It was between “Criminal Minds” reruns and a walk in the park—and I am happy I chose the park—Mizner Park. Last night Joanne Polin and Hilary Reynolds of Polin Public Relations led a group of media foodies to all the stations that will be featured in our Tastemakers event there next month, “Rock, Roll & Stroll.”
Boca and Delray magazines have been doing this event for a number of years on Atlantic Avenue and in Mizner Park. At the Boca October 13 event, you buy a ticket book for $30 (VIP is $49), which includes one tasting and a paired beverage at each of the participating restaurants—all 10 of them. Last night we had a sampling from each restaurant—not necessarily what they will be serving at the event—but wowza. Whatever they serve, you are going to be glad you chose this instead of bad TV.
We started at Ruth’s Chris with a thinly sliced seared ahi tuna paired with a 2012 Concannon Conservancy Chardonnay—and I was in. From there to Villagio (bruschetta Romano,) Rack’s (roasted chicken taco,) Max’s Grille (ahi tuna poke) and Uncle Julio’s for its legendary guac and a margarita.
But that was just a warm up. When we hit the Dubliner, I was thinking of proposing to the chef after a taste of his mac and cheese and shepherd’s pie. Seriously. Take me to church. Then there was Kapow! for a banh mi Vietnamese baguette, Truluck’s for fresh crab claws, Tanzy for a braised Angus short rib and Yard House for a blackened swordfish taco.
If that were not enough, those who spring for VIP tickets get a Sweet Departures dessert at Lord & Taylor.
Not only was this little tour of Mizner Park delicious, it was civilized, eminently walkable and a great way to sample some excellent restaurants. And it became very clear that to me that I need to get out more. Starting October 13.
If you want to rock, roll and stroll (there will be live music) at this year’s Tastemaker’s event, you can buy tour ticket book at any of the above participating restaurants, or a VIP ticket at Lord & Taylor. For VIP ticket holders, there is a champagne toast at Lord & Taylor at 5:30—the event proper for all participants starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Bon apetit!
