Denie Harris, Greg & Paige Barnes
Florida Heart Research Institute (FHRI) held its fifth annual Driven to Dine, a unique culinary journey to the finest restaurants and chefs in South Florida. Remedios and Fausto Diaz-Oliver were chairmen of the event. Some of this year’s attendees were: the generous home owners for the cocktail party, Joann and James Mitchell, Dr. Richard and Sue Elias, Barbara and Michael Weintraub, Pablo and Angela Andrade, Bunny Bastain, Jim Murphy, Joe Ann and David Batcheller, Mary Young, Susan and Tom Abraham, Emma and Robert Wing, Dorothy St. Jean, Sylvia Fortun and Rigo Lesteiro, Fanny and Charles Dascal, David and Nancy Bailey, Jim and Ana Messiry.
The mystery and excitement began at Driven to Dine with a cocktail reception courtesy of Le Cordon Bleu at the fabulous home owned by Joanne and James Mitchell in Tahiti Beach Island in Coco plum. During that time there was as live auction that included many fabulous trips and other luxury items. In addition, there was an exciting unveiling of the Tiffany Wall where guests received a mystery Tiffany gift. Then a representative from each limo drew an envelope, which revealed a mystery top South Florida restaurant they would be driven to. Relinquishing their envelopes to the limo drivers before seeing the restaurant name, each group was driven to their dining destination in suspense. Upon arrival guests were pampered by the chefs and the staff with a special meal made just for them.
Bunny Bastian & James Murphy
The restaurants that participated were: 1500 at the Eden Roc, Renaissance Miami Beach, Asia de Cuba, Capital Grille, DB Bistro Moderne, Emeril’s Miami Beach, EOS at Viceroy, Miami, Gibraltar at Grove Isle Hotel and Spa, Gotham Steak at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, La Cava Wine Club, Seasons 52, The Trapiche Room, Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crabhouse.
Sponsors for event included: Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, Tiffany & Co., Whole Foods, Zonin USA, Marques De Riscal, Callaway Cellar Selection, I heart olive oil and SmartWater.
FHRI was founded more than 65 years ago as Miami Heart Research Institute, an international leader with a mission to Stop Heart Disease through cardiovascular research, education, and prevention programs. For more information regarding this and other exciting projects at Florida Heart Research Institute, please contact Sallie Byrd at (305) 674-3020 ext 5823, or visit us at www.heartofachef.org
