www.christinelees.com  

The stars came out Thursday evening for the grand-opening celebration of Christine Lee’s at Gulfstream Park.
Mary Lee, proprietress of Christine Lee’s, welcomed hundreds of loyal customers to her new location. Attendees sampled a dazzling spread of hors d’oeuvres and desserts and enjoyed live entertainment well into the evening.
City of Aventura Vice-Mayor Zev Auerbach served as emcee for the event, which was organized by the Aventura Marketing Council. Commenting on Christine Lee’s longevity, Auerbach read a glowing Miami Herald restaurant review written 20 years ago. 
He then teased the audience by promising to reveal the restaurant’s “secret recipe.”
The key ingredient?  “A pinch of passion,” said Auerbach.
“Christine Lee’s partnership with Gulfstream Park will create an exhilarating fusion between Mary Lee’s world-class  cuisine and a world-class venue,” added Auerbach. “Today, Mary Lee begins the next chapter of an historic story with her family tradition  of providing great food and service for over 30 years.”
Resplendent in a beaded black outfit, Mary Lee thanked her loyal customers for attending and praised the trackside restaurant’s palatial design and ambience. In a moving speech she paid tribute to her late mother Christine Lee Mallock, who 37 years ago founded the Asian restaurant and steakhouse that bears her name.
“She would be so proud,” said Lee.
Sam Gordon, President of the Florida Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association, said the alliance between the famed restaurant and the storied racetrack was making news across the country.
“They’re talking about it as far as Saratoga,” said Mr. Gordon, referring to the summertime New York racetrack.
Assisting in the ribbon-cutting ceremony was Hallandale Beach City Commissioner Francine Schiller. Also from the city of Hallandale Beach was Police Chief Thomas Magill.
In addition to Vice Mayor Auerbach, Aventura officials in attendance were City Commissioner Luz Urbaez Weinberg and City Planning Director Joanne Carr. Hailing from the City of Sunny Isles Beach – Christine Lee’s hometown base for 37 years – were Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler and wife Madie, City Commissioner Gerald Goodman, City Attorney Hans Ottinot, and Assistant City Manager Jorge Vera. North Miami Beach was represented by Mayor Ray Marin, wife Raquel, and former Mayor Jeffrey Mishcon.
Also attending were Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger and former State Senator Ron Silver.
They were joined by hundreds of private citizens distinguished by a taste for exquisite cuisine and exemplary service. For some it was their first visit to Gulfstream Park.
The restaurant, the site of the former Chase, had a “soft” opening on August 3 and business has been flourishing ever since.
Said Aventura Marketing Council President Elaine Adler, ““ It was an exquisite event.  This was a match made in heaven—to have the venerable restaurant legend, Christine Lee’s  join forces with  the legendary Gulfstream Park.”