The big news this weekend continues to be the Miami Book Fair 2012 with literally something for everyone. For those lovers of the New Yorker magazine and food, tonight food essayist Adam Gopnik will speak about his newest book The Table Comes First: Family, France and the Meaning of Food. Saturday, the one not to miss is Martin Amis giving a reading on Lionel Asbo: State of England. Foodies can pick up new cooking tips on everything ranging from integrating Japanese flavors into the American kitchen and making candy in your own kitchen to Cocina Latina and Gluten-Free dishes. Open air performances of live music; a pavilion featuring music, dance, film and crafts of Paraguay; and of course, a selection of books for sale that is worthy of the largest consumer book fair in the US completes the bill.
Before heading off to the Fair or just as a destination in itself, check out Lazuli Nights: Blue Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, 3300 SW 27th Avenue. Sample bites from the culinary stations, specially priced cocktails, see cigar rollers, and even learn to play dominos, all with the background of music from a cool DJ. And even better, this special edition of the ongoing Lazuli Nights features a shopping bazaar, what is billed as wines and spa products at Black Friday prices. Promises to be a great early start to the holiday season. 6 to 9 p.m.
Michael of Michael’s Genuine and Harry’s is up to his usual creative and culinary genuis with a Sunday beer brunch at Harry’s with Pubbelly, part of a series highlighting local craft beers prepared by visiting chefs. No light fare here, but Pubbelly fans of whom there are scores (and they were just named a finalist in eater.com’s best restaurant of the year award ), swear by their food. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3918 North Miami Avenue.
Pictured here Hiroko Shimbo, author of Hiroko’s American Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Japanese Food Report.
