Taking A Big Bite From The Big Apple 🍎
You know what’s cool? Discovering new foods. New flavors. Interesting textures — things that make you sit up and take notice. You know what’s cooler? Having over 200,000 of those new bites under one roof. That’s the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York — and its where I’ll be for the next 4 days. I’ll be sharing on Social Media while I’m gone, so please stop in to Facebook or Instagram for the latest.
Get the scoop on the latest Food Trends in this Preview of the 2019 Summer Fancy Foods Show . From healthy snacks to convenience items that get wholesome dinners on the table in minutes, and whimsical cooking tools, you want to check out what’s coming.
In case you’re hungry, I’ve also got an amazing, hearty salad for your weekday lunches. This one has staying power. First, to keep you comfortably satisfied without weighing you down. Second — this barley salad holds up in the fridge all week, for easy brown bag meal prep!
This healthy Pearl Barley and Kale Chopped Salad will stand up to dressing for several days in the refrigerator, making it a great brown bag lunch option. Add mix-ins like feta cheese, chicken, chopped nuts and sprouts at the last minute to keep it interesting and fresh.
Lisa of Garlic & Zest
New Italian Chophouse in town – Tuscan Prime on Las Olas!
Tuscan Prime, Las Olas
There is a new Italian Chophouse in town and that is Tuscan Prime on Las Olas. Located at the corner of Las Olas Blvd and SE 5th Avenue this new restaurant offers a unique twist of meats, fish, award winning Italian cuisine, great wine selection, exquisite ambiance and an amazing list of “Prime Happenings”.
On Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Savor Our City was invited to get a taste of this newest addition to the Las Olas food scene and let us just say we left with our bellies full and smiles on our faces. So where to begin? Let’s start with one of our favorites, the Truffle Arancini. Wow the flavors of the crispy rice, porcini mushrooms, parmesan and truffle aioli were out of sight. Another delicious appetizer which soon followed was the Baked Eggplant, which we agreed was another favorite of ours. It had a wonderfully smoky flavor and was made with baked mozzarella, ricotta, and smothered in a tasty tomato sauce and served with garlic crostini. Those two dishes alone had us happy, but we were just getting ‘started’. Next, we decided to try something a little lighter and went for the Roasted Beet salad. The salad was comprised of the name sake, along with frisee lettuce, goat cheese and candied walnuts and was served with a balsamic dressing. We liked the dish, although none of us were big fans of the frisee. Pro tip: you can substitute the frisee lettuce with Romaine. Truthfully, I would have enjoyed it without any lettuce at all, but it did act as the perfect vessel for guiding that liquid yumminess into our mouths, lol!
Following the salad came the Bucatini made with San Marzano tomato, pancetta, pecorino, onions and a drizzle of parmesan cheese on top. Who said no pasta today? You can tell the noodles were fresh and they were cooked to a perfect al dente. The flavors blended together harmoniously, and the chef was generous with the pancetta. We could not resist ordering the octopus – seared to perfection with fresh herbs, tricolor potatoes and peppers. So, with full bellies and smiling faces, we reluctantly got ourselves up from the comfy booth to say our goodbyes and gave a BIG thank you to our hosts Anna Sagliano, Falyn Goldstein, and Gennaro DiMeo for having us in to enjoy such a scrumptious lunch. We vowed to return to try some more tasty items another day. Maybe brunch is next, or it could quite possibly be happy hour…
Fortunately, at Tuscan Prime there is a whole line up of Prime Happenings during the week with Happy Hour every day from 3-7pm with special offerings each day and some late-night specials for those who like to play after 10pm. A definite must see, must taste restaurant!
Tuscan Prime is owned by The Monte Restaurant Development Group, based in Annapolis, MD managing other restaurants such as Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen, Squisito Pizza & Pasta, and Meatballs, Etc. with more than 13 locations across Maryland and Virginia, and now they have made their mark in the Sunshine State. To make a reservation or check out their Prime Happenings visit https://www.tuscanprime.com/ and tell them Savor Our City sent you.
Wine Tasting – It’s Fun, Educational and Good for the Brain!
Wine holds a significant role in many cultures around the world for its ability to bring people together and share in the experience. Over the years Savor Our City has partnered with Wine For Humanity (WFH), that provides private in-home Wine Sampling Events providing hosts and their guests, an afternoon or evening of fun and education on how to better appreciate fine wine. More importantly wines that are purchased from WFH raise funds for local charities that assist families who are struggling to make rent and utility payments. In addition to learning, enjoying, sharing the experience and doing something good for your community, in a recently published book by Gordon Shepherd, a Yale neuroscientist, Neuroenology: How the Brain Creates the Taste of Wine, he argues argues that wine tasting actually stimulates your brain more than allegedly highfalutin activities like listening to music or even tackling a complicated math problem. Additionally he points out that tasting wine “engages more of our brain than any other human behavior.”
So if you are ready to engage your brain, taste some fabulous wines, and of course raise funds for your favorite charity, Contact Savor Our City to learn more about our Wine Tastings.
Chianti Classico Miami
On Monday June 3rd, 2019, Savor Our City attended the Chianti Classico Experience in Miami at the Miami Culinary Institute sponsored by IEEM – International Event and Exhibition Management, LLC. IEEM specializes in delivering high quality wine events and has become one of the most well-regarded Italian wine event organizers in the world.
With over 50 people in attendance, Jeff Porter lead a tasting on the diversity of the unique terroir of Chianti Classico. To explore the terroir of the Chianti Classico, you need to understand the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate, and today we learned just that. As we were guided through 8 different wineries of the Chianti Classico, we learned that the terroir is a shield of clayey schists (marl), with layers of scaly clay, alberese and fine limestone sandstone. The dark brown soil in this case tends to not be deep, with structures ranging from clayey-sand to stony with average clay content. These different types of clay, sandstone, and soil all make up the type of grape that the region and wineries produce, each with its own unique and distinct taste. The wineries presented included La Sala, Principe Corsini-Villa Le Corti, Lamole De Lamole, Carobbio, Conti Capponi – Villa Calcinaia, Bibbiano, Castello de Albola and Tolaini. As we tasted each wine of Chianti Classico, winery principals explained the background of each vineyard, the complexity of the grapes, soil type, vine density and altitude in which the grapes were grown, providing more depth to the tasting experience. Following the tasting attendees enjoyed a light lunch at Tuyo, located on the eighth floor of the Miami Culinary Institute providing a panoramic view of the city. The lunch included ceviche crostini, pulled beef and grits, orzo salad and of course additional tastings of the wines presented and an opportunity to speak with their respective principal. While a few wines caught the attention of Savor Our City to include the Carobbio and Conti Capponi – Villa Calcinaia, each wine had a taste for everyone to enjoy. There is nothing better than tasting wine, having a delightful lunch with panoramic views and meeting new people. Chianti Classico well done!
Boca Magazine’s Fourth Annual Mixology: A Craft Spirits Event
Friday, April 26, 2019 – Savor Our City attended Boca Magazine’s Fourth Annual Mixology: A Craft Spirits Event. This is an annual event that showcases local craft spirits, mixologists, and South Florida’s growing craft cocktail culture scene. The event was held at the Boca Raton Museum of Art and while enjoying access to the Museum’s latest exhibition – Beyond the Cape! Comics and Contemporary Art, attendees were “Mixing… Sipping… Eating and definitely Repeating” as the slogan was for the evening. The ladies of Savor Our City and many other attendees enjoyed sampling some of the nation’s top and new craft spirit brands such as Brockmans Gin, Tsamma Watermelon Juice, RockNRoll Tequila, Florida Kush, No. 209, Straight Edge Bourbon Whiskey, Four Roses Bourbon, Zodiac Black Cherry Flavored Vodka, Crazy Uncle Mike’s and more. So, while we mixed and sipped, we made sure to eat some very tasty samplings from local restaurants such as Morton’s, Rebel House, Oceans 234, Ouzo Bay, Tanzy, Loch Bar, Harvest, Ramen Lab, Pacari Premium Organic Chocolate and Cosa Duci to name a few. With some great tunes in the background everyone was moving and grooving, running into familiar faces while meeting new ones. The evening weather was perfect for the partial outdoor event and the vibe was well, like we said “Mix… Sip… Eat and Repeat.”
New Partner / New Tour: Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort
Savor Our City & Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort have partnered up for our brand new #tasteofwyndham. This new #savorourcity food tour will be open to the public and for private group bookings. First tour is scheduled to take place, Thursday, May 2nd at 5:30pm and then will take place every Thursday at 5:30.
Advanced reservations required. To reserve your ticket, email info@savorourcity.com
or call 954-410-3177 or simply click here to BOOK NOW!
Florida Wing Battle March 2019
On March 30th in Sanborn Square Park in downtown Boca Raton, our very own Denise Righetti, recognized and sought -after local food authority, media/food critic and judge was out on the beat tasting some amazing wings and other delectable treats at this new event – the Florida Wing Battle.
This event was put on by the same people who brought you the Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival, the Boca Burger Battle and more and was definitely an event for Wing lovers and those with a sweet tooth. Nothing could be better than strolling through Sanborn Square Park, smelling the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken wings, sampling some amazing desserts, craft beers, seasonal spirits and of course jamming to some live entertainment. The 20 grill master chefs and 20 pastry chefs came out to showcase some of their best work.
Congratulations to all of the Wing & Dessert Battle Winners!
Where will you watch the Kentucky Derby.
To celebrate the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Saturday May 4, The Balcony, (a PDKN Restaurant and where we sampled out their new menu back in March 2019) is a spirited two-story restaurant featuring a diverse range of American favorites on the stylish Las Olas Boulevard, will be serving The Peach Mint Julep cocktail ($10) during the Kentucky Derby on May 4 and throughout the month of May.
The Mint Julep cocktail is widely known as the drink of the Kentucky Derby. The Balcony’s Peach Mint Julep is made with Makers Mark, Real Peach pure, Sour mix and a Mint Leaf garnish.
And, of course, while sipping a Peach Mint Julep, guests will be able to watch the Kentucky Derby on one of the many TVs upstairs and downstairs at The Balcony.
So ladies grab your ‘hat’, men may be wear a fun pair of socks or bow tie and go grab a seat and watch the Kentucky Derby, at one of the PDKN Restaurant Group concepts – Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill (with locations in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Miramar, Naples and Estero), Bo’s Beach and The Balcony.
ABOUT THE BALCONY
The Balcony, a PDKN Restaurant Group concept, offers American favorites with a twist. Located on trendy Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, this two-story restaurant features a diverse range of American favorites. Guests can enjoy New Orleans-inspired small plates, craft cocktails and live music. The Balcony is owned by former Miami Dolphins player Kim Bokamper and his three partners, who also own Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill, with locations in Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, Plantation, Naples, and Estero. The Balcony is located at 1309 E. Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301. The restaurant is open Monday–Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Thursday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, visit www.thebalconylasolas.com or call (754) 200-6344.
About PDKN Restaurant Group
PDKN Restaurant Group was founded by former Miami Dolphins player Kim Bokamper and his three partners, P.J. Kavanagh, Damon DeSantis and Noel Cullen, in 2008. Following Bokamper’s successful sports and broadcasting career, he was approached by current partner Kavanagh about furthering his brand through a restaurant. The first Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill was founded in 2008 in Plantation, Florida. Today, the group owns five Bokamper’s restaurants locations in Florida (Estero, Miramar, Naples, Plantation and Fort Lauderdale on the Intracoastal north of Oakland Park Boulevard) ― all dedicated to providing exceptional service, great food, and an unparalleled atmosphere for friends, families and sports fans of all ages. PDKN Restaurant Group also owns and operates The Balcony, a lively two-story restaurant on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard. PDKN Restaurant Group’s Bo’s Beach features fresh seafood and stunning ocean views on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
2019 Boca Bacchanal
Savor Our City recently attended the popular and well-established Boca Bacchanal presented by the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum held at the well-known Boca Raton Resort & Club. This is the 17th year in which this annual event has brought together world class chefs and vintners, offering their finest specialties, while providing residents and visitors with a delightful opportunity to support an outstanding cause. Proceeds raised, benefit an array of innovative, diverse and rapidly growing Historic Preservation and Heritage Education programs that are offered for children and adults. Savor Our City enjoyed some very tasteful bites from over 20 local restaurants including; M.E.A.T, Bonefish Grill, Gourmet Phile, Burtons Grill, Med Café, to name a few and a sampling of some delicious and creative wines and brews from Potions In Motion Catering, Tattinger Champagne, Ron Rubin Winery, and Unibroue, again to name a few. Savor Our City is proud to support this event and cause.
A Fish Called Avalon
Hello Foodie Friends,
As a second generation native South Floridian, born and raised in Miami, I have seen a huge transformation in Miami, and in particular, Miami Beach. When we were young, I fondly remember riding on the long stretch of road that connected the main land to the beach; this was an indication that we were getting close to Great Grandmother’s.My Great Grandparents (Bessie & Frank) were direct descendants from Russia, a cute couple, each standing about 5′ tall. I don’t remember Frank too much as he died before Bessie, but my Great Grandma lived until the ripe ol’ age of 106. (She received two letters from the President of the time congratulating her on making it to a 100 years!) Back in that time, Collins Ave/Ocean Drive was lined with condos occupied by the senior community. You would find many of them just hanging out in rocking chairs on the front porches. That was until the developers stepped in and the gentrification process officially took off. Today, the landscape is one of youth and vibrancy. The hip, chic place with plenty of nightlife to keep you busy until the wee hours.
I received an email inviting me come taste A Fish Called Avalon, Located in the iconic Avalon Hotel on Ocean Drive, the setting offers an authentic, sophisticated South Beach experience. Many locals tend to have an impression that dining out in South Beach is for tourists, but I’m here to dispel that belief right here and now, at least when it comes to A Fish Called Avalon. Now in it’s 30th year, this marks quite a milestone in the restaurant world. Fun fact: this time-tested landmark had been the back drop for the 1983 film, Scarface.
TIME-HONORED SEAFOOD TRADITION IN MIAMI BEACH
A Fish Called Avalon is a legend in South Beach. For nearly 30 years, they have been serving up the freshest seafood and delivering an exceptional dining experience to all who partake. The superb cuisine, relaxed Ocean Drive setting, and impeccable service have been delighting diners for nearly three decades.
Garnering attention for its superb seafood cuisine, impeccable hospitality and intimate setting, the restaurant is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
Chef Kal & A Fish Called Avalon offer a seafood-dominated menu with tropical influences using the very best local and seasonal ingredients delivered daily. Each item shines with a variety of unique presentation and flavors.
Chef prepared a wonderful selection of tastings for my Product Development Manager, Annette and I to taste. We sat on the lovely terrace and it was a beautiful night. Annette and I enjoyed every morsel. Our taste buds were literally (well ok, figuratively) jumping up and down in joy! While I really liked everything that was placed in front of us, I thought the Bang Bang Shrimp were very unique here and were a definite stand out for me. The Macadamia Nut crusted snapper was another nice surprise for me. I am a huge fan of octopus when cooked right and Chef did an outstanding job with this as well. The presentation on the paella was top notch and packed full of fruits from the sea.
Tempting appetizers like the Bang Bang Shrimp and Orzo Seafood Paella for a main course are perfect for a romantic date night to evoke Mediterranean memories. The menu also offers prime and dry-aged steaks, organic chicken, and vegetarian-friendly options each with a perfect complement from the extensive award-winning wine list. Delectable desserts end the evening on a sweet note.
A Fish Called Avalon Accolades
Top 10 Best Restaurants and Best Outdoor Dining Winner in South Florida by OpenTable reviewers.
Ranked 30 of 787 Restaurants in Miami Beach TripAdvisor
A Fish Called Avalon is perfect for romantic dinners, a family affair, or a night out on the town. I can’t wait to go back and hope that I have inspired you to want to check it out as well. Pro tip: Diners can park in the parking garage conveniently located at the corner of 7th and Collins.
For more info on the restaurant, please click here to visit their website:
Until we eat again…
I send you delicious wishes, xo
Denise