Savor Our City

Experiences

Chew On This

Dear Foodie Friends,

As summer takes its final bow and autumn’s cool embrace begins to settle in, we’re thrilled to welcome the vibrant month of September! With back-to-school season in full swing, both families and businesses are buzzing with the excitement that comes with the freshness of fall.

This month, we’re not only celebrating the best of local seasonal flavors but also indulging in the thrill of culinary tourism! This trend is taking food lovers to new and exciting destinations both here in the states and

Denise Righetti, Anita Cohn & Laura Lieberman

"Ready for Sweater Weather."

abroad. In this September newsletter, along with our local events, we’ve curated a selection of "destination" foodie events that might just tempt you to pack your bags and embark on a delicious adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to explore new flavors, foster team spirit, or plan a fun family gathering, Savor Our City provides all the "fixin's" for creating memorable moments over exceptional food and experiences.

Thank you for being a valued member of our community. We can’t wait to share these seasonal delights to help make your September unforgettable!

xoxo

Denise Righetti
Founder & Chief Foodie Officer
Savor Our City

Don't Forget to FOLLOW US for updates, and let's embark

on a flavorful journey together in 2024.

Get Out - Have Fun - Support A Worthy Cause!

FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER EVENTS:

This year Feeding South Florida’s theme is “Hunger Heroes Take Action.”

Hunger Action Month, is a nationwide initiative created by Feeding America®, which takes place throughout September and is designed to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in America and inspire others to take action toward ending it. Currently, in South Florida, there are more than 1.2 million food-insecure individuals and one in nine individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal.

Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties – is commemorating Hunger Action Month this September with a myriad of activities to encourage South Floridians to “Go Orange” to stand against hunger.

The community is encouraged to come together to raise awareness about food insecurity and be a part of the solution. During Hunger Action Month, South Floridians can “Go Orange” by participating in various activities throughout the month of September.

MONTH LONG EVENTS:

MIAMI SPICE RESTAURANT MONTHS RETURNS

EXCLUSIVE THREE-COURSE MENUS, IRRESISTIBLE DISHES AND NEW SIGNATURE DINING EXPERIENCES AT TOP EATERIES THROUGHOUT GREATER MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has announced the highly-anticipated return of Miami Spice Restaurant Months with a record-breaking number of participants.

Food lovers are invited to experience a taste of the destination’s dynamic culinary scene and enjoy prix fixe, three-course meals for $30 or $35 for lunch/brunch and the option of $45 or $60 for dinner. This year’s program, which runs from August 1 to September 30, is sponsored by Woodford Reserve. To explore the menus of more than 300 restaurants to-date, visit MiamiTemptations.com.

On the heels of several culinary accolades in Greater Miami and Miami Beach, Miami Spice participants include Michelin-designated restaurants and feature options from more than 20 neighborhoods and cuisine types.

New this year, select restaurants are offering Signature Dining Experiences that are enhanced and deliver beyond the traditional three-course menus. If hosting a large gathering for friends and family, Bill Hansen Catering is offering discounted pricing for group events at a private residence or venue of selection. As part of this program, a team of expert chefs will come to your home to prepare a local farm-to-fork type menu.

2024 Participating Restaurants:

SOUTH FLORIDA

Flavor South Florida is a month long dining event established in 2007 to introduce diners to the vast array of restaurants. Offering dining deals from St. Lucie to Boca Raton during the month of September.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL

September 9 @ Butcher & The Bar Restaurant

September 30 @ Sweetwater Restaurant

EXPERIENCE THE BATTLE OF THE BEACHES COCKTAIL SHOWDOWN
Watch Nine Bartenders from Nine Restaurants Compete for the Title
Draft Party Kicks Off August 19th at Driftwood
Prepare for the ultimate end-of-summer event for cocktail aficionados, hospitality pros and Palm Beach locals. The top craft cocktail spots in Boynton Beach—The Butcher & The Bar, Driftwood and Sweetwater—have united to present the Battle of the Beaches Cocktail Showdown. This six-event series will showcase the area's best bartending talent in an interactive cocktail contest.

Competitors will be judged by a panel of four, including three local hospitality and media personalities and one randomly selected audience member. They will be evaluated on their mixology mastery—presentation, taste, creativity and more. They're competing for several prizes and the ultimate bragging rights as the best mixologist in Boynton Beach.

Enjoy live DJ sets and complimentary spirit tastings at each celebration. A light food menu and a full bar will be available for purchase.
Come cheer on your favorite bartenders as they shake, stir and pour their way to victory. No tickets or reservations are necessary—these events are free and open to the public!

EVENT SCHEDULE
Prelim 2 – September 30 at 6pm / Sweetwater
Prelim 3 – October 14 at 6pm / The Butcher & The Bar
Final – November 11 at 6pm / Sweetwater
Post Party – November 25 at 6pm / Driftwood

COMPETITORS
Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Robert Bell | Driftwood – Randhu Castillo | Park Tavern – Daniela Villasana | Penelope – Myles Robinson | Radcliff's – Aiden Turner | Ravish Off Ocean – Maizie Betz | Sweetwater – TBD | The Butcher & The Bar - Matthew Swig | Warren Delray – Ayn Koder
Follow the action at @battleofthebeachesshowdown

Thursday, September 12 | 7 to 9 pm

Delray Beach, FL

Join us for a fun night filled with making cocktails & enjoying light bites amongst other local foodies while learning some fun cocktail history, tips & tricks. There will be contests & prizes as well!

LARGO, FL | Saturday, September 14 to Sunday 15

Largo Event Center

Get ready to turn up the heat for the 24th Annual I Like It HOT! Festival
This hot n’ spicy food show is painfully delicious, big on flavor, and cooked up to be one of the hottest events of the season on the Florida Gulf coast.
Specialty exhibitors will tickle your tastebuds as they bring on distinctive, breathtaking and dynamite offerings in the form of sauces, salsas, seasonings, rubs, plants, food products, gadgets, kitchenware, hundreds of mild to wild samples, food trucks, live music, contests and more.

Event admission and parking are free.

MIAMI BEACH, FL - Saturday & Sunday, September 23-24

Lummus Park

TO GET 20% DISCOUNT TICKETS - USE OUR PROMO CODE:

SAVOR20

> CLICK HERE <

The 12th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival is back to take over Miami in October on the sands of South Beach between October 23-26, 2024! This Florida seafood festival is not your typical east coast seafood festival, but a curated showcase of the best talents of South Florida’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds via a diverse group of events, where guests experience the best seafood in Miami and kick off world renowned stone crab season.

VERO BEACH, FL - Saturday & Sunday, September 28 - 29

Indian River Fairgrounds

Calling All Seafood Lovers and Adventure Seekers! 🦞
Seafood Vendors - Arts and Crafts - Commercial Exhibitors and Non Profits
Get ready for a spectacular weekend at the Treasure Coast Seafood Festival, right in the heart of Vero Beach! Join us on Sept 28-29, 2024, at the Indian River Fairgrounds for a celebration of flavours, fun, and community spirit.

Savour the taste of the ocean with an incredible lineup of seafood vendors showcasing their best catches and recipes. Wander through

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Indian River Fairgrounds, surrounded by lush scenery - the perfect backdrop for a feast of seafood, live music, entertainment, and vibrant arts and crafts booths to finds and handmade treasures. .

The Treasure Coast Seafood Festival is not just an event; it’s a testament to the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Vero Beach. Help us support local artists, businesses, and the community while making memories that last.

Click Here For Advance Tickets!

Discovering hidden gems in lesser-known cities around Florida can be a rewarding adventure, especially if you plan a visit during a local food festival. These off-the-beaten-path destinations offer unique flavors and vibrant community spirit, turning your visit into an unforgettable culinary experience.

PERRY, FL - Monday, September 20 - 21 | 5 to 8 pm

Taylor County, Florida is home to one of the largest and most popular BBQ Festivals in the state and southeastern United States!

This event gives out over $15,000 in cash prizes for the following BBQ Events:

OPEN BBQ Competition
Sauces of Honor Competition sponsored by National BBQ News
People’s Choice
KIDZ-QUE Competition (Ages 6-13)

Thousands of dollars in cash prizes are awarded during the weekend to those in all the competitions. Visitors can sample BBQ at the many sampling stations or they can be a judge in the People’s Choice portion of the event where they can try over 35 different kinds of pulled pork.

A mixture of southern rock and country music plays throughout the entire weekend featuring some of the most renowned blues artists. For those who want to attend this event, there is no fee to enter, however, if you want to sample BBQ and enter the People’s Choice, there is a small fee for those portions of the event. In addition to BBQ, this event features arts & crafts, antique car show, kids play area, activities and great entertainment.

CLERMONT, FL - Saturday, September 21 | 5 to 10 pm

Clermont Waterfront Park

Every Fall, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and the City of Clermont come together to present the annual Sips and Salsa Festival – a vibrant celebration open to the public. This highly anticipated event is a true fiesta!

Bring the whole family for Chihuahua races, a Domino tournament, a kids' zone, and more. It's an evening that unites residents, local businesses, and visitors in a celebration of music, dance, and delicious food. Immerse yourself in the lively Latin-inspired ambiance with colorful decorations, sparkling lights, and captivating music. Savor a wide variety of local food and drinks, and explore the offerings of diverse vendors. Sips and Salsa fosters a sense of community, offering networking opportunities and strengthening bonds. It's a night of celebration, bringing people together to enjoy South Lake's rich diversity.

Whether you're a dance enthusiast or simply looking for a fun-filled evening, Sips and Salsa has something for everyone. Come and explore the unique offerings of local vendors while celebrating our vibrant community.

PANACEA, FL - Saturday, September 28

Woolley Park

One of the oldest and longest-running festivals to dot the Wakulla County landscape, the Panacea Blue Crab Festival gives Wakulla County an opportunity to celebrate and thank the city of Panacea for one of its most precious commodities. Started in 1975, the festival begins each year with a parade down U.S. Highway 98, then the party really begins at Woolley Park on the waterfront with live music and clog dancers, local arts and crafts vendors and all the fresh Wakulla County blue crab — and all types of other seafood — you could ever desire. And don’t forget to enter the famed “Blue Crab Pickin’ Contest” to become the next Panacea Blue Crab Festival champ!

GET OUT AND TASTE THE STATES

In true American spirit, we at Savor Our City are embracing the Culinary Tourism trend by bringing you an array of exciting foodie events happening across the USA during the month of September.

TASTE COLORADO

TASTE GEORGIA

TASTE ILLINOIS

TASTE INDIANA

TASTE KANSAS

TASTE PENNSYLVANIA

TASTE WISCONSON

Easy-to-Make Recipes To Try

Sausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed with the season's best ingredients — sausage, cranberries, and wild rice — these sweet and succulent acorn squash become the perfect vessels for dinner. They're delicious as an all-in-one weeknight dinner on their own, or served up alongside a seasonal fall salad.

Ingredients & Instructions:

1/2 c. wild and brown rice blend

1/4 c. dried cranberries
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 small acorn squash, halved and seeded

3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
8 oz. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1/4 c. flat-leaf parsley, chopped, plus more for serving

Step 1

Place a rimmed baking sheet in oven and preheat to 425°F. Cook rice per package directions. Remove from heat and fold in cranberries. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2

Meanwhile, cut a piece from the outside of each squash (this will keep them from tipping over). Rub squash with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange on baking sheet, hollow sides down. Roast until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 3

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add sausage and cook, breaking into small pieces, until cooked through and beginning to brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and fold in parsley. Add rice and stir to combine.
Step 4

Transfer squash to platter, hollow sides up, and fill with rice mixture. Garnish with parsley.

YIELDS: 4 Servings

PREP TIME: 20 mins

TOTAL TIME: 40 mins

This September Recipe comes from Country Living

Fig, Goat Cheese & Arugula Flatbread

In honor of the change of seasons, we bring you a FIG RECIPE by Marisa Moore!

Figs are actually NOT a fruit. They are a flower and member of the mulberry family. But they’re far too delicious to skip! Not only are figs rich in many vitamins and minerals, they are packed with fiber and antioxidants as well. One of the main health benefits that figs provide is lowering blood pressure and protecting the bone. They are packed with potassium and calcium - two necessary nutrients for longevity. Among other health benefits, figs are a natural aphrodisiac. The Ancient Greeks believed in their powers for fertility, and now modern science backs it up - they are packed with minerals, like iron, that strengthens fertility for women and men.

This beautiful and delicious fig flatbread features sweet figs, caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese and fresh arugula for a sweet and savory meal that really satisfies. It’s the perfect light meal to transition from summer to fall!

Ingredients

1 small flatbread or naan
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 ounces goat cheese, softened
¼ cup caramelized onions (make ahead)
3-5 fresh figs, sliced
2 cups arugula
1 teaspoon balsamic reduction (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions For Caramelized Onions

INGREDIENTS:

2 large onions
2 tablespoon olive oil
vegetable broth, water or white wine for deglazing the pan
salt, optional

DIRECTIONS:

Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a stainless steel or cast iron sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced raw onions. I used two large sweet onions.
Stir the onions around in the pan to coat with the oil. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Revisit the onions about every 10 minutes to make sure they are not burning. Scrape up any of the little brown bits that form on the pan.
Deglaze the pan with a little vegetable broth, white wine or water. Let cool and refrigerate.

PREP TIME: 5 mins

COOK TIME: 45 mins

TOTAL TIME: 50 mins

Directions For Flatbread

Preheat the oven to 400F.
Brush the flatbread with half the olive oil. Add dollops of the goat cheese evenly over the flatbread. Add the onions and figs.
Bake 10 minutes or until the goat cheese melts a bit and the edges of the flatbread brown. During the last 2 minutes, toss the arugula with the remaining olive oil and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl until the greens are lightly dressed.
Remove from the oven. Top with the dressed arugula, cracked black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

YIELDS: 4 Servings

PREP TIME: 5 mins

TOTAL TIME: 15 mins

"FALL" FOR SOMETHING SWEET:

Baked Pears with Brown Sugar and Butter

The easiest baked pears recipe that makes the most delicious pears that you can drizzle with the caramel that's made from pear juices and sugar and serve them with ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal.

Ingredients:

4 Medium or Large Pears – choose firm varieties that handle baking well, like Bosc or Anjou.

1/2 whole lemon, juice only – freshly squeezed is best. Don’t use the bottled stuff that will have an off-taste.

1/4 cup light brown sugar – this is what will create the caramel once joined with the pear juices and butter.

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – (optional) this will add a fragrant fall aroma and flavor to the pears, but it will taste great without the spices as well.

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg – (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or Vanilla paste – the paste has vanilla seeds that will add great taste and look to the caramelized pears.

2 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – any butter will work for this recipe. Butter will create a creamy and luscious caramel sauce for the pears.

1/8 teaspoon salt – just a tiny pinch to offset the sweetness of the pears and caramel.

Notes
Use a baking dish that is big enough to just fit the pears. If the pears are spread too far apart from each other, the juices will be evaporated quicker and there will not be enough liquid to form the caramel.

The longer the pears are baked the thicker the caramel around them will get. If you prefer a thinner caramel sauce, bake for a total of 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you prefer thicker caramel, you can bake up to 1 hour 30 minutes.
If using softer varieties of pears baking them too long will turn them mushy. To avoid this, bake only until the pears are soft. Then, remove the pears and continue cooking the caramel down until thickened.

Best Pears for Baking:
Bosc is the best variety for this baked pear recipe because it retains the shape well when subjected to heat. They’re also wonderful for poaching like in an Amaretto Poached Pear recipe.

Anjou and Seckel are the next best choices. They bake a little softer than Bosc but still retain their shape well. You can leave the skin on when using them to help them keep their shape.

YIELDS: 6 Servings

PREP TIME: 15 mins

TOTAL TIME: 1.5 hours

This September Recipe comes from Let The Baking Begin

Restaurants to try in 2024!

Delray Beach, FL

Lefkes, the newest addition to Delray Beach’s vibrant dining scene, offers a captivating blend of traditional Greek flavors with a modern twist. Drawing inspiration from its renowned counterparts in Santorini and Athens, Lefkes takes guests on a Mediterranean journey that’s both familiar and refreshingly innovative. The menu showcases the finest cuisine, with ingredients sourced from top purveyors and local farms, ensuring each dish is as fresh as it is flavorful. By day, Lefkes is a refined dining destination where you can savor beautifully crafted Greek classics. By night, it transforms into a lively hotspot, channeling the energetic vibe of Mykonos with top DJs and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a memorable meal or an unforgettable night out, Lefkes is set to become a go-to destination in Delray Beach.

Boca Raton, FL

OFF THE BEATEN PATH - How about indulging in the rich flavors of Turkey at an authentic Turkish restaurant, where the vibrant blend of aromatic spices, lively ambiance, and warm hospitality creates an unforgettable dining experience reminiscent of the lively streets of Turkey!

Tucked away in East Boca Raton, off of NE Spanish River Boulevard, unassuming this Turkish restaurant is a culinary treasure that shouldn’t be missed. Despite its modest, no-frills appearance, the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by a lively ambiance that perfectly complements the rich, aromatic scents wafting from the kitchen. The menu is a vibrant celebration of Turkish cuisine, with dishes bursting with authentic flavors and expertly blended spices that transport you straight to the heart of Istanbul. The warm hospitality adds a personal touch that elevates the entire dining experience. This is not just a meal—it’s a tasty treat that lingers long after the last bite. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience that captures the soul of Turkey, this hidden gem is the place to be.

Located in the North Dixie Center | 499 NE Spanish River Blvd | Boca Raton, FL 33431

Savoring Our World: Culinary Tourism Trends and Local Foodie Adventures

Blog by guest writer, Jennifer Ouvrard

Culinary tourism has seen explosive growth in recent years, reaching a staggering $805.9 billion globally in 2022, with expectations for continued expansion. Travelers are increasingly eager to explore destinations through their culinary landscapes, from local restaurants and farms to traditional food tours. At Savor Our City, we are more than thrilled to be at the forefront of organizing, booking and embarking on such journeys. Read on for our insights and predictions on this burgeoning trend.

Recap of My Recent Trip to New York

Hello Foodie Friends,

I recently traveled to New York on business to arrange a charter boat for a corporate group of 200 people who wanted to see the city’s iconic sights from the water. We set sail from one of the marinas in Brooklyn, and the highlight of the trip was the breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty.