The second annual edition of Taste of Miami — a dynamic charity event showcasing the unique and stylish flavors of South Florida through a delectable selection of culinary bites, premium spirits, and craft beverages from the city’s top restaurants — will take place on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at Marlins Park.
The evening will be hosted by renowned celebrity chef and Miami native Adrianne Calvo as well as Miami Marlins All-Star pitcher Jose Fernandez. Proceeds from this event under the stars will benefit the Marlins Foundation, the Hispanic Food and Beverage Foundation, and the Miami Culinary Institute’s Joanna Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Taste of Miami targets the vast population of culinary enthusiasts in the South Florida area, but also aims to attract a diverse demographic of general consumers who enjoy food, drink, and participation in charitable endeavors. The proceedings were inspired by the memory of Miami Culinary Institute student Joanna Rodriguez, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 20 in December 2014.
Ms. Rodriguez was a beloved member of the school’s student body whose passion for the culinary arts and brightening the lives of those around her was exemplified by her ever-present smile and compassionate spirit. In memory of Joanna’s talent, dedication, and love of her craft, the Marlins Foundation, in conjunction with the Hispanic Food and Beverage Foundation and the Miami Culinary Institute, forged the concept of a night featuring some of the preeminent talents in the celebrated Miami food and wine landscape.
“It’s an honor to be able to serve as cohost of an event that ultimately celebrates both the culinary arts and the memory of an aspiring student who dreamt of a career in the field,” Chef Adrianne said. “The fact that the night will help launch the university careers of two students who also want to embark on this path provides me with even greater inspiration to be a part of it.”
Money raised from the event will go towards the funding of two Miami Culinary Institute scholarships for deserving Hispanic high school and college students looking to embark on a career in the food and beverage industry. Full event details and ticket information can be found by visiting the official Taste of Miami website at www.thetasteofmiami.com.
In addition to providing attendees with a diverse and multi-course array of Miami’s unique flavors, taking place on Thursday, Feb. 18, Chef Adrianne and Jose Fernandez will judge a live “Chef Showdown” that features Telemundo’s Chef James Tahhan returning to defend his MVP Master Chef title alongside a Miami Marlins All-Star alumni player serving as his sous chef.
Exhibiting restaurants and microbreweries will compete for the coveted Taste of Miami “Grand Slam” award. The Grand Slam award is a “Best In Show” form of recognition that will be determined by votes from the event’s attendees on each contest participant’s performance in the categories of Table Presentation and Taste. The winning entry will receive a 2016 Taste of Miami Grand Slam Trophy and a $1,000 donation will be made to the participant’s 501(c)3 classified charity of choice.
For additional information about Marlins Foundation visit www.marlinsfoundation.com.
