One of the best things about covering the food industry is that there are always so many places giving back to the community. Here’s just a short listing of some upcoming and recent events.
Stage Door Deli
On Tuesday, Sept. 12, have dinner and drinks with friends at Wilton Manors’ favorite deli, EAT! and support Island City Stage, South Florida’s award-winning, professional LGBT theatre. The theater company will receive 10 percent of the proceeds from your dinner receipt if you present the coupon found on the Island City Stage’s Facebook (you can even show it on your phone). Tuesdays are a great time to visit EAT!, it hosts happy hour from 4-7 p.m. and its “Fiesta Cantina Tuesday” features Latin entrees for only $14.95. EAT! is at 2150 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors. Call 954-626-0722 or go to EatInWiltonManors.com.
Taste of Equality
Now in its third year, Taste of Equality, hosted by Gulfstream Park, will be held on Oct. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. with all proceeds benefitting Equality Florida. This year, attendees can embrace their inner foodies with a tasting in the park from participating venues. The event also includes entertainment, shopping specials, raffles and more.
Sweet Competition
Hoffman’s Chocolates held its ice cream sundae competition, “Making Sweet Creations for Sweet Donations” at its corporate office on Aug. 11. Seven non-profit organizations partnered with a Hoffman’s store manager to create a special ice cream sundae for the competition. A panel of five judges determined that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (CFF) Crunchy Monkey Peanut Butter Bang sundae was the winning combination. CFF will receive a donation of $1,500 from Hoffman’s Chocolates and the opportunity to have its winning flavor featured in all Hoffman’s Chocolates stores.
Served in a freshly-made waffle bowl half-dipped in chocolate, the over-the-top Crunchy Monkey Peanut Butter Bang sundae features three four-ounce scoops of Hoffman’s ice cream; Banana Cream Pie, a creamy banana ice cream with marshmallow ribbons and baked pie crust; Chocolate Fudge Brownie, a velvety chocolate ice cream filled with moist fudge brownie pieces and chocolate fudge; and Elephant Ears, vanilla ice cream swirled with peanut butter and large chocolate chips. The three scoops were topped with peanut butter cups and fresh banana brulee slices. The sundae was coated with a smooth caramel sauce and finished off with whipped cream and a cherry on top. The Crunchy Monkey Peanut Butter Bang sundae will be featured in all stores from through September. Hoffman’s Chocolates donated $250 to the other nonprofit organizations participating; ARC Palm Beach, Crockett Foundation, 2-1-1 Broward, HANDY, and the Melanoma Foundation.
On Tuesday, Sept. 19 at Tsukuro, 225 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., executive chef, Michael White, recreates the five-course menu he presented at the 7th Annual Chefs Up Front Dinner and Auction as a benefit for the non-profit Flipany, an organization devoted to improving life through nutrition. Cost for the event is $100 per person, $150 with wine pairings. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. and reservations are required, call 954-523-1407.
In Other News
Octopus Bar and Restaurant at the Plunge Beach Hotel in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea will debut mid-September. The gastropub will serve an eclectic menu from 4 to 10 p.m.
Octopus’ tasting-sized menu options include: salmon rillette topped with fried capers, mussels in a kaffir-lime coconut broth and fried clam strips. Larger sized portions include shrimp tagliatelle, grilled tri-tip or octopus. Libation selections include a vast selection of custom cocktails, an array of chic wines and locally brewed craft or domestic beers. For additional information call 754-312-5775 or go to plungebeachhotel.com.
Taste the Wave takes place Thursday, Sept. 21 from 6:30-10 p.m. Restaurants along Fort Lauderdale Beach’s famed Wave Wall will host the tasting tour featuring bites and sips from a dozen restaurants. As part of the $75 all-inclusive package, guests will traverse the coastal dining destination aboard an air-conditioned Sun Trolley, stopping along the three-mile route to sample signature bites, and meet the chefs. Tickets include valet and self-parking, a keepsake beach bag, all taxes and online ticketing service charges. Go to tastethewaveflb.com.
Taste the Wave is part of the Crave Fort Lauderdale restaurant week. In addition to participating restaurants offering prix fixe meals for lunch and/or dinner, there are a number of special events scheduled as well. On September 13, from 6-8 p.m., Bistro at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach will feature a create-your-own culinary adventure. Under the direction of chef Thomas Russo guests will connect the elements of art and cuisine at a special interactive dinner party. Kick off the night with a reception featuring a variety of wines and small plates, followed by the preparation of a dinner feast. The dinner courses will be paired with fine wines provided by Southern Wine & Spirits.The Sonesta is at 999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. Call 954-315-1460 for more information.
