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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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Events

Melissa Odabash Brings the French Riviera to PARAISO Miami Swim Week

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The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.


May 29, 2026

Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.

As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.

Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.

A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.

The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.

By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.

Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.

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Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon

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The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.


May 26, 2026

Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.

Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.

The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.

At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.

The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.

By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.

In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.

At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.

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Events

Surfside’s Paddletopia 2026 Served Up Sunshine, Sweat, and Veggie-Packed Bites

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Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.


May 18, 2026

Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.

Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.

The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.

Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.

The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.

Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.

To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/ 

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A Mother’s Day Escape with Gale Force Flavor

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Gale Miami Pairs Skyline Views, Serene Spa Moments and Casa Gianna’s Italian Comfort for a Downtown Mother’s Day Escape.

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Morikami Turns Mother’s Day into Lasting Memories

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Morikami Serves a Mother’s Day Worth Savoring with Garden Views, Homemade Flavor and Heart.
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30th Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

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Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Celebrated Three Decades of Culinary Chaos, Cocktail Creativity and Charitable Goodness. (more…)

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Events

Inside Tequila Town Where Culture and Cocktails Collide

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No Chaser Needed as Tequila Town Delivers Straight Shots of Culture, Connection and Cocktails With a Kick in Miami.
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Beach Bites and Breezy Sips at SAVOR SoFLO

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Sips, Sand and Small Bites Set the Tone as SAVOR SoFLO Festival Serves Up a Beachside Tease of What Could Grow Into Something Bigger. (more…)

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