July Eats

Looking ahead to a month of culinary treats.

Graphic: Samantha Riepe

Happy last day of June. As we look forward to July we think - time to eat! Lots of events around town - here are a few tastes of what's to come (lots of details to follow as we move through the month)...

La Marea and Coral Bar at the Tides usher in the month under the guidance of a new executive chef. Chef Gonzalo Rivera Jr has installed a new "coastal comfort" menu featuring the likes of lobster corn dogs with mustard creme fraiche and cioppino with Israeli couscous.

Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar celebrates Independence Day with a patriotic themed array of ceviche sppons. Think red (snapper ceviche los cabos with red onion, jalapenos, cilantro, lime and olive oil), white (fish with shrimp, calamari, aji amarillo sauce and corn) and blue (fin tuna with ginger, soy, jalapenos, shallots, cilantro, lime, avocado, cucumber and sesame seeds).

Sushi Samba Dromo brings back its Sushi and Sake series July 8. Corporate sake sommelier Midori Roth & executive sushi chef Shoyo Lida are leading the monthly class. Students will enjoy an overview of the traditions & history of sake, a lesson in sake pairings, instruction on selecting & cutting raw fish and a hands-on opportunity to create the roll of their choice. $75 a person. Call 305-673-5337 for reservations & details.

Meat Market celebrates its monthly Wine Dinner Series Tuesday July 21. Organized by sommelier Gabriel Varela and chef/co-owner Sean Brasel, the second in the series pairs five courses of contemporary American cuisine with wines of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and Dolce. $160 per person.

From July 21-24, the Mandarin Oriental Miami welcomes celebrated chef Ignacio Granda Del Gallego from Mexico's Riviera Maya. Gallego, Azul chef Clay Conley & Sambal chef Eduardo Quintana are joining forces to create an a la care menu for Sambal and a six-course tasting menu for Azul.

The 21st Share our Strength Taste of the Nation Miami arrives in town Thursday July 30 at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. 40 of Miami's most celebrated chefs join forces to present cocktails, live music, a silent auction & loads of gourmet treats to help fight against childhood hunger. $100 in advance, $200 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Daily Bread Food Bank, Florida Impact and Florida Introduces Physical Activity & Nutrition to Youth. Call 877-36-TASTE or visit shareourstrengthsouthflorida.org for info & tickets.