South Beach Wine & Food Fest Fun at the Fontainebleau

Chef John Doherty, Certified Angus Beef Brand

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I love the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. This year was no exception. It’s one of my all time annual fave foodie events. I can easily get googley eyed over chefs and their masterpieces. OK, twist my arm, I admit it, I’m a chef groupie! My first stop was at the luncheon for the “Best of the Best” participating chefs at the Fontainebleau Hotel and it was sponsored by the Certified Angus Beef brand.

Around since the late ‘70s, this brand has been a driver in the market for premium beef. Not only did I have a delicious sampling of Certified Angus beef dishes, including an amazing smoked brisket slider, but I also learned quite a bit about the standards of the cattlemen on the ranch and Angus quality. It’s a top choice for leading culinarians in restaurants throughout Florida, including the Bull and Bear Steakhouse at Orlando’s sophisticated Waldorf Astoria.

After my tasting, my chef groupie gene kicked in. Big time. Enter Chef John Doherty (shown here), a corporate consultant for Certified Angus Beef and a passionate brand advocate. Since I was headed to the Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ that evening beachside at the Delano rather than the Best of the Best event — Chef Doherty beckoned me to taste the caviar he’d be serving. On the spot. His plan was to top a jellied beef consommé with tenderloin and caviar. How could I refuse? As he chatted about its caliber, I really did think about Certified Angus Beef in a whole new way.

Tags: Certified Angus Beef | Fontainebleau | Food & Wine Festival | South Beach Wine & Food Festival