Luckyrice Miami Review – Asia Meets Tropical Paradise
This year’s 7th Annual LUCKYRICE Miami Grand Feast presented by Bombay Sapphire EAST Gin was hosted by Top Chef champion and James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Qui from Miami’s newest ‘Pao by Paul Qui’ at the Faena (Qui’s first restaurant outside of Austin, TX) at The Raleigh Hotel Pool & Oasis. For six years of this event has sold out in Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and, for the very first time this year, Houston. LUCKYRICE was definitely a night of luxurious Asian culture that brought us top chefs and bartenders from the area showcasing the authentic fusion and culture. I had the pleasure of sampling classics such as kimchi and sip on specialty Bombay Sapphire EAST cocktails – like this year’s signature Year of the Fire Monkey Silk Journey – that definitely transported my senses to Asia with its mix of botanicals including Thai lemongrass and Vietnamese black peppercorn.
A vast variety of chef greats to choose from in this beautiful moonlit scene such as The Bazaar by José Andrés’s Kueh Pai Ti, Katsudon Sando Wichee by Dragonfly Izakay and Fish Market and Katsuya’s Crispy Uni Cone: Mango Sorbet, Wasabi Rice. Phenomenal bursts of flavors that awaken the palate and kept me wanting to try more.
Bombay Sapphire East truly delivered some refreshing boozy cocktails that had myself as well as all of the guest lining up to try each different concoction. I love how they mix natural essence flavors with their cocktails and the detail they put into their mixed drinks. Gin Sour with a Twist: Bombay Sapphire East Gin with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and lemongrass simple syrup and the Shock the Monkey: Bombay Sapphire East Gin, yuzu, Szechaun syrup, basil leaves, Bruce Cost ginger beer were two of my selective favorites.
This was every foodie’s late night dream from delicious bites, to refreshing cocktails, and all around fun and entertainment. It felt like stepping into Asia without leaving this tropical city. I can see why so many enjoy attending the Luckyrice events all over the U.S. So upscale and delicious, yet comfortable and chill by the poolside. Given the opportunity I will surely never miss this event for years to come.
The Raleigh Hotel Pool and Oasis
1775 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139