Veritage Miami - Fine Wine Tasting At Village of Merrick Park

Veritage Miami, formerly known as the United Way Wine and Food Festival, hit Miami by storm this past April 17-21. In it's 18th year, it brought together food, wine and spirit lovers from all across South Florida through a series of notable events. Aside from being fun and a great opportunity to spend some time with renowned chefs and sommeliers, Veritage Miami benefits the United Way of Miami-Dade, supporting programs for our very own residents.

This year's events included a Craft Beer Tasting at Wynwood Walls on Wednesday, April 17th, showcasing the best brews and food from around the world and a Fine Wine Tasting at Village of Merrick Park on Thursday, April 18th, where wine lovers (like myself) got to sample a variety of incredible wines and tasty treats from excellent restaurants. Friday, April 19th, marked their signature Interactive Dinner with famed Chef Daniel Boulud at the J.W. Marriott Marquis and everyone headed over to the Orion Center on Saturday, April 20th, for the Auction and Wine Dinner with Michelin-star chef Davide Brovelli of Italy.

Chefs Ingrid Hoffman and Norman Van Aken

I attended the Fine Wine Tasting on Thursday, and indulged on delicious Shrimp & Grits especially prepared by Chef Aaron Brooks from EDGE Steak & Bar at The Four Seasons. There was Ceviche from the Miami Culinary Institute, a spectacular Jambalaya that made me come back again and again, and signature oysters shucked by Chef Kareem Anguin from The Oceanaire on Brickell. Chefs Norman Van Aken, Ingrid Hoffman and Allen Susser signed copies of their books for fans and I even got some great hair tips from Ingrid Hoffman herself. (It was a hot day in Miami) The wine flowed, the ambiance was lively and the music was entertaining. But don't just take my word for it. Take a look at the pictures from the Fine Wine Tasting of Veritage Miami 2013.

This is where the fun started

This Jambalaya made me think I was back in NOLA

Interesting wine..would love my face on one of these bottles

Diet who?

Sweets sweets and more sweets

Where should we go next?

Aspiring chefs from the Miami Culinary Institute

Missed my picture moment

Hard at work on taste bud ticklers 

This Short Rib Cupcake had the crowd going wild

Yo quiero tacos...you get it

Toro Toro's treat was yummylicious. 

All smiles from Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Sprinkle Designs

Your wish is my command

The place was packed

I'll take one of each please... Misha's Cupcakes

Guess who!