March Events (Updated)

Wok Star interview on ChatChow.tv

Jumping for joy, my interview on Chat Chow TV is UP! Chat Chow TV already garnered 5 awards since they launched April 2011. So excited because I absolutely adore what they are doing. As they say, “a mouth-watering video podcast where we go behind the scenes with the chefs, owners and mixologists of the celebrated food industry.
Wait, PLUS you get a chance to win two (2) FREE tickets valued at $130 to this coming Tuesday, March 20 Wok Star cooking class! This class is already SOLD OUT.
Visit their site, watch my interview and say “Why YOU want to master the wok!” We pick the winner tomorrow, Sunday evening, so don’t delay.

Common Threads and Legal Art Fundraiser
Thursday, March 29
Hot off the presses – Common Threads and LegalArt are teaming up for a first of its kind pairing event on Thursday, March 29. There will be delicious food, amazing art, great cocktails, and lots of music. Is there anything else one could ask for? Didn’t think so. (right out of the mouth of Olee Fowler, a Common Threads board member).
I love this organization and what they do, find out more details here and to get your advanced tix $25, at door $40.
Visit Common Threads if you’re interested to get involved, to donate or to buy your ticket.
Or visit Legal Art to find out what they’re about!
I was very honored to be invited to teach a class at a participating Common Threads school, so enjoyed it and think the kids did too!
Some chefs and I also gave cooking demos at a Kids Eat Miami fundraiser on Jungle Island.

The Grind, Miami Burger Battle
Saturday, March 31
$10 discount with code, check out Digest Miami site. Digest Miami will also be filming this battle.
A 30 burger showdown from 954 and 305 restaurants will battle for the coveted Golden Grinder award and title!
With live music, artists painting live, and YOU and judges get to vote for the best burger. All washed down with free drinks from sponsors.
Also, 2 ‘Best Backyard Burger” winners from an online home grillers competition will battle LIVE that evening.
Local celebrity judges include of course, Burger Beast, the king of all burgers, Ch.7 news anchor, Belkys Nerey and Chef Norman Van Aiken of Tuyo located at Miami Culinary Institute.
Here’s a great video which tells you EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW! See you there.

Chow Down Surfside closing and pop up restaurant by Gastropod, Chef Jeremiah opening!
Read all about it here. I do think turning Chow Down Grill into Josh’s Deli is a perfect fit for Surfside. I know the demographic and I think it will be a HUGE success. It’s funny how we take things for granted. When we know we can’t have something, we want it and want it NOW! I always say, when one door closes, another opens.

I look forward to Chef Jeremiah of Gastropod doing a pop restaurant for a couple of weeks before they turn into a Deli. I first met him at a Cobaya (an underground supper club).
From the mouth of Chef Jason, residing chef at Chow Down Grill Surfside, the last day will be March 28, so run and get your last fix of some of my many favs there: housemade creamy tofu, smoked duck, chopped salad, chicken dumplings, Coca Cola Pork Ribs, oh, Angus Beef. Any bread pudding is yummy. I think I’ve tried everything on their menu from the look of this!
Just remember, you can still get same menu at their South Beach location.

Asian Festival

March 3 & 4, 2012 from 10am to 6pm
Location: Fruit & Spice Park
Admission: $10
For more details, visit WAT or Asian Culture Festival
Extract from their site.
Celebrating its 22nd exotic year, South Florida’s Annual Asian Culture Festival will feature a tantalizing selection of foods from many Asian countries including Thailand, China, Japan, the Philippines, Laos, Bangladesh, Korea, Iran and Vietnam. A variety of handicrafts, exotic plants and Asian produce will also be offered to the public, as well as educational displays featuring the countries, people and cultures of Asia.
At 12:00 pm each day, a reenactment of a Traditional Thai Wedding will take place – with a colorful wedding parade, dowry counting ceremony, engagement ceremony, paying respect ceremony and water pouring ceremony.
On the performing stage, a variety of ethnic Asian shows will be featured, from dances to the exciting Taiko drums, and martial arts…..

Bayfront Popup Park

Feb. 28 – March 4
10am-6:30pm
FREE
Schedule here
Across from Bayfront Park in downtown Miami
Parking lot between Flagler and NE 1st street converted to grass covered park with moveable seating, music, art, comedy & activities.
Food trucks throughout entire event

Taste of Pinecrest

Sat. March 3 – 10-5pm
FREE admission
Pinecrest Gardens
11000 SW 57th Ave
Details here
Featuring food from local restaurants, entertainment, kids activities, healthy cooking demonstrations, juried art show, free bicycle parking.

Farmer’s Markets all over!

Visit my Resource page for list of Farmer’s Markets, tips.
There’s nothing more exciting than seeing, smelling fresh produce!
Don’t forget to check in at Freakin’ Flamingo for Renee’s homecrafted jams in South Miami Market! I love them.