Each week MIAbites will present the Weekly Nibble, a compilation of food events and happenings in and around Miami. Important to note, that we are winding down on the last two weeks of Miami Spice, so if you have yet to enjoy the special menu offerings of $39 Dinner and $23 Lunch this is the Last Call.  Read our MIAbites "Spice Advice" here. 

Thursday September 17-  For the final Robata Rub Thursday at SUSHISAMBA Coral Gables, Executive Chef David Sears welcomes Special Guest Chef: Andres Barrientos The Official Smoke Whisperer of Miami Smokers. To complement SUSHISAMBA’s robata dishes and true to Miami Smokers style, menu highlights include Okeechobee Wild Boar Sausage with spiced aioli, guacamole purée, orange supreme, arugula, pickled peppers and a Pork Skirt Steak with sun ripe tomatoes, frisée, lardon crumble, creamed yucca purée by Chef Barrientos. Priced at $55 pp the meal includes 5 Robata selections and 2 cocktail pairings by Ocucaje Pisco.  SUSHISAMBA 180 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables, FL305 448 4990.

Friday September 18th-  The Forge Miami Beach welcomes the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: “Local Flavor from Coast To Coast”  for an evening that begins with a tasting reception featuring an exciting lineup of Miami’s finest chefs, including Timon Balloo, Cindy Hutson, Brad Kilgore, Giorgio Rapicavoli, and Cesar Zapata. Then, enjoy a unique four-course seated dinner designed by James Beard Award Winners Rocco DiSpirito and Christopher Lee, with Pastry Chef Sergio Navarro. Evening emceed by award-winning Miami Herald food editor Evan S. Benn. Tickets are $250.  The Forge 432 W 41st St, Miami Beach, FL

Saturday September 19th-  Benefiting the United Way of Miami, The Intercontinental plays host to the Second Annual Young Leaders’ B.Y.O.B.‘Build Your Own Brunch’ from 11-2 pm..  An interactive cooking and eating experience led by Chef Bradley Kilgore of Alter and two of his culinary friends: Chef Roel Alcudia of The Cypress Room and Chef William Crandall of the soon-to-open Izzy's Fish and Oyster. Miami Herald food editor and new Young Leaders member, Evan Benn, will host the cooking extravaganza. Spend a Saturday with friends learning to make the perfect brunch, from start to finish. Tickets are $100 for Young Leaders and $125 GA.  The Intercontinental  100 Chopin Plaza. Miami, FL

Saturday September 19th-  Sur La Table, the retail destination for those with a passion for cooking and a love for food, will welcome the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America®: “Local Flavor from Coast To Coast” into its kitchens for the third consecutive year. Free in-store activities of the day will include cooking demos by Taste America All-Star and James Beard-Award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito, along with chef Cindy Hutson, who will showcase a recipe prepared with Lifeway Kefir. For the full schedule of events and more information, please visit www.jbftasteamerica.org/event/miami Sur La Table Mizner Park 438 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL.

Saturday September 19th- 180 Degrees at The DRB  is teaming up with the local organization, Caring about the Strays, for a special evening from 4-8 pm to help the non-profit’s mission.  Volunteers for the program nurse abandoned or injured strays providing deserted animals with veterinarian consultations and necessary vaccinations.  Chef Ryan Martin, a huge advocate of the rescuing program, wanted to create this event to help raise awareness to the cause in hopes that dogs, cats and other potential companions will find a new home.  A minimum donation of $10 will go towards the non-profit which includes one free draft beer as well as happy hour privileges with beer and wine for 50% off a glass. 180 Degrees 501 NE 1st Ave, Miami, Florida 33132.

Saturday September 19th-  Dinner Lab, the New Orleans based pop up dinner club concept is hosting Viaje -an Asian culinary voyage with a Mexican chef featuring Chef Santiago De La Fuente of Miami, who has created a menu that exemplifies global influences through the flavors of Asia, the techniques of the French and thru the eyes of the Mexican chef and culinary journey. Priced at $70 pp, Dinner Lab invites MIAbites readers to join for free using this link https://dinnerlab.com/signup/MIAbites

Saturday September 19th -   Digest Miami’s RESCHEDULED Beach Feast presented by Afrohead Rum at the Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Beach celebrates Miami Spice with an oceanfront party featuring delicious bites, cocktails and music! From 7- 9 pm $45 General Admission: Includes entry at 8PM, unlimited food samples and one (1) complimentary Afrohead Rum cocktail. $100 VIP Access: Includes early entry at 7PM, unlimited bites, access to the private rooftop cabana deck presented by Afrohead Rum and a private VIP bar experience featuring complimentary Afrohead Rum cocktails. Digest Miami members get discounted admission. Tickets available on Eventbrite. The Surfcomber 1717 Collins Ave. Miami Beach FL.

Sunday September 20th-  September is National Bourbon Month, so check out specialty cocktails at Dolce Italian, The Drawing Room and Makoto, but don't pass up the Boozy Bourbon Brunch on Sunday September 20th 1-3 pm at 27 Restaurant. $75 pp includes 4 courses and 4 cocktails. Reservations required.  27 Restaurant @FreehandMiami 2727 Indian Creek Drive. Miami Beach. FL 305 531 2727. 

Wednesday September 23rd- Every fourth Wednesday of the month, The Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest brings together some of the city’s finer food trucks, including GastroPod, Ms. Cheezious, Sakaya Kitchen, and Mushaboom. Local restaurants get in on the action too, this time Lou’s Beer Garden, Sazon, El Tumi de Oro, Mixturam, and others. There’s also music, but you can’t eat that. Feed your belly and your ears from 5 till 10 p.m. There’s no charge for admission, but you have to pay for the food. North Shore Park Band Shell 7275 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL33141 305-861-3616

Looking Ahead…

Thursday September 24th-  Following up on the success of the inaugural “Somm Slam” with The Genuine Hospitality Group, Uvaggio Wine Bar & Restaurant is pleased to announce their second Somm Slam with 50 Eggs/Swine where head “Wine-O,” Heath Porter of Uvaggio will go pour-to-pour against neighboring Wine Director, Daniel Toral.  Wine buffs will be able to enjoy three different dishes accompanied by one wine pairing each from Porter and Toral.  Attending guests will be able to partake in the event by choosing the winning sommelier. The showdown begins at 7 PM with limited seating. Cost per person is $100; which includes the reception, three courses with a total of six wines and dessert. Uvaggio Wine Bar 70 Miracle Mile. Coral Gables, FL. 

( Information provided by numerous sources and subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm pricing, details and availability )