Michael's Genuine Celebrates Summer Wines

Michael's Genuine Food & Drink

​Owner and Executive Chef Michael Schwartz and his hard-working sommelier Eric Larkee (who has been with Design District pioneer Michael's Genuine since 2009), are hosting a wine pairing dinner built completely around what they term "summer's most versatile grape" - Riesling. A varietal originating in the Rhine region of Germany and France, these plump white babies are now raised globally; anywhere with cool temps and plenty of terroir in the dirt. Schwartz and Larkee have combined with like minds who are also avid supporters of the Riesling movement - chef Marco Canora (who lost to Marc Forgione in the final battle for an Iron Chef title) and sommelier Paul Grieco of Hearth and Terroir Wine Bar in NYC's East Village. Although this is Miami's debut dinner on June 29, it is officially the fourth annual summer-long celebration of Riesling wines.

Known for a more complex flowery character than cousins like Chardonnay or Grigio, Reislings work extremely well with summer meals. The "Summer of Riesling" dinner covers a range of German, French and domestic wines, offered across the span of five courses. From an octopus terrine to a rabbit ballotine, the chefs have gone all out to devise a menu that inspires instant hunger pains. We convinced them to give us a sneak peak of what's come.

The menu stacks up like this: two courses by Marco with Paul's pairings and two courses by Michael with Eric's pairings. A sweet ending will be provided by confectioner-goddess, Executive Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith. The cost to attend is $150 per person with a parting gift of Canora's cookbook, Salt To Taste. The dinner is taking place in the gallery room adjacent to the main dining room at Michael's Genuine. To reserve a spot, just call the restaurant directly (305-573-5550) and tell them you heard it here. Hot off the presses, check out the collaborative tasting:

Michael's Genuine Summer Riesling Dinner

Looking for a more affordable Genuine experience? Try out dinner and a movie on Tuesday, June 28, at art house movie theater, O, Cinema, in Wynwood. For $38, let MGFD provide the snack fix, including Hedy's homemade popcorn bread pudding. The Life of Reilly is the film de jour. Get your tickets here.

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