Zonin's Italian Culinary Experience with Eating House

They're back! And our smiles couldn't be bigger. Casa Vinicola Zonin's monthly Italian Culinary Experience, otherwise known as ZoninICE, returned this month. Held at the Miami Culinary Institute, the monthly five-course lunches host writers, public relations professionals, and others in the industry to a pairing of local chefs' cuisine with wines from different Italian vineyards represented by Casa Vinicola Zonin. With its initiation in 2012, ZoninICE showcased outstanding wines from different regions in Italy, while featuring delicious Italian cuisine from popular restaurants such as Cecconi's at the SoHo Beach House, Scarpetta from the Fontainbleau Hotel, Cioppino from the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Quattro Gatronomia Italiana, and Salumeria 104. To kick of this year's series, Zonin paired select wines from Rocca Di Montemassi Estate in Tuscany with cuisine prepared by Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli from Eating House. The focus of this experience was to highlight how the Italian wines pair well with all types of cuisine, not just Italian.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli giving us his charming smile.

The afternoon began as usual, with guests mingling outside the demonstration lab, also known as the food and wine theater, while drinking a glass of refreshing Zonin Prosecco. I have to admit, I have become quite addicted to this Prosecco and will not go without having a bottle or two in my refrigerator. I used to serve it when I prepared brunch at home on Sundays but it has quickly become a nice ritual in the evenings at home as well.

Chef John Richards from the Miami Culinary Institute
welcoming us alongside Jelena Todorovic Meisel and Pieruccio
Riccobono from Casa Vinicola Zonin.

After a few minutes, we entered the impressive demonstration lab and got a look at the Institute's culinary students helping Chef Rapicavoli prepare the Aperitivo. We learned how important it is to pair your wine according to the specific food you're having and not the other way around and how certain aspects of the wine fully bring out the flavors of the food. Then we started our lunch with a variation of Eating House's popular Tomatoes, featuring a mix of local tomatoes, peanuts and coconut ice. It is a tantalizing and cooling combination of salty and sweet, as are many of Rapicavoli's dishes, that I have had the pleasure of enjoying at his restaurant in the past. This starter paired very well with the Zonin Prosecco.

Tomatoes

In his usual laid back and witty style, the chef talked to us about his childhood, his Italian heritage, and his preference of real-life experience in the kitchen rather than formal schooling.  The raw passion Rapicavoli has for cooking, and his non-status-quo views on life deeply resounded in his words. He went on to say how when he was a child, he was the kind of kid who when the teacher explained how tomato sauce was made, he'd reply, "No, it's made like this..." We indulged in his Antipasto creation of Blue Crab, Yuzu Yogurt and Grapefruit, topped with a sliver of cucumber, while listening to his experiences on the Food Network's television show Chopped. This course was exquisitely paired with Rocca Di Montemassi Calasole, a pleasant white with a straw-yellow color and a bouquet of white  flowers and spicy notes.

Blue Crab Dish

The First Course was Pork, served with smoked Sweet Potato and a Dr. Pepper Miso glaze. This course was not only savory and rich, but as an added bonus, we got to see how Rapicavoli used one of his favorite tools in the kitchen: The Smoking Gun. He smoked the sweet potato chunks in the device for about 2 minutes and gave them a perfect, smoky taste to complement the meat. To complement the dish, we sipped Rocca Di Montemassi Le Focaie, which brought out the meat's bold flavors.

Pork

The Second Course consisted of Oxtail, sitting on a bed of "rice-like" cauliflower and sesame. It was an interesting way to prepare the side dish that I had never tasted before. The wine pairing for this dish was my favorite: Rocca Di Montemassi Sassabruna. I loved the ruby red color of the wine and the intense, rich up-front notes of ripe wild berries accompanied by scents of spices and licorice. It combined superbly with the savory profile in the meat.

Oxtail

Excited for dessert, I was giddy to find out to hear Rapicavoli was treating us to one of his most popular: the Dirt Cup, a messy yet decadent combination of Nutella, chocolate and salted caramel.  Like many of his dishes, it was a mind-blowing concoction of sweet and salty proportions. He explained how it was not difficult at all to make, yet people loved it. It is very easy to taste why.  Rapicavoli also shared an inspirational thought he followed; one he learned when he first started his career: You must strive to make your rent in a day and then the rest will fall on its own. Dessert was paired with Castello D'Albola Vin Santo, a sweet-tasting ending to a perfect meal.

"Dirt Cup"

We didn't just get a mouthful but also an earful of some of Rapicavoli's upcoming plans. He is thinking about opening a cocktail bar adjacent to Eating House called the Drinking Room, where guests can come and sip on cocktails before or after getting their fix at the restaurant. Since he feels there are no great doughnut shops in Miami, he plans on opening one creatively called Dese Nuts, and bringing us some more of his unparalleled and original fare. This young chef is as impressive in the kitchen as he is outside of it and I can see him continue to go nowhere but up in this industry.

All wines were spectacular! Here is my
favorite one!

As always, Zonin's Italian Culinary Experience was an afternoon of palate pleasing, wine-loving wonder. I can't wait until the next one....

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Machiya

You know I have a love affair with Japanese food, right? And yes I know I have several affairs going on at the same time but why settle for one type of cuisine when you live in a foodie haven like Miami? A good friend of mine recently visited a place in Midtown for lunch and immediately tweeted up a storm. "You have got to try this place in Midtown! It's amazing!" Well, you don't have to tell me twice. Within a week, I was headed over to Machiya, located at 3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 116 for a relaxing lunch.

Talk about a Ramen good time! Machiya offers a fusion of contemporary and traditional Japanese dishes, specializing in their signature, homemade ramen bowls. The decor is modern and sleek with rustic accents, providing an upscale yet comfortable setting.  If you want to enjoy the Miami weather, Machiya also offers a colorful outdoor seating area complete with a red carpet to make you feel extra special.

Red Lotus

Crab Avocado Salad

Although it was around noon, I figured if it's 5:00 p.m. in Italy, who can tell me a cocktail would be inappropriate?  I told my server I liked sweet drinks and she suggested I try the Red Lotus. Oh yeah, thank you for that suggestion! It was made with Hanger One Vodka, Lychee Water, St. Germain and fresh blackberries. After a couple of refreshing sips, I took a look at the menu. Their menu is very extensive featuring small plates to share, soups and salads, sushi rolls, ramen, and signature dishes. I decided I'd sample something from each section so I started with the Crab Avocado Salad. This was absolutely my favorite. It was a delicious mix of crab meat, avocado, mayo and masago with a sliver of blood orange on top. The texture was creamy, yet the rice pops provided an unexpected surprise to the palate. I loved the element of sweetness casually added to the dish and it combined well with the crab and avocado.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Hokkaido Ramen

Fixings for the Ramen

Next up, I tried the Chicken Lettuce Wraps from the Share Plates section of the menu. I heard they were popular and very tasty. Indeed, they were. The filling was a flavorful mix of ground chicken with toasted  peanuts, chili, garlic and sweet tamarind sauce. I prepared a few crisp lettuce wraps and ate the rest with a spoon. After that treat, I moved down the menu and ordered one of their Ramen selections. I'm normally not a fan of noodles but when I read they had one that involved the pork broth but included seafood, I went for it. It was Hokkaido Ramen, consisting of the original hot silky "tonkotsu" (pork) noodles soup topped with scallop, king crab meat, shrimp, calamari, spicy bean sprout, corn, garlic oil and scallion. I was very impressed. It's a definite must-have at Machiya.

Volcano

Tuna Tartare

Lollipop Tuna

There were several signature dishes that sounded appetizing and after pondering over them for a few minutes, I ordered the Volcano. This was a roll-style dish made with crispy sushi rice and topped with a mix of scallop, kani, masago, spicy mayo, baked dynamite tempura flakes, and cream cheese . It had a nice balance of bold flavors and textures. Over on the Sashimi Special section of the menu, I spotted my all-time hands-down favorite: Tuna Tartare, and I don't care that I was about to have to unbutton my top button, I had to have it. Out came a delicious cylinder of fresh yellow fin tuna seasoned with chili oil, and topped with wasabi tobiko, and blood orange.  It was served with sea-salted potato chips which complemented the tartare with their salty profile and crunchy texture. I sat back for a minute, and my server came to refill my glass. I had managed to taste something from just about every part of the menu and I was proud. But then I realized, I hadn't sampled a roll. She wouldn't have it so she convinced me to try the Lollipop Tuna. OK, so she really didn't have to do much convincing since I was dying to try it. I saw it wasn't made with rice and figured I was actually doing a good thing because I was saving carbs. Like the other dishes at Machiya, the presentation was absolutely beautiful and dynamic. Avocado and tuna were wrapped with cucumber skin and skewered.like a lollipop. In the center, a creamy machiya sauce sat like a work of art, inviting me to dip each one. The question is, how many bites does it take to get to the bottom of a Lollipop Tuna? Not too many it seems, when you're The Foodaholic.

Of course I am not a bottomless pit so I did have some leftovers and I was very excited to take them home and indulge in a repeat performance of Machiya's cuisine that evening for dinner. I will definitely be returning very soon because I got my eye on some other dishes that I have to try and I truly loved the superb service and ambiance. Another great thing about this place is that they offer a weekly lineup of specials that you can't go wrong with. For example, Ladies Night is on Wednesdays, where ladies drink complimentary Chardonnay or Cabernet with the purchase of an appetizer from 7:00 p.m. to closing (now you know where I'll be) and Mondays feature $1 Sakes or $1 Sapporo. For more information, visit them online at http://www.machiyamidtown.com/ or call them at 786-507-5025.

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Cafeina Wynwood Lounge

It's lunch time, your boss is driving you insane, you're just north of the Downtown area of Miami and you need to feed your grumbling tummy and your unappreciated soul. I got the place for you. Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, located at 297 N.W. 23 Street, in the heart of the Wynwood Art District. This is the part of the town that rocks on the Second Saturday Art Walks, where hundreds gather to stroll the streets, admiring the unique works of art displayed in the 60 galleries that call this neighborhood home. In one side of Cafeina you find a sultry lounge, featuring cool music, tasty tapas and delicious cocktails. I remember loving the place a while back after going  for the first time to attend an alumni happy hour of my alma matter - Miami High, (otherwise known as Stingtown). I won't tell you what year we were celebrating, but I will tell you this: the drinks and the food were great.

The other side of Cafeina is their contemporary, eclectic art gallery, which serves lunch Monday-Friday from 11:30-3:00. Here, the white walls are lined with paintings, while the metal furnishings give it a hip, trendy feel. It's got a lofty, urban look that blends in very well with the popular neighborhood. For those that rather catch a breeze while they eat, there is a nice outdoor area with lots of shade and plush couches.

Yuzu Ceviche

Tuna Mini Tacos

Coffee Semifreddo

I stopped in for lunch on a weekday afternoon. I wanted something light so I went with their Yuzu Ceviche and the Tuna Mini Tacos. I absolutely loved the ceviche. It was made with White Corvina, avocado, and cilantro, all marinaded with Yuzu leche de tigre. To add a variety of texture, it was served with tostones, or fried plantains.  I could've had three. The tuna mini tacos were prepared with fresh tuna, sprinkled with Yuzu and ginger soy, and topped with guacamole and pico de gallo. They were refreshing bites of fun. I had some room for dessert (don't I always?) so I ordered the Coffee Semifreddo; a smooth, velvety Colombian coffee parfait with sweet chocolate cream. It was a perfect way to get me going again for the second half of my day.

For more information on Cafeina Wynwood Lounge, visit them online at http://www.cafeinamiami.com/ or call them at 305 438-0792.

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Spartico Amarcord Supper Club and Rooftop Party at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa

It's Thursday night and you're not sure what to do? Well, here's something that can take care of three basic urges: hunger, thirst and the need for eye candy (there I said it). Italian-style Trattoria Spartico at the Mayfair Hotel & Spa located at 3000 Florida Avenue in Coconut Grove, is holding an Amarcord Supper Club every Thursday night featuring singer Louis Amanti. Imagine having delicious pasta and Belinni's at an excellent price, taking in the beautiful setting of the Mayfair, while enjoying favorites from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett.

With Louis Amanti

Down Ladies

From Left: Runner Up on
Ultimate Miami Girl Isabel Andrea,
Promoter Luigi Lone, his wife,
 myself, and DJ.

This is what the Amarcord dinner series is all about. Amarcord, which means "I remember" in the dialect of Rimini, takes you back to a romantic, sophisticated time through the vocals of Amanti, who brings the whole experience alive. Singing classic and modern jazz, along with Spanish favorites, he truly captures the essence of a less complicated time. 

Antipasto Spartico

Add to this experience the enticing menu options from Spartico, such as the Antipasto Spartico, featuring Grana Parmigiano and Pecorino Sardo Cheese, olives, prosciutto di parma, local fresh mozzarella, sopressata, zucchini fritti, fire roasted peppers and artichokes, and you're in for a treat.

Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms

Lobster Ravioli

For the supper club, a selection of pastas are available at a special price. We tried the Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms and the Lobster Ravioli.  They were excellent. The Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms consisted of a generous-sized portion of gnocchi mixed with roasted garlic, sauteed porcini, portobello and button mushrooms. It was bathed in a light cream sauce and drizzled with truffle oil. The Lobster Ravioli, although smaller in portion, was a tasty combination of rosemary, sage, fresh diced roma tomatoes, garlic and evoo.

DJ TINELLO

Once you're done with dinner and basking in the musical talent of Amanti, you can go up to the rooftop to indulge in some spirits, and dance the night away to the tunes of DJ TINELLO.  For more information, visit them online at http://www.mayfairhotelandspa.com/es1341/cat240/amarcord-dinner-show-with-louis-amanti/lang1

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Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village

Although there are a bunch of incredible events that are part of the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, in my opinion, the "mac daddy" of them all is the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village featuring the Master Card Grand Tasting Tents. Feeling a bit like Alice in Foodieland, I followed  the "celebrity-filled road" for opportunities to meet Food Network and Cooking Channel chefs and culinary personalities, as I sampled foodie favorites on my way to nirvana: the two huge tents. Inside, the aromas of bold cuisine and the taste of refreshing spirits tantalized my senses, as I strolled from exhibitor to exhibitor, letting my appetite be my guide. (Wait, I changed my Disney movies.)

Take a virtual stroll with me through the sights of this year's SOBEWFF Grand Tasting Village!

May the culinary fun begin...

No you're not seeing double

Yes, I"ll have a red please!

Excited to arrive at Saturday's Grand Tasting Village. Guests were welcomed with a nice goodie bag full of samples and a wine glass to hang around their neck. The pouring began immediately with a choice of red or white from Kim Crawford. From there the walk through the village on the way to the tents began. First stop was Experience Italy, where guests got to try some fabulous cuisine from the amazing twins Fabrizio and Nicola Carro from Quattro Gastronomia Italiana. Oh, and by the way, the mouthwatering bite was made with Grana Padano cheese which is so palate pleasing, it will make you scream "O Sole Mio". Stay tuned for a behind the scenes look at me trying my hand at a delicious recipe using Grana Padano in an upcoming segment of Something's Brewing in The Kitchen. After a couple of glasses of vino italiano, I was on my way.

Hey...what do you say I take the big bowl instead? Delizioso!

Tyler Florence spicing things up

Long line for Martha Stewart's
autograph

Remember that "celebrity-filled road" I told you about earlier? Well, I was on it and who do I happen to spot on my left signing copies of her book Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook? Yes, you guessed it by looking at the picture: Martha Stewart. Over at one of the Kitchen Aid Stages was Tyler Florence, chef and television host of several Food Network Shows. Of course, they saved the best for last (although all of them were spectacular really) and out came American chef, author and television personality Anthony Bourdain with English food writer, journalist and broadcaster Nigella Lawson. They sat on a couch and chatted about hot topics in South Florida such as Bourdain's episode of his visit to Cuba and their favorite culinary destinations.

Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson up close and personal 



Guava empanadas from
Whole Foods Market

Gelato topped with bacon,
say what?

Along the way to the tents and once inside, I stopped and tasted some goodies from several exhibitors: Whole Foods Market, Wines of Brazil, and Goya along with a collection of restaurants I can't wait to check out like Aijo in Brickell and Catch in The Biscayne Marriott. Chef Todd Erickson from HaVen South Beach was working his magic at the Goya exhibit where they also gave out some really nice goodies to take home.



Chef Todd Erickson from HaVen South Beach preparing
delicious bites at the Goya exhibit.

I finally made it to the Evian Water exhibit where all the action was taking place with TV Personality and Atlanta-based restaurateur Richard Blais and his interactive takeover of the @evianwater Instagram account; giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the epicurean festival. Read all about it here: Instagram and Foodie Fun at SOBEWFF. We took some fun pictures and chatted with the charismatic chef.

Chef Richard Blais

More drinks, more fun, oh boy!

Non-stop eating fun!

It was truly an amazing day and I could go on and on. But instead, take a look at more pictures of my adventure at the Grand Tasting Village and other SOBEWFF events, on my Facebook page at Adventures of the Foodaholic and click on the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival album.  (Don't forget to hit the "Like" button while you're checking out my page). Next up, saying goodbye for now to SOBEWFF 2013 at the Guy Fieri and Ziggy Marley Closing Party held on the sand at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach. Time sure flies when you're having fun!

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