New Times Iron Fork Miami Spice Kick Off Event

For the last decade, Miami New Times' blockbuster Iron Fork has drawn thousands to downtown Miami to enjoy some of the most interesting and exotic cuisine ever sampled in these parts. For the last three years, we have partnered with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Miami) to kick off Miami Spice, two months of restaurant discounts that are a local sensation. The event, presented by the Miami Downtown Development Authority, was selected as one of the top 100 events in South Florida in 2015 by Biz Bash. This year, on July 28, thousands of diners and food lovers from across Greater Miami will gather at AmericanAirlines Arena — the area's biggest and most prominent venue — to watch two of our city's finest chefs go pot-to-pot in a sizzling showdown for supremacy. Also once again this year, one of the area's most celebrated chefs and a member of the famed "Mango Gang," Allen Susser, will oversee the competition. The winner will receive the prestigious Iron Fork Award, signifying the area's top toque. Some of the past winners of Iron Fork include chefs Todd Erickson, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Daniel Serfer and Timon Balloo. In 2016, Iron Fork's charity partner, Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need every day. This campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. It also engages the public to make ending childhood hunger a national priority. Iron Fork will allow visitors to sample goods from more than 70 restaurants. After they've had their fill, diners can participate in a silent auction with a plethora of items including everything from restaurant certificates to culinary experiences to exciting getaways! One hundred percent of all money raised in the auction will go to the No Kid Hungry Campaign. Leftover food from participating restaurants will benefit Feeding South Florida. Its mission is to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts, and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. Miami Spice is a mouthwatering restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. During August and September, restaurants offer three-course meals (lunch and dinner) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. It's a tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami an epicurean paradise. Tickets & info: bit.ly/ironfork2016. Follow us @MiamiNewTimes with #IronForkMIA.