2013 South Beach Wine and Food Festival Re-Cap (Miami, USA) The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival  presented by Food & Wine took place in Miami from February 21-24 bringing out celebrity chefs, foodies and winies (did I just make that up?) Any excuse to get me down to Miami and I’ll take it. The Festival opened this year  with the Q hosted by Paula Deen and Sons at the Delano hotel. It was quite the affair with endless bottles of wine, trays of delicious finger foods and fire dancers. Yes, there were fire dancers! It continued through into the weekend with events such as the Swine and Wine, Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best, the Grand Tasting Village, Tribute Dinners, Red Hot Night by Target, an Indulgence Affair by Godiva, and much more. The Festival also attracted many Food Network culinary celebrities including Emeril Lagasse, Nigella Lawson, Martha Stewart, Anthony Bourdain, Bobby Flay, Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine, Guy Fieri, Rocco DiSpirito and many others coming out to meet with fans through their book signings and provide live cooking demonstrations- all this taking place simultaneously while the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village provided festival goers with endless wine and food tastings.

Some of my favorites included Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle, a create your own chocolate bar tent, mystery candy from Jelly Belly, a Barilla pasta tent where I learned how to professionally toss pasta (of course I spilled a few times before I got it right), and Ziggy Marley’s new line of ‘hemp rules’ organic seeds and coconut oils.jiro dreams of sushi nl subs La Sandwicherie- South Beach (Miami, USA)feng sushi voucher code La Sandwicherie was one of the best discoveries I made back in ’07 while vacationing in South Beach and looking for a good quick bite. sushi grade tuna crosswordIt is now the first and last place I visit (plus many visits in between) on every trip to South Beach.  yo sushi menu guildford

The French team behind La Sandwicherie serve hands down one of the best, freshest and tastiest sandwiches I’ve yet to get my hands on. So many different varieties to choose from. My favorite over time has become the Sausiccon sec on a french baguette with extra cornichon and additional Camembert cheese.  Each sandwich is topped with loads of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, black olives, green peppers, onions, french pickles and their mayo vinaigrette sauce (it’s highly addictive).  sushi grade fish durham ncThe Count opts for the prosciutto and mozzarella every time (routines make him happy). genki sushi menu salt lakeI on the other hand have probably tried every sandwich on the menu over time, and there is one thing I’ve learned: you can’t go wrong with any of the choices.  You can choose to have your sandwich on a traditional white or whole wheat baguette or take the more decadent route of the french croissant.

Both options equally good. Also- don’t be shy to add that extra cheese and toppings. It makes it just THAT much better. They also have a wide variety of salads (which I’m yet to try) and fruit smoothies which are also delicious.  So if you are looking for a quick and healthy beginning to your day stop by 14th street on sandwich. South Beach Food and Wine Festival- FEB 21-24 2013 (Miami, USA) This year I’ll be eating and drinking my way through South Beach Food and Wine Festival which runs from February 21 to 24 in Miami. I’m hoping to rub shoulders with some of my favorite celebrity chefs. The line up of events looks amazing including a film screening of Jiro Dreams of Sushi and Q&A with Anthony Bourdain, a Garden to Glass event hosted by Emeril Lagasse, Celebrity Chef Golf Tournament hosted by José Andrés at Turnberry Isle Miami and so much more. This year will mark the 12th anniversary of the festival which showcases the talents of some of the world’s most renowned chefs and culinary personalities.

See SOBEWFF2012-02-06-2013 SCHEDULE here! Breakfast, Brunch, Gourmand, Miami Front Porch Cafe (Miami, USA) Front Porch Cafe is a popular breakfast/brunch joint in South Beach. I didn’t know about it until my last trip when I was walking by to grab some Starbucks across the street and noticed the long line up. Any long line up is always a good sign to be since most restaurants on Ocean Drive have to pretty much beg and seduce you into their restaurants so when there is one that has a line up around the corner it can only mean one thing: good food. The reviews all raved about the bloody mary so naturally it was the first item I ordered. It was very strong and I only had a few sips. But for those who like their morning cocktails on the stronger side than you won’t complain. It turned out that the drink was more expensive than our meal (oh South Beach!!!) We ordered the granola pancakes and the Miga’s. The granola pancakes and the green eggs seem to be favorites on the menu.

I however am a big fan of migas (became addicted in Mexico) and ordered it as soon as I spotted it on the menu. Puerto Sagua (Miami, USA) If you go during lunch/dinner rush, the place is packed and there is usually a small line up. On our last trip we went pretty early in the evening and were pleased to find the place half full (for once). First on the list is always an order of the avocado salad (if in season), the tomato/lettuce salad and fried totones (plantains) served with a side dip. For my main dish, I always go with the Ropa Veija. Ropa Veija which is Spanish for ‘old clothes’ is a  dish most popular in the Canary islands and the Caribbean. It is a shredded flank, brisket or skirt steak slow cooked in a tomato sauce base served with a side of rice, black beans and fried delicious plantains. The Count ordered the flank steak served with grilled onions, rice and fries. The portions are very generous and filling. The Count had limited comments about the steak- only stating that it was not the best he’s ever had.