Sure, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival at the end of of February may be to much of a budgetary and time stretch for most people, but that doesn't mean you can't sip and nosh with the best of them. The next two months are the height of Florida's culinary event season, with three of the biggest events right in our backyard. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets now!
MAY 14-15: 2010 TAMPA BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
This is the third year for the big two-day festival at the Don Cesar in St. Pete Beach. It's structured like most of these parties, with a giant tasting featuring the produce of dozens of wineries from around the world and food from many local restaurants, followed by wine dinners and seminars starring the fest's "celebrity" guests. I use the air-quotes mainly because the fame of the presenters is in direct ration with how inside the wine and food world you are. Probably the most recognizable name on the list is JAG (Joshua Adam Garcia), the troublesome dude kicked off of the Next Food Network Star a few years back. The event will benefit Heartbeat International, a charity that provides heart health services to the needy. May 14-15, Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach (877-849-5327 or unleashyourpalate.com)
APRIL 16-19: BERN'S WINEFEST
Since tickets went on sale a couple of weeks ago,
This article appears in Feb 17-23, 2010.