Restaurant Happenings January 16, 2008

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS 1.16.08

 

AZUL DEBUTS 2008 CULINARY CLASS SERIES

Azul at Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, (305) 913-8254.

 

Azul presents its 2008 interactive cooking class series starring award-winning chef Clay Conley. Guests will have an opportunity to savor a weekend of culinary delights, book individual classes or reserve the entire six-class culinary series.  Themed interactive classes from a New England Style Clam Bake, Indian-inspired Cooking to a visit to an Organic Farm provide a creative approach to cooking in a lively, luxurious setting. Classes are held from 9:30am to 1pm on February 9, March 8, April 5, May 24, September 6, and November 15. Each class includes a three-course lunch paired with wine, recipe booklet and signature Azul apron. Attendance is limited to 15 students. 

 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND WINE THEMED DINNER

The Biltmore Hotel Granada Ballroom, 1200 Anastasia Ave. RSVP 305.913.320

On Wednesday, January 30, at 10pm Chef Ruiz will prepare this dinner with service overseen by Sommelier and Maître D’ Verrier. Members $89, Non-members $109.

NEW MENU, NEW SIZZLE AT HI-LIFE CAFÉ, FORT LAUDERDALE

3000 N. Federal Highway in the Plaza 3000 in Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-1395. 

Hi-Life Café is rolling out an inspired new menu and customers will be encouraged to vote for the dishes they’d like to remain on the menu via comment cards and online at www.hilifecafe.com.  New appetizers include Portobello mushroom timbale filled with ricotta and scallions served over a spicy tomato puree, new entrées include tender T-Bone steak in a blueberry barbeque sauce, and Caribbean shrimp in a lobster Creole sauce.  Classic Hi-Life dishes will remain on the menu.

 

LOLA’S ON HARRISON LAUNCHES BEER DINNER TO BENEFIT CHARITY

Lola’s on Harrison, 2032 Harrison Street in Hollywood, (954) 927-9851

Michael Wagner of Lola’s on Harrison proudly announces the kick-off of his monthly charity beer dinner with Rouge Brewery on Thursday, January 31.  Served throughout dinner service, the multi-course menu, $60 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, will pair rare, boutique microbrew beers with Wagner’s delicious culinary creations.  The best part: diners will have the chance to nominate one of four local charities chosen by Wagner or one of their own for a drawing at the end of the evening. The winning charity will receive a percentage of the beer dinner’s proceeds.

STIR CRAZY RESTAURANT OPENS SERVING FRESH ASIAN FOOD

New Shops of Pembroke Gardens, 14571 SW 5th St.

The Pembroke Pines location has the distinction of being Stir Crazy’s 12th restaurant nationwide and its 2nd in South Florida – joining its sister restaurant in Palm Beach County, located in the Town Center in Boca Raton.   Stir Crazy offers a diverse menu of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese food, in a fun, vibrant atmosphere with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and bold flavors. 

 BAR AT LEVEL 25 OFFERS PINTXOS

Bar at Level 25, 1395 Brickell Avenue, (305) 503-6529

 The Bar at Level 25 in the Conrad Hotel is now serving Spanish Pintxos (pronounced peen-chose). These small plates, that are also known as tapas, are perfect for sharing. The Bar also offers creative cocktails, music, ambiance, stunning views and over 40 wines by the glass. Pintxos are served daily from 5pm-11pm.

MAISON D’AZUR OPENS AT THE ANGLER’S ON SOUTH BEACH

The Angler’s Hotel at 660 Washington Avenue, 305.534.9600

Parisian Brasserie, Maison d’Azur, with its lushly landscaped fine dining indoor/outdoor full bar and restaurant, is open now at the Angler’s South Beach. From the imaginations of NY husband and wife restaurateurs Stephan Fortier and Tove Nord, who created Pazza Notte and Loft, The Angler’s Boutique Resort is open daily 7am to 1am Sunday through Wednesday and 7am to 4am Thursday through Saturday.

CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL MIAMI

Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, (305) 913-8358. 

Mandarin Oriental, Miami is hosting a vibrant Chinese New Year party at its private beach to honor the Chinese lunar calendar and usher in the Year of the Golden Rat. On Thursday, February 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests will enjoy festive delicacies, captivating lion and dragon dance performances and artistic demonstrations.  The beach will be elegantly adorned with authentic red and gold lanterns, ornate candles and other traditional Chinese decorations.  $125 per person plus tax and gratuity.   Reservations are required.