In early September I joined a group called Tastecasting. If you’re a blogger and media-savvy/socially-networked, this group is for you!
The way it works is restaurants invite the local tastecasting team for a ‘complimentary’ tasting…the quid pro quo being team members broadcast comments and photos to the social networks via iphones, blackberries and computers. We generally start before the event broadcasting our invitation and all-around “see you there” messages on twitter and facebook. It’s a hysterical sight when we get together at the dinner…in between bites and gulps, everyone is snapping photos and tweeting courses. Afterwards, we generally write reviews and post photos. I’ve made a new group of friends and we’ve shared some absolutely fabulous food and wine pairing dinners at these events.
Most recently, we were invited to a soft opening of Wild Olives by Todd English in Boca Raton. Twelve of us sat down to a multi-course, wine-paired dinner set in an upscale space in the tony Boca Center.
It was a lovely surprise, therefore, a couple of weeks later to receive an invitation to the official ribbon-cutting opening and an opportunity to go back and meet Todd English at a great outdoor party last evening. It was beautiful weather for a patio party (sorry, readers, this is Florida!). There was live music, a few celebrities, lots of good food, a Prosecco bar, a Grey Goose bar, and a full bar — and the Chef was as generous as the offerings, mingling and taking photos with the guests.
I’ve attend 4 Tastecasting events so far and link reviews/photos below. Some of the photos are not great, either due to low lighting or photographer excitement (error) at all the good stuff I was about to eat (or already drank).
For those unfamiliar with facebook albums who don’t want to look at thumbnail photos (who does?), click on the first photo to enlarge it, then continue with album by clicking ‘next’.
Wild Olives by Todd English, Boca Raton; photos; Urban Spoon review
The Cape Cod Room, Miami Beach; photos; Urban Spoon review
L’Hermitage Catering + Gourmet Shop, Fort Lauderdale; photos
Secrets Piano Bar + Grill, Palm Beach Gardens; photos
I can’t wait for the next one! Why don’t you check if there is a Tastecasting team near you? Or start one? It’s such fun!
Pictured: Chef Todd English
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I salivated as I went though your album. All the food was so appealing to the eye.
The antipasto bar alone sold me, Joan. Fabulous photos, great review. Am I envious!
How cool is that – you met Todd English. This sounds fabulous and you are so lucky to be included. Please keep us posted as this sounds wonderful.
Please keep the weather nice; we’ll be down shortly.
Sam
How fun for you Joan! I would definitely be interested in that here in LA.
LL
P.S. I have that same exact top you are wearing in the photo with Todd!
Of course you do…you’re a woman of good taste and style.
I am so happy for you but really envious – I wish I could have been there.
Foodies would have so much in common this would be the perfect way to spend time together Joan.
It sounds like having real fun, lucky you!
My best wishes for a joyfull Merry Christmas!
Hi, it’s my first time visiting your blog and I am so glad I did! I’ve never heard of Tastecasting and hope it’s going on in my area. What a great experience you had.
What a wonderful way to get together Joan! I sure wish something like that existed here, but for some reason I don’t think so (gonna check it out though!)
Nice photo albums Joan. Looks like you really enjoyed this event. The antipasto bar WOW!
I would love to do something like this, I will have to check into it. It is so cold here I am jealous of your beautiful weather!
My memory..I think I joined, but haven’t heard anything, but this is Nashville, not so much a food town. How much fun and your pics are great, especially of you.
That sounds great! I would love to do it.
That sounds like a lot of fun. I must give this a try!
What a great idea! I wish we had it here too
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Florida looks so nice, Joan! I’ve only seen and read about Boca Ratón in films and books… it sounds so exotic
Hi Joan. I just joined taste casting in Palm Beach. Thanks for all your great comments on my blog, you are the best. Juan
Good, then I’ll see you at one of the events.
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