Chef John Gray Hosts Reception at SOBE Wine & Food Festival

Taste of Mexico - Ambiance of

South Beach: As Good as it Gets

Sometimes there is a moment when we appreciate living in South Florida even more than usual and on a sunny afternoon in February we experienced just that when we attended an "intimate" cocktail reception at the Dorchester Hotel on Collins Avenue in South Beach.

Our congenial host was owner Lloyd Mandell who also serves as Executive Manager and, on this day, impromptu parking attendant. "Just park there, we know where to find you," he advised.

The reception was for Chef John Gray, the only chef representing Mexico during the 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Festival's "BubbleQ" evening on Feb. 25. "I was very pleased to have been contacted to attend this event," Chef Gray told us. "I've been in Mexico for quite a while."

In the two decades he has been in Mexico he has built a reputation as a pioneer for his upscale cuisine that features the "textures and taste" of Mexico.

John Gray's Kitchen opened in Puerto Morelos in 2002; John Gray's Place in Playa del Carmen in 2004; La Suegra de John Gray in Puerto Morelos in February 2008; John Gray's Downtown in Cancun in 2008; The Den at John Gray's Place opened in 2009.

For this event Gray worked over an open grill presenting special delights for guests who sat in the quaint courtyard of the Dorchester. They could also sit in "The Floating Bed", a new addition which offers guests the chance to swing gently with the breezes.

It is nice to be in South Florida in February.

Ed. Note: To learn more about the John Gray Restaurant Group visit www.johngrayrestaurantgroup.com. To find out about the Dorchester Hotel go to www.thesuitesofdorchester.com. And if you wish to find a "floating bed" check www.floatingbed.com.