The 2nd Annual Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (GFLFW), presented by Visit Lauderdale will take place from Wednesday, March 18 – Sunday, March 22 throughout Broward County. The Festival will feature culinary creations and libations from more than 100 local restaurants, leading spirit brands, wineries and breweries. Led by the Festival Host Committee, GFLFW will once again showcase Broward County’s renowned and emerging chefs, restaurateurs, and local food and drink establishments. GFLFW is also pleased to announce that Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will be the Festival’s Charity Partner this year.
The Festival will kick off on Wednesday, March 18, with Cocktail Confidential at a Downtown Fort Lauderdale venue to be announced, and GFL on the Rise will take place Friday, March 20, at The Atlantic Hotel & Spa. The Festival will also include a Grand Tasting Event on Saturday, March 21 featuring food and beverage tastings, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment as well as a FREE Family Day presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH) on Sunday, March 22. Both events will take place at ArtsPark Hollywood.
“We’re excited to be hosting the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival once again this year and showcasing the wonderful culinary delights and spirits that the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has to offer our local residents and out-of-town visitors,” said Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Founder Kate Reed. “We look forward to presenting a fabulous event experience that brings our community together while also giving back to a great local organization.”
The Festival Host Committee includes an eclectic mix of standout nationally acclaimed and local chefs, including Shaun O’Neale, winner of Food Network’s MasterChef Season 7, Chi Chan, Executive Chef at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Fort Lauderdale, Fulvio Sardelli Jr., Chef/Owner of Sardelli Italian Steakhouse in Hollywood, Josie Smith-Malave, Chef/Co-Owner of Bubbles & Pearls in Wilton Manors, Oliver Saucy, Executive Chef at Café Maxx in Pompano Beach, and Gianpiero Cangelosi and Karen Cangelosi, co-owners of Capriccio’s Ristorante in Pembroke Pines and Tarantella Ristorante in Weston. Rounding out the Host Committee is Crystl Horton, Wine Director at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle and 5 Star Sommelier Heath Porter of Heathen Wine Tours.
Heath will provide guests with tips and advice for pairing their favorite food samplings with fantastic wines.
“I’m looking forward to my interactive cooking demo at the Grand Tasting and seeing many friendly faces from the South Florida community and culinary scene,” said Chef Chi Chan, Executive Chef at Mastro’s Ocean Club. “Plus, it’s always great to be involved with an event that gives back to the community. I’m pleased to support JDCH and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.”
The five-day Epicurean Festival’s charitable partner will be Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital with a portion of all proceeds being donated to their Foundation. Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the region’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a child-friendly atmosphere. It is a full-service hospital that treats minor illnesses, trauma-related accidents and some of the most complex medical conditions. While Sunday’s Family Day is FREE to attend, the suggested donation for admission is one new/unwrapped toy that will go to the children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
“The Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is a fantastic event, which is helping to elevate and redefine the destination’s flourishing culinary scene,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The success of the inaugural event was no doubt a testament to our epicurean offerings and reflects the transformation that’s happening throughout the destination.”
To see the full event schedule, or to purchase tickets for any of the events, please visit: GFLfoodwine.com.
