The South Beach Seafood Festivalis a beacon call for South Florida’s culinary masters and foodies alike. Every year, the crème de la crème of Miami dining gathers in South Beach for an event that’s more of an epicurean experience than simply a festival. And, of course, this experience is based entirely on the masterful chefs and the prime restaurants they represent. For them, a spot at the South Beach Food Festival isn’t simply an opportunity to introduce gastric magic to new patrons, it’s a certificate of status and quality. As the festival kicks off we'd like to introduce the South Beach Seafood Festival participants.
Shelborne South Beach
Shelborne South Beach represents the height of South Beach culture and culinary experience. Primarily a South Beach hotel and resort, the restaurant that lies inside offers a world-class dining experience. Their dinner menu offers a varied selection no matter your palate. Options for small plates include chicken wings and tuna poke bowls, while their entrees reveal why their fare opens the festival with dishes such as grilled yellowfin tuna and shrimp skewers.
Mondrian South Beach
Located within another posh South Beach hotel and resort lies one of the best restaurants in Miami. The Mondrian Caffé sits right on the water with stunning views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. But we’re interested in the food, not the views, OK, views are nice too! The Mondrian South Beach doesn’t disappoint at first glance, the menu affords everything from light snacks, to robust pasta and seafood. The Mahi Mahi is considered to be some of the best in the state, and is a must try!
Bodega South Beach
If the two previous venues represent the height of South Beach’s culture, Bodega South Beach represents the other end of the spectrum. Bodega is a step above a hole in the wall, and as stripped down as Shelborne and Mondrian are posh. Views of the bay and dim lighting are exchanged for traffic on a side street and high-top tables and stools. Rather than being served by a waiter, you place your order at a food truck built into the far wall. The moment you receive your order is when you realize that despite the presentation, Bodega has some of the best tacos in the area. And you quickly learn why they have a spot at the South Beach Seafood Festival. It’s the food that matters, not always the surroundings. Expect explosive flavors and naughty, over-the-top combinations worth of every bite in Bodega’s irreverent setting.
Meat Market Miami
If a steakhouse being prominently involved in a seafood festival probably feels a bit counterintuitive, that’s because it probably is. Meat Market Miami ’s menu is filled with steak and rib dishes you’d expect from a gourmet steakhouse. But once you flip over to their seafood section, you quickly learn why they’re featured here. From their Creative Fish of the Day to their Wood Grilled Scottish Salmon, Meat Market has dishes many fish markets would envy.
Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant
There are marquee venues and there are local institutions. Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant certainly qualifies as the latter. Offering everything from lobster rolls to King Crab Legs, Joe’s has something to satisfy every seafood lover. Actually, they probably have something for you even if you don’t like seafood since their menu offers tasty dishes like a fried half chicken and fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. Whatever your preference, it’s easy to see why Joe’s Stone Crab is featured at the South Beach Seafood Festival.
Beginning Tuesday, October 17th, and running through Saturday, October 21st here is the lineup!
Tuesday, October 17th: Crabs, Slabs and Cabs at the Shelborne At the event you can expect Chef James Versfelt from the Shelborne to feature Alaskan King Crab Legs and Wagyu Beef with Jordan Schiegner, form the Jackson Family Wines Education Team, pairing Arrowood Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with the King Crab. Chef Carlos Pimentel is bringing Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Caja China while Master Sommelier, Larry O’Brien, VP of JFW Education Team, features Jackson Estate Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Mondrian. We also look forward to Chef Bernie Matz's Crab and Short Rib Tacos paired with Garth Bigger's, Jackson Family Wines Education Team, Stonestreet Wines Cabernet Sauvignon courtesy of Bodega. The pastry chef at Shelborne, Chef Tatiana end the evening with his renowned pastries while Alyssa Ward, from Breakthru Beverage, shares Freemark Abbey Cabernet Rose.
Wednesday, October 18th: Cooking and Cocktails A 6-course pre-fixed menu from Chef Sean Brasel, (Meat Market), and Chef Fernando Desa (Goya) will highlight Cambria Wines.
- Hors D’oeuvres include bite-sized silver dollar sliders with prime Angus beef, white cheddar and chimichurri aioli, Grilled shrimp ceviche spoons and Mexican corn fritters with smoked pepper dipping sauce, topped with a tart pepper sugar.
- You can Make Your Own Margarita welcome drink and enjoy the course, pan seared seabass over black bean mole topped with red pepper escabeche duck with a Herradura silver/watermelon /lime/agave/cilantro/black pepper cocktail.
- Sous vide octopus with smoked pumpkin sauce, crispy pork belly and chorizo chips with a cocktail featuring Herradura Reposado/Goya Tamarind/lemon/Goya coconut/Goya Ancho.
- Lobster and Crab empanadas with slow roasted Niman ranch Short rib, apricot pickled chili salsa, toasted with Herradura Anejo/passionfruit/lime/agave/ mint/Arbol Salsita or Habanero Salsita.
- Naan skirt steak Flatbread with Romesco sauce, roasted peppers, maitake mushrooms, rapini and Goat cheese paired with 'Some Like it Hot', a Herradura Repo/ Raspberries/Lime/Habanero Agave.
- A trio of Ice creams (Yogurt Tequila ice cream pop, Dark chocolate mousse pop, Sugar cookie mint ice cream sandwich) and a cocktail featuring Herradura Ultra/creme de cacao/sherry.
Recipes and culinary gifts will be provided during this evening under the stars on Lincoln Road.
Thursday, October 19th: An Evening at Joe's Your ticket to An Evening At Joe’s saves you a seat where greats like Al Capone and Frank Sinatra cracked claws. Chef Andre Bienvenue is offering a five-course meal showcasing his delicious cuisine paired with fine wines by Jackson Family Winery and their Master Sommelier, Thomas Price. Yes, you get to enjoy the freshest Stone Crab before anyone else in the state at this event!
The event is from 6:00-10PM at Joe’s Stone Crab.
Friday, October 20th: VIP #ChefShowdown Held in Lummus Park, Miami Beach this year's ChefShowdown pits Miami’s top executive chefs in a competitive cook-off where YOU are the judge. The night excites with 16 of Miami’s most progressive and recognized Executive Chefs as they are paired head-to-head in a total of 8 different seafood battles. Battles are judged by local celebrities, but you are the deciding factor! Prior champions returning to defend their titles are: Chef Andre Bienvenue of Joe’s Stone Crab, Chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market in Battle Surf ‘N Turf, Mondrian South Beach in Battle Shrimp, Toro Toro in Battle Tuna, Chef Demetrios Pyliotis of Poseidon in Battle Fish, and Chef Bernie Matz of Bodega South Beach in Battle Taco. Two new battles will add to the fun, Sushi and The Official Oyster Pit Dual! This event is expected to sell out, click the link to secure your spots today.
Saturday, October 21st: SoBe Seafood Festival Lummus Park will once again be ground zero as the venue plays host to the 5th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival featuring pop up café’s from the likes of Joe’s Stone Crab, Naked Taco, Cibo, Red, the Steakhouse, Dragonfly, CJ’s Crab Shack, Lobster Bar Sea Grille, A Fish Called Avalon, La Moderna, Poseidon, Nikki Beach, Toro Toro, Truluck’s, Rusty Pelican, Papa’s Raw Bar, Naked Crab, Whole Foods and Meat Market featuring Miami Smokers. A total of 18 restaurants will serve at this four block party! GA tickets to this event are $45, VIP is $150. Click the event link, South Beach Seafood Festival and navigate to the Fest website for details on admission.
Tickets are selling out thanks to participation from the beloved South Beach Seafood Festival Restaurants participating in the event this year. If you want to take part you need to secure your spot at the table today! Click the links in the article to buy your tickets and register on 305area.com to stay connected to everything local, events like this one, restaurants, things to do including FREE things to do, Sports and much more. Your subscription is free.
