Here in Miami, temperatures are rising and some days it feels hotter than the actual sun. While the rest of the world escapes outdoors for meals and events, many of us “Miami-ans” are running indoors to the much welcomed air conditioning. 

This summer, however, I urge any self respecting food lover to check out the 5th Annual BBQ Series happening every Wednesday at The Dutch Miami Beach. Celebrate summer, outdoors or indoors, with some delicious culinary collaborations. Priced at a crazy $40 per person this is a great way to experience some great food from some creative local chefs. 

The Summer BBQ Series schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, July 13th: Thai/Korean BBQ

Hosted by Yulim Jeong, Sous Chef at The Dutch

Guest chefs: Xavier Torres of Drunken Dragon & Chef Phuket Thong of Cake Thai Restaurant

Wednesday, July 20th: Mediterranean Grill

Guest chef: John Latrellis of Lure Fish Bar

Wednesday, July 27th: Pig Roast Extravaganza

Hosted by Darren Donovan, Sous Chef at The Dutch

Guest chefs: John Gallo & Rene Reyes of Pinch Kitchen & Steve Santana of Taquiza

The first Wednesday on July 6th, featured Chef Mike Pirolo of Macchialina teaming up with the home team of Chef Adonay Tafur and Pastry Chef Josh Gripper. The theme for the first night of mouthwatering BBQ was Brazilian Rodizio Churascarria, playing tribute to chef Tafur’s Brazilian roots. 

The buffet set up in The Dutch's outdoor garden was adorned beautifully with detailed signs and servers at every station to help serve or inform. My first round up included a Brazilian cheese bread, pāo de queijo, white rice, black beans, collard greens, pickled red onions, picanha, and a take on a Brazilian beef stroganoff. And a refreshing mojito was the perfect drink of choice. 

I loved every bite. There’s something so casual and home-y about enjoying a plate of food piled high with a little bit of everything surrounded by friends. I made my way around my little globe from the corners of Brazil with the steak and beans to warmth of the South with the best collards I’ve ever had. 

Both steak preparations were expertly seasoned, prepared and executed. The picanha satisfied the classic steak lover in me with a straight-forward preparation, while the Brazilian stroganoff intrigued the food nerd in me and provided some whimsy to the meal. 

After my first trip, I made it back to the buffet line to sample the salad bar and a couple more pāo de queijo. I admitted to Chef Gripper working the chicken station, that I could eat seventeen of those tiny cheesy carb balls. 

Along with a second, smaller helping of collards I sampled the peri peri chicken. The bird was extremely flavorful and moist. The outside had a nice char that you look for in any solid BBQ. 

No meal at The Dutch is complete without dessert so I (wo)maned up and sampled the dessert stations for the dedicated readers at MIABites. Chef Gripper provided two ice cream sandwich presentations that encompassed Miami. Guests had the choice of strawberry or mango pate a choux sandwiched with coconut ice cream. I opted for the mango and the tropical flavors suit the setting absolutely perfectly. 

Churros are fried and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar fresh for every guest. There were delicious trifles that blended tropical and traditional flavors as well as rich, decadent chocolate brigadeiros. 

The Dutch Summer BBQ Series is a great event and more than worth the $40 ticket price for the experience. So dress lightly, go hungry and support the best chefs of Miami in the beautiful venue that is The Dutch at the W. 

The Dutch at the W Hotel

2201 Collins Ave.  Miami Beach. FL.

305 938 3111