Snail of Approval Draws Tom Colicchio and More to Farm-to-Table Food Fest

The 5th Annual Slow Food Miami “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party attracted not only more than 300 foodies, but some of South Florida’s best chefs for the farm-to-table food fair.

Hosted by world-renowned chef, restaurateur and TV personality Tom Colicchio, and included a guest appearance by Lee Schrager, founder of the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The event celebrated Miami restaurants and chefs dedicated to serving sustainable food at their dining establishments. That means organic, local and renewable items whenever possible.

The party, which had tables with farm-to-table bites from several local restaurants. The 2015- 2016 winners who were honored were Alter; Apeiro Kitchen & Bar; Beachcraft; Beaker & Gray; Cacao Art Chocolates; Della Test Kitchen; Dirt; Essensia Restaurant + Lounge; Grown, Johnson & Wales North Miami Campus, Kelvin Slush Company; Per’La Specialty Roasters; Pinch Kitchen; Plant Food + Wine; Redlander; Serendipity Creamery; 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach; The Salty Donut; Trust & Co.; and Vesta Foods.

In addition to the winners, other participants giving out delicious bites includes Basil Park; Blackbrick; Books & Books; GREY GOOSE; jugofresh; The Lido Bayside Grill; Lulo House; Miami Brewing Co.; Miami Smokers; Swank Specialty Produce; Titanic  Brewing and Vagabond. Featured farmers and foragers included: Paradise Farms; Bee Heaven; Teena’s Pride and Nana’s Green CSA; Little River Cooperative; Verde Community Garden; Harpke Family Farm; Swank Specialty Produce; French Farms; Ready to Grow Gardens; Local Roots; LNB Groves; Mr. Green Dean; Seasons Farm Fresh; and Once Upon a Carrot.

Snail of Approval took place on the terrace of 1 Hotel South Beach and in addition to food, had plenty of adult beverages including cocktails by GREY GOOSE Vodka, specialty wines provided by Vinecraft and craft beer from Miami Brewing Co. and Titanic Brewery and other breweries.

The event raised money for Slow Food Miami, the local 100% volunteer non-profit dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children,” translating to funds for 25 new edible gardens throughout the community.

This year, guests awarded Chef Brad Kilgore of Alter the evening’s “People’s Choice” Award for his Rabbit Confit with smoked oyster sabayon and crisped purple carrots. The evening also featured a “Judges’ Choice” Award presented by Schrager, awarded to Dean Richardson of Mr. Green Dean for his Sorrel Soup and sorrel pesto on baguette.

photo credit Ra-Haus Photography