Irish Stew Cook-Off
When the Irish began immigrating to the United States in large numbers in the mid-1800s, fleeing from the starvation caused by the potato famine, they naturally brought along their food traditions. The hearty stew evolved and adapted to include locally available products.
The Irish Stew classic recipe further evolved in the New World, where contemporary versions included ingredients such as Guinness stout beer and parsley dumplings.
Irish and non-Irish chefs alike have tinkered with the original recipe, and some of the resulting variations lift this what was originally a peasant dish to near gourmet status. Wine often replaces some of the stock, garlic adds a recognizable nuttiness, and other herbs join the parsley to add depth to the bouquet. Add soda bread on the side.
The South Florida Emerald Society began this annual event in January, 2015 at the Miami Yacht Club located on the shores of beautiful Biscayne Bay. It quickly evolved into a grand family event for members and friends to show off their culinary skills by participating in a true Irish Stew Festival Cook-Off. Some cooks took out their Grandma O’Brien’s Irish stew recipes to participate. This event has grown to host over 20 cooks and 90 participants. The cooks are judged under “Professional”, “Amateur,” and “Presentation” categories. The best part is that the guests vote for the best taste, tradition and presentation. The Irish Stew Cook-Off is usually held the end of January or beginning of February every year.
Photos from last Stew Cook-Off
Installation Dinner
The South Florida Emerald Society’s Installation Dinner is the traditional and annual event in which the newly elected Board of Officers and Directors are sworn in, and the new members of the year are introduced. Attended by members, family and guests, it is a celebration of our Irish community in Miami, FL.
Photos from last Installation Dinner
Fourth of July Parade
The Key Biscayne Community Foundation has been hosting the annual 4th of July Parade for over 50 years. The South Florida Emerald Society is honored to have been continually asked to be a guest participant in this historic and patriotic parade. The Emerald Society members, families and friends are known for marching on the Key, proudly hoisting our Irish flag, donning our Emerald pins and green beads, accompanied by the St. Andrew’s Pipe and Drum Band. We, as Emeralds, are doubly proud to be included in this All-American event as Irish participants!
Photos from last Parade
Pub Crawl
The Annual South Florida Emerald Society’s Pub Crawl was initiated in 2009, with visits to five Irish bars on Miami Beach. The next four events were held in Ft. Lauderdale, Brickell and Miami Beach again. We enjoyed the camaraderie of this fun event in singing Irish songs on University of Miami buses, and the attendance eventually grew to seat two greyhound buses! In 2017, this annual Crawl transformed into a “Pedestrian Pub Crawl”, parading through the cities of Coral Gables and South Miami. Always carrying our Irish flag and accompanied by our bagpiper and drummer, we celebrate the opportunity to enhance our “Irish Proud” commitment.
Photos from last Pub Crawl
Celtic Christmas Celebration
The South Florida Emerald Society’s Annual Celtic Christmas Celebration began over 68 years ago as a formal, black-tie Gala. It has been held at Indian Creek, Surf, Bath, La Gorce, Riviera, Coral Gables and South Miami Clubs, with over 300 members and guests attending. Entertainers included Andy Cooney and the Dublin City Rambles from Ireland. Over the years, the celebration has downsized to a Luncheon, most recently held at Mike’s at Venetia in Miami.
Photos from last Christmas
King Mango Strut
The King Mango Strut is an annual satirical parade held in Coconut Grove on the last Sunday of each year. Founded by Glenn Terry and Bill Dobson in 1982, the motto is “Putting the ‘nut’ in Coconut Grove.” The event is composed of floats mocking local and national stories that made headlines during the year.
The South Florida Emerald Society began participating in this hysterical fun family event in 2005. We partied on a truck towing a flatbed and threw to the crowd green bracelets with the SFES website imprinted. The wearing of the green in public during this off-the-wall parade is always a big “hit” with our members and helps to recruit new members. For more information, visit the King Mango Strut Website and/or watch our participation on the Videos Page.
Photos from last King Mango Strut
