Contemporary art goes live at the inaugural Wynwood Art Fair, Oct. 21-23, taking over N.W. Sixth Ave. between 23rd and 29th Streets. Internationally acclaimed artists, from all over the world and working in a variety of mediums, aim to create spontaneous works as they invite fairgoers to become a part of the creative process. The proceeds benefit Lotus House, a non-profit organization that aims to provide housing for homeless women and children. Come get artistic! Here are some of the weekend's can't-miss happenings…
VIP Launch Party, Oct. 21
Guests mingle with artists and sponsors at the Margulies Art Warehouse for the Opening Night VIP Launch Party. The event features a live Sotheby's Benefit Art Auction. Tickets $500. 591 NW 27th St.
Performance Pieces, Oct. 21-23
Performance pieces litter the street during the weekend. Be on the lookout Friday and Sunday for "Magic, Luck and Friendship!" an installation by Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III of Friends With You. These brightly colored inflatable figures will parade through the streets of Wynwood putting smiles on the most skeptical of fairgoers.
Others to watch for…
New York-based artist Ellen Fisher is sure to please with whimsy. Fisher will create a relaxing story-salon at which fairgoers will be absorbed into a world visualizing classic stories that emphasize the heart.
The Intimacies Project is an ongoing collaboration between Marinov Dance and Red Dress Films. This multimedia event features dancers expressing the emotions of love to the sound of original music and poetry.
Collectors Brunch, Oct. 23
The final day of the fair will feature a special Collectors Brunch presented by Paramount Bay in the VIP lounge. Champagne will be poured while guests are privy to exclusive performances. Mingling is strongly encouraged. Tickets $150.
Fair hours are from 10AM to 6PM. General admission $10. N.W. Sixth Ave. between 23rd and 29th Streets, wynwoodartfair.org
This article was published online for Miami Magazine
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Miami Spice
Filet Mignon with creamy béarnaise sauce, seared red snapper with a leek ragout, lavender crème brulee and chocolate soufflé grace the tables of the chicest restaurants in Miami.
For the average college student the thought of a gourmet dinner is food porn. However, now until September 30th Miami is celebrating Miami Spice, the city’s restaurant month.
The event is organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the restaurants are grouped into four districts. The event offers three-course fixed-price meals at some of Miami’s best restaurants including South Beach, Midtown, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
This year is the event’s 10th anniversary and Jennifer Diaz, associate vice president of Media Relations & Promotions for bureau said in an email that this year is more exciting than ever with 142 restaurants participating. She said it’s a great way to try new restaurants.
“Miami Spice is an excellent opportunity to venture out and explore a new culinary experience with minimal risk because of the discounted rate,” Diaz said. “The program makes a foodie out of anyone.”
“It’s cool because it’s fancier food,” senior Sabrina Ginete said. “It’s nice for an average college student, who’s a little broke, to experience fine dining.”
Ginete went to El Gran Inka in Brickell last week with friends for dinner. She said the menu was amazing.
The Miami Spice menu is only $22 for lunch and $35 for dinner, perfect for students with tight budgets. A word of caution-- not all restaurants participate for both meals and some do not include weekends. It’s best to explore the extensive website of restaurants and menus to find what your taste buds are lusting after.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to try different restaurants,” senior Asha Agrawal said. “Since they have the restaurant list I’m more likely to try a restaurant I wouldn’t have known about.”
She said she plans on going to BLT Steak in South Beach with some friends. Their menu features an heirloom tomato and watermelon salad as a starter. Diners can chose between top sirloin and yellowtail snapper for their main course.
Junior Nicholas Taubes agreed “The best dinners at cheap prices is the best thing that a student could ask for. A lot of these restaurants would have remained completely foreign if it hadn’t have been for these promotions.”
Over 100 restaurants are participating this year, from steak houses to sushi restaurants to tapas bars. The Miami Hurricane found some sure bets for a great meal.
The Royal at the Raleigh Hotel- The Royal serves up American fare with elegant presentation. Miami Spice diners can sample duck breast with morels while overlooking the Raleigh’s baroque pool. The Royal is participating weekdays for lunch. The special dinner menu is available Sunday through Thursday. 1775 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 305-612-1163.
Mercadito Midtown- Mercadito’s Miami Spice menu is perfect for groups. Diners chose different tacos, ceviches, guacamole and desserts for the table while those over 21 sip an included cocktail. The lunch and dinner menus are the same so go midday for ultimate savings. The Miami Spice menu is available weekdays for lunch and every day for dinner. 3252 NE 1st Ave., Midtown. 786-369-0430.
Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge- Red Koi is located on Miracle Mile and is known for it’s Asian fusion and specialty sushi rolls. Miami Spice diners can chose from lemongrass chicken, short ribs of the Havana roll for their main course. The menu is available for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday. 317 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-446-2690.
Shula’s 347 Grill- This restaurant is perfect for freshman, it’s walking distance from campus. A 12 ounce flat iron steak with chimmichurri is on the menu along with grilled salmon and tenderloin tips. Dessert is capped off with cheesecake or key lime pie. The Miami Spice menu is available for both lunch and dinner weekdays. 6901 Red Road, Coral Gables. 305-665-9661.
For the average college student the thought of a gourmet dinner is food porn. However, now until September 30th Miami is celebrating Miami Spice, the city’s restaurant month.
The event is organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the restaurants are grouped into four districts. The event offers three-course fixed-price meals at some of Miami’s best restaurants including South Beach, Midtown, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
This year is the event’s 10th anniversary and Jennifer Diaz, associate vice president of Media Relations & Promotions for bureau said in an email that this year is more exciting than ever with 142 restaurants participating. She said it’s a great way to try new restaurants.
“Miami Spice is an excellent opportunity to venture out and explore a new culinary experience with minimal risk because of the discounted rate,” Diaz said. “The program makes a foodie out of anyone.”
“It’s cool because it’s fancier food,” senior Sabrina Ginete said. “It’s nice for an average college student, who’s a little broke, to experience fine dining.”
Ginete went to El Gran Inka in Brickell last week with friends for dinner. She said the menu was amazing.
The Miami Spice menu is only $22 for lunch and $35 for dinner, perfect for students with tight budgets. A word of caution-- not all restaurants participate for both meals and some do not include weekends. It’s best to explore the extensive website of restaurants and menus to find what your taste buds are lusting after.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to try different restaurants,” senior Asha Agrawal said. “Since they have the restaurant list I’m more likely to try a restaurant I wouldn’t have known about.”
She said she plans on going to BLT Steak in South Beach with some friends. Their menu features an heirloom tomato and watermelon salad as a starter. Diners can chose between top sirloin and yellowtail snapper for their main course.
Junior Nicholas Taubes agreed “The best dinners at cheap prices is the best thing that a student could ask for. A lot of these restaurants would have remained completely foreign if it hadn’t have been for these promotions.”
Over 100 restaurants are participating this year, from steak houses to sushi restaurants to tapas bars. The Miami Hurricane found some sure bets for a great meal.
The Royal at the Raleigh Hotel- The Royal serves up American fare with elegant presentation. Miami Spice diners can sample duck breast with morels while overlooking the Raleigh’s baroque pool. The Royal is participating weekdays for lunch. The special dinner menu is available Sunday through Thursday. 1775 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 305-612-1163.
Mercadito Midtown- Mercadito’s Miami Spice menu is perfect for groups. Diners chose different tacos, ceviches, guacamole and desserts for the table while those over 21 sip an included cocktail. The lunch and dinner menus are the same so go midday for ultimate savings. The Miami Spice menu is available weekdays for lunch and every day for dinner. 3252 NE 1st Ave., Midtown. 786-369-0430.
Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge- Red Koi is located on Miracle Mile and is known for it’s Asian fusion and specialty sushi rolls. Miami Spice diners can chose from lemongrass chicken, short ribs of the Havana roll for their main course. The menu is available for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday. 317 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-446-2690.
Shula’s 347 Grill- This restaurant is perfect for freshman, it’s walking distance from campus. A 12 ounce flat iron steak with chimmichurri is on the menu along with grilled salmon and tenderloin tips. Dessert is capped off with cheesecake or key lime pie. The Miami Spice menu is available for both lunch and dinner weekdays. 6901 Red Road, Coral Gables. 305-665-9661.
Friday, August 19, 2011
More here take ACT, but their scores fall
More Southwest Florida students than ever are taking the ACT, but scores are declining and falling below state and national averages.
Some 3,073 Lee County seniors took the college aptitude test last year, 367 more than in the previous year, a 13.5 percent increase.
The rise can be attributed to a plan the district started two years ago that registers all seniors for the ACT who have not completed Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test requirements.
"In this past year's class we had about 200 graduates based on ACT scores who didn't pass the FCAT," said Richard Itzen, director of accountability for the Lee County School District. "Two hundred who were able to get their diploma."
Lee County's composite score, an average of the four subject
tests, declined a tenth of a percentage point to 18.9. ACT scores are broken down into four subject areas: English, reading, math and science reasoning, with a scale of 1 to 36.
The statewide composite score was 19.6; the national composite score was 21.1.
"It's all relative," Itzen said. "Eighteen or 19 is probably a low score if you're wanting to get into a selective college. If you want to satisfy the graduation requirements a 19 would do it."
Erin Harrel, dean of the school of education at Edison State College, said the dip in scores makes sense with students taking the ACT without having passed the FCAT.
"If they didn't do well on one test it's probable they won't do well on the other test," she said.
Harrel said the data would have to be examined further to see a true correlation in scores.
The ACT scores to graduate in 2010-11 are 18 for reading and 15 for math. The county's average for reading and math are 19.7 and 19.0, respectively.
Charlotte County also has seen student participation in the ACT increase. Some 810 seniors took the test last year, and Michael Riley, manager of adult education for Charlotte schools, said in a press release that more than 300 Charlotte students who had not passed parts of the FCAT graduated because of their ACT score. The mean composite score for the Charlotte County School District was 20.5.
Collier County schools had 61.5 percent of the graduating class, or 1,778 students, take the ACT and the district achieved a mean composite score of 19.5. More information about Collier's scores will be released this morning, according to Joe Landon, executive director of communications and community engagement for Collier schools.
Florida's composite score of 19.6 ties the state with Kentucky for 48th place in the nation. Only Tennessee and Mississippi achieved lower scores.
Comparisons between states can be difficult. Some states require the test of all high school students while in others, the test is generally limited to high-achieving students with an eye on attending the most selective colleges.
Florida's participation ranked higher than many states. In all, 117,575 graduates took the test. That's 66 percent of the graduating class, ranking 22nd nationally.
All told, 49 percent of the nation's high school seniors took the ACT last year.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Southwest Florida Scores
- Charlotte County: 20.5
- Collier County: 19.5
- Lee County: 18.9
Some 3,073 Lee County seniors took the college aptitude test last year, 367 more than in the previous year, a 13.5 percent increase.
The rise can be attributed to a plan the district started two years ago that registers all seniors for the ACT who have not completed Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test requirements.
"In this past year's class we had about 200 graduates based on ACT scores who didn't pass the FCAT," said Richard Itzen, director of accountability for the Lee County School District. "Two hundred who were able to get their diploma."
Lee County's composite score, an average of the four subject
tests, declined a tenth of a percentage point to 18.9. ACT scores are broken down into four subject areas: English, reading, math and science reasoning, with a scale of 1 to 36.
The statewide composite score was 19.6; the national composite score was 21.1.
"It's all relative," Itzen said. "Eighteen or 19 is probably a low score if you're wanting to get into a selective college. If you want to satisfy the graduation requirements a 19 would do it."
Erin Harrel, dean of the school of education at Edison State College, said the dip in scores makes sense with students taking the ACT without having passed the FCAT.
"If they didn't do well on one test it's probable they won't do well on the other test," she said.
Harrel said the data would have to be examined further to see a true correlation in scores.
The ACT scores to graduate in 2010-11 are 18 for reading and 15 for math. The county's average for reading and math are 19.7 and 19.0, respectively.
Charlotte County also has seen student participation in the ACT increase. Some 810 seniors took the test last year, and Michael Riley, manager of adult education for Charlotte schools, said in a press release that more than 300 Charlotte students who had not passed parts of the FCAT graduated because of their ACT score. The mean composite score for the Charlotte County School District was 20.5.
Collier County schools had 61.5 percent of the graduating class, or 1,778 students, take the ACT and the district achieved a mean composite score of 19.5. More information about Collier's scores will be released this morning, according to Joe Landon, executive director of communications and community engagement for Collier schools.
Florida's composite score of 19.6 ties the state with Kentucky for 48th place in the nation. Only Tennessee and Mississippi achieved lower scores.
Comparisons between states can be difficult. Some states require the test of all high school students while in others, the test is generally limited to high-achieving students with an eye on attending the most selective colleges.
Florida's participation ranked higher than many states. In all, 117,575 graduates took the test. That's 66 percent of the graduating class, ranking 22nd nationally.
All told, 49 percent of the nation's high school seniors took the ACT last year.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Southwest Florida Scores
- Charlotte County: 20.5
- Collier County: 19.5
- Lee County: 18.9
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Celebrity Chef Night supports charity for children with cancer
Three hundred guests walked the grounds of Rumrunners in Cape Harbour on Wednesday night, sampling fine dining and bidding in live and silent auctions.
It was all to raise money for Barbara's Friends, a charity dedicated to helping children with cancer.
The eighth annual Celebrity Chef Night featured culinary talent from across the area, including Chefs Todd Johnson and Ralph Centalonza of Rumrunners and The Joint, Chef Fabrizio Aielli of Sea Salt, Chef Harold Balink of Cru, Norman Love of Norman Love Confections and culinary teams from Yabo and Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe.
"People were here before 5 o'clock because it's so popular," said Duane Higgins with the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. "The quality of the chefs, the food, the wine. ... It's a fun night."
The foundation and Johnson have helped plan the event since 2004. Johnson said the foundation approached him wanting to do a benefit dinner with celebrity waiters.
Barbara's Friends is part of the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. The charity - named in honor of Barbara Haskell, who died of breast cancer at 32 - is dedicated to providing local treatment for children with cancer at The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
To make a donation, call 343-6950 or visit leememorial.org/foundation and click on Barbara's Friends to learn about donating online.
Instead, he modeled the event after a benefit he attended in Aspen, Colo.
Guests at Rumrunners went from station to station in three different rooms sampling scallops, beef tenderloin, tuna and chocolate bread pudding. They mingled and meandered through the restaurant while sipping on wine and top-shelf liquor.
Johnson said last year, the night raised $48,000 for Barbara's Friends, and this year's goal is $60,000.
This year, the night had its first Child of Hope. Caliah Russell, 4, was all smiles decorating cookies and eating vegetable scones during the event.
"She went straight for the Norman Love chocolate," joked Caliah's mom, Mindy Russell.
Caliah has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She has recently gone into remission, but still needs about 15 months of treatment. She has just started voluntary prekindergarten and resides in Cape Coral.
Russell said it's an honor Caliah was chosen.
Emad Salman, medical director of the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the oncology center, said treatment of ill children often creates huge demands financially and emotionally.
"Events like this help build facilities, help pay for some of the expenses and make sure we can take care of every patient and not turn one away," Salman said.
He said Barbara's Friends and the hospital have a symbiotic relationship.
"We can't survive without the other," Salman said.
It was all to raise money for Barbara's Friends, a charity dedicated to helping children with cancer.
The eighth annual Celebrity Chef Night featured culinary talent from across the area, including Chefs Todd Johnson and Ralph Centalonza of Rumrunners and The Joint, Chef Fabrizio Aielli of Sea Salt, Chef Harold Balink of Cru, Norman Love of Norman Love Confections and culinary teams from Yabo and Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe.
"People were here before 5 o'clock because it's so popular," said Duane Higgins with the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. "The quality of the chefs, the food, the wine. ... It's a fun night."
The foundation and Johnson have helped plan the event since 2004. Johnson said the foundation approached him wanting to do a benefit dinner with celebrity waiters.
Barbara's Friends is part of the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. The charity - named in honor of Barbara Haskell, who died of breast cancer at 32 - is dedicated to providing local treatment for children with cancer at The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
To make a donation, call 343-6950 or visit leememorial.org/foundation and click on Barbara's Friends to learn about donating online.
Instead, he modeled the event after a benefit he attended in Aspen, Colo.
Guests at Rumrunners went from station to station in three different rooms sampling scallops, beef tenderloin, tuna and chocolate bread pudding. They mingled and meandered through the restaurant while sipping on wine and top-shelf liquor.
Johnson said last year, the night raised $48,000 for Barbara's Friends, and this year's goal is $60,000.
This year, the night had its first Child of Hope. Caliah Russell, 4, was all smiles decorating cookies and eating vegetable scones during the event.
"She went straight for the Norman Love chocolate," joked Caliah's mom, Mindy Russell.
Caliah has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She has recently gone into remission, but still needs about 15 months of treatment. She has just started voluntary prekindergarten and resides in Cape Coral.
Russell said it's an honor Caliah was chosen.
Emad Salman, medical director of the Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the oncology center, said treatment of ill children often creates huge demands financially and emotionally.
"Events like this help build facilities, help pay for some of the expenses and make sure we can take care of every patient and not turn one away," Salman said.
He said Barbara's Friends and the hospital have a symbiotic relationship.
"We can't survive without the other," Salman said.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Making pizza spices up kids' lives in Cape Coral
Dough was tossed, toppings were placed, pizza was cooked and kids snacked with a smile.
Three children from the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida received a welcome from Chef Todd Johnson in Cape Harbor on Saturday for the third annual Cooking with Todd event. Johnson created the event to help give children with cancer and other illnesses a diversion from treatment.
Pizza-making started with high fives, followed with flour being poured into an industrial size mixer. The children formed the dough, spread the sauce and placed toppings on their very own pizza.
“She’s been looking forward to it for a few weeks now,” Mindy Russell said about her 4-year-old Caliah.
Caliah said she was looking forward to making the dough. She created a mushroom and pineapple pizza. Caliah has acute lymphoblastic leukemia which has recently gone into remission.
“She’s a little trooper. She’s been amazing through all of it,” Russell said.
After the kids ate their fill, the group went to Run Agrounds, a gelato shop in Cape Harbor, to learn how to make their own gelato. The kids mixed vanilla and cinnamon gelato adding their favorite toppings to create a special flavor.
Duane Higgins, with the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation, said this event is a precursor for the Celebrity Chef Night fundraiser Wednesday at Rumrunners in Cape Harbor. The night benefits Barbara’s Friends, a part of the foundation dedicated to providing local treatment for children with cancer.
“It’s really about these kids,” Higgins said. “That’s why we raise the money, have the night and we don't want the purpose of that to get lost.”
Johnson has helped host the Celebrity Chef Night for eight years.
“For me it reinforces where the money goes, we really enjoy it,” Johnson said.
He said he thought of making pizza with children after reminding himself of the time he worked at Pizza Hut when he was 15. The restaurant brought in kids from the March of Dimes to help Johnson make pizza.
“To see the enjoyment the kids have on their faces making pizzas, it always stuck with me,” he said.
Three children from the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida received a welcome from Chef Todd Johnson in Cape Harbor on Saturday for the third annual Cooking with Todd event. Johnson created the event to help give children with cancer and other illnesses a diversion from treatment.
Pizza-making started with high fives, followed with flour being poured into an industrial size mixer. The children formed the dough, spread the sauce and placed toppings on their very own pizza.
“She’s been looking forward to it for a few weeks now,” Mindy Russell said about her 4-year-old Caliah.
Caliah said she was looking forward to making the dough. She created a mushroom and pineapple pizza. Caliah has acute lymphoblastic leukemia which has recently gone into remission.
“She’s a little trooper. She’s been amazing through all of it,” Russell said.
After the kids ate their fill, the group went to Run Agrounds, a gelato shop in Cape Harbor, to learn how to make their own gelato. The kids mixed vanilla and cinnamon gelato adding their favorite toppings to create a special flavor.
Duane Higgins, with the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation, said this event is a precursor for the Celebrity Chef Night fundraiser Wednesday at Rumrunners in Cape Harbor. The night benefits Barbara’s Friends, a part of the foundation dedicated to providing local treatment for children with cancer.
“It’s really about these kids,” Higgins said. “That’s why we raise the money, have the night and we don't want the purpose of that to get lost.”
Johnson has helped host the Celebrity Chef Night for eight years.
“For me it reinforces where the money goes, we really enjoy it,” Johnson said.
He said he thought of making pizza with children after reminding himself of the time he worked at Pizza Hut when he was 15. The restaurant brought in kids from the March of Dimes to help Johnson make pizza.
“To see the enjoyment the kids have on their faces making pizzas, it always stuck with me,” he said.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Chefs team up to help charity: Area's best culinary artists unite for cause
Succulent lobster paired with a creamy risotto, a margarita bar, surf and turf and various wine stations are just some of the culinary offerings at the 8th annual Rumrunners Celebrity Chef Night set for Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Cape Harbour.
The night benefits Barbara's Friends, a charity whose goal is to help children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.
The event will feature a wealth of local culinary talent including Chefs Todd Johnson and Ralph Centalonza of Rumrunners and The Joint, Chef Fabrizio Aielli of Sea Salt, Chef Harold Balink of Cru, Norman Love of Norman Love Confections and culinary teams from Yabo and Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe.
"It's a privilege for us to participate each and every year," Norman Love said. "It provides us an opportunity to give back to needy children and their families."
Love plans to bring his signature truffles and confections, as well as gelato. He said there will either be a plated dessert with gelato or mini gelato cones.
Johnson said he came up with the idea for the night in 2004. The charity came to him in hopes of having a benefit dinner.
He told them, "Lets really do something special and make it a great event."
Johnson said he modeled the event after one he and his wife attended in Aspen, Colo. Food and wine stations were set up around the property and guests mingled and meandered to each station.
"It was awesome," Johnson said.
The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but Johnson said people come early and stay late. Since there is no set time frame for a sit-down dinner like a traditional benefit, guests can eat and drink when they please. He said some go straight for dessert first.
"If you come at 7 you missed nothing, you melt into the crowd," Johnson said.
In the first year, the event was postponed due to Hurricane Charley.
"We didn't lose one reservation," Johnson said. "Every year since then, I've tried to make the event better than the previous year."
The event sells out every year. Johnson said $48,000 was raised last year and his goal for this year's night is $60,000.
"We will raise more than ever," said Duane Higgins with the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation.
Tickets are $150 per person and include food, refreshments and the chance to bid on items. The event has had a silent auction in the past but this year a live action has been added.
A highlight of the live auction is a nine-course private dinner for 10 prepared by Balink, Johnson and Love.
"It's a unique item and we hope people will bid high," Higgins said.
About Barbara's Friends
Barbara's Friends is part of the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. The charity, named in honor of Barbara Haskell, who lost her life to breast cancer at the age of 32, is dedicated to providing local treatment for children with cancer at The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
To make a donation please call 434-6950 or visit leememorial.org/foundation and click on Barbara's Friends to learn about donating online.
If You Go
What: Rumrunners Celebrity Chef Night
Where: 5848 Cape Harbor Drive
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $150
Attire: Caribbean casual.
Contact: To register to attend call 343-6950.
The night benefits Barbara's Friends, a charity whose goal is to help children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.
The event will feature a wealth of local culinary talent including Chefs Todd Johnson and Ralph Centalonza of Rumrunners and The Joint, Chef Fabrizio Aielli of Sea Salt, Chef Harold Balink of Cru, Norman Love of Norman Love Confections and culinary teams from Yabo and Chef Brooke's Natural Cafe.
"It's a privilege for us to participate each and every year," Norman Love said. "It provides us an opportunity to give back to needy children and their families."
Love plans to bring his signature truffles and confections, as well as gelato. He said there will either be a plated dessert with gelato or mini gelato cones.
Johnson said he came up with the idea for the night in 2004. The charity came to him in hopes of having a benefit dinner.
He told them, "Lets really do something special and make it a great event."
Johnson said he modeled the event after one he and his wife attended in Aspen, Colo. Food and wine stations were set up around the property and guests mingled and meandered to each station.
"It was awesome," Johnson said.
The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but Johnson said people come early and stay late. Since there is no set time frame for a sit-down dinner like a traditional benefit, guests can eat and drink when they please. He said some go straight for dessert first.
"If you come at 7 you missed nothing, you melt into the crowd," Johnson said.
In the first year, the event was postponed due to Hurricane Charley.
"We didn't lose one reservation," Johnson said. "Every year since then, I've tried to make the event better than the previous year."
The event sells out every year. Johnson said $48,000 was raised last year and his goal for this year's night is $60,000.
"We will raise more than ever," said Duane Higgins with the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation.
Tickets are $150 per person and include food, refreshments and the chance to bid on items. The event has had a silent auction in the past but this year a live action has been added.
A highlight of the live auction is a nine-course private dinner for 10 prepared by Balink, Johnson and Love.
"It's a unique item and we hope people will bid high," Higgins said.
About Barbara's Friends
Barbara's Friends is part of the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation. The charity, named in honor of Barbara Haskell, who lost her life to breast cancer at the age of 32, is dedicated to providing local treatment for children with cancer at The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
To make a donation please call 434-6950 or visit leememorial.org/foundation and click on Barbara's Friends to learn about donating online.
If You Go
What: Rumrunners Celebrity Chef Night
Where: 5848 Cape Harbor Drive
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $150
Attire: Caribbean casual.
Contact: To register to attend call 343-6950.
Cafe true to French-Italian roots: Bistro in Vivo builds following in Cape
French tarts, apricot oreillettes and quiche are handcrafted at Bistro in Vivo in southeast Cape Coral.
The French-Italian coffee cafe opened in May at 4825 Milton St., near the Sweetbay store off Cape Coral Parkway.
Veronique Frelier co-owns the shop with her mother Canelle. They relocated to the area from France this past year.
"We came to be close to the sea," Frelier said.
A family tree on the wall of the eatery showcases the restaurants, pizzeria and other ventures the family has owned in France and Italy. Their first restaurant has been in the family for three generations. This is their first cafe venture.
Bistro in Vivo serves breakfast and lunch along with dinner on Fridays.
All the entrees have a French influence.
Quiches are filled with goat cheese and spinach or brie cheese and sausage.
French baguette sandwiches and paninis delight customers with names from regions of France and Italy. French specialities of crocque monsieurs and madames, crepes and a croissant au jambon can also be found on the menu.
Bo Kagan dined on a croque monsieur, a hot ham and cheese sandwich served with bechamel sauce, for lunch. He said the food is fantastic. She's done a great job bringing in authentic French food, Kagan said.
This is his second visit and he plans on coming back.
"(I'm) real eager to try the other things that they have," Kagan said.
Fridays feature special sunset pricing. For iced drinks and frappes it's 5 percent off the first drink, 10 percent off two drinks and 15 percent off three drinks.
Frelier said that even though she's seen a dip, her cafe opened to strong numbers.
"It's a low season," Frelier said. "It's true that July is slower than others."
She said she looked at other locations in Fort Myers and on Sanibel but ultimately chose the Cape.
"There is nothing like this in Cape Coral," Frelier said.
She said she likes the area because it's quiet, safe and the city wants to improve.
"They try to make it nicer and grow this city," Frelier said.
Hot pink hued walls and large windows give the cafe an inviting feel. French posters and images of the Eiffel Tower create an eclectic vibe.
Chyrsti Castillo said the colors drew her in to the cafe.
"The atmosphere is very intimate, not like anything we have here. A taste of Europe," Castillo said.
Frelier said in the winter the cafe will have longer hours. She also hopes to have special dining of French and Italian specialties on Friday and Sunday evenings during season.
The French-Italian coffee cafe opened in May at 4825 Milton St., near the Sweetbay store off Cape Coral Parkway.
Veronique Frelier co-owns the shop with her mother Canelle. They relocated to the area from France this past year.
"We came to be close to the sea," Frelier said.
A family tree on the wall of the eatery showcases the restaurants, pizzeria and other ventures the family has owned in France and Italy. Their first restaurant has been in the family for three generations. This is their first cafe venture.
Bistro in Vivo serves breakfast and lunch along with dinner on Fridays.
All the entrees have a French influence.
Quiches are filled with goat cheese and spinach or brie cheese and sausage.
French baguette sandwiches and paninis delight customers with names from regions of France and Italy. French specialities of crocque monsieurs and madames, crepes and a croissant au jambon can also be found on the menu.
Bo Kagan dined on a croque monsieur, a hot ham and cheese sandwich served with bechamel sauce, for lunch. He said the food is fantastic. She's done a great job bringing in authentic French food, Kagan said.
This is his second visit and he plans on coming back.
"(I'm) real eager to try the other things that they have," Kagan said.
Fridays feature special sunset pricing. For iced drinks and frappes it's 5 percent off the first drink, 10 percent off two drinks and 15 percent off three drinks.
Frelier said that even though she's seen a dip, her cafe opened to strong numbers.
"It's a low season," Frelier said. "It's true that July is slower than others."
She said she looked at other locations in Fort Myers and on Sanibel but ultimately chose the Cape.
"There is nothing like this in Cape Coral," Frelier said.
She said she likes the area because it's quiet, safe and the city wants to improve.
"They try to make it nicer and grow this city," Frelier said.
Hot pink hued walls and large windows give the cafe an inviting feel. French posters and images of the Eiffel Tower create an eclectic vibe.
Chyrsti Castillo said the colors drew her in to the cafe.
"The atmosphere is very intimate, not like anything we have here. A taste of Europe," Castillo said.
Frelier said in the winter the cafe will have longer hours. She also hopes to have special dining of French and Italian specialties on Friday and Sunday evenings during season.
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