Afternoon Delight

The culinary stock of Coconut Grove is on the rise. Sure the verdant, touristy district still has family-friendly restaurants like Johnny Rockets and Cozzoli’s, but newer establishments, like Berries, Ginger Grove, and Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar, are making the trip down Grand Avenue worthwhile for gourmands. If you haven’t yet stopped by and sampled the delicious delights the new kids on the block have to offer, fret not. Revel in the splendiferous return of the Great Taste of the Grove, an enjoyable, affordable culinary showcase for the neighborhood’s finest restaurants. The event is back by popular demand, to celebrate its sixteenth year, and this year attendees can expect something for everyone.

Wander around beautiful Peacock Park today, and be enchanted by the sound of music. Some of Miami’s finest jazz musicians will be performing throughout the day, including Iko Iko, Ruffhouse, and hometown favorite Joe Donato. Take the little ones to the children’s area for rock-climbing, free crafts activities, and reasonably priced kiddie rides; then buy fresh ingredients for healthy and delicious meals at the gourmet farmer’s market in the park.

Art lovers will drool over the “Food as Art” exhibit, which will display the best cooking-inspired paintings and sculptures by local artists. When you’re ready to eat, follow your nose to the tasting booths set up by more than 30 of the Grove’s finest restaurants. Purchase a $10 bracelet and enter the winetasting tent for all-day samplings led by expert sommeliers. Eat and learn at the Sonesta Hotel’s showcase, which will feature demonstrations by five top Florida chefs from the Coconut Grove community.

Just because they won’t be handing out food and drinks doesn’t mean servers and bartenders won’t spend part of the day running around and breathless. In the waiters’ race, which begins at 5:30 p.m., competitors will wend their way through a treacherous obstacle course, all while carrying trays laden with food and beverages. The runner with the least amount of spillage will be crowned Best Server in Coconut Grove. This tasty event is free to the public, but in order to enjoy food or drinks, you’ll need to stop by one of the ticket stations to purchase individual one-dollar tickets.
Sun., Jan. 29, 1-8 p.m.