SOBEWFF
THE SOUTH BEACH WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS TO CORAL GABLES
BY KYLIE WANG
The annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival is back this year, featuring more Gables chefs and events than ever. This year, besides a litany of our favorite culinary aficionados being featured at events on South Beach, there are two events right here in the City Beautiful. Here’s the schedule of all the events featuring local chefs and restaurants we love:
Noche Cubana featuring Chef Michelle Bernstein and David Martinez
WHERE: KIMPTON SURFCOMBER HOTEL, 1717 COLLINS AVE.
WHEN: SAT., FEB. 22, 10 PM TO 1 AM
COST: $199
Celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein and her partner David Martinez recently opened the second iteration of their famous Sra. Martinez in Coral Gables. But if that’s not enough for you – and why would it be? – you can taste more of this powerhouse duo’s creations at SOBEWFF’s Noche Cubana. While Bernstein and Martinez provide the food, Gio Gutierrez (Chat Chow TV, U.S. Havana Club Ambassador) will provide the rum. Gutierrez is the Miami authority on all things Cuban and cocktails, and he’ll be pulling out all the stops – including Bacardi and Havana Club – for the night. Together, the three Miami-based experts will provide a classic Cuban meal followed by a night of salsa dancing.
In the Gables: Pizza-Making Master Class by Emmy Squared Pizza
WHERE: EMMY SQUARED PIZZA, 230 MIRACLE MILE
WHEN: SUN., FEB. 23, 12 TO 2:30 PM
COST: $175
This hands-on master class is hosted by the pizza experts behind Emmy Squared Pizza, renowned for their square-shaped Detroit-style pies. During the interactive experience, you’ll learn the art of preparing this specific style of pizza, from mixing and rolling the dough to saucing, topping, and baking. The Emmy Squared pros will offer tips and tricks for creating the ideal crust and guests will get a chance to taste-test their creations after class.
Barton & Guestier’s 300th Anniversary Dinner featuring Chef Pablo Zitzmann
WHERE: SGWS WYNWOOD, 2105 N MIAMI AVE.
WHEN: SAT., FEB. 22, 7 TO 10 PM
COST: $369
To celebrate 300 years of Barton & Guestier wine making excellence, this dinner features a trio of talents, including our very own Chef Pablo Zitzmann of Zitz Sum. Joining Zitzmann are chefs Yann Orgebin and Cedric Vongerichten, both known for their French cuisine expertise. Reflecting the heritage of Barton & Guestier’s legacy, the trio will create a unique menu that blends bold flavors with French and global influences.
In the Gables: Pasta Omakase Lunch In the Gables: Pasta Omakase Lunch featuring Chef Danny Ganem
WHERE: FIOLA MIAMI, 1500 SAN IGNACIO AVE.
WHEN: SAT., FEB. 22, 12 TO 2 PM
COST: $259, EXCLUSIVELY FOR CAPITAL ONE CARDHOLDERS
Hosted by Fiola Executive Chef Danny Ganem and Chef Lee Wolen (known for Chicago restaurants like Boka, Alla Vita, and GG’s Chicken Shop), this year’s Pasta Omakase Lunch will feature multiple courses. Hosted at Fiola in Coral Gables, patrons will delight in a parade of pasta dishes that showcase versatility through both texture and flavor, bringing inventiveness to the classic food. According to SOBEWFF, “It’s not just lunch – it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and pure culinary joy.”
Asian Night Market featuring Chef Pedro Mederos
WHERE: AMERICAN AIRLINES NORTH VENUE AT SOBEWFF
WHEN: SUN., FEB. 23, 6 TO 9 PM
COST: $165, $209 EARLY ACCESS FOR CAPITAL ONE CARDHOLDERS
A fan-favorite event on the beach at SOBEWFF, the Asian Night Market features almost 30 chefs, including Coral Gables’ own Chef Pedro Meder- os of Kojin 2.0. Hosted by culinary legends Jet Tila, Andrew Zimmern, and Aarti Sequeira, this open-air market will feature all things Asian, from sushi to Pad Thai to regional flavors from across the continent. To round out the night, there will be a special musical performance featuring American rapper, DJ, and TV personality Rev Run. And, of course, there will be libations to wash down all that food. Current and former military members, first responders, teachers, and law enforcement officers can get a special discount by signing up for the event with their GovX accounts.
Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash featuring MOTEK
WHERE: AMERICAN AIRLINES NORTH VENUE AT SOBEWFF
WHEN: THURS., FEB. 20, 7:30 TO 10:30 PM
COST: $299, $399 EARLY ACCESS FOR CAPITAL ONE CARDHOLDERS
This epic showdown rivals even the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s annual Burgerliscious festival when it comes to a beefy roundup of our favorite burgers. Hosted by Rachel Ray, this year’s bash features MOTEK, whose Arayes Burger won the event in 2022. Whether they’ll be bringing something new to the table this year remains to be seen, but we’ll be on the lookout for their stall amidst the tantalizing assortment of vendors – and we’re looking for them to win both The Very Best Burger Award and the People’s Choice Award. With over 30 burgers to try, you’ll want to pace yourself for this event, which also features an assortment of side dishes and drinks from Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits portfolio.