Slow Food Miami, the local 100% volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children,” will hold its 4th Annual Snail of Approval Tasting Party on Friday, April 24th from 7 – 10PM at The Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Attendees will join Ambassador for the Evening, Emmy award- winning journalist and WSVN’s 7 NEWS’ Belkys Nerey, and celebrity guest host and judges, soon to be announced.
On Miami’s “Freshest Night Out,” guests will enjoy bites from South Florida’s farm-to-table best and hand-crafted cocktails courtesy of 2012 Snail of Approval Award Winner GREY GOOSE Vodka; specialty wines provided by Stellar Wines; great brews from local brewmasters; non-alcoholic refreshments from Daddy Brews and Whole Foods Market – South Beach, all in the sublime tropical beauty that is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at freshestnightout.brownpapertickets.com. Event proceeds will benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible Garden Program.
With a mission to “create environmental education programs for children and adults, preserve green space, and promote green living,” the historic Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a natural partner to host Slow Food’s 4th Annual Tasting Party. This year, guests are invited to savor bites from a talented returning line-up of Miami’s farm-to-table best, including current 2015 Snail winners & past Snail party crowd-pleasers such as: Edge Steak & Bar at The Four Seasons; Essensia Restaurant + Lounge at the Palms Hotel & Spa; Haven Lounge; The Dutch; jugofresh; 3030 Ocean; Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar; Chef David Schwadron Catering and Event Design; The Naked Bite; Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill at The Standard Hotel and Proper Sausages. This year will also shine the spotlight on local farms including Verde Gardens, Three Sisters Farm and garden-makers Ready-to-Grow. Follow #SnailMIA on Twitter and Facebook for additional 2014-2015 participating honorees and the latest updates.
Judging for “Best Bite of the Night” will take place at 8:45PM, including local celebrities as well as a “People’s Choice” winner. This year will also include both silent and live auctions, with donations provided by participating chefs and artisans. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase school garden grants at the live auction portion of the event.
The Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” points South Floridians and visitors to food that is good, clean and fair by identifying and honoring producers, purveyors and artisans who contribute to food and beverage quality, authenticity and sustainability. In 2010, Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink was the first award recipient, and continues to serve as an ambassador for the program. In its inaugural year, nominations were solicited among Miami-Dade county farmers. Now nominations come from the general public. All nominations are vetted by the Slow Food Miami Snail of Approval Committee. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is located at 2000 Convention Center Drive on Miami Beach, Florida. Valet will be available for a nominal fee. Follow the event on social media on Facebook and with #SnailMIA on Twitter.
About Slow Food Miami
Slow Food Miami is the local chapter of Slow Food USA, a national non-profit dedicated to supporting good, clean and fair food for all that supports our local communities from the ground up – from the Edible School & Community Gardens that encourage the enjoyment of local, seasonal and sustainably grown food, to the local growers and artisan food makers who use sustainable methods. Slow Food Miami supports its Edible School & Community Garden Program through culinary educational events and fundraising, and aims to raise awareness for good, clean and fair food as a cornerstone of pleasure, culture and community. For more information, visit www.slowfoodmiami.org.