If you don't have plans for eating and drinking this week, that's about to change. There's plenty to do, from a five-course wine-pairing dinner at BLT Prime, featuring vintage wines personally selected from one of the world's 219 master sommeliers, to Yardbird turning 3 years old and celebrating with $3 bourbon, don't expect to keep to your "no drinking this week" resolution. Unless of course you just want to kick back and watch some of Miami's top toques play some bocce. That's happening tonight.
The week starts now.
Monday
Bocce Ball Chef Tournament at Bocce Bar
Bocce Bar is putting its outdoor bocce court to good use with a chefs' tournament. The second round kicks off today and happens every Monday for the next seven weeks. 1826 Lounge, Edge Steak & Bar, MC Kitchen, Michael Mina 74, the Forge, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, and Shikany will compete for bragging rights and title of bocce king or queen. Shikany and Edge will battle it out tonight. Come November 24, the final teams will try to steal the throne from the inaugural tournament's winner, Salumeria 104. Game time is 5 to 8 p.m., just in time for Bocce's happy hour. Double-whammy!
Tuesday
Master Sommerlier Rob Bigelow at BLT Prime
Out of all the sommeliers in the world, only 219 hold the title of master sommelier. And on Tuesday, one of them will pour six vintage wines to accompany a five-course dinner. Master sommelier Rob Bigelow of Chateau St. Michelle, who formerly served as sommelier at Bellagio & Aria in Las Vegas, is making his mark at BLT Prime in Doral. Chef de cuisine Dustin Ward's menu includes oysters with caviar, rabbit confit, halibut, New York strip, sweetbreads, and a "3D" crème brûlée. If you like food and wine, make reservations (they are required) by calling 305-573-0658. Dinner costs $150 per person excluding tax and gratuity.
Sushi Samba and a Movie
Sushi Samba Coral Gables continues its Samba and Movie series tonight with a journey to Brazil via the premiere of The Skeleton Twins. Chef David Sears has created a three-course themed menu to go with Coral Gables Art Cinema's feature film. It includes veal heart anticuchos, mushroom tobanyaki, and arroz con coco leche. Guests can choose whether to dine or view the film first (but tickets must be picked up at the theater first). The $39 price includes taxes and the movie ticket but not gratuity.
Wednesday
Stoli Dinner at Lure
If you like the Russian vodka brand Stolichnaya, head to Lure Wednesday, because Rob Ferrara will whip up six Stoli cocktails to go with dishes crafted by executive chef John Latrellis. You'll be amused by some caviar before beginning with a raw bar and sushi platter and then going all-in with a meat (tenderloin) and fish (whole doraude) entrée. The night ends with a "pot of gold" and ice-cream sandwich dessert, along with a cocktail composed of almond milk, Panther Coffee reduction, and nutmeg Stoli. Dinner costs $80 per person and begins at 7 p.m.
Thursday
Yardbird Turns 3
Thursday will be three years that Yardbird has graced us with mama's chicken biscuits. And speaking of mama's chicken biscuits, you'll be able to have them for just $3 this Wednesday, along with beer and bourbon for $3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Celebration is in order, indeed.
New Zealand Wine Tasting at Whole Foods South Beach
Whole Foods South Beach is a whole other universe. The parking lot is a war zone, especially come this Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m., when wine experts Doug & Devon will give customers a taste of New Zealand wines. Another thing you'll get a taste of: bite-size pairings with your vino. The only important question left is, red or white?
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