Taste of the Gables Delights with Sensuous Fare

What every woman wants: a handsome man to serve her good food. Westin Colonnade chef Andres Muñoz plating up Mango Butter Lobster and Scallop Risotto in the VIP room.

Last Thursday, Taste of the Gables hosted several local bloggers in the opulent rotunda at the Westin Colonnade.

Guests at the one-night affair previewed bites from participating restaurants in the 5th annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week, June 4 - 17 (yes, it's actually two weeks, not one.) Over 25 establishments will offer prix fixe, three-course lunches and dinners during the fortnight -- a great chance to enjoy some fine meals without breaking the budget.

A social media savvy event: twitter hashtag #tasteofgables was projected live in the rotunda.

Mini-desserts, low-calorie but packed with flavor, have long been approved by Sex and the Beach.  Find them at Seasons 52.

Hungry foodies had the opportunity to vote for their favorite samples in the two-hour festival. The winner, Ernie Fernandez of Caffe Vialetto, certainly deserved the popular vote for a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth homemade ravioli filled with pears and blanketed in a creamy gorgonzola sauce. One of these heavenly raviolis is a tease. Two would be foreplay.

If I were Oprah, I'd hire this man.  Chef Ernie Fernandez from Caffe Vialetto.

But equally wonderful (and my favorite) was the Chianti Braised Short Rib from Cibo Wine Bar, served by Chef Gianattasio himself over gorgonzola polenta with crisp onions. One bite and I was instantly transported to a log cabin somewhere in Tuscany with a very handsome and brawny man stoking the fire.  When food makes you fantasize, you know it's good.  This was sexy comfort food at its best.

All good food should fire up the imagination. Braised short rib from Cibo Wine Bar.

Restaurant Week starts tomorrow. Bring your appetite.