The Top Five Reasons to Go to Iron Fork

New Times' Iron Fork/Miami Spice kickoff, presented by the Miami Downtown Development Authority, will take over the American Airlines Arena next Thursday, July 28, at 7 p.m. 

If you're a procrastinator and you haven't purchased your tickets yet, here are the top five reasons to get thee to Iron Fork:
5. Chow Down on Bites From More Than 70 of Miami's Best Restaurants
More than 70 of Miami's finest restaurants will participate in Iron Fork, many of them Miami Spice participants. Fill yourself on bites from eateries such as Area 31, Atrio, Coya Miami, Kaori by Walter Marino, Lure Fishbar, Proof Pizza & Pasta, and Trust & Company.
4. Spam Allstars
What's a party without music? Of course, a gathering this epic couldn't just hire some bar mitzvah DJ, so the Spam Allstars will work their magic. While you're chowing down, groove to Miami's favorite band as it performs live at Iron Fork

3. Shuck It!
The fast and furious oyster-shucking competition returns to Iron Fork for a second year. Shuckers from five Miami restaurants will be timed to see who can shuck a dozen oysters the fastest. Watch in amazement as these talented toques pry open the shellfish at blazing speed! 
2. The Epic Chef's Battle
Iron Fork's chef's battle is the stuff that legends are made of. In a battle worthy of the ancient gladiators, chefs compete in a battle of skills, fire, and knives. This year, the fun is doubled with chef teams. Watch in awe as Via Verdi's "Wonder Twins" Fabrizio and Nicola Carro face the "Dynamic Duo" of Dustin Ward (BLT Prime) and Sean Brasel (Meat Market).  Each team will have to work together to create a delicious meal using a mystery ingredient to impress the panel of chef judges. Who will win? You'll have to be there to find out.
1. General-Admission Tickets Cost Only $30 For a Limited Time
If you still haven't purchased your tickets to Iron Fork, you're in luck. In celebration of National Culinary Month (yes, apparently that's a real thing), general-admission ticket prices have been slashed to only $30 each. Get them at newtimesironfork.com — but hurry, because this deal is good through only July 24 at 9 p.m. After that, ticket prices jump to $55 through July 27 and $70 at the door.