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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.

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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Events

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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