Tampa Bay eateries shine at South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Tampa culinary excellence is out in force this weekend at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami.
The Tampa EDITION and Chef John Fraser’s Michelin-starred Lilac lead Visit Tampa Bay’s offerings from several local restaurants at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival through February 22.
The Tampa EDITION’s Punch Room as well as fine-dining trailblazer Mise en Place and the artisanal Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters round out the list of Tampa-based bistros showcasing culinary creations for festival goers.
As a diamond-level sponsor of this year’s event, Visit Tampa Bay and the three Tampa-based restaurants are participating for the first time.
A destination with a well-established dining culture, Tampa Bay’s culinary scene has erupted in recent years, garnering accolades in the most prominent food circles, including earning nearly 30 recommendations in the Michelin Guide over the last several years.
Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO, Santiago C. Corrada, said:“Tampa Bay’s delicious dishes, and the talent that brings them to life, have earned their way on to the center-stage. Their presence at this year’s festival coupled with repeat Michelin recognition means that Tampa Bay has truly arrived.”
Opening in 2023, Fraser’s Lilac serves for an elevated yet approachable fine dining experience. Lilac will be prominently featured in the Goya Food’s Grand Tasting Village until February 22 where attendees can experience Maine Lobster Tartlet with Calabrian Chili and Avocado paired with the Punch Room’s tropical-inspired Ziggy’s Punch cocktail.
Lilac’s culminating effort will be showcased during February 21’s primetime event, Tacos & Tequila presented by Tequila Cazadores hosted by Aarón Sánchez, at Jungle Plaza.
“We are really excited to showcase the synergy between Tampa and Miami at South Beach Wine and Food Festival this year,” says Christopher Southwick, General Manager of The Tampa EDITION.
“Tampa Bay has emerged as a world-class destination for hotels, dining, and lifestyle experiences, and we’re eager to demonstrate how it stands alongside Miami as a must-visit city.”
Mise en Place’s owners Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz showcased their dishes during two Jungle Plaza events.
Mise then returns for an encore performance on Saturday with their Koji Aji Amarillo Chimichurri Grilled New York Strip during Steak and Whiskey presented by Florida Beef Council hosted by Michael Symon . Served with grilled corn, mushroom, daikon, Fresno chili salad, black garlic, white miso, and yuzu aioli, the dish’s beverage partner is the Haiku made with Pork-Fat-Washed Suntory Toki, black garlic shoyu syrup, lemon, and Averna.
“We have always been inspired by a love of sharing great food and drink with others and after forty years, that inspiration is stronger than ever,” said Ferenc.
For tempting tastes to start the day, Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters brighten up brunch at Jungle Plaza during Coffee Culture: A Miami Wellness and Brunch Experience presented by THE WELL at Miami Tropic on February 22.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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