The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is the premier culinary event in Broward County! Featuring activations throughout the year and culminating with a week long celebration, the festival puts the spotlight on Greater Fort Lauderdale's hospitality industry all year long. Produced by 66 Productions, VLFWF showcases Broward County's renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs and local food & beverage establishments. A portion of all proceeds from the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival will benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

Schedule of Events

January 13, 2025

6:30pm - Farmhouse Rules with Celebrity Chef Nancy Fuller

Celebrity Chef Nancy Fuller is bringing the 'Farmhouse to the Beach' along with Chef Jorge Montes. To kick things off, you'll enjoy Nancy's famous 'GiGi Juice' and 'Splendid Mushrooms on Brioche Toast'. First up, we'll learn to make Melba Sauce with Goat cheese – Baked goat cheese topped with peaches, apricots and raspberry vinegar, the perfect appetizer for your next party! Next, we'll learn to make one of Nancy's favorite recipes, Quick Chicken Stew – with chunks of chicken and vegetables in a hearty stew served with a delicious cornbread. Last, but not least, we will plate everything up and enjoy the meal together with Nancy and Jorge.

Cost: $85/person

January 14, 2025

6:30pm - All About Agave with Cocktail Uncultured

Ah, tequila. So much more than shots and salt. Behind this humble bottle lies a story rich with history, culture, and yes—science. But tequila, dear friends, is just one star in the family of spirits born from the mighty agave. From the blue Weber agave of Jalisco to the wild agaves used in mezcal from Oaxaca, learn to taste, smell, and know the difference between this beautiful libation while shaking up some of the best cocktails you've ever had! Join us as we explore how these magical plants transform from its humble beginnings into Spirit of Mexico itself. ¡Que se prepare!

Cost: $65/person

6:30pm - The Art of Ramen with Chef Alex Kuk and Chef Diego Ng

Join us for 'The Art of Ramen' during VLFWF week. During this class you'll get small bites, a cocktail and dessert. First, you'll experience a demo on how to make ramen noodles from scratch. You'll then get to craft your very own ramen bowl and get to choose from a variety of ingredients. Not to worry, we'll give you take home recipe cards as well. You'll also receive the book 'Let's Make Ramen' that you can take home to continue your ramen journey.

Cost: $75/person

6:30pm - The Flavors of Spain with Chef Jorge Montes

Enjoy an evening in Spain at 'The Flavors of Spain' Cooking Class. You'll start the class the right way with a refreshing Sparkling Pear Sangria. We'll kick up the flavor with some delicious Albondigas in Red Wine Sauce. First, you'll learn to make Potato Tortilla with Chorizo – a Spanish omelet elevated with the bold, smoky richness of chorizo, perfectly balancing creamy layers of slow-cooked potatoes and caramelized onions for a refined yet rustic dish. Next, you'll learn to make Seafood Fideuà – a Spanish classic with shrimp, scallops, mussels, and squid ink, cooked with toasted fideos (short pasta) in a seafood broth with saffron and tomatoes, garnished with lemon wedges and aioli. Last, but not least, we will plate everything up and enjoy the meal together. Your instructor for this class is Chef Jorge Montes of Sazoned, an online culinary platform.

Cost: $75/person

6:30pm - High Brow/Low Brow with Sommelier Davey Lopez and Chef Walter Navarro

Join us for High brow/Low Brow at Sidewalk Bottleshop, a fun seminar exploring the art of pairing high-end wines with everyday foods. Think a filet of fish sandwich with Chardonnay, a classic smash burger with Burgundy or a delicious pizza with Champagne! With culinary creations by Chef Walter and wine pairings by Sommelier Dave, you'll learn about pairing wines in a fun and unpretentious environment with vibes for everyone. Cheers!

Cost: $75/person

6:30pm - Weird Grapes with Sommelier Roberto Colombi

Whether you're a novice or an aficionado, enjoy a fun and educational seminar exploring unique grapes not widely known, with Sommelier Roberto Colombi, Co-Owner of Union Kitchen & Bar. During this seminar you will taste the following wine varietals: Blaufrankish Sparkling from Slovenia, Picpoul de Pinet from Laguedoc France, Godello from Galicia Spain, Nerello Mascalese From Italy, and Xinomavro from Greece. Light hors d'oeuvres by Chef Christie Tenaud will accompany the experience.

Cost: $65/person

January 15, 2025

6:30pm - French Cookery with Chef Jorge Montes

Enjoy a night in Paris! You'll start the class the right way with a refreshing French Martini on the Rocks. We'll kick up the flavor with some delicious Foie Gras Crème Brulee with Port Guava. First, you'll make Escargots de Bourgogne – Snails in garlic herb butter. Next, you'll make Moules Mariniere – Mussels in white wine with garlic, and herbs. For the finale, you'll make eclairs with pastry cream and chocolate ganache. Last, but not least, we will plate everything up and enjoy the meal together. Your instructor for this class is Chef Jorge Montes of Sazoned, an online culinary platform.

Cost: $75/person

6:30pm - Ice Cream and Ohana with Chef Jimmy Anderson

Join us at Sweet Aloha Ice Cream with Chef Jimmy Anderson for Ice Cream and Ohana. This all ages class will go through the basics of ice cream making, filled with the aloha spirit! You'll learn basic ice cream science, best practices in developing an ice cream flavor and how to add mix-ins, variegates and nuts. Guests will then be able to choose to take their creation home as a pint or a quart to share!

Cost: $50/person

6:30pm - United States Wine Tour with Sommelier Roberto Colombi

You'll be surprised to hear that every state in the union produces wine, (even our beloved Florida). On this wine tour we will discover some of the wine regions that produce outstanding wines, but are not yet as famous as the Wine giants of the West coast. During this seminar, we'll travel to Virginia, New York, Texas and New Mexico! Light hors d'oeuvres by Chef Christie Tenaud will accompany this experience.

Cost: $65/person

January 16, 2025

6:00pm - Au Naturel Deep Dive with Sommelier Dave Lopez and Chef Walter Navarro

Join us for Au Naturel Deep Dive at Sidewalk Bottleshop. This tasting experience is perfect for connoisseurs or novices. During this seminar you'll 'dive' into the world of natural wines from around the globe. Cheers!

Cost: $75/person

6:30pm - Country Bling Cooking with Celebrity Chef Jason Smith

Lord Honey, Sugar have we got a treat for y'all! Celebrity Chef Jason Smith is bringing the South to Sistrunk Marketplace with Chef Jorge Montes. When you arrive, you'll be greeted with a refreshing Blackberry Rum Sour and roasted grapes parfait. First, you'll learn to make Firecracker Snapper with Fresh Corn Relish – Southern style local snapper breaded and fried paired with a fresh and flavorful corn relish – this was one of Jason's signature dishes that the judges loved on Food Network Star. Next, you'll learn to make Fried Tequila Bites – fried and fluffy with a kick of tequila and lime, A margarita in one perfect bite. Last, but not least, we will plate everything up and enjoy the meal together with Jason and Jorge.

Cost: $85/person

6:30pm - Prohibition Era Cocktails with Cocktail Uncultured

The Bees Knees, The Manhattan, The Clover Club: cocktails born from the smoky speakeasies and swinging night haunts of the Prohibition Era. These cocktails weren't just drinks—they were defiance in a glass, a little rebellion you could hold in your hand. And these little lawbreakers were as delicious as they were simple to make. Heck, with the right tools and a little know-how you'll have all the guys and dolls swinging to the wee hours of the night at your next shindig. So, what do you say, pal? Let's raise a toast to bad laws and good drinks!

Cost: $65/person

January 17, 2025

7:00pm - Wine & Cake Tasting with Sommelier Tim Graham and Chef Lee Mazor

Small Wine Shop and LoveLee Bakeshop have teamed up for a fun and flavorful evening as part of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival! What's on the menu? Cake, of course! And wine, naturally.

It's the perfect opportunity to treat yourself and your friends to an indulgent experience of four delectable cakes created by LoveLee Bakeshop owner Lee Mazor, each expertly paired by Small Wine Shop owner Timothy Graham. Gather your squad and join us to celebrate good times, great friendships, and even better food and wine.

You'll be treated to a carefully curated lineup of wines, including a sparkling wine, a refreshing rosé, a bold orange wine, and a rich red wine. Each wine is paired with a unique cake flavor crafted just for this event. Expect surprising and delightful flavor combinations that will have you savoring every bite and sip. Raise a glass, enjoy a slice (or four!), and make delicious memories. We can't wait to see you there!

Cost: $75/person

The #VLFWF Dining Series

The #VLFWF Dining Series is a curated, chef-driven series of intimate dining experiences with some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's culinary stars, as well as some of the most celebrated chefs from around the world! Innovative dishes, with interesting wines and creative cocktails shine as the chefs get out of their comfort zone to create a memorable dining experience for all in attendance. Just like the entirety of festival week, these experience benefit Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

January 13, 2025

7pm - Opening Night Dinner at Heritage with Chef Rino Cerbone
Cost: $225/person

January 14, 2025

7pm - Dinner with Timon & Friends at The Katherine
Cost: $250/person

7pm - Beer Pairing Dinner at Gulf Stream Brewery with Chef Tom Magaddino
Cost: $99/person

January 15, 2024

7pm - Collaboration Dinner at Evelyn's with Boia De! at Evelyn's
Featuring Chef Brandon Salomon, Chef Alex Meyer and Chef Luciana Giangrandi
Cost: $275/person

7:00pm - An Evening at TRP Taste with Chef Robbie Felice
Cost: $200-$250/person

7:00pm - Dinner at Burlock Coast with Chef Paula DaSilva, Chef Adrienne Grenier, Chef Kathleen Blake and Chef Melissa Kelly
Cost: $200/person

7:00pm - Wine Pairing Dinner at Planta Queen with Chef David Lee
Cost: $150/person

January 16, 2025

7:00pm - Whiskey Pairing Dinner at TRP Taste
With Hell's Kitchen Season 22 Champion Ryan O'Sullivan and TRP Culinary Director Chef Martin Verano
Cost: $200-$250/person

6:00pm and 8:30pm: Japanese Omakase at S3
With Chef Ped Phommavong
Cost: $250-$340/person

7:00pm: Tequila Pairing Dinner at Toro Dania Beach
With Chef Juan Mateo and Mixologist Daniel Salgado
Cost: $150/person

January 15, 2025

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm: BAR FIGHT! A Spirited Competition

Join us for Bar Fight! A Spirited Competition at downtown's hottest venue, Rooftop @1WLO. This 'Spirited Competition' will put local mixologists in a head to head, no-holds barred matchup that will declare the winner's creation the Official Cocktail of the 2025 Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. Mixologists will be scored by a team of local celebrity judges on presentation, flavor and concept. In the first round, each mixologist will present two cocktail samples to all guests for fan favorite voting. In the final round, each mixologist's fan favorite will be presented to the judges and a winner will be crowned! This event is guaranteed to take guests on a craft cocktail journey to be remembered as we name the Official Cocktail of the 2025 Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festivall!

We encourage all of our guests to utilize their favorite ride sharing service in an effort to Drink Responsibly.

Who's Mixing, Shaking and Stirring?
- Diego Calvo: Defending Champion
- Patricio Garcia: Challenger
- Myles Robinson: Challenger

THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY 21+

Cost:
Advance $70/person
At the Door $99/person

Location: Rooftop @1WLO, 1 W Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

January 16, 2025

6:30 pm - 9:30 pm: WOK 'N ROLL
VLFWF's Asian Street Food & Music Experience

THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY 21+

Get ready to rock as VLFWF heats things up at Wok 'n Roll, an Asian street food and music experience – hosted on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Backyard. Celebrate the flavors of Asia paired with good old-fashioned 'Rock 'n Roll'.

In partnership with Two Happy Buddha's, this cultural experience will highlight Asian cuisine and culinary artistry throughout Broward County. And don't forget, a portion of all proceeds benefits Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

Cost:
Early Bird $85/person
At the Door $135/person

Location: Backyard, 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

January 17, 2025

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm: BBQ AT THE BEACH

THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY 21+

Get saucy with the Visit Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival for BBQ at the Beach presented by Demesmin & Dover. This annual feast of BBQ makes it's debut at an all new waterfront location, Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park.

Join us with pitmasters from local and nationally renowned BBQ joints while they compete for the title of 'BBQ Champion' of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. This VIP experience has all the smoke and will take place outdoors at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. #ReleaseYourInnerFoodie with BBQ bites and sips throughout the evening amongst the waterfront breeze with live music.

Who's Cooking?

Chef Jeff Budnechky
Apocalypse BBQ
Miami, FL

Chef Tina Cannon
Tina Cannon Cooks
Newnan, GA

Chef D'Andre Carter
Soul & Smoke
Chicago, IL

Chef Vinnie Cimino
Cordelia
Cleveland, OH

Chef Anthony DiBernardo
Swing & Swine BBQ
Charleston, SC
Chef Ron Dimpflmaier
@CptnRon302
Coral Springs, FL

Chef Jalen Heard
Goldee's BBQ
Fort Worth, TX

Chef J
The BBQ Boutique
Coconut Creek, FL

Chef Juliette Johnson
Lickie Stickie BBQ
Sunrise, FL

Chef Bruce Kalman
SoulBelly BBQ
Las Vegas, NV

Chef Marvin Perez Lazo
Scarlett's BBQ
Greenacres, FL

Chef Jeremy Perkins
Southern Barbecue Boys
Coconut Creek, FL

Chef Raf Sarrie
Battle Rig BBQ
Pembroke Pines, FL

B&D Trap BBQ Team
B&D Trap BBQ
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Cost:
Early Bird $95/person
At the Door $135/person

Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, 80 Las Olas Circle, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

January 18, 2025

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: THE GRAND TASTING

THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY 21+
Release Your Inner Foodie!

Celebrate the culinary revolution sweeping throughout the Greater Fort Lauderdale region. Taking place at the beautiful Las Olas Oceanside Park, featuring unlimited food & beverage tastings, cooking demonstrations and live music, The Grand Tasting at VLFWF solidifies itself as Broward County's signature food & wine event.

Advance General Admission - $120.00
General Admission ticket includes:
3 Hours of Unlimited Food & Beverage Tastings Beginning at 1 pm
Commemorative Tasting Glass
Unlimited Water
Celebrity Chef Cooking Demos and Wine/Cocktail Seminars
Live Entertainment, Art Installations and so much more!
At the Door Price - $175.00

Cooking Pavilion Demos
- Chef Fabio Viviani
- Chef Alex Belew
- Chef Alexa Santos

Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

January 19, 2025

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: BEACHSIDE BRUNCH

THIS EVENT IS STRICTLY 21+

Join us for Beachside Brunch hosted by the beloved Food Network Star Chef Nancy Fuller, known for her warm hospitality and farm-to-table expertise. This exquisite culinary experience allows attendees to indulge in delectable brunch fare expertly prepared by some of the top culinary talent in Greater Fort Lauderdale. This event promises to be a relaxed and gourmet affair where every bite is savored with views of the tranquil beach. Advance ticket pricing begins at $65 and gradually increases to the event day price of $95, pending availability, offering an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the best flavors of the coast in an idyllic walk-around setting.

Cost:
Early Bird $85/person
At the Door $125/person

Location: The Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 100 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

January 19, 2025

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: PICNIC IN THE PARK

The conclusion of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Round up the family, chairs, and blankets as we host a day that's fun for the entire family! This FREE event promises to be fun-filled with Curated Food Trucks, Family Friendly Cooking Demos, Live Entertainment, Local Artisan Vendors, the JDCH Teddy Bear Clinic, Adult Beverages for the Parents and much more!

Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is FREE to attend and open to all ages.

Cooking Demo Pavilion
- Chef Justin Timineri
- Chef Remy Powell
- Chef Dario Stephen

Cost: FREE ADMISSION

Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Date: January 13-19, 2025

Locations: Various Venues in Fort Lauderdale, FL

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