Iron Fork 2016 Restaurant Lineup Announced

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

This year, Iron Fork is bigger than ever, with more than 70 favorite local restaurants, many of them Miami Spice participants, offering bites of their best food.  

Of course, the main event is the annual Iron Fork chef competition, hosted by chef Allen Susser. This year, it's a tag-team showdown between Via Verdi's "Wonder Twins" Fabrizio and Nicola Carro and the "Dynamic Duo" of Dustin Ward (BLT Prime) and Sean Brasel (Meat Market). Each team will face off onstage to make the best dishes for judges Aaron Brooks (Edge Steak & Bar), Adrianne Calvo (Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar), Seth Lowenstein (Spring Chicken and Yardbird), and Dewey LoSasso (Redlander Restaurant).
Iron Fork also includes live entertainment, music, a heritage neighborhood showcase, and the second-annual oyster-shucking competition. There's also an after-party, beginning at 10 p.m. at the W Miami (485 Brickell Ave.). In addition, New Times has partnered with Share Our Strength for a silent auction, where 100 percent of proceeds will benefit the organization's No Kid Hungry campaign.

To whet your appetite, here's a list of participating restaurants, along with the dish they plan to prepare (subject to change):

• Gals on the Run Inc. - conch fritters, conch salad, guava duff
  
• Jackson Soul Food - mac 'n' cheese, ribs, red glaze shrimp, pigeon peas and rice
  
• Juanitas Kitchen - mac 'n' cheese shrimp 'n' "gritz"
  
• Naomi's Garden Restaurant & Lounge - jerk chicken, baked chicken, legume, rice and peas
  
• Sensory Delights Catering - grilled and chilled cajun shrimp, pickled salad, roasted pepper aioli
  
• Bolivar Restaurant - coctel de camarones
  
• Catered Fit - TBA
  
• Chicks N Wings - conch salad, conch balls, and wings
  
• Esevagonte - sirlon steak and slaw 
  
• Exquisito Chocolates - cacao shooter
  
• Gelato-Go - vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip, oreo, and strawberry gelatos
  
• Happy Wine Calle Ocho/Happy Wine in the Grove - TBA
  
• Helen & Meyer's - mini corned beef sandwiches with house-made challah and house-made mustard
  
• Hyde Beach Kitchen & Cocktails - ceviche 
  
• I Love Pizza - pizza
  
• Ikura Sushi Lounge - kanikama crab salad and honey moon roll
  
• Juniper on the Water - house-cured salmon served on crostini 
  
• JWD Prime Steak and Seafood - pan-seared tenderloin with sauteed wild mushrooms with garlic butter topped with au poivre sauce
  
• Kona Grill - assorted sushi and potstickers
  
• Los Ranchos - tenderloin beef fajitas with gallo pinto
  
• Mango's Cafe - marinated pulled pork with mango salsa
  
• Mario the Baker - meatballs with ricotta
  
• Merkado 31 - ceviche
  
• Munch Thyme - South Florida shrimp with Miami slaw
  
• RA Sushi Bar - garlic edamame tootsy maki with RA chips and salsa
  
• Sunny's Restaurant - saffron rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and peas with lemon aioli
  
• Suviche - ceviche chifa and ceviche rocoto
  
• Uvaggio Wine - TBA
  
• Area 31 - tuna ribbons with passionfruit ponzu and crispy quinoa 
  
• Atrio Restaurant - eggplant caponata with piquillo peperonata
  
• Bellmont Spanish Restaurant - hand-sliced 18-month-aged Iberico ham with pan con tomate
  
• Biscayne Tavern - TBA
  
• Blue Matisse Restaurant -avocado gazpacho and spicy shirmp with agiaurarillo ceviche
  
• Brasserie Azur - TBA
  
• Casa Claridge's - pork belly sliders with onion marmalade
  
• Cibo Wine Bar - shrimp diavola and house-made focaccia
  
• Coya Miami - TBA
  
• Embarcadero 41 - TBA
  
• Fresh American Bistro -mini Sliders, lobster mac 'n' cheese, and braised short ribs
  
• IL Mulino NY - TBA
  
• Jaguar Hospitality (Jaguar/Talavera/Peacock) - "black market" ceviche, short rib with mole coloradito, and Coconut Grove fish casserole
  
• Kaori by Walter Martino - TBA
  
• Lure Fishbar - Hamachi Crudo 
  
• Marion - tuna tartare
  
• Neomis Grill - TBA
  
• Proof Pizza & Pasta - summer peach and country ham salad
  
• Pullman Hotels and Resorts - avocado toast and summer salad 
  
• R House- Brazilian seafood moqueca
  
• Rioja Grille - rioja braised short rib with manchego polenta
  
• Rusty Pelican - TBA
  
• Sonesta Coconut Grove/Panorama Restaurant  - pan seared salmon with shiitake relish and Nutella s'mores
  
• Soyka - meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy; ceviche with sweet potato and crispy wontons
  
• Tamara Bistro - caramelized pork belly and sweet potato hash 
  
• Tamarina Restaurant - ravioli with asparagus and ricotta; sautéed spinach and feta cheese 
  
• Texas de Brazil - flank steak with horseradish mashed potatoes and chimichurri
  
• Thyme - TBA
  
• Toro Toro- tuna tataki salad
  
• Toscana Divino - TBA
  
• Trust & Company -charred octopus with romesco
  
• Via Verdi - TBA

VIP Area and After-party

• Midtown Oyster Bar 
  
• Salumeria 104 
  
• Tiramesu 
  
• Mr Chow Miami at W Hotel (after party)
  

General-admission tickets for Iron Fork cost $55 through July 27 and $70 July 28. GA tickets include unlimited food samplings, entertainment, and the amazing Iron Fork chef competition.

VIP tickets include early entry at 6 p.m., exclusive restaurant samplings, live entertainment, and beer, wine, and spirits. They cost $95 through July 27 and $110 July 28. Iron Fork is a 21-and-over event. Visit NewTimesIronFork.com to purchase your tickets today.

To get you in the mood for Miami's party of the year, New Times is hosting Iron Fork pop-up parties. These intimate dining experiences allow you to interact with chefs from participating restaurants, enjoy complimentary bites, and take advantage of special drink pricing.  The next party takes place this Thursday, July 14, at Marion, and another one happens Thursday, July 21, at Tamarina. You can't buy a ticket to these pop-ups, but you can win your way in. Simply visit miaminewtimes.com/promotions for your chance to enjoy these special evenings.