As Miami’s appeal as a destination for business, tourism, and arts & culture soars, one of the most important ingredients in the Magic City’s recipe for success has been its growing restaurant scene.
Historically, Miami Beach was a celebrity chef’s golden goose, which explains why the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) takes place on the sand every February. But, as a city that’s young and hungry, it’s no surprise that newer neighborhoods on the mainland are stealing the spotlight and seducing hospitality heavyweights from around the world.
Two months into 2022, and the Brickell Financial District has already welcomed London’s Sexy Fish, with L.A.’s beloved Delilah and Major Food Group’s Dirty French opening later this year.
Additional 2022 debuts include Chicago’s Maple & Ash Steakhouse, opening in Downtown Miami; Pastis NYC opening in Wynwood; and Key Club, Dave Grutman’s new American steakhouse, set to open at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove this Spring.
Given the expansion of Miami’s restaurant scene beyond Miami Beach, it’s no surprise that the SOBEWFF has also broadened its horizons to include satellite events in Downtown Miami, Miami Design District, and Hallandale Beach. With 90+ events taking place around the city in just four days, it’s tempting to bite off more than you can chew. To help navigate, we’ve cherry picked our top recommendations and outlined SOBEWFF founder Lee Schrager’s favorite picks for the 2022 festival – check them out below!
P.S. If you’re a first timer, we recommend starting with the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, then checking out at least one of these signature events to really get a taste of the festival. Bon Appetit!
FOUNDER’S FAVORITES:
Calirosa Tequila Sunset Happy Hour
What: Calirosa cofounders, Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine and his wife, former Victoria Secret Model Behati Prinsloo, host a spirit-forward soiree to kick of SOBEWFF. The evening’s focus will be Calirosa’s trio of tequilas – the honeyed, dark berry-flavored Rosa Blanco; the cinnamon and caramel-rich Añejo; and the deeper Extra Añejo.
Where: The Beach Club at 1 Hotel South Beach
When: Thursday, February 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives LIVE by Guy Fieri
What: For one night only, iconic chef, restauranteur, NYT best-selling author, and Emmy award-winning TV host Guy Fieri welcomes foodies to experience a taste from his travels across America, in a never ending quest to find the nation’s best ‘greasy spoon’ eateries. This is one a culinary tour you won’t want to miss.
Where: North Venue; Beachside at Delano
When: Thursday, February 24 from 7 to 10 p.m.
TOP EVENTS BY NEIGHBORHOOD
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Dinner hosted by Antonia Lofaso and Brooke Williamson
MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT
Steak and Whiskey hosted by Michael Symon
What: California girls Antonia Lafaso and Brooke Williamson make their SOBEWFF debut curating a menu filled with the vast and varied flavors that make Los Angeles one of the best food cities in the world. The evening’s wines will be from Bodegas Montecillo.
Where: Area 31 at Kimpton EPIC Hotel
When: Thursday, February 24 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What: Chef, restaurateur, television personality, and the king of carnivores, Michael Symon celebrates two American classics: steak and whiskey. Over 20 of the country’s greatest chefs come together to dish out their highest quality steak, paired perfectly with whiskey.
Where: Miami Design District – Jungle Plaza
When: Thursday, February 24 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FOUNDER’S FAVORITE:
21st Birthday Dessert Party hosted by Buddy Valastro
TOP EVENT BY NEIGHBORHOOD: DESIGN DISTRICT
A Taste of Italy hosted by Anne Burrell
What: A true 21st birthday celebration, guests of Buddy Valestro’s late-night dessert party should expect to pop champagne while indulging in cakes, cookies, and confectionaries from more than a dozen South Florida dessert destinations.
Where: The National Hotel
When: Friday, February 25 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
What: Guests of renowned chef, NYT bestselling author, and Food Network star Anne Burrell will experience an Italian culinary journey featuring dishes from various regions of Italy, served up by more than 20 of South Florida’s greatest chefs.
Where: Miami Design District – Jungle Plaza
When: Friday, February 25 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
FOUNDER’S FAVORITES
hosted master of ceremonies Rachael Ray
What: Château d’Esclans will transport guests to St. Tropez and bring to life la vie en rosé. No matter what shade of pink is your preference, everyone’s palate will be pleased with free-flowing sips from the world’s most glamorous rosé, Whispering Angel. Dance the afternoon away to the iconic tunes of French DJ’s and enjoy fresh hors d’oeuvres inspired by the chic beach clubs in the South of France.
Where: W South Beach
When: Saturday, February 26 from 4 to 7 p.m.
What: This tribute dinner, hosted by Rachel Ray, will include distinct touches designed to pay homage to both Guy Fieri’s wit and Bill Deutsch and Peter Deutsch’s family flair. Among the evening’s highlights will be an extravagant live auction led by celebrity auctioneer, Food Network and Cooking Channel star Jeff Mauro. Prizes include once-in-a-lifetime travel and dining experiences available for bidding.
Where: Loews Hotel Miami Beach
When: Saturday, February 26 from 7 to 11 p.m.
TOP EVENTS BY NEIGHBORHOOD
DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Foodventure at Brightline’s Citizens MiamiCentral Culinary Market hosted by Dwayne Wade
What: Hosted at Brightline’s ‘Citizens Miami’ culinary market, owned and operated by C3 sbe, NBA champion Dwayne Wade hosts this food hall experience dinner. Restaurants will showcase new menus by celebrity chefs, including ‘Chef’s Table’ star Dario Cecchini, ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu Morimoto, Umami Burger’s Chef Alvin Cailan, Ella Mia’s pastry chef, and babka king Shimi Aaron.
When: Saturday, February 26 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Citizens MiamiCentral
HALLANDALE BEACH
Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience hosted by Nick DiGiovanni
What: Hosted by MasterChef finalist and TikTok sensation Nick DiGiovanni, guests will enjoy sumptuous bites from Hallandale Beach’s best restaurants, refreshing cocktails from the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio, and incredible live music and entertainment. Fashion will also be on the menu at this fanciful walk-around tasting, so come dressed in your chicest all-white ensembles.
When: Saturday, February 26 from 7 to 11 p.m.
FOUNDER’S FAVORITE:
ABSOLUT Vodka presents Drag Brunch by Kalen Allen
NEIGHBORHOOD EVENT: LINCOLN ROAD DISTRICT
Pizza Lunch hosted by Michael Schwartz and Dan Richer
What: Kalen Allen, social media star turned TV personality on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, hosts this extravagant affair. Rocco Carulli, chef/owner of R House in Wynwood, home to one of Miami’s most beloved drag brunches, curates a mind-blowing line-up of some of South Florida’s most popular drag performers to steal the show, as guests indulge in dishes prepared by some of Miami’s most creative chefs.
Where: North Beach Bandshell
When: Sunday, February 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What: Michael Schwartz – James Beard award-winning chef and celebrated author of Genuine Pizza: Better Pizza at Home has invited Dan Richer – chef and owner of the cult favorite Razza Pizza Artigianale, which has been heralded by the New York Times as “the best pizza in New York,” to help him fire up the oven at his newest Harry’s Pizzeria location in the Lincoln Road District for this delicious SOBEWFF lunch.
Where: Harry’s Pizzeria
When: Sunday, February 27 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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