Seed Food and Wine: More Plant-Based Events, Sustainable Fashion Show
Now in its fourth year, Seed is officially Seed Food and Wine Week, Nov. 1-5, including a BBQ Throwdown and preview party Oct. 19, plus new events for 2017, including Made in Miami, a farm to table celebrity chef dinner, and Catwalk, a night of conscious fashion. We talked with co-founder Alison Burgos about the growth of the festival she founded with Michelle Gaber.
How has the festival evolved? The best thing about Seed is how it connects people and how it’s a catalyst for community. The festival has grown so much that we had to rename it to Seed Festival Week to encompass the variety of events now offered. This year it ranges from a two-day bloggers conference, to a vegan burger battle to a cruelty-free, sustainable fashion show as well as the traditional Festival Day with 5K and yoga and specialty chef dinners.
One of the best things about Seed is its inclusivity – all are welcome to take part. The festival is not about labels. Seed Festival Week is about connecting through delicious food and what impacts our decisions have on our health and planet. And if you can do this by having a great cocktail and trying something new, then why not!
What excites you most about Seed this year? The blogger conference, Seed Summit. We are bringing in renowned food innovators and influencers to share their passion and knowledge. In its second year, we have some rockstar entrepreneurs, athletes, bloggers and more, including Miyoko Schinner from Miyoko’s Kitchen, T.K. Pillan from Powerplant Ventures, Rich Roll, John Salley, Lauren Toyota from Hot for Food and more.
What’s new for 2017? The Catwalk – A Night of Conscious Fashion. Celebrities and models will strut the runway wearing the hottest cruelty-free fashions in two separate shows. One will feature casual garb, from hipster tees to bohemian pants and plant-strong statement wear. Shop the pop-up bazaar with items straight from the runway and enjoy a variety of craft beers, cocktails and vegan bites for purchase. A live DJ will keep the stylish vibe going all night.
Food Forward
Thought leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators explore and celebrate the conscious and sustainable changes happening in the food system. This all-day event on Wed., Nov. 1, at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus, is designed for food and sustainability industry entrepreneurs, farmers, chefs, policy makers, educators and anyone else who’s passionate about the future of our food. Five in-depth panels and speakers include:
Creating a Sustainable Business – Moderated by Leticia Pollock of Panther Coffee, panelists include Shannon Allen from Grown, Elena Pezzo from Green Bar Kitchen, Ty Cherry from the EarthCorp Foundation and Maggie Viola from Pulse Creative.
The Rise of the Plant-Based Menu – Moderated by Gretchen Schmidt of edible South Florida, this panel features Patti Lang from McFatter Technical College, Rose Flynn from Choices Cafe, Della Heiman from The Wynwood Yard and vegan chef and baker Pamela Wasabi.
Special Address – from chef Giorgio Rapicavoli of Glass & Vine and Eating House
Keynote Address – Mariana Cortez from Bunnie Cakes
Funding Food Innovation – Moderated by Evan Benn from INDULGE, this panel includes Evan Lutz from Hungry Harvest; Eddie Acevedo from Grove Bay Hospitality Group; Austin Allan from Tio Gazpacho; Chris Gannon from Bolay Restaurant
Building Green Communities – Moderated by Chris Adamo from WhereBy.us (The New Tropic), panelists are Asha Loring from Health in the Hood; Art Friedrich from Urban Oasis Project; and Pola Bunster from Prism Creative Group
Buy tickets for all Seed Food and Wine events here.
