The Diabetes Research Institute's (DRI) Feast Among the Grapes has been delighting the senses for 15 years. Sheryl Sulkin, DRI's director of special events, in collaboration with Wine Spectator magazine and Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc. presented yet another evening of drinks, mouth-watering dishes, and delectable desserts for approximately 1,000 guests with the help of a 75-person event committee.
The ballroom at the Radisson Hotel Miami was converted into a food lover's dream. Chef Michael Bloise of Wish served as the committee's chef chair (a first for this event). He helped to secure new restaurants and oversee the culinary setup. This year, 25 restaurants (including eight new to the event) such as Bizcaya Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, Mario the Baker, Perricone's Marketplace, Sushi House, and Timo prepared a variety of dishes for guests to sample along with fine wines, martinis, energy drinks, specially flavored waters, and more, from 28 beverage vendors.
Guests who bought V.I.P. tickets were treated to a private lounge with comfy white furniture (donated by DECO Productions), a champagne tower, and butler-passed hors d'oeuvres prepared by the Radisson. They were also treated to an exclusive six-item auction, which included a stay at the Paraiso de la Bonita in Cancun, Mexico, and a four-course cooking class for eight with Chef Bloise.
Those with general admission tickets weren't that bad off—they sampled dishes such as arepa chips with roasted chicken and avocado purée from Cacao, braised beef short ribs with potato foam and candied onions served with mojito shots from Café Sambal at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, and Wish's shrimp and jasmine rice dumplings with green apple curry. Aventura Mall was the official plate sponsor, providing "mingling" plates with the mall's logo that held not only food but also glassware, so guests would have one hand free to exchange business cards, grab another bite, or place a bid on one of the many auction items available; after all, this was a fund-raiser.
This year's Feast also had plenty of dessert items to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Chocoholics enjoyed chocolate fountains from Schakolad Chocolate Factory, signature chocolate fondue and dipping items by the Melting Pot, and chocolate-covered strawberries from LaEstanciaArgentina. Those without a penchant for chocolate could indulge in North One 10's Key Lime crème brulee, dessert crepes from the CrepeMaker, and cake from Joanna's Marketplace.
The wining and dining continued for three hours, helping to raise more than $161,000 for DRI.
—Vanessa Goyanes
Read previous coverage of Feast Among the Grapes 2004
The ballroom at the Radisson Hotel Miami was converted into a food lover's dream. Chef Michael Bloise of Wish served as the committee's chef chair (a first for this event). He helped to secure new restaurants and oversee the culinary setup. This year, 25 restaurants (including eight new to the event) such as Bizcaya Grill at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, Mario the Baker, Perricone's Marketplace, Sushi House, and Timo prepared a variety of dishes for guests to sample along with fine wines, martinis, energy drinks, specially flavored waters, and more, from 28 beverage vendors.
Guests who bought V.I.P. tickets were treated to a private lounge with comfy white furniture (donated by DECO Productions), a champagne tower, and butler-passed hors d'oeuvres prepared by the Radisson. They were also treated to an exclusive six-item auction, which included a stay at the Paraiso de la Bonita in Cancun, Mexico, and a four-course cooking class for eight with Chef Bloise.
Those with general admission tickets weren't that bad off—they sampled dishes such as arepa chips with roasted chicken and avocado purée from Cacao, braised beef short ribs with potato foam and candied onions served with mojito shots from Café Sambal at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, and Wish's shrimp and jasmine rice dumplings with green apple curry. Aventura Mall was the official plate sponsor, providing "mingling" plates with the mall's logo that held not only food but also glassware, so guests would have one hand free to exchange business cards, grab another bite, or place a bid on one of the many auction items available; after all, this was a fund-raiser.
This year's Feast also had plenty of dessert items to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Chocoholics enjoyed chocolate fountains from Schakolad Chocolate Factory, signature chocolate fondue and dipping items by the Melting Pot, and chocolate-covered strawberries from LaEstanciaArgentina. Those without a penchant for chocolate could indulge in North One 10's Key Lime crème brulee, dessert crepes from the CrepeMaker, and cake from Joanna's Marketplace.
The wining and dining continued for three hours, helping to raise more than $161,000 for DRI.
—Vanessa Goyanes
Read previous coverage of Feast Among the Grapes 2004
The chefs from Bizcaya at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove prepared truffled gnocchi with oxtail ragu and watercress for the 15th annual Feast Among the Grapes.
V.I.P. ticket holders enjoyed a champagne tower in a private lounge.
An oak martini bar in the center of the room remained a popular spot throughout the three-hour event.
Guests enjoyed a vodka luge made of ice.
