I am currently in South Beach for a couple days helping out with some judging on The Next Food Network Star and doing a couple demos for South Beach Food and Wine Festival.
Judging with Bob, Susie and Bobby was a hoot and the contestants this year are really great. I think it should be a really fun season. Ill also be doing a best of the best dinner for the festival (beef cheek pierogie) and a couple demos on the beach on how to roast the perfect chicken and a zucchini salad.
Normally i really do not like to travel as it takes me away from the restaurants and my beautiful bride Lizzie. This trip is always a little different though as it gets me out of the cold for a couple days and allows me to spend some time with some chef friends I don't see often. Liz always comes with on this one to which makes it all the more enjoyable.
So today was an off day so myself and Mr. Flay thought we would sneak in a round of golf. For those of you that don't know I am a golf fanatic (as are allot of chefs) including Bobby. We are also about as competitive as any two people you will find. After 18 holes we were dead even. I rip one about 270ish right down the pipe and Bobby hooks one left. He recovers nicely an.d is about 100 yds out. I hit three wood about 240 to about 10 yds short of the green....after my shot I boast ur done. He hits his 3rd shot to about 20 ft and I chunk my chip. Unf------in believable....I choked. I never choke as a matter of fact I live for the fact that the person Im playing will. I bogey he pars..game..set..match. A very Phil Mickleson moment indeed. Next time Flay your mine!!...Live to cook, MS
I've seen many a "Throwdown" and Flay (more often than not) always seems to squeeze out a victory just when you think he may be beat ... I would assume his golf game would be the same as his cooking.
Posted by: Dan D'Agostino | February 18, 2009 at 05:29 PM
Well this should be a very interesting SOBE this year - looking forward to Sunday's demo!
Posted by: Lys | February 18, 2009 at 05:47 PM
If you ever need to practice your ball striking, my family owns a driving range in the Cleveland 'burbs and I would gladly fund your golf addiction.
Posted by: James | February 18, 2009 at 07:31 PM
i'll kick both your asses and might fly down to do it. miami springs cc is a great course or i can get us on doral. greg norman's white course is good.
sounds like you need some short game - lol! BOGEY? PAR?
where's the birdies holmes?!
Posted by: vincent | February 18, 2009 at 10:57 PM
vincent...id be more than happy to take you money..lol
We played Indian Creek...nice William Flynn trek
I cant stand Doral...it may be the most over rated course in America...especially with those nice five and a half hour rounds!!!
My short game is shakey right now..havent played since september...give me a week then bring you checkbook!!!......thats Symon with a Y!!...lol
Posted by: michael symon | February 19, 2009 at 08:11 AM
All I can say is... I'm SO glad you've gotten back into your blog, Chef Symon. Next question: Are you on Twitter? Let me know:
www.twitter.com/shelleyryan
Posted by: Shelley | February 20, 2009 at 01:02 AM
I've never understood the South Beach attraction. I guess I'm more of a backwater kind of girl. You know, finding the perfect cuban diner in Miami or the best cuban coffee stand. That sort of thing.
My very, very FAVORITE place to eat in Miami, though, is Shorty's BBQ. Fan freaking tastic food, simple atmosphere. Try it next time y'all are there!
Posted by: Amanda | February 20, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Michael,
Thanks for sharing this story. Food and Golf are two of my favorite things in life too. Unfortunately, living in Cleveland, I haven't swung a club since last September. I sure can't wait for the Spring!
BTW, the wife and I had dinner at Lolita last Friday. Everything was amazing.
Posted by: Matt from Lyndhurst | February 20, 2009 at 03:29 PM
I was at the Best of the Best last night and had the pleasure of tasting the beef cheek pergoie - fantastic - but even more impressive was that it was very hot.
By about 8 p.m. - literally standing room only and was a full blown foodie extravaganza.
Posted by: giz | February 21, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Darn - I wish I could make the drive from Palm Beach down to see the Sunday festivities! So close....but..oh well - next year, I'll free this weekend up plenty in advance!
Posted by: Mark Lawrence | February 21, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Michael Symon - wow - you are involved in all kinds of exciting things - wondering how you and Liz are -please give her my best
Still think of her living in Marblehead, Ma. We are still here. Glad to see Lola and Lolita still doing well - great to see the pics on your blog
nice kitchen - Liz has always had great taste. Do not get to Cleveland to often - do you get to Boston? All the best
Lou
Posted by: Lou Ann Cushman | February 21, 2009 at 09:02 PM
lou..give me a email at [email protected] let to get your number and catch up....liz and i talk about you all the time..hope all is well..ms
Posted by: michael symon | February 22, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Michael, my husband and I drove over to Lolita between events at the US Figure Skating Competition last month. Everything was wonderful.
PS - Tell Anne Burrell she cracks me up. I could swear she used the term "hocker" describing her eggs in one show. LOL LOL. Did she or am I just crazy?
Posted by: jackie | February 22, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Chef Symon, My mom is heading into the Cleveland Clinic for a serious surgery to try to remove all of her cancer. While we are there for several days, my husband suggested going to one of your restaurants. Hopefully, we can get there. The menus sound great! I love watching your shows on Food Network. Can't wait to try the food! This will help cope with my mom's surgery for several days before a break!
Posted by: Heather | February 22, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Chef,
I got taken to Lola by my family for my birthday this weekend - I was so blown away. One of the best meals I've ever had, and well worth the drive up from C-Bus. Everyone on the waitstaff who served us were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the meal was fantastic. Thank you and your entire crew so much!
Posted by: Matt W. | February 23, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Michael...nice to see you blogging again!
So what are your favorite Cleveland courses? Mine include Little Mountain, Manakiki, and Sleepy Hollow...
Posted by: Markymark | February 23, 2009 at 11:49 AM
We are really looking forward to New Dinner Impossible episode. My daughter and I love to watch you. She says you remind her of Vin Diesel.
Posted by: Paula Thorngate | April 15, 2009 at 03:24 PM
i also would gladly fund your golf addiction.i used to have some in orlando.than i moved to miami and i had to let it go.but it still burns inside.
Posted by: Miami Hotels | November 29, 2009 at 11:23 AM