Ah, July in Fort Lauderdale—when the sun sizzles, the humidity hugs you like an overly affectionate aunt, and the culinary scene positively thrives. While the rest of the country is knee-deep in backyard barbecues and burnt hot dogs, we’re down here basking in the glory of our dining scene, where five‑star chefs create magic right under our noses (and over our taste buds).
Let’s talk about DINE Fort Lauderdale 2024. If you missed it, don’t worry – you’ll get a secondhand taste of the experience right here. Picture this: five nights, five top-notch restaurants, five chefs who could probably make a grilled cheese look like it belongs in the Louvre, and a parade of wine pairings that would make Dionysus himself raise a glass. Oh, and did I mention it was all for a great cause? The Emeril Lagasse Foundation, no less. We dined, we wined, we raised money—rinse and repeat.
We kicked it off at The Capital Grille. Chef Michael Barone served up a Macadamia-Dusted Seabass that made me reconsider my life choices. Holman Motorcars parked some eye candy at the entrance, and sommelier Avishai Azoulay took us on a wine journey that paired Conte Fini Pinot Grigio with Coconut Crusted Shrimp like it was meant to be. Annabelle Asher Solly’s dessert was so good it probably should have had its own security detail.
Next up was Truluck’s, where Chef Odel Arencibia treated us to a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake that had me contemplating a very crab-centric diet. The wines? Oh, they were fabulous, just like my dinner companions after a few glasses. Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne Brut was a crowd favorite.
By night three at Morton’s The Steakhouse, I was ready to move in. Chef Tony Gaspar’s Sliced NY Strip with truffle whipped potatoes was like a hug from the inside. Sommelier Alfonso Vieites did his best to educate us on wine pairings, but by the third course, we were just nodding along, entranced by the flavors.
Timpano Las Olas was our fourth stop. Newly renovated, it felt like dining inside a masterpiece. Chef Omar Lorenzana’s menu was a symphony, and his Grilled Octopus? Well, let’s just say I had to resist the urge to applaud between bites. The wine pairings from Total Wine & More were impeccable.
The grand finale at The Grateful Palate Catering and Events was everything you’d want in a last hurrah. It began with a cocktail reception by the Intracoastal with music by DJ Mike Locke. Chefs from all the featured restaurants came together, each contributing a dish that made the evening feel like a greatest hits album of culinary delight.
Throughout the series, Holman Motorcars showcased their finest rides, making us all dream a little bigger. Total Wine & More ensured our glasses were never empty and our palates were forever grateful. Floral Brittanica turned each event into a visual feast, and photographers Michelle LaCruz and Mike Connor captured it all in stunning detail.
DINE Fort Lauderdale 2024 was a smorgasbord of flavors, community spirit and charitable giving. We laughed, we ate, we bid on ridiculous (and fabulous) auction items, and we supported a cause that truly makes a difference. Thanks to everyone who participated, sponsored and attended—you made this event a success and a memory worth savoring.
Until next time, keep dining, keep wining and keep making Fort Lauderdale the flavorful, vibrant community we all love.
Bon appétit!
P.S. If you need me, I’ll be dreaming about that Macadamia-Dusted Seabass and planning my strategy for next year’s auction. Cheers!
1 comment
Do you sell the magazine locally?