Are you ready for an eating extravaganza, where great food & cocktails go hand-in-hand? Well, unbuckle your belts and head down to Mizner Park for Tastemakers at Mizner Park 2013. This annual event – taking place on Sept. 24th and 25th – introduces area culinary enthusiasts to the restaurants in Mizner through an evening of indulgence featuring gourmet food and cocktail pairings at 11 restaurants throughout Mizner — and tickets cost just $30. In addition to attending the event, your VIP ticket book will provide you with savings from now until October 31st at the participating restaurants.
Since somebody had to give them a test run, we were invited in for sneak peek of what this year’s Tastemakers would be all about. So taste we did — as we visited 9 of the 11 restaurants. So here’s our guide for you. ** Please note that these serving sizes are larger than you will receive at the actual event. Also, a (*) denotes our favorite tastings.
1) JAZZIZ Nightlife – Savor the Butter Poached Maine Lobster served on Kobocha Squash Risotto (the above is actually corn risotto). This was paired with the *Newton’s Cure – a cocktail made of barrel-aged gin, honeycrisp shrub, local honey & sparkling wine. This cocktail is a must-try.
2) Dubliner – Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness Mac & Cheese paired with a “Black Velvet” – combo of Guinness and Cider. Although, it’s not on the Tastemaker’s menu, we did manage to get a taste of their soda bread. (Just another something that you might want to your try on your next visit to Dubliner.
3) The Cheese Course – Enjoy a sampling of an artisanal cheese course with Italian wines
4) Karma Sushi Steakbar – Chicken Pot Stickers served with a garlic-chili dipping sauce and spicy mustard served with Sasyr Super Tuscan
5) Max’s Grille – A refreshing *shrimp ceviche with a Sanguigno Jalapeno Margarita
6) Kapow! – It’s been quite some time since I’ve been to Kapow! and their *Bahn Mi Vietnamese Baguette was a nice surprise — something that would get me in for a return visit. You’re in for a treat, as this is what they’ll be serving for Tastemakers, along with one of their signature cocktails — Spicy Lover.
7) Racks – Ahi Tuna Tacos with a sampling of Retail Therapy (Rain Honey Mango Melon Vodka, Triple Sec, lime juice & Tang rim)
8) Villagio – *Beef Carpaccio drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette served with Birra Dolce Vita
9) Tanzy – Housemade Meatball and Garlic Crostini with a Pineapple Mint Illegalito Mojito
While we were unable to try these last 2, they will also be served at Tastemakers
10) Truluck’s – Fresh Pacific Stone Crab with Poema Cava
11) Uncle Julio’s – Shrimp & Mango Guacamole with a Spiced Mango Passion Margarita
For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit Tastemakers at Mizner Park online.