Deering Seafood Festival
From the Florida Keys to Canada and California to New York, festival goers came to the historic Deering Estate for the Seafood Festival, and were greeted by the sounds of steel drums and costumed fourteen-foot stilt walkers. Once inside the breath-taking bay front property, there was plenty to see and do with on-going live entertainment, the Bahamian Junkannoo, an Artist’s Village, and a five-star line up of local restaurants and caterers and fish markets. The celebrity chef demonstrations had standing room only under the big top tent. Carole Kotkin, Miami Herald food columnist was the emcee for chefs’ demos that included; Sean Bernal (Oceanaire); Barb Freda, (Les Dames d’Escoffier); Cindy Hutson (Ortanique on the Mile); Philippe Pinon (Bizcaya, Ritz-Carlton); and Paula DaSilva (3030 Ocean, Ft. Lauderdale). Professionally attired students from Robert Morgan Education Center School of Culinary Arts assisted each chef. Following the food demo and samplings, Veronica Litton CSW, of Crown Wine and Spirits held a wine tasting, and described in rich detail the history and nuances of each wine that was paired with the specific food item. Preschoolers and young children had their own action-packed area in the Lil’ Shrimp Kids Zone with kid friendly food, a marine touch tank, art activities and bounce house.
