According to the calendar, 2026 got underway 15 days ago. But you can\u2019t fool SoFlo foodies. They know the real kick-off to the new year is the 7th annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival next week. Hungry for the deets? We\u2019ve got \u2019em all.<\/p>\n
Hope you\u2019re ready to party. The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is back in town.<\/p>\n
Kate Reed: \u201cThis is 35 events during our festival week which is representing all different types of restaurants as far as mixologists and chefs throughout Broward County.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event puts local food and drink providers center-stage.<\/p>\n
Kate Reed: \u201cThis is a chance for the spotlight to be on the hospitality scene in Broward. We really try to draw attention to the amazing talent we have in the area and the festival is just a way to be concentrated during event week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking for big-time barbecue? Super sliders? Big beers? Crafty cocktails? They\u2019re all here and there\u2019s more.<\/p>\n
Kate Reed: \u201cThis year we\u2019re expanding our plant-based options. There are wellness seminars, plant-based pairing. We have a plant-based dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re thinking tofu, think again. Some truly tasty treats are waiting for you.<\/p>\n
Joshua Mattey: \u201cWe have a plant-based salmon, we have plant-based steak. We have plant-based burgers. All stuff that we never had.\u201d<\/p>\n
That goes for allergen-free wines, as well. The vino comes from The Vintage on Harrison in Hollywood.<\/p>\n
Tal Cohen: \u201cWe are going for freshness. All four of the wines that we\u2019ve selected have perky acidity in the center that are there to kind of help allow the palate to reset.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pompano Beach is represented by The Rabbit Hole. You can tell what they\u2019re into right away.<\/p>\n
Chef Sam Woods: \u201cYou know that\u2019s our goal right? Is to create food experiences that if i was to blindfold you, you wouldn\u2019t whether it\u2019s vegan or not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chef Sam put together the menu for the plant-based collab dinner. He\u2019s happy with the first course, \u201cFlorida Finest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chef Sam Woods: \u201cIt is a star fruit citrus salad. Being in Florida, the orange capitol of the world, you know, we thought it was only right to start the menu and open it up with something that was representative of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The salad is topped off with vegan salmon. <\/p>\n
Over at Fort Lauderdale\u2019s Blue Tree Cafe, a chili to die for is making its debut at the festival\u2019s grand tasting.<\/p>\n
Chef Sharon Allen: \u201cWe decided to present it because it\u2019s heart-healthy. The lentils are the star of the show and it tastes great.\u201d<\/p>\n
The chili was created by Chef Sharon and her daughter, actress Nika King. It\u2019s incredibly healthy and you\u2019ll get an extra somethin\u2019-somethin\u2019 with every cup.<\/p>\n
Nika King: \u201cMy mom is super about putting ingredients. The chili has tomatoes and lentils and kidney beans and chili beans and it\u2019s so nutritious for you and it comes with cornbread.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are a lot of events going on at the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. <\/p>\n