The sun is shining a little bit brighter this January with the return of Fort Lauderdale’s culinary festival on Jan. 9-15. Formally called the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, the event debuts its new name this year: Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.
Touting events for “everyone under the sun,” the festival will feature its signature Grand Tasting on Jan. 14 at Las Olas Oceanside Park with headline chefs Jason Smith and Ingrid Hoffmann. Tickets are $85 for general admission. Other fan favorite events that are returning are the Poolside BBQ Battle on Jan. 13 hosted by the Hyatt Centric Las Olas ($125/person) and the Bar Fight mixology competition at Rooftop @1WLO on Jan. 11 ($102/person).
Foodies can also look forward to a slew of educational seminars, cooking demonstrations and private chef dinners. The Katherine’s chef, Timon Balloo, is hosting a five-course dinner on Jan. 10 ($165/person) and The Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale’s Evelyn’s has curated a wine and dinner pairing hosted by chef Brandon Salomon and Roy Estate wines ($250/person). Other dining options include a sake pairing at The Cook & The Cork, beer pairing dinner at Funky Buddha Brewery, tapas dinners at S3 and a brunch at Temple Street Eatery.
Culinary classes, which will take place throughout the week, are designed with a variety of palates in mind and include Cake Decorating, Korean Vegan and Empanadas. There’s also a food and wine pairing class on Jan. 15 with sommelier Laura Winter Falk.
The festival, which benefits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, will also host the family-friendly Picnic in the Park on Jan. 15 with an entertaining selection of cooking demos, Kid’s Zone and food trucks. Kids also can get in on the cooking class fun that day with cupcake decorating, ravioli making and candy sushi making.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit vlfoodwine.com.
Hungry for more food news? Visit our food page, and subscribe to the magazine for the most delicious coverage of Boca and beyond.
