South Beach Wine and Food Festival 2023 Festival Lineup Announced

From Thursday, February 23 to Sunday, February 28, 1000’s of individuals will head to the enormous tents on Miami Beach to eat, drink, and rejoice the twenty second yr of the competition, which is able to profit the Florida International University Chapman School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. So far, greater than $34 million has been raised, serving to safe the way forward for the hospitality trade by coaching its subsequent era.

The competition is understood for its signature occasions just like the Grand Tasting Village, the Burger Bash (this yr hosted by Emeril Lagasse), and a gala tribute dinner (this yr, chef Alex Guarnaschelli and Pernod Ricard’s  Alexandre Ricard will be feted with Bobby Flay serving as grasp of ceremonies); however every year additionally brings new occasions and some surprises. 

That mixture of outdated and new is the important thing to success, says Lee Brian Schrager. The SOBEWFF founder tells New Times that he is at all times searching for new manufacturers and activations. “I actually need to maintain it recent or individuals are going to get bored. Burger Bash sells out yearly — till it does not,” he says. 

Schrager says that retaining his eyes open for brand spanking new occasions and dealing with new expertise is a method of constructing positive he is by no means uninterested in the competition, as properly. “I wish to be motivated and enthusiastic about what we’re doing. If I’m completely satisfied, then it reveals.”

New occasions this yr embody a Sunday afternoon tea dance and drag present with a particular efficiency by disco queen, Thelma Houston. Says Schrager, “The tea dance goes to be nice. We have Bianca del Rio from Ru Paul’s Drag Race performing. She’s been touring for 2 years straight and he or she was capable of finding the time to return to Miami.”

Schrager can also be trying ahead to the Overtown EatUp, hosted by Marcus Samuelsson, additionally on Sunday afternoon. The occasion, which takes cues from Harlem EatUp, will spotlight the wealthy tradition of Overtown. Samuelsson will curate the eating places and music taking part within the occasion. In addition, proceeds from Overtown EatUp shall be earmarked as scholarship funding for college kids from Overtown who attend FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

The SOBEWFF founder says this yr, greater than ever, the competition will rejoice variety within the hospitality trade with occasions like a Cookout with JJ Johnson and Dwyane Wade and a Sunday brunch with James Beard winner Mashama Bailey. Bailey will convey her Savannah restaurant, the Grey, to Miami Beach for one scrumptious afternoon. “Mashama Bailey’s restaurant was named one of many best locations in Time journal,” says Schrager, including, “If you do not know her now, you’ll. And you need to.”

At the tip of the day, Schrager says that the SOBEWFF is designed for individuals to eat, drink, and have a great time. And, the components appears to work. “We have 1000’s of individuals. We’re not saving lives — we’re giving pleasure. Which is why we attempt to make it protected and make it enjoyable.”

South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Thursday, February 23 to Sunday, February 28, 2023, at numerous places. Tickets begin at $35. Capital One Cardholder presale is accessible now by way of November 6. Tickets to most of the people on sale on November 6 at sobewff.org.