Bringing an exciting cornucopia of epicurean experiences to the South Florida culinary scene, 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 showcases Fort Lauderdale as a growing mecca for fine dining and culinary innovation.
Featuring notable national and home-town talent, the Festival offers 35 events, inviting guests to taste, explore and be inspired. These include culinary, wine and cocktail classes, cooking demonstrations, annual signature events, exclusive private dinners and more.
This year, 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 talent, 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.
The seated dinner series is held at some of the most iconic restaurants in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. It delivers a unique dining experiences with creative menus developed specifically for events and available that evening only.
Offering something for everyone, classes are led by award-winning chefs and wine and beverage experts. They range from Country Bling Cooking and Flavors of Spain to The Art of Raman. Each year, signature events, such as Bar Fight mixologist competition, and Southern-style BBQ on the Beach add fun and festivity to the program.
A portion of funds raised through the Festival benefit the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, delivering a positive impact in the local community.