Next week some of the most famous chefs in the world will come together in Miami and Fort Lauderdale for the 17th annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF).
The festival benefits the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University and has raised more than $26 million. It was founded by Lee Brian Schrager and this year he’s organized more than 90 events, including cooking demos, food tastings, beachside parties and special meals hosted by the biggest names in the culinary world.
And there are tickets still available for many SOBEWFF activities.
The festival kicks off on Wednesday, February 21, in Fort Lauderdale with the CRAVE series. You can join chef Jorge Ramos and culinary legend Emeril Lagasse for a clambake. Celebrity pastry chef Duff Goldman will also be on hand serving dessert. Later in the week, adventurous and award-winning TV host Andrew Zimmern will present Lucky Chopsticks, which offers guests a range of delicious Asian dishes.
Bringing your dog to SOBEWFF? Head to the Yappie Hour to mingle with cookbook author Katie Lee and other like-minded canine owners while you and your pet enjoy special snacks.
One of the festival’s highlights is Walshy Fire’s Rum & Bass Beach Party presented by Bacardí on Saturday evening.
And since it’s Miami the events go late into the evening. After the Bacardí party, TV star Action Bronson and all-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will throw the Midnight Eats Block Party in Miami Beach. Expect guilty pleasures, music and tequila.
End your weekend at the popular David Grutman Experience, which takes place Sunday afternoon in Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village. You’ll get to sample a range of gourmet dishes while enjoying music by DJ Alesso.