Dear Foodie Friends,
February has arrived—a time for love, warmth, and fresh opportunities to delight our senses and nourish our hearts. As we settle into this month of transitions, I invite you to embrace the spirit of change, deepen connections with loved ones, and savor the beauty of new culinary adventures.
This is a perfect time to prioritize balance and health. With the fresh start that February offers, why not explore ways to eat well without compromising flavor?
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Think seasonal produce, hearty winter recipes, and meals that bring comfort while supporting your wellness goals.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, reminding us to cherish those we hold dear. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a festive gathering, or a cozy night at home with your favorite dishes, this is the season to celebrate love in all its forms—with a generous side of deliciousness.
As winter continues to surround us with its chilly embrace, let’s warm up with culinary creativity. Experiment with new cocktail recipes, blending seasonal ingredients and bold flavors to create beverages that excite and comfort. From spiced hot toddies to decadent chocolate martinis or vibrant citrus mocktails, there’s something magical about sipping your way through winter.
But February isn’t just about staying cozy—it’s also a time to step out of your culinary comfort zone. Explore a new cuisine, visit a restaurant you’ve never tried, or take a cooking class to sharpen your skills. These small adventures can spark inspiration and make this month truly memorable. |
So, here’s to a February filled with warmth, love, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Let’s make this month one to savor in every way.
xoxo
Denise Righetti
Founder & Chief Foodie Officer
Savor Our City
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Don't Forget to FOLLOW US for updates, and let's embark
on a flavorful journey together in 2025. |
Get Out - Have Fun - Support A Worthy Cause! |
FLORIDA - FEBRUARY EVENTS: |
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 |
BOCA RATON, FL
February 12, 2025 |
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
Friday, February 14, 2025 |
CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY WITH A TWIST DURING THE LOVE BALL AT AQUAPLEX FORT LAUDERDALE |
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Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale invites guests to celebrate love with a twist this Valentine’s Day with The Love Ball, a romantic dinner and show event on Friday, Feb. 14. Featuring two seatings at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., the evening includes a three-course dinner and a themed drag performance for $55 per person.
“Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is delighted to offer this exclusive Valentine’s Day experience which appeals to anyone celebrating this romantic holiday,” said Michael Barrett, owner of Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale. “It’s all about sharing the love for good food, good company and some of the best drag performers in South Florida.”
Guests will enjoy a special menu starting with appetizers including Aqua Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, or Mushroom Ravioli. Entrée options include Lobster Ravioli, Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Herb-Crusted Salmon, Steak Au Poivre, or a vegetarian Grilled Portobello. For plant-based preferences, a Chef’s Choice Vegan Entrée is also available. To end on a sweet note, a decadent chocolate dessert will be served.
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The show, hosted by Amanda Austin with the Aquanettes, will be a love fest. Guests will enjoy a one-hour show featuring songs about love - being in love and even falling out of love. Doors open at 5 p.m. for Happy Hour with Ronnie and Franny before the evening festivities begin.
The bar features a variety of signature craft cocktails and premium liquor offerings with new featured wines, Champagne and other specialty spirits. The mouthwatering food menu offers a variety of delicious new appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale is located at 1421 East Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park, just one mile east of I-95. Ticket pricing excludes tax and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (954) 567-0987 or visiting www.fladragshow.com and opentable.com. |
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BOCA RATON, FL
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Sunset Cove Amphitheater |
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SOUTH BEACH MIAMI, FL
February 22, 2025 |
Your chance to meet your favorite food digital creators is on Saturday, February 22nd at @mondrianhotelsobe for a full-day of interactive panels, cooking demos, photo opportunities, and more!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS! |
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The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), is thrilled to announce the return of FoodieCon® presented by StarKist®. This groundbreaking event brings digital food content to life through immersive, interactive experiences. FoodieCon® provides fans with a unique opportunity to directly engage with their favorite social media culinary creators through live cooking demonstrations, interactive panels, exclusive meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of food content creation. Set to take place on February 22nd at the Mondrian South Beach, this iteration of FoodieCon® presented by StarKist® will feature top viral culinary personalities, offering an unprecedented platform for food enthusiasts to learn, connect, and experience the vibrant digital food community in a live, engaging format.
Now in its fifth iteration, FoodieCon® has established itself as the premier gathering for culinary content creators and their audiences. This innovative event recognizes the immense influence of social media in shaping food trends and consumer behavior, providing a unique platform for direct interaction between fans and their favorite digital personalities.
FoodieCon®, the groundbreaking event bridging digital and culinary worlds, has experienced exponential growth since its inception in February 2023. The event has accumulated approximately 12 billion impressions across its iterations, averaging an impressive 3 billion per event. With attendance more than doubling since its launch, FoodieCon® has forged over 50 brand partnerships to date, showcasing the immense influence of digital food content creators. The event has featured top viral personalities with massive followings, alongside celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Guy Fieri. This star-studded lineup has been instrumental in the event's success and rapid growth, with the 2025 lineup boasting a combined social media reach of nearly 120 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
FoodieCon® has quickly become a cornerstone of SOBEWFF®, selling out in previous years and garnering coverage from major media outlets. The event's success underscores the growing influence of digital content creators in the culinary world and the desire for authentic, in-person connections in an increasingly digital landscape.
As with all SOBEWFF® events, tickets for FoodieCon® are now available and sold separately, with 100% of net proceeds directly benefiting the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, furthering the Festival's longstanding commitment to education and industry advancement. |
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COMING IN APRIL 2025 - GET TICKETS NOW!
April 9 - 10, 2025 |
Don't Miss - F&B@Sea once again for an unparalleled celebration of cruise drinking and dining innovation and excellence. Building on the success of 2024, F&B@Sea is set to return bigger and better than ever before. Get ready to navigate the depths of F&B artistry with industry leaders and innovators. See you on board! |
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Each month, Denise shares her handpicked favorites, from standout restaurants and must-try recipes to inspiring individuals making waves in the culinary world. Whether it’s a hidden gem that’s redefining the dining scene, a dish you’ll want to recreate at home, or a chef whose story you need to hear, Denise’s Foodie Finds will bring you closer to the heart of the foodie community. |
YOU MUST TRY THESE
Valentine's Day Restaurant Recommendations |
Boca Raton - Delray Beach |
Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Lake Forest, Houston, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence. |
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Rosebud Restaurants serve as a beacon for special moments, and where better to celebrate the boundless love we feel on Valentine's Day. Whether you prefer brunch or lunch at or dinner at any location, the setting is just right to celebrate with with your special loved ones on any occasion! |
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Located in Boca Raton’s upscale Mizner Park, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern. Featuring one of South Florida's largest raw bars, it will complement the state’s most substantial whiskey menu with a wide selection of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Loch Bar also features live & local musicians! |
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Boatyard is Fort Lauderdale’s premier waterfront dining destination. Boatyard offers an upscale, nautical-chic vibe in a sophisticated, laidback atmosphere that embraces the pulse of the city’s yachting culture and where marina views abound. |
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Enjoy pristine seafood, live lobsters and prime steaks in a fresh, upscale atmosphere at Lobster Bar Sea Grille. Filled with modern-contemporary nautical touches, the experience will leave you feeling like you have just romantically dined on a luxury yacht. |
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Indulge in a refined, curated dining experience inspired by the joie de vivre and la dolce vita of the French and Italian Rivieras. Enjoy tableside presentations of the finest seafood, handcrafted pastas, premium meats, vegetables and desserts pairing European elegance with Florida’s fresh ingredients. |
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MIMI Chinese offers a sophisticated blend of romance, bold regional Chinese flavors, and an exquisite dining ambiance. Culinary Director David Schwartz and Executive Chef Braden Chong have curated a shareable-style menu that’s both indulgent and adventurous. |
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For those seeking a mix of chic ambiance and culinary excellence, CATCH Miami Beach delivers with its rooftop dining terrace offering sweeping ocean views. The cozy indoor dining spaces are a perfect atmosphere that sets the tone for an extraordinary evening. |
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Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day at Lafayette Steakhouse, the ultimate destination for an unforgettable date night. Known for its refined charm and exquisite cuisine, Lafayette sets the stage for a truly romantic evening with exclusive Valentine’s Day dishes crafted for couples to share. |
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YOU MUST TRY THESE
Valentine's Day Breakfast Ideas |
A sweet Valentine breakfasts is a great idea to bring warmth to a chilly February mornings, offering a chance to connect with loved ones over something indulgent yet meaningful. Start the day with flavors that celebrate love, and set the tone for a day filled with joy and togetherness. Think breakfast board with heart-shaped items like pancakes or waffles topped with fresh berries, chocolate and whipped cream, or a sunny side up egg topped with heart shaped bacon. Make it simple with a creamy yogurt topped with a strawberry cut in the shape of a heart. Here are a few sweet breakfast ideas that are not just about indulgence—they’re about creating moments to cherish, showing care through delicious details, and celebrating love from the very first bite. |
YOU MUST TRY THIS SERIOUSLY ADDICTIVE
Hotel Citadel’s Celery Salad Recipe |
It’s just celery with a ton of fresh herbs, crunchy nuts and seeds (any can work) and a little hint of sweetness in every bite with some dried blueberries (they used craisins - but OMG the berries are next level)
The real winner though is that full blown LEMON dressing. You must have a lot of fresh lemon juice - I took the 2 biggest lemons I could find - it’s key, combined with that touch of honey.
You can also add some fennel in the mix with the celery for even more crunchy veggie goodness and a twist.
Throw everything in a bowl, whisk together the dressing and pour over the salad and mix.
Eat! |
SALAD INGREDIENTS:
2 bunches of celery, chopped
2 large shallots, diced
1 bunch fresh parsley, diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, diced
Handful toasted sunflower seeds
Handful chopped pistachios
Handful toasted sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried blueberries |
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DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
2 large lemons, juiced (can also add 1 small lime for more sourness and flavor)
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. Avocado oil
1.5 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Black pepper
1 tsp. Garlic powder
1/4 cup honey |
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Throw everything in a bowl, whisk together the dressing and pour over the salad and mix.
Eat!
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YOU MUST TRY THIS
Lobster Wellington Recipe |
Indulge in the ultimate culinary adventure with a Lobster Wellington—a luxurious twist on the classic beef version. Imagine succulent lobster tails wrapped up with savory prosciutto, fresh asparagus, all encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. This show-stopping dish combines elegance and decadence, perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a truly special meal. |
Level: Easy | Total: 55 min | Active: 30 min | Yield: 4 servings
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Lobster Tails – medium to jumbo sized lobster tails.
Prosciutto – two slices for each lobster tail
Unsalted Butter – remember the prosciutto is salty so using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium.
Soft Herbs – a combination of chives, dill, and tarragon. Parsley and chervil are other options.
Lemon Zest – The oils in the lemon zest give you that lemon flavor without diluting the butter or overpowering the lobster meat.
Shallots – giving a delicate onion flavor to blend with the sweetness of the lobster.
Garlic – to taste.
Asparagus – a few stalks for each lobstertail
Puff Pastry – homemade is best.
Egg Wash – Whisk together an egg with a tablespoon of water to brush on puff pastry.
Flaky Sea Salt – to sprinkle on the puff pastry.
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1. Buttah Makes Everything Bettah – Heat a skillet or saucepan on medium heat and add your butter, shallots, and garlic. Sauté your aromatics until they are fragrant and translucent. Stir in your herbs, lemon zest, and asparagus tips. Allow the asparagus to cook for one minute. It will turn bright green. Remove the butter mixture from the heat.
2. Lobster Tail – Place your lobster tails on a sturdy surface. Use kitchen shears to cut down the middle of the top of the shell,
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stopping at the tail fin. Flip your tails over and repeat the process with the bottom side of the lobster tails. Use your fingers to carefully pull the lobster meat away from the shells. Don’t worry it they don’t look 100% perfect because they will be wrapped in both prosciutto and puff pastry.
3. Cut – Lightly roll out your puff pastry until it is an even thickness Cut out two rectangles per lobster tail that are half an inch wider than the lobster meat. Again, don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly straight.
4. Wrap – Brush both sides of your lobster meat with the herb butter. Tightly wrap the lobster meat in a piece of prosciutto. Lay 3-4 asparagus tips in the center of a piece of puff pastry before placing the wrapped lobster tail on top of them. Add a few more lobster tips on top. Top the tail with the second piece of puff pastry. You can gently pull down to make the edges meet. Use a fork to thoroughly crimp all of the edges. |
NOTES: The most difficult part of this recipe is removing the shell from the meat of the lobster while leaving the tail intact. However, with a good pair of kitchen shears and a little patience this only takes a couple of minutes.
Make Ahead – This entire recipe can be made in the morning and then baked when you are ready to serve. Not only does this free up your time but puff pastry is best cooked when cold.
Minimal Ingredients – While lobster is a luxury ingredient, there are only a handful of easily accessible ingredients that play supporting actor.
Texture – While the tenderloin in beef Wellington gets seared, there is no par cooking of the lobster in this Wellington recipe. The lobster meat gently steams as the puff pastry cooks creating that perfectly tender bite of lobster. |
YOU MUST TRY THIS
Dubai Chocolate Martini Recipe |
The Dubai Chocolate Bar, originally crafted by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, has become a global sensation, thanks to its unique combination of milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy kataifi pastry. Its rise to fame began in December 2023 when a TikTok video featuring the bar garnered over 90 million views, propelling it into the international spotlight.
This viral popularity led to a surge in demand, with the bars selling out rapidly and inspiring numerous imitations worldwide. Despite its premium price point, often around $20 per bar, enthusiasts praise its rich flavor and distinctive texture, solidifying its status as a must-try delicacy for chocolate aficionados. |
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The Dubai Chocolate Bar’s irresistible combination of luxurious flavors—creamy chocolate, nutty pistachio, and the delicate crunch of kataifi—has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. Its viral popularity has inspired food enthusiasts to experiment with creative ways to enjoy these decadent flavors. Enter the Dubai Chocolate Martini: a cocktail that takes the essence of this iconic treat and transforms it into a sophisticated drink. By blending chocolate liqueur, pistachio cream, and a touch of indulgence, this martini becomes a show-stopping beverage that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. Perfect for your next soirée, it’s a toast-worthy tribute to the flavors of Dubai. |
Ingredients:
-4 oz. vodka
-2 oz. Irish cream liqueur
-2 oz. chocolate liqueur
-0.5 oz. pistachio syrup
-0.5 oz. chocolate syrup
-pistachio cream, toasted kataifi, chocolate syrup & cocoa powder for garnish |
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Instructions:
Prepare the Glass:
- Spread a small amount of pistachio butter around the rim of a martini glass.
- Press the rim into toasted kataifi or finely chopped pistachios to create a decorative and flavorful crust.
Mix the Cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, chocolate liqueur, pistachio syrup, and chocolate syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of grated chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top.
This Dubai Chocolate Martini offers a harmonious blend of creamy chocolate and nutty pistachio flavors, making it a perfect indulgence for special occasions or a cozy evening in. |
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Discover Napa Valley: A Food & Wine Experience to Savor |
Hello Foodie Friends,
I recently had the distinct pleasure of attending the Discover Napa Valley Tasting Pavilion event held on Saturday, January 18th, Hosted on the lush lawn of The Boca Raton, this afternoon affair truly captured the essence of Napa Valley’s winemaking excellence paired with South Florida’s vibrant culinary scene. It was an event that I won’t soon forget.
The event was part of the Artisans of Wine & Food series (full details here), Set against the stunning backdrop of the resort’s iconic architecture and perfectly manicured grounds. ~read more~ |
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Savor the Memories, takes you behind the scenes of the unforgettable events we’ve created for groups like yours! From foodie scavenger hunts that ignite friendly competition, to multi-restaurant food tours showcasing local culinary gems, to hands-on cooking and mixology classes brimming with laughter and learning, these moments are what Savor Our City is all about.
Each month, we’ll spotlight one of these events, sharing stories, photos, and inspiration from participants who had the time of their lives. Who knows? You might just find the perfect idea for your next group outing! Click on the image below to see a Mixology Event we did in Miami Beach, Florida. |
Having Fun With Savor Our City |
“We didn't expect to have so much fun. The drinks were delicious and learning to make them ourselves was like icing on the cake. We will definitely be booking this event again.” – Happy SOC Customer |
DID YOU KNOW WE DO CATERING? |
At Savor Our City, we believe in the joy of TASTING GOOD FOOD, and our small portion tasting plates paired with carefully curated wines offer your guests an unforgettable culinary experience. Rather than serving traditional full-portion meals, our tasting plates allow guests to explore a variety of flavors, savoring each bite without the heaviness of overindulging.
In today’s world, where healthy eating and mindful choices matter more than ever, our approach strikes the perfect balance. Guests can enjoy diverse, delicious dishes while still feeling light and energized. It's not just about eating—it's about experiencing food in a way that is both satisfying and aligned with healthier living. |
Perfect for group events and intimate gatherings, our small plate catering service, paired with carefully curated wines, ensures your guests enjoy every moment—and allows you to relax and be present. |
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As we conclude this edition of Savor Our City's newsletter, we invite you to stay tuned for more culinary delights in the upcoming editions. We invite you to explore a treasure trove of unforgettable events for your group—whether family, friends, staff, or clients. From curated culinary tours to exclusive small-plate and wine-pairing experiences, we create opportunities to connect, celebrate, and savor life’s best moments. Let us turn your next gathering into a truly memorable adventure! Until next time, happy savoring!
Until we eat (and drink) again...
I send you delicious wishes, xo
Denise |
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You are receiving this email because you have either signed from Savor Our City's website, attended one of our events, or have provided us with your contact information |
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