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Tackling Taste Buds: A Culinary Touchdown at Gridiron Grill-Off

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From Touchdowns to Tastebuds, Gridiron Grill-Off’s Milestone Event Scores Big in Food, Fun and Charity.

November 9th, 2019

The 10th-anniversary celebration of John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater on Saturday, November 9th, was a delightful culinary and charitable event that showcased the best of South Florida. The festival, created by former Miami Dolphins linebacker John Offerdahl, brought together a stellar lineup of former Dolphin legends and some of the region’s top chefs.

The primary focus of the event was not only to celebrate a decade of this fantastic festival but also to support a noble cause. The Gridiron Grill-Off benefits Offerdahl’s Hand Off Foundation, which aims to address the needs of those in crisis. This philanthropic mission was at the heart of the event, making it more than just a food and wine festival.

The entertainment for the evening featured country sensation Brett Young, adding a musical touch to the celebration. The fusion of culinary excellence, sports legends, and live music created a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for attendees.

A unique aspect of the festival was the pairing of 22 high-end restaurants with 22 Miami Dolphin legends. This collaboration resulted in a diverse and exquisite range of culinary offerings, including tacos, grilled cheese, burgers, steak, sushi, octopus, and chicken. The variety of selections showcased the culinary prowess of the participating chefs and provided a delightful experience for food enthusiasts.

Despite lousy rainy weather, the mood at the festival remained pleasant and vibrant. Attendees embraced the spirit of the event, enjoying four hours of exceptional food and wine offerings. The inclusion of a cornhole tournament added an extra layer of entertainment and engagement for the attendees.

What sets the Gridiron Grill-Off apart is its commitment to giving back to the community. With 100% of the net proceeds benefiting Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation, the festival is not just a celebration of food and wine but also a significant contributor to a meaningful cause. The mission to “Feed the Need of Those in Crisis” is commendable, and the festival’s partnership with various organizations reflects a collaborative effort to make a positive impact on the community.

John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival’s 10th-anniversary celebration was a remarkable success. It seamlessly combined culinary excellence, sports nostalgia, live entertainment, and a philanthropic mission. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the festival remained an uplifting and enjoyable experience, leaving attendees with not only a satisfied palate but also a sense of contributing to a worthy cause.

  • Bo's Pub at The Balcony Las Olas with Keith Byars and Chef Jimmy Dean

  • Fans get to Q&A players as Louis Oliver looks on

  • Terry Kirby mingles with fans

  • AND Fish Kitchen + Bar in the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa with Terry Kircby and Chef Eric Kaszubinski

  • The Foundry with Mercury Morris and Jim Kiik and Chef Mark Heigl

  • Mercury Morris and Jim Kiik

  • Oceans 234 with Shawn Wooden and Chef William Middleton

  • Oceans 234 with Shawn Wooden and Chef William Middleton

  • Keith Byars having a laugh with fans

  • Burlock Coast at the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale

  • Steelpan at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach with Troy Stradford and Chef Kevin Baker

  • Beach House Pompano Beach

  • John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival

  • The Popsicle Bar

  • JWB Prime Steak & Seafood

  • Sky Thai Sushi with Larry Little and Chef Khruawan Russmetes

  • Naked Taco with Mark Higgs and Chef Ralph Pagano

  • Aprons Cooking School with Mark Duper and Chef Rey De La Osa featuring Duper's Schweid & Sons Burger with Chimichurri Aioli & Crispy Onions

  • Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro with Jeff Cross and Chef Tony Fliyou

  • Suviche Fort Lauderdale with Troy Drayton and Chef Alvaro Machado

  • Troy Drayton chats with fans

  • Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery at The Atlantoc Hotel & Spa with O.J. McDuffie and Chef Steven Dapuzzo

  • O.J. McDuffie

  • Wild Thyme Oceanside Eatery at The Atlantoc Hotel & Spa with O.J. McDuffie and Chef Steven Dapuzzo

  • Naked Taco with Mark Higgs and Chef Ralph Pagano

  • Port South Bar & Grill at The Double Tree Hilton Hollywood Beach with Roy Foster and Chef Kati Marosites

  • Port South Bar & Grill at The Double Tree Hilton Hollywood Beach with Roy Foster and Chef Kati Marosites

  • Chef Maxx with Dwight Stephenson and Chef Oliver Saucy

  • Chef Maxx with Dwight Stephenson and Chef Oliver Saucy

  • Bravo Peruvian Cuisine with Twan Russell and Chef Betografo Quiroz

  • Twan Russel chatting with fan

  • Channing Crowder joking around with with fans

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JJ Grey Pours Florida Soul into Florida Colonel Bourbon

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JJ Grey, A Florida Music Staple, Finds New Creative Ground in a Bourbon Built with St. Augustine Distillery. (more…)

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Out of the Blue Comes One of Theater’s Most Unique Experiences

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Exploding Paint, Homemade Instruments and Audience-Fueled Comedy Help a Global Phenomenon Continue Winning Over New Generations Nearly Four Decades After Its Debut. (more…)

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Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU Transform Tequila Town

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Miami Swim Week ventured beyond the traditional runway on Sunday afternoon as designer Lila Nikole unveiled her highly anticipated collaboration with Platinum FUBU at Tequila Town.


June 1, 2026

Unlike the nightclub runways and fashion tents that dominate Swim Week, this presentation offered something entirely different: an immersive experience that blended fashion, culture, music, and storytelling into a single event.

Guests arrived at Tequila Town for an afternoon that felt more like a creative journey than a traditional fashion show. The venue buzzed with anticipation as media, influencers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts gathered to experience the latest evolution of the Lila Nikole brand.

Inspired by the spirit and energy of the Brazilian rainforest, the presentation embraced bold colors, powerful visuals, and larger-than-life moments. Models moved through the venue in designs that reflected Nikole’s signature approach to fashion, blending cultural influences, vibrant storytelling, and fearless creativity.

Throughout the afternoon, guests were immersed in a world where fashion extended beyond clothing. Music, movement, and performance became part of the presentation, creating an atmosphere that encouraged attendees to engage with the story unfolding around them rather than simply watch from the sidelines.

What made the event particularly memorable was its ability to blur the lines between runway show, cultural celebration, and artistic performance. Every detail contributed to the experience, from the venue itself to the presentation’s cinematic approach to storytelling.

As Miami Swim Week continued to expand beyond traditional swimwear showcases, Lila Nikole’s collaboration with Platinum FUBU stood out as one of the weekend’s most unique presentations. By combining fashion, heritage, and immersive entertainment, the event demonstrated how modern runway experiences are evolving into something far more interactive and memorable.

For attendees gathered at Tequila Town, it was more than a fashion show. It was a reminder that great fashion tells a story and on Sunday afternoon, Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU delivered one worth experiencing.

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Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan Bring the Heat to Kiki on the River During Miami Swim Week

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Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion continued on Saturday night with a waterfront runway experience at Kiki on the River, where fashion, nightlife, and Miami’s signature energy came together along the Miami River.


June 1, 2026

Known for its glamorous atmosphere and picturesque setting, Kiki on the River provided a fitting backdrop for an evening featuring runway presentations from Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan. As guests arrived by car and boat, the venue quickly filled with influencers, media, designers, and fashion enthusiasts eager to experience one of the week’s most unique showcases.

The evening opened with Copacabana, whose collection embraced the vibrant spirit of tropical destinations through bold colors, playful prints, and vacation-ready silhouettes. The runway reflected the carefree energy of beach culture while delivering looks designed for both travel and resort living.

Mister Triple X followed with a presentation that brought confidence and attitude to the waterfront catwalk. Contemporary styling, statement pieces, and modern silhouettes created a runway experience that felt both fashion-forward and distinctly Miami. The collection balanced bold design choices with wearable looks that resonated with the crowd.

Closing the evening was Capristan, whose presentation combined elegance and resort-inspired glamour. Flowing fabrics, sophisticated details, and polished styling captured the luxury lifestyle aesthetic that has become synonymous with Miami Swim Week. The collection felt perfectly suited for sunset cocktails, yacht gatherings, and waterfront escapes.

What set the evening apart was the setting itself. Unlike the traditional nightclub atmosphere of many Swim Week venues, Kiki on the River offered a more intimate experience where the runway unfolded against views of the water, creating a uniquely South Florida backdrop for the night’s fashion presentations.

As models made their final walk and guests transitioned into the evening’s celebrations, the event demonstrated why Miami Swim Week continues to expand beyond traditional runways. By pairing emerging and established designers with some of the city’s most iconic venues, Art Hearts Fashion continues to create experiences that are as memorable as the collections themselves.

With luxury waterfront views, energetic crowds, and three distinctive runway presentations, Saturday night at Kiki on the River delivered a stylish reminder that in Miami, fashion is never limited to the runway.

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Miami Swim Week Turns Up the Glamour at M2 Miami with a Star-Studded Friday Night Runway

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Friday night at Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion delivered exactly what attendees came for: bold fashion, high-energy runway moments, and a packed house at M2 Miami.


June 1, 2026

The evening unfolded across three runway presentations, each bringing a distinct aesthetic to the catwalk.

The first runway featured Sun Life Beachwear, Cross Colours, Swiss Digital Design, and Brilleska. From vibrant swimwear and resort-ready styles to bold prints and contemporary silhouettes, the opening presentation celebrated individuality and creativity while embracing the energy and color that define Miami Swim Week.

The second runway shifted toward elevated resort fashion with collections from Belle D’Amour, Ca-Rio-Ca, and Vizcarra. Flowing fabrics, tropical influences, and sophisticated beach-to-evening looks highlighted the versatility of modern resort wear, offering designs suited for everything from poolside afternoons to waterfront dinners.

As the evening progressed, anticipation grew for the final runway presentation featuring Sorrento Blu and Giannina Azar.

Sorrento Blu opened the final showcase with polished resort looks inspired by Mediterranean luxury, setting the stage for one of the night’s most talked-about presentations.

Giannina Azar delivered a dramatic finale that transformed the runway into a celebration of glamour, confidence, and artistry. Known for her celebrity clientele and red-carpet creations, Azar’s designs featured intricate embellishments, sparkling details, structured silhouettes, and statement-making gowns that immediately captured the audience’s attention.

The collection embodied the bold spirit that has made the designer a standout presence at fashion weeks around the world. Each look seemed designed to command attention, blending couture craftsmanship with the kind of theatrical elegance that thrives under the lights of a Miami runway.

Beyond the fashion itself, the atmosphere at M2 reflected the unique energy of Miami Swim Week. Influencers, media members, buyers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts filled the venue throughout the evening, creating a vibrant environment where fashion, entertainment, and nightlife seamlessly intersected.

As the final models exited the runway and guests prepared for Jason Derulo’s appearance later that evening, Friday night at M2 Miami proved once again why Miami Swim Week remains one of the most exciting events on the international fashion calendar. With standout presentations, a dynamic crowd, and a memorable Giannina Azar finale, the evening delivered the glamour and excitement that fashion lovers have come to expect from Art Hearts Fashion.

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Fire, Ice, and a Vitamin Boost: Inside Miami Swim Week’s Chicest Wellness Reset at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

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Miami Swim Week is usually all about bikinis, bronzed skin, camera flashes, and running from one fabulous event to the next. But tucked inside the iconic Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, one of the weekend’s most memorable stops offered something every Swim Week guest secretly needed: a chance to sit down, cool off, glow up, and get recharged.


June 1, 2026

Hosted at the Nobu Penthouse, the exclusive Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge brought a luxury wellness escape to Miami Swim Week® The Shows. Created by Skin Sports Society in collaboration with Cellebration, the private RSVP-only experience welcomed select media and influencers for an afternoon of beauty, recovery, and next-level self-care.

Set high above the Eden Roc Miami Beach complex, the Nobu Penthouse provided the perfect backdrop for the experience. With ocean views, sleek interiors, and a refined Japanese beach house feel, the space instantly transported guests away from the nonstop Swim Week schedule and into something much calmer, cooler, and definitely more hydrated.

The lounge was designed around the contrast of fire and ice therapies, giving guests the chance to move between treatments that warmed, cooled, refreshed, and revived. The Fire Experience featured options like LED and red light therapy, microcurrent facials, aromatherapy, and restorative beauty treatments designed to leave skin glowing. The Ice Experience leaned into cryotherapy, cold spoons, cooling masks, oxygen sprays, and chilled recovery moments that felt especially necessary in the Miami heat.

Guests could also enjoy vitamin B-complex shots and IV therapy, adding an inside-out wellness element to the afternoon. During our visit, the B-complex shot was a quick but energizing boost, while the IV therapy stations offered guests a more customized way to hydrate, recover, and reset during one of Miami’s busiest fashion weekends.

The experience also included personalized aura readings by Auratherapy, giving the afternoon a playful spiritual twist. Between the beauty treatments, wellness stations, oceanfront views, and calming lounge setup, the event felt like a luxury spa day with just the right amount of Swim Week sparkle.

What made the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge stand out was how perfectly it matched the mood of modern Miami luxury. Today’s beauty scene is not just about looking good in photos. It is about recovery, energy, hydration, skincare, and feeling confident enough to keep going from the afternoon lounge to the evening runway.

For Miami Swim Week guests moving between shows, parties, meetings, and beachside events, this was the reset button everyone needed. It was chic, intimate, soothing, and just indulgent enough to feel special without losing its wellness focus.

At a weekend known for high heels, high heat, and high-energy fashion moments, the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge proved that sometimes the best Swim Week accessory is a fresh glow, a cold treatment, and a little vitamin boost.

The Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge took place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach as part of Miami Swim Week® The Shows.

When you go to publish this, make sure you talk about the Photo Booth lady and the guy who was providing everyone with the oxygen masks and the shots

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Take PRIDE! Brings Community Together at Galleria

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Pride Month Launches with Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Take PRIDE!” 2026 Benefit Reception and Exhibition Preview Honoring LGBTQ+ Community Advocates.

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Mars The Label Makes a Splash in South Beach

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Mars The Label Brings Heat, Sparkle and Serious Swim Energy to Miami.

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