A Taste of Brickell

Valerie Nahmad Schimel3/10/2011

Warm up your appetite – Brickell is hosting its first ever Taste of Brickell Saturday, March 26. The big, bold event promises to be chock full of food, drink, music, arts and community do-gooding (a portion of proceeds benefit Kristi House)- we’ve got everything you need to know:

THE BASICS
The first annual Taste of Brickell runs from noon -10 p.m. on March 26, 2011. Official location is 1201 Brickell Bay Drive (left side of the Jade condos), but we’re planning to spend most of our time at the international wine garden, located in the center of the festival.

A FEW TIPS

• Leave the car at home. Parking is limited and alcohol plentiful. Cab it or take the metro mover (nearest station at 14th & Brickell is a two-block walk)
• If you must drive, come early – parking will fill up quickly. These garages are offering a discounted rate: 1221 Brickell Ave, 1200 Brickell Ave and 1428 Brickell Ave
• Bring the kids – a kids zone will feature free & paid activities, including rides
• Leave the pets at home  - no non-therapy animals allowed
• Bring cash – admission is $5 Brickell residents & workers (ID or business card required), $10 everyone else, $25 VIP (VIP room access & a goodie bag). Click here to buy tickets.
• Bring extra cash – food & liquor tickets are $1 each, wine flights range from $3-$8 per glass

FOOD TO LOOK OUT FOR
Over 50 restaurants & vendors are slated to participate in the fun. Menus (and the complete list) haven’t been released, but we’re excited about:

• Area 31 – upscale Epic eats hit the street
• Chophouse Miami – you rarely go wrong with steak
• Fado Irish Pub – surprisingly delicious Irish eats
• Kosta – brand new ceviche in the hood
• Morton’s – ditto
• Sushi Maki – sushi is the ultimate festival food – light & finger-friendly
• Trulucks – highbrow seafood and a neighborhood newcomer