Events
Gridiron Grill-Off: Where Food, Wine & Music Unite
Sizzling Rivalries and Sensational Tastes Ignite at the Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival!
November 10th, 2018
The eagerly awaited festival has arrived!! Now in its 9th year, the Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival continued its reputation as the best-valued food and wine event in the region. This highly anticipated event brought together Miami Dolphin legends, renowned South Florida restaurants, BBQ pit masters, and nationally acclaimed artists for a weekend filled with delicious food, exquisite wine, and exceptional music.
Located at the scenic Pompano Beach Amphitheater and Park, the festival was organized by John Offerdahl and benefited his Hand Off Foundation, which supported various charitable causes. The festival showcased a thrilling grilling competition where Miami Dolphin legends and top South Florida restaurants battled it out for grilling supremacy. The aroma of sizzling meats wafted through the air as attendees eagerly awaited the culinary masterpieces.
Among the attendees was former Miami Dolphins star defensive end, Jeff Cross, who had been a loyal supporter of the festival, missing only the very first one. Chatting with Jeff, he expressed his excitement about the event and the delicious food he was paired with a chef to offer. He raved about their signature creation, the juicy Bloody Mary Burger slider. Topped with a tantalizing bloody mary mayonnaise, the slider ignited a welcoming taste that delighted the senses.
Jeff, known for his competitive spirit, had also signed up for the cornhole tournament during the Grand Grill-Off. He was determined to secure a spot in the top 16 leaderboard and ultimately vie for the cornhole championship title. Excitement filled the air as festival attendees engaged in friendly competitions, savoring the opportunity to showcase their skills while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Throughout the weekend, attendees indulged in gourmet samples grilled to perfection by renowned chefs, pairing their culinary delights with the finest wines and spirits available. The festival’s food offerings were unparalleled, with mouthwatering ribs, pork slabs, sliders to sushi rolls and so much more captivating the taste buds of every visitor. The festival’s vibrant ambiance, live music performances, and delicious aromas created an unforgettable experience that kept attendees coming back year after year.
As the festival reached its peak, the buzz surrounding Jeff’s booth grew louder. People had heard about the sliders offered there, and the long line stretched from the booth was a testament to its popularity. Jeff’s confidence was palpable as he assured everyone that they had brought their A-game.
As the event concluded, the success of the Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival became evident. Not only did it provide a weekend of unforgettable experiences, but it also raised substantial funds for Offerdahl’s Hand Off Foundation. The foundation’s charitable endeavors would continue to make a positive impact in the community, thanks to the support and enthusiasm of festival attendees.
With the aroma of grilled delicacies lingering in the air, the sound of laughter and music fading away, and the memories of an exceptional weekend etched in their hearts, attendees eagerly anticipated the next edition of the Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival. Until then, they would cherish the moments, flavors, and friendships forged during this extraordinary celebration of food, wine, and music in the heart of South Florida…and of course our love for the Miami Dolphins.
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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Shawn Wooden and fans at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©So
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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Tony Nathan at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©So
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OrangeTuxGuy with former Dolphins Louis Oliver at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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OrangeTuxGuy with former Dolphins RB Terry Kirby at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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Channing Crowder with fans at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©So
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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Jeff Cross with fans at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©So
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OrangeTuxGuy with former Dolphin Shawn Wooden at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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OrangeTuxGuy in a fun cornhole competition with former Dolphins RB Terry Kirby at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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OrangeTuxGuy in a pic with Mark Clayton at Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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OrangeTuxGuy with Troy Strafford. John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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OrangeTuxGuy with Jim "Crash" Jensen. John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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OrangeTuxGuy with Mark Higgs. John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©South Florida Insider
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Mark Duper at John Offerdahl's Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©So
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John Offerdahl and Warrick Dunn at Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival. ©So
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Between flying queens, strong pours, and a room full of Pride week energy, Palace turned Friday night into one of the hottest parties on Ocean Drive.
April 11, 2026
During Miami Beach Pride Week, plenty of venues try to capture the moment, but Palace Bar made Friday night feel like the place everyone wanted to be. The Haus of Gucci Ball brought together drag, fashion, nightlife, and the kind of high energy crowd that made the whole evening feel elevated from the start.
The atmosphere hit immediately. Palace was glowing, the music kept the room alive, and the crowd was fully locked in. It felt vibrant, glamorous, and very Miami Beach. More than just a dinner outing, the night unfolded like a full Pride experience on Ocean Drive.
The clear highlight was a queen whose acrobatic performance completely took over the room. She moved with an incredible mix of strength, control, and confidence, turning the floor into her stage and delivering a routine that felt both dazzling and deeply seductive. At one point, she was flipping around on a man with such effortless precision that the whole crowd seemed to stop at once. It was captivating, sexy, and easily one of the most memorable moments of the night.
The food and drinks absolutely kept up. We had the filet bites and tuna tostones, both perfect for sharing between performances, along with skinny margaritas and lemon drops that were dangerously easy to drink. And yes, Palace was pouring strong, which only added to the fun. The cocktails matched the mood of the night perfectly: bold, smooth, and hard to stop ordering.
What makes Palace Bar work so well during Miami Beach Pride is that the energy never drops. The performers are not just part of the background. They pull the whole room in. The crowd responds, the music keeps moving, and the night keeps building. That kind of momentum is exactly what makes an event feel worth showing up for.
The Haus of Gucci Ball was one part of Palace Bar’s larger Miami Beach Pride Week programming, which has helped make the venue one of the biggest draws on Ocean Drive this week. With events spanning multiple days, Palace has become a go to destination for people looking for drag performances, nightlife, rooftop energy, DJs, and a crowd that wants to celebrate Pride in full.
That is what makes Palace such a fixture during Miami Beach Pride Week. It is not just about location or history. It is about creating nights that actually feel exciting once you are there. Friday night’s Haus of Gucci Ball had the glamour, the chemistry, the performances, and the kind of atmosphere that kept people fully engaged from beginning to end.
If you were at Palace Bar on Friday night, you already know how good it was. If you missed it, this was one of those Miami Beach Pride nights worth hearing about.
Ready for your next night at Palace? Visit Palace South Beach for reservations, menus, and upcoming events, and follow Palace on Instagram for the latest drag shows, Pride weekend moments, and Ocean Drive updates.
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