South Beach Wine and Food Festival Celebrates its 21st Year Posted on February 27, 2022March 8, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs One of Miami’s most elegantly debaucherous events has come of age. The South Beach Wine and Food Festival has bestowed itself upon us for the 21st year, and my has it grown! Whether you want to mingle and rub elbows with celebrity chefs, fellow foodies, mixologists and other wine snobs, or just sip rose and watch celebrities, SBWFF is never a disappointment. This year is no different. The white tents descended upon the sand on Miami Beach this last weekend, from Thursday February 24-Sunday February 27 and left no one in want. There were over 90 events including chef-curated dinners, tastings and food seminars with celebrity chefs. In addition to what was going on in the sand, there were a ton of events running parallel to the official festival. World Red Eye: Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink 15th Anniversary Dinner hosted by Michael Schwartz The event actually began as an event called the Florida Extravaganza in the early aughts. People would bring wines from all over the world and Miami restaurants would bring out their items to pair with the wines. Over the years, it has become an actual extravaganza with the likes of Jose Andres, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, and who can forget Paula Deen riding things? This year other celebrities also hosted events, including Eva Longoria, Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo, French Montana and Kate Hudson. Ticket sales benefit the FIU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the event grows each year. You can find more photos of the events here.
Miami International Boat Show Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever Posted on February 4, 2022February 6, 2022 by Sarah Elles Boggs After 5 years, the Miami International Boat Show will return to the Miami Beach Convention Center over President’s Weekend (February 16-20), abandoning the convoluted previous location at Miami Marine Stadium. In addition, the show will merge with SuperYacht Miami, which had a year of absence due to the pandemic. This is slated to be the largest boat and yacht event in the world, attracting over 100,000 visitors from around the world and beckoning an estimated $1.34 billion for the state of Florida, according to the event organizers. This is the same economic impact as hosting 3 Super Bowls! The displays will take place over land as well as in the water, here is a list of the boating stations with links to a google maps view of the location: Miami Beach Convention Center The Miami Beach Convention Center will be dedicated to power boats up to 49 feet, engine manufacturers, marine accessories and retail. One Herald Plaza On mainland Miami at One Herald Plaza, larger power boats and motor yachts from 50-125 feet in length will be showcased as well as yacht tenders, more marine accessories and retail. Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center Just North of One Herald Plaza in the Omni district, Sea Isle Marina will feature over 150 sea trial vessels. Museum Park Marina Just south of the 395 MacArthur Causeway in Downtown Miami, Museum Park Marina will offer an up-close look at the latest sailboats, catamarans and anything you can think of for sailing accessories. Island Gardens For the most luxurious and largest offerings, visit the IGY Yacht Haven Grande at the deep water dock at Island Gardens on Watson Island. Yachts here will be available for sale or for charter with brokers & crew ready to showcase them. Pride Park The Miami International Boat Show wouldn’t be a proper show if there weren’t a party, so directly outside the Miami Beach Convention Center, the organizers have set up a showcase of activities for the whole family. Inside the Progressive Boat Show Experience, you will find a smorgasbord of experimental boating lifestyle activities including educational seminars, innovative cuisines, Miami-esque cocktails and champagne, as well as activity zones for the kiddos. The kids will enjoy the Nautical Ventures AquaZone, where they can learn about water sports, Fred’s Shed is an interactive experience to enhance boating knowledge and Costa Conservation Village will teach the young-uns how to enjoy responsible boating without damaging the marine environment. There will also be battery powered boats, wake surf simulators and a variety of professional wake sports athletes to meet. From Thursday (February 17) till Saturday (February 19), the Pride Park Progressive Experience will also feature a host of live musical performances. Fun for everyone!