Jan Norris: Food and Florida

Here’s a good deal and fun way to try a new restaurant.

Around Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue, 18 restaurants are participating in the Tastemakers Passport event Friday and Saturday nights.

Here’s the deal: Pick up a “Tastemakers Passport”, sponsored by Unique Travel of Palm Beach Inc.,  at any of the participating restaurants. It’s $20 – cash only — and then take it along while you stroll. All of the eateries on the list will be offering tastings and wine or beverage pairings both Friday and Saturday nights. We presume you’ll get your passport stamped at each tasting stop.

Then, your passport turns into a VIP discount card — you’ll get special offers at all the restaurants on the list through Sept. 30.

The list and menus

Here’s the list of the restaurants participating and their tasting menus:

1. 32 East -  Chili-seared yellowfin tuna with Martin Codax Albarino
2. Blue Fish - Spicy tuna tartare with sho chiku bai ginjo sake
3. Boheme Bistro -  Lamb kebab with Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir
4. Boston’s on the Beach - Shrimp and scallops with Palo Alto Sauvignon Blanc
5. Brule’ Bistro – Zucchini blossoms and Oregon truffle risotto with Newton Claret
6. Cabana el Rey - Antichuchos, with Terrazas de los Andes Malbec 2007
7. City Oyster - Polynesian sweet and spicy jumbo lump crab crunch roll with Peter Lehmann of the Barossa Layers
8. Crepes by the Sea - Nutella 360 crepe, cousteau smoked salmon crepe with Martinelli’s Gold Medal Sparkling Cider
9. Cugini Steakhouse and Martini Bar – Shrimp mascarpone with MacMurray Ranch Pinot Gris
10. Cut 432 - Razor clam ceviche with Turkey Flat Rose’
11. Gol! - Grilled sirloin steak with Achaval Ferrer Malbec
12. House of Siam – Chicken coconut red curry with B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon
13. Lemongrass Asian Bistro - Variety of sushi rolls and Thai dumplings with Stellina di Notte Pinot Grigio
14. Olio Bistro – Tuna crunchy roll with Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Sparkling Wine
15. Sundy House - Pina colada conch and lobster salad with Villa Solais Vermentino di Sardegna
16. Tryst - Devil on horseback with Celler Vilafranca Casteller Rose Cava
17. Vic & Angelo’s – Pear tortelloni with Teruzzi and Puthod Terre di Tufi
18. Ziree Thai and Sushi - chicken panang curry with Chang beer

Tastemakers Passport event

• Where: Along Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach
• When: Aug. 14 and 15, 5-10 p.m.
• Cost: $20 – cash only
• Tickets: Available at any of the 18 participating restaurants
• More information: Unique Travel of Palm Beach, Delray Beach office, 561-495-5775