Restaurant Happenings February 6, 2008

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS – 2.06.08

THE FORGE TO HOST THE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL OPENING PRELUDE DINNER
The Forge Restaurant, 432 Forty-First Street in Miami Beach, 305.538.8533

On Wednesday, February 20, legendary Miami steakhouse, The Forge, along with Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Cruise Lines will welcome some of the country’s finest chefs for the opening celebration of this year’s Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The official Prelude Dinner is one of the official gastronomical events that will launch this year’s festival.  Now in its seventh year, the festival gathers an extraordinary number of award-winning chefs, food connoisseurs and those just looking to satisfy their eager palates.  This highly anticipated event is no exception. The all-star host committee includes some of The Forge’s very own names such as Proprietor Shareef Malnik, Executive Chef Andrew Swersky and master sommelier at The Forge for the past 30 years Gino Santangelo. For tickets to “The Prelude Dinner,” ($200), please call The Forge. 

ELEVATE YOUR SENSES WITH SUNDAY BRUNCH AT LEVEL 25
Level 25 at the Conrad Miami, 1395 Brickell Avenue, 305-503-6529.

Sunday brunch, arguably the most decadent of dining experiences, is ascending to a new level at the Conrad Miami.  Dine from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the culinary delights of executive chef Michael Gilligan with unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys. The Level 25 brunch is priced at $65 for adults and $35 for children under 12, exclusive of tax and gratuity. 

A SAVORY TRIBUTE TO SPIEGEL WORLD
Talula, 210 23rd St, (305) 672-0778, www.talulaonline.com

Talula Restaurant is offering an exquisite and affordable three-course prix-fixe theatre menu for guests attending Spiegel World or just looking for a great meal. The special menu is valid Tuesday-Sunday, and allows patrons to enjoy Chefs Frank Randazzo and Andrea Curto-Randazzo’s eclectic American cuisine before or after they attend the theatre. The prix-fixe menu is available at a pre-theatre seating at 6:00 p.m., with the post- theatre dinner beginning at 8:00 p.m.

ANDU RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE OPENS
Andú Restaurant & Lounge, 141 SW 7th street in Brickell, (786) 871-7005.

A Brickell haven for sexy cuisine, style and sophistication opens Monday, February 11 2008. Owned by entrepreneurial brothers Antonio Viejo and Juan Pablo Viejo, Andú features an eclectic menu of Mediterranean cuisine with international influences, created by consulting chef Jason McClain (previously at 8½ at the Clinton Hotel) and rising star executive chef Nate Martin.  Lighter fare including dips, salads, sandwiches and appetizers ($6-$14.50),  and main plates ($18-$29) include simply prepared steak house-like options such as peppered beef tenderloin in a port wine sauce.