Boca Food Finds: August 2014

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Tastemakers at Mizner Park presents Rock, Roll & Stroll

Hello Foodie Friends,

I was invited back this year to preview the restaurants that will be participating in Mizner Park's signature annual event taking place this year on Wednesday, Sept 17th from 6 to 9:30pm. This year, Tastemakers at Mizner Park will be a one day event, rather than two, but promises to deliver an exceptional value not only on the night of the event, but VIP Dining Booklet holders will continue to receive special offers through Oct. 31st.

In case you have been living under a rock or are excused because A) you are either brand new to the area or B) you are reading this and don't live here...Tastemakers is a fabulous night of food, wine, cocktails and entertainment featuring an extraordinary collection of restaurants- a progressive food and cocktail tasting event that you won't want to miss! Of course, this being right up my alley, I'm always thrilled to get invited to these kind of preview events and share my experience with each of you.

ROCK...to the Shindig Band at the Gazebo and Amp'd at the Ampitheatre
ROLL...to each Tastemaker restaurant for great food & drink pairings
STROLL...to the Ampitheatre for craft beer samplings by SweetWater Brewers, New Belgium Brewery, Harpoon Brewery & Florida Beer Company.

This year we started our preview tour at Ruth's Chris Steak House, a new comer to this year's line up of Tastemakers.

Tasting: Mini seared Ahi Tuna, "perfectly complemented by Aspirated Sauce with hints of mustard & beer".

Ahi Tuna from Ruth's Chris Steak House

Pairing: Raspberry Rosemary Cosmo: Absolute Raspberri, Cointreau, Lime & Cranberry Juices, muddled raspberries, rosemary

Raspberry Rosemary Cosmo at Ruth's Chris

Tasting: Crispy Duck Spring Rolls made with spicy veggies, soba noodles, pickled cucumbers and an Asian dipping sauce (Maple Bourbon Glaze)

Crispy Duck Spring Roll from Max's Grille

Pairing: Strawberry Saketini made with Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Tyku Sake & fresh strawberries

Strawberry Saketini at Max's Grille

Tasting: Eggplant Rollatini made with brazed eggplant stuffed with seasoned ricotta cheese with marinara, Parmesan & melted Mozzarella

Eggplant Rollatini from Villagio Restaurant

Acai Thini at Villagio Restaurant

Tasting: The A + A Roll made with hamachi, jalapeno, spicy tuna, crispy shallot, cilantro and avocado served with a garnish of shaved yellow beets (tip: they came this way just for the Tastemakers presentation, but you can request them if you are in the know)

The A+A Roll at Racks

Pairing: Boca Lemonade made with Stoli Vodka, Tyku Lemonade

Boca Lemonade at Racks
Tasting: Pineapple Bacon Guacamole made with pineapple, hickory-smoked bacon & crumbled queso fresco

Pineapple Bacon Guacamole at Uncle Julio's & Julio's Gold Margarita

Sheperd's Pie & Guinness Mac & Cheese from Dubliner

Tasting: Bahn mi Vietnamese baguette; slow cooked pulled pork, buttery spicy aioli, cilantro, pickled carrots, daikon and jalapeno

Bahn Mi from Kapow

Fresh Seasonal Crab Claws at Truluck's

Cava at Truluck's

Tasting: Cedar plank salmon; salmon roasted on cedar plank, served with red pepper lima beans, and Israeli Couscous cucumber fennel salad

Cedar Plank Salmon on a bed of Israeli Couscous at Tanzy

Pairing: Prickly Pear Sour Sop Margarita made with cactus fruit, Florida Guanabana, hand-squeezed lime, El Jimador Tequila Reposado 100%

Prickly Pear Sour Sop at Tanzy's

Tasting: Aki Poke Bowl made with marinated raw ahi and avocado, carrots, daikon radish, macadamia nuts and wontons

Ahi Poke Bowl at Yard House

Tasting: Beef Carpaccio with horseradish aioli, black truffle and homemade potato chips

Beef Carpaccio on homemade potato chip from Jazziz

Pairing: Blood Orange Cilantro Margarita

Blood Orange Cilantro Margarita from Jazziz

During the event, look for this official Tastemakers Stop Sign at each restaurant, snap a creative selfie at the stop sign and share it on Instagram #tastemiznerpark and on facebook /bocamag.

You can pick up your $30 VIP Dining Booklet right now from any of the above listed restaurants or online at www.miznerpark.com.

Until we eat again,
I send you delicious wishes, xo

Denise

P.S. Don't forget to check out our new website: www.SavorOurCity.com and sign up to receive our newsletter for news on upcoming events and special offers.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Well Miami's got Miami Spice but have you heard of Boca Spice?

Hello Foodie Friends,

I was recently invited to preview a new 3 course lunch menu being rolled out by Marco Pindo, Chef/Owner of Ristorante Sapori, a charming little Italian restaurant that has been in its current location in Royal Palm Place for only 21 years! He sure must be doing something right, amidst the plethora of restaurants that haven't been able to blow out the birthday candles on their first birthdays in the same area.

I was very excited when Marco called me up to say that he wanted to create a new 3 course tasting menu similar in quality to what the fine restaurants in Miami were offering as part of "Miami Spice", only he would call his "Boca Spice" and it would be available year round.

The premise behind Miami Spice and Flavor Palm Beach is to introduce new patrons, as well as thank existing ones, to some of the finest restaurants in South Florida during the slow season. The appeal, a great meal at an extremely affordable price. There's no shortage of excellent restaurants to select from in Miami, however, Flavor Palm Beach's list of participating restaurants in South Palm Beach county, particularly in Boca Raton, is almost non existent.

Below are some of Chef Marco's new summer-inspired additions to the menu. Ristorante Sapori is especially known for their wonderful seafood and homemade pastas, each prepared with seasonal vegetables and herbs picked straight from Marco's garden.
... "The name says it all...Sapori means flavors." Zagat rated 28 Food