What's Up - The Community Events Blog

Check, Please! South Florida Heats Up This Season!

Check, Please! South Florida turns up the heat with all-new episodes beginning May 21, 2012 on WPBT2. In the season premiere, three local firefighters come to the rescue with the dish on their favorite dining hot spots!  Host Michelle Bernstein jumps back into the mix with fifteen new reviewers, offering restaurant picks from Tequesta to Sweetwater. 

Season 8 visits trendy up-and-coming neighborhoods like Wynwood in Miami and Northwood in West Palm Beach, and gets the lowdown on the food truck frenzy with a stop at the Biscayne Triangle Food Truck Round-up in North Miami, one of the largest meet-ups in South Florida. Whether you’re craving authentic Cantonese, Nicaraguan, Israeli or Italian food, this season has you covered. 

These fun new episodes will be served up on WPBT2 starting Monday, May 21, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Episodes repeat on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.

Season 8 is made possible by the generous support of Badia Spices, Whole Foods Market, Illy Caffe, and Johnson & Wales University.

 

 

 

SEASON 8 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:

Show #801- Premieres 5/21
Featuring Tropical Chinese Restaurant in Miami, Wings N Ale in Coral Springs, and Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante in Miami Beach.

Show #802- Premieres 5/28
Featuring Hog Snapper’s Shack & Sushi in Tequesta, Talia’s Tuscan Table in Boca Raton, and Jade Kitchen in West Palm Beach.

Show #803- Premieres 6/4
Featuring Madroño Restaurant in Miami, Valentino’s Italiana Cucina in Ft. Lauderdale, and Sunrise Pita & Grill in Sunrise.

Show #804 – Premieres 6/11
Featuring The Cottage in Lake Worth, Don Arturo in Ft. Lauderdale, and Joey’s in Miami.

Show #805 – Premieres 6/18
Featuring the Biscayne Triangle Food Truck Round-Up in North Miami, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, and City Oyster & Sushi Bar in Delray Beach. 

 

Tickets On Sale Now for Check, Please! Tasting Tour!

You're Invited to a Preview Screening & Reception

It is one part cooking show, blended with one part travelogue, sprinkled liberally with quirky characters, funky locales and other tropical delights.  Join WPBT2 and author, chef and culinary historian Linda Gassenheimer for a free preview screening and reception of Flavors of the Florida Keys on Sunday, April 22 at the Murray E. Nelson Goverment and Cultural Center in Key Largo.

 

The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception at 4:00pm.  The screening of the program will follow at 5:00pm.  After the screening, Linda Gassenheimer and Executive Producer Jack Kelly will answer audience questions.

 Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Kristina Gutierrez at 305-424-4025 or kristina_gutierrez@wpbt.org by Saturday, April 21.

 

 

 

 

WPBT2 Brings the Web to the TV Screen with Content Miami

Content Miami, premiering on WPBT2, Friday, May 4 at Midnight, takes the best content created for the web in the South Florida area , and broadcasts it over the air. Debuting with a Miami-style mix of three local web based programs, Chat Chow, Sound Theory Live, and Something with Erik and Ralph, but now set to broadcast. Hosted by Miami web presence Natasha Izquierdo, Content Miami brings the web to the TV screen, setting the pace for local television with young, fresh and fun content made in our community and broadcast on WPBT2.  

“We want to create a platform to highlight the great programming being created locally for the internet, which also deserves to be on television, so WPBT2, which has always had such a great local focus, is the perfect partner,” says  Bill Teck, Executive Producer and Creator of Content Miami, who partnered with RAH Productions' Raul de la Cruz to produce the show.

 

Chat Chow

The hottest foodie show on the web, Chat Chow, goes behind the scenes with the chefs, owners and mixologists of Miami’s celebrated food industry. Hosted by Lauren Bernat, the viral Wii Fit Girl sensation, the episodes highlight some of South Florida’s favorite food personalities. http://www.chatchow.tv/

 

 

 

Sound Theory Live

Carlos Garcia host of Sound Theory Live on WDNA 88.9 FM promotes local musicians by showcasing their talents live on the radio with little “get to know them” interviews.  These sessions recorded live during the WDNA radio broadcast give the viewer the feeling of being in studio with these artists as they talk about and perform their music.  https://www.facebook.com/Soundtheorylivemiam

 

 

Something with Erik and Ralph

For a slice or pure, made-in-Miami whimsy starring Ralph de la Portilla and Erik Fabregat as two life-long best buddies down and out in Miami’s Great Recession.

Something with Erik and  Ralph, created by a group of Miami friends, who go by the moniker, The Wet Socks Ensemble, this creative collective of over-educated misfits has created a truly one of a kind show. http://generation-ntv.com/n-miami/something-with-erik-and-ralph

 

A Culinary Journey Through the Florida Keys

It is one part cooking show, blended with one part travelogue, sprinkled liberally with quirky characters, funky locales and other tropical delights.  WPBT2 premieres it’s first television web series, Flavors of the Florida Keys, on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

In this 3-part television web series, author, chef and culinary historian Linda Gassenheimer ventures down the Over-sea Highway to delve into a new facet of this dynamic cuisine.  On her culinary trek, she lets local residents and restaurateurs guide her, to discover the abundant fresh fish and shellfish, tropical fruits and vegetables of the Keys.  From succulent Florida Pink Shrimp to the ubiquitous Key Lime Pie, mouthwatering local recipes unfold as she makes her way through the mile markers.

Viewers can watch the program prior to its broadcast when WPBT2 hosts an online webcast of the program on Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. EST at www.wpbt2.org/webcast.  During the webcast, visitors can watch the program while chatting with each other and asking questions to Linda Gassenheimer and the Executive Producer, Jack Kelly.

WPBT2 will launch the Flavors of the Florida Keys web component on April 27 (www.wpbt2.org/flavorstv).  Through this interactive website, viewers will have the opportunity to view behind the scenes video, cooking demonstrations and additional segments made especially for the website, which will be added weekly. 

Viewers will be able to email their comments through the website and offer accounts of their own experiences with the recipes listed.  Gassenheimer will also interact with the viewers to answer any questions they may have or help with any problems they may encounter in the kitchen.

 

Funding for Flavors of the Florida Keys was provided by Bacardi U.S.A, Inc., Badia Spices, Don Francisco’s Gourmet Coffee and Florida Keys and Key West Tourism Council.

Episode Descriptions:

Episode 1 – Upper Keys

Broadcast Date: May 9

Places featured: Key Largo Fisheries, Key Largo Conch House, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, Bob’s Bunz and Sundowners.

Episode 2 – Middle and Lower Keys

Broadcast Date: May 16

Places featured: Hawks Cay Resort, Square Grouper, and Hogfish Bar & Grill

Episode 3 – Key West

Broadcast Date: May 23

Places featured: Louie’s Backyard, Blue Heaven, Santiago Café, BO’s Fish Wagon, and Pepe’s Café & Steakhouse.

Check, Please! South Florida Returns with New Episodes and a New Look!

 

Tune in for all-new restaurant reviews…and a fresh new look on Check, Please! South Florida, beginning January 23^rd on WPBT2. This season, WPBT2’s popular restaurant review show will sport an updated graphic open, revamped logo, and even new theme music! 

Host Michelle Bernstein returns to the Emmy-nominated series, along with fifteen opinionated guest reviewers from all across South Florida.  Their dining picks run the gamut, from a colorful Colombian spot in South Miami to the chic and trendy Bistro Chez Jean-Pierre in Palm Beach.  Guest reviewers include a South Beach model, Hollywood golf caddy, and Palm Beach financial advisor.  One episode features local female impersonator, Miss Finesse, as one of the guest reviewers.  

The fun begins Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.  Episodes repeat on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.

 

Season 7 is made possible by the generous support of Badia Spices, Whole Foods Market, Johnson & Wales University, and George & Helen Weaver.

 

 

SEASON 7 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:

Show #701- Premiere 1/23

Featuring La Brochette Bistro in Cooper City, Lifefood Gourmet in Miami, and Macita’s Colombian Restaurant in Miami.

Show #702- Premiere 1/30

Featuring 32 East in Delray Beach, Snapper’s Seafood & Wine Bar in Boynton Beach, and Taqueria Doña Raquel in Pompano Beach.

Show #703- Premiere 2/6

Featuring Hakkasan in Miami Beach, Ristorante Sapori in Boca Raton, and Candela Restaurant in Wilton Manors.

Show #704 – Premiere 2/13

Featuring Darbster in West Palm Beach, Bistro Chez Jean-Pierre in Palm Beach, and Geronimo’s Bar & Grill in Davie.

Show #705 – Premiere 2/20

Featuring Hy Vong in Miami, Café Seville in Ft. Lauderdale, and Lorna’s Caribbean & American Restaurant in Miami Gardens.

 

WPBT2 Premieres Season 6 of Check, Please! on Mondays at 7:30 pm Beginning May 16th.

Check, Please! South Florida returns for its sixth season on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. on WPBT2, with a fun, new twist on the typical show concept.  The season opens with three young foodies, local first and second-graders, joining host Michelle Bernstein around the Check, Please!  table to talk about what they liked and disliked about their dining experiences.  

“I thought it would be refreshing to have three kids on the show, talking very honestly (as kids are) about their favorite restaurants,” said host and celebrity chef, Michelle Bernstein. “Kids are just so innocent and untainted by what society thinks. They speak truthfully and straight from their hearts.” 

But, don’t expect a discussion focused on pizza and burgers.  “I was very surprised at the types of restaurants these kids recommended as their favorites,” said show producer Joyce Belloise.  The fact that we can discuss menu items such as sushi, tofu, and filet mignon on a kids’ show says a lot about how our children’s tastes are evolving.”

For now, fans of the show can expect a new line-up of restaurants and guest reviewers, representing dining spots from Jupiter to Kendall, beginning with the special kids episode on May 16th.   South Floridians are encouraged to apply to be a guest reviewer on the show by logging on to the website at www.checkpleasefl.com.

EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:

SHOW # 601- Broadcast Date: Monday, May 16, 2011

*Our Special Kids Episode!*
See what South Floridians have to say about Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant in Dania Beach; Thai Cafe in Miami Lakes; and Café Abbracci in Coral Gables.

Guest reviewers:  Demi-Nicole Bernadotte, Second-grader; Jude Rivera, Second-grader; Frankie Sanchez, First-grader    

SHOW # 602- Broadcast Date: Monday, May 23, 2011

See what South Floridians have to say about Big Bear Brewing Co. in Coral Springs;
Café Sharaku in Ft. Lauderdale; and Tin Muffin Cafe in Boca Raton.

Guest Reviewers:  Jessica Stein, Art Teacher; Yoshi Kirsch, Car Exporter; Jerry Friedman, Chiropractor
    
SHOW # 603- Broadcast Date: Monday, May 30, 2011

See what South Floridians have to say about Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill in Coconut Grove; Secreto Restaurant in Kendall; and Buena Vista Bistro in Miami.

Guest reviewers: Manuela Menendez, Psychologist; Angel Medina, Banker; Scot Marken, Nonprofit CEO

SHOW # 604- Broadcast Date: Monday, June 6, 2011

See what South Floridians have to say about Capt. Charlie’s Reef Grill in Juno Beach, CW’s BBQ in Hobe Sound; and Havana Restaurant in West Palm Beach.

Guest reviewers: Esse Asker, Manufacturer Representative; Tom Priester, Realtor; Maurissa Jones, Lawyer
   
SHOW # 605- Broadcast Date: Monday, June 13, 2011

See what South Floridians have to say about Moca Café & Lounge in North Miami; Bash Wine Cafe in Sunrise; and Sugar Reef Grill in Hollywood.

Guest reviewers: Rose-Philippe Coriolan, Radio Station Operations Manager; Bob Feinberg, Medical Sales Manager; Richard Miller, Fundraising Consultant

Sponsors for Season 6 include Badia Spices, Whole Foods Market, Creekstone Farms, Southern Wine & Spirits, Johnson & Wales University, and Care Plus.

Calling All Wine Enthusiasts!

WPBT2 will premiere a new series, Vine Talk, Sunday, April 9 at 4:30pm.  Join Academy Award Nominated host, Stanley Tucci, as he leads an ever-changing celebrity panel through a blind taste test each week. The panel will sniff, swirl, and sip wines as they talk about their current projects and of course wine. Each week, a different wine region from around the world serves as the inspiration for a lively and engaging conversation.

Taped live at The Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City, an
eclectic group of over 40 celebrities and celebrity chefs blindly pick their favorite wine from each show's offerings and compare their choice with that of a studio audience tasting.

 

Featured celebrities in the first season include John Lithgow, Jennifer Coolidge, Patricia Clarkson, Penn Badgely, Rosie Perez, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and the irrepressible Nathan Lane.

 

 

Check, Please! South Florida is Back with New Episodes!

Have any plans for dinner? Make a date with Check, Please! South Florida.  The popular restaurant review show is back with its new season.  Join Chef Michelle Bernstein and local foodies as they review and discuss their favorite local restaurants.

The new season premieres Monday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. on WPBT2.  See what the passionate panel of South Florida foodies have to say about Perricone’s Marketplace & Café in Miami, Burger and Beer Joint in Miami Beach and 11^th Street Annex in Fort Lauderdale.

Check, Please! South Florida airs Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.

 For more information, visit www.checkpleasefl.com.

 

Meet Michelle Bernstein at IKEA!

Are you tired of the same old holiday recipes?  Are you looking to spice up your recipes and impress your friends and family?  Well, come join WPBT2 and Check, Please! South Florida’s host, Michelle Bernstein at IKEA Sunrise on Tuesday, November 23 from 6:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m as IKEA presents Holiday Recipe Inspiration.  The event will take place in IKEA Sunrise’s kitchen department on the second floor. 

Michelle will be sharing her favorite holiday recipes with a live cooking demonstration as well as answering audience questions. Don’t miss your chance to taste this renowned chef’s recipes and get the expert advice on all your holiday dinner questions.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Chantal Nichtawitz at chantal.nichtawitz@ikea.com or 954-838-9292 Ext. 1336.