SOBEWFF: Food, Drink, Fun under the Sun
It's high season in South Florida and that means big-name events. The biggest is the 19th Annual Food Network and Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival – locals do call this event "SOBE" – from Feb. 19-23 in greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Intimate dinners, tastings on the beach, master classes, seminars, cooking demos and late-night parties are all part of the mix, all raising money to benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at FIU. We've pulled out some highlights. Tickets are available here.
Crafty Cocktails
Art of Tiki Cocktail Showdown presented by BACARDI Rums and Patrón Tequila
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21
WHERE: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Miami Beach
WHAT: Surf’s up on South Beach for an evening of Polynesian flair and tiki-inspired cocktails. Bartenders compete to be crowned tiki-King or Queen at the end of the night.
Daiquiris & Pastelitos Master Class presented by Havana Club hosted by Pastelito Papi
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 22
WHERE: SGWS Wynwood
WHAT: Learn to make daiquiris and pastelitos from Pastelito Papi chef Giovanni Fesser at one of Miami’s newest venues.
Sips & Succulents Master Class hosted by Gio Gutierrez and Erika Rodriguez
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 22
WHERE: SGWS Wynwood
WHAT: Start your afternoon with a cocktail demonstration by drink maestro Gio Gutierrez of ChatChowTV, then upcycle your drink vessel to create your very own succulent with guidance from Erika “La Succulenta” Rodriguez.
Spike Your Ice: Ice Cream-Making and Spirits Master Class
WHEN: Sun., Feb. 23
WHERE: SGWS Wynwood
WHAT: Artisan ice cream makers Salt & Straw team up with cocktail guru Gabe Urrutia to mix, freeze and scoop rich bourbons, whiskies and scotches into Salt & Straw’s signature flavors for the perfect ice cream cocktail creation and share the best ice cream and spirits pairings.
Inspired Mashups
Gospel and Falafel with Zak the Baker
WHEN: Thurs., Feb. 20
WHERE: Zak the Baker, Wynwood
WHAT: Fresh-baked savory and sweet creations, cocktails curated by Bar Lab's Elad Zvi, bites from cookbook author Adeena Sussman plus local favorites from chefs Bradley Kilgore from Alter, Val Chang from Itamae, and more! Sip on Recanati wines and Maker's Mark cocktails accompanied by the sounds of Min. Desmond Jackson & The Sovereign Ministries
Nu Deco Ensemble Evening of Wine, Food & Music featuring Special Performance by Rev Run & Late-Night Bites by Politan Row
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 22
WHERE: North Beach Bandshell
WHAT: Eclectic chamber orchestra Nu Deco Ensemble takes over the North Beach Bandshell with a special guest performance by 90s icon Rev Run of Run DMC. Enjoy wine from the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio and bites from Politan Row chefs, including:
• Cochinita & Co (Mexican, Politan Row Houston)
• Dal Plin (Italian, Politan Row Miami)
• Hot Lime (Latin Fusion, Politan Row Miami)
• Mom's (Japanese Home-Cooking, Politan Row Chicago)
• Stage Social (Politan Row Miami)
• Tava (Indian Street Food, Auction House New Orleans)
Sandwich Showdown!
Sandwich Showdown hosted by Jeff Mauro part of the CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series
WHEN: Sat., Feb. 22
WHERE: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
WHAT: Join Jeff Mauro, host of the Food Network show The Kitchen, as Broward chefs create the best stuffing between two slices. Walk-around lunchfeatures beer, La Crema wine and cocktails for this Saturday midday soirée.
Lechonorama
Goya Foods' Swine & Wine hosted by Enrique Santos and Fernando Desa
WHEN: Sun., Feb. 23
WHERE: Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
WHAT: Dance, sip, sample and celebrate the South Florida's vivacious Latin culture with Enrique Santos, the host of Tú 94.9 Morning Show and Goya executive chef Fernando Desa and popular local chefs. Sip cocktails from Tito's Handmade Vodka and carefully selected wines from the Stella Rosa Wines portfolio, and taste crispy and succulent swine-centric preparations to round out this early evening soirée.
