Purely by coincidence,  two MIAbites contributors found themselves at The Dutch last week for the last of the July Bourbon, Beer and 'Cue Wednesday night dinner events.  As a result and in keeping with the MIAbites goal to feature the different voices of a community of local writers, Allison Riley and David Sprintis joined forces and collaborated on this wonderful recap of an epic evening on Miami Beach.

The “Battle of the Caja China” took place last night under misty skies in the beautiful garden setting of The Grove at W South Beach, where The Dutch is located.

This was the last in this summer's July Bourbon, Beer & 'Cue series, in which Chef de Cuisine Conor Hanlon of The Dutch pairs up with local guest chefs to offer different takes on barbeque. Past events have paired Chef Conor with Chef Jamie DeRosa of Tongue & Cheek, Chef Bradley Kilgore from J&G Grill, Levi Raines of The Dutch and James Seyba of Freehand/Broken Shaker. ( MIAbites: It's July...time for BBQ, Bourbon and Beer at The Dutch! )

For this final event, Chef Hanlon was joined by Jeremiah Bullfrog of Gastropod and Aaron Brooks of EDGE Steak and Bar. Even The Dutch owner/chef Andrew Carmellini could be spotted moving from station to station ensuring that the chefs had everything they needed and letting them soak up the limelight...a true testament of his dedication to his Miami Beach location.

Each chef prepared a different protein in the Caja China, as well as a variety of delicious side dishes, and the results were stellar! The chefs' talents and personal approaches to the task shone through. Chef Conor served Moroccan spiced lamb; Chef Jeremiah worked with almost every part of the pig, including a five-foot long porchetta; and Chef Aaron cooked a leg and belly of beef. It took some discipline to leave room for dessert, but it paid off, with Rocky Road Sundaes and all the trimmings.

A truly great barbecue reaches beyond food alone. People gathering casually around community tables, catching up with old friends, and making new ones while enjoying a drink and a fantastic dinner...that's the true essence of a terrace barbecue, and this event captured every element.

As the talent pool of chefs in Miami grows, so does the group of Miami diners who recognize how fortunate we are to have such amazing chefs in our city.  Even with rainy downpours looming, last night's turnout of many familiar faces to the Miami dining scene illustrates our city’s growing commitment to our chefs and the restaurants who support them with events such as this.  Thank you to The Dutch for a month of Wednesday barbecues.  We are already looking forward to next July!

 The Dutch -W South Beach Hotel & Residences

 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139. 

(305) 938-3111 or visit www.thedutchmiami.com