Miami Event

Celebrate Chinese New Year hosted by Smorgasburg Miami in collaboration with Wok Star Eleanor Hoh

January 20, 2023 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Wok Star Eleanor Hoh is excited to announce she’s collaborating with Smorgasburg Miami’s inaugural Chinese New Year! Smorgasburg Miami will host Year of the Rabbit with live performances, Giveaways and of course food from 60 vendors with several guest vendors. The two day celebrations begin on Chinese New Year eve, Saturday, January 21 from 12pm-9pm and continues on Chinese New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 22 from 12-7pm.

RSVP for free admission: shorturl.at/qsNT7

See full Event Schedule and parking options below.

**Purchase a t-shirt to remind you of all the food and fun times!**
**Proceeds go towards a good cause.**

What you’ll experience…

The Chinese New Year weekend will honor Chinese culture and art with live performances showcasing contrasting talents of a high energy Lion Dance Troupe, Lee Kun Hung Kung Fu with a pop music Taiwanese violinist, Agnes Lin. Enjoy traditional Chinese art and calligraphy for adults and kids in the Lounge area lead by Ms Dan’s Chinese, a private Mandarin tutoring school. Guests will create a one-of-a-kind artwork on a hanging banner strung across the back wall. You’ll enjoy the artistic direction from Ms Dan and her talented teachers.

Ms Dans Chinese Art & Calligraphy Lounge

You’ll also get a chance to have your horoscope read by roaming interactive Chinese runway models, Ely, Jean and actor Michael and take home your own Chinese horoscope scrolls. They will also hand out symbolic red packets with lucky coins for kids.

Chinese Night Market

Smorgasburg Miami will be transformed into a Chinese street food Night Market festooned with red lanterns, paper umbrellas and origami cranes giving a Chinese New Year festive look.

What to wear for Chinese New Year?

Here are some tips… wear lots of red, gold and rabbit themed clothing for Chinese New Year luck and comfy shoes as the surface at Smorgasburg is covered with gravel.

What you’ll EAT!…

On the culinary side, 14 vendors will showcase special dishes highlighting different Asian cuisines that will only be available during this event. And YES, 60 vendors will still serve their usual dishes as well. There are about 8 Asian food vendors…

Vendor Specials

Only available during this weekend’s Chinese New Year Market, thank you so much for doing this, we really appreciate it your efforts!

Tio Paella • Cantonese Fried Rice
D’Abruzzo • XinJiang Skewers 新疆烤串
Tempest Tea • Dragon Fruit Green Tea Lemonade
D’ Pura Cepa • Pionono Egg Rolls
Mao’s Bao • JiaoZi (Boiled Dumplings)
Elote Lovers • Elote en Vaso, topped with Teriyaki Chicken
The Wrapper • Spring Roll Wrap
Raclette Street • Veggie stir fry topped with Raclette
The Dutch Fry • Asian street fries with pork char siu
Los Felix • Blood Orange Sake Margarita
Wet Burger • Sweet and Sour Sauce Wet burger
Moonchild Cafe • Sailor Mooncakes

Guest Vendor Special Dish:
Kome Oyster & Sushi Bar • Chicken Tostadas with Mango Salsa
AI Tallerin AI Sushi • Shrimp, pork, mushroom DUMPLINGS

AiTallerin & Sushi: shrimp, pork, mushroomdumplings

Smorgasburg Miami stats shot through the roof, go to their Reels page..

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A post shared by Smorgasburg Miami (@smorgasburgmiami)

Where to Park?

Street parking on NW 5th Ave., NW 6th Ave and roads between.

Wynwood covered Garage, 261 NW 26th street, only one block from Smorgasburg: $20 flat rate, up to 5 hours.

545 Wyn covered Garage, 545 NW 26th street, further way: $3/hr, each additional hr $3, daily max $30

What’s Schedule of Events?

Smorgasburg Miami operates every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-7pm, at 2600 NW 2nd Avenue, right next to the Wynwood Walls. Smorgasburg Miami features 60+ of the best-in-class food vendors from Miami and beyond as well as a specially curated section of retail vendors. The market also features live music by a vinyl record DJ and a full bar helmed by Michelin starred restaurant Los Felix, serving natural wine, specialty cocktails, and craft beer.

Find out more about Lion Dance

If you’re interested in finding out more about Lion Dance and what it signifies, this is a great site explaining it.

More about Zodiac Signs?

If you want to delve more into zodiac signs.

Orlando Vietnamese Lunar New Year Events

I didn’t realize Orlando has such a huge Vietnamese population, there are tons of events.

More Fun Events for January!

Click here for my Instagram Guide listing more fun events in South Florida!

Miami Historic Haven: Patch of Heaven Sanctuary hosts Wok Star class

September 2, 2018 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Ready for a unique Wok Star experience? Start with my cooking class followed by a fascinating tour of Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, a hidden jewel in South Miami! You’ll feel like you’re in Asia, surrounded by ancient relics and luscious foliage. You’ll end the afternoon with flavored beverages and Asian pastries. I’m so excited to share this hidden treasure with you. I first visited POH when I attended a Yoga Retreat and spent a day there taking the tour. What a relaxing experience it was and met many like minded people I’ve stayed in touch with.

Majestic Entrance to Patch of Heaven Sanctuary with huge, gorgeous Poinciana tree.

Why I chose Patch of Heaven Sanctuary to host my class?
My classes are usually held in upscale kitchen design showrooms because a beautiful environment sets the tone for learning and creativity. POH is so serene and peaceful, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a beautiful retreat out in the countryside. You’ll be ready to learn ANYTHING in these surroundings. I am so honored to be hosted by them.

Beautiful wood tables where class will be held!

Courtyard beside the area where the class will be held.

Why Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is so unique?
You won’t find anything like this in Miami. It’s like stepping back in time, as if you’re in Asia. Everywhere there are Buddhas and Asian relics, or timeless pieces picked up from all over the world. Cozy spaces, wood benches to sit, meditate and be in the moment.
There are a few more interesting projects in the works which are not featured here like the Bat towers and Beekeeping project. You’ll hear the history and fascinating stories about POH. I’ve taken this tour personally and it’s definitely so worth it.

There’s the most beautiful Koi pond, a couple of houses with adorable indoor waterfalls, swimming pool and a horse barn. It’s TOTALLY a magical space. I’m only sharing a small portion of the property because I want you to experience the wonders yourself. You’ll be blown away by its extraordinary beauty at every turn. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this place and share with others.

This unique property encompasses tropical hardwood hammock forest, pine rock-land, exotic gardens and historic structures built by the Matheson family in 1964.

Cost of POH tour?
Cost is $25 which goes directly to POH to help with upkeep of their property. There will be infused water to hydrate as well as Asian pastries on your return.

Purchase my Wok Star class EARLY!
This is a first come, first serve basis. Do not put off till last minute and be disappointed you cannot get in. TOTAL is $110: $85 for class, $25 for tour. This is a complete experience.

Click HERE to book your experience NOW!
Keep in mind, you can book their various spaces for weddings, photo shoots, Quinces, Corporate events, launches, musical events, food festivals, well, for anything you want with a different vibe! There’s plenty of parking too, so rare in Miami.

About Patch of Heaven Sanctuary:
POH is a one-of-a-kind historic estate dedicated to reforesting and preserving their native plant and wildlife species. Visit Patch of Heaven Sanctuary website for complete details. It is a nonprofit charity organization located in the Redland area of Miami-Dade County and their mission is Preservation, Conservation and Education.

Chinese New Year Wok Star Supper Club at Gaijin Izakaya (Updated)

January 30, 2018 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Extracted from Gaijin’s Eventbrite page written by food journalist & Gaijin staffer, Korakot “gabby” suriya-arporn. I added my two cents…
My Wok Star Supper Club will be celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year of the Dog at Chef Cake’s newish Japanese gastropub, Gaijin Izakaya in midtown, Sunday, February 25, 5:30pm. A $50 per person scrumptious 5 course menu starts with a welcome cocktail and passed hors d’oeuvre that’ll get the New Year off with a bang. My main goal in these gatherings is to support and showcase mostly chef owned restaurants and introduce you to good Asian inspired food. All ticket sales go to Gaijin Izakaya. My Wok Star Supper Club, an event held periodically throughout the year, is about celebrating Asian culture and cuisine in South Florida.
Please don’t leave till last minute and be disappointed you can’t get in!
Please view MENU below PRIOR to reservations. NO exceptions, substitutions or deviations, we want to make it easy for Chef Cake and staff. Please understand, it’s difficult to deal with 70 people already so if you have any food allergies or diet restrictions, please visit on another occasion and order what you want.

Some fun rules you should know…
1) Get cozy – EVERYONE will mix and mingle at the bar as they enter and meet new friends.

2) Get even more cozy – seats and dish portions will be arranged in 2 and 4, so guests will be sitting with new friends and sharing dishes family style.

The lucky folks who’ll get first dibs into this popular event are subscribers to my newsletter. You can subscribe in the right sidebar of my site to gain priority access to this and future events plus get the latest food ideas, resources and beyond.

Yes, they are real washing machines where you can put your bag and personal belongings, how cute is that!

Bar area as you enter where we’ll meet and mingle over a special surprise welcome cocktail with passed hors d’oeuvre of tuna rice rolls which have a little kick to them, yummy!

Chef Cake will be bringing you the ultimate tasting experience with his unique Japanese-Chinese hybrid to celebrate Year of the Dog. The multi-course meal of prosperity and good wishes is a showcase of Cake’s culinary prowess as well as his imaginative flair. I love the ‘artsy’ and eclectic mix of furniture and furnishings from the previous owner who was an artist. Chef Cake has added hand picked Japanese posters and blends in well with the existing decor.
About Chef Cake, Phuket Thongsodchareondee:
Cake grew up in a resort island in Thailand, acquainting himself to cooking since early age at a family hotel business. After he moved to Miami, he soon found direction under Makoto Okuwa and trained under him at his namesake restaurant for four years. Cake then decided to venture out on his own, opening a little Thai haunt in MiMo neighborhood called Cake Thai Kitchen, which has gathered him many accolades, including Best Thai Restaurant 2015 from Miami New Times, One of Eater 38 (best restaurants in Miami), and StarChefs’ South Florida Rising Star. With lingering passion for Japanese cuisine, he finally opens Gaijin Izakaya in July 2017, fulfilling his dreams to own a fun, rigidity-free izakaya with high quality food and great selections of beverages.
About Eleanor Hoh, aka Wok Star:
Eleanor is a cooking teacher, entrepreneur, blogger and presenter. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of wok cooking she learned from her mom. After 17 years in the computer industry in London, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey starting in Key West, FL, where her passion for teaching has evolved into a roadmap technique, eliminating recipes and encourages creativity and intuition. Currently, she teaches monthly cooking classes and produces corporate team building and wellness programs in upscale design showrooms in south Florida and also offers online classes on Udemy to reach a worldwide audience.

Passed hors d’oeuvre: tuna rice rolls has a good kick, very yummy.

Yusheng – a New Year dish with sashimi fish and shredded vegetables to toss and bring in the New Year! Light and refreshing.

1st course: Fried short ribs, very tasty. Eggy fried rice and Stir Fried Bok Choy with mushrooms (not shown.)

2nd Course: Amazing smoked duck with noodles and bok choy.

For this shot, we had Cake’s mom hold 2 of my hubby’s iphone lights, it was quite funny.

Join us for this memorable gathering, plus a chance to meet and mingle with Chef Cake, myself and fellow food lovers who enjoy Asian culture and cuisine.

2018 Chinese New Year Wok Star Supper Club Menu*

Welcome cocktail
Passed hors d’oeuvre:
Tuna crispy rice
szechuan peppercorn, yuzu butter, capelin roe
Appetizer:
Yusheng “Prosperity Toss”
local raw fish, cucumber, sesame seeds, salmon roe, umeboshi dressing
Mains:
Salt & pepper beef short ribs
Also garlic eggy fried rice, wok-fried bok choy and oyster mushroom
Applewood smoked duck breast
egg noodles, duck fat, bok choy
Dessert:
Jelly orange

SUBJECT TO CHANGE UPON SEASONAL AVAILABILITY
NO MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION

Here are the details, you know the drill…you’ll be paying directly to Gaijin Izakaya…
When: Sunday, February 25, 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Gaijin Izakaya, 3500 N. Miami Ave., Midtown Miami.
What: Eleanor Hoh and Cake Thai, Chinese New Year Wok Star Supper Club
Cost: $50 includes Welcome Cocktail, tips and tax and EXCLUDES other beverages.
Drinks: Special beverage and sake pairings is $25 and not part of dinner price.
Max: 70 seats
Parking: across at midtown shops parking or street parking
Reservations & payment: through Eventbrite from Gaijin or myself through newsletter.
Call Gaijin directly if you have any problems: 305-456-3207
We look forward to seeing you there!