South Beach Wine & Food Festival

This weekend was the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Unfortunately, it was the hottest day of the year so far… I think a record high of just shy of 90 degrees. However, even with the extreme heat, I had a absolute blast at the Grand Tasting. I’ve been wanting to go for many years, but have always had scheduling conflicts or the events were sold out. This year we planned early, and bought tickets shortly after they went on sale.

Stephan was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough food and wine for all the people, but definitely changed his mind the minute we stepped into the Grand Tasting Village. Being newbies at this event, we didn’t plan too well, and I was completely stuffed after about 15 minutes. Sheesh! I totally should have paced myself! We were passing one fabulous restaurant after another and I kept saying… OMG! I HAVE to try this! From tiny Kobe chili dogs to tuna tartare to oxtail risotto, there was every type of food imaginable. Unfortunately, I didn’t think of writing down which food was offered by what restaurant… but everything I had was fabulous!
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Tyler Florence
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Padma Lakshmi
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Fellow MIA blogger Paula, Mangoandlime
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And then the wines… I tried so many wines my head was spinning (literally!) The French wine tent was fantastic, and had dozens of wines from different regions of France (plus it was air conditioned!!!). They even had a yummy Gewurztraminer which is one of my favorite wines from the Alsace region of France. There were more wines that I could even imagine trying. Then came the liquors and mixed drinks. I’m not much of a drinker, but I do love to try new things. I felt like a rap star with my tiny glass of Hpnotiq. Good times, good times!

I’m embarrased to admit I was slightly star struck when I met Tyler Florence! Somehow I changed from a very poised and classy 30-something (ya right!) into a 13 year old… perhaps I even giggled. No, I’m sure I giggled. Whaddaya gonna do? He really is cuter in real life than he is on TV! I also met Bobby Flay and Padma Lakshmi while I was there.

This is a definite must do if you’re in Miami or the vicinity. Even if you live up north, its the perfect time for a vacation from the cold. Although its quite expensive ($187 per ticket) it’s worth every penny. We’re planning on attending next year and hopefully checking out some more events. Check out Stephan’s blog for more photos.

February 25, 2008 | Filed Under Food Events, Kitchen Gossip

 

Critiques & Opinions

13 Critiques to “South Beach Wine & Food Festival”

  1. Angie on February 25th, 2008 12:49 pm

    Its an excellent event 7 years running (to think we only missed that first year…boohoo). See you there next year!

    P.S. Try one of the seminars next year…the Michelle Bernstein & Andrea Immer Robinson one was phenomenal!

  2. Kristel on February 25th, 2008 2:58 pm

    Yummmmy! Everything looks delicious!

  3. Paula on February 25th, 2008 4:29 pm

    My goodness! I look like my face was melting… wait, it was. :) It was so hot. Nice meeting you!

  4. Danielle on February 25th, 2008 5:18 pm

    Great recap of the event. I would have probably done the same thing and gone a little crazy right out of the gate trying everything. Sounds like it would be worth a trip to Miami just to come to this event.

  5. Agustin on February 25th, 2008 6:12 pm

    OMG at Padma!

  6. Sarah on February 25th, 2008 6:22 pm

    Love it! I

  7. melissa on February 25th, 2008 7:21 pm

    yeah I’m just slightly jealous. :) but really, how awesome that you got to go! I love tyler florence, though my love is relatively new. can’t wait to keep reading him.

    I would have kind of flipped out meeting padma - she looks gorgeous.

  8. peabody on February 25th, 2008 11:48 pm

    What fun. I would be giddy around Tyler too.

  9. Jen on February 26th, 2008 10:27 am

    I would have giggled too when meeting Tyler! He’s such a cutie. :)

    I am definitely going to have to go next year.

  10. Jescel on February 27th, 2008 1:29 am

    everything looks soo good! i would have been giddy too if i met tyler florence!

  11. princessa on February 27th, 2008 3:42 pm

    It sounds great and looks great… My mouth was watering at the sight of the Godiva chocolate biscuits and the little aperitifs… It just sounds like the place I dream as paradise!

  12. Erika on February 28th, 2008 10:25 pm

    My mother loves Tyler and got to meet him at an event. She also turned into a 13 year old, and teenager she is not! Looks like a great event! I’d love to know more about you- if you’re up for it, I’ve tagged you for a meme!

  13. Todd on March 3rd, 2008 3:30 pm

    I’m glad to be able to see pictures of the food served at the Grand Tasting since for some reason I only tried the scallops.

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