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Feast Mode: Activated

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Three Blocks of Tents, Tastes, and Temptations: SOBEWFF Served Up Sunshine with a Side of Sizzle.

February 23rd, 2024

Every February, something magical bubbles up along the shores of South Beach — and this year was no exception. As if summoned by the scent of seared scallops and shaken martinis, those iconic white tents once again rose like culinary castles in the sand. The SOBEWFF® Grand Tasting Village, presented by Goya Foods and featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast, returned in full force — and it was nothing short of deliciously divine.

For three glorious blocks, the beach became a flavor-filled fantasyland. Attendees strolled between booths with the swagger of seasoned foodies and the glee of kids in a candy store. Over thirty top-tier restaurants from South Miami to Palm Beach brought their A-game — and their boldest bites — turning Ocean Drive into an all-you-can-eat adventure. From crispy, crave-worthy creations to melt-in-your-mouth morsels, the culinary creativity was off the charts. And with endless pours from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, glasses clinked as the sunshine shimmered.

The tented oasis was more than just a tasting — it was a full-on vibe. Live music pumped energy into the sea air, brand activations brought swag and smiles, and hidden gems from gourmet exhibitors had people saying, “Wait, where can I buy this?!”

And then… the chefs arrived. The culinarrative stars aligned.

From Food Network favorites like Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy, Kardea Brown, Robert Irvine, and Michael Symon, to local legends like Cristian Alvarez, Chef Rose, Tywanda DuPont, and Martha Cardenas of El Mago de las Fritas, the roster was hotter than a jalapeño in July. At the Publix Culinary Demonstrations, fans didn’t just watch — they swooned. Demos at both North and South stages brought charisma, flavor, and a few lucky tastes to the crowd, with Eva Longoria & Ana Navarro, Jet Tila, Rocco DiSpirito, Duff Goldman, Katie Lee, Tyler Florence, Aarón Sánchez, Michelle Bernstein, Andrew Zimmern, Maneet Chauhan, and even Rev Run & Justine Simmons showing that food and fun always go hand in hand.

Robert Irvine gives culinary demonstration

Speaking of fun — the legendary 3 to 5 ON OCEAN DRIVE event, helmed once again by nightlife impresario David Grutman, flipped the beach bash dial to max. With the one and only DJ Khaled on deck, the courtyard morphed into a mini music festival. There was dancing in the sand, cocktails in hand, and the kind of energy you’d bottle if you could.

As the sun slowly dipped behind the art deco skyline and the Atlantic glistened in the golden hour glow, the Grand Tasting Village delivered one final bite of bliss: the realization that this festival wasn’t just about food or drinks — it was a full-sensory celebration. A culinary carnival by the coast. Paradise on a plate.

So yes, the tents have come down, and the beach has returned to its usual sandy calm. But for those lucky enough to have sipped and savored their way through SOBEWFF® 2025’s Grand Tasting Village… the flavor lives on.


Side effects of attending may have included spontaneous recipe brainstorming, aggressive Googling of “how to recreate that pork belly slider,” and deep existential longing for one more sample.

  • Miami's Casadonna

  • Groot Pastry - Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Gelato

  • Total Wine & More

  • 7Cellars by John Elway

  • Maya's Kitchen 305 - Sweet & Savory Yuca Croquettes with garlic cilantro guava blend

  • Sake Ono

  • Kennesaw Juice

  • Tio Paella

  • Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop

  • Zigster's Fish Fry

  • Brickell's 305 Peruvian

  • Miami's Brooklyn Dumpling Shop

  • Thank You Miami Cochina & Beerhouse

  • Keyks

  • Ty's Hometown Cafe Bistro - Sticky Wings

  • Robert Irvine gives culinary demonstartion

  • Food Network Kitchen curates series of cocktails

  • Sloppy Jai - an Indain Twist on Sloppy Joe

  • Diri ak Legim;s Crispy Puff Rice topped with Haitian-style stewed veggies

  • Cane's Chicken Fingers

  • Lidu Bakes

  • malk

  • Exquisite Catering by Robert - Jerk Chicken over Island Rice and Peas

  • Chef Revella's Curry Chicken Salad

  • French Bistro Argentinian Steakhouse

  • Miami's Komodo

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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Luli Fama Launches Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Swimwear Collection in Miami

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Luli Fama celebrates its Paradise Found Cruise ’27 swimwear and resortwear collection with a luxury Miami launch at its Dadeland Mall boutique.


 August 20, 2026

Miami swimwear favorite Luli Fama is stepping into Cruise ’27 with Paradise Found, a new swimwear and resortwear collection inspired by tropical escapes, exotic prints and effortless vacation glamour.

South Florida Insider has already taken a closer look at the Luli Fama Paradise Found collection, and it feels made for Miami.

The new Cruise ’27 collection combines the bold, body-confident swimwear Luli Fama is known for with elevated resort pieces designed to move effortlessly from the beach and pool to cocktails and dinner.

On Thursday, August 20, Luli Fama will celebrate Paradise Found with an exclusive evening at its newest Dadeland Mall boutique in Miami, complete with fashion, light bites, personalized surprises, and a luxe espresso martini bar.

Inside Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Collection

Paradise Found is inspired by the feeling of discovering a hidden tropical retreat.

Think lush landscapes, warm golden hour light, exotic patterns, and silhouettes made for somewhere beautiful.

The collection features Luli Fama signatures, including flattering ruched details, seamless construction, adjustable fits, and statement swimwear, alongside an expanded selection of resortwear.

We especially love the pieces that blur the line between swim and ready-to-wear.

Flowing dresses, sleek coverups, and body-skimming silhouettes make it easy to transition from a sun-drenched afternoon to an evening out without losing that relaxed resort feeling.

It is sensual, polished, and unmistakably Miami.

Luli Fama Brings Luxury Resort Style to Miami

There is a reason Paradise Found feels so natural in South Florida.

In Miami, resortwear is not reserved for vacation.

A swimsuit can become part of an outfit. A coverup can take you to lunch. A flowing resort dress can carry you from an afternoon by the water straight into cocktails and dinner.

Luli Fama has always understood that lifestyle.

Paradise Found takes it a step further, creating a Cruise ’27 wardrobe that feels as appropriate for a tropical getaway as it does for a weekend in Miami.

The campaign captures that mood beautifully, pairing the collection with palms, lush greenery, tropical architecture and the kind of sun soaked setting that makes you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.

Paradise Found Comes to Luli Fama at Dadeland Mall

Luli Fama will bring the world of Paradise Found to life on Thursday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its newest boutique at Dadeland Mall in Miami.

The intimate celebration will bring together invited guests, influencers, celebrities and media for an early look at Cruise ’27.

Luli Fama is also dressing invited guests in pieces from the brand, allowing the new collection to be experienced the way it was designed to be worn: in motion, styled and out for the evening.

Luli After Hours Espresso Martini Bar

Fashion is only part of the experience.

For the Paradise Found celebration, Luli Fama is introducing Luli After Hours, an Espresso Martini Bar inspired by the glamour of the collection.

Guests will be able to sip three specialty espresso martinis created for the evening.

The Luli Babe puts a polished spin on the classic espresso martini, while Golden Hour pairs salted caramel with edible gold shimmer. Miami After Dark takes a richer approach with chocolate hazelnut and a cocoa dust finish.

Along with cocktails, guests can expect light bites, curated details and a special personalized surprise.

The result feels less like a traditional retail event and more like checking into a private resort for the evening.

A Miami Swimwear Brand Celebrates at Home

For a brand with such a strong connection to South Florida, launching Paradise Found in Miami feels especially fitting.

Luli Fama has built its identity around colorful, confident swimwear and resort fashion with a distinctly tropical point of view.

Paradise Found carries that identity into Cruise ’27 while giving it a more elevated, escapist mood.

And with Luli Fama’s newest boutique now at Dadeland Mall, Miami shoppers have another destination to experience the brand in person.

After getting our own closer look at Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 collection, we can safely say the name fits.

Paradise has officially been found, and this time, it is in Miami.

Check out the collection HERE

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