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Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village – Review

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Food and Drinks Rain Down on Miami Beach Once Again for Blockbuster Event.

February 26th, 2022

While it’s just one of several events for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village always sits year after year toward the top of can’t miss ones. This year was no different as acclaimed chefs were front-and-center doing cooking demonstrations and judging their top pick for the seemingly countless vendors. The event stretched out beachside over three acres with a fantasyland of libations and savory dishes. Some of the chefs on hand included: Emeril Lagasse, Geoffrey Zakarian, Rocco DiSpirito, Marc Murphy, Ming Tsai, Duff Goldman, Kardea Brown, Andrew ZimmernAlex Guarnaschelli, Michael Symon, Scott Conant, JJ Johnson and a cooking pairing of Amanda Freitag & Katie Button.

Beyond wining and dining, plus watching the celebrity chefs cooking demonstrations, The David Grutman Experience returned with plenty of tunes to get the crowd burning off a few of the day’s calories. The event was just a great vibe overall once again, yet with an ocean breeze, full bellies and the ability to just kind let loose, it’s really no wonder why this is one of Miami’s signature events.

For more information visit sobewff.org. Stay up to date all year long by following along with the #SOBEWFF hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

To date, the Festival has raised more than $34 million in support of its educational mission to cultivate future leaders of the hospitality industry at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). Between SOBEWFF® and its sister NYCWFF, more than $48 million has been raised to benefit the respective charities of each Festival. Beyond the funds raised, both Festivals draw attention to the diverse dining cultures of their respective cities, provide economic stimulus in their communities, and serve as a platform to drive awareness and engagement for a wide array of philanthropic activities.

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Doral's Blue Matisse serves up Pulpo Anticuchero Cause during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • St. Lucie's Think Greek Port serves up Gyropitakia during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • FIU serves up plenty of samples during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • FIU serves up plenty of samples during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • FIU serves up plenty of samples during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • FIU serves up plenty of samples during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Hialeah's Lo Bodeguita Restaurant serves up Croqueta with Jamon Serrano & Manchego Cheese during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Cookies from Keyks World during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Fiorito's Picanha Roast Beef during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Vicky Bakery during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • La Bodeguita Goya during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Miami Beach's Bolivar Restaurant Bar Lounge serves up Lomo Saltado during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Orlando's Parlor Kitchen serves up Garlic Chicken with Mashed Potatoes during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Exquisite Catering by Robert serves up Bourbon Chicken over Rice and Peas during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Empson USA & Canella during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Miami's Sando serves up Chicken Katsu during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Prescription Vineyards during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Codigo 1530 during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Miami's The Food Dudes offering up Popcorn Shrimp during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Kurveball Whiskey during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Strawberry Moon's Beef & Watermelon Salad during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Komodo's Peking Duck during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Stella Artois during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Miami Design District's Swan during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Miami Beach's Papi Steak during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Brickell's Gekko during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Aviation American Gin during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • santa Teresa 1796 during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Copalli Rum during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Copalli Rum during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • McBride Sisters Wine Company during SOBEWFF: Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Celebrity Chef Ming Tsai's Mings Bings serves up Plant-Based Cheeseburger Bing during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Patron Tequila during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Miami's Ty's Hometown Cafe and Bistro serves up Sticky Wings during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Sunrise's Chef Rose Jamaican Cuisine serves up Jerk Creole Oxtail Stew during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • El Mago de las Fritas serves up The Classic Cuban Frita during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Alex's Fresh Kitchen presents The Mamba Burger during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Ming Tsai brings Duff Goldman to the stage during cooking demonstration during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

  • Great Performances during SOBEWFF : Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village ©South Florida Insider

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

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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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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.

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