SOBEWFF Comes to Town
Plus, Naked Taco Turns 10 and Julia Childe (Yes, Childe) Wants to Dine With You
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival kicks off its 23rd edition this Thursday, February 22 with four days of parties, brunches, and seminars.
If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t fret — there are still tickets available for a host of events, including some of my personal favorites:
Art of Tiki
If you love tiki cocktails, then Art of Tiki is the one event you can’t miss. Each year, some of the best bartenders from around the country compete at this event, held poolside at the Surfcomber Hotel in South Beach. And each year, I marvel that no one falls into said pool. Kidding aside, I love that the bartenders at this event go all out in their attempts to create classic tiki cocktails with a twist. And, since there’s more to ‘the art of tiki” than just creating a balanced yet potent potable, the cocktails come with a side of storytelling. Look for a special appearance by the Mai-Kai and a bit of intel on when the iconic Fort Lauderdale tiki palace will reopen. Tikiriffic!
Tiki time is Friday, February 23 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. Tickets cost $150 at sobewff.org.
Dinner hosted by Zak Stern, Michael Beltran, and Jose Mendín
Three of Miami’s most beloved culinary figures co-host this dinner that’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. The dinner at Regener8 Farm in Kendall will offer a multi-course dinner featuring local-to-Florida ingredients. Farmtastic!
Dinner is served on Saturday, February 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Regener8 Farm. Tickets cost $300 at sobewff.org.
Tacos & Tequila
Aarón Sánchez hosts this taco party complete with plenty of tequila on Saturday evening. This event started as a smaller party and has grown into the festival’s signature Saturday night soiree — and for good reason: Who doesn’t like a tequila-fueled taco fest? Frankly, out of all of the evening tent events, this is the one not to miss! Taco ‘bout a good time!
Taco till you drop on Saturday, February 25 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at American Airlines® North Venue Entrance located on the sand at 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Tickets cost $200 ($275 for early access) at sobewff.org.
Family Ice Cream Social Hosted by The Zakarian Family
If you have children you’re going to want to take them to the Family Ice Cream Social hosted by the Zakarian Family for one reason and one reason alone (and no, it’s not the unlimited ice cream). It’s solely in the hope that some of the Zakarian kids’ grace and good behavior might rub off on your children. Seriously, though, Geoffrey and Margaret Zakarian and their children, Anna, Madeline, and George all share a love of fine food and hosting fabulous parties. And there will be plenty of ice cream served at the great lawn at the Lowes Hotel with plenty of room for kids to frolic. We all scream!
Get social on Sunday, February 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Tickets cost $60 for adults and $40 for kids at sobewff.org.
Grand Tasting Village - Sunday Edition
It’s big, it’s loud, it can get warm - but the Grand Tasting Village might be the only time I’m truly happy in Miami Beach. Forget Disney adults — this is the real party! Sample hundreds of wines, spirits, and cocktails; enjoy food from some of Miami’s favorite restaurants, and watch your favorite Food Network celebrities “demo” a dish (and by demo, we usually mean attempt to make food and have it turn into a fun rumpus). On Sunday, plan on being entertained at the David Grutman Experience — a stage with DJ sets, dancing, and plenty of surprises. Taste the fun!
Get your drink on Sunday, February 25 from noon to 5 p.m. at Grand Tasting Village
14th Street & Ocean Drive, on the sand, Miami Beach. Tickets cost $265 ($225.25 for Capital One cardholders) at sobewff.org.
Naked Taco 10th Anniversary Party
It’s no secret that one of my favorite people on this planet is chef Ralph Pagano. Not only does he have a joie de vivre unlike any other person, but he’s funny, generous, and makes a great taco (and an even better margarita). He also throws a damn good party. On Friday, February 23, he’s hosting a 10th-anniversary party for Naked Taco on South Beach, so if you’ll be at SOBEWFF, you must stop in for a toast. Fireproof!
Raise a glass on Friday, February 23 from 11:11 a.m. to midnight (that’s not a typo) at Naked Taco 1111 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. ilovenakedtaco.com.
Julia Childe Wants to Dine With You
Okay all you chefs, restaurateurs, and foodies — I know for a fact that Julia Child is your icon. So how on earth can we let this darling girl named Julia Childe languish in doggie prison? Imagine taking Julia home and doing Instagram demos with her — put her in a pearl necklace and an apron and watch the views rack up. Besides, this three-year-old terrier girl has the sweetest face — someone needs to snatch her up pronto! Julia’s number is A2486021 and she’s in Kennel H06. Bon Appetit!
Batch Gastropub is the sponsor of our dog adoption section. If you adopt one of these guys (or any dog because of Miami Checklist), Batch will supply you with a gift card for the amount of the adoption from MDAS. So get a dog, get a burger…or something like that. Contact me for details.
Cook up some love at Miami-Dade Animal Services. 3599 NW 79 Ave., Doral; 305-884-1101; miamidade.gov/animals
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