A recap: Day 2 of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
There's nothing quite as ideal as waking up in a random hotel room - walking over to the window to draw the blackout shades - and peering out on to a picture-perfect, cloud-free sky. Especially when you're in a beach town. "Em! Wake up! Come on! We need to take a beach walk, eat breakfast, and grab some chaise lounges at the pool! Hurry up!" As Emily lifted her eye mask, she let out a big sigh. "OK, OK," she mumbled between yawns, "give me 10 minutes." Our first SBWFF event was not until the evening, after all, so the two of us had nearly all day to take advantage of Miami's gorgeous water and weather...
We began the morning with a leisurely beach walk…
...and passed quite a few lovely hotels!
We began the morning with a leisurely beach walk......and passed quite a few lovely hotels!Upon returning to the Eden Roc, our "home away from home," Em and I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious and bountiful items making up the breakfast buffet at 1500 Degrees, the restaurant within our hotel.
Pineapple chunks, quartered kiwi, and halved passion fruit!
Among the hodge-podge of starch on my plate was the “Ropa Vieja Eggs Benedict.” Absolutely fantastic and very “Miami.”
After a leisurely afternoon by the pool and beach, Em and I met our friend, Bryan, for early evening cocktails at South Beach's most famous hotel, the Delano. Below are some of my favorite shots from this uber sexy and swank venue:
Horrible photo quality, but it's proof that we were there (w/ Bryan)!
First event of the evening: "Thrillist's BBQ & The Blues," hosted by Michael Symon
Em and I were particularly pleased that this event was held at our hotel, as the soiree following this one would take us next door, to the Fountainebleu! Sometimes, things just work out in your geographical favor!
Sponsored by Thrillist, an online media source who publishes one of my favorite daily emails (think local recommendations for food, drink, travel, events, etc.), and hosted by celebu-chef, Michael Symon, this outdoor BBQ 'n booze fest was the perfect way to begin our night! Restaurants from across Miami featured some of their signature smoky bites.
As if all of that weren't enough, the audience was serenaded by peppy ragtime band, Diablo Dimes & The Bloodhounds. And my personal 'cherry on top?' I spied Jeff Mauro, a.k.a "Sandwich King," from The Next Food Network Star! Love him.
Crowds gather around one of Eden Roc's pools
Panorama of event
My man, Jeff Mauro!
Music provided by: Diablo Dimes & The Bloodhounds
Second event of the evening: "Food & Wine and La Cote Mediterranean Grill Celebrate the Release of Gail Simmons' New Book, Talking With My Mouth Full."
Em and I were graciously "and guest-ed" to this exclusive party, which was held at Fountainebleu's sexy outdoor restaurant/bar, La Cote.
Upon entering the bash, we couldn't help but gawk at the scantily-clad ladies 'striking a pose' at the step-and-repeat...we soon joined them!
How hot are they? Remind me, again, why I'm posing like a cheerleader? Sigh.
Glasses of champagne and Kir Royale-on-ice were passed, as were savory hors d'oeuvres and bite-sized desserts. However, the most delicious treat of the evening was mingling with the likes of Bobby Flay, Dana Cowin, and her culinary majesty, Miss Gail Simmons!
Photo: Gail Simmons, Casa Dragones
Some time after midnight - though I couldn't give you an exact number - Em and I slowly made the short trek back to our hotel. We found the Fountainebleau's twinkling pool bottoms particularly fascinating...good thing one/both of us didn't fall in!
Even the pools at the Fountainebleau sparkle at night!
Saturday was, truly, just another incredibly amazing and delicious day in paradise! 'Til tomorrow...
…
Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle