Deering Seafood Festival
The Deering Estate Foundation's
8th annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay
Sunday, March 25, 2012
10 am to 6 pm
Escape to the 8th annual Deering Seafood Festival for an island celebration and savor Florida’s freshest fish and seafood prepared in an infinite number of delectable dishes. What keeps people returning to the festival each year, and others eager to attend for the first time, is the wholesome family experience that is created on the biggest backyard on the bay at the historic Deering Estate at Cutler.
The bar has been set high for this year’s event on Sunday, March 25. After being selected one of the Top 100 Events in 2011 (placing #7 in the food category) and chosen one of Florida’s Top Ten Food Festivals in 2010 by BizBash Media, the staff and volunteers at the Deering Estate Foundation have been working overtime to keep the festival unique.
“We’re really proud of the reputation that we have createdand believe that quality of food served combined with on-going live entertainment, are the key to our success,” said Eric Haas Festival Chair. “To keep everyone happy, we have extended the hours and are opening the gate at 10am this year.”
At the entrance, guests are greeted by the sounds of steel drums and the towering Virgin Island stilt walkers. Once inside the gate there are activities for every age. To fully experience the Deering Seafood Festival, plan to spend the day. There are pontoon boat rides aboard the Pelican Skipper to Chicken Key, an Artists’ Village featuring paintings, photography, crafts and jewelry by local artists, nature hikes and historic house tours. On the main stage,the entertainment lineup includes the Pan Paradise Steel Band and Caribbean Crew, each performing their reggae/calypso sound, followed by Mr. Nice Guy. Adding to the island theme are the ever-popular, free-spirited Bahamian Junkanoo musicians who playfully dance throughout the crowd.
Local celebrity chefs Giorgio Rapicavoli, Miami’s first winner of the TV Food Network’sshow Chopped (Eating House), Simon Stowjanovic (Altamare) and Kareem Anguin (Oceanaire Seafood Room) prepare their specialties at cooking demonstrations under the big top tent, presented by Whole Foods Market Coral Gables. During the food samplings, recipes are shared while the chef’s hold an informal Q and A. This year Andreas Zafiris, winner of Johnson & Wales University’s Seafood Competition recreates his award-winning recipe at the festival. Throughout the day, fellow culinary students assist the chefs in food preparation. Also, a sommelier from Crown Wine & Spirits discusses wine pairings and offers tastings following each cooking demonstration.
A one-day only seafood emporium is created bringing together restaurants and caterers such as Golden Rule Seafood Market, Whole Foods Market, Eating House, Black Point Ocean Grill, Imlee Indian Bistro, Shibui Japanese Restaurant, Iggy’s Street Wok, Rodbender’s and Paella Party who prepare shrimp, lobster, oysters, conch, fish and crab in a variety of ways. For land lovers, Sports Grill is on hand with their famous wings and burgers.
In the Lil’Shrimp Kids Zone, the Deering Estate’s Educational and Interpretive Staff, have created a hands-on adventure called the Deering Discovery Cove, where this year kids explore the Five Oceans of the World. The Kids Zone also offers unlimited fun on inflatables, and serves kid-friendly food.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE OVERFLOW PARKING WITH FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Rd.
Westminister Christian School, 6855 SW 152 St.
OR
Ride your bike and enjoy the FREE BIKE VALET SERVICE at the Main Gate courtesy of Green Mobility Network!
Cost: $15 for adults in advance online OR $25 at the gate
$5 for children ages 4-14; Children under 4 are FREE.
Admission includes park entrance and all activities excluding, food, drink, pontoon boat rides and rock climbing.
Deering Estate Foundation Members get FREE ADMISSION!
Not a member? Join today! 305-235-1668 ext. 263
Monies raised from the Festival benefit the Deering Estate Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To request a package or to receive more information, please email Mary Pettit at pettitmary@bellsouth.net or call 305-235-1668 ext. 266.
HOST HOTEL
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida
Phone: 305-644-4680
Reservations: 800-241-3333
For special rates:
Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Deering Reservation Page
Activities Sponsors
General Sponsors