“We love how the community comes together to support us,” said Deering Foundation executive director Mary Pettit. “Every year it is bigger and better, and today is no exception,”
Throughout the day in the Stone House Courtyard, Whole Foods presented Celebrity Cooking demonstrations. With Chefs from Ocean Reef Club, DJM Restaurants, Ortinique on the Mile, 3030 Club and Haven South Beach, it was impossible not to pick up some great tips on how to prepare mouthwatering meals.
Bridgette Young, the 2015 winner of the Johnson & Wales student seafood competition, even gave away a few of her secrets. Golden Rule Seafood is the sponsor for this 11th edition of the Deering Seafood Festival and marketing/operations director Courtney Reeder said it was a great event.
“We served up more than 4,500 meals today, including plenty of old favorites,” she said. “Fish tacos and fried oysters made their debut this year.”
Sports Grill owner Eric Haas was also pleased with the festival turnout.
“We’re the only landlubber here today, but we’ve done this every year since it began,” he said. “We are a great seafood alternative.”
Aside from the many food vendors, there were arts-and-crafts booths, a giant Kids Zone and free tours of the buildings and grounds. Music played a big part in the festivities, with the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue strolling the grounds with unique spirited musical performances. The relaxed island tunes continued on the main stage with great acts, including the Fourth Dimension Reggae Band and Caribbean Crew. Mr. Nice Guy closed the event with a blistering set of classic rock that really got the crowd moving.
“There’s nothing better than a day like this right here in our own backyard,” said Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn.
Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. Contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com.
