I tend to dine out frequently and truly enjoy doing so, but there are sometimes when I just crave a home cooked meal with friends. Although I might not have the ideal place to entertain a crowd, I just discovered a wonderful alternative (bringing you the same personal and intimate dining experience) — and it’s one of those things that anyone who loves food and exploring cultures should know about. Let me introduce you to EatWith, a new way to dine out.
Founded by two close friends, Guy Michlin and Shemer Schwarz, EatWith was started to give travelers a new way to discover the world. Through this program, chefs (from the amateur to the professional) create a prix-fixe menu. Then, they post this menu on EatWith’s platform. Foodies – both local and those traveling through town – browse the platform, find a menu they like, select a date they are available, and purchase tickets to attend. EatWith experiences are available locally (both in Miami and in North Lauderdale) and internationally.
I was recently invited to participate in an EatWith experience in Miami and instantly became a fan of this concept. Not only did we meet other food enthusiasts (there were eight of us), we met the people behind the food and learned about what inspired the dishes. The event that I attended took place in Miami Beach at the home of Tom and McKenzie, our hosts for the evening. Tom, who by day owns Partners in Crime Gourmands, a catering company, created a wanderlust menu that was inspired by his and his partner McKenzie’s travels.
Did we really go dine in a stranger’s house? Yes, that’s part of the deal. No worries here though, as EatWith goes through a thorough process of checking out the hosts in their program — and the website gave us a thorough description of what to expect. Explore their site and you’ll see a variety of offerings — there’s even a few Michelin-starred chefs participating in this program.
Our hosts took us on a trip around the world through the food that was served. We started off on a trip to Italy, where a rich and creamy mushroom risotto was served; then, ventured to the Middle East and enjoyed a plate of Lamb Kofte with Hummus and Muhammara (I might have to snag that recipe); a Vietnamese Pork Bahn Mi made with tender pork, pickled carrots, peppers, fresh herbs and sprouts tucked inside a French baguette; a crispy Cajun Fried Shrimp served atop pepper jelly, pickled red onion and herbs adding in a sweet and spicy kick; and ended with a creamy and exotic Summer Corn Gelato.
In the end, our palates were dancing in delight, but it was about more than just the food. While the food was fantastic and I’d go back in a heartbeat, it was about the setting, the generosity of the hosts welcoming us into their home, the new connections and of the memories we made. As Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are the best people in the world.”
EatWith is now accepting applications for event hosts. Currently, they’re only in the Miami area, but if you’re interested, you can find out more about the program here.
If you’re interested in checking it out and finding out about the different opportunities available, we have a $10 discount card for you to use. We’ll also get a little perk if you sign up under us.