A total of 635 of America’s finest wines were invited to participate in the 5th annual American Fine Wine Competition recently held at the Boca Raton Country Club. The arduous task of selecting the very “best of the best” wines, fell to a panel of 24 distinguished judges. After two days of judging, the prestigious Best of Show and Best of Class honors were unveiled.

The Best of Show medals were awarded to two California wines – 2009 Il Passito, a late harvest dessert wine from Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley and 2009 Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir from La Follette Wines in Mendocino County, California.

Best of Class medals were awarded to 12 wines in various categories:

Bordeaux Style Blend 2007 “Miktos” Merriam Vineyards, Sonoma

Cabernet Franc 2007 Reserve-Peju Province Winery, Rutherford

Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Reserve-Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles

Chardonnay 2009 Mumm Napa, Carneros

Merlot 2008 Rocca Family Vineyards, Yountville

Port 10-year-old “Noble Companion” Tawny, Prager Winery & Port Works

Rhone Style Blend 2009 “Hell’s Kitchen” Jada Vineyard & Winery, Paso Robles

Riesling 2010 “Golden Bunches” Ferrante Winery, Grand River Valley, Ohio

Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Ledson Winery & Vineyards, Napa Valley

Sparkling Wine 2005 Mumm Napa DVX, Napa Valley

Syrah 2008 Sol Rouge, Lake Country

Zinfandel 2009 “Gluttony” Michael David Winery, Amador County

The wine competition itself is the heart of this unique wine and food celebration and fundraiser sponsored by Patriot National Insurance Group. The AFWC will continue with a VIP event at Allied Kitchen & Bath in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, March 8 ($25 donation to the Dan Marino Foundation), and a Consumer Challenge & Fundraiser ($35 per person with a portion going to the Youth Automotive Training Center) on Thursday, March 22 at Bogart’s restaurant in Boca Raton.

Events will conclude with the highly-anticipated Gala Dinner, Thursday, April 19 with famed chef Emeril Lagasse. The Gala Dinner will feature all of the wines entered into the competition – poured for guests tableside by their very own “Wine Angel”- served along with a four-course dinner; the main course prepared by Emeril himself. It will also feature a silent auction, live entertainment and a live auction overseen by Alan Kalter, announcer for Late Night with David Letterman. The Gala Dinner will be held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, located at 501 East Camino Real. Tickets are currently available for $300 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information please call (561) 504-VINE (8463) or visit www.americanfinewinecompetition.com

About Patriot National Insurance Group

Patriot National Insurance Group is an insurance holding company focused on workers’ compensations insurance. Patriot has two operating subsidiaries: Guarantee Insurance Company and Patriot Underwriters, Inc. Guarantee Insurance Company offers agents and brokers creative risk transfer solutions customized for their clients. Guarantee’s workers’ compensation product line includes large deductible, segregated cell portfolio captives, agency-owned captives, investor captives and traditional workers’ compensation insurance. Patriot Underwriters, Inc. is a Managing General Underwriter that produces, underwrites and administers alternative market and traditional workers’ compensation insurance plans for leading insurance companies, segregated cell captives and reinsurers.

About the American Fine Wine Competition

Since 2007 AFWC has raised more than $430,000 for local charities and helped brand both local businesses through sponsorship and many small boutique wineries in the US through events. For more information about the American Fine Wine Competition and for Sponsorship opportunities please contact Shari Gherman, at 561-504-VINE (8463) or via email Shari@americanfinewinecompetition.com

BGR The Burger Joint’s hotly anticipated Burger and Shake specials for the month of February offer something for everyone! There’s a fun take on the Valentine’s staple with the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake ($4.99) for all those romantic foodies, and an over-the-top Chili Mac Burger ($9.99) for diners who just want to get down and dirty.

The Chili Mac Burger resembles a Texas-style Frito pie made with prime, dry-aged beef that’s topped with Fritos-brand corn chips, flavorful, spicy chili, and shredded cheddar. It may not be a burger you’d want to have during a first date, but it’s certainly delicious! And whether you’re single or in a couple, the chocolate covered strawberry shake will surely hit the spot for dessert and yes, it can come with two straws.

Unfortunately, these specials only last through February, but make sure to stay tuned next month for a new set of March specials!

BGR The Burger Joint Locations

Coral Gables

232 Miracle Mile

Coral Gables, Florida

305-461-9989

Sunday – Thursday, 11 am – 10 pm

Friday & Saturday, 11 am – 11 pm

Carter Square

13668 SW 88th Street

Miami, Florida

305-386-5658

Monday – Sunday, 11 am – 10 pm

A turnout of more than 100 working poor and less fortunate families are expected. Nine-year old Joshua founded the organization over five years ago, when he was only five-years old. One day he decided to give his pocket money to a hungry homeless man and that is what sparked his mission to “Stomp out Hunger”. Joshua’s Heart Foundation provides various efforts to help feed needy families.

“I think it’s important to help others and this event is extra special because this is the first time we will be teaching youths and their families how to prepare a healthy cooked and uncooked breakfast and dinner.” said Joshua Williams, Founder of Joshua’s Heart Foundation. “It is important to eat right so they can focus more in school and be healthy”

“Whole Foods Market is a company with a conscience. Just like Joshua’s Heart Foundation, we believe passionately in supporting the communities we serve, “said Macarena Luz Bianchi, the Marketing and Community Relations Team Leader at the Whole Foods Market in South Beach.

Joshua’s Heart Foundation was anxious to teach youths and their families about cooking healthy meals. Too many children have nothing to eat or the right kinds of food. Whole Foods Market South Beach’s Healthy Eating Specialist and Chef Jordan Wolfe will teach them how to prepare a nutritious breakfast and dinner. JHF hopes to provide this service on a quarterly basis at different areas in South Florida and is thrilled to have partnered with Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods Market in South Beach will provide most of the grocery items as well as the chef and the recipes. Recipients will be mostly from Little Haiti and Liberty City area.

About Joshua’s Heart Foundation ®: Joshua’s Heart Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-for-profit organization, empowers needy people to improve their quality of life. The foundation was founded by a five year old boy by the name of Joshua. His heart conceived a passion for assisting those who struggle daily to procure food for basic survival. The main focus of his vision is to “Stomp out Hunger” in indigent and underprivileged communities, as well as from among those who battle debilitating diseases that affect their ability to earn enough to feed themselves. For more information about Joshua’s Heart Foundation, our local events or how to get involved, please contact us at 305.788.8295. You can also send us an email at info@joshuasheart.org and visit our website at www.joshuasheart.org.

About Whole Foods Market®: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 64,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2011, the company had sales of more than $10 billion and currently has more than 315 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Priced at a reasonable $65 per person (excluding bar, tax and gratuity) the menu follows:

Love Shucks – an East Coast seafood tower flavored by sour orange mojo, stinking rose aioli and angry habanero hot sauce

Burnt, Bitter, Bleu salad of bitter greens, burnt almond praline, and crumbles of Point Reyes blue cheese, drizzled with two-timing balsamic dressing

Home Alone TV Dinner – roasted Creekstone Farm prime rib with a side of truffle macaroni and cheese and vegetable succotash

Broken Hearted Napoleon with passion(less) fruit sauce

The dinner will include a complimentary Champagne cocktail. Single seats booked only.

In the main dining room, Edge will also offer its regular a la carte menu as well as a special couples’ menu, meant to be shared and resplendent with aphrodisiac elements.

The shared menu ($75 per person) offers four courses including a complimentary Champagne cocktail.

East Coast Oysters

mojo mignonette and chipotle cocktail sauce

Signature tartares

Corvina tartare with baby cucumber, green apple, celery leaf and yellow pepper beef tartare with pickled mustard seeds and garnishes

scallop tartare with salsa criolla, virgin olive oil and basil

ahi tuna tartare with pickled shallots, watermelon and mint

Surf and Turf

24 oz. Tomahawk steak, whole Maine lobster,

coconut creamed spinach and skillet heirloom potatoes

Raspberry Souffle

white chocolate raspberry ice cream

The Valentine’s Day couples’ prix fixe will be available Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14. The Lonely Hearts Dinner will only be served on February 14.

Diners who make a Valentine’s Day reservation through www.opentable.com will be entered to win a two-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel Miami. To be redeemed at a later date.

Edge, Steak & Bar is located at 1435 Brickell Avenue on the 7th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Miami. Reservations recommended. Telephone: (305) 381-3015; www.edgerestaurantmiami.com.

About Four Seasons Hotel Miami

Open in 2003, Four Seasons Miami is an urban oasis, which combines contemporary luxury with resort-style amenities. Conveniently accessible to the city’s prime attractions, the Hotel offers 182 guest rooms and 39 suites, the city’s premier health club and spa and a two-acre pool terrace where guests can relax with amenities offered by the ever attentive pool staff. The Hotel was accorded the distinction of being the only Florida hotel to rank amongst the top 10 in the prestigious Institutional Investor’s annual survey of the World’s Top 100 Hotels (featured as #8 on the list, and #2 in US). In addition, the Hotel has received the 2011 AAA Five Diamond award and was voted Best Business Hotel in Miami by the readers of Travel and Leisure magazine. For reservations, please call (305) 381-3381 or visit www.fourseasons.com/miami.

Miami Beach’s most romantic Valentine’s Day dining option will be at Alfred Portale’s Gotham Steak.

Those seeking romance and a private dining experience on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 can indulge in a decadent menu which includes choices of Kumamoto Oysters, Foie Gras Bon Bon, Creamy Maine Lobster Risotto and Whole Roasted Dover Sole served poolside in an exclusive candlelit Arkadia Cabana. Elements include fresh flowers and discreet personalized butler service. Private cabana menu prices follow: $500 per couple includes the prix-fixe menu, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut and two tickets to Arkadia nightclub for that evening; $700 per couple includes the prix-fixe menu, a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rosé and two tickets to Arkadia nightclub for that evening. Gotham Steak will also serve their a la carte menu in the dining room. Reservations are limited. Menus options follow:

VALENTINE’S PRIX-FIXE DINNER FOR TWO

*Does not include taxes or service charge

Not combinable with any other offer or promotion

Amuse Bouches

(served as a trio)

Kumamoto Oysters

Lemongrass, Champagne Gelee, Caviar Canapé

Foie Gras “Bon Bon”

Pistachio Crust, Black Truffle Honey

Crispy Maine Lobster and Gruyere Cheese Croquetta

Second Course

(Choice of)

Creamy Maine Lobster Risotto

Tarragon, Mascarpone, White Asparagus, Tomato Confit

Or

Whole Roasted European Dover Sole

Champagne Sauce

Main Course

(Choice of)

Chauteaubriand

Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi, Baby Root Vegetables, Béarnaise Sauce

Or

Whole Roasted Rack of Lamb

Basil Parmesan Crust, Creamy Parmesan Polenta, Cioppoline Onions, Taggiasca Olive Tapenade

Dessert

(To be shared)

Warm Rasberry-Almond Cake

Pistachio Ice Cream, White Chocolate Anglaise

Evoke Italian romance at Scott Conant’s nautical-inspired Scarpetta. The soft lighting of the restaurant’s whimsical dining room provides the perfect backdrop to fall in love. Scarpetta offers its regular a la carte menu full of favorites such as the award-winning Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil, Creamy Polenta with Fricassee of Truffled Mushrooms, and Duck and Foie Gras Ravioli. Seating is also available on the restaurant’s glass enclosed oceanfront balcony with views of the moon over the Atlantic Ocean.

Transport your loved one halfway across the globe for an evening of the most authentic and luscious Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan. The sexy restaurant features intimate alcoves throughout, offering diners an intimate dinner while surrounded by a seductive enclave of rich textures and hues. On Valentine’s Day the restaurant will offer its a la carte menu featuring acclaimed dishes such as Jasmine Tea Smoked Ribs, Crispy Duck Salad, Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin and more.

Ditch the old box of chocolates and give your Valentine some decadence from Solo, Fontainebleau’s in-house patisserie for desserts and treats. The resort’s executive pastry chef Jordi Panisello and his pastry chef artists present edible works of art for Valentine’s Day that are just as beautiful as they are luscious and sweet. Offerings for 2012 offerings include: Raspberry white chocolate Macaron hearts; La Rose Rouge Dark chocolate cake, passion fruit and raspberries, wrapped in a chocolate shaped rose; Chocolate Surprise, Chocolate Heart Box filled with assorted exotic truffle ganache; Box of assorted heart shaped bon bons; Red velvet cup cakes with passion fruit marshmallow center; Valentine Cakes for Two; Cherry and Vanilla Verrine. Curbside parking available for pickups. Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. To place a special order, call 305-674-4740.

Sip on Cupid-themed libations this Valentine’s Day at Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Bleau Bar. Sit back and imbibe as mixologists create ‘Apple of My Eye’, ‘Box of Chocolates’ and ‘Nuts About You’ all destined to add romance to your evening at Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

Just for Valentine’s Day, FB Kids is celebrating the holiday by offering parents the gift of “private time.” Kids ages 4 -12 ($50 per child) are invited to participate in camp activities from 7 – 11 p.m. including dinner. Campers can participate in activities such as decorating a super-size chocolate chip cookie; teddy bear making with heartfelt decorations and watching the movie, Gnomeo & Juliet. Babysitting services are also be available 7 days a week with advance reservation $25 per hour/4 hour minimum.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located at 4441 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach. Valet parking is available for $12 with restaurant validation. For room rates and reservations, please call 800-548-8886. Additional information on Fontainebleau Miami Beach can be found on our website at www.fontainebleau.com.

About Fontainebleau Miami Beach

A revered Miami Beach landmark for more than 50 years set on more than 20 oceanfront acres, Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts 1,504 new guestrooms and suites outfitted with iMacs®; 12 restaurants and lounges, most notably Gotham Steak®, ScarpettaTM and Hakkasan®; two dynamic nightlife venues; the 40,000-square-foot Lapis spa with mineral-rich water therapies and co-ed swimming pools; and a dramatic oceanfront pool-scape. www.fontainebleau.com

Juvia is the beautiful new 10,000 square foot indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge located on the penthouse level of the 1111 Lincoln Road, adjacent to the architecturally-stunning Herzog & de Meuron building on South Beach. Slated to open to the public mid-February 2012, Juvia is owned and operated by celebrated restaurateurs Jonas and Alexandra Millan of Bonito restaurant in St. Barth. The restaurant is inspired by Miami’s cultural diversity and will beautifully blend in which the city’s natural beauty and cool, Deco landscape. The space will feature a vertical garden, designed by internationally acclaimed botanist Patrick Blanc, which will invoke the lushness of the Amazon rainforest. Surrounded by Lincoln Road’s sizzling, cosmopolitan allure and unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and South Beach’s famed Art Deco District, the ambiance will exude understated luxury.

“Juvia will be a destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy an exquisite meal in one of the most coveted settings in South Florida,” says Jonas. “Our goal was to create a restaurant that will tantalize your senses.”

Overseeing the kitchen will be a team of talented chefs: executive chef Laurent Cantineaux, a protégé of celebrated chef Daniel Boulud; executive chef Sunny Oh, who was at the helm of Nobu Restaurant on South Beach for more than a decade; executive sous chef Kaoru Chang, also a Nobu alum and corporate pastry chef Gregory Gourreau, who worked alongside iconic toques Alain Ducasse and Francois Payard. Juvia’s menu – a harmonious blend of the regional cuisines of Asia prepared with classic French techniques and the vibrant flavors and ingredients of South America and Florida – will offer diners an abundant selection of ceviches, tiraditos, fresh seafood and prime meats, served tapas-style.

Opening for lunch and dinner daily, the moderately priced menu will average $25 per person for lunch and $70 per person for dinner. The menu, much like the restaurant’s design, will embrace the gorgeous bounty of nature, with the finest ingredients sourced locally and globally.

Juvia will offer a selection of delightfully light crudos, which are sure to become favorites, such as hamachi espuma made with Japanese yellowtail, yuzu kosho espuma – a spicy Japanese sauce – and micro cilantro; salmon nashi with truffle oil, truffle salt, dry miso and micro arugula and tempting causa croquet with tuna, Peruvian potato, ají amarillo, red onion topped with micro cilantro.

A Cold Bar will offer sumptuous raw bar items such as oysters; king crab legs; Maine lobster; and stone crabs, all accompanied by tasty dipping sauces including caramelized onion soy; creamy ají amarillo; wasabi cocktail and mustard oil dressing.

Standout appetizers range from cold smoked scallop with Bloody Mary espuma, crispy pancetta and itokezuri to toro with kombu infused soy, pickled red onion and osetra caviar. Crisp salads encompass a beautiful Hawaiian heart of palm with mango, green papaya and cucumber tossed with poke dressing and Magret duck salad with shaved Portobello and dressed with mustard balsamic vinaigrette. Composed mainplates on offer will include a flavorful chicken vadouvan – breast and thigh meat seasoned with an Indian-style spice blend from France, cippolini onions, porcini mushrooms and baby spinach; milk-fed pork confit, served with sour cabbage; and Chilean sea bass with maple glazed eggplant, burnt heart of palm and micro Thai basil.

Infused with the smoky flavor of charcoal, items hot off Juvia’s grill will feature meat and fish specialties including tender bone-in rib eye; marinated short rib; New York strip steak; and Hawaiian blue prawns with sugarcane, tostones, frisee, yuzu vinegar, mustard seed and aji panko.

House-made sauces, served a la carte and designed to complement any main dish, will include béarnaise; caramelized sesame soy; red shiso salsa; bordelaise, aji panko demi glaze; and signature yuzu hollandaise.

Rounding out the menu is a list of sides including Jasmine rice; quinoa couscous; roasted pumpkin; sautéed spinach; and Brussels sprouts; market mushrooms; baby vegetable cassolette; as well as candied sweet potatoes and French fries.

To bring a close to the Juvia experience, pastry chef Gregory Gourreau has created a menu of stellar house made desserts to delight any palate. Stand-outs include a refreshing lychee fruit soup with tapioca and raspberry sorbet, an apple tarte tatin served with almond ice cream, a chocolate peanut candy bar with coconut lime sorbet or a luscious warm hazelnut ravioli with a citrus consommé and pomegranate sorbet.

Named after the indigenous Brazilian nut tree that nourished a culture, Juvia will be accessed via an entrance on Lincoln Road with an over-sized door leading to the restaurant’s private elevators. Atop the splendid building, nine stories above the city, a unique trackless retractable roof will act as an umbrella and make dining on Juvia’s terrace a year-round experience. Tabletops of limestone and a communal table of petrified wood will be accented by organic, hand-woven chairs.

Just steps away, awash in soft creams, greys and taupes, accented by hues of gold and deep purple with contrasting natural wood flooring is Juvia’s indoor dining room. Boasting an open-kitchen commanding attention with its top of the line equipment lacquered in purple, the room offers gorgeous panoramic views of Miami’s Upper Eastside and the Biscayne Bay as well as a subtly back-lit amethyst gemstone topped bar.

Slated to open mid-February 2012, Juvia will be located at 1111 Lincoln Road and will be accessed via an entrance on the corner of Lincoln Road and Lenox Avenue, where private elevators will transport guests to the penthouse level. The restaurant will offer lunch service Monday through Friday from noon to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from noon to

6 p.m. Dinner will be served nightly from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. A limited menu and cocktails will be served on weekdays between lunch and dinner service. Valet will be priced at $20, ample municipal and metered parking will also be available. Telephone: (305) 763-8272

Website: www.juviamiami.com
Twitter: @JuviaMiami

The sleek black bar is shaped to turn strangers into intriguing friends, and is the locale for one of Miami’s premier cocktail happy hours (Fridays 5-8pm). The hand-made cocktails ($7 HH/$14) are exotic combinations of hard liquor and seasonal ingredients. Two of my favorites are the cooling Cucumber Southside, which muddles Hendricks gin, cucumber, mint, lime and cane syrup and the Jordi, a blend of ketel one orange vodka, papaya, kiwi, citrus and Caribbean velvet falernum.

Another happy hour must have is the fresh ceviche ($9 HH/MP), made with the catch of the day. This daily special is an innovative blend of seasonal seafood with global ingredients, two recent examples; yellow jack with papaya, jalapeno, scallions, pickled red onions, cilantro, lime, sweet chili aji sauce; cobia, sweet potato aji sauce, apple red onion salad, pickled star fruit, paper wonton strings and pistachio.

A gourmet bread platter, wasabi peas, cayenne-spiked large Peruvian corn and mixed nuts are offered for all the dinning guests. For the starter, Chef Sean Brasel’s saintly tuna tartare ($18) with ginger soy avocado and mango mole is on my shortlist of best in the city. The tartare is a bright melody of plump pieces of gently marinated Ahi nested in between finely diced mango and ripened avocado. The House salad ($9) will please any lady whether calorie restricted from a tight-fitting dress or not. The mildly sweet red wine vinaigrette lightly dresses cold, crisp greens, crunchy candied walnuts and creamy nuggets of goat cheese.

If the word diet doesn’t exist in your vocabulary, the wood-grilled kobe meatloaf wrapped in bacon ($24) is solace on a plate. A liberal portion of succulent meat bathing in its juices is enhanced with the essences of the smoky wood, mango barbecue sauce and earthy truffle, all complimented with crispy onions and truffle mash.

The sea bass with feathery edamame mash ($35) is immersed in a perfectly orchestrated broth of wild mushrooms, sweet corn, tomato concasse and truffle sage ,and is the essential choice for any seafood lover. For the pure carnivore, selections include half or full portions of an exquisite variety of steaks and reserve cuts. Seared medallions of foie gras (a la rossini) can be added, along with a decadent sauce; Jack Daniels pasilla garlic, peppercorn cognac or lobsters butter are a few options.

The twenty-one side dishes ($9) are entirely worthy of the stella main plates. Standouts include the robust truffle creamed corn, gouda tarter-tots, and the melt-in-your-mouth sweet potato fries with honey creme fraiche. The wine list is elaborate–with hundreds of wines that are sturdy enough to stand up to these broad-shouldered steaks.

For the finale, silky pistachio creme brulee and South Florida’s famed key lime pie are the apogee of these classic desserts. A lighter, yet laudable option would be the fresh fruit sorbets of lychee, passion fruit and raspberry (flavors vary). This playful burst of velvety fruit dissolves merrily on the palate, just as it would in an Italian Gelateria.

Meat Market Miami is not only a glamorous meeting ground for hipster epicureans, it consistently delivers excellence from svelte professional staff to the distinguished palate of the meat aficionado or the seafood connoisseur, all imbued in a chic minimalistic atmosphere.

Meat Market Miami
915 Lincoln Rd
Miami Beach, FL

The Promiscuous Foodie by Leilani Toivanen

Romantics can begin with salads like the Octopus Braised with Balsamic and served with endive and artichoke caprese ($12) or nuzzle over authentic antipasti including Tavolozza del Pittore Piccola – a choice of three from speck, cacciatorini, mortadella, bresaola, piedmont trugole, cabra al vion or grana padano ($16). Signature pizzas include the Dolce e Picante – a harmony of sweet and spicy with fig, gorgonzola, honey and hot pepper ($14) or the Carbonara – with bacon, eggs, mozzarella and asparagus ($14). Primi and Secondi options are bountiful including Paccheri Tartufati – pacchieri pasta with spinach, parmesan and a hint of truffle ($15) or the Fiery Flambé Prawns – with brandy and served with soft polenta ($24). A live jazz duo, vast selection of wines and cocktails, roses for the ladies and Joey’s intimate indoor and patio setting, make this Wynwood destination the perfect place for Valentine’s Day.

Joey’s Italian Café is located at 2506 N.W. 2nd Avenue, in Wynwood. Valet parking is available. For more information and reservations call (305) 438-0488 or visit www.joeyswynwood.com.

Guests can choose to start off the evening with a special signature Valentine’s Day cocktail, “Love Potion #9.” Then, peruse a selection of blackboard specials and order one of each course to create a prix fixe menu or enjoy any of the options a la carte. Flavorful first course dishes are Cauliflower Panna Cotta – with American paddlefish caviar, and almond relish ($16) or Sweet Potato Risotto – with rock shrimp vinaigrette ($16). Second course main plates include: Meyer Lemon Steamed Black Bass – with confit carrot, and garlic butter emulsion ($34) or 14 oz. Ribeye Delmonico – with truffle hollandaise and roasted garlic ($42). Side dish specials on offer are Crispy Artichokes – with feta cheese and preserved lemon ($11) or Fingerling Potato and Cauliflower Gratin – with truffle bread crumbs ($11). To top off the evening, couples can indulge in decadent desserts including Red Velvet Cake – with cream cheese icing and pistachio ice cream ($10) or Milk Chocolate Truffle Tart – with raspberry and Chambord compote.

BLT Steak at The Betsy is located at 1440 Ocean Drive. For reservations or more information please call (305) 673-0044 or visit www.thebetsyhotel.com.

I got a complete day of food: breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks. It all came in an insulated bag that assured that the food was kept fresh.

Egg White Omelet with Veggies, Sprouted Grain Bread – Calories 376, protein 30, carbs 35

I have always shunned egg whites alone. The yolk is the best part, right? I was hesitant when I saw this fluffy, snow-white omelet with no hint of yellow and was seriously wondering about the taste. One bite and I was in egg-white heaven. The omelet by itself was very tasty and spongy and excellent when eaten together with the veggies. I liked the sprouted grain bread also. I had it with the jam (provided) and it was delicious.

Pork Medallions with Mushroom Gravy, Celeriac Mash – Calories 371, protein 34, carbs 29

For lunch I had the pork. It was really good and quite moist and tender, the mushroom gravy adding an earthiness to the dish. This was the first time I had celeriac mash and it won’t be the last for sure.

Yogurt Parfait with berries, almonds and banana muffin – Calories 399, proteins 15, carbs 46

This I had for dessert for lunch and it was yummy. The yogurt and the berries were nice and sweet. I was not so sure about the banana muffin, it was a little on the dry side but it did taste good.

Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap – Calories 419, Protein 32

The chicken wrap was awesome and full of flavor and really hit the spot. I had it for a snack before dinner.

Thai Chili Tilapia with Cashew Snap Peas & Brown Rice – Calories 390, Protein 33, Carbs 47

Tilapia is a fish that I consider very bland, almost like eating solid water. I daresay that this was the best tilapia I have had in a while. It almost tasted like the ocean even though it is a fresh water fish. The snap peas were crunchy and alive and the portion of brown rice was perfect for mopping up the juices from the tilapia.

All in all the meals from DeliverLean were very good and satisfying. The portion sizes were exactly right: not too much, not too little. The flavor was also very good, hard to imagine that low-calorie food could taste so amazing. To be honest, this is more than I would usually eat in a day as I do not have the time to prepare so many different meals. I was more than satisfied by the end of the day and never felt hungry nor over-full. I even gave my older daughter a bite of each dish and she liked them all.

DeliverLean is a new meal delivery service that offers healthy meals hand-delivered to homes or offices. The company was established in September 2011 by foodies who believe that healthy meals do not have to equal tasteless and boring food. DeliverLean’s meals are packed with lean proteins, fresh vegetables and carbs that are full of nutrients and vitamins. It is affordable too, offering a variety of meal plans and prices according to customer needs.

It is about time that someone realized that health is not an option but a priority and it all starts with what we put in our mouths. DeliverLean makes it easier to attain a healthier lifestyle in a delicious and simple way.

DeliverLean

888-730-LEAN (5326) | info@DeliverLean.com

By Contributor Writer Brenda Benoit