First-Time Participants, Celebrity Chefs, Yet-to-Open Restaurants and More!
This year, we are beyond excited to share the insider details on must-attend events featuring first-timers, big-name chefs and even sneak peeks of soon-to-open restaurants.
Ready to see what's cooking?
Two-in-One Chef Lunch Hosted by Tyson Cole and Tim Cushman at Uchi Miami
For SOBEWFF 2024, Uchi Miami is bringing together two culinary maestros to craft a chic lunch of elevated, nontraditional dishes that push the boundaries of Japanese cuisine. On Saturday, February 24, from noon to 2 p.m., prepare to be wowed by the culinary artistry of award-winning chefs Tyson Cole and Tim Cushman. Those who can’t snag a reservation at either of the chefs’ popular
restaurants get the chance for a two-in-one experience.
Chef Cole is the founder and executive chef of multiple highly acclaimed Uchi restaurants, including in Miami, where this lunch will take place. Chef Cole began his culinary career dishwashing at Kyoto, a Texas-based Japanese restaurant, where he became hooked on Japanese cuisine, culture and language. After an intensive apprenticeship from the owner of Musashino, Austin’s top sushi restaurant at the time, Chef Cole experimented with ideas, grew his skills and eventually opened the very first Uchi in Austin in 2003. Twenty years later, Chef Cole has racked up coveted accolades from the James Beard Foundation, Food & Wine and more, cementing him as one of the most distinguished chefs on the scene.
Chef Cushman helms the kitchen of Boston’s rock-and-roll Japanese tavern Hojoko. He is also the creative mind behind Cushman Concepts, a hospitality group known for Boston’s innovative Japanese restaurant O Ya.
Tradition meets innovation at this reception and lunch combination, starting with a piece of 72-Hour Gyutoro Gunkan with caper relish, Fresno and micro-cilantro from Chef Cole and Kumamoto Oyster with ponzu-marinated watermelon pearls and Shiitake Mushroom Tempura Roll with black truffle relish and miso caramel from Chef Cushman. Lunch also explores a trio of sashimi from Chef Cushman: Suzuki with spicy cucumber vinaigrette, Bluefin Toro with “lots of green onion,” and binchotan-seared Sawara with grapefruit ponzu and Black River Osetra caviar. From Chef Cole, indulge in Keru Wagyu, an Australian wagyu strip flavored with kale chimichurri and miso garlic, and the decadent Pineapple Okashi for a sweet conclusion. Wine pairings will be available. Tickets are $175 per person.
Decadent French Dinner Hosted by Brad Kilgore and Markus Glocker at
MaryGold’s by Brad Kilgore
Chef Brad Kilgore, Miami New Times’ “Best Chef 2023” and a James Beard-nominated mogul of Miami’s culinary community, is joining forces with Austrian-born Markus Glocker, known for his elegance and attention to detail with contemporary French cuisine at his
New York City restaurant Glocker.
The duo will present a luxurious menu at MaryGold’s by Brad Kilgore that will be melded with the artistry found just outside the doors and from the host restaurant’s very own kitchen. Start with a reception of jerk oxtail Beignets and black truffle Langoustine Carpaccio from Chef Kilgore, while Chef Glocker presents Celery Root Tartare and Koloman Gougères with mushroom jam. For the mains, Chef Kilgore is serving Smoked Striploin with potato gastronomy and Honeynut Tortellini with caramelized pineapple and gourmet Marcona almond. Chef Glocker is offering Kampachi Crudo with spicy citrus vinaigrette and Black Bass flavored with vanilla sabayon and mussels. To finish, delight in Dark Chocolate Curd with Sicilian hazelnut, passion fruit and French sel gris from Chef Kilgore.
MaryGold’s is Chef Kilgore’s latest culinary endeavor after successful runs at Miami restaurants Alter, Brava, Ember and Kaido. The standout Wynwood restaurant is located on the ground floor of the boutique Arlo Wynwood hotel and presents a decadent ingenuity when it comes to its French- and Miami-inspired dishes. The special dinner will feature selections from the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio and takes place on Thursday, February 22, from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $300 per person.
Authentic Argentine Cuisine by Chris Valdes and Georgina Sulle at First-Time
Participant KAO Bar & Grill
KAO Bar & Grill’s Executive Chef Georgina Sulle, known for showcasing her authentic Argentine dishes at the repurposed shipping container restaurant, is teaming up with Food Network star Chef Chris Valdes for a one-of-a-kind chef collaboration in Hallandale Beach on Friday, February 23, from 7-10 p.m. as part of SOBEWFF’s Hallandale Beach Event Series.
The exciting dinner marks the debut of KAO’s participation in the acclaimed food festival after its opening this past spring as the area’s very first container restaurant. Chef Valdes boasts a gifted palate and the relentless ability to create sumptuous dishes by fusing Caribbean flavors with modern influences; his KAO counterpart, Chef Sulle, offers a skillful perspective on the rich flavors of Argentine dishes. The partnership is the perfect pairing for KAO, a two-story joint crafted from colorful shipping containers to create a visually stunning atmosphere that offers plates like shareable tablitas (grilled platters), Argentine-style pizzas and sandwiches. Tickets are $225 per person.
Signora Makes Debut at A Taste of Italy Presented by Campari
Get an exclusive tease of Miami’s most anticipated new Italian restaurant, Signora, with Chef Jake Eaton at A Taste of Italy Presented by Campari on Thursday, February 22, from 8-11 p.m. Chef Eaton is locally revered for his prior presence at the acclaimed Nobu Miami, where he rose through the ranks from mastering tempura to becoming Chef de Cuisine.
Before Nobu, Chef Eaton spent eight years in Los Angeles spread across a variety of concepts, executing large-scale catering events and representing his work at the LA Food and Wine Festival. His festival streak is returning at SOBEWFF 2024, now as the corporate chef of Plus Plus Group, a hospitality group known for its exclusive hot spots in Miami and Aspen, including the up-and-coming Signora, a coastal Italian restaurant in the heart of Miami Beach set to offer fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques inspired by the beauty of the feminine spirit. Taking place at Jungle Plaza in the Design District, Miami’s premier neighborhood and shopping destination, “A Taste of Italy” will be an unforgettable alfresco walk-around tasting featuring a dozen all-star chefs, including Chef Eaton. Tickets are $195 per person.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach & Fontainebleau Las Vegas Present Wine
Spectator’s Best of the Best
The glamorous life is personified at SOBEWFF 2024 during this year’s Fontainebleau Miami Beach & Fontainebleau Las Vegas present Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best.
Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi Miami and Chef Jake Eaton of the up-and-coming Italian destination Signora and hospitality group Plus Plus Group will join the event’s expansive chef roster on Friday, February 23, from 7:30-10:30 p.m. During this annual event, over 60 of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs are paired with more than 65 first-rate wineries from around the globe to serve their respective culinary creations to diners. Those searching for elegant Japanese-inspired cuisine can discover Chef Cole’s artistic creations, while Chef Eaton offers elegant Italian fare inspired by femininity and coastal flavors. Be sure to stop by these two tables for an exclusive taste. General Admission tickets are $395 per person; Early Access is $450 per person.
SGWS Wynwood
In the heart of Wynwood, Miami’s arts and culture district, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits’ SGWS Wynwood is the hub for all things SOBEWFF 2024.
The 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art venue features four versatile event spaces and boasts a sensory culinary experience with menus and services exclusively curated by Constellation Culinary Group. This year’s events include a tantalizing lineup of James Beard Award-winning chefs, food pioneers and interactive classes, including:
Jon & Vinny’s x Boia De: A Dinner Hosted by Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi – Thursday, February 22, from 7-10 p.m.
Dinner Hosted by Jeremy Ford and John Fraser – Friday, February 23, from 7-10 p.m.
Philly Cheesesteak Demo & Dine Hosted by Pat’s King of Steaks – Saturday, February 24, from noon to 2 p.m.
Dinner hosted by Evan Funke and Michele Forgione – Capital One Cardholder Exclusive – Saturday, February 24, from 7-10 p.m.
Pasta-Making Master Class Hosted by Evan Funke – Part of Master Class Series Presented by Capital One – Sunday, February 25, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
A Sushi Omakase Collective Hosted by MILA Omakase, Mr. Omakase, Nossa Omakase, Sushi By Scratch Restaurants and Miss Crispy Rice – Sunday, February 25, from 5-7:30 p.m. and 8-10:30 p.m.
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