Just UPDATED with Hurricane Sandy Relief Dinner & Auction, November 18, see below! Keep checking back for Updates
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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 33132O.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
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!