8 Tips for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Making the Most of the Food Network Foodie Weekend in Miami, Florida
Tip #1 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Book Early
Because of its tasty appeal, many South Beach Wine & Food Festival events sell out, especially the Grand Tasting Village - where food and beverage producers offer samples- and smaller interactive events with celebrity chefs. The festival is typically held in February and tickets are available for sale either in November or December.
Tip #2 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Attend a Celebrity Event
Some of Food Network's favorite celebrities as Paula Deen, Guy Fieri and Bobby Flay have attended the festival and hosted events. Whether it a party or an interactive cooking lunch, attending one of these events provides greater access to chefs in a smaller setting than the Grand Tasting Village.
Tip #3 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Have a Plan
Within the village, Food Network chefs offer various culinary seminars and previous presenters have included Emeril Lagasse, Rachel Ray and Anthony Bourdain. Sometimes, schedules overlap and it's not possible to attend concurrent events. Using the online schedule or one distributed at the event will help in planning the day and weekend. Maximize the most of the Grand Tasting Village by staying at least an entire day.
Tip #4 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Bring Cookbooks
Book signings with attending chefs are scheduled within the Grand Tasting Village. This is the perfect opportunity to have cookbooks signed by author chefs to give as gifts or keep. Cookbooks will be sold on site but it may be cheaper to bring your own. Book signings are also the perfect opportunity to meet Food Network chefs. These culinary stars often walk through the village and take the time to meet with fans.
Tip #5 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Pace Yourself
The Grand Tasting Village is an oversized open bar. Alongside food products are beer, wine and liquor distributors offering tastes. SoBe Wine & Food Fest attendees receive a wineglass upon entering and won't have a problem keeping it full. Alternate alcoholic beverages with complimentary water easily found within the village.
Tip #6 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Try Something New
What makes the SoBe Wine & Food Festival yummy is the opportunity to try something new. It's an opportunity for food and beverage distributors to launch new products and opportunity for attendees to experience new flavors. During the 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Voli Spirits introduced its line of low calorie vodkas. A new flavor I tasted was gator tail picadillo prepared by Florida alligator farmers.
Tip #7 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Be Patient
Since this is a popular food festival the best way to handle the crowds and long lines is patience. Avoid bringing bulky purses or backpacks which usually end up hitting other people. All food festival attendees receive a swag bag with coupons, food products and branded promotional items from sponsors. Additional giveaways are distributed throughout the Grand Tasting Village.
Tip #8 for Attending the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Stay on South Beach
Experience SoBe's famed nightlife by staying on South Beach. Basing your stay means no need to worry about driving through traffic, finding a place to park, and designating a driver after a day of indulging. The South Beach Wine & Food Festival offers a host of vacation packages to maximize the experience.
Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Feb. 24 - 27, 2011. Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teach Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center are benefactors of the festival and to date more than $8 million has been raised for the school. (Source: Food Network's South Beach Wine & Food Festival).
Published by JA Huber
Spent a decade in Death Valley, Everglades and Yellowstone Ntn'l Parks and now living happily in Florida working in tourism, editor of SoloTravelGirl.com; traveling alone, not lonely. View profile
Best Food Network Television Shows of 2008 A delectable treat to the four niftiest shows on the Food Network cable television.- Cookbooks for Food Network FansThis article lists some of the best cookbooks that Food Network fans should have on their bookshelves. All of these cookbooks are affordable and offer wonderful recipes.
Find the Perfect Gift for a Food Network FanFood Network does have an online store, but which gifts are the best ones for the Food Network fan in your life?- Food Network: New York City Food & Wine Festival 2009The October 8-11 event promises to be packed full of demonstrations from your favorite Food Network hosts, and includes special appearances from Alicia Silverstone to Martha Stewart.
Top Ten Food Network ProgramsCooking and food specialty shows have become increasingly popular over the last few years. In fact, the Food Network is completely dedicated to cooking and food related shows.
- Guide to Florida Food and Wine Festivals in 2009
- Food Network Celebrities: My Top 3 Picks with Recipes
- Top Florida Food Festivals in January 2009
- Adelaide, South Australia - Visitors Guide
- Cavalier Hotel: Cozy and Reasonable on South Beach
- Culinary Schools are Thriving in New York City Thanks to the Food Network
- The Next Food Network Star - Season 5
- SoBe Wine & Food Fest is an opportunity to mingle with Food Network stars and taste something new.
- Bring your cookbooks to have favorite Food Network chefs sign them.
- Book your SoBe Wine & Food Fest tickets early, events tend to sell out.
2 Comments
Post a CommentI really need to attend events like this. Just another excuse for me to drink wine and eat new foods. What am I saying? I don't need an excuse.
Nicely done.