A visit from King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain was among the high points of this year’s Wine & Food Festival at Miami’s South Beach. The royal couple presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Wines from Spain Pavilion.
The four-day extravaganza was a star-studded event showcasing the talents of some of the world’s most renowned winemakers, spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities.
The Food Channel was there, too, and these were some of the event’s highlights:
⋅ Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ VIP Reception. Guests were encouraged to totally indulge themselves on delicious barbecue and Champagne Perriet-Jouët Fleur as they strolled from station to station along the white sand private beach. Hosted by Tom Colicchio.
⋅ The 2009 Tribute Dinner honoring Emeril Lagasse (‘Bam!’), emceed by Martha Stewart and featuring dishes by Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Charlie Trotter, Nobu Matsuhisa and other culinary artists
â‹… Harrah’s Poker Party and Casino Night hosted by Food Network’s Paula Deen
â‹… A sunset pool party hosted by Sandra Lee, star of Food Network’s ‘Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee’
â‹… Amstel Light’s Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray
â‹… Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best spotlighted some the creations from some of the world’s greatest chefs including John Besh, John Fraser and Patrick O’Connell.
These were some of our favorite exhibitors at the Wine & Food Festival. You may wish to pay a visit too…to their web sites.
