Bites and brews collide at NoMi's BrewFest

More than just beer, the 2019 North Miami BrewFest offers patrons the opportunity to taste quality, gourmet bites from renowned restaurants in Miami. 

LOCAL MENU TASTINGS

Fan favorite restaurants like SuViche, Novecento, Temple Street Eatery and Stephen's Deli will all extend tastings of speciality menu items at the event. Patrons can look forward to menu tastings from new restaurants, along with classic menu items from the restaurants they already love.

FIU alumnus Ryan Egozi '06, the owner of both SuViche and Novecento Restaurants, says that BrewFest is a great opportunity to continue to market his businesses to new guests, while reminding old guests about the essence of his brands. 

“Our brisket is made from a proprietary recipe,” says Egozi about Novecento’s Brisket Crostini. “It’s slow-cooked and made with chimichurri and salsa. It's very popular on our menu.”

Co-owners of Temple Street Eatery Alex Kuk '04, MS '08 and Diego Ng '08 will also be presenting novelty menu items at the event. 

“The reason that we’re taking part in this event is very simple,” Ng says. “FIU is our alma mater. We are very excited to be involved in the growth of our school and be a part of the hospitality program’s initiatives.”

Stephen's Deli, owned by Matt Kuscher ’00 and Priscilla Kuscher ’10, is offering a tasting of their Elena Ruth sandwich. Chef Leo Osorio had this to say about the menu item: "The Elena Ruth is a great example of old meets new in our deli. Oven-roasted turkey breast is served on white toast with homemade cinnamon cream cheese, strawberry jam and thick-cut smoked bacon. It's a great mix of sweet and savory that you can only get at Stephen's Deli."

Here are a few dishes you can look forward to at BrewFest: 

1. SuViche: Ceviche Verde - Wild caught white fish marinated in jalepeño, cucumber and avocado-infused SuViche Peruvian sauce.
2. Novecento: Brisket Crostini - slow cooked brisket, chimichurri aioli, salsa criolla and maldon salt
3. Temple Street Eatery: Chicken dumplings - homemade soy garlic sauce and chili oil.
4. Mimi’s Ravioli: Mimi’s Special Meatball, veal, pork, beef, with pignoli and raisins, in marinara sauce.
5. Dr. Limón Ceviche Bar: Mixed ceviche - marinated in lime with rocoto.
6. Stephen's Deli: Elena Ruth - turkey sandwich.

In addition to the offerings served to all patrons, BrewFest is extending an exclusive menu only to VIP ticket holders. 

Keeping local roots close, VIP ticket holders will have access to a VIP lounge hosted by Café Crème, a restaurant located adjacent to MOCA Plaza, the BrewFest venue. This specialty menu will be served between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the VIP area:

1. Duck Rillette
2. Smoked Salmon and Scallop Tartar
3. Short Rib Parmenter Demi-Glace
4. Pork Belly Roasted with Maple Syrup
5. Herbed Shrimp in Crepe
6. Mango Cheesecake
7. Rum Canelé

PAIRED TO PERFECTION

Brewers and restaurants are teaming up to pair beers and bites. The idea is to have attendees explore how various beers enhance the overall dining experience based on complementary flavors. According to Brewers Association, here are a few basics of lager palette pairings:

Light lagers: Spicy food, burgers, salads

Wheat beers: Spicy food and fruity desserts

India pale ales (IPAs): Steak, barbecue, and Mexican food

Amber ales: Pizza, fried food, smoked pork

Dark lagers: Pizza, burgers, hearty stews

Brown ales: Sausage, sushi, fish

Porters: Seafood, coffee-flavored desserts, game meats

Stouts: Chocolate desserts, shellfish, Mexican food

Proceeds from North Miami BrewFest support the brewing science program at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. 

The Festival will take place at MOCA Plaza on Nov. 16. Tickets are already on sale, get yours here! The university community can save using the code FIUFAMILY for 20 percent off both VIP and general admission at checkout.