La Cofradia, its name means brotherhood and fraternity, and that is just the kind of warm atmosphere this elegant Coral Gables dining destination delivers. It is helmed by rising star chef Jean Paul Desmaison and on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 he will host a winemaker dinner featuring the award-winning wines of Sonoma Valley’s B.R. Cohn Winery. Winemaker Daniel Cohn, who grew up in the wine business as the son of founder Bruce Cohn, will attend and share his lifelong passion for Northern California’s wine country and its bounty with attendees. B.R. Cohn’s elegantly balanced reds and classic California Chardonnays will be perfectly paired with Chef Desmaison’s innovative Mediterranean/Peruvian cuisine.

Menu follows:

First Course: Salmon Tartare -Fresh diced with chives & BR Cohn extra virgin olive oil, garnished with guacamole & black caviar. Wine: B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, CarnerosSecond Course: Sweetbreads & mushrooms sautéed with celery, carrots & thyme in B. R. Cohn virgin olive oil & white wine. Wine: B.R. Cohn Silver Label Merlot, Napa

Third Course: Seared black grouper with black olive tapenade crust, sweet potatoes and tomato coulis. Wine: B.R. Cohn Syrah-Cabernet Blend Fourth Course: Grilled filet mignon, onions & roasted garlic sauce. Served with sautéed mushrooms & sage gnocchi. Wine: B R. Cohn Olive Hill Cabernet, Sonoma.Petit fours and coffee and tea will be served following the meal.  

When: Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 (Tue) at 7:30pm.

Where: La Cofradía, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd (entrance on Andalusia) Coral Gables, FL 33134 Cost: $85 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity

RSVP: Strongly suggested

Phone: Gabriela Farah at 305-914-1300

Email: restaurante(at)lacofradia(dot)com

URL: www.lacofradia.com

Source: http://www.localwineevents.com/Miami-Wine/event-123282.html

Is there anyone who doesn’t associate Emeril Lagasse with fine dining?  For brunch with a Creole flavor, Emeril’s Miami Beach is the place to make your Sunday downright spectacular.   Appetizers include such delights as Citrus-Vodka cured North Atlantic Salmon and Creole Boiled Jumbo Shrimp, and the Soup and Salad menu includes both a Homemade Soup of the Day as well as a Gumbo of the Day.  As for the Brunch Entrees, well, the hardest part there will be deciding which to choose…the Grand Marnier-Citrus French Toast, or maybe the Seared Crab Cakes with Poached Eggs…or you could always have Emeril’s Miami Beach Omelet with Homemade Chorizo Sausage and a Pepperjack Cheese Quesadilla.  And don’t overlook the Lemon-Pepper Seared Salmon, either.  

And brunch just isn’t brunch without the proper beverages—naturally, Emeril’s has a lovely list of libations.  Mimosas, Champagne Cocktails, Brandy Milk Punch, and of course, Mint Juleps are just a few of the choices.  So why not do as Emeril says and “make the loveliest day of the week a little lovelier” with Sunday Brunch at Emeril’s Miami Beach?   

Event: Sunday Brunch at Emeril’s

 When:  Every Sunday from 11:00 AM-2:30 PM 

Where: Emeril’s Miami Beach, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach FL, 33139 

 Phone: 305.695.4550

 www.emerils.com

Have you ever been asked that old question about seeing the glass as half-empty or half-full?  Well, drop in at The Pelican Hotel in Miami on Tuesday nights, and you’ll have your answer.  Every Tuesday night, the Pelican hosts their “The Glass is Always Half Full” wine event.  The Pelican’s cool, funky atmosphere is just right to explore their mind-boggling wine list, regarded as one of the best in the country, especially since it’s been the recipient of the Restaurant Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine.  And with 50 percent off the entire wine list on Tuesdays starting at 7:00 PM, you’ll be an optimist in no time, guaranteed! 

Event: The Glass is Always Half Full 

Date & Time: Every Tuesday night, starting at 7:00 PM 

Location: The Pelican Hotel, 826 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL, 33139 

Event phone: 305.673.1000 

Website: www.pelicanhotel.com

Downtown Miami is the new destination to see and be seen.  And the Red Bar Gallery is right in the middle of this hot new scene.  Owners Danny Baez and Courtlandt McQuire have created an entirely new concept by combining art, atmosphere, and fine spirits at the Red Bar. Aptly named, dozens of works of art by local and international artists line the deep red walls, all individually lit, creating an eclectic and impressive display.  And, while you’re enjoying the fine display of art, you’ll also be enjoying fine wines and spirits as well.   

Owners Baez and McQuire have also created a great way to become affiliated with art.  Every second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Red Bar hosts an artist meet-and-greet, where artists can mingle with the guests, answer questions, and showcase new pieces.  This ongoing event includes complimentary admission, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. And if you’d like to purchase a piece of artistic inspiration for yourself, don’t forget to ask to see the collection book.  Fine wine, fine art, fine atmosphere—what a great way to spend an evening. 

Event Date & Time: Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30 PM-9:30 PM 

Cost: Complimentary admission, wine, hors d’oeuvres 

Location: Red Bar, 52 SW 10^th St., Miami, FL 33130, 786.316.0303 

Website: www.redbargallery.com 

For an out-of-the-ordinary brunch experience, try Prezzo Restaurant & Martini Bar.  Their menu goes beyond your standard brunch fare, with offerings such as a Ratatouille omelette with eggplant, Chicken Crepes with mushrooms, and a Mushroom, Spinach, and Bleu Cheese Frittata.  Eggs Benedict Florentine and Cinnamon Apple Stuffed French Toast are also available for those craving more traditional breakfast fare.  You can also enjoy a Mimosa or Bloody Mary with your meal, all while relaxing to live, mellow jazz. 

Prezzo Brunch: Every Sunday, 11:30 AM-3:30 PM 

Cost: Moderate 

Prezzo Restaurant & Martini Bar, Loehmann’s Fashion Island, 18831 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL 33180, 305.931.5775

 www.prezzofl.com

The reviews make the case for the excellence of this establishment: 

The Smart Traveler: “When you enter Christy’s you are entering one of the finest dining establishments south of Manhattan.” 

Where Miami: “A tried and true power lunch venue known for its quality steaks…. The business crowd has been congregating at Christy’s since 1978 where the classic steak menu never changes.”

Miami New Times: “It is “clubby” a place where powerful men feel at home and women feel that they are in a club for powerful men. Miami’s restaurants would do well to send their waitstaffs here so they can see how things should be done.”

Miami Herald: “Aside from the wonderful meat, one of the nice things about Christy’s is consistency; year after year, the food is always good. Non-beef selections include roast duck, sautéed grouper, salmon, veal porcini, lamb chops and a one-pound lobster tail.” 

Where: Christy’s,  3101 Ponce de  Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: 305-446-1400

Hours: Luncheon served  Mon thru Fri 11:30 am to 4:00 pm., Dinner seating until 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday, 10:00 pm Sun. thru Thurs.

URL: http://www.christysrestaurant.com/

Dinner in Paradise is a monthly series of charity-driven multi-course farmers dinners served under the stars at chefs’ favorite organic produce supplier, Paradise Farms in Homestead, Florida, which has quickly become one of the hottest tickets in town.  Dinners are hosted by chef Michael Schwartz and eighteen of South Florida’s most talented chefs.

When:  Sunday, April 22^nd 2007 at 6:00 PM

Where: Paradise Farms, 19801 SW 320 Street, Homestead, FL 33030

Cost: $150.00 per person, purchase

Tel: 305-248-4181

Contact: Giancarla Bodoni (Escopazzo), Larry LaValley (Mark’s South Beach), Jason (Bizcaya at The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove)

Source: http://www.paradisefarms.net/

Argentina–what else can you expect from one of the places where the best meat is produced? One fine Malbec… I would say!
Argentina is a place of unique landscapes and unique wines. Join the sommeliers at Vine Wine Shop & Tasting Loft and explore all the incredible regions that have placed Argentinian wines on the map, as well as experiencing the distinctive features of Argentinian wine in it’s natural purity.

When: Friday, April 13^th at 8:00pm

Where: Vine Wine Shop & Tasting Loft, 7657 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Fl 33138

Cost: $20

RSVP: A must

Tel: 305-759-8463

Source: http://www.vinewineshop.com/events.htm

When you are in the Greater Miami area it is time to experience cuisine that is indigenous to the tropics.  Chef Allen’s, known for its mangoes and tropical fruit concoctions, has served dishes for 20 years in Aventura. This is one of the area’s most recognized and award winning restaurants, says Restaurant Report. But other succulent fare includes yellowfin tuna tartar, Colorado lamb chops with Portobello-goat cheese strudel and oven-dried  tomato in a  zinfandel reduction, chipotle  honey roasted duckling with black bean frijoda and plantains.  

A four-course, fixed price menu is offered nightly. Also, Chef Allen’s participates in Miami Spice, the program that offers a reasonably priced set offering.  Dining here is an experience you will be telling people about when you return. It is a quintessential Great Miami experience. 

Chef  Allen’s

Where: 19088  N.E. 29^th Avenue, Aventura, FL

Hours: Dinner Sun-Thurs 6:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri-Sat 6:00 pm-11:00 pm

Phone: 305-935-2900

Price: $51 and over

http://www.chefallens.com