If you know South Beach, you know there is always something going on or in the works and this weekend was no exception. On Friday, October 24th, the "Chef Showdown" was held at the Seafood & Sneakers Ball where restaurants were in competition under the GOYA pavilion on 9th and Ocean. Rain among us, we guests shared the opportunity of walking around and enjoying tastings from the old, the new and the ever-changing participating Miami restaurants and chefs. We also enjoyed cocktails from Bacardi and Hess Collection wines (which are not bad at all may I add).
Celebrity Chef and current owner of +Naked Taco, Ralph Pagano,was there and so were his lobster empanadas. Holy Goodness! There was so much seafood around yet I knew to make my way to the table of those who brought me duck chicharrones, lime, cilantro crema & spicy cucumber all in a taco shell, as they never dissapoint me. The new Siena Tavern Miami taking over the old China Grill spot and New York Times best selling author Chef Fabio Viviani were also there showing off what we can expect from their Italian #fromscratch menu. Red the Steakhouse, Florida Cookery, Oceanaire, Dolce Italian, City Hall, Café Avanti, CIBO, and Poseidon were some of the other restaurants also present.
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| Chef Viviani talks seafood with host and restauranteurRalph Pagano |
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| Naked Taco Lobster Empanada gets all my chips |
While Saturday's main event was the main attraction to the festival, my experience at the "Chef Showdown" at the Seafood and Sneaker ball was def cooler. Besides, not all events I get invited to I get to wear chucks.
More seafood journeys to come my friends! It's #StoneCrabSeason after all :)
