Miami is known for some of the best food events in the nation. One of them is Iron Fork, the Miami New Times extravaganza where chefs battle for glory. Another is Miami Spice, a two-month bonanza sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), in which diners enjoy cool dining deals during the area's hottest months.
This year, New Times and the GMCVB have joined forces to present Iron Fork as the official kickoff to Miami Spice. The venue? The beautiful Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The evening will be presented by the Miami Downtown Development Authority.
On Thursday, August 1, from 7 to 10 p.m., attendees will dine on epicurean delights from 50 of Miami's best restaurants. They will also drink fine vino from Wines of Chile and enjoy cocktails by Bacardi and beer by Stella Artois while listening to live music by local artists. Best of all, guests will be able to scout out some of the finest Miami Spice restaurants so they'll have a definitive dining strategy for the months ahead.
This partnership takes both events to a whole new level. Participating Miami Spice restaurants will be showcased at the event, both in the theater and on the grounds nearby.
GMCVB president and CEO William D. Talbert III says this about the culinary meeting of the minds: "We're thrilled to partner with the Miami New Times on the Iron Fork event as we kick off the 12th year of our wildly popular Miami Spice restaurant promotion. Iron Fork is a fantastic event that will generate even more excitement and incentive to explore Miami's great restaurants and cuisine during the two months of the Miami Spice promotion."
Of course, there's no Iron Fork without a heated battle between Miami's top toques, and this year will be no exception. Miami's best-loved chef, Allen Susser, returns to host the fierce competition, which pits two of our city's finest food-makers in a no-holds-barred battle involving knives, flames, and a mystery ingredient.
Miami Spice sees our city's best restaurants offering three-course meals at amazing values. Spice lunches cost $19 and $23, while dinners at participating restaurants cost $33 and $39.
Tickets for the August 1 Iron Fork event and Miami Spice kickoff cost $40 in advance for general admission, $55 at the door. VIP tickets, which include an extra hour of dining, are $75 in advance and $90 at the door. Participating restaurants will be announced shortly. Stay tuned to Short Order and visit newtimesironfork.com or ilovemiamispice.com for up-to-the-minute details.
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