advocacy and philanthropy. Every LDEI chapter is committed to performing charitable work within their respective communities, and members benefit from the experience of networking, camaraderie and mutual support. The Miami chapter's dynamic membership includes bakers, caterers, chefs, consultants, cooking teachers, farmers, food stylists, home economists, journalists, publicists, restaurateurs, retailers, specialty purveyors and winemakers.
For more information and to buy tickets (available in advance until April 8; $35 for adults; $15 for children ages 5-15; 4 and under free) visit the event on the Chapter’s Facebook page. http://www.facebook../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css/event.php?eid=150462061678210&index=1
Saturday, April 2nd , 8:00pm & 10:00pm, An evening of sweet & savory Molecular Gastronomy: Room 4 Dessert Popup Miami, featuring Chef Will Goldfarb — the “golden boy of pastry” is living in Bali, Indonesia and is the Executive Pastry Chef at Ku De Ta in Bali (www.kudeta.net) — and Host Chefs: Kurtis Jantz from the Trump International Hotel, Jeremiah Bullfrog from the Gastropod, and Alberto Cabrera from Himmarshee Bar & Grill & The Local, in benefit of GROW Urban Garden.
All fare will be paired with wines selected by Sommeliers Vivian Lebierman from Le Corden Bleu Miami & Barry Alberts.
Tickets are limited to 40 per seating @ (2) seatings= 80 guests Blooming Design + Events 244 NW 35th Street Miami, FL 33127,Cost : $75pp, RSVP 866 249-0400 or RGR@ciaoimports../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css www.willpowder../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css
Chef Goldfarb will be in NYC in March for the Experimental Cuisine Collective NYU event (www.experimentalcuisine../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css) and to introduce chef Ferran Adria at a private event called Behind the Scenes at el Bulli.
Written by www.usmagazine../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css
From the new issue of US Weekly, here are six must-have apps from celebrity chefs. To read more go to www.usmagazine../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css .
-MARTHA’S EVERYDAY FOOD: FRESH & EASY RECIPES: For 99 cents, the domestic doyenne’s app sends alerts for daily dinner ideas — and uses iPhone GPS to find grocery stores near you! Why it’s hot You can share your fave recipes on Facebook and Twitter.
-FOOD NETWORK IN THE KITCHEN You can access 45,000 recipes from the network’s stars, and new seasonal menus are updated each month. ($1.99) Why it’s hot Save favorite recipes in an online recipe box. Plus, use in-app timers to never burn a meal again!
-GORDON RAMSAY COOK WITH ME Screaming fits not included! Outside of Hell’s Kitchen, Ramsay offers 56 recipes with guides and pictures. ($7.99) Why it’s hot The app offers wine pairings and an email function to invite to friends to enjoy the meal. -NIGELLA QUICK COLLECTION The kitchen goddess guides fans through 70 recipes with 40 minutes of video instructions. ($7.99) Why it’s hot Make shopping lists from recipes, then work through the recipes using voice control without even touching your phone.
-JAMIE OLIVER 20 MINUTE MEALS If you liked his Food Revolution TV show, you’ll love the British chef’s easy recipes. ($7.99) Why it’s hot Step-by-step pictures illustrate each recipe, and in 90 minutes of video Oliver teaches his tricks and basic kitchen tips.
-TYLER FLORENCE FAST Picking from the app’s 500 recipes is easy: “At the store, type in salmon and 15 recipes pop up!” the Food Network chef tells Us. ($4.99) Why it’s hot Need recipe help? Use the app to email the chef or to chat with other users.
Dine Magazine and Norman's 180 have teamed up to host a series of wine classes on Wednesdays in March, April and May. The classes are priced at $34 and will include the wine and light hors d'oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased at:http://dinemag.smartevents../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css Norman's 180 is located at 180 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables. For more information, contact Katy at katy@dinemag.net or (561)313-2210.
Here's the schedule:
Wed., March 9, 2011 from 6-8 pm., What is Wine? -- Learn the how, what, where, when and why of what makes wine.
Wed., March 23, 2011 from 6-8 pm. Palate Calibration and Practical Tasting -- John Eldridge from Premier Beverage will teach how to identify structural components of wine
Wed., April 13, 2011 from 6-8 pm. Wine and Food Pairing
Wed., April 27, 2011 from 6-8 pm. How to Taste Wine -- Andrew McNamara, the Wine & Spirits Specialists Manager for Premier Beverage and one of only 170 Master Sommeliers in the world,
Wed., May 11, 2011 from 6-8 pm, Wine Regions -- Patrick Sullivan
Wed., May 25, 2011 from 6-8 pm., Chardonnay and Cabernet -- Andrew McNamara, the Wine & Spirits Specialists Manager for Premier Beverage and one of only 170 Master Sommeliers
Chef Laura Schmalhorst of Tampa's Chefs on the Loose (chefsontheloose.net) and former St. Petersburg resident and writer Kimberley Lovato (www.kimberleylovato../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css), wife of Jabil Circuit executive John Lovato, have been honored with a Cordon d'Or Award for their culinary travel book 'Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves, Culinary adventures in Dordogne" released by Running Press in 2010.
This is the duo's second award. The full-color hard cover culinary travel and cookbook also recognized by the Gourmand International World Cookbooks Award in the Culinary Travel (USA AUTHOR) category. The Cordon d'Or awards will be presented at a gala event at the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Petersburg on May 15, 2011. *www.cordondorcuisine../../index-php/whats-cooking/.com.css
In conjunction with the Miami International Film Festival and following a screening of Fernando Leon de Aranoa’s “Amador”, El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade will celebrate Spanish food and culture on Wednesday, March 9, 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM as ten local chefs and restaurateurs compete to making Miami’s Best Paella.
Guests will pick the winner for Best Use of Ingredients, Most Creative, Prettiest and the top prize: Paella Parade Pleaser, while drinking El Coto de Rioja wines. Miami International Film Festival, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive.Miami Beach, FL 33139. Tickets With Screening: $55/2 for $100, Paella Parade Only: $45/2 for $80. (248) 334-4600
A restaurant in London's Covent Garden is serving a new range of ice cream, made with breast milk.
The dessert, called Baby Gaga, is churned with donations from London mother Victoria Hiley, and served with a rusk and an optional shot of Calpol or Bonjela.
Mrs Hiley, 35, said if adults realised how tasty breast milk was more new mothers would be encouraged to breastfeed.
Each serving of Baby Gaga at Icecreamists costs £14.
Mrs Hiley's donation was expressed on site and pasteurised before being churned with Madagascan vanilla pods and lemon zest.
Icecreamists founder Matt O'Connor placed an advert appealing for breast milk donations and believes his new recipe will be a success.
What's the harm in using my assets for a bit of extra cash?” asks Victoria Hiley, nursing mother.
"If it's good enough for our children, it's good enough for the rest of us," he said."Some people will hear about it and go yuck - but actually it's pure organic, free-range and totally natural."
Mrs Hiley, who gets £15 for every 10 ounces of milk she donates to the company, said it was a great "recession beater".
"What's the harm in using my assets for a bit of extra cash?" she added.
"I teach women how to get started on breastfeeding their babies. There's very little support for women and every little helps."
Mr O'Connor said 14 other women had come forward to offer their services. Health checks for the lactating women were the same used by hospitals to screen blood donors.
"No-one's done anything interesting with ice cream in the last hundred years," he added.