Flavors of love
Boca Raton food and wine bash dishes early taste of Valentine’s Day
If you’d like a taste of Valentine’s Day a week early, then plan to attend the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Flavors 2020 food and wine extravaganza Feb. 6.
But don’t wait to buy one of the 600 tickets, because the fundraiser, being hosted at the Addison, has sold out the past couple of years, president Cristy Stewart-Harfmann says.
“It’s an open bar at The Addison, and it’s supporting the Junior League, so there’s a lot of reasons to come,” she says. “We were shutting down last year and people didn’t want to leave. The courtyard was full, and people were still dancing. They were willing to stay out way past their bedtime, which is a great sign of a fun party. The Addison has some of the best hospitality in town.”
This year’s theme is “Fall in Love with JLBR,” featuring red, pink and white decorations and a wall of flowers. However, StewartHarfmann emphasizes it’s not just for couples.
“We want to make sure people feel welcome to come,” she says. “It can be a girls’ night out, or you can come with a group of friends. We wanted to show all the things that Junior League loves, including our impact on the community.”
About 30 local restaurants will offer bites, including veteran participants Melting Pot, Publix Aprons, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, Kapow Noodle Bar and Boca Raton Resort and Club. New to the event will be Just Salad, Benihana, Burtons Grill & Bar and Rebel House.
“The Addison’s offerings are always a big hit, and last year Kapow had some of the longest lines,” StewartHarfmann says.
This year, attendees will vote for their favorite dish.
“We’re always trying to figure out how thank the restaurant sponsors and recognize them,” she says. “Boca is a tight-knit community, and it’s fun to have a little competition.”
Organizers also are planning pop-up shops, a silent auction, raffles, a DJ and a singer.
“We do everything with volunteers … and every year we’re training women who have never put on an event like this,” Stewart-Harfmann says. “Our hope is that they take their fundraising skills and go on to serve other nonprofits as well. But when you’re on the training ground, it’s difficult and probably our biggest challenge — but also our biggest pro.”
The annual event started 11 years ago as Chocolate Decadence, but the group expanded its palate from sweet to savory in 2013 when the name changed to Flavors.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. at 2 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. Tickets are $100 or $165 for VIP with early admission and private lounge. Call 561-620-2553 or go to Jlbr.org.
“We’re building on the success we had last year and giving the community the chance to come out and celebrate together,” Stewart-Harfmann says. “I keep hearing from guests that this is one of their favorite food events of the year, and we’re always open to people’s honest feedback.”