Miami is about to get a little more flavor as they get ready to welcome the annual Food Network’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival, presented by Food & Wine, happening February 20 through 23. The fest brings together top chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, sommeliers, and industry leaders for one star studded, can’t-have-one-more-bite weekend.
With four long (and delicious) days ahead of us, we’ll be running from signature white tent to hotel rooftop (it is our job, after all), taking notes at seminars, trying our hand at the cooking demos, interviewing as many chefs as we can… and indulging in a few late night bites; all in an effort to bring you the best of the festival. So here’s what we’re looking forward to.
And for the most up-to-the second delicious coverage, stay tuned to our Out in the World blog and Facebook and Twitter pages. If you see our editors Marie Elena Martinez (@mariesworlds), Dan Koday (@dankoday), or Amanda Cargill (@AmandaSi) at the festival, say hi!
Thursday, February 20
Travel from Spain to Mexico without ever leaving the dinner table with this five course meal hosted by Bruno Oteiza, Richard Sandoval, and pastry chef sister team Alisa Romano and Pati Jinich, all paired with Casa Dragones tequila. Start with Basque-style cuisine featuring Mexican ingredients and techniques from Oteiza, then move on to Spanish and Central America with dishes from Sandoval, finally stopping for Central American focused desserts from Romano and Jinich. And save room for the drinks! Bertha González Nieves, CEO and co-founder of Casa Dragones, will lead guests on a taste test of 100 percent blue agave joven tequila, meant to be savored, not gulped.
East Meats West Dinner hosted by Michael Mina and Marc Forgione
Join two Michelin star rated chefs, Michael Mina and Marc Forgione, for a dinner at Bourbon Steak at Turnberry Isle Miami. The duo will be dishing up a cross-country dinner with luxury wines from San Francisco, with Far Niente pouring varietals of its Napa-produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Dolce.
Next up, Friday….
[pagebreak]Friday, February 21
Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament hosted by José Andrés
If you’re itching to hit the links, head over to the Turnberry Isle Resort for a golf tournament hosted by José Andrés. You can register as a foursome or sign up on your own and get paired with fun new group. As you make your way through 18 holes you’ll have time for food, drinks, and plenty of fun.
Life’s a Beach, then You Eat! Dinner hosted by Aarón Sánchez, Gaston Acurio, and More
Class it up with an evening of gourmet food leading up to extraordinary desserts, hosted at the Mandarin Oriental. This walk-around dinner takes place on the beach, where you can take in the sights as you taste test tapas and ceviche from Aarón Sánchez, Gaston Acurio, Marcus Samuelsson, and more.
Amstel Light Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray
What’s a Wine and Food Festival without a Burger Bash? Rachael Ray hosts this signature event where chefs and restaurants compete for the coveted People’s Choice Award. Last year Bobby Flay beat three-time champ Michael Symon for the top prize. Who will win this year? Cast your vote!
Medianoches and Mixology hosted by Anne Burrell
No trip to Miami is complete with the Cuban classic, the medianoche. Make a stop at Wynwood Walls for this midnight bash hosted by Anne Burrell where you can scarf down sandwiches, taste cortaditos, enjoy hot chocolate and churros, and sweets from Azucar Ice Cream Company. All the while, check out the world-class street art hanging on the walls.
Spice it Up at Four Seasons Dinner hosted by Michelle Bernstein, Aaron Brooks, and more
The term “top quality ingredient” doesn’t only apply to meat and veggies, it encompasses spices too! Join Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte à Epice, Michelle Bernstein, Aaron Brooks, and Michael Solomonov for a menu that focuses on unique, outrageous, and delicious spice blends.
Next up, Saturday and Sunday…
[pagebreak]Saturday, February 22
Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village
Start you day by wandering around those signature white tents, snacking on the best of the festival. After a bite of this and a bite of that, you can text your vote for your favorite dishes and decide which restaurant will win the Miami New Times’ “Short Order’s Best Bite on the Beach” award. Then settle in for the always fun and entertaining cooking demos. Today, don’t miss: Rick Bayless, José Andrés, and Gaston Acurio.
Fun and Fit as a Family hosted by Carnival and featuring Goya Kidz Kitchen
Grab your kids and head down to Jungle Island for a family friendly event hosted by the muscle man himself, Robert Irvine. Kids can explore the food garden, play sports on the beach, and get hands on in the interactive kitchen.
Ceviche and Pisco hosted by My Ceviche
Join chefs Sam Gorenstein and Roger Duarte of My Ceviche for a dinner of the freshest catch and generous pours of refreshing pisco, all served on the rooftop of the Gale Hotel. Take in the Miami skyline as you enjoy gourmet seafood dishes with a Latin twist.
Dinner hosted by Debi Mazar, Gabrielle Corcos, Amanda Freitag, and Scott Conant
If you follow these Food Network personalities on tv, watch them come to life in a gourmet tasting at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Just settle in, enjoy drinks from Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, and get ready to eat.
Sunday, February 23
Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village
Start you day by wandering around the massive white tents on the beach and tasting a little bit of everything at the village. Don’t forget to cast your vote for Miami New Times’ “Short Order’s Best Bite on the Beach” award. Then settle in for the always fun and entertaining cooking demos. Today, don’t miss: Giada de Laurentiis, Andrew Zimmern, Michael Symon, Aarón Sánchez, and Debbi Mazar and Gabrielle Corcos.
Grab a glass and settle in for this wine lovers discussion lead by Viticultural Director Raymond Reyes and Nicolas Audebert of Cheval des Andes. Learn about Newton Vineyard’s signature Chardonnay and Cabernet and Terrazas de los Andes “Grand Cru.” Get a taste of both the Terrazas Single Vineyard Malbec and Cabernet. Then discover the wines of Cheval des Andes including a classic vintage and a preview of the winery’s next release.
Goya Foods Swine and Wine hosted by Michelle Bernstein
This is a classic and one we always look forward to! Join James Beard award-winning chef and Miami local Michelle Bernstein at the Biltmore for a pig-roasting extravaganza. Succulent roasted pork is served straight from each chef’s caja china and accompanied by savory sides and desserts from the Biltmore hotel. Don’t forget the drinks, provided by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida.
Best of The Munchies: People’s Choice Food Awards presented by PepsiCo hosted by Andrew Zimmern
Close the weekend with Andrew Zimmern as he leads you through a taste test of the best of the best as voted upon by you! Enjoy both savory and sweet across three categories: Terrific Tastemakers (food media and personalities); Best Bites (Best Burger, Best Taco, Best Pizza, etc.); and Delicious Destinations (restaurants and dining establishments). All the nominees were selected by food experts and celebrities and the winners were chosen online. After you’ve had your fill, dance away the calories and enjoy cocktails from Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida.
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