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South Beach Wine & Food Festival Hosts The Biggest & Brightest Bites on the Beach

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Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village is a gluttony of goodness on beautiful South Beach.

February 26th, 2022

by Ian Charles

The South Beach Wine & Food Festival is easily the most recognized, the most sought after, and the most delicious event in South Florida, or quite possibly, the entire country. Each year some of the biggest and best chefs from around the globe come to SOBEWFF for a plethora of culinary parties, demos and competitions like nowhere else.

On Saturday, the world-famous South Beach saw day two of the biggest, most crowded event, Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village. It’s so massive that it resembles an entire city being assembled on the beach. This grandiose undertaking had their huge iconic white tented areas, two large staging areas for celebrity chef demos, food and drink stands everywhere, an apparel and book place, a book signing location, the popular Food Network and Cooking Channel lounge, and a DJ stage as well.

Everyone coming in this year had to fill out an online application of health done for everyone’s safety, being in such close proximity to each other. Thankfully, this was quick and much better than trying to eat and drink through a mask. 

Unlike previous years, this one was much hotter than normal. So much of the Tasting Village was outside in the direct sunlight and it would zap your energy, especially walking in the sand. What brought you back was one of their amazing sponsors, Icelandic Glacial Natural Spring Water. Icelandic is actually my personal favorite water and they had ice cold tubs of them everywhere.

Most people, though, weren’t there to drink water, but the endless array of wines, spirits and other adult beverages. Some of the longest lines were from the artisan alcohol lines like Patron, Don Julio Tequila, Gérard Bertrand and Bombay Sapphire. There were also many different types of health drinks, smoothies and sodas like Coke and La Croix.

The food samplings this year I found a little substandard in comparison to years past. There was more commonality of tastings and less originality. Don’t get me wrong, there were amazing eats at every corner, but this year lacked the variety, trading it in for a plethora of fried foods and at least five different Mac n Cheeses. I missed the Crepe guys, the Big Gay Ice cream, the Cornish Eggs and the varied Italian food selections other than Del Grosso.

There were some highlights, however, that made this event memorable and worthy. Schweid & Sons have given the best tasting burger year in and year out and this year was no exception. Another burger from Burger Joint was equally as good. The Joint made a Sweet Pig Burger that piled on the pulled pork. My favorite bite of the day was from Pasta Ramen, which gave a Fried Ramen Ball stuffed with Duck Confit. It was so lightly fried and amazingly flavored. 

However, the most popular eat had to be the STK Steakhouse. Their line was so far back that it almost reached the adjacent side of the tent. I’ve noticed that if the food is a steak or seafood, then I need to prepare to wait in line for awhile. Thankfully, the age-old saying is true at Sobewff, “Good things come to those who wait.”

There was no waiting, though, when it came to celebrities and culinary talent. Every hour you could switch from two different talents on two different stages. Some of the best this year were:  The humble and relatable, Al Roker. Mr. sophistication himself, Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian. The master of meats and preparations, Michael Symon. And the life of the party, Ann Burrell.

Yet, the best and most applauded chef, though, was hands down, Alex Guarnaschelli. She has such talent that, when she speaks, it’s like a friend talking to you and not a celebrity. She truly is the genuine article and she’s hilarious to boot.

The Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village might not have been perfect this year, but it still does surpass all expectations and you leave completely full and wonderfully satisfied. 

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise Electrifies South Florida with A Soul-Stirring Performance

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise Deliver A Night of Raw Emotion and Turn the Venue Into a Cathartic Dance Floor – Photos and Review of the Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert at the FTL War Memorial Auditorium in Ft Lauderdale, FL

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FFGAINS: A Brand For Every Body

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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

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Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

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ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.


May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.

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