Beverages

Puglia Wine Festival

Big Bear Brewing Wins Best IPA at U.S. Beer Tasting Championships

Awards for the 18th-annual U.S. Beer Tasting Championships were announced this weekend in Manchester, New Hampshire, and Big Bear Brewing Co. in Coral Springs came away a big winner. Its Paw Print IPA won the Grand Champion award in the category of India pale ales. There are 15 categories -- sour be ... More >>

Grape Expectations

Neon Trees at Revolution Live on August 10

A Beer Fest, Palm Beach Style

Never Repeat a Cocktail at Steak 954

Are you in a cocktail rut? Do you find yourself ordering the same dirty martini day after day? Do you peruse a cocktail menu, intrigued by names like Sidecar, Death in the Afternoon, and Aviator? Steak 954 is inviting you to drop the apple martini and get with the program -- the "never repeat cockta ... More >>

Steak 954 Named Wine Spectator's 100 Best Wine Restaurants

Wine Spectator has come out with their annual listing of the 100 best wine restaurants in the country and Steak 954 has been named of the the top picks.The Stephen Starr steakhouse at the W Fort Lauderdale hotel joins such notable restaurants as Le Bernadin, The Lambs Club, Per Se, and Minetta Taver ... More >>

Tap 42: Have You Tried a Beer Cocktail?

If you have trouble remembering the cautionary drinking rhyme " liquor before beer, you're in the clear; beer before liquor, never sicker", here's a new rule that's easy to remember-- drink 'em together, even better. Meet the beer cocktail--a combination of craft beer, liquor, fresh herbs and fruit ... More >>

It's Summer; Drink Riesling!

Summer of Riesling begins tomorrow. For those keeping track, that's June 20 or the first official day of summer. Ladies, we know you love your Chardonnay; but summer's the time for Riesling, so grab your nearest grandma and fancy cup with ice and shake things up. Never heard of the Summer of Ries ... More >>

Ernie's Italian Chophouse to Host Bell Wine Dinner

When dining Italian you must have wine. That statement is pure, simple, and true. In Italy, wine practically flows down the cobblestone streets, made in basements, at home, and at gorgeous Tuscan wineries.And yet, Ernie's Italian Chophouse restaurateur Ernie Patti has chosen to celebrate American wi ... More >>

Summer School by Way of a Sommelier

Boca's Craft Beer Crawl Made a Bit Fruity at the Funky Buddha

"You are not going to start calling me names if I order the Raspberry Berliner?" my friend asked, in a rather deadpan manner. We were evaluating the options written on the chalkboard behind the bar in the Boca Raton craft beer haven Funky Buddha. I could not judge him considering that I was serious ... More >>

The Craft-Beer Craze Finally Finds Florida

Seven Spots to Get Your Drink On During American Craft Beer Week in South Florida

Today kicks off American Craft Beer Week, a seven-day celebration of all that is good about barley and hops bred and brewed within our borders. There are dozens of official ACBW activities -- beer dinners, pairings, movie screenings, parties, etc. -- throughout the week. Or if you're simply in the m ... More >>

A Plea for More Homegrown Craft Beer in South Florida

South Florida is a boozy, tourist-driven economy. With American Craft Beer Week upon us -- Cheers! And so help you god if you consume a Budweiser product this week -- it's a fitting time to contemplate why the region is moving at a positively glacial pace to tap into the possibilities that exist in ... More >>

Give Coors the Cold Shoulder

How Coffee and Beer Geeks Are More Alike Than You'd Think

We're still a ways from touting baristas and roasters as beer nerds celebrate Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Garrett Oliver of Brooklyn Brewery. Yet we're on the way, with baristas joining the festival circuit to make a name for themselves in the coffee world. Here in South Florida, our standout ... More >>

Las Olas Wine and Food Festival, Old School Beerfest, and other Food and Drink Events this Week in South Florida

With wine competitions, wine festivals, beer festivals, and all manner of pairings on the docket, this is a busy week for food and drink fans in South Florida. In addition to the typical end-of-season flood of events, there are a few special observances this week. Tax day is Tuesday and if you need ... More >>

South Florida's Best Mojito

It may not be considered as hip as it was a few years ago, but the mojito certainly has staying power in South Florida. And why not? In a land with a perpetual summer, the refreshing blend of muddled mint and lime is a natural fit. Below, we've assembled a list of ten great mojitos in Broward and Pa ... More >>

South Florida's Best Places to Sip Wine

​The American Fine Wines Competition gala is set for April 19 at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. At $310 a pop, a spot at the table nets a four-course dinner and tastes of many of the 600 American wines featured in the competition. Late Show With David Letterman announcer Alan Kalter will emce ... More >>

Pour One Out for Light Beer: Miller Lite and co. Losing Ground to Craft Beer

​Bud, Coors, and Miller lovers take note: Your barley water may be in trouble. According to a piece posted today on bloomberg.com, the light beer industry is suffering in an age of craft beer, designer cocktails, and wine. Bloomberg reporter Duane D. Stanford cites "cabernet-loving baby boomers" a ... More >>

Holy Mackerel Head Brewer and Founder Bobby Gordash Talks Craft Beer in South Florida

​In anticipation of the upcoming New Times' Beerfest (Saturday, March 31, in downtown Fort Lauderdale) Clean Plate Charlie has been talking with South Florida beer aficionados and experts about the state of beer in Florida and beyond. Earlier this week, we talked to John Linn of Fresh Beer Inc., w ... More >>

Counting Down to New Times' Beerfest: John Linn Talks Craft Beer and Why It's Gaining Traction in South Florida

​With the New Times' Beerfest just a few short weeks away, Clean Plate Charlie is focused on all things beer and particularly the beer scene as it stands in South Florida. To get an understanding of where our region and our state are fall in line with national trends, we connected with John Linn, ... More >>

Cheap Booze Watch: Uncle Julio's in Boca Raton Has a New Happy Hour

​Happy hour is never more than a few moments from the average clock-puncher's mind, and when we catch wind of a chance to guzzle margaritas (and beer, wine, whatever) at a lower price, our ears perk up. Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food in Mizner Park -- you know; that place at the north end of the ... More >>

Event Coverage: The Fifth Annual American Fine Wine Competition VIP Connoisseur Reception

​ The Fifth Annual American Fine Wine Competition hosted a VIP connoisseur reception Thursday night at Allied Kitchen & Bath in Fort Lauderdale. The event was open to the public and was part of an ongoing series to highlight American wines and vineyards. More than a hundred people attended and ... More >>

Martini Madness at La Scaletta Ristorante & Pizzeria

​There's something about a martini that we adore. Maybe it's the sophistication of the glass or the ritual of watching the bartender shake the cocktail and pour the ice-cold libation, possibly leaving the shaker at the bar with a few precious additional drops of the delicious libation we are about ... More >>

SoBeWFF: Tickets Still Available for These Events

​There's no denying that the South Beach Wine and Food Festival is South Florida's premier foodie event. The four-day festival turns Miami into one giant celebrity-chef mosh pit -- where the likes of Paula Deen, Anthony Bourdain, Emeril Lagasse, and Rachael Ray all come together to mingle with fan ... More >>

Celebrate Pisco Sour Day at Buddha Sky Bar

​February 4 is Dia Nacional Del Pisco Sour in Peru. We're not sure if banks and schools are closed, but we imagine a country where work stops for the day to celebrate a cocktail, and we are happy.We see this as a great opportunity to improve foreign relations with our friends in South America. Sin ... More >>

Educational Winetasting Experience at the Best Cellar

​If you've always wanted to know more about wine and are looking for something to do this evening, look no more. The Best Cellar in Wilton Manors is hosting an educational winetasting tonight, January 14, from 8 to 10 p.m.  For $15 (about the price of a movie and a small popcorn), you'll have ... More >>

New Coke at Snooze Theatre, January 2

Decoding Coffee Talk to Make a Better Brew

Videocast #3 - Chemex/Pourover from James Hoffmann on Vimeo.What's the big deal about coffee? Coffee geeks have been nerding out over it for ages. It's only been within the last few years that the masses have become more educated by coffee aficionados, perhaps in part because of the rise and platea ... More >>

Five Holiday Cocktail Recipes to Boost Your Spirit

Bad Santa respects your drink choices.​​Drinking on Christmas is encouraged, because when you're inebriated, Mom is a little more tolerable, Grandma's sexist rants are adorable, and your brother's constant cursing is almost endearing.No one wants to endure those awkward family dinners while sobe ... More >>

Coca-Cola Drops White Polar Bear Cans Because We're Too Stupid

​When Coca-Cola decided to team with the World Wildlife Fund to raise money for endangered polar bears, who would have thought there would be backlash?

Battle of the Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Comparing Four

Get in my belly you delicious, pumpkin devil.​Pumpkin is one of those fruits that is most emblematic of the Autumn season. Forget about its obvious benefits like being Atkin's Diet-friendly, full of vitamins, and a powerful digestive aid (fiber baby, fiber). We want to eat it, drink it, and s ... More >>

New Times Beerfest Judges: Nine Expert Drinkers, Including These Two Lucky Readers

New Times Beerfest is better than this one. ​Greg Heller, a financial analyist and major beer fiend, and Stevette Hay, a former brewpub employee and local chef, are our two readers who will join an esteemed panel to help judge the New Times Beerfest 2011 awards. Heller and Hay provided two detaile ... More >>

Blind Wine Chick Alex Elman Wine Tastings at Whole Foods Market

Alex ElmanMeet Alex Elman and her dog Hanley at Whole Foods​It's not every day that your wine tasting is interrupted by a thumping tail, but then not every wine tasting is conducted by a self-titled blind wine chick.I met Alex Elman at the South Beach Whole Foods Market to chat about her wine on H ... More >>

Witches, Food Trucks, and Bubble Tea at Seminole Hard Rock Tonight

Boba Station via FacebookBoba Station brings bubble teas to Hard Rock.​The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood is hosting its weekly dinner and a movie. The event happens in the valet parking lot of the Seminole Paradise shops.  Besides nearly two dozen food trucks on the scene ... More >>

Oktoberfest in South Florida: A Survival Guide

Octoberfest Beers: A New Times Taste Test

​Despite that this will be my first hot weather fall, I still love October for its association with changing leaves, football games, and braising season. In tandem with the weather changes to the north, beer geeks transition from light, refreshing beers to heartier, toasty lagers. Genera ... More >>

Biergarten Boca Raton Slated for October Opening

​South Florida is flooded with temples to craft brews. Next up? Biergarten Boca Raton, a casual Tyrolean restaurant conceived by Arturo Gismondi of Cannoli Kitchen. Slated to open October 1st, the restaurant concept- for now, anyway- is German-inspired interior with an international menu.

Ra Sushi's Summer Cocktail Recipes

All photos courtesy RA Sushi RA Sushi's new summer drink collection - try them at the restaurant or make them at home.​RA Sushi has created three refreshing summer cocktails that pair perfectly with their sushi for a delicious cool meal when the heat index soars through the roof. The cock ... More >>

Get the Skinny on Morton's New Healthy, Low-Calorie "Spa-Tinis," Summer Cocktails

​Question: How many cocktails does it take to turn one skinny chick into a big, fat mess?Answer: One mega-sized margarita too many! If that hits a little too close to home, we have a better answer for you. Try downsizing your cocktail calories with Morton's (yes, the steakhouse) new health-co ... More >>

The Generous Pour Event Returns to the Capital Grille

Wine.com ​​It's summer and that can only mean one thing over at The Capital Grille- it's time for The Generous Pour Event. In its 3rd year, the program launches TODAY and runs well through the end of summer concluding on Sunday, September 4.

Five for the Fourth, Wines for Holiday Grilling

​We all know that beer is not just for breakfast any more, but it's equally true that wine is not just for expensive meals of unpronounceable dishes at snobby restaurants.  Actually, it's perfect for your Fourth of July barbecue. After all, beer only fills you up and cuts down on stomach spac ... More >>

Chef Joey Giannuzzi Talks About DIG and Being Clean and Green, Part 2

​Yesterday, we shared part 1 of our interview with chef Joey Gianuzzi of The Green Gourmet and DIG. If you missed it, you can read it here. We now continue with part 2. Clean Plate Charlie: How do you cook food that's tasty while still being healthful? Chef Joey Giannuzzi: You just use bigge ... More >>

South Florida's Best Cocktails: We Travel Between Beaches and Barstools to Find the Best of What's Shaken and Stirred

Beer of the Week: Le Merle Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale

​Unrepentant beer drinkers, rejoice! Each week, Clean Plate Charlie will select one craft or import beer and give you the lowdown on it: How does it taste? What should you drink it with? Where can you find it? But mostly, it's all about the love of the brew. If you have a beer you'd like featured ... More >>

Three Must-Try Craft Beer Events Tonight

​American Craft Beer Week continues tonight with three outstanding events throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Which means you don't have to drive too far to get a taste of great craft beer. If You're in Palm Beach......then you've got to hit up BX Beer Depot's (2964 Second Ave., Lake ... More >>

Ales on the Avenue Tonight in Delray Beach

​This week is American Craft Beer Week, which means there are a host of beer events each night through Sunday. Tonight, one of the coolest events of the week goes down in Delray Beach. Ales on the Avenue is a full-fledged pub crawl hosted by a host of Delray Beach restaurants and Fresh Beer, Inc. ... More >>

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry During American Craft Beer Week in South Florida

​(Queue the Professor Farnsworth voice) Great news, everyone! It's American Craft Beer Week!What's American Craft Beer Week? It's nationwide celebration of all things craft beer, running from May 16 to the 22. And it's going on right now at restaurants and bars all across South Florida.Gettin ... More >>