Slow Food Miami is a non-profit organization with the mission to counter the rise of fast food and fast life; the disappearance of local food traditions; and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes, and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. Passionate about the local community and Miami’s diversity, they started the Snail of Approval program, serving as a resource to inform the public of which businesses are maintaining good and fair standards. I had the pleasure to get an invite to their 8th Annual Tasting Party aka Miami’s “Freshest Night Out” held from 7-10pm on March 14th at The Palms Hotel & Spa.

The annual celebration united dozens of the city’s top chefs, local growers and producers for a night of tasting and honoring Miami’s food scene. The best part is all proceeds from their events and donor contributions support local school and community gardens, to encourage the enjoyment of foods that are seasonal and sustainably grown. General admission tickets were $98 per person, not a bad price for incredible farm-to-table produce, heritage raised meats, craft beers, spirits, and freshly prepped, locally sourced dishes from the Snail of Approval Honorees. Here’s some of my faves:

 

The Ahi Tuna Tiradito from Essensia Restaurant & Lounge, located inside The Palms Hotel & Spa, where the event was held, definitely holds a special place in my heart or should I say stomach? Served with Sweet Florida Corn Aioli, Wild Exotic Mushroom Escabeche, Essensia Garden Scallion, Black Truffle Yuzu Vinaigrette, and Micro Red Shiso, this small bite packs a lot of flavor. With a spicy yet not overpowering kick, ocean-to table seafood, and use of their very on-site garden herbs, I might start replacing the sushi bar to come here instead for my raw cravings. I just had the pleasure of trying their winter dinner menu, which left me equally impressed with their Black & Blue Ahi Tuna dish; To read about that experience click here.

3025 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140

 

Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami is a high-end chocolate boutique that sells artisan, hand-made dark chocolate confections and chocolate truffles crafted with luxury chocolate. Sisters, Susana and Isabel Garcia Nevett make all their chocolates by hand using 100% superior Venezuelan chocolate, with original recipes inspired both by their childhoods and local Florida ingredients. They have many options worth trying, but my absolute favorite was the Matcha!

7312 SW 57th Red Rd Miami, FL 33143

 

Normally I wouldn’t expect the food from a cafe at a bookstore to stand out amongst such fine eateries, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t ask for it 3-4 times. The Za’atar Roasted Wild Shrimp with White Beans & Redland Kale Ragu by Chef Allen Susser from The Cafe at Books & Books in Coral Gables, is definitely one of the most scrumptious bites I had throughout the night. Exotic, flavorful, and filling, it had me going back for more and more, and rapidly searching online to learn more about it’s menu… Being a foodie and bookworm, I can already taste the beginning of a love affair.

265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

 

The beverage options were plenty and none disappointing, but Radiate Kombucha‘s instagram-able elixirs truly captivated me. Unique flavors, gorgeous packaging, healthy ingredients, and probiotic-rich! All the varieties were enticing but if I had to pick, I’d go with the Black Rose, made with Organic Grapefruit, Organic Rose, and Organic Activated Charcoal. Drinking this citrusy black liquid made me feel like a dark sorceress sipping my own self-love potion, but just as enchanting is the Mermaid Majik with Organic Fresh Ginger and Blue Majik Algae, in a hue resembling that of a pristine beach.

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Grown features a quick-serve, health-centric menu crafted from organic and community ingredients, free of harmful products like GMOs, preservatives, hormones, or processed sugar. Any item can be made vegatarian/vegan upon request, and after trying their Vegan Tartare with Vegan Egg Yolk Sauce, I know flavor isn’t compromised by choosing the more compassionate option. Practicing sustainability beyond the kitchen, grown utilizes pulp-free and compostable paper products, 100% recyclable cups, BPA-free storage containers, and plantable kids meal packaging that encourages grown’s youngest guests to cultivate their own gardens, perfectly aligned with Slow Food Miami’s mission.

8211 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143

 

Offering shareable European-style dishes made with seafood, meat, and veggies from our own neighborhoods, Glass & Vine in Coconut Grove, had one of the most seemingly simple yet refreshing and juiciest bite of the evening. Their Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fennel Leche de Tigre and Fennel Frond Salsa Criolla is such a dream! I’m fascinated with tomatoes and how much their flavors can differ by type despite all being the same vegetable (or fruit?). These were just the right mix of sweet and tangy that would burst in your mouth.

2820 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

 

Speaking of refreshing, which normally isn’t a word I’d use to describe crab… Stiltsville Fish Bar‘s Crab Krab Louie is that and so much more! The silky shreds of Florida Blue crabmeat are more fun, easy, and neat to eat than having to wrestle it out of its shell and risking pieces of it to fly everywhere. Also no need for butter here, this Meyer Lemon Buttermilk dressing is worth savoring! Located in the heart of Sunset Harbor, serving quality seafood and Key-West inspired cocktails, maybe I don’t need to travel so far for epic sunset views and a taste of paradise.

1787 Purdy Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

 

Frice cream is a chef-driven ice cream brand that works with South Florida’s farmers and dairies to create the best flavors possible and highlight the bounty of our land. I’ve had may unique and mouth-watering flavors of frozen delicacies, but never a Sangria Sorbet where I could pin-point the origin of its ingredients. Made with mangoes from Lyons Farms, papayas from LNB Groves, and Harpke Family Farm‘s micros, knowing that I’m supporting actual people’s dreams and families makes it all that more delicious!

Events & Locations.

 

Slow Food Miami’s Freshest Night Out truly lived up to its name and followed through with its mission to educate the public about how conscious food choices benefit not only our bodies, but our entire planet. Going beyond widely discussed topics such as how reducing our meat intake (however minimal) can have a huge impact, and really getting us to think about all the aspects that have a positive consequence. From buying local ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation, to the importance of re-usable tools.

I love food festivals, tasting parties, and basically anywhere I can stuff my face and try a couple of delectable bites, but this is one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Beyond the food, the philosophy behind it is something I’m incredibly passionate about. Although, let’s be real, I’m madly in love with both!

FOR MORE INFO & UPCOMING EVENTS VISIT slowfoodmiami.org