We’re officially in the five month countdown—the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be back in sexy South Florida from February 21 to 25, 2018. Hands-down America’s most revered nationwide food festival, these five days of fun bring a star-studded lineup of tasting and cocktail events, celebrity chef dinners, parties, lectures, and menus of mind-blowing food like you’ve rarely had before.
Of course, with every year, comes a series of new additions. Find out what new events you can get excited for at #SOBEWFF 2018, below:
BBQ Dinner hosted by Chris Lilly and Jorge Ramos
part of the CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series
This year, kick-off SOBEWFF from the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, where World BBQ Champion Chris Lilly will host a family-style dinner with Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach’s own Chef Jorge Ramos. Part of the CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series, this collaborative dinner will feature great BBQ, as well as gourmet comfort-food sides and desserts by Ramos himself. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is located at 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Clambake hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Jorge Ramos
part of the CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series
Famed chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality, Emeril Lagasse, is throwing an oceanfront clambake—and you want to be there. Wander from booth to booth as you try endless wines, cocktails, and bites from South Florida’s top seafood spots. The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach’s own Chef Jorge Ramos will be there, as will Food Network dessert genius, Duff Goldman. At the end of the night, feast on a poolside buffet of desserts by Duff and others as you enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s relaxing ocean views. This event will take place on Thursday, February 22, from 7 to 10 p.m. Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is located at 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Barry’s Bootcamp and Breakfast
hosted by Robert Irvine
You don’t want to mess with TV star and Chef Robert Irvine, and this event gives you not one, but two reasons why. Joined by co-instructor Derek DeGrazio, partner and head trainer for Barry’s Bootcamp Miami, this event will start with a rigorous morning workout by the pool, followed by drinks and a light breakfast of bites by health-conscious South Florida restaurants. Irvine is the author of Fit Fuel: A Chef’s Guide to Eating Well and Living Your Best Life and founder of Robert Irvine Foods, which features a nutritionally improved line of food products with great flavor, so this even marries his passions for both food and fitness. This event will take place on Saturday, February 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Raleigh Hotel, Oasis is located at 1775 Collins Avenue (the entrance is on 18th Street).
Master Class hosted by Sullivan Street Bakery
Carb overload! Join James Beard Award winner, Jim Lahey, one of America’s most popular chefs and NY bakery owners, as he takes you through the bread-making process he’s mastered. His bakery, Sullivan Street Bakery, is a relatively new spot in Little Haiti. Meet him there, and he will give you tips and tricks about his famous, no-knead bread method, tell you stories from his lifetime, and when the class is over, stuff you with all his best breads, bread dishes, and wine. This event will take place on Saturday, February 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Sullivan Street Bakery is located at 5550 NE 4th Avenue.
Rooftop Rosé Happy Hour hosted by Kristin Cavallari
part of the CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale Series
While most of us know her from MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills, reality television star Kristin Cavallari is also a jewelry and shoe designer, a lifestyle guru, and author of her very own cookbook: True Roots. During this haute happy hour, hang with Kristen, sip on everyone’s favorite pink wine (rosé!), and enjoy light bites and Fort Lauderdale Beach’s near-perfect views. This event will take place on Saturday, February 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. W Fort Lauderdale Bungalow is located at 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
Midnight Munchies
hosted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Quell your late-night munchies with world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Action Bronson! Española Way is a pedestrian-only slice of Mediterranean paradise in Miami, and on this day, it will be filled with sweet-and-salty, ooey-gooey midnight snacks, handcrafted cocktails, and dancing under the stars. This event will take place on Saturday, February 24, from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Get to Española Way from the entrance at Washington Avenue and Española Way.
Sweet-Moves: Late-Night Desserts & Dancing
hosted by Bobby & Sophie Flay
Need another excuse for some late-night snacking and dancing? Join dynamic dad-and-daughter duo, Bobby and Sophie Flay, for a dessert party at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Health and wellness expert and popular DJ, Hannah Bronfman, will bring the high-energy beats, while Bobby, Sofia, and more than a dozen SoFla restaurants will bring the delicious desserts. This event will take place on Saturday, February 24, from 10:30 p.m. to Midnight. Loews Miami Beach Hotel is located at 1601 Collins Avenue.
History of Jewish-American Cuisine hosted by Joan Nathan
featuring Michelle Bernstein, Zak Stern, Michael Solomonov, Alon Shaya and Adeena Sussman
During this event, culinary pioneer Joan Nathan will lead a panel discussion at The Jewish Museum of Florida with some of the most iconic names in Israeli cuisine: like Chefs Alon Shaya, Michael Solomonov, Michelle Bernstein, Adeena Sussman, and baker Zak Stern. Each chef will share their own culinary journey and get personal as they discuss their experiences working with Jewish-American cuisine. Light bites included! This event will take place on Sunday, February 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The Jewish Museum of Florida is located at 301 Washington Avenue.
Salty Donut Master Class
Taking place at the Salty Donut Commissary, this class invites a lucky few to get a hands-on look at what makes The Salty Donut one of the hottest donut spots in town. Fillings, glazes, compotes, and more are all made in-house, and their donuts are nothing if not completely out-of-the-box. (Think: Peaches and Brie, Cherry and Thyme, White Chocolate Tres Leches donuts, and more.) Led by the Salty Donut masters themselves, this class will give you an interactive peek at just what makes this small-batch, craft donut operation so special. This event will take place on Sunday, February 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. The Salty Donut Commissary is located at 50 NW 23rd Street #112.
Family Ice Cream Social
hosted by Duff Goldman
This brand-spankin’ new, family-friendly soirée invites foodies of all ages to enjoy two things: fun in the sun and some delicious frozen treats. Food Network dessert guru, Duff Goldman, will host the event, which will feature more than a dozen South Florida restaurants serving up some of their best ice cream snacks and desserts. This event will take place on Sunday, February 25, from 3 to 5 p.m. Loews Miami Beach Hotel is located at 1601 Collins Avenue.
Goya Foods’ Made in Miami: A Celebration of Latin Culture
hosted by Giorgio Rapicavoli
Join Miami’s favorite boy-next-door chef, Giorgio Rapicavoli (of Eating House and Glass & Vine), as you eat, sip, and dance the night away in a vivacious Latin-inspired event. Taking place at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, this tasty evening will be filled with handcrafted cocktails and delicious small plates by Miami’s most popular chefs, all reminiscent of the Latin traditions that have such a strong influence over the Magic City. This event will take place on Sunday, February 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue.
For more information about these new events, or to buy tickets for yourself, click here. 
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Need a lunch break? Follow our guide below for the best lunch spots in the Magic City, broken down by neighborhood. Bon appétit!   
Edgewater/MiMo
Where to go: Soyka {5556 Northeast 4 Court, MiMo; 305.759.3117}
Why: Brought to us by Mark Soyka—the brains behind spots like News Café, Van Dyke Café, and Café Roval—Soyka is a stylish urban eatery where you can get everything from gourmet burgers and fancy sandwiches, to elaborate salads, wood-grilled pizzas, and haute entrées. In true Mark Soyka form, the building is as interesting as the food. (It’s housed in an old warehouse that once served as a garage for the restaurateur’s extensive car collection.) Go there on Friday and Saturday nights, and you’ll find live jazz; go for lunch any day of the week and you can indulge in plates like Wood-Fired Prosciutto Pizza with house pomodoro, mozzarella, goat cheese, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and arugula.
Miami Beach
Where to go: Hosteria Romana {429 Española Way, Miami Beach; 305.532.4299}
Why: Operating under the guise of “where Italians go for Italian,” this legit Roman-style restaurant is run by an all-Italian staff, so you know its mantra rings true. While the staff sings, dances, and delights patrons with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, grilled meats and fish, and homemade desserts, diners can revel in the comfort of real Roman home cooking. When you’re there for lunch, start with a cup of Pasta e Fascioli soup and move on to the homemade Spaghetti a’ Carbonara with grana cheese, egg, Italian bacon-pancetta, and black pepper sauce.
South of Fifth
Where to go: Bakehouse Brasserie {808 1 Street, Miami Beach; 305.434.8249}
Why: This sparkling, Parisian-style bistro serves brunch all day long. During lunch, order a burger or opt for your second breakfast of the day—the Avocado Toast with cherry tomatoes, poached egg, and gremolata on multigrain toast is good at any hour.
Coral Gables
Where to go: Cibo Wine Bar {45 MIracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.442.4925}
Why: This chic-meets-delicious restaurant and wine bar is exactly the type of Italian restaurant you’d expect Coral Gables’ trendy business crowd to enjoy. The menu is huge, the food is delicious, and there are even friendly “wine angels” who throw on harnesses and scour the floor-to-ceiling wine wall to grab choice bottles. Go during lunch, and dine off the Lunch in Fretta menu. For just $18, you’ll get a salad, your choice of pasta or pizza, and a dessert of the chef’s choosing.  
Wynwood
Where to go: Wynwood Kitchen & Bar {2550 Northwest 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.722.8959}
Why: Head to this colorful, laid-back eatery and bar, and you’ll be just as electrified by the art as you are by the menu. If you’re there for lunch, grab a seat outside and feast on dishes inspired by Miami’s prominent Latin community. We love the WKB Hamburguesitas with chorizo and chicken patties, pickled jalapeño, baby arugula, and a side of cascabel aioli… and we’re pretty sure you will, too.
Brickell/Downtown Miami
Where to go: Zest {200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami; 305.374.9378}
Why: Take a break from your mundane workday and add some fire to the mix with Caribbean fare. Sitting in Downtown Miami, this part eatery, part market is the brainchild of Cindy Hutson, an esteemed chef and restaurateur known for both Ortanique on the Mile {278 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; 305.446.7710} and her unique cooking style, “Cuisine of the Sun.” Grab a seat in its bright surroundings, buy and smoke a cigar onsite, and order the Cumin and Corriander Crusted Niman Ranch Pork Chop with yucca cakes, passionfruit chimichurri, and grilled asparagus. Can you think of a better lunch break?
Coconut Grove
Where to go: Glass & Vine {2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305.200.5268}
Why: When Grove Bay Hospitality Group tapped South Florida chef Giorgio Rapicavoli—champion of Food Network’s Chopped, a man listed on FORBES “30 Under 30,” and a James Beard Award semi-finalist—to helm its new park restaurant in Coconut Grove, we all knew it would be good. And we were right! An open indoor-outdoor spot in Peacock Park, Glass & Vine serves up whimsical, sharing-style plates inspired by its Floridian surroundings. For just $24, get one of the special “Pairs” from the lunch menu. We like the one that couples Heirloom Tomatoes and rocoto leche de tigre with Semolina Pasta topped with green pea pesto, pistachio, bread crumbs, and olive oil. And when you love the latter of the two, go home and make it for yourself. (We have the recipe here!)
Key Biscayne
Where to go: Costa Med Bistro + Wine {260 Crandon Boulevard, Suite #46, Key Biscayne; 305.361.7575}
Why: This quiet spot in Key Biscayne serves Italian cuisine that’s eye-popping good. If you want authentic pasta, this is where you’ll find it; but don’t for one second think that’s all they have. If you need a solid midday pick-me-up, get the Costa Med Burger with a house blend of Prime Allen Brothers certified Angus beef, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and Applewood smoked bacon. It comes with your choice of sauce and a side—we recommend the House Spicy Sauce and Truffle Fries.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Irma has come and gone, and while most of Miami luckily came out unscathed, many Magic City restaurants, shops, and households are still trying to get power, internet, and A/C back and get back to business… literally.
Recognizing the damage this could cause restaurants and locals financially, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is doing something to help. While Miami Spice was originally scheduled to run from August 1 to September 30 only, the bureau has extended its annual promotion through October 31 to entice local diners to go out to eat and boost local business.
At it’s core, this (typically) two-month feeding frenzy makes Miami’s best restaurants affordable for diners throughout the city. There are a whomping 250 participating restaurants (including 40 new ones, this year!), all with three-course lunch, brunch or dinner menus for $23 and $39 per person, respectively. Adding to its allure, even in October, the GMCVB will still take care of everything your night out needs—including transportation. Thanks to a partnership with Lyft, restaurant-goers can use one of two codes for a discounted ride: MIAMISPICE17 will get you 20% off two Lyft rides, and LUXPTEMPTATIONS will get you $15 off a Lyft luxury ride to and from any hotel restaurant.

NOTE: During this new month of Spice, which will be complemented by an extra month of both Miami Spa Month and Miami Attractions Month, it’s important to note that not all restaurants will be participating in the added promotion, based on their own business needs. To find out which restaurants are participating through the end of October, be sure to visit www.ilovemiamispice.com.  
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

This Saturday, September 16, is National Cheeseburger Day. Here’s where to get the best cheesy, beefy buns in the MIA:
Shula’s 347 Grill
What you’re ordering: Shula Burger
Price: $15
Why we love it: This classic cheeseburger comes with a perfectly-seasoned Shula-grade beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, a pickle, and Applewood-smoked bacon.
Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina
What you’re ordering: The Bleau Burger
Price: $24
Why we love it: This dry-aged burger tops a brioche bun with arugula, Point Reyes blue cheese, truffle aioli, crispy prosciutto, and caramelized onions, and is served with herb fries.
DiLido Beach Club
What you’re ordering: The Chorizo Frita
Price: $22
Why we love it: Does it get more “Miami” than chorizo? This beef patty is topped with swiss and cheddar cheeses, spicy mayonnaise, grilled onions, and crispy tortilla strips, all on an “everything” bun.
R House Wynwood
What you’re ordering: R Burger
Price: $20
Why we love it: Get more meat with your meat with this burger, which tops an Angus beef patty with shredded and braised short rib, BBQ sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, and egg.
Swine Southern Table & Bar
What you’re ordering: The Swine Burger
Price: $20
Why we love it: This isn’t your average cheeseburger—the patty itself is made with short rib, brisket, and smoked pork, and it’s topped with a homemade dill pickle, thick-cut and house-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and “Swine Special Sauce.”
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

This Friday, September 15, is Mexican Independence Day! And if you’re here in Miami, there’s no better place to celebrate that at Brickell’s one-and-only haute Mexican restaurant, Cantina La Veinte {495 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 786.623.6135}.
Head there on Friday, and you’ll get an all-day fiesta. Sponsored by Maestro Dobel tequila, this party will be one of Cantina La Veinte’s finest. There will be a DJ, a live mariachi band, and specially-priced tequila flights called “Bandera”—Maestro Dobel blanco, lime juice, and sangrita, a non-alcoholic accompaniment that both highlights the tequila’s crisp acidity and cleanses the palate between each peppery sip.
In short, this special event will celebrate everything there is to love about Mexico… especially tequila.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Hurricane Irma has come and gone, and while most of Miami is (fortunately) fine, restaurants throughout the Magic City are still working to resume normal business hours as quickly as possible. Luckily, some of the city’s best restaurants are already up and running! Working our way north, find out what’s open, below.
CORAL GABLES
Ortanique on the Mile
Swine Southern Table + Bar: Brunch and dinner only on Wednesday and Thursday
BRICKELL/DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room: Opening Thursday, September 14 (Buffet only on Thursday, regular menu on Friday)
Big Easy Winebar & Grill 
Cantina La Veinte
The River Seafood & Oyster Bar
Seaspice: Opening Friday, September 15
Tacology
WYNWOOD
R House Wynwood
MIAMI BEACH
A Fish Called Avalon
Jaya at The Setai: With a limited menu
Scarpetta by Scott Conant
StripSteak by Michael Mina
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana: Offering 50% off all menu items
Villa Azur: Opening Thursday, September 14 (Offering 50% off all cocktails from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Yardbird Southern Table + Bar: Brunch and dinner only through Sunday, September 17
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor

Get excited, plant-based food lovers! The nation’s largest celebration of plant-based food and wine, Seed Food & Wine Festival, is coming BACK to the Magic City this November. With the main tasting event taking place at MANA Wynwood, Seed Food & Wine Festival fans can look forward to events all over Miami-Dade County. As if that weren’t enough, this festival isn’t just a one-day affair; it’s bringing a whole week of food- and health-focused fun with it.
Running from November 1 to 5, 2017, this year’s event will feature more than 200 exhibitors,  40 celebrity plant-based chefs, and 30 vegan experts, athletes, authors, and celebrities. From November 1 to 3, the annual Seed Summit will bring together influencers, content creators, and bloggers for a kick-off party in Miami Beach and two days of workshops and panels designed after the summit’s core mantra: “Elevate your mind, elevate your message, elevate your lifestyle.” On top of that, the Miami health-style brand, Live Ultimate, has partnered with the festival to host a the Live Ultimate Seed Food & Wine Walk/Run 5K through Wynwood on Saturday, November 4. This full-scale event will feature everything from the 5K itself to wellness, health, running, yoga, and meditation events, along with food, drinks, and music. You can register for it here.
And of course, no food event in Miami would be complete without participation from the city’s very own restaurants and chefs. In addition to celebrity and nationally-renowned plant-based culinary and wellness leaders, you will be able to taste the delicious, animal-free cuisine of Miami-based chefs like: Brad Kilgore (of Alter), Todd Erickson (of GLAM Vegan Miami, Huahua’s Taqueria, and previously, Zuma), Della Heiman (of Della’s Test Kitchen), Allen Susser (of The Café at Books & Books and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts), Brian Nasajon (of Beaker & Gray and previously, SUSHISAMBA), Cesar Zapata (The Federal), Nicole Votano (DIRT), and more.
Intrigued? You should be. Here is just some of the tasty fun you can look forward to at the Seed Food & Wine Festival 2017:

• VIP Kickoff Party
• Seed Summit
• Food Forward
• Burger Battle
• Catwalk: A Night of Conscious Fashion (NEW EVENT)
• Best of the East Dinner
• 5k Run + Yoga
• Festival Day Tasting Village
• Made in Miami Farm to Table Dinner
• Yoga + Meditation Brunch

Tickets to the main event start at $60+. Tickets for all events throughout the week can be purchased here.
Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor