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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 28 September 2010

 Zonin, one of the largest Italian wine producers with 23 million bottles a year distributed in no less than 93 countries around the world, is running a photo contest on their website:  "Zonin Prosecco in YOUR Life."  One  finalist will win a 7-day trip to Italy and a chance to work on the great Zonin Prosecco advertising campaign at prosecco@zoninusa.com. The  grand prize winner will be announced on December 20.

The everyday consumer is encouraged to take a creative photo of Zonin in their every day life and thousand of lucky winners will win bubbly prizes.

To participate and find out more, log on to http://www.zoninprosecco.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=20

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 28 September 2010

The Coral Gables Oktoberfest – an outdoor festival with food aplenty, yodeling, music, activities, of course freshly imported beer from Germany and Austria - will take place from October 1st to 10th,  on the Bierhaus Plaza in front of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way in downtown Coral Gables, ten minutes from downtown Miami via Metro rail. Admission is free.

The festival has become one of Miami's most anticipated annual neighborhood celebrations and typically attracts up to 15,000 guests over a two weekend span. Performers include Austrian and German celebrated musicians;  The Groups AlpenPower from Weiz in the Steiermark, and Alpenland Gaudi from Steyer in Upper Austria.

Buy Raffle Tickets $ 5.00 in benefit of CHARLEE Homes for Children to win many prizes including a cruise for 2.   Bierhaus Plaza in front of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way in downtown Coral Gables. Admission free.  October 1 to 10, weekdays from 11am to midnight,  Weekends: 11am to 2am.

For additional information:  www.oktoberfestmiami.com  or call  305-774-1883

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 27 September 2010

Win a grand prize of over $25,000 in the Manischewitz Cooking Competition.  Five finalists will compete live for the prize in New York City. Legendary Chef Jacques Pepin will be Head Judge.  To enter, send in a simple, family friendly recipe that you love by December 31st.  Log onto www.manischewitz.com  for details and inspirational recipes.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 27 September 2010

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday through December 3,  starting at 11:45am, Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management  will prepare and a serve a three-course lunch at $18/person.  Two dozen students of the school’s Advanced Foodservice Management classes will cook under the direction of Chef Mike Moran, instructor for the Advanced Culinary Class and Luncheon series, and  with Chef Roger Probst dishes such as Duck Breast with Orange Gastrique or Baked Red Snapper Provençal; and Bananas Foster.

A $45 package rate is available for the purchase of three lunch dates.  Reservations are available by calling Roger Ledesma at 305/919-4526 and must be paid in advance via check or cash to confirm reservation.

 Lunch will be served at Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management dining room at HM Building, room 129, Biscayne Bay Campus.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 27 September 2010

Submit an original recipe using Cacique’s line of Hispanic products  and win an all-expense-paid trip for two to Napa Valley, California and a five day Culinary Boot Camp Vacation at the CIA — Culinary Institute of America.  

The Go Auténtico Cook-Off Challenge contest  recipes must be submitted by November 15, 2010 at http://www.caciqueusa.com/goautentico/landing  or can be submitted via mail to 128 W. Santa Fe Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. Participants can enter as many recipes as they want. The contest is open to all U.S. residents age 18 and over. Complete Go Auténtico Challenge contest rules are available at http://www.caciqueusa.com/goautentico/rules.

See Chef Sánchez’s take on Cacique-inspired, traditional, Go Auténtico recipes, on the Cacique Web site at http://www.caciqueusa.com/goautentico/landing .

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Written by SFG Staff

Published: 26 September 2010

At the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest set for Sunday, Oct. 24, divers will transform hollowed-out pumpkins into jolly jack-o'-lanterns. Contestants submerge to a depth of less than 30 feet, with dive knives as their carving tools and their imaginations for inspiration to win prizes.  

Teams can meet at Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort, located at mile marker 104.5, at 8:30 a.m.   Divers are encouraged to sign up for the contest early because space is limited.

The regular dive boat fee of $80 per certified diver applies for the two-tank, two-location dive, including tanks, weights and snorkel equipment.  For more information about the contest, call 800-426-6729 or visit www.amoray.com .

To find out about area accommodations, call the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce at 800-822-1088 or 305-451-4747, or visit the Florida Keys & Key West website at www.fla-keys.com. There are specially priced multiple-dive and dive-lodging packages

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 26 September 2010

The mind, body and spirit will come together at the Biltmore Hotel for the second annual Biltmore Health & Wellness Festival, October 15, 16 and 17, 2010.

Festival-goers  seeking information or inspiration on a healthy lifestyle  will come together with internationally renowned pioneers in medical science and the healing arts to celebrate everything health and wellness, including food and wine and the world’s largest group acupuncture experience on  the last day.

Sunday’s day-long celebration features organic food and wine tastings, an herbal elixir bar, culinary demonstrations, yoga classes, guided meditations, healing massages, Qi Gong workshops, Tai Chi and prayer dance and  a variety of fun activities for children, including painting a community mural, filmmaking, a storytelling project and creative movement to joyful music.

“At the Biltmore we believe in empowering individuals with healthy and natural lifestyle choices,” said Yvonne Roberts, Biltmore Health & Wellness Director. “The festival brings together educators and pioneers in their fields offering the community an extraordinary weekend filled with exploration and enjoyment.”

For more information about events featured, times and ticket prices, please visit http:// www. biltmorehealthandwellness.com   or  call 305-913-3230. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables, Florida.

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Written by SWFG Staff

Published: 18 September 2010

From now through November 1, 2010,  everyone who signs up to receive the Turks and Caicos Reservations monthly newsletter is automatically entered for a chance to win a free trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands, including airfare for two, a five-night stay at the luxurious West Bay Club boutique resort and a slot as a judge in the eighth annual Turks and Caicos Conch Festival to be held November 26-28, 2010. 

 More information can be found at www.conchfestival.com. Special hotel packages and a chance to win a trip to the event can be found at www.turksandcaicosreservations.com or by calling 1-877-774-5486.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 13 September 2010

Beginning October 1, 2010, Mercadito will begin a year-long campaign – “Tacos for Strength” – to  join Share our Strength’s fight to end childhood hunger around the country.

Kicking off the “Tacos for Strength” program is  Chef Andrew Carmellini of Locanda Verde, New York, with his “Tacos de Albondigas,” a savory blend of poached shrimp and chorizo meatballs, salsa verde, and an angel hair-red cabbage slaw, all served in a corn tortilla ($16 for an order of four tacos).

Every month for the next year, a different guest chef -  Stephanie Izard, Girl and the Goat, Chicago; Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami; Wylie Dufresne, WD-50, New York; Jimmy Bannos  Jr., Heaven on Seven, Chicago; Rodelio Aglibot, The Food Buddha, Chicago; Michael Fiorello, Mercat a la Planxa, Chicago;  Peter Hoffman, Savoy, New York; Ryan Poli, Perennial, Chicago; Thomas Buckley, Nobu, Miami; and more - will create a signature taco for Mercadito, which will be available at all locations in New York, Chicago, and Miami.  Five percent of the sales from the featured taco will be donated to Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives.  For additional information: www.mercaditorestaurants.com     

Mercadito Midtown, located in Midtown Miami at 3252 NE First Avenue, is open seven days a week, serving daily lunch and dinner nightly. The Taqueria, adjacent to the restaurant, offers casual service, take-out and delivery service from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  All major credit cards accepted; valet and ample municipal parking is available.  Reservations are recommended: (786) 369-0430.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 13 September 2010

Louisiana Seafood Marketing and Promotion Board and White House chef Cristeta Comerford were joined in New Orleans by chefs around the nation (John Folse-Folse & Company, John Besh-Besh Restaurant Group, Chris Lusk-Café Adelaide, Drew Dzejak-The Grill Room, Christopher Lynch & Baruch Rabasa-Meson 923 —from Louisiana;   Rick Tramonto—Chicago; Victor Albisu—Washington DC; Robert Wiedmaier—Washington DC; Jeff Tunks—Washington DC; Michelle Bernstein—Miami; Michael Schwartz—Miami; Peter Vauthy—Miami; James Siao—Phoenix; Brandon Boudet—Los Angeles; Dan Bugge; Chester Gerl—Seattle and Dean Dupuis—Oakland)  to promote the fact that, despite the BP oil spill, Gulf seafood is safe.

On Monday, September 13, the chefs prepared Gulf seafood dishes that they then took to a Block Party in St. Bernard Parish where the St. Bernard Project is helping families find post-Katrina housing opportunities.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 12 September 2010

Starting  September 12, bring the family to BLT on Sunday night and children 14 and under will receive 50% off all regular menu items and black board specials Address: The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 12 September 2010

Beginning September 1st, The InterContinental Miami is offering South Florida residents an opportunity to stretch out the vacation days  at special rates.  Starting from $149 per room per night (4 maximum 2 adults, 2 children),  the package includes Breakfast Buffet for two at Indigo Restaurant & Bar;    Two Complimentary Cocktails at the Blue Water Pool Bar (one per adult per day);  Two non-alcoholic frozen drinks at the Blue Water Pool Bar (one per child, per day) and  25% off selected services from mySpa at InterContinental Miami .

The InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL. 305.577.1000. For reservations: 800.327.3005.  For more information, please visit www.icmiamihotel.com .

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 28 August 2010

The James Beard Foundation invited Chef Jonathan Eismann to participate in a Celebrity Chef Program  during the World Equestrian Games (WEG) at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, from September 23 through October 10, 2010.  This is the first time that the World Equestrian Games are being held in the United States. Over 600,000 visitors from around the world are expected to attend the games and will taste American cuisine at its best.

In addition, Chef Eismann’s Q-American Barbeque offers   All-You-Can-Eat Barbeque, all week at  4029 North Miami Avenue.  www.designdistrcirestaurants.com.   305- Barbequ(E), 305 227-2371.

 At Fin - he is offering " A Mid Summer Nights Dinner in The Design District" $35 Prix Fixed Menu through  September 28, with dishes such as Maine lobster and tomato broth and a wild salmon croquette;  Manhattan style clam chowder with Sebastian Inlet, Florida Clams; spicy shrimp curry with jasmine rice, celery, bananas, fermented chili, coconut water;Pacific Halibut/Juneau Alaska; Line Caught Black Cod/Oregon Coast; Sockeye Salmon/Sitka Alaska Day Boat; Big Eye Tuna Steak/Canaveral Area, Florida. The sides include   Organic Idaho Potato Gratin,  Curried French Lentils,  Sweet Corn Succotash among others.  And for desserts, there’s warm summer peaches sautéed with local  lavender, phyllo  crisps and ; lemon curd tart.

  FIN is open for dinner daily from 5p.m. till CLOSE.  4029 North Miami Avenue   305 227-2378  

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Written by SFG Staff

Published: 28 August 2010

 

 Chef Max bested 13 other chefs from across the country with his innovative recipe “Sebastian Inlet Clams BBLT (Bacon, Basil, Lettuce and Tomato).”  To celebrate his new title, Chef Max is serving up the winning dish at 3030 Ocean.  Hotel guests and the local community will be able to taste the prized meal, priced at $14, through mid-October.   For 3030 Ocean reservations please call 954-765-3030 or visit www.3030ocean.com

Now in its seventh year, the Great American Seafood Cook-Off encourages the use of products from sustainable fisheries.  For more details on the Great American Seafood Cook-Off visit http://www.greatamericanseafoodcookoff.com /

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Written by SFG Staff

Published: 28 August 2010

All day long on Mondays City Cellar Wine Bar & Grille offers  half price off all bottles of wine under $99, with the purchase of an entrée.  Guests can also take advantage of their seven-days-a-week famous Happy Hour from 4-7pm featuring a 2-for-1 deal on ALL drinks (wine, craft beer, top-shelf liquor, martinis) and a selection of half-priced appetizers, salads and pizzas including the Pan Seared Lump Crab cake, Mussels Oreganata, Iceberg Wedge Salas and Pizza Portobello (bar only). The Late-Night Happy Hour from 10-midnight Sun-Wed, and 10:30-midnight Thurs-Sat, offers a taste of 2-for-1 cocktails and $5 pizzas (bar only).

City Cellar Wine Bar & Grille, 700 South Rosemary Avenue, City Place, West Palm Beach, 561.366.0071 , www.CityCellarWPB.com

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Written by SFG Staff

Published: 28 August 2010

At Chef Allen's Wednesdays are a splurge with every bottle on their award winning wine list half off.

Chef Allen's 19088 NE 29th Ave., Aventura, FL 33180. (305) 935-2900

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 28 August 2010

On Wednesday, September 8, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Café Sambal, M Coffee Bar and illy caffè are hosting  Coffee Sense.  Master Barista Giorgio Milos — who placed among the world’s top craftsmen in the World Barista Championships — will demonstrate all that goes into making authentic Italian illy espresso, from the proper consumption technique and presentation of espresso and espresso-based beverages to the history and origin of the coffee, the agronomy and chemistry of the coffee bean.  Mr. Milos is on faculty at Università del Caffè, a dedicated facility at illy caffè’s Trieste headquarters where the world’s leading restaurateurs, chefs and café owners attend master coffee training.

M Coffee Bar , lobby of Mandarin Oriental and Café Sambal, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s waterfront restaurant. 500 Brickell Key Dr. ,Miami, FL.  There is no charge to attend the event. (305) 913  8358.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 22 August 2010

Solea, at the W South Beach, has a new cocktail list created by bartender Tommy Merolla from the W’s bar/lounge Living Room as well as of exciting new dishes.  The cocktails, priced at $14 each are prepared with natural and unusual ingredients such as fresh cilantro, basil and ginger root; aloe vera gel; lavender gin; strawberry yuzu; cinnamon simple syrup; bison grass infused vodka; orange blossom water; and cardamom bitters, and  bring an intriguing balance of flavors. 

The summer fling, mixes Reposado tequila, fresh pineapple and lime juices, agave nectar and fresh cilantro.  The Rainbow Tribe mixes gin, ginger root, yuzu, simple syrup, fresh juiced cucumber and celery bitters; and the Wild Flower – Nicolas lavender gin, strawberry yuzu, orange blossom honey, fresh basil and floral bitters. 

 Solea, located inside the lobby of the new W South Beach Hotel,  2201 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach, (305) 938-3111.  www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels

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Written by SFG Staff

Published: 20 August 2010

Starting Sunday, August 22^nd The Sunday Market will be held every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Mary Brickell Village. Stretching along the 900 block of South Miami Avenue, the first open air market in the Brickell area will display fresh, natural, local products local vendors — from local honey; teas & coffees and olive oils to pet treats, Ice cream, chocolate & baked goods; mushrooms; cheeses; pasta; fish, stone crabs & shrimp — alongside  art exhibits, jewelry & accessories, music and live entertainment.     

The Shops at Mary Brickell Village,  designed around two public plazas surrounded by lush vegetation, water and oak and mahogany trees, includes 10 eateries as well as high-end retailers.  

For more information on The Sunday Market: www.marybrickellvillage.com.  For vendor inquiries, please call 305-531-0038.

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Written by Simone Zarmati Diament

Published: 13 August 2010

Girlfriend admits beating Jean-Francois Poinard to death and hiding his body for nearly two years. Read full story in:  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/europe/famed-french-chef-turns-up-dead-in-freezer/article1669852/

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