Miami Has Two James Beard Nominees
Plus Savor SoFlo Returns to Hollywood Beach
James Beard News
Earlier today, the James Beard Foundation announced nominees in the restaurant and chef categories for the 2024 awards at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C.
Unlike some past years, two Miamians have advanced to the nominee phase of the running for the Beards.
Jesus Brazon and Manuel Brazon have been nominated in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category for Doral’s Caracas Bakery.
Valerie Chang has been nominated in the Best Chef: South category for her Midtown Miami restaurant, Maty’s.
Check out the entire roster of nominees at Broken Palate.
The winners of the 2024 awards will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Fun on Hollywood Beach as Savor SoFLO Returns
If you want a food and spirits festival that’s directly on the beach with a chill vibe and affordable pricing (but with plenty of food and drink), then Savor SoFLO is worth checking out. The two-day event offered fun directly on the sands of Hollywood Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in South Florida. Hollywood Beach also has ample inexpensive municipal parking, pristine beaches (so nice, they’re preferred by sea turtles), and an old Florida vibe.
Savor SoFLO will feature food, wines, craft beer, and spirits under two large tents (so come rain or shine).
Activations this year include cooking demos at the San Pellegrino Cooking Stage, SAVOR Cooking Stage guest appearances, chef tastings, and my personal favorite — the Charcuterie Extravaganza at the Publix, Boars Head, and Josh Wines tasting pavilion where you can eat cheese and drink wine (can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend afternoon on the beach).
Admission costs $105 for general admission and $135 for VIP, both of which include unlimited tastings, live entertainment, and more. VIPers will also have access to the Publix Liquors VIP Spirits Lounge. A portion of proceeds will benefit local South Florida breast cancer patients through the Glam-A-Thon breast cancer charity. Day Drinking!
Savor SoFlo from noon to 4 p.m. (for VIP) and 1 to 4 p.m. (GA) on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 at 911 N. Broadwalk, Hollywood Beach (behind Margaritaville). Tickets cost $100-$135 at savorsoflo.com.
Total Eclipse of the Doughnut
By now, all Mianiams know that even though there’s a total solar eclipse happening next week, April 8, we’re not anywhere within the path of totality.
So, if you want to participate in the eclipse, you can either fly somewhere or just go to Krispy Kreme for its “Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut” – a glazed doughnut dipped in black chocolate icing, adorned with silver sprinkles, piped with a buttercream made with Oreo pieces, and a whole Oreo cookie in the center.
The doughnut will be available starting Friday, April 5 through Monday, April 8. It’s available at any Krispy Kreme shop and can be ordered in advance via the Krispy Kreme app. This is the second time Krispy Kreme has released an exlipse-themed doughnut — in 2017, the bakery dipped its OG glazed doughnut in chocolate and called it a day. This year, it’s going all out. “Eclipses are rare and so is our out-of-this-world Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut. Even if you can’t be in the path of totality you can get in the path of these treats, which you will eat in totality,” says Dave Skena, global chief brand officer for Krispy Kreme. As always, there’s a hashtag (#KrispyKreme). Total Eclipse of the Diet!
Get your eclipse doughnut at Krispy Kreme from Friday, April 5 to Monday, April 8. www.krispykreme.com/promos/totaleclipse.
The Palace Celebrates Madonna with its Epic Material Girl Weekend
True story: I had tickets to see Madonna and sold them. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Madonna, but the thought of going to the arena to see her and waiting until she decides to finally grace tens of thousands of people with her presence sounded exhausted, frankly. This sounds infinitely more fun:
The Palace Bar is hosting a Material Girl Weekend filled with Madonna-themed fun, swag, prizes, and concert tickets (if you do want to go). Vogue!
Respect Yourself at the Palace Bar. 1052 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach; palacesouthbeach.com.
This Chanel is the Perfect Accessory
For many, a Chanel is the ultimate arm candy. For me — this Chanel is the ultimate arm candy — Chanel is a gorgeous little female cream-colored Pomerianean. This classy lady is 12 years old and is the perfect companion for brunches, traveling, or just sipping wine with no judgement (you’re not drinking alone if you’re with your dog). Chanel’s number is A1470254 and she’s in receiving. Timeless!
Batch Gastropub is the sponsor of our dog adoption section. If you adopt one of these guys (or any dog because of Miami Checklist), Batch will supply you with a gift card for the amount of the adoption from MDAS. So get a dog, get a burger…or something like that. Contact me for details.
Chanel is one of hundreds of dogs available at Miami-Dade Animal Services. If you’re looking to bring a new best friend into the family, this is the place to start your search. Adoptions are only done in person, and you should bring a current picture ID and proof of current address. Dogs older than four months carry a $65 adoption fee and puppies are $85 — all dogs come home fully vaccinated, are dewormed, and have been spayed/neutered. In other words, adopting a dog is the best deal in Miami.
Get classy at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals
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