I’d say that at Savor Tonight, we dine out once or twice a week (ok, let’s make that 5 or 6) — and many food and wine festivals are added to the mix. While many are wonderful events, sometimes we experience one that stands out from the rest. That’s exactly what happened when we attended the 5th Annual Tropical Brunch in the Garden presented by Les Dames d’Escoffier. We will admit, we are members of Les Dames, but we are also involved in many of the other food and wine events that take place around South Florida.
This annual brunch took place at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens on Sun., April 14th on a sunny afternoon. Food and wine enthusiasts from all areas gathered to present an afternoon of deliciousness — set in the gorgeous garden setting. At the center, there were tables set up for all to relax, listen to the soothing music and enjoy the gourmet bites (and drinks — thanks to the Bloody Mary and mimosa bars). Surrounding the center, local restaurants, bakeries and culinary schools had set up tables offering small bites of their signature dishes.
Oftentimes at these large events, there’s a lack of standout dishes, but at the Les Dames brunch, everywhere you turned you tasted something more delicious than the previous. Tuscan Bread with Buffalo ricotta and tomato jam from Bianca at Delano; Tomato Gazpacho with tequila shrimp ceviche from The Oceanaire Seafood Room; Aspragus Mushroom Strata from Smith & Wollensky; a Chicken Mango Salad from Serafina at Dream Hotel; a build-your-own omelet station; a tropical cupcake bar by Sweet Art by Lucila — and the list goes on. Thanks to all who participated — and made this event the success that it was.
Inside, Ellan Kanner signed copies of her new book, Feeding the Hungry Ghost — and on the tables inside, valuable baskets of all sorts of goodies were raffled off to raise money for Les Dames d’Escoffier. This money will be used to support Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami’s educational and scholarship programs and will help maintain the chapter’s recently installed culinary garden at Miami Beach Botanical Gardens.
For more information about Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami Chapter, visit lesdamesmiami.org.