Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has a majestic feel to it. The entrance is located right off of Old Cutler Road where the beautiful giant Banyan Trees offer shade as you drive down this historic road. Though the Miami summer heat was scorching and the infamous South Florida humidity was in full effect there was ample relief. You can easily find some shade with the abundance of exotic plants and trees that constitute Fairchild Tropical Garden. Thankfully the Miami Mango Brunch is held indoors and the air conditioning is plentiful! Miami Mango Brunch at Fairchild Tropical Garden had an All-Star Lineup of chefs serving up some of their favorite mango inspired dishes.

Miami Mango Brunch Menu

Smoke Salmon Toast with Spicy Mango Chutney

By Kareem Anguin of Oceanaire

Jerked Chicken Salad

By Jimmy Carey of Jimmy’z Kitchen

Sweet Mango and Burrata Salad

By Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile, represented by Chef Mike Fischetti

Mango Jerk Pork and Mango Quinoa Salad

By Kris Wessel of Oolite

Jamaican Coffee Braised Beef Brisket, Chile-Mango Corn Cake, Mango-Blackberry-Citrus Salsa

By Frank and Andrea Randazzo of Creative Tastes Catering

Caramelized Bacon and Mango Brownies

By Allen Susser of Café at Books and Books

The Miami Mango brunch started at 11 am sharp, and as the doors open you are met with a glass of mango champagne as you enter the room. The brunch setup changes from year to year. This year, each restaurant was stationed against a wall where they were serving up small plates of their mango inspired dishes. You could always come back for seconds or thirds…if you can fit it in!

The tables were beautifully decorated with a Jamaican inspired theme and little Jamaican flags spread throughout the table, one for each seat. Waiting at the table was a basket filled with mango inspired baked goods along with a couple of mango slices to sample. The basket of baked goods included  mango-banana bread, mango cornbread , and mango cinnamon rolls. The baked goods added a nice touch to the table and provided some delectable pre-brunch munching. My personal favorites were the mango-banana bread and mango cinnamon roll topped with butter.

Basket of mango inspired baked goods

This year the brunch menu was heavy with salad based dishes. All of the dishes were strong, with mango taking center stage as the star of each dish, however most dishes were safe and traditional. The one outside of the box dish was the bacon and mango brownie by Allen Susser of Café at Books and Books.  This dessert was the standout dish of the day and my personal favorite.

Oh, and I can’t forget the mimosas and other refreshments that were being served with the brunch, this is brunch after all! The white wine and mango mimosas being served were bangin Grade-A mimosas. There was also mango flavored prossecco and raspberry sangria available, which were very tasty as well.

The tickets for the Fairchild Mango Brunch are $125 to the general public and $100 for Fairchild members. The ticket includes entry into the Mango Festival, and this is a rain or shine event. The event did sell out this year, so if you’re looking to participate next year, get your tickets EARLY!