Thursday kicks off the 13th annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival, and while there is plenty of excitement going on in the tents this year, there is just as much happening outside them.
Below is our roundup up to the best “unofficial” SOBEWFF events happening this year – no ticket necessary.
Thursday, February 20
Models and Celebrity Chefs Volleyball Tournament – Spike Mendelsohn and an all-star roster of chefs and food personalities including Pat LaFrieda, Michael Symon, Josh Capon and others, will team up with with the models featured in the upcoming 50th Anniversary edition of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue to play a friendly game of volleyball.
When: Noon until 3 p.m.
Where: 8th Street & Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
RSVP: Not required
Tequila Seminar and Mexican Lunch – Famed mixologist Julio Bermejo hosts a tequila seminar and Mexican themed lunch sponsored by Don Julio.
When: 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Where: The Broken Shaker, 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach
RSVP: Not required. First come first serve.
Kelvin Natural Slush Co. Pop Up – The award-winning truck has partnered with the James Royal Palm to host a three-day pop up shop giving away free boozy (and virgin) slush.
When: 2 p.m. to 3 pm. daily through February 22
Where: James Royal Palm’s South Shore Bar, 1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
RSVP: Not required
Island Creek Oyster Bar – After finishing up your tequila-filled lunch, stick around at the Broken Shaker for a complimentary oyster bar flown in from Massachusetts by Island Creek Oysters and enjoy music by RedMonkey.
When: 7p.m. until 9p.m.
Where: The Broken Shaker
RSVP: Not required. First come first serve.
Brindisi a Lorenzo – Kicking off the festival under the stars, Lorenzo’s and Chef Tony Mantuano host an intimate cocktail party on the rooftop of The Redbury Hotel serving bites from the restaurant, signature cocktails from Don Julio and cold beer from Peroni while a classic Italian film plays in the background.
When: 7p.m. until 10 p.m.
Where: The Rooftop at Lorenzo’s, 1776 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
RSVP: parties@lorenzomiami.com (space is very limited)
Buddha-bar Pop Up at Seasalt & Pepper – Celebrating its first U.S. pop-up experience, the popular Buddha-bar takes over Seasalt & Pepper for one day only. Buddha Bar’s executive Chef Eric Rousselieres will be serving a menu consisting of the brands top selling items from its 15 different locations throughout the world. Accompanying the cuisine will be the world-renowned sounds of Buddha-bar’s resident DJ Ravin who will be guest spinning during dinner service.
When: Lunch and dinner service
Where: Seasalt & Pepper, 422 NW North River Drive, Miami
RSVP: Reservations required
Late Nite Bite at Pubbelly – The newly crowned “King of Porc” Jose Mendin has teamed up with Smithfield Ham to cook some pork-inspired late night specialities such as PB Medianoche with Smithfield Pork Belly, Croquettas de Jamon with Mint Aioli, Smithfield Bacon Brownie Sundae and cocktails at his flagship restaurant.
When: 12:30 a.m. until 2 a.m.
Where: Pubbelly
RSVP: smithfield@hunterpr.com (space is limited)
Friday, February 21
Tongue and Cheek Kitchen Collab Luncheon with Chef Robert Irvine – Tongue and Cheek’s Executive Chef Jamie DeRosa hosts a special lunchtime edition of the his Kitchen Collab series with Food Network personality Robert Irvine. The three-course lunch includes a welcome cocktail as well as a signed copy of Irvine’s new cookbook, Impossible to Easy.
When: Noon
Where: Tongue and Cheek, 431 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
RSVP: $75 per person exclusive of tax and tip. Reservations required and can be made (305) 704- 2900
Classic Hour Featuring Jim Meehan – Adding to the list of its ever-growing “guest bartender” series, The Broken Shaker hosts James Beard award winning bartender and owner of PDT, Jim Meehan, behind the bar to make some of his legendary cocktails.
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Broken Shaker, 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach
RSVP. Not required. First come first served.
Naked Taco Preview Party – Get a first look at Ralph Pagano’s new taco outpost at the Dream Hotel. In true South Beach fashion the party will feature fire dancers, jugglers, hula hoopers, “sexy taco dancers,” a DJ, and of course margaritas and Mexican food aplenty.
When: First look 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., Tequila popping 9 p.m. until midnight
Where: Dream Hotel South Beach, 1111 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
RSVP: getnaked@nakedtacomiami.com
Dead Rabbit Pop Up at Patpong Road – The famed NYC bar takes over Patpong Road for two nights only during this year’s SOBEWFF. Guests can spend the SOBEWFF after hours enjoying drinks by Jack McGarry, the 2013 Tales of the Cocktail “International Bartender of the Year,” and Sean Muldoon. The menu was just released, check it out in its entirety.
When: 8 p.m. until ???
Where: Patpong Road, 1661 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach
RSVP: Open to the public
Saturday, February 22
Daniel Boulud Exclusive Lunch and Book Signing – The king of French Cuisine himself, Daniel Boulud, will be preparing a four course menu inspired by his home cooking recipes from his new cookbook, DANIEL: My French Cuisine and signing copies.
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: db Bistro Moderne Miami, 255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL
RSVP: $93 per person including wine pairing; tax and gratuity not included. Buy tickets at www.dbbistro.com/Miami
Big Gay Ice Cream Social – Celebrating equality is the sweetest way possible, Chef Art Smith partners up again this year with NYC’s popular Big Gay Ice Cream truck to bring you the Big Gay Ice Cream Social. The afternoon will feature complimentary ice cream sundaes, boozy floats, and pastries by some of the best in the business including Antonio Bachour, Todd Erickson, Michelle Bernstein and more – all while helping raise awareness for marriage equality in Florida.
When: 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Where: James Royal Palm Breezeway, 1545 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
RSVP: Not needed
Eats and Beats – A culinary event dubbed “for locals, by locals” takes over the Moore Building for the night. The event combines some of the best and brightest talents in the Miami music scene, such as Kitty Carmichael and DJ Irie, with cuisine from Miami’s favorite local spots like Meat Market and Pride and Joy BBQ.
When: 7:30 p.m. until midnight
Where: Moore Building, 4040 NE Second Avenue, Miami
RSVP: Tickets start at $75. To purchase visit eatsnbeatsmiami.com
Dead Rabbit Pop Up at Patpong Road – The famed NYC bar takes over Patpong Road for two nights only during this year’s SOBEWFF. Guests can spend the SOBEWFF after hours enjoying drinks by Jack McGarry, the 2013 Tales of the Cocktail “International Bartender of the Year,” and Sean Muldoon. The menu was just released, check it out in its entirety.
When: 8:00 p.m. until ???
Where: Patpong Road, 1661 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach
RSVP: Open to the public
Sunday, February 23
The Broken BBQ featuring Giorgio Rapicavoli of Eating House – Close out the festivities at a late afternoon BBQ with one of Miami’s favorite chefs. Munch on Rapicavoli’s cuisine while enjoying Leblon Cachaca cocktails and music by Haitian Hillbilly.
When: 4 p.m.
Where: The Broken Shaker, 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach
RSVP: Not required. First come first serve.
The Gramercy Room Pop Up Dinner at Cypress Room – The New York city institution comes to Miami for one night only as chef Michael Anthony cooks at The Cypress Room for the first time to celebrate his debut cookbook, THE GRAMERCY TAVERN COOKBOOK. Dinner includes a welcome cocktail, amuse, 5 plated courses including dessert paired with wine, and a signed cookbook.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: The Cypress Room, 3260 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami
RSVP: $300 per person inclusive of tax and tip. Purchase by visiting thegenuinekitchen.com