February 7, 2025
Each Friday, we try to compile South Florida food-related news and events that we couldn’t fit on the site earlier in the week, as well as other local news that piques our interest. Want to be included in our next roundup? Shoot us an email at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
SOBEWFF at Loews Miami Beach
Art Walk Returns to Wynwood Marketplace
National Margarita Day at Cafe La Trova
New Chef at Mayami Wynwood
SOBEWFF at Loews Miami Beach
The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF) returns February 20-23, with the iconic Loews Miami Beach Hotel once again serving as Host Hotel. The oceanfront resort proudly welcomes renowned culinary personalities, wine connoisseurs and foodies from around the world for four days of fun and flavor.
As part of this year’s festivities, masterful mixology meets culinary excellence at Loews Miami Beach Hotel’s Bar Collins, with signature sips and bites inspired by SOBEWFF. Festival attendees, locals and visitors are invited to savor the best of the fest with cocktails that pay homage to Tribute Dinner honoree Dominique Crenn – the annual gala event is held at Loews, as well as popular festival events across the beach.
The following flavors are available exclusively at Bar Collins for SOBEWFF, February 20-23, 2025.
Signature #SOBEWFF Sips
Classic French cocktails in honor of Dominique Crenn, paired with unique bites for the ultimate sip and savor moment.
- Calvados Boulevardier, paired with a lobster “roll” savory éclair with tarragon, ginger, vanilla
- Champs Elysees, paired with vegan “faux” gras mousse made with cashews, poached raisins, coco nibs, mango
- French 75, paired with citrus cured Ora king salmon, rosemary ginger, plum
Signature #SOBEWFF Bites
Daily culinary specials inspired by popular festival events.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – Burger Bash
Collins Mac – double meat, double cheddar, braised short rib, shaved black truffle, peppercorn aioli, sesame seed bun
Friday, Feb. 21 – Tournament of Champions
Bone-In Braised Short Rib Birria – house-made tortillas, escabeche rojo, salsa cruda, cilantro
Saturday, Feb. 22 – Tribute Dinner at Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Celebrating honoree, Dominique Crenn, with a dish from her book Atelier Crenn: Metamorphosis of Taste
Beef Carpaccio – cured wagyu beef with whipped beef fat
Sunday, Feb. 23 – Asian Night Market
Crispy Ropa Vieja Dumplings – yuca, black bean chili crunch
Festival Host Hotel since its inception 24 years ago, SOBEWFF 2025 events taking place at Loews Miami Beach include: Alex V Miami, two sold out dinners hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli, Ava Clark and Loews Miami Beach Executive Chef Christopher Aguirre, as well as a dinner hosted by Antonia Lofaso, Brooke Williamson, Zac Young and Executive Chef Aguirre. The hotel will also set the stage for Tribute Dinner honoring Dominique Crenn and Gerard Bertrand with Master of Ceremonies Marcus Samuelsson, and the Sunday Brunch presented by Cunard, hosted by the cast of The Kitchen.
Photo Credit: Pablo Medina Photography
Art Walk Returns to Wynwood Marketplace
Wynwood Marketplace is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of Art Walk, bringing Miami’s creative district to life with an evening of art, music, and community. Guests will enjoy live art demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and a unique shopping experience featuring local vendors. The event takes place Saturday, February 15th, from 3 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Highlights Include:
- Sip & Savor: The first 100 guests to RSVP and arrive before 5 PM will receive a complimentary vodka cocktail.
- Watch Art Come to Life: Local artists will transform blank canvases into stunning masterpieces in real-time.
- Fun for the Little Creatives: Engaging arts and crafts activities for kids make this a family-friendly event.
- Shop the Night Away: Explore one-of-a-kind finds from local vendors showcasing Wynwood’s signature style.
National Margarita Day at Cafe La Trova
Celebrate National Margarita Day at Cafe La Trova on February 22nd for a fiesta of flavors with two special margaritas, crafted just for the occasion by the world famous cantineros. Enjoy these limited time only margaritas for only $8 each, happy hour pricing available all day long.
Photo Credit: Ranieri Cassuola / R.C. Visuals
New Chef at Mayami Wynwood
Mayami Wynwood, Miami’s vibrant hotspot known for its electrifying atmosphere and innovative Mexican fusion-inspired menu, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Jonnatan Arenas as its new Executive Chef. With an exceptional culinary background and a passion for blending traditional flavors with modern techniques, Chef Arenas is set to take Mayami’s dining experience to the next level.
Trained in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world from Bakan to Casa Tua Miami, Chef Arenas brings over 20 years of experience in crafting bold, dynamic dishes that celebrate cultural heritage. A master of traditional and modern techniques, Chef Arenas has honed his craft in Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisine and carving, gaining skills that allow him to fuse flavors from different cultures in every dish. HIs culinary philosophy aligns seamlessly with Mayami Wynwood’s mission to deliver elevated cuisine rooted in tradition while embracing Miami’s eclectic energy.
“I’m excited to join the incredible team at Mayami Wynwood,” said Chef Arenas. “Cooking is a form of expression, an art that reflects love and dedication. Every dish I prepare is a creation filled with energy and creativity, designed to satisfy and surprise every palate that experiences it. I can’t wait to create dishes that will surprise and delight our guests.”
Guests can look forward to new menu additions, including Kobe Meatballs with Granna Padano Fondue, Funghy-Chimi, Chile de Arbol, topped off with Crispy Shallots; Panela Salmon with Cured Rose Salmon, Soy-Ginger Sauce, Creamy Red Quinoa and Mixed Veggies; Slow Cooked Wagyu Short Rib Pasta with Short Ribs, Pachheri, and Burrata, alongside Mayami Wynwood’s beloved signature offerings.