For the first time ever, the American Liver Foundation’s “Flavors of Miami,” which made for a tasty Tuesday evening at the dazzling Loews Miami Beach Hotel, brought together Miami’s best chefs, artists and A-listers to eat and indulge for a cause. Originally started in 1991 by James Beard Award-winning chef, Christopher Gross, in Phoenix — and quickly followed suit by more than 20 cities across the nation — this famous installment was the first of its kind in South Florida.
Kicking off the night with a stylish cocktail party and silent auction, which featured none other than famous Miami pop-artist, Romero Britto, this one-of-a-kind gala set the bar high from the start. With all ticket sales and proceeds benefitting the American Liver Foundation, this special night gave 180 attendees the unique chance to experience an intimate and interactive 5-course pairing dinner, all prepared right in front of them by a top-choice chef. And speaking of chefs, this gala featured 14 coveted culinary masterminds from the Magic City — including Honorary Chef Scott Linquist, of Coyo Taco; Rod Chitikov, of Devon Seafood + Steak; Benjamin Goldman, of Modern Garden and David Rustarazo, of KLIMA , to name a few — practically guaranteeing a luxe evening of delectable delights that certainly did not disappoint.
But as delicious as this past Tuesday was, at the core of its celebrations were the touching lives that inspired them: American Liver Foundation’s new CEO, Thomas Nealon, who personally raised $1.5 million in support of liver disease research, and 12-year-old Zachary Rue, who currently suffers from Biliary Atresia, a life-threatening liver condition. Raising $150,000 on Tuesday night alone, the Flavors of Miami gala gave people like Zachary a platform to highlight the true struggle of life with liver disease; and supported the American Liver Foundation’s continued efforts to help improve the lives of more than 30 million victims still suffering in the U.S. today.
For more information about the American Liver Foundation, or to find out how you can help, please click here.
