Lee Schrager Celebrates the Most Important Meal of the Day at Magic City Casino

According to Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration in the classroom." That wisdom translates well into the adult world, where a fueled-up body can better cope with increased workloads on the job. What the study doesn't mention is breakfast is also the most delicious meal of the day. After all, who doesn't love to start the morning with a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of waffles?

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, is such a fan of breakfast he literally wrote the book on the subject. His latest tome, America's Best Breakfasts: Favorite Local Recipes From Coast to Coast ($23), written with Adeena Sussman and including photos by Evan Sung, features the best morning meals throughout the United States, including eight featured Miami dishes. 

To celebrate his book release, Schrager will host Brunch, presented by America's Best Breakfasts. On April 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Magic City Casino will feature more than 40 of Schrager's favorite South Florida spots serving sweet and savory breakfast treats.

The event, curated with the assistance of "Burger Beast" Sef Gonzalez, will offer everything from pancakes and eggs to doughnuts. Because the event will take place during Passover, chef Allen Susser will cook a special matzo brei for those observing the holiday.

It's not brunch (or a Lee Schrager-hosted event) without some adult cheer, so guests can enjoy bloody marys from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and mimosas courtesy of Cavicchioli 1928, along with java from Panther Coffee and 3:05 Cafecito. 

Participating restaurants will compete for the title of People's Choice. The winning restaurant will also be invited to participate in the New York City Wine & Food Festival this October. Chefs will also battle for the Judges' Choice Award, for which they will try to woo Sef Gonzalez, celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffmann, WSVN's Belkys Nerey, City of Miami Beach firefighters Michael and Michelle Viera (winners of SOBEWFF's Midnight Breakfast event), and myself, Laine Doss. 

Participating restaurants are:

• 27 Restaurant & Bar 
  
• Airport Cafe & Liquors 
  
• Ariete
  
• Azucar Ice Cream Company 
  
• Babe Froman Fine Sausages
  
• Barton G. 
  
• Buena Vista Deli
  
• The Café at Books & Books
  
• Crackers Casual Dining
  
• Dirt
  
• Eating House 
  
• Estefan Kitchen at Larios on the Beach
  
• Finka Table & Tap 
  
• Fireman Derek's Bake Shop & Café 
  
• FOAR Food Truck 
  
• Fooq's
  
• Haven
  
• La Fresa Francesa
  
• La Mar by Gastón Acurio
  
• The Local Craft Food & Drink
  
• The Magic Box
  
• Miami Smokers 
  
• Ms. Cheezious
  
• Novecento 
  
• Palomilla Grill 
  
• Preston’s Market 
  
• Rebel House 
  
• The Salty Donut
  
• Sarsaparilla Club
  
• Sergio's Cuban Kitchen & Bar 
  
• Sugar Yummy Mama 
  
• Sunny's
  
• SusiLicious Bakeshop
  
• Sweetness Bakeshop 
  
• Tropical Chinese
  
• Versailles
  
• Vicky Bakery 
  

Tickets for this 21-and-older event cost $64.20 per person and include unlimited food and drink tastings and a copy of America's Best Breakfasts. A special couples ticket costs $117.70 and includes admission for two and one copy of the book. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite.com.