I was down in Homestead again today visiting Gabriele Marewski at Paradise Farms. This was my first time visiting Gabriele’s organic farm and, wow, it is beautiful. She designed it with the help of architect Robert Barnes and artist Richard Medlock based on feng shui and sacred geometry principles. Taking a stroll in those peaceful surroundings made me think that I really need to get myself to a Dinner in Paradise this season.
The series of dinners, started by Gabriele and chef Michael Schwartz, invites local chefs to create a six-course dinner showcasing the farm’s organic ingredients. (Blind Tastes has a good recap of a recent Dinner in Paradise). Many of the same chefs that have cooked in past seasons are returning, including Schwartz, John Critchley, Michelle Bernstein and Sean Brasel. New chefs include Timon Balloo of Sugarcane and Alex Pinero, formerly of Fratelli Lyon and now of Sustain — a sustainable restaurant expected to open this fall in Midtown.
The price for each dinner is $165.50, including taxes and fees, and consists of six courses paired with wines. Proceeds fund ready-to-grow beds the farm will donate to Urban Oasis Project, which is installing these gardens in homeless shelters and Liberty City. Tickets can be purchased through the Paradise Farms website. Here’s the 2010-2011 schedule.
December 12, 2010
River Oyster Bar – David Bracha
Sugarcane – Timon Balloo
Loews Hotel Miami Beach – Fredrick Delaire & Jason Prevatt
January 9, 2011
TBA
January 23, 2011
American Noodle Bar – Michael Bloise
D. Rodriquez Cuba – Douglas Rodriquez
February 12, 2011
Eden Roc – Thorsten Leighty & Paula DeSilva
Eos at The Viceroy – Michael Pislakis & Christopher Curtis
March 13, 2011
Meat Market – Sean Brasel
Biltmore – Roly Cruz-Taura
Area 31 at The Epic Hotel – John Critchley
March 27, 2010
Michael’s Genuine – Michael Schwartz
Essencia at The Palms Hotel & Spa – Frank Jennetti
Solea at The W – Marc Vidal
April 10, 2011
Lido Restaurant at The Standard – Mark Zeitouni
Sra Martinez – Michelle Bernstein
Escopazzo – Giancarla Bodoni
April 17, 2011
Creek 28 – Kira Volz
Sustain – Alex Pinero
Casa Tua – Sergio Sigala
Gorgeous picture, Pao!
Thanks, Jackie! I’m getting better with D’s monster camera.