The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) held the 1st Miami Spice Kickoff Event & Fundraiser. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center on July 31, the event, launched the much-anticipated 9th annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program and will showcased a sampling of delicious culinary specialties from Miami Spice participating restaurants. A VIP reception, hosted by Miami Spice presenting sponsor American Express, and official sponsors Moët Hennessy USA and Stella Artois, included an open bar and complimentary valet service. A portion of the proceeds benefited Share Our Strength and Madison’s Wish.

“The GMCVB is grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our restaurant partners, our sponsors and the generous assistance of the Miami Beach Convention Center,” said Steven Haas, chairman of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are proud to bring our community together for this 1st annual event in celebration of Miami’s renowned culinary experience.”

Some of the destination’s top restaurants onboard for the launch event included Michy’s, Sra. Martinez, BLT Steak, D. Rodriguez Cuba, Red -The Steakhouse, and Ocean Prime, among many others.

The ninth annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program takes place August 1st – September 30th 2010. During that time, Greater Miami’s finest restaurants will offer three course prix fixe lunches, at $22 per person, and dinners at $35 (excluding taxes and gratuities). Each menu will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert offering an average discount of 30-50 percent off the regular value. For further information on Miami Spice and the launch event, please visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez Copyright 2010