Photography by Jennifer Arce Photography (arcephotography.com) & Michael Connor (mikefromqueens.com)
The DINE Fort Lauderdale 2023 dinner series featured five restaurants that delivered their very best menu items to locals wanting to enjoy a night out while tasting wines carefully curated to pair with each course. The grand finale of the series united all the chefs under one roof, with each creating a designated course paired with a different wine. Event guests, chefs, partners and sponsors all enjoyed themselves while coming together for a great cause.
Night One: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
The series opened with a bang at Eddie V’s. To set the upscale tone, Holman Motorcars showcased their top-of-the-line vehicles at the restaurant’s entrance. Upon arrival, each guest was greeted with a Hemingway Daiquiri courtesy of Papa’s Pilar Rum. Eddie V’s based its five-course menu on their popular items, which guests devoured while enjoying perfectly paired wines from Ocean Wine and Spirits. Chef Alexis Morgan presented each course, which featured menu items like main lobster bisque and two four-ounce tournedos with butter-poached lobster tail. During the dessert course, a raffle was held to win two Fusion dinner tickets with proceeds going to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. At evening’s end, the restaurant gifted each guest with a SWAG bag that included a free drink upon their next visit.
The Menu:
First Course: Yellowtail Sashimi Cilantro, Red Chiles, Ponzu
Wine Pairing: Albariño Martin Codax 2021
Second Course: Maine Lobster Bisque Fresh Maine Lobster, Cream, Cognac
Wine Pairing: Domaine de Carteyron Malyse Côtes de Provence Rosé 2020
Third Course: Burrata & Heirloom Tomatoes Italian Burrata, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic
Wine Pairing: Trenel Macon- Villages 2020
Fourth Course: Two 4oz Tournedos With Butter Poached Lobster Tail
Wine Pairing: Chateau Haut-Colombier Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 2017
Fifth Course: Bananas Foster Butter Cake Flambéed Tableside and Served With Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Wine Pairing: Jorge Ordonez Malaga Late Harvest Muscat de Alexandria 375ml
Night Two: The Capital Grille
The second night of the series was hosted at The Capital Grille at The Galleria Mall. Holman Motorcars again displayed their best outside the restaurant, where guests turned heads as they entered. Before the feast, guests sipped on a delicious Papa’s Pilar Rum welcome drink. The five-course menu was put together by Chef Mike Barone, and each course was specially paired by Ocean Wine and Spirits. The dinner portion concluded with a milk chocolate cheesecake – a special treat created by pastry chef Annabelle Asher‑Solly. To close out, a raffle for two tickets to the Fusion dinner and for Capital Grille steak knives was held, with proceeds going to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
The Menu:
First Course: Peekytoe Crab Bisque, Bacon Brioche Crouton, Curry Oil, Salmon Roe
Wine Pairing: Antinori Guado al Tasso Vermentino 2021
Second Course: Smoked Burrata, Baby Heirloom Tomato, Toasted Sunflower Seeds, Citrus Vinaigrette
Wine Pairing: Tormaresca Calafuria Rosé 2021
Third Course: Yellowfin Tuna, Ginger Infused Sushi Rice, Korean Barbequed Baby Bok Choy
Wine Pairing: Antinori Pian D’Vigne Rosso di Montalcino 2020
Fourth Course: Reverse Seared Sirloin, Saffron Risotto Milanese, Roasted Tuscan Tomato Sauce
Wine Pairing: Antinori Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2021
Fifth Course: Milk Chocolate Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate Ganache, White Chocolate Mousse
Wine Pairing: Dow Fine Ruby Port
Night Three: Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
On night three, guests had a boa noite at the new Brazilian steakhouse Lasso Gaucho. The evening started with an Old Fashioned by Papa’s Pilar Rum. This dinner was unique from the rest as it offered event-goers a variety of options to choose from. Their buffet featured salads, pasta, soups, cheese and more. Another unusual aspect was the rodizio-style served meats such as lamp chops, beef, chicken, fish, etc. In true Brazilian form, the staff was warm, inviting and attentive as they continuously refilled diners’ plates and made sure they enjoyed themselves. Ocean Wine and Spirits did a spectacular job of coupling each course with paired wines. Between courses, the wine representative intrigued guests with a fun explanation of each wine. The evening ended with a raffle benefiting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
The Menu:
First Course: Brazilian Cheese Bread and Grilled Cheese
Wine Pairing: Peju Sauvignon Blanc
Second Course: Salad Bar
Wine Pairing: Santa Marguerita Pinot Grigio 2021
Third Course: Chicken Drumsticks, Chicken Wrapped in Bacon, Grilled Salmon and Grilled Shrimp
Wine Pairing: Craggy Range Pinot Noir, Martinborough, New Zealand 2020
Fourth Course: Meats (House Special Sirloin, Spicy Sirloin, Garlic Sirloin, Bottom Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon, Rib Eye, Beef Ribs, Leg of Lamb, Lamb Chops, Parmesan Pork, Pork Sausage)
Wine Pairing: St. Francis Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, CA 2019
Fifth Course: Desserts
Wine Pairing: Gonzalez Byass Solera 1847 Cream Sherry
Night Four: Ya Mas! Taverna
DINE Fort Lauderdale visited Greece, courtesy of Ya Mas! Taverna on Las Olas. The Greek-style dinner included charred octopus and braised lamb shank. The fourth night of the series began with a Papa’s Pilar Rum welcome cocktail, which was introduced by the Mahalo Spirits Group’s southeast vice president, Johnny Lazenby. During and after the dinner, guests enjoyed live eclectic music that enhanced the Mediterranean ambiance. Throughout the evening, Ocean Wine and Spirits presented wine pairings such as Borsao Garnacha Tres Picos and Emilio Hidalgo Morenita Cream Sherry. To end the night, one lucky winner left with tickets to the Fusion dinner through a raffle benefiting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
The Menu:
First Course: Whipped Feta & Labneh
Wine Pairing: Chat. De Fontenille Bordeaux Blanc
Second Course: Heirloom Tomato Greek Salad
Wine Pairing: Di Majo Norante Falanghina
Third Course: Charred Octopus
Wine Pairing: Borsao Garnacha Tres Picos
Fourth Course: Braised Lamb Shank
Wine Pairing: Cosme Cote Du Rhone Deux Albion
Fifth Course: Easter Bread Bread Pudding
Wine Pairing: Emilio Hidalgo Morenita Cream Sherry
Night Five: The Grateful Palate Catering and Events
The grand finale of the dinner series was splendid indeed. From a floral backdrop photobooth to a live DJ to waterfront views, the evening was one for the books. The culmination of the series featured five chefs from the five participating restaurants who came together to each prepare a course for the exclusive event.
As guests arrived, Holman Motorcars displayed their one-of-a-kind vehicles like the Aston Martin DBX. Attendees were greeted with a mango rum punch featuring Papa’s Pilar Rum Blonde Rum, which was presented by the spirits company’s southeast vice president, Johnny Lazenby. Then Brian Kish, vice president of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, acknowledged and thanked the event partners and contributing chefs. Owner of Ocean Wine and Spirits Monty Lalwani introduced the company and John Jonna, who offered witty history lessons and fun facts about each tasting between courses. Peter Lopez of The Grateful Palate Catering and Events/Shooters Waterfront gave a great speech while presenting their dessert course. As noted, a photo opp was available with a floral backdrop by Proparrazi Photobooths, and the ambiance was flawless thanks to live sounds by local DJ Mike Locke.
The purpose of the evening was to raise funds for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Throughout the night, a silent auction gave guests the opportunity to bid on special items. During the dessert course, Bill Feinberg of Allied Kitchen and Bath led a live auction, which featured items like a weekend driving an Aston Martin DBX707 courtesy of Holman Motorcars; a shopping package by The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mall including a Saint Laurent handbag, luxury transportation to and from with champagne onboard for the winner and nine friends, personal meet-and-greet at the new invite-only luxury lounge Privee and special gift bag for each guest and lunch for guests at Grand Lux Café; and two front-row tickets to the Sting concert.
The Menu:
First Course: Crab Bisque
By Chef Mike Barone, The Capital Grille
Wine Pairing: Salton Brut Sparkling
Second Course: Sashimi with Ponzu Red Chile Peppers and Microgreens
By Chef Alexis Morgan, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Wine Pairing: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc
Third Course: Wahoo Crudo
By Chef Gaston Campana, Ya Mas! Taverna
Wine Pairing: Barone Fini Pinot Grigio
Fourth Course: Rodizio
By Chef Nery Perreira, Lasso Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
Wine Pairing: Terrazas Malbec Reserve
Fifth Course: Upside Down Pineapple Cake with Brandied Cherries
By Chef James Cawley, The Grateful Palate Catering & Events
Wine Pairing: Fleurs de Prairie Rose
Our Partners:
Title Sponsor: Holman Motorcars
Our title sponsor, Holman Motorcars, displayed their luxury British automakers Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce at each of the dinners. In particular, the Aston Martin DBX made some appearances and was a showstopper. Holman’s world-class building on Sunrise Boulevard 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.
Emeril Lagasse Foundation
The purpose of the DINE Fort Lauderdale series (besides bringing locals together to enjoy some of the best cuisine South Florida has to offer) is to raise proceeds and awareness for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Their program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden and Teaching Kitchen, integrates gardening and cooking concepts into school curriculums, generating an interactive, food-centered learning environment. This program and foundation give back to our community in initiatives like Arc Broward.
Papa’s Pilar Rum
When we were first introduced to this ultra-premium rum crafted from the most sought-after aged rums from around the world, we knew our guests had to try them. The rum is artfully blended in hand-selected barrels for a signature finish worthy of Papa’s name. While the rums are sourced from around the globe, the brand is local to Florida – blended and bottled in both Key West and Lakeland.
Ocean Wine and Spirits
The local family-owned and operated business carries a large variety of wines ranging from merlot from Bordeaux to chardonnay from Napa Valley. They also offer spirits, beer, cigars and Macallan Anecdotes. The best part? They make their business user-friendly through their app and even offer delivery – making your buying experience easy and enjoyable. You can find them on Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard and Bayview Drive.
Florida Beach Wedding
Their specialties include unforgettable floral arrangements – like the ones displayed at each of our dinners. They never outsource and all arrangements are made in-house, so you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind work of art. They also offer photography and plan all kinds of events (especially weddings) where they successfully transform any space into an oasis.
Jennifer Arce Photography
Based in South Florida, Jennifer is a professional food photographer who also specializes in drinks and motion. Her passion shines through her work, which can be described as bold, clean, modern and colorful. She offers food photography for all kinds of eateries, chefs, catering, magazines and marketing agencies. arcephotography.com.
Michael Connor
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Michael brings his big-city hustle mentality to South Florida by providing professional and flattering photography while meeting deadlines. His work includes architectural photography, events, portraits and motorsports. mikefromqueens.com
Proparazzi Photobooths
The “next generation of photo booths” takes pride in providing custom silk flower walls as your backdrop (available in different color combinations). They also offer other services like custom neon signs, balloon arches, wedding arches and more. Their “selfie station” allows brands to customize their layouts with logos, colors, etc. The “DSLR photo booth” creates a 360-degree view and shot creating a fun addition to any type of event.
DJ Mike Locke
DJ, producer and musician Mike Locke is a local whom you may have seen spinning around town. You can find him at La Playa Day Club and Throw Social in Delray. Plus, he’s won Best DJ in Fort Lauderdale three years in a row.
