*DINE Fort Lauderdale 2020 has been cancelled. STAY TUNED for next year’s updates by signing up to our newsletter!
What’s Been
Shooters Waterfront – January 30
The veteran local establishment has been around since the 1980s, but has undergone a complete transformation since its new owner got her hands on it. Since its big renovation in 2014, Meghan Leckey continues to build on the restaurant’s repertoire by upgrading everything from the property to the menu. Most recently, they renovated the upstairs venue into three private event ballrooms, one of which hosted our first DINE Fort Lauderdale dinner.
Shooters Waterfront is also a veteran of DINE Fort Lauderdale as a restaurant partner for the second year in a row. As part of the five-course dinner, Chef James Cawley (who is the events and banquet executive chef for Shooters Waterfront and The Grateful Palate Catering and Events) prepared Lobster-Potato Crusted Halibut, Wilted Power 4, Lemon-Morita Beurre Blanc, which was paired with King Estate Domaine Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, 2018.
The Capital Grille – March 12
The Capital Grille returned for our second annual DINE Fort Lauderdale series as well. With Chef Marc Gruverman heading the kitchen and curated menu, the dinner included Dry Aged Petit Filet, Roasted Bone Marrow Béarnaise with Lobster and Smoked Corn Cheddar Grits. The course was paired with North by Northwest Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
This entrée is the perfect representation of what The Capital Grille has to offer. The dry aged filet undergoes their signature process consisting of natural preparation through dry aging and hand-carving by in-house butchers. While they’re known for their steaks, their fresh seafood is just as delectable which is why they paired the filet with lobster.
What’s Yet to Come
Valentino/One Door East – March 26
Valentino was once Fort Lauderdale foodies’ best-kept secret (before the big move), but it’s no secret they have been one of the top restaurants in the city since they first opened in 2006. They pride themselves on drawing from Old School Italian cooking methods and taking the best from the past to blend with modern-day twists. The whimsical touch is evident in the plating of each dish that looks like a work of art in itself.
Located literally “one door east” sits Valentino’s sister restaurant, One Door East. After 10 years of success in the Italian dining world, they decided to open a global cuisine restaurant that focuses on a tapas concept. Their menu touches every corner of the world with influences from Asia, Europe, Africa and North and South America.
The two joined forces to bring a menu exclusive to DINE Fort Lauderdale featuring dishes like Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Garum Vinaigrette and Manchego Cheese, which was paired with North by Northwest Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Casa D’Angelo – April 16
More than two decades ago, South Florida restaurateur Angelo Elia opened his flagship location of Casa D’Angelo in Fort Lauderdale. Now, guests can enjoy an exclusive menu curated by the award-winning chef as part of the third night of DINE Fort Lauderdale. One item is Penne Vodka with Vodka and Tomato Cream, Bresaola, Parmigiano Reggiano that will be paired with King Estate’s Inscription Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley.
Elia prides himself on bringing Old World traditions from his hometown of Salerno, Italy, to his kitchens in Fort Lauderdale. He hand-selects the freshest seasonal ingredients and artfully prepares them for you. It’s no wonder Casa D’Angelo has been recognized in Zagat’s America’s Top Restaurants for the last 10 years.
Fusion Finale: The Grateful Palate Catering and Events – April 23
Every dining series needs a grand finale, right? To celebrate the conclusion of the series, all five restaurant chefs come together for one night to create a five-course wine-pairing fusion spectacular. The unforgettable evening will feature a course exclusively prepared by each top chef that will be paired with a King Estate wine. To welcome guests, each will receive aperitifs by French spirit Lillet.
Shooters Waterfront’s sister spot, The Grateful Palate Catering and Events, specializes in private events such as this. Chef Brian Cornelius will be preparing a surprise dish that guests are sure to enjoy.
The 120-person dinner will feature a silent auction in which all proceeds will benefit the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Last year, the fusion dinner raised $10,000. Among the silent auction items were Dwyane Wade’s farewell basketball signed by last season’s Miami Heat team including D-Wade himself, a shopping spree at Sawgrass Mills (plus, a Saint Laurent handbag, transportation by Mercedes-Benz and lunch at Grand Lux Café) and paintings by Scott Jacobs of Park West Gallery.
About the Sponsors
Holman Motorcars – Title Sponsor
The all-new, 206,000-square-foot facility at 900 E Sunrise Blvd. showcases luxury British automakers Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The world-class building features architectural detailing throughout, more than a dozen pieces of custom artwork (including mosaic walls), a chandelier inspired by Britain’s historic Silverstone racetrack and two private car delivery theaters.
Lillet
French aperitif Lillet has mastered the perfect spirit suitable for any occasion. It is made up of rigorously selected wines and fruit macerations that are crafted onsite. Established in 1872, the production of Lillet dates back to its origin in Podensac, a small village south of Bordeaux. The six steps include: selecting the right wines, taking fruits from exotic locations, going through weeks of slow cold maceration, fortifying, aging and blending. At each event, guests are welcomed with Lillet paired with fruit garnishments.
King Estate Winery
Oregon-based King Estate Winery has 1,033 Demeter USA certified Biodynamic acres. The family-owned winery is known best for their pinot gris. The perfect balance between vine and fruit development in the Oregon climate is the secret to their success. Recently, they unveiled Inscription – a Willamette Valley pinot noir. The process involves hand-sorting grapes, stainless steel fermentation in small batches, followed by malolactic fermentation. They are then barrel-aged for 8-10 months in French oak. Tasting notes include fresh red fruit like raspberry and strawberry. Oregon flavors of mushroom, forest floor and earth are definitive.
Emeril Lagasse Foundation
THE Emeril Lagasse Foundation has sought to support initiatives, first in New Orleans and then around the country, since it was founded in 2002. It’s a public charity, not a private family foundation, and it participates in many charity events. Founded by celebrity chef Emeril and his wife, Alden, the foundation helps fund a wide variety of projects largely centered on food. In Broward, the foundation is partnering with Arc Culinary. In particular, the foundation has pledged $300,000 towards an ambitious expansion of the program that prepares students to work in the restaurant and catering industry. A large working kitchen instruction area will be called the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen.
Visit flmag.com/dine for updates on next year’s DINE Fort Lauderdale events!
