Taste of the Island celebrates 20 years on Monday, Nov. 17, with its traditional mix of an evening of fine food and libations, plus some fun and exciting surprises to mark the anniversary celebration.
It all takes place at Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve from 6-9 p.m. VIP ticket holders are allowed early entry starting at 5:30 p.m. They also have access to air-conditioned seating, and three drinks from the exclusive VIP private bar.
Restaurants and other food vendors participating this year include Another Perfect Party, Aroma Joe’s, Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, Aunt Jenn’s Tea & Spice Shop, Bagels and Company, Bandoleros Tacos & Tequila Garden, Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap, Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen, Cafe BVR, Casa Monarca Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Crumbl Cookies, D’liras, Dolce Salato Pizza and Gelato, Dom Caruso’s Cucina, Ethos Greek Bistro, Huey Magoo’s, Hunters Nightclubs Wilton Manors, Java Joes, Kelly’s Landing, Le Patio, Major League Heros, Mamma Mia Italian Bistro, Marc’s Cuisine, The Naughty Nibbler, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nour Thai Kitchen, Papa John’s, The Pub on The Drive, Rick and Jo’s Amazing Cookies, Sardi Peruvian Cuisine, Shake Shack, Spencer’s Corner Bar, Temple Street Eatery, Thirsty’s On The Drive, Todd’s Gourmet Catering, Union Kitchen & Bar, Wan’s, The Well, Woof Gang Bakery Wilton Manors, and Zona Fresca.
The following vendors will provide libations: American Fine Wine Competition, Captiva Spirits, Funky Buddha Brewery, Gulf Stream Brewery, Polar Seltzer, PRP Wine International, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Wilton Discount Liquors.
Additional vendors include Center for Spiritual Living Fort Lauderdale, Heart A Love Creations, and Holy Angels Catholic Church.
There may be additional vendors joining. This was the list as we went to press. Pre-sale admission tickets may be purchased online, and it is advised that those wanting to attend buy tickets in advance, as this event always sells out. Parking is available at the City Hall parking lot, one block north. General admission tickets are $75 until the day of the event, $85 at the gate (if available) and pre-sale (max 30 available) are $125.00, $150 at the gate (if available). To purchase tickets, go to TasteOfTheIsland.org.
Taste of The City
The seventh annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival returns Jan. 19-25, celebrating a full week of culinary excellence across greater Fort Lauderdale. From celebrity chef–studded signature events to exclusive collaborative dinners, hands-on classes, and engaging seminars, the festival highlights the region’s creativity, craftsmanship, and ever-growing reputation as a premier culinary destination. Highlights include The Grand Tasting with Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and Ron Dimpflmaier, Beachside Brunch, hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson, collaborative dinners blending international flavors with Michelin-recognized concepts and James Beard talent, interactive classes, and seminars on everything from sparkling wine to pasta making and cocktail mixology. For more information, go to VLFoodWine.com.
Side Dish
The Drive is about to lose two long-standing favorites. New York Grilled Cheese will be closing its flagship location, and Wilton Creamery will be shuttering its doors. But it will gain a new space with Proof taking over the old Chef Nate’s location.
