This weekend Miami is hosting one of the nation’s largest celebrations of food and wine, The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. This four-day event brings together thousands of people from all over the world. Boasting a star-studded guest list including award winning chefs and celebrities, the festival will offer attendees an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of the finest haute-cuisine tastings. The good news is you don’t have to be a foodie or a wine connoisseur to enjoy the Festival. With events planned all around the city ranging from 3* Michelin extravaganzas to late night after party bites, everyone is bound to find something fitting for their taste buds. The bad news? As with any nationally famed event, the tickets are mostly sold out. However, there are still a number of available exciting events you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Miami this weekend.
Probably one of the most legendary events of the grand opening is Moet Hennessy’s “The Q” on Thursday night.
This year it will feature signature BBQ themed dishes by the best chefs from around the world paired by various Moet Hennessy specialty cocktails. The party is to be hosted by the renowned chef, Michael Symon and a couple of supermodels featured in the 50th anniversary edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Tickets are sold out on the festival’s website but can still be purchased here:
If you can’t make the daytime events but find yourself craving a late night snack, check out the midnight event Pubbelly will be hosting. What could be better than trying a pork belly medianoche with bacon-wrapped dates and chorizo created by Chef Jose Mendin? Trying it for free! This event is perfect for those who are looking to be a part of the festivities on a budget. Pubbelly will be showcasing Jose Mendin’s creations from 12 – 2am on Friday, February 20th. Make sure you send your RSVP to smithfield@hunterpr.com and get there early as the rules of the free food game call for first come first serve. Just like last year, the Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray is sold out. However, there are still tickets available for “Burgers and Binoculars”, an event that will take place at the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach. Attendees are invited to enjoy burgers on the beach while using their complimentary binoculars to sneak a better peak at all the A-list attendees. The event will be held on Friday, February 21st from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Craving something sweet? Why not treat yourself to an afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton getting educated on the art of macaroon making? If you are more of an eater then a chef, just go and eat the macaroons that the chefs in training are preparing while you pretend to cook. This go-to gourmet dessert has won over the hearts of millions of foodies around the world. Go see what all the fuss is about at the degustation presented by pâtissier Francois Payard. If the macaroons alone don’t win you over, the impeccable wine pairings presented by sommelier Josh Wesson sure will. A perfect post-brunch stop offering the two essential components of a great Sunday: fine wine and forgetting about your diet. #yolo so hurry and get your ticket here: