Michael Symon and famous friends at Tacos After Dark 2019

This year, we kicked off the 18th-Annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) with one of the fête’s favorite late-night events: Tacos After Dark! Taking place at the dazzling Loews Miami Beach {1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.1601}, and back by popular demand, this taco-and-tequila fest was hosted by none other than famed chef, restaurateur, Food Network personality, cookbook author, and self-proclaimed carnivore: Michael Symon.

As we walked around the hotel’s pool area, we filled our bellies a mix of treats from popular chefs and vendors, both from right here in Miami and abroad. And what we found did not disappoint—like a make-your-own paloma booth, a Tequila Cazadores margarita booth, a live DJ, and 20+ chefs with more tacos than you have time to crave.

While we’re still recovering from our taco-induced food coma, here’s a rundown of the bites we can’t wait to eat again:

La Juana Taco
with steak, queso, white onion, cilantro, and salsa verde, in a blue corn tortilla
From: Pilo’s Street Tacos {1216 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.800.TACO}

Thai Pork Soft Taco
with Thai pork sausage, peanuts, and crunchy shallots, in a white flour tortilla
From: Jamie Bissonnette and Little Donkey {505 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA; 617.945.1008}

Quesadilla
with huitlacoche and crispy cheese
From: Taquiza {1351 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach}

Cochinita Pibil Taco
with slow-roasted pork, achiote, and habañero pickled onions
From: Coyo Taco {2300 NW 2 Avenue, Wynwood; 305.573.8228}

Sweet Taco
with tequila mousse, coconut, lime zest, and a lime garnish, in an almond-cookie shell that’s dipped in white chocolate
From: Loews Miami Beach {1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.1601}

Happy dining!
By Jennifer Agress | Miami Editor