When I arrived at the Bank of America Tower last night for the Miami New Times’s Iron Fork event, I feared I would have to battle crowds to grab a bite. But I was wrong. Despite the crowd, I didn’t have to battle anyone, and with a better venue and larger restaurant presence this year, the event was much better than last’s.
Chef John Critchley of Area31 emerged victorious in the chef competition against Giancarla Bodoni of Escopazzo. Truthfully, it was hard to tell what they were cooking up on stage. I really think all cooking demos/competitions should be held in a stadium-like setting where the audience looks down at the action and can actually see what’s going on. But I digress…
We spent most of our time tasting the food and imbibing Presidente.
The spicy goat dish from Tap Tap in Miami Beach was my favorite of the night. It reminded me why I should go back there very soon.
Whisk Gourmet in Coral Gables was serving up some very tasty BBQ pork with cole slaw and cornbread. Possibly my second favorite dish of the night.
Chef Allen’s smoked shrimp club was pretty good too, as was the steak Diane at the Miami Chophouse table (sorry, no pic). I heard Au Pied de Cochon also had great dishes, but by the time I got to their table the food was gone. I guess it was that good.
The New Times did a good job switching venues for this event. While the stage area still had some issues (it was hard to hear and see), it was an improvement over last year at the Miami Science Museum. By the end of the night, I was full from all the food I tasted — and all the Presidentes I drank — but we still found room to make a stop at Brickell Irish Pub for a final beer before heading home. Maybe next year it’ll be even better.
Nice paula! Wishing I had made it to the Chop House booth
and I’m so with you on Tap Tap!