C7I Culinary Exchange Day at MBCC 7.7.25Culinary Exchange
Day at MBCC:
“Tradition Meets
Innovation”
October 28 (or 29), 2025 –
Miami Beach Convention Center
Schedule
Morning
Session (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Masterclass
+ Conversation Series
12:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Break
Afternoon
Challenge (1:30 – 3:30 PM): “Le Marché
Mystère” Competition
3:30 PM –4:00 PM
Closing
Morning
Session (9:30
AM – 12:30
PM):
Masterclass +
Conversation
Series
Location: West Kitchen Demo Space
Agenda:
1. Live Demo by Executive Chef Ismael and team:
Theme: “Coastal Crossroads – From Lyon to Little Havana”
Potential Topics:
Classic French saucework reimagined with tropical ingredients (e.g., tamarind velouté, chimichurri beurre blanc)
Garde manger with local flair: ceviche mise en place with precision knife work
Patisserie in Paradise: Incorporating tropical fruits
Tasting Bites passed during demo for an interactive experience
2. “A Conversation With…” Panel
Moderated by a CMB/MBCC/SODEXO/CVB rep or Chamber member.
Possible topics:• Venue-scale culinary logistics and career pathways• Business resilience in F&B through sourcing and adaptability• Cross-cultural menu development and guest demographics in Miami Beach
Lunch
Break (12:30
– 1:30 PM)
•Location: Rum Room or Venu
• Curated lunch menu of South Florida–
inspired small plates
• Includes a station or dish that highlights
Haitian-French fusion (ex. epis-marinated
chicken with herbed pommes purée)
Afternoon
Challenge
(1:30 – 3:30
PM): “Le
Marché
Mystère”
Competition
Format:
• Students (6–8) split into teams of 2–3, each with a
Sodexo line chef as coach
• Mystery Basket of local produce (star fruit, callaloo,
yuca, mahi, sour oranges)
• Task: Create a modern French-inspired dish using
local ingredients in 90 minutes
• Judging Panel: Local restaurateur + Local chef +
Commissioner or MB Chamber guest
Categories: Technique, Flavor, Creativity, Presentation
Prizes: Chef coats or MBCC-branded knife rolls, and
certificates