OK so now that THE weekend’s over, are you in the mood for a food festival that doesn’t require a “survival guide”? How about something that doesn’t necessitate the logistical planning of an international vacation? The Coral Gables Wine & Food Festival will cleanse your palate.
On Thursday, March 27, thirty or so Coral Gables restaurants will dish out samples while a live band plays. You can taste and buy cases of wine from Republic National Distributing and Crown Wine & Spirits.
Last year, I arrived early and tasted a satisfying amount of food before there were any lines. It did get crowded later, but the vibe was still more of a leisurely stroll than a test of endurance. I just headed to my top picks first, to make sure I didn’t have to wait. When there were lines, they tended to move quickly. Last year, I particularly enjoyed the lobster pasta from Randazzo’s Little Italy and the creamy pumpkin bisque from Ortanique.
My recommendations for this year? Skip the Quizno’s (yes, Quizno’s) table, go easy on the wings from The Bar (although it’s hard to stop) and head for Randazzo’s Little Italy, Ortanique, Cacao, La Cofradia, Anacapri, and Chuao Choclatier. This year, I’m eager to try the dishes from festival newcomers Christabelle’s Quarter, Ideas, and Yuga.
When: Thursday March 27
Where: 100 block of Giralda Avenue between Ponce de Leon and Galiano
Price: $50, benefiting the American Lung Association and Miller School of Medicine
You’ve convinced me (particularly as it’s so close to home for me). What do you think of the VIP bit? Any idea if it’s worth the extra hundred bucks?
I don’t know that it’s worth it. It’s a special cordoned off area in one of the lots. There’s lots wine and Whole Foods h’ors d’oeuvres and a gift bag. Sounds nice, but not 100$ extra nice.
The VIP tickets are expensive, but it’s a donation and the quality of experience is greatly enhanced. I think they’re limiting it to only 300 persons, versus about 1500 later at the lower price. Last year, they ran out of wine for the VIP guests and had to go to Gastronomia for a quick fix. I agree about the lobster pasta and the pumpkin bisque!
See you there.
I went to the VIP last year and they didnt run out of wine. As a matter of fact they added a full spirit bar in the VIP which added a nice variety. Considering the event is a donation to the american lung association I got my money worth and then some. I attend a lot of wine and food festival’s and I’ve found that the american lung does a nice job at capping the numbers of people so I can get to all the food and wine tables.
I would reccomend to anyone.
Jessica–Thanks for your comment. I think Rob was talking about the year previous to when this article was posted. He meant in 2007. So it’s good to see that they learned from their mistake.