Get a taste of Miami Spice on Thursday, July 28, 2016

The 15th annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program presented by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is continuing its partnership with Miami New Times’ Iron Fork, to host the Official Miami Spice Kickoff Event on Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 200 of Miami’s top restaurants participate in the annual Miami Spice program – which officially begins on Monday, August 1st  and runs through Friday, September 30th – giving diners the opportunity to check out many of the city’s top dining destinations at wallet-friendly prices.

Iron Fork, in its ninth year, takes place at an exciting new venue this year, American Airlines Arena located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami. Dining enthusiasts will enjoy bites from some of the finest restaurants featured during the Miami Spice program, as well as dozens of other top local eateries.

Named one of the “Top 10 Culinary Events in Miami/South Florida” by BIZ BASH the Miami Spice Kickoff/Iron Fork event returns this year with culinary creations from more than 50 participating restaurants and libations from this year’s Miami Spice sponsors – Diageo, Terrazas de los Andes, Stella Artois, and FIJI.

In addition, Miami New Times has once again partnered with the charitable organization Share

Our Strength to support Cooking Matters, a program of Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign.

Guests can participate in an interactive donation experience during the event to support the cause.

It wouldn’t be Iron Fork without culinary competitions and this year there will be a fierce fight to the finish between Miami’s hottest talents. Hosted by celebrated chef Allen Susser, the ninth “Fork Off Competition” will feature two talented tag teams – the “Wonder Twins” — chefs Fabrizio and Nicola Carro of Via Verdi Restaurant — and the “Dynamic Duo” — meat masters Dustin Ward of BLT Prime and Sean Brasel of Meat Market, vying against each other in a Chopped – style competition for bragging rights. Also that evening, chefs from select Miami Spice restaurants will be timed to see who can shuck a dozen oysters the fastest. The competitors include chefs Midtown Oyster Bar, Lure Fishbar, and JWD Prime Steak & Seafood. It all takes place on the Monark Kitchen Stage by Amazon Pepper.  Important information follows:

Who: Miami New Times Iron Fork/Miami Spice Kickoff Event

Where: American Airlines Arena

601 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami

When: Thursday, July 28, 2016

VIP 6PM to 10PM

GA 7PM to 10PM

Price:      VIP - $95 July 1 – July 27; $110 at the door

GA - $55 July 1 – July 27; $70 at the door

The epicurean event kicks off at 6PM for VIP ticketholders, and at 7PM for General Admission attendees. Iron Fork brings together thousands of young professionals, local businesses, and foodies for an evening of gourmet food selections, tasty libations, and live entertainment.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: NewTimesIronFork.com
For more information on the Miami Spice Restaurant Program please visit: iLoveMiamiSpice.com

Miami Spice

Miami Spice is part of the Miami Temptations programs developed by the GMCVB to allow all to enjoy the best that Miami and The Beaches has to offer throughout the year at attractive prices. Miami Spice is part of the successful playbook including Miami Cruise Month, Miami Romance Month, Shop Miami Month, Miami Sports and Wellness Month, Miami Museum Month, Miami Film Month, Miami Spa Month, Miami Attractions Month, Miami Live Month and Miami Heritage Month.  For more information on the Miami Temptations programs please visit www.MiamiTemptations.com.

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiandBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com. To get further engaged with Miami and the Beaches, join the conversation by following us on our social media channels at Facebook.com/visitmiami, Twitter.com/miamiandbeaches, Instagram.com/miamiandbeaches and Pinterest.com/miamiandbeaches.