March 1, 2024
Each Friday, we compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
Chug’s Diner Hosts Cars & Croquetas
Corvina Seafood Grill Debuts New Offerings
Burger of the Month Club at Le Chick
COYO Taco Unveils the Croquetaco
Chug’s Diner Hosts Cars & Croquetas
Michael Beltran – chef/partner of Ariete Hospitality Group – is gearing up for the 2024 edition of Cars and Croquetas, his annual charity classic car show and street party hosted in the lot behind Chug’s Diner to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
On Sunday, March 10, from 9AM – 1PM, foodies, car enthusiasts, Coconut Groveites and fellow cancer crusaders are invited to come out for a street-style affair that’ll be tough to beat.
The event is free and open to the public, no tickets sold, but all food & beverage sales will go directly to LLS. On offer, , tons of delicious food selections will include classic, K-Town and Chug’s frita sliders (2 for $10), buffalo chicken croquetas with Dorito breading by Chug’s, frito pie croquetas by USBS, bacon egg and cheese by Chug’s, and sweet pastelitos by Pastelito Papi.
Guests have the opportunity to pair these dishes with coffee from Imperial Moto and/or cocktails by Una Vodka/London Essence and Brugal, including Brugal carajillo ($12)and Una Vodka Arnold Palmer ($12). The Sunday soiree will be hosted by beloved South florida radio talent Lucy Lopez. Serious car enthusiasts who want to block a spot to spotlight their custom wheels can do so for $35.
Guests will also have a chance to win amazing raffle prizes including F&B experiences at Ariete, Luca Osteria, Zak the Baker, Pubbelly Sushi, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop and Kush Hospitality, as well as memberships at Lion Heart Boxing Gym. Attendees can also enjoy live recordings of Pan Con Podcast and witness the excitement of the Car Show Awards, with judges’ votes by Hardkore Kustomz and the People’s Choice by Chianti Customs.
Also, exclusive merchandise, including event tees with a unique back design and PIG Inc. merch. Last but not least, a special auction item – a dinner for two by Chef Mike in the comfort of their home, featuring a four-course tasting menu paired with exquisite wines.
“This is an event and cause that’s close to my heart,” says Beltran, whose mother was diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukemia) two years ago. “My mother has been amazing and is such a fighter but it’s been a hard road for her. Every dollar we raise for the LLS helps with research into and protocols to help combat these types of cancer and that’s something I have dedicated myself to.”
Cars & Croquetas will take place at 3140 Grand Avenue in the parking lot located behind Chug’s Diner in Coconut Grove. Secure your parking spots in advance through EventBrite, and make sure to follow @carsandcroquetas on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration of cars, croquetas, and community!
Corvina Seafood Grill Debuts New Offerings
When Eddie and Christina Pozzuoli – the husband-and-wife team behind the Palm Beach County-based hospitality group on the rise, P Hospitality – took over operations of Corvina Seafood Grill in October 2023, the savvy restaurateurs aimed to bring to the restaurant a true locals’ touch, youthful energy, and their signature style of hospitality to the East Boca eatery which, admittedly, had earned a reputation for its exceptional seafood-centric cuisine.
As Spring marks a time of rebirth and renewal, the Pozzuolis are thrilled to announce a slate of new offerings sure to hit the mark with fans and newcomers alike. Among them are a scintillating new Saturday night program and a bevy of new menu items. Plus, who doesn’t love free bubbles?
On Saturday, March 2nd, Corvina will kick off Santorini Saturdays, transporting guests straight to the Aegean Sea. Each Saturday evening, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of Coastal Greek specialty dishes and cocktails, along with live entertainment by guitarist Murat Turan. Staff – donned in white, flowy garb – will guide guests through the dining experience, ensuring a festive night out on the town.
Dishes – which will rotate weekly – include Local Key West Pink Shrimp Saganaki with ouzo flambe, tomato sauce, dill, feta, and orzo pasta; an assortment of Greek Meze featuring tzatziki; htipiti and marinated Kalamata olives served with grilled local pita; and Galaktoboureko – Greek lemon custard pie, spiced honey syrup, and crushed pistachio nuts. Santorini Saturday libations will also include Ketel Grapefruit Ouzo Paloma and $9 Frosé.
Since hospitality is the hallmark of Corvina, the Pozzuolis are also introducing a Complimentary Cava Cart beginning mid-March 2024. Diners checking in for their reservations will each receive a complimentary glass of Cava, toasting to a great evening ahead.
Corvina has also unveiled a slew of new dishes under the direction of Executive Chef Jeff Tunks, who has been at the helm of Corvina since the restaurant first opened.
New menu options include Sea Scallops & Fettuccine Carbonara – house-made pasta with pancetta, English peas, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan; Baked Oysters Rockefeller with spinach, Pernod, and parmesan panko crisp; Lobster and Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque with butter poached lobster and toasted pumpkin seeds; Jumbo Lump Crab Linguini ‘Fra Diavolo’ with Calabrian chili, roasted heirloom cherry tomato, and sourdough parmesan-lemon crumb; Local Yellowtail Snapper ‘Almondine’ with lobster mashed potatoes, asparagus, wild mushrooms, and toasted almond beurre blanc; and Low Country Shrimp & Grits with local Key West pink shrimp, cheddar cheese grit cake, smoked bacon, and holy trinity. Sushi lovers will want to ask for the “secret menu” featuring an array of specialty rolls and sashimi, only for those in the know!
Burger of the Month Club at Le Chick
Did you know Le Chick has a Burger of the Month Club? The annual membership is designed to provide Le Chick customers and burger lovers alike with one specialty burger, and other exclusive benefits, each month.
Priced at $250 for the annual membership, club members will enjoy a new, juicy burger each month, a personalized membership card, exclusive benefits, and an annual savings of $86 (specialty burgers are normally priced at $28 each).
For the month of March, Le Chick will be offering the Le Prechaun Burger, made with an 8oz Irish Whisky marinated patty, caramelized onions, grilled poblano pepper, lettuce, spicy whisky sauce, beer cheese sauce, smoked salt on a pretzel bun.
COYO Taco Unveils the Croquetaco
On March 5th, Miami based influencer, George Arango @MrEats305 is joining forces with one of the city’s oldest family owned and operated bakeries and restaurants, Islas Canarias and trendy taqueria meets speakeasy, COYO Taco. While Islas Canarias is known for their famous croquetas, locals have been lining up outside COYO Taco (Wynwood) for their tacos since day one. Arango is taking both of the magic city’s beloved dishes and giving locals the best of both worlds — the Croqeutaco. He’ll be working alongside Chef Scott Linquist of COYO Taco and brother/sister duo Chef Eileen and Jonathan Andrade of Islas Canarias to create the perfect balance between Cuban and Mexican flavors.
The Croqeutaco features a Ham croqueta by Islas Canarias wrapped in a crispy cheese costra, topped with toasted pineapple, pickled Jalapeno and onions and drizzled in chipotle sauce and cotija cheese with crispy tortilla strips served on a signature hand-pressed corn tortilla by COYO Taco. The Croqeutaco will be available for $11 at all COYO Taco locations and for delivery through DoorDash from March 5th through the end of the month In honor of the 11th Annual 305 DAY®, COYO Taco will also donate proceeds to 305 DAY’s charity partner, Chapman Partnership for the Homeless.