Wok Star Eleanor Hoh

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"Miami Book Fair"

NOVEMBER EVENTS (Updated)

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 Just UPDATED with Hurricane Sandy Relief Dinner & Auction, November 18, see below! Keep checking back for Updates 

or subscribe to the feed! 

BURGER LISCIOUS!

Thursday, November 8

Think this poster speaks for itself!  Have some for me.

 

RAMBLE, A GARDEN FESTIVAL

Friday, Nov.9-11
Tropical Fairchild Garden
The Ramble is a blend of old and new with art, antiques, rare books, a farmers market, the largest plant sale! I’ve been and it’s a lot of fun to roam around and pop in and out into all the activities.
Details here.
 
 
 

DESIGN FAIRCHILD

Friday, November 9
A design and furniture show celebrating eco-innovation only on Friday, details here.
Rocky Lyons, a hair stylist by day and furniture designer in his other life will be showing his work.  He makes the most wonderful contemporary furniture from reclaimed local hardwoods.  I’ve actually given wok cooking classes on a few of those beautiful hardwood tables!  Plus he hosted my classes at his zen like spa so I’m all about giving Rocky a plug!
 

MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL

November 11 – 18
Downtown Miami

Can you believe the Miami Book Fair International is here again?  Celebrating its 29th year and it’s wonderful how it improves every year, details here.  The website is easier to navigate and they’ve added a new component like an art exhibit housed at the Freedom Tower!  I’m thrilled about this because all the years living in Miami Beach, I’ve still never been, so this is a great chance to visit, details here.
Of course, my personal interest is cooking, so…
Cooking demos will now be at the Miami Culinary Institute’s wine gallery to showcase its state of the art facility.
I’m surprised there’s such a small list of cookbook author appearances.  Looking forward to attend the panel talk on Sunday, Nov.18, 2pm. See you there!
 
 
 
 
 
 

NORMAN VAN AKEN COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY!

I’m so excited and honored to be asked to do another cookbook Giveaway sponsored by Miami Book Fair International !  I’ve chosen Norman Van Aken’s new cookbook: My Key West Kitchen!  I’m working on the blog post, so do check back for a chance to win this fascinating tales from his days there!  I believe you can preorder his book here.
Just off the press: Dinner prepared by restauranteur, chef, and author Seamus Mullen,  Hero Food: How Cooking with Delicious Things Can Make Us Feel Better and Norman Van Aken.
Sat., Nov. 17 at Tuyo. Cost: $130 pp.
About Seamus Mullen:  a NYC chef known for modern Spanish cuisine. His restaurant, Terulia, received a 2 star review from the NY Times. He is also a featured judge on the Food Network series, “Chopped”.
 
 
 
 

WOMEN’S SUCCESS SUMMIT VI

Work & Play Every Day!
November 13 & 14
Briza on the Bay,
1717 North Bayshore Drive,
Miami, FL 33132
 

O.K. your last chance for a 20% discount using my code: WokStar, here’s the link! Only VIP & VIP Plus left, General Admission is closed.
The largest business conference for entrepreneurial women. Walk away with the strategies, tools and relationships to build the lifestyle you want, while doing work you love and earning what you’re worth.
I LOVE THAT!  More details here.
 

Pop Up Cooking Classes

Four Seasons Hotel Miami debuts a series of interactive cooking classes at different popup locations throughout the hotel, from November 2012 through May 2013. Classes are themed and utilize current flavors of the season.  An intimate hands-on class with Chef Aaron Brooks and his team.
$135 pp, reservations are required and can be made by calling (305) 381 3190.
Example of 2 upcoming classes:
Miami-Style Thanksgiving
Saturday November 17, 2012. 2 – 4p.m.
Miami residents enjoy grilling weather year-round, which can be especially great for Thanksgiving. Master the art of barbecue and grilling a turkey with Chef Brooks and Sous Chef Jose Gamez.
Dips & Tricks: Entertain Like a Pro
Saturday December 15, 2012. 2 – 4p.m.
Learn how to make a party-perfect cocktail from Edge mixologist Jack Araque, followed by Chef Aaron Brooks to reveal his secrets for creating easy yet crowd-pleasing snacks and dips.
 

THE DUTCH AT W SOUTH BEACH HOST HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF DINNER
Dinner & Silent Auction 

November 18, 2012
In an effort to provide relief for the victims of ‘Sandy’, chef Andrew Carmellini and his team at The Dutch at W South Beach Hotel & Residences have teamed up with Cobaya – Gourmet Guinea Pigs, the organizers of Miami’s premier underground dining events, to gather renowned Miami chefs and businesses to join them in a five-course dinner and silent auction.
All Proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will go directly to NYC Food Flood, started in concert by Carmellini and fellow New York chefs, Marco Canora, Seamus Mullen and George Mendes, joining efforts to generate funds directed to relief efforts in their own backyard.
Reservations are limited for the Hurricane Relief Dinner.
Complete details here or call (305) 938-3111.
For more information, follow along at @nycfoodflood on Twitter.
(I took this photo when I dropped by the W, how lucky is that?)
 
 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thursday, November 22
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!   I was surprised this year it’s a week early.  Yay, we’ve been invited to spend at a friend’s so we get to enjoy turkey, hope I get a drumstick!
One year, I served Crispy Roast Duck and wok fried veggies, was so good!  Here’s how I did it.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Loy Krathong and Thai Food Festival at the WAT Buddhist Temple

Thursday, Nov.22 
10-4pm 
Thanksgiving Day
Wat Buddharangsi of Miami
15200 SW 240th St, Miami, FL 33032

 Loy Krathong Ceremony, live Thai & western music, Thai Classical and Folk Dance, Delicious Thai Food and Dessert, and much more. It usually falls on full moon.  Loy means ‘to float’ and Krathong is the lotus shaped floater made of banana leaves.
 
I’ve been to many festivals at WAT and always enjoy meeting new and old friends.  There’s always wonderful Thai food to sample.  After a Thanksgiving lunch, it might be nice to wander down and participate.  Details here.
 
 

LUCKY RICE FESTIVAL

Friday, November 30
SoHo Beach House
4385 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach
I’m behind any event highlighting or promoting Asian cuisine in an upscale venue so I was excited Miami was considered a key market for this festival.  Just bought myself a treat and going (tickets are not cheap),  hope to post some inside scoop live from event!  Leave a comment below if you’re going.
Taken from their site:
With a spotlight on Asian-inspired tastings and cocktails from celebrated chefs and buzz-worthy bartenders, the LUCKYRICE Festival is making its Miami debut at the Soho Beach House.
Giant paellas, woks of rice, and a beachfront ceviche crudo bar with music by Chinese jazz vocalist Le Zhang followed by tunes by DJ Mike Deuce.
Hosted by Susur Lee (Top Chef Masters) with Douglas Rodriguez (father of Nuevo Latino cuisine),   a “Chino Latino” collaboration that celebrates Miami’s international fusion style.
Celebrity chefs include Todd English and Norman Van Aken, confirmed participants include swanky Asian hot spots such as Makoto, Hakkasan, Khong River House, Katsuya and Sushi Samba.
Details here and tell them Wok Star sent you!
 

WEEKLY GARDEN TOUR & TASTING 

Essensia’s Organic Chef’s Garden
The Palms Hotel & Spa 
Every Wednesday at 5pm (launched November 7)

Join Chef Julie Frans for a private tour and tasting of Essensia’s Organic Chef’s Garden.  Chef Julie hopes to connect with guests in an effort to enhance their overall experience with food and life. You might even pick up a few tips and techniques on cooking, growing, gardening, and whole living.  Details here and tell them Wok Star sent you!
 
 
 
 

MIAMI BOOK FAIR: TWO FREE COOKBOOK GIVEAWAYS

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MIAMI BOOK FAIR: TWO COOKBOOK GIVEAWAYS from Terry Walters and Michael Schwartz
This is my first experience with GIVEAWAYS on my blog, so please forgive any silly mistakes.
Visit EVENTS for more about Miami Book Fair.
Here’s how to maximize your winnings! Good luck…
1.  LIKE and LEAVE A COMMENT on Wok Star Eleanor Hoh Facebook page. What do you like and hate most about cooking? I’ll be checking your answers.
2.  SUBSCRIBE to my free newsletter on right sidebar. Leave a comment below so I can cross check your name.

3. LEAVE A COMMENT below why you deserve these cookbooks and which you’d like if you win!  Only one book per winner.
I’ll pick winner based on how good you are on all the above! This GIVEAWAY closes Sunday, November 27 at midnight 12 EST. This Giveaway is only within United States. Publisher will send directly to winner. Please respond within one day when I choose you, otherwise I will pick the next one, no exceptions.
These 2 book GIVEAWAYS were generously sponsored by the Miami Book Fair.
Sat., Nov. 19, Culinary Institute
Gastro-Literary Experience
Author to discuss their culinary philosophies and bring their recipes to life. Then taste the results.
Admission price $40 includes demo, tasting & 1 cookbook.
Noon: Terry Walters
(I was unable to attach a pdf file here, sorry)
Terry Walters’ latest cookbook is, Clean Start: Inspiring You to Eat Clean and Live Well with 100 New Clean Food Recipes (Sterling Epicure, $25.00).
Cooks, foodies, and anyone in search of a healthy and sustainable approach to eating and living well have embraced her philosophy: eat minimally processed foods for maximum nutrition. Walters, a health counsellor and food educator who serves on the board of Urban Oaks Organic Farm, one of the largest urban organic farms in the country, is also the author of Clean Food.
Terry Walters will also be doing a reading with Linda Gassenheimer
Sat., Nov 19, 3:30pm, room 3315
 
Michael’s Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who Love to Eat (Clarkson Potter, $35), is now available online and in bookstores nationwide.
According to Michael Schwartz the secret to good food is… good food. Honored with the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: South in 2010, Schwartz is recognized by his peers and the diners that flock to his restaurants, including Miami’s Michael’s Genuine Food & Drinks and a new outpost on Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, for his fresh, simple and pure cuisine incorporating responsibly–and locally sourced–seasonal ingredients.
Michael will also be participating on
November 20, 3pm:
“The Story of Food” Panel Discussion
Presentation Pavilion, at NE 3rd Street and 1st Avenue
Check here for exact times and speakers.
Panel discussion on food writing with book-signing to follow, with Mary L. Zamore, author of “The Sacred Table” and Michael Schwartz, author of “Michael’s Genuine Food,” and Cheryl Tan on “A Tiger in the Kitchen.” Visit my blog for more on Cheryl Tan, our food connection and her book!
 

Miami Book Fair: Cheryl Tan

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MIAMI BOOK FAIR: Sunday, 3:00pm
“The Story of Food” Panel Discussion  – DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!
Presentation Pavilion, at NE 3rd Street and 1st Avenue
Checkhere for exact times and speakers.
Panel discussion on food writing with book-signing to follow, with Mary L. Zamore, author of “The Sacred Table” and Michael Schwartz, author of “Michael’s Genuine Food,” and Cheryl Tan on A Tiger in the Kitchen
Food and fashion writer Cheryl Tan’s first book is her memoir, A Tiger in the Kitchen (Voice, $ 14,99), her account of coming to terms with her dual cultural identity by spending a year cooking with her female relatives in Singapore.  ” . . . the meat of this memoir is what Tan learns about her resilient family, whose members come together both to cook and to heal,” says People Magazine.

I have a personal connection with Cheryl Tan and I’m half way through her wonderful book, a huge accomplishment on my part! I requested a BOOK GIVEAWAY of Cheryl’s, A Tiger In the Kitchen but it’s been so popular, it’s out of print! So, I hope you’ll go to her reading and panel discussion and please say hello to her. I’m so mad I’m not able to meet her in person because I’ll be out of town with a dear British friend who I’ve known 20 years. Ever since my mom passed away, I’ve decided family and friends are priority.
We both have ties to Singapore, it’s where my mom was born. Her humor and story telling with many similar cultural experiences keeps me reading.  I initially “met” her on Twitter where Cheryl hosts a #LetsLunch: we come up with a theme, make a dish and post on our blogs and share with each other.  I’ve done 3 posts so far.
Take a look at Colorful Cold Entree, Summer Snacks with Gancia Prosecco, Turnip, Pork Soup.
Visit Cheryl’s fascinating blog where you can buy the book which I’m sure they’ll go into next printing!
I hope you’ll attend this incredibly well organized book fair which started 28 years ago by Mitch Kaplan of Books and Books and has grown to be a major international event with stuff to see, do and taste for everyone, congratulations.