The onset of fall means more than just an overload of pumpkin-spice lattes. It means that the weather has cooled off enough, hurricane season has passed, and we see the return of wine and food festivals. Up north they may have the leaves changing colors, down here we have the arrival of the celebrity chefs. Here’s the lowdown on the top three food fests, one for each county.
SOUTH BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Running this weekend, through Saturday, Oct. 26, promises an unparalleled celebration of ocean-fresh delicacies, vibrant entertainment, and the quintessential Miami Beach vibe. The four-day culinary extravaganza marks the official start of Miami’s stone crab season and showcases the finest in seafood cuisine from South Florida's top chefs and restaurants. You might have missed some of the early events, but there’s still time for all-inclusive main event on Saturday, with unlimited food and beverages included in the ticket price.
Highlights of South Beach Seafood Festival include:
Thursday, Oct. 24: "Crabs, Slabs, and Cabs," a formal sit-down dinner offering an international take on the traditional surf and turf dish.
Friday, Oct. 25: The “VIP Chef Showdown,” hosted by celebrity chef, Robert Irvine, from Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” with more than 23 of Miami’s top chefs competing in 11 seafood showdowns to prove who is the master of skill in their respective categories.
Saturday, Oct. 26: “Seafood Slam.” The grand tasting format allows attendees to enjoy unlimited food and beverages throughout the day. For tickets and more information, go to sobeseafoodfest.com.
PALM BEACH FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
After 16 successful years, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (PBFWF) returns to the balmy island of Palm Beach from December 12-15. PBFWF celebrates incredible foods prepared by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, enjoyed in a variety of the resort’s most idyllic settings — an allure that keeps even the most discerning gourmands coming back each year to experience this palatable festival. Here’s a list of just a few of the events that are being held.
Thursday, Dec. 12: “The First Bite,” a four-course seated dinner with wine pairings featuring Terlato Wines.
Friday, Dec. 13: “Lunch With Friends,” kick off the weekend at Meat Market with a four-course seated lunch with included wine pairings featuring The Calling Wines.
Saturday, Dec. 14: “Chillin’ N’ Grillin’” an oceanfront walk-around event hosted by Eau Palm Beach Resort features cocktails and food stations towering with mouthwatering grilled dishes by guest chefs Michelle Bernstein, Ben Ford, Duff Goldman, Mason Hereford, Paul Kahan, Lior Lev Sercarz, Antonia Lofaso, Beau MacMillan, Dylan Patel, Jonathon Sawyer, and Alex Seidel.
Sunday, Dec. 15: What better way to end the festivities than with a roster of the festival’s most anticipated annual events including an unforgettable brunch experience and the indulgent PBFWF Grand Tasting, where attendees eat, drink, and socialize to their heart’s content? For more information and tickets go to pbfoodwinefest.com.
VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival returns for its sixth year from Monday, Jan. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 19. The celebration offers a vibrant array of signature events, culinary classes, and an exclusive dinner series, all dedicated to showcasing the dynamic culinary scene of Greater Fort Lauderdale. The festival focuses on the region's renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs, and local food and beverage establishments. Among the activities scheduled are:
Wednesday, Jan. 15: “Bar Fight! A Spirited Competition” a competition in which top mixologists battle it out and guests can enjoy an exciting evening of innovative cocktails and spirited competition while sampling cocktails from each competitor, and then vote for their favorite.
Thursday, Jan. 16: “Wok ‘n Roll,” where Asian-inspired cuisine takes center stage.
Friday, Jan. 17: “BBQ At The Beach” hosted by celebrity chef Jason Smith.
Saturday, Jan. 18: “The Grand Tasting” features more than 100 food and beverage tastings and celebrity chef cooking demonstrations.
Sunday, Jan. 19: “Picnic In The Park” will have a lineup of food trucks, hands-on culinary classes for the whole family, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations, and local artisan vendors, and there’s also a “Beachside Brunch” hosted by Nancy Fuller. For tickets and more information go to vlfoodwine.com.
