celebrities to attend Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival

A year-round foodie’s paradise, Greater Miami & Miami Beach really stands out when it comes to Food Network South Beach Wine and gastronomy festival (SOBEWFF®). This annual festival, which is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious food gatherings in the country, returns to Miami Beach to celebrate its 22nd anniversary from February 23-26, 2023.

The four-day event showcases local talent as well as the world’s most renowned chefs, culinary personalities and wine and spirits producers. There are over 100 events to choose from. A combination of new and repeating events is one of the keys to the long-term success of the festival. In addition to the festival’s signature events, which fans look forward to each year, there are many new events celebrating diverse cultures and cuisines.

To date, the festival has raised over $34 million in support of its “EAT. BEVERAGE. EDUCATE.” with the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

New Events

Each year, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival develops new events aimed at bringing locals and visitors alike the best of Miami, from chefs to restaurants and bars, mingled with the power of culinary and entertainment stars.

Anyone craving beautiful bay views and a vacation mood should grab tickets to the Craft-y Happy Hour and Bites on February 24 at the Bayshore Club in Coconut Grove, a new waterfront restaurant in one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods. Along with craft cocktails and daring bites from the Grove Bay Hospitality Group’s collection of restaurants, enjoy stargazing as “Vanderpump Rules” stars Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz will be there.

Many festival events take place after sunset, and Smorgasburg After DarkFebruary 25 promises to be a new late-night favorite. Starting at 9 p.m., the outdoor food market at Wynwood Arts Districtwill feature over 60 of the food vendors serving up their signature dishes and drinks, all to the beat of Grammy winner and hip-hop icon Rev Run.

Also on February 25, celebrate black culture through food while enjoying the Tulum-inspired vibe of 1 Beach Club at 1 Hotel South Beach. AT The Cookout, hosted by chef and FIELDTRIP founder JJ Johnson and former Miami HEAT superstar Dwyane Wade, festival-goers can savor dishes made with culturally relevant ingredients and techniques.

As of February 26,celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson of Red Rooster and a roster of Historic Overtown chefs will create dishes that pay homage to the culinary traditions of this historically black neighborhood. At the house of Overtown Eat Up! , sample a menu of vibrant flavors and sip top-notch wines and cocktails while listening to jazz that transports you to a time when musical legends including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald performed in Historic Overtown.

Also on February 26, sing along with Grammy-winning Motown legend Thelma Houston, who will perform chart-topping hits at theTea Dance and Drag Show. Taking place in Miami BeachBandshell, this Beach party will be filled with dancing and singing from Symone, the season 13 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, plus cocktails and plenty of sassy commentary from your host, social media star and TV personality Kalen Allen .

At the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, long known for its decadent festival brunch, expect a new sit-down event that’s sure to impress any foodie. This year, two-time James Beard Award winner Mashama Bailey of The Gray restaurant in Savannah, Georgia will host Our Sunday Table: Brunch with The Gray and Friends. This wellness feast will pack an impressive culinary punch with a strong lineup of chefs offering their take on traditional brunches paired with old-fashioned hospitality.

Another unique event is a brunch in the trendy Miami Design District that celebrates the farm-to-table Miami Scene. THE farmer’s market brunch, hosted by Chef Michael Schwartz, known for starting the trend in Miami, will feature famed farmers and chefs working together to craft a menu featuring fresh local produce and other produce.

Featured Events

Long-time attendees certainly have their favourites, and the festival’s signature events promise to be as delicious and entertaining as ever.

Burger Bash returns February 23 with a big “Bam!” – thanks to Chef Emeril Lagasse. Taking place on the Beach in front of the DelanoBeach Club, this grill event is an opportunity to devour delicious burgers while enjoying a performance by the sweet country group Midland.

Those who prefer fine wine and champagne will not want to miss the event Wine Spectator’s Best of the Bestat the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel through February 24. As its name suggests, this elegant single-storey affair features dishes created by some of the country’s top chefs, including James Beard Award winners and those from Michelin starred restaurantsf rom Miami, all accompanied by wines from renowned winemakers.

Taking place on the same evening,”Flavortown”is another fun option. This event started with great success last year. Now TV personality and entertaining restaurateur Guy Fieri is bringing “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE” back to the Ritz Carlton,South Beach. Eat your way at some of the country’s best no-frills spots featured on the hit Food Network, all in one place. Since Fieri is involved, you know it’s going to be a tasty and lively party.

If you want to sample the best of the festival’s food, wine and spirits – and watch top chefs and Food Network stars show off their culinary skills – be sure to visit the Goya Foods’Grand Tasting Village at February 25-26. With a sprawling setting right on the beach, the large white tents are the perfect place to eat well, mingle with locals and visitors, and soak up Miami’s tropical beauty.

Emeril Lagasse will kick off the 16^th annual Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® tonight with a special performance by Grammy-nominated country music group, Midland. More than 30 of the country’s best burger joints will be vying for top honor and a panel of celebrity judges will be on-hand to decide who takes home the coveted trophy. Judges include:

• Phil Rosenthal, from Netflix’s most popular food and travel show “Somebody Feed Phil”
• Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports
• Nicole Gates, co-owner of Overtown’s iconic Lil’ Greenhouse Grill
• Ming Tsai, American restaurateur and television personality
• Robert Irvine, Food Network celebrity chef
• Jawan Strader, Emmy award-winning journalist and one of South Florida’s most recognizable news figures