I go to a lot of food events. Honestly, more than any normal person probably should. Most are fun. Some are… not so much. But, Slow Food Miami’s Snail of Approval Tasting Party is consistently one of my favorites, and I’ve been going for years.
This year marks a major 15th anniversary, and The Leftovers Miami is proud to join the celebration as an official media sponsor. I’ll be emceeing the evening on Thursday, April 9, at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. Be sure to stop by our table to say hi and snag some fun giveaways!
What makes the event itself stand out is the food is actually good. The chefs who participate treat it seriously — Michael Beltran from Ariete, Logan McNeil from Tambourine Room, Pedro Mederos from Kojin and more. Nobody’s phoning it in (which let’s just say happens at some other events). It’s outside, the crowd is great, and you leave feeling like you spent your money on something that matters.
For those not familiar with Slow Food Miami, here’s the quick version: They’re a 100% volunteer nonprofit focused on supporting local farmers, growers, and food producers who do things the right way. Think sustainable sourcing, responsible farming, and keeping kids connected to where their food comes from. The money raised at this event goes directly to their Edible School and Community Garden Program, which puts gardens in school yards and teaches kids about food in a hands-on way. It’s one of those causes that’s easy to get behind.
The Details:
What: Slow Food Miami’s 15th Annual Snail of Approval Tasting Party
When: Thursday, April 9 | 7–10 p.m.
Where:Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, 6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Tickets: $125 advance / $145 door. Purchase here.
We’re also giving away a pair of tickets to the event - a $250 value! Drop a comment telling us your favorite food event memory and we’ll pick a winner on Tuesday, April 7.
The most memorable food event was taking our family of sixteen to my father’s small hometown of Etxebarria, in Spain’s Basque Country. In Spain, food is not merely fuel for the body—it is an experience, something thoughtfully prepared to create lasting memories when shared around the table. This trip instantly transported me back to my childhood, reminding me of my father’s deep love for good meals and the joy of gathering together as a family.
There used to a food experiment series in Miami called Cobaya Miami. Location and Chef was only announced the day before and it was kind of a lottery to get tickets. First time I was lucky enough to get tickets, it turned out to be at the farm in Homestead of Niven Patel (Ghee Indian Kitchen and others). It was a perfect evening outside on a farm with amazing food.