VeritageMiami (formerly United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival) brings together a who’s who of more than 3,000 wine, beer, spirits and food lovers from all across South Florida along with top sommeliers, notable chefs, prestigious wineries, winemakers and breweries and an impressive lineup of auction lots all to benefit the South Florida community. VeritageMiami benefits United Way of Miami-Dade, supporting programs in our community that are focused on improving the education, financial stability and health of our residents. VeritageMiami is part of Veritage, a series of celebrations of wine, food and philanthropy.

Veritage is a combination of the Roman word veritas, meaning truth and the word heritage, meaning tradition. The 2014 VeritageMiami, presented by City National Bank, was a successful celebration of wine, beer, food and philanthropy benefiting the United Way of Miami-Dade. The events series included a Craft Beer Tasting, Fine Wine Tasting, an Interactive Dinner and an Auction & Wine Dinner at Marlins Park.

This year, the Wynwood Walls played host to the Craft Beer Tasting on April 9th. We had the opportunity to sample from over 50 different breweries their thirst quenching libations. Abita Brewery from Abita Springs, Louisiana offered samples of their Purple Haze, Golden and seasonal Strawberry Harvest lagers. The Golden Lager was definitely a hit with the people of Wynwood. Our other favorite out of town Brewery was Adelbert's Brewery from Austin, Texas. Samples of the Naked Nun ale were flying as people loved the aroma of citrus, clove and apple.

Chef Rocco Carulli of R House Wynwood was proudly serving up Tuna Avocado Tartare with sweet chili sauce and wasabi cream, making them the People's Choice winner of the night. Rightfully so. The fusion Asian flavors were amazingly featured in this delicious dish. Wynwood Kitchen and Bar was not too far behind with their Skirt Steak Skewers and Ropa Vieja Empanadas. Guests were crowding both tables, we just couldn't get enough. Guests also lined up for Oak Tavern Chef David Bracha's Oysters Rockefeller which paired perfectly with the pale ales from Adelbert's Brewery.

The next event was held in the Village of Merrick Park in the heart of Coral Gables. This event showcased over 300 wines and 30 restaurants. We had a chance to speak to wine sommeliers, distributors and vendors to learn more about each delicious wine.

Uvaggio Wine Bar took home the People's Choice award at the Fine Wine Tasting with its delectable Pork Rillette Terrine. This combination of sweet and spicy pickled vegetables, dill seed, garlic confit grain mustard and jalapeño jam on a toasted baguette was orgasmic. Bodega Norton served delicious red wines from Chile and Argentina including our personal favorite, Privada. The deep flavor of the Malbec was perfectly paired with Uvaggio's Pork Rilette.

Digest Miami also participated in serving a very popular sparkling rose courtesy of SEXY Wines from Portugal. Women (and men!) loved this newly introduced bubbling sensation with its hot pink and gold packaging.

 

Our festivities ended with the spectacular Interactive Dinner and Auction held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Miami. Hundreds of guests teamed up to prepare a decadent five-course dinner with the help of Miami's leading chefs and Johnson & Wales Culinary students. Cooking stations were placed in between each table equipped with ingredients, utensils, and recipes.

 

 

Betty Cortina of INDULGE magazine guided the evening and introduced each chef including Todd Erickson of Haven, Jose Mendin of Pubbelly Group, Albert Cabrera of Bread & Butter, Cesar Zapata of The Federal, and Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House.

Chefs announced their course to the packed room and instructed guests on each step of the preparation. Todd Erickson curated the first course with Warm Artichoke and Mushroom Salad.  We were seated with Intercontental's executive team including Arminio Rivero, Director of Operations, whom took the lead on our table's first course!

The second course, Duck & Pumpkin Dumplings was presented by Jose Mendin. Ana Maria Rego, Intercontinental's Director of Meetings and Event Services, beautifully executed this course with a block of butter!

Throughout the evening, guests were given an opportunity to bid on specialty culinary items and more.

Intercontinental's General Manager, Robert Hill, played many roles in our dinner including waiter, sommelier, and chef. He stepped in for the third course following Bread + Butter Albert Cabrera's instructions for Arroz con Mariscos.

The fourth course introduced by Cesar Zapata of The Federal, a generous cut of steak prepared with cheese grits and brown butter radish. Danny Estevez, Director of Food & Beverage, perfectly executed this delicious course.

Our dinner ended with Christine Corson, Intercontiental's Marketing Communications Manager, preparing an outrageously delicious Maduros 'Foster' with Guava ice cream and Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum as curated by Girogio Rapicavoli of Eating House.

VeritageMiami concluded with an Auction & Wine dinner held on the diamond at Marlins Park with a wonderful performance by Kristin Chenoweth. Although we were unable to attend this final event, we thank all of the sponsors and guests including City National Bank, the Intercontinental Hotel Group, Johnson & Wales University, Gold Coast Beverage and many more for joining last week's celebrations in support of United Way of Miami-Dade!