The Whet Palette Turns One!

iphone update 03282012 114I can’t believe it has been a year already! Allow me to whet your appetite by taking a quick look back at the posts I shared with you this past year.

South Florida Strip Mall Jewels: Part 1

“It is hard to have a day go by where we don’t visit a strip mall. You know the type- uncomfortable parking lot, quick in and out, post offices, groceries, laundromats, massage parlors, and fine dining. Wait. What? Fine dining? in a strip mall? ha ha ha ha ha! Yes, really! In a strip mall. Right next to the dollar store. Sandwiched in between the PCS and Subway. No, I am not crazy.” Read more…

iphonephotosupdate 177New York Giants

“No, not the football team. I prefer to “cheer on” the Miami Dolphins anyway. I am talking about what I consider to be some of New York City’s restaurant giants. We came, we ate, we conquered.” Read more…

IMG_2880Ready, set, GO!

The Whet Palette premiered it’s first post on January 13th. That same night, I attended Pomegranates and Roses: A taste of Persia! What a perfect way to kick off the new year! The event was held by the Saffron Supper Club at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Cooking for us would be Maude Eaton, Sara Liss and Chef Shikany. The backdrop at the garden was just magical. The weather cooperated and instead of the usual hot and muggy Miami weather we had a picture perfect cooler than usual, crisp night. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Chef Shikany’s Sea Bass Dumplings and already I was in love.” Read more…

DSC_0925_22013 South Beach Wine & Food Festival

“I can’t believe it’s already been 5 months since the festival. I also can’t believe it took me so long to participate. As a South Florida local this is the absolute “must attend” event of the year. There are so many events available that choosing one becomes increasingly difficult every year. There truly is something for everyone, young and old (and all of us in between).This year I attended the Best of the Best, Dolce Brunch and Best of the Bay Dinner. Talk about the holy trinity of the SOBEWFF! These three events did not disappoint. I wonder how I will be able to top off this experience in 2014?” Read more…

DSC_006148 hours in Dallas

“I went to Dallas last week. The last time I was there was while in college. Who remembers that far back? Wasn’t that pre-internet? pre-social media? I do remember doing some of the historical visits, all about the dance competition I was there for and not much else. When Mother’s Day came around recently, I got the big surprise. My hubby surprised me with tickets to see the Phillip Phillips/John Mayer concert. Yes, I know, major brownie points. John Mayer will be here at home in South Florida in the fall but I will actually not be here for it. I was disappointed I would miss it. We would be seeing him in Dallas instead! Of course, for me, that meant a little bit of a panic attack: Where will we dine? What will we do? Where will we stay? It is a well known fact that around here, that’s my department. I did not have much time to prepare either which made it worse. I managed to quickly plan our 48 hour getaway and this was my experience.” Read more…

IMG_8457Miami’s Iron Fork 2013 Disaster

“Here is my take on what really happened before Iron Fork took place last week.  A while back a group of event planners got together and the meeting “must have” gone something like this: HGIC (Head Genius in Charge): “OK everyone, let’s discuss new and refreshing ideas for the 2013 Iron Fork event! Lets begin with the VIP portion. Anyone?” GENIUS #1: “Ooh, ooh, I know! Let’s sell VIP tickets. Then, we can set up the entrance in a special location so that everyone can wait in full summer sun. In order to top that, this being a Miami event and all, let’s not open exactly at 6. Oh no, Cuban time baby! Vitamin D is good for you y’all! Everyone looks better plastered in sweat no?”  Read more…

IMG_8726Miami Spice…What is it?

“Second only to the South Beach Wine & Food FestivalMiami Spice is my favorite time of the year in South Florida. There’s so much to choose from and never enough time to try them all. Oh, you don’t know what Miami Spice is? Really? Here’s a quick tutorial.” Read more…

Whet & Wild: Miami Spice is heating up

“More dining, more spice. It just keeps getting better! This past weekend I dined using the Miami Spice menu at Gotham Steak and Macchialina. These two restaurants are completely different from one another. I don’t know how the other restaurants participating in Miami Spice can top these. I know it’s not a contest but I just love to be surprised with each visit and I can’t help but compare.” Read more…

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Tales of Tuscany, a pelican and …..some bourbon?

“Three nights, three very different adventures. There’s no other way around it: Miami Spice is the way to go during August and September in South Florida. Thinking of trying out a new restaurant? Go now. Want to return to an old favorite and save a bit on tried and true dishes? Go now. Moral of this post? GO NOW!” Read more…

IMG_9347The things we do for love (of food)

“Cleansing. A necessary evil. During the week, I usually work out 3-4 times. I eat organic and/or pasture raised foods as much as possible and drink 8-10 glasses of water daily without exception. On the weekends all hell breaks loose. That’s when I eat and I drink like there’s no tomorrow. Once in a while, I feel like I just can’t do it anymore and then, the next day happens: More invitations, more events and what feels like “once in a lifetime” affairs. That is, until the next “once in a lifetime event” happens.” Read more…

Battle Dish Miami

“What? You haven’t heard yet? Here’s the scoop from our friends at Dishcrawl: Six chefs have been chosen to compete in Battledish: Miami this Saturday in conjunction with 60 other chefs competing in North America for King of Battledish.” Read more…

DSC_0792Secret Place of Bliss

“Our friends were celebrating a wedding anniversary.They thought it would be fun to put together a group of 8 friends (who had never met) and celebrate! Parrot Cay (pronounced KEY) had captivated their hearts last year and they were beyond excited to share their experience with all of us. Initially, I could take it or leave it. I was excited to celebrate with them but it wasn’t until the date got closer that I really started looking into all the resort had to offer. Now that I’ve experienced Parrot Cay, I’m hesitant to even continue writing about it. Part of me wants to keep it under wraps. It’s paradise. Paradise found. It’s the real deal.” Read more…

IMG_9903Miami Spice Memories

Miami Spice came and went way too fast! Same story, different year. Tuyo, Caffe Vialetto, DB Bistro, and Escopazzo were the last targets on my long, must-try list.” Read more…

Wine, cheese, and holiday fun

“The holidays are here again. They came abruptly as a reminder that the year, once again, has flown by. We find ourselves running around trying to tie up lose ends, buying that elusive last gift, and organizing everything for Christmas morning. By the time January 1st comes around, we will be exhausted. We will begin the new year with high hopes, goals, and a fresh attitude (most of us anyway). One way to break up the madness that is December and do something a little different, is to host a holiday themed wine and cheese tasting party. Just gather several of your closest friends, wine, and a whole lot of unique types of cheese. I tried this last year and it’s a tradition I now vow to continue.” Read more…

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Sweet Sixteen: My top restaurant choices for 2013

“What is your favorite restaurant?” Why is that such a hard question for me to answer?  It’s the one question I receive time and time again, and it is almost impossible for me to answer on the spot. There are many variables I always consider before answering. I suppose I could compose several basic lists using different criteria for each. For example, I could rate dining spots by price range, food type, location, and ambiance, but my blog post might end up looking more like a book. For now, I have chosen to keep it simple (read: simpler) and to the point. ” Read more…

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I would love to hear from you. How did you find The Whet Palette? Which post was the first you ever read? Is there any specific topic you would like for me to write about? 

I’m really looking forward to 2014. Thank you so much for your continued support! Remember The Whet Palette also has a Facebook and Twitter home, make sure to follow!

Read, relax, and come back often.

Life is my palette. The Whet Palette.

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