Events
Pebble Beach Food & Wine – REVIEW
Discover the West Coast’s Finest at Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival.
April 6th -7th, 2024
South Floridians know their way around great food and drink, but the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival showcased the culinary prowess of the USA’s opposite coast. Held on April 6 and 7 near Monterey, California, this event isn’t for the budget-conscious. Ticket prices ranged from $475 for a single-day pass to a hefty $10,000 for the “Diamond” package, promising luxury at every turn.

Photo by Nic Coury
Stepping into the festival, guests were outfitted with their own wine glass and harness for hands-free sipping. The entrance opened into a sprawling courtyard flanked by two immense tents, immersing attendees in the elite social scene of the West Coast. A DJ and violinist serenaded the crowd, later joined by a bagpipe player for a unique musical experience.

The Afterparty at Spanish Bay during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
Inside the tents, a feast awaited, with booths brimming with delicious delicacies and wines. From California wines to fine whiskeys and a dedicated section for port wines from Portugal, there was no shortage of libations to complement the diverse array of culinary offerings. Exotic fare like pig’s ear tacos and braised short rib tostadas tantalized taste buds along with scoops of caviar that you simply slurped up placed between your forefinger and thumb. However, desserts were equally delightful. My favorite was the sweet dreamlike Pandan Cream Cake. If you don’t know what pandan is, don’t worry, I didn’t know either. But I found out later that it was a southeast Asia tropical plant. Whatever it was, it was delicious. One can have a sensory overload of continuously sampling good food and wine, but I am definitely not complaining.
The event was well organized, ensuring minimal wait times for food and drink samples, with ample tables scattered throughout. While seating was scarce outside of the VIP area, the festival had a dynamic, on-the-go atmosphere, perfect for mingling and indulging in culinary delights.

From the Cellar: A Culinary Walk Around Showcase at the Beach and Tennis Club during the Pebble Beach Food and Wine event on Saturday April 6, 2024. (Photo by David Royal)
Although South Florida chefs made an appearance, the event was primarily a showcase of California cuisine, with over 300 booths dominating the scene. Despite missing the chance to meet the Florida culinary talent, the sheer variety and quality of offerings left little room for complaint.
Lastly, the backdrop of the festival is simply gorgeous, with the opportunity to take in the stunning view along the iconic “17-Mile Highway” and experience Californias beautiful rocky coastline. While not the most budget-friendly affair, the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival is a culinary extravaganza set in one of the world’s most stunning locales, making it an experience worth savoring.

Photo by Nic Coury
Events
Surfside’s Paddletopia 2026 Served Up Sunshine, Sweat, and Veggie-Packed Bites
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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