The 2014 New Times Iron Fork was held on 7/31/14 at the Hyatt Regency hotel Miami. It was the official Miami Spice Kickoff Grand Tasting Event based around a competition between two local chefs. Both chefs were given a basket of ingredients with a secret component in which they duked it out to declare an Iron Fork champion!

This hotly anticipated culinary event drew thousands of young professionals, local businesses, and foodies for an evening of gourmet food selections, tasty libations, and live entertainment. We sampled some of the finest restaurants featured during this year’s Miami Spice program, as well as dozens of other top local eateries which included Old Lisbon, Texas de Brazil, Bulla Gastrobar, Toscana Divino, Rusty Pelican, Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Tamara Bistro, Baires Grill, Toro Toro, City Hall, Cibo Wine Bar, The Trapiche Room and many more! Cinebistro had a unique set up with the actual luxury movie theatre chairs for guests to sit ! I also enjoyed the dancing troupe that performed.

Here are a few of the highlights I had the pleasure of sampling:

Siena Tavern – Opening in the Fall on South Beach. Had a chance to see Fabio Viviani and try his infamous meatballs (the only meatball that has its own Twitter account! )

J&G Grill – Crispy Blue Crab, Aji Amarillo, Culantro
By Chef Bradley Kilgore’s was one of my favorites. So flavorful!

The District Miami – Afro Cuban Pork, named Best New Restaurant, 2014 and its chef, Horacio Rivadero, was a semifinalist for a James Beard award and I got a chance to taste why . The pork melted in my mouth.

Preston’s Brasserie – Adult Mac & Cheese, Braised Short Ribs
Yes! Adult. Mac. Cheese. That is all. So good!

Rusty Pelican – Bacon Cheesecake
Yes, bacon into cheesecake . life changing .

Lure Fishbar – Dressed East & West Coast Oysters
A flavorful oyster-fest. Definitely dressed to impress!

Donut Divas – Red Velvet Deep Fried Oreos with Creme Cheese Frosting
Crowd pleaser.

Fish Fish – Lionfish Marinated in a Sweet Chili Soy Sauce with Cilantro Cream Cheese Wrapped in a Wonton Served with Thai Sauce. I found out that Lionfish are an invasive species that are killing off our native fish. Plus they’re delicious. Dine at Fish Fish and you’ll get a chance to eat the bad guy !

‪A portion of the ticket sales last night went to Share Our Strength program, as well as 100 percent of the proceeds raised during a silent auction that will take place during the event.

Enjoy the Pics. If you close your eyes VERY tightly you might just be able to smell these dishes !

*Additional Photo Credit : Rebecca Darling

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
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