Mark Your Culinary Calendar

The 18th annual Bali Ha’i Party - presented by Grove Village On Grand and Whole Foods Market - will take place Sunday, April 1, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. South Florida’s favorite garden party/food & wine fundraiser is held at The Kampong, an exotic botanical oasis in Coconut Grove that offers the perfect setting for the event, which features exquisite wines, champagnes and exotic libations along with tempting culinary samplings from 30 top South Florida restaurants. In addition, a cornucopia of luxurious auction items will be available for bidding by event participants. And for 2012, event producers are thrilled to announce Stephanie Sayfie-Aagaard, social writer for The Miami Herald’s Steph Sez column will be guest emcee.

The event, a collaborative effort between The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and the South Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Wine & Food, along with many influential sponsors, raises funds to maintain and expand The Kampong’s tropical botanical collection, providing a living classroom and laboratory for visiting scientists, students, and garden visitors. Bali Ha’i also raises funds to further the goals of the American Institute of Wine & Food, providing educational and nutrition-based programs (Days of Taste) and scholarships to some of the finest culinary institutes in South Florida. Regarded as one of the most important food and wine events on the Miami social calendar, Bali Ha’i at The Kampong has sold out each of its seventeen years with over 500 upscale gourmets in attendance.

New at Bali Ha’i 2012 – Say “Aloha” with this year’s “Hawaiian Style” event theme! The live musical sounds of the islands serve as the background for experiencing the sights, sounds and pleasures of Hawaii. Authentic crafts and lei making along with special tropical libations will complement the lush gardens of The Kampong.

VIP entrance includes a special hula performance and Hawaiian inspired choices from two of our outstanding chefs, last year’s “People’s Choice” award winners Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach and River Seafood & Oyster Bar. Joining them will be The Dutch at W South Beach and, in true Lu’au style – two caja chinas roasting pigs, prepared by Chef Gio – El Rey de la Paella. This exclusive preview to the main event provides champagne views across the Bay to Key Biscayne at the Lu`au Party at the Point. Limited to fifty guests, the all-new VIP Platinum entrance includes the main event, Lu`au Party at the Point, and the Tiki Lounge Party at the Point at 8 p.m. featuring J&G Grill – St Regis Bal Harbour and beverages provided by Republic National. VIP guests are hosted by Event Co-Chair Tina Carlo, Dan Carlo, and Tara and Steve McNamara.

Restaurant/culinary participants announced to date include: 1500° at The Eden Roc, 3030 Ocean, Altamare, Azul at The Mandarin Oriental, Christy’s Restaurant, The Dutch at W South Beach, El Carajo, J&G Grill – St Regis Bal Harbour, Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Florida International University, Gaby’s Farm, Ian’s Tropical Grill, Jaguar, La Cofradia, Nobu, Mango Café, Ortanique on the Mile, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, River Seafood & Oyster Bar, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge, El Ray de la Paella, SHAKE SHACK, Panorama – Sonesta Bayfront Hotel, Le Cordon Bleu Techniques Restaurant, Essensia at The Palms Hotel, Paulina’s Pops, Nutreat, Aspire Catering & Events, Susie’s Scrumptious Sweets, Chef George Catering, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar and Whole Foods - Coral Gables.

This lineup includes acclaimed chef’s Paula DaSilva, Dean Max, David Bracha, Joel Huff, Andrew Carmellini, Miguel Aguilar, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Julie Frans, Jian Heng Loo, Nicola & Fabrizio Carro, Thomas Buckley, Marcus Polycarpe and Cindy Hutson, just to name a few.

Wine/libations and beverages offered by the following: Preview Party Champagne “Tattinger” sponsored by Republic National; event wine retailer El Carajo Wine Shop; featured wine maker Greg Graziano – Graziano Family of Wines; Water by Re:newel water. Main event beverage suppliers include Brown Distributing Company, International Wine Imports, Premier, Republic National, United Fine Wines, Vinamericas, Vine Connections and KAI SHOCHU, Young Coconut & Lemongrass Ginger Vodka’s, distributed by Opici. Main event showcases wine, beer, vodka, rum and sake.

Guests can make an added difference in the fundraising efforts by purchasing a VIP Parking Space! Three very special parking spaces are being offered with easy access to The Kampong for $500 per space. You’ll be transported by golf cart to the event and taken by golf cart to your car when you are ready to depart. (Call: 305.442.7169)

Bali Ha’i is pleased to announce our 2012 sponsors: Presenting Sponsors – Grove Village on Grand and Whole Foods Markets. Additional sponsors include – Espirito Santo Bank, Republic National Distributing Company, UAIC, Re:newal Water, Express Travel, Brustman & Carrino Public Relations, SouthFloridaGourmet.com, Harvey Bilt Photography and Mesmerize Design Creative.

Bali Ha’i, Miami’s treasured garden party wine and food event, ticket pricing: VIP tickets are $250.00 per person and include VIP Lu`au Party at the Point from 4 to 5 p.m. and the Main Event from 5 to 8 p.m. VIP Platinum Tickets for $300.00 include the Main Event and Lu`au Party at the Point plus the Tiki Lounge Party at the Point at 8 p.m. Main Event tickets, $150.00 per person ($175.00 per person the day of the event), include main event from 5 to 8 p.m. Bali Ha’i organizers believe there is no other event like this in Miami where you can sample such amazing food, drink wonderful wines and beverages, enjoy the splendid garden and bid on a remarkable array of auction items. VIP ticket sales - limited to 250 guests - and VIP Platinum ticket sales - limited to 50 guests - are not available the day of the event. 70% of the cost of tickets is a tax deductible contribution. Complimentary parking with shuttle service for event guests will be provided at Plymouth Congregational Church, 3400 Devon Road, Coconut Grove. Bali Ha’i is an all-weather outdoor event. Should inclement weather be in the forecast all Bali Ha'i venues will be under tent. For more information, please visit our event web site – www.balihaiparty.com