Fish + Wine Event at Area 31

The countdown is on until the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Burger Bash, Bubble Q, Best of the Best are amazing, but if you are not one for crowds or have been-there-done-that, you might want to check out this special event at Area 31 with Chef John Critchley. While it is not technically part of the festival, it will tantalize your taste buds more than you can imagine with a seven-course meal featuring sustainable seafood paired perfectly with fine wines by Master Sommelier Emily Wines.

I hate to admit that I haven’t been into Area 31 since their grand opening party, so when I was invited in for a preview of the “Fish + Wine” event to be held at Area 31, I readily scheduled it into my weekly trip to Miami.  Chef John Critchley spoiled us with simple ingredients done perfectly. While I wasn’t able to taste my way through the seven courses, I can give you a preview of what to expect:

Local Yellowfin Tuna and Gulf Escolar Crudo with Passionfruit, Peruvian Pepper and citrus

This fresh seafood just melted in my mouth. It combined a perfect balance of sweetness from the citrus and spiciness, and the wine pairing with the 2008 Vina Esmeralda couldn’t have been a better complement to this course.

Seared Key West Yellowtail Snapper with salsa verde and chestnut puree

This piece of fish was as beautiful to look at as it was to savor and once again, combined fresh seafood with local produce for clean and simple flavors.

Florida Grey Dorade with roasted fennel and tomato broth

For a meal that that will stimulate your senses, this year’s ‘Fish + Wine’ event is sure to be a winner.

What: Fish + Wine at Area 31 presented by Chef John Critchley and Master Sommelier Emily Wines

Where: Area 31 Restaurant, 16th floor of EPIC Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami 305.424.5234

When: Thursday, February 25

Time: Welcome reception at 7:00 pm with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, dinner at 8:30 pm featuring a seven-course dinner with wine pairings

Cost: $175++, $275 for VIP experience (Reserve your space today.)

The VIP experience is limited to 16 people and includes lunch, a boat excursion with Chef John Critchley exploring some of the best fishing markets in the Miami area, and tips on how to select the best fish for the dinner. It also includes the 7-course dinner.