Slow Food Miami hosts tasting at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Slow Food Miami, the local 100% volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children,” held its 4th Annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party on Friday, April 24th from 7 – 10PM at The Miami Beach Botanical Garden. 

The Slow Food Miami "Snail of Approval" points South Floridians and visitors to food that is good, clean and fair by identifying and honoring producers, purveyors and artisans who contribute to food and beverage quality, authenticity and sustainability. In 2010, Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink was the first award recipient, and continues to serve as an ambassador for the program.

Attendees joined Emmy Award-winning journalist and WSVN’s 7 NEWS’ Belkys Nerey, plus 30 of Miami’s top chefs, and local growers and producers for an evening of tasting, honoring and improving Miami’s food scene.  On Miami’s "Freshest Night Out", guests enjoyed bites from South Florida’s farm-to-table best and hand-crafted cocktails courtesy of 2012 Snail of Approval Award Winner GREY GOOSE Vodka; specialty wines provided by Vinecraft; great brews and non-alcoholic refreshments from Daddy Brews and Whole Foods Market – South Beach, surrounded by the tropical beauty that is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. 

All event proceeds benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible School & Community Garden Program.

This year, guests are invited to savor bites from 2014 – 2015 Snail of Approval Winners including: Basil Park; Blackbrick; Café at Books & Books at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; Khong River House; Macchialina Taverna Rustica; Meat Market, Oolite Restaurant & Bar; Seagrape; Siena Tavern; Vagabond Restaurant and Bar; and Zak the Baker.  

A talented returning line-up of Miami’s farm-to-table best will include: Harry's Pizzeria; HaVen Lounge; Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar; Chef Aaron of David Schwadron Catering and Event Design; jugofresh; Edge Steak & Bar at The Four Seasons; 3030 Ocean; The Dutch; Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill at The Standard Hotel; and The Naked Bite. This year will also shine the spotlight on local farms including Chef Simon Stojonovic cooking for Swank Farms; produce from Verde Gardens; fruit from LNB Farms, Three Sisters Farm and FARMfreshMIAMI; and garden-makers Ready-to-Grow Gardens. 

In addition to judging for "Best Bite of the Night" this years event included both silent and live auctions, with donations provided by participating chefs and artisans. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase school garden grants at the live auction portion of the event. Follow #SnailMIA on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates. 

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden 

2000 Convention Center Drive. Miami Beach, Florida.

 ( information provided by Brustman Carrino PR )