Miami New Times Iron Fork

For the last decade, Miami New Times' blockbuster Iron Fork has drawn thousands to downtown Miami to enjoy some of the most interesting and exotic cuisine ever sampled in these parts. For the last three years, we have partnered with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to kick off Miami Spice, two months of restaurant discounts that are a local sensation. The event, presented by the Downtown Development Authority, was selected as one of the top 100 events in South Florida in 2015 by Biz Bash.

This year, on July 28, thousands of diners and food lovers from across Greater Miami will gather at American Airlines Arena the area's biggest and most prominent venue to watch two of our city's finest chefs go pot-to-pot in a sizzling showdown for supremacy. Also once again this year, one of the area's most celebrated chefs and a member of the famed "Mango Gang," Allen Susser, will oversee the competition.

The winner will receive the prestigious Iron Fork Award, signifying the area's top toque. Some of the past winners of Iron Fork include chefs Todd Erickson, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Daniel Serfer and Timon Balloo.

In 2016, Iron Fork's charity partner, Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign, is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need every day. This campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. It also engages the public to make ending childhood hunger a national priority.

Iron Fork will allow visitors to sample goods from more than 70 restaurants. After they've had their fill, diners can participate in a silent auction with a plethora of items including everything from restaurant certificates to culinary experiences to exciting getaways!

One hundred percent of all money raised in the auction will go to the No Kid Hungry Campaign. Leftover food from participating restaurants will benefit Camillus House. Its vision for tomorrow is always built on the ideals of our founding mission which aims to provide every client with opportunities to combine personal and community resources in order to affect physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Camillus House envisions its service to the poor and homeless as a continuum of care which empowers clients towards personal rehabilitation and proactive integration as productive members of the general population.

Camillus House has partnered with several local businesses that have agreed to provide training assistance and certification for individuals in our program. Trainees learn all facets of large restaurant operations, including food preparation, serving, cleaning, maintenance and storage. Skills include sanitation standards, maintenance of FIFA guidelines, etiquette, hospitality and communication. Trainees work for a dining hall that produces over 800 home cooked meals daily.

Miami Spice is a mouthwatering restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. During August and September, restaurants offer three-course meals (lunch and dinner) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. It's a tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami an epicurean paradise.