A very special wine and food experience that brings together more than 30 award winning wines from the 9th annual American Fine Wine Competition and refined menus designed by four South Florida acclaimed chefs. All wines are supplied by Southern Wine & Spirits of America, a long-time supporter of FIU and the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The event will kick-off with a “chocolate therapy” and other sensory-focused interactive elements, followed by a fifteen course dining extravaganza.
Proceeds from ticket sales and live and silent auctions will benefit students’ activities, scholarly research and scholarships.
THE CHEFS:
- Tim Andriola, owner of Timo Restaurant & Bar in Sunny Isles, garnered several local and national acclaims for his cuisine, including “Rising Star” accolades from Esquire Magazine, Restaurant Hospitality, Star Chefs and Sterling Silver. Timo’s was listed as a top new restaurant by Alan Richman in GQ, landed on John Mariani’s list of favorite Italian restaurants and was designated as a “restaurant not to be missed” by Food & Wine.
- Christie Tanaud, a world traveler and rising star in the culinary world, is the chef behind the blue concept of “elevated food & drink” at the world famous Waldorf Astoria Boca Raton Resort. Ever changing, her New American cuisine menus are a reflection of her travels throughout South America and the Southwest. Prior to joining the blue, Chef Christie spent time as the Chef de Cuisine at Primo in the JW Marriott Star Pass in Arizona and Sous Chef at the famed Essex House in NYC.
- Juan Manuel, entrepreneur and peace-maker, is the founder of Elcielo Restaurant in Miami. At just 31 years old, he has been named one of the 50 best chefs of Latin America. He was awarded the Revelation Chef Award by Madrid Fusion and his company has been praised and studied by some of the best universities in the world. Chef “JuanMa” has revolutionized traditional Colombian cuisine by combining his innovative cooking practices and his passion for neurosciences.
- Odell Torres is the star chef featured by Costa d’Este Beach & Resort in Vero Beach, a luxury property owned by Gloria & Emilio Estefan. Chef Odell has been with the Estefan family as the executive chef of Lario’s on the Beach and has opened Bongos and other of their restaurants. “Experience our tried and true Cuban Cuisine and indulge your taste buds with our new surprising culinary sensations”, said Gloria Estefan of her restaurants.
WHEN: February 6, 2016, 6:30 PM- 11:00PM
WHERE: FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management – Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory 3000 N.E. 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181
Tickets are $195pp and can be purchased on the website or by calling 561.558.2345
About the American Fine Wine Competition & Gala (AFWC)
The AFWC, which began in 2007, has become one of the most influential wine invitational in the country. The competition takes place each January, and is followed by the annual Charity Wine Gala in April. A series of Wine & Business After Hours events that raise money for a variety of non-profits continue to promote the wines throughout the year. Between 650 and 700 of the finest wines produced in the U.S. are invited to participate in the elite competition. Since its inception, AFWC has raised more than $750,000 for local charities.For more information about the American Fine Wine Competition & Gala, visit www.americanfinewinecompetition.org
About FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has been distinguished as one of the top hospitality programs in the U.S. More than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States and around the world choose FIU for its outstanding reputation, advantageous campus locations, expert faculty, rich curriculum, and fast-track career opportunities in the international hotel, foodservice and tourism industries. For more information about Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, visit hospitality.fiu.edu/.
