Brooklyn Beckham is trading winter drama for sunny fun at the Miami South Beach Wine & Food Festival. He’s co-hosting a burger cookoff with Rachael Ray as part of the festival’s exciting 25th anniversary.
“There was a chance he might cancel, given everything going on,” said Lee Schrager, the festival’s founder. Despite recent family tensions, Beckham is excited to be involved. He previously joined the New York City Wine & Food Festival and earned praise for his friendly demeanor.
In the cookoff, Beckham, who launched his hot sauce brand Cloud23 around his wedding, will team up with the famous Keith McNally’s Pastis restaurant. The competition will feature celebrity judges like Gayle King and Ashley Graham.
This year, the festival moved to new locations, including the Design District and Coconut Grove, featuring over 500 chefs. Notably, they’ve introduced a non-alcoholic event called “Coffee Culture,” aimed at those who prefer to drink less alcohol. Schrager shared that mocktails will be available at every event.
The festival’s story is rich. It all began when Schrager attended a Food & Wine Classic in Colorado and thought, “Why not do this by the ocean?” Miami wasn’t known for its culinary scene back then. Now, it boasts a vibrant food culture.
Historically, the festival has had its share of memorable moments. From Gordon Ramsay’s absence in 2003 to unexpected concerts by Willie Nelson, it has grown into a major event. Over the years, it has raised more than $45 million for the Florida University’s hospitality program.
Interestingly, the festival has remained popular regardless of economic ups and downs. They sold 60,000 tickets this year, a testament to its enduring appeal. Schrager noted that even during COVID, people were eager to join outdoor events.
“Twenty-five years is significant for anything,” he said. “We’re excited about the talent and experiences this year. Our popularity is stronger than ever.”
Learn more at SOBEWFF.
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