Restaurant Happenings ay 15, 2008
RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS – 5.14.08
“SUMMER AT THE SETAI”
The Setai, 2009 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, (786) 497-0049
In celebration of the new menu by Executive Chef Jonathan Wright, The Setai introduces “Summer at The Setai,” a pre-fixed menu highlighting his new flavors. For $55, this four-course menu offers multiple choices of select new dishes at The Restaurant at The Setai. In conjunction with this special menu, the new Sommelier Dwayne Savoie has implemented “Hidden Values From Around The World,” an extensive wine collection offering 55 bottles of wine priced at $55.
THE ULTIMATE FATHER’S DAY PACKAGE from THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Azul, Mandarin Oriental, Miami, 500 Brickell Key Drive (305) 913-8358.
Surprise Dad with Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s Ultimate Father’s Day Package this year and spoil him with the very best. Start out the day by treating him to the ultimate Sunday Brunch served with all the fixings at Azul, as it provides a delectable Father’s Day theme along with its award-winning cuisine and flawless service. Then show him how special he is by adding on an amazing Father’s Day experience from one of our four luxurious selections, from a full day with a luxury car to exclusive cigars or golf lessons and being pampered at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Whether this unique gift is for your father, grandfather or husband, one of these amazing experiences is sure to make this his best Father’s Day yet.
MIGUEL MAGAÑA, NEW CHEF DE CUISINE AT BIZCAYA
Bizcaya, 3300 SW 27th Ave, Miami, (305) 644-4675
Los-Angeles native and Art Institute of California graduate, Miguel Magaña, 29, is the new Chef de Cuisine at Bizcaya, the Mediterranean bistro-style restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove. He comes from the Jer-ne restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, California, a post he ascended to after just eight months as the restaurant’s sous chef.
IQ INTERNATIONAL QUESADILLA CO. OPENS IN COCONUT GROVE
The IQ, locations in Cocowalk and Coral Gables (2271 Ponce de Leon corner of Giralda), Cocowalk (305) 443-3999, Coral Gables (305) 648-0688.
Lalo Durazo of Jaguar LatAm Grill and Mari Nalli has now come up with IQ, a concept based on quesadillas (price range from $6.95 to $7.95) with international flavors, on the Mari-Nalli locations. The options now include: Ceviche Tostadas; Chilorio Tacos; Ropa Vieja Tacos (fresh hand-made tortillas); New quesadilla flavors. IQ offers table service; outdoor seating a a sidewalk café.
DON IGNACIO CULINARY ARTS SCHOOL OPENS IN DORAL, MIAMI
Don Ignacio Culinary Arts School is located at 10395 NW 41st Street, Suite 125, Doral, FL 33178. For more information, contact Gloria Barbier at 305.629.2929. www.usil.edu.pe
One of the most important universities of Peru, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, is now exporting its Don Ignacio Culinary Arts School to Miami. Don Ignacio’s Miami affiliate will start classes on May 12, 2008 in Doral. Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry and Chef for a Day are some of the programs offered.
BATTLE OF THE CHEFS 2008 KICKS OFF ON MAY 28, AT LA CUISINE GOURMET
La Cuisine Gourmet, 50 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables.
On Wednesday, May 28, Downtown Coral Gables launches its Battle of the Chefs 2008 Summer Series at La Cuisine Gourmet with a duel between Chef Willy Hernandez of Caramelo Restaurant and Chef Marc Vidal of POR FIN Restaurant and Lounge. The chefs, are given a bag of “mystery” ingredients, provided by The Fresh Market in Coconut Grove. Each team has 45 minutes to produce three dishes. The competition is judged on taste, originality, and presentation.
Wednesday, June 25 will be The monthly cooking competition features a culinary challenge between two high profile Coral Gables’ chefs on the last Wednesday of each of the following summer months: May 28, June 25 (“Beef Battle” between Chef Chris Wakeman of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Chef Pedro Aguilar of Morton’s The Steakhouse), and July 30. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and admission is complimentary; however, a donation of $15 is encouraged. All donations will directly benefit The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.