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
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
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.
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