Bringing an exceptional array of epicurean adventures to the South Florida culinary fans, the Sixth Annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival will usher in the new year with a tempting invitation to indulge on January 13 to 19. Each year, the Festival helps establish Fort Lauderdale as a growing mecca for fine dining and culinary innovation.
Featuring notable national and home-town talent, the Festival offers 35 events, encouraging guests to taste, explore and be inspired. These include culinary, wine and cocktail classes, cooking demonstrations, annual signature events and exclusive private dinners.
Contributing their talents to the Festival are such notable chefs and culinary personalities as Fabio Viviani, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Alex Belew and social media personality Alexa Santos of @alexawhatsfordinner. Joining them are celebrated local chefs, emerging talents, restaurateurs and local food and beverage establishments.
Always a Festival highlight, the Grand Tasting on January 18 features unlimited food samplings, plus wine and cocktails from more than 100 participants, as well as celebrity chef demonstrations and live entertainment. Several hundred guests are expected to fill Las Olas Oceanside Park to enjoy innovative cuisine, savor perennial favorites and discover new restaurants and food establishments.
Classes led by award-winning chefs and beverage experts will sharpen cooking skills and teach the art of pairing wine and spirits with food. Chef Nancy Fuller kicks off the class offerings with her Farmhouse Rules session, where attendees will learn to create hearty farmhouse-style meals. Chef Jason Smith, known for his Southern flair, will lead the Country Bling Cooking class, offering guests a taste of the South with a contemporary twist. Chef Jorge Montes, a local favorite, will host two classes – one on the Flavors of Spain and the other on French Cookery, giving attendees a chance to explore two of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. Meanwhile, The Art of Ramen class with Chefs Alex Kuk and Diego Ng promises to be a fan favorite given ramen’s rising popularity in the culinary world.
In addition to culinary classes, the festival’s signature events showcase Broward County’s vibrant food and drink scene. Events kick off on January 15 with Bar Fight!, a spirited mixologist competition, followed by Wok ‘n Roll on January 16, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music. On January 17, BBQ at the Beach with Chef Jason Smith offers Southern-style barbecue and a pitmaster competition. The festival concludes with the family-friendly Picnic in the Park on January 19.
The dinner series is held at some of most iconic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. It delivers a unique dining experiences with creative menus developed by each chef specifically for the event and available for one night only. On January 13, a dinner at chef/owner Rino Cerbone’s bustling Italian gem, Heritage, marks opening night of the festival. Tuesday evening promises two exceptional collaborative dinners featuring some of South Florida’s top culinary talents. Evelyn’s joins forces with Miami’s Boia De for an innovative dining experience, while Timon Balloo of The Katherine teams up with surprise guest chefs for a memorable meal.Agave fans will be drawn to the tequila dinner at Toro with chef Juan Mateo on January 16.
A portion of funds raised through the Festival benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, making a positive impact in the local community.
Click for Festival details and ticket information.