On Thursday, July 31, 2014, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) Miami Spice kick-off event took place during the Miami New Times’ annual Iron Fork event at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Miami. Hundreds of guests enjoyed an evening of delicious cuisine from more than 70 participating restaurants including Dolce Italian, Estiatorio Milos, J&G Grill, Lure Fishbar, Morton’s, City Hall and Bulla Gastropub, just to name a few.
An exciting new addition to the event this year was the Heritage Neighborhood Showcase which celebrated the culture and history of Little Havana, Historic Overtown, Little Haiti and West Grove through food, art and music.
VIPticket holders were treated to an exclusive experience by Miami Spice sponsors MasterCard, Botran Rum, Stella Artois, Foods From Chile and Wines of Chile – including delectable food and complimentary refreshments. As in years past, Iron Fork served as the official kick-off to the GMCVB’s annual restaurant program, Miami Spice, which boasts more than 170 participating restaurants. Running August 1 through September 30, Miami Spice highlights an array of the finest dining destinations in Miami and the Beaches. Savvy diners can enjoy three-course meals accessibly priced at $23 per person for lunch and $39 per person for dinner.
In addition to savoring bites from some of the hottest restaurants, event goers had front row seats to watch chefs Aaron Brooks of Edge Steak & Bar and Todd Erickson of HaVen South Beach and Huahua’s Taqueria, compete in this year’s Iron Fork Challenge. Ingredients for the cook-off were generously donated by Foods From Chile and Whole Foods Market. In the end, the esteemed panel of judges – Adrienne Calvo of Chef Adrienne’s, Jamie DeRosa of Tongue & Cheek and Timon Balloo of SUGARCANE raw bar grill – crowned Chef Todd the 2014 Iron Fork Champion.
For more information on Miami Spice, including participating restaurants, please visit www.ilovemiamispice.com.
