From October 23 Through October 26, The 2024 Festival Promises To Be Bigger And Better Than Ever With Food Network’s Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine As Guest Host; Eight Chefs Collaborating on Thursday; 22 Top Chefs Competing In 11 Battles on Friday; And 40 Restaurants Participating In All-New, All-Inclusive Festival-Day Format on Saturday to Celebrate South Florida’s Local Talent
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The highly anticipated 2024 South Beach Seafood Festival is returning in full force for its 12th year, bigger and more thrilling than ever! Brought to you by Tequila Herradura, presented by GOYA Foods, and hosted by Jack Daniel’s along with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, this year’s festival promises an unrivaled celebration of ocean-fresh seafood, electrifying entertainment, and the vibrant energy of Miami Beach. From Wednesday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 26, the four-day culinary spectacle kicks off Miami’s stone crab season, spotlighting the finest seafood creations from top local chefs and restaurants from across South Florida’s leading neighborhoods. The nationally acclaimed fall foodie festival, hosted along with exclusive wine and spirits provider, Breakthru Beverage Florida, introduces an enhanced all-inclusive format for Saturday’s main event, where guests can indulge in unlimited food and drinks throughout the day, taking the experience to new heights.
New this year, celebrity chef Robert Irvine of Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible” joins the lineup as the guest host of the event week helping to celebrate South Florida’s culinary stars along with jumping in the ring as the official “Chef Ref” for the highly anticipated “VIP Chef Showdown.” A world-renowned chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Irvine will bring his star power to the main stage, lending a hand at highlighting our favorite local chefs, overseeing the culinary face-offs, and participating in special events throughout the weekend, including culinary demos in the Milam’s Market’s Culinary Showcase Kitchen on Saturday with a special bottle signing to introduce his latest venture, Irvine Vodka.
Images by: South Beach Seafood Festival
The festival kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 23, with the exclusive “An Evening at Joe’s Stone Crab,” a spectacular five-course meal, hosted by Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. On Thursday, Oct. 24, the excitement shifts to Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the festival’s host hotel, for “Crabs, Slabs, and Cabs,” led by GOYA Foods’ Executive Chef Fernando Desa, with Chef Robert Irvine adding star power to the formal 5 course sit-down dinner. This unique dining experience presents an international twist on the traditional surf-and-turf, featuring the best of official purveyor, Halperns’ Steak and Seafood, with each course crafted by a top South Florida chef and paired with outstanding selections of wines from Breakthru Beverage’s partners, Umani Ronchi wines and Gundlach Bundschu Winery along with a special feature from Irvine Vodka. The following participating chefs have been confirmed for the enticing evening with each course served by a different chef or a collaboration of chefs: Chef Fernando Desa; Chef Robert Irvine; Chef Sean Brasel, Meat Market; Chef Jose Mendin, Casa Isola & Pubbelly Sushi; Chef Marco Cannata, ZUMA; Chef Peter Vauthy, RED South Beach; Chef Juan Alfonso Urrutia, Osaka Nikkei; as well as venue host, Chef Christopher Aguirre, Loews Miami Beach.
The action heats up on Friday, Oct. 25, with the start of the weekend’s events—the Tequila Herradura “VIP Chef Showdown.” A sizzling lineup of 22 of Miami’s best chefs (full lineup announced below) will compete in 11 seafood showdowns. Starting at 7:30 p.m., the Jack Daniel’s Live Stage will be filled with entertainment as each battle will take to the main stage featuring two chefs going head-to-head in a live action competition. Chefs have 15 minutes to put on a show, showcase their restaurant, and complete their full plated dish for a panel of judges helping to weigh in with their votes, all while Chef Irvine, the official “Chef Ref,” oversees the action. The evening will also feature the high-energy Tequila Herradura Bartender Showdown, capping off this ultimate beach bash night with a lively cocktail competition featuring four of your favorite local bartenders. The final rounds will head to the main stage with the help of your vote.
Images by: South Beach Seafood Festival
The festival culminates on Saturday, Oct. 26, with the grand Tequila Herradura “Seafood Slam,” presented by GOYA and hosted by City of Miami Beach, debuting an all-new, all-inclusive ticket format that gives attendees the ultimate experience with unlimited tastings and beverages throughout the day paired with everyone’s favorite beach day filled with interactive national brand experiences. Guests will explore various seafood stations featuring over 40 of your favorite South Florida neighborhood hot spots, sampling the best dishes, and helping crown the all new First Horizon Bank “Best of the Fest,” another exciting new element, where guests will vote for their favorite dish helping to find the ultimate restaurant bites of the day. Premium upgrades will be available for those seeking an elevated experience with an added purchase Stone Crab lounge experience featuring as we kick off stone crab season. In addition to the mouthwatering food, guests will enjoy live DJs to dance the day away at the Jack Daniel’s Live Stage, the Pacifico Beach Club, High Noon’s Lifeguard Dance Party, and so much more. The impressive list of 40 participating restaurants is announced below.
Images by: South Beach Seafood Festival
“Save the date for the 2024 South Beach Seafood Festival, an iconic event that has become a cornerstone of Miami’s cultural scene. Each year, thousands of locals and visitors from across the country come together to celebrate Miami and the Beach’s exceptional culinary landscape and vibrant beachside atmosphere,” said Valerie Roy, co-founder of the festival and CMO at CI Management, the team behind the South Beach Seafood Festival. “Whether you’re a seafood aficionado, an entertainment enthusiast, or simply in search of an unforgettable week of flavor set against the stunning backdrop of South Beach, this festival promises an experience that will captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories.”
Recognized by USA TODAY as one of the “Top 5 Specialty Festivals in The Country,” by Forbes as one of the “Top 5 Things to Do This Fall,” and by the Travel Channel as the “Best Seafood Festival in the US,” the South Beach Seafood Festival is a must-attend event for seafood lovers near and far. In addition to showcasing the region’s top culinary talent, the festival supports the CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing healthy meals and nutritional education to the local community and Florida’s youth through Miami-Dade public schools.
12th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival Event Schedule:
DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23: AN EVENING AT JOE’S
The festival opens with an exclusive five-course dinner at the renowned Joe’s Stone Crab. Hosted by Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, this extraordinary evening will offer guests a menu of exceptional cuisine, kicking off the week with the freshest of cracked stone crabs, perfectly paired with fine wines curated by Breakthru Beverage Florida’s top experts. Set in the historic ‘Jesse’s Room,’ diners will enjoy a meal steeped in the rich history and charm of this iconic venue. Tickets are limited for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Time: 6:30PM | Location: Joe’s Stone Crab, 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL
DAY 2: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24: CRABS, SLABS, AND CABS
One of the signature events of the festival is the GOYA FOODS’ “Crabs, Slabs, and Cabs” dinner, hosted at the luxurious Loews Miami Beach Hotel on Thursday, Oct. 24, and presented by Umani Ronchi, Gundlach Bundschu, and Irvine’s Vodka. This year, TV host and journalist Johanna Gomez will serve as the event’s host, guiding attendees through a culinary journey of international surf and turf dishes featuring the best of Halperns’ Steak and Seafood. The event will feature some of the culinary world’s brightest stars, hosted by GOYA Food’s executive chef, Chef Fernando Desa alongside celebrity chef, Chef Robert Irvine, and featuring Chef Sean Brasel, Meat Market; Chef Jose Mendin, Casa Isola & Pubbelly Sushi; Chef Marco Cannata, ZUMA; Chef Peter Vauthy, RED South Beach; Chef Juan Alfonso Urrutia, Osaka Nikkei; as well as venue host, Chef Christopher Aguirre, Loews Miami Beach.
These acclaimed chefs will craft a six-course sit-down formal dinner with each course prepared by a different chef or collaboration of chefs featuring their take on the surf n turf pairing, with each course showcased with exceptional wines, offering guests an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Limited seating is available for this highly anticipated event.
Tickets: $250* per person; $475* VIP Three Day Pass
Corporate tables of 10 are available for $2,000. Email info@sobeseafoodfest.com for more information.
Time: 7:00PM | Location: Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
DAY 3: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25: TEQUILA HERRADURA VIP CHEF SHOWDOWN
The excitement ramps up on Friday, Oct. 25, with the Tequila Herradura “VIP Chef Showdown,” a thrilling culinary night of competition battle, hosted this year by celebrity chef, Chef Robert Irvine, who will serve as the event’s official Chef Ref. Attendees will enter on 13th & Ocean on the sand in Lummus Park and walk through the official beer partner experience, featuring Cerveza Pacifico Clara, as they head past the official auto partner, Cadillac, and into the GOYA Culinary Village. They will sip on their favorite cocktails, sample dishes at the battle tents, and vote on their favorites in each battle to help each restaurant win the people’s vote, before they turn their attention to the Jack Daniels’ LIVE STAGE, presented by GOYA Foods, where they will witness these 22 executive chefs battle it out on stage. Each battle will head to the stage during their designated time starting at 7:30PM, celebrate their restaurant with high-energy entertainment, and have 15 minutes to curate their perfect dish against their competitor for a panel of main stage judges who will weigh and find our champions in 11 unique seafood showdowns as 22 of South Florida’s top chefs compete for the ultimate bragging rights with chefs coming from Miami & Broward to compete, with 11 hoping to defend their titles. The battle presentations are annually presented by Demesmin & Dover, a leading personal injury firm in South Florida. The evening is topped off with the annual Tequila Herradura Bartender Showdown to highlight South Florida’s favorite mixologists where four bars will go head-to-head in competition. Competing bars will be announced in October. This year’s 11 Chef Showdown battles include:
Battle Surf n’ Turf presented by Halperns' Steak and Seafood: Returning Champion Rusty Pelican Miami’s Chef Fiorela Cornejo vs. Even Keel Fish Shack’s Chef Brad Phillips
Battle Salmon: Returning Champion American Social’s Chef Ryan Leonard vs. Olive & Sea’s Chef Harrison Kantor
Battle Sushi: Giselle Miami’s Chef Gustavo Zuluaga vs. Barton G’s Chef Ebony Williamston
Battle Crab: Casa Matilda Steakhouse’s Chef Javier Basto vs. Diplomat Prime Steakhouse’s Chef Jorge Negron
Battle Shrimp: Returning Champion Golden Rule Seafood’s Chef Generric Kyles vs. Freshco Fish Market’s Chef Marko Palazon
Battle Ceviche: Returning Champion Cilantro 27’s Chef Nilton Castillo vs. SuViche’s Chef Alvaro Machado
Battle Seafood Pasta presented by Barilla Pasta: Returning Champion NOMA Beach at Redfish’s Chef Donatella Arpaia vs. Barra Vieja’s Chef Julian Medina
Battle Tuna: Returning Champion Billy G’s Chef Andres Garcia vs. Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach’s Chef Chris Wong
Battle Lobster: Returning Champion Cafe Bernie’s Chef Bernie Matz vs. Lona Cocina & Tequileria’s Chef Juan Carlos Pena
Battle Taco: Lime Fresh Mexican Grill’s Chef Sharon Fernandez vs. Le Chick’s Chef Aleric Constantin
ALL NEW Battle Taco East Coast vs West Coast: showcasing SoBe Seafood Festival’ 2023 Chef Showdown Taco Champ, returning Champion Tacos & Tattoos’ Chef Randy Piedra vs. April’s Tampa Wine and Food Festival’s 2023 Chef Showdown Taco Champ, Tacos Las Californias’ Chef Chris Yadid Garcia
Attendees will get to enjoy national brand experiences from GOYA Foods, Irvine Vodka, Halperns’ Steak & Seafood, the all-new Walmart Luxury Experience, Barilla Pasta Pesto experience, Hendricks Gin, Ron del Barrilito Rum, High Noon, Tartufo Prestige, Vineyard Brands featuring Umani Ronchi wines, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Castaway Coffee featuring Irvine Vodka Espresso Martinis, and First Horizon among others. They will have the chance to sample and vote on their favorite dishes, engage in these interactive brand experiences, and dance the night away while watching their favorite chefs head on stage while a panel of esteemed judges lends their palette to weigh in and determine the victors. Additionally, guests can end their night on a sweet note with desserts by Crepemaker and Mouthgasm Sweet Shop; and stay hydrated throughout the event with Smartwater, an official hydration partner, as well as Topo Chico. This year’s Main Stage judges include GOYA’s Chef Fernando Desa; chef, restaurateur, and four-time Battle Crab Champ, Brian Nasajon; journalist and author, Sara Liss; founder of the upcoming restaurant, CATCH & CUT on Las Olas, and former Exec Chef of Joe’s Stone Crab, Chef Andre Bienvenu; producer and podcast host, Kiko Suarez; and BizBash journalist, Tracy Block.
Tickets: $175*; All Inclusive Experience. $275 Weekend Passes.
Time: 7PM | Location: GOYA Culinary Village, Lummus Park, 1130 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
DAY 4: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26: SEAFOOD SLAM
The festival reaches its grand finale with the “Seafood Slam,” a Best of the Best Festival day, will feature a brand new take on the beachfront festival day taking place on Saturday, Oct. 26. With one all-inclusive ticket for 2024, guests will indulge to help find which restaurant serves it best with over 40 pop-up restaurants showcasing their leading samples to celebrate the best of South Florida’s seafood scene with unlimited tastings. The Saturday Seafood Slam will feature a stellar lineup of restaurants from across South Florida’s favorite neighborhoods, including Area 31, Barton G, Billy G Catering, Café Bernie, CalaMillor Gourmet Experience, Casa Matilda Steakhouse, Chef Anthony's Smoked Fish Dip, CJ's Crab Shack, Cilantro 27, Even Keel Fish Shack, Fresh Co Fish Market & Grill, Garlick, GOYA Foods, Hoy Como Ayer, Jarana, La Pata Gorda, Lobster Shack, Lona Cocina, MAYU by Aromas Del Peru, Mouthgasm Sweet Shop, Old Lisbon, Olive & Sea, Playa, Playa Bowls North Miami Beach, Pubbelly Sushi, RED South Beach, Sala O' Cuban, Social Club at Kimpton Surfcomber, Southern Kulture Grill, SuViche, Tacos and Tattoos, Tartufo Prestige, Tasty T's Catering, Te Tequenitos LLC, TKL, Treats n Eatz, Viva La Pasta, Wynwood Parlor, Zeru and Zigsters Fish Fry. This diverse selection ensures an unforgettable culinary experience for all attendees. Guests will enjoy an all-inclusive ticket experience, allowing them to indulge in unlimited food and beverages throughout the day. The festival grounds will be buzzing with DJs, dance parties, national brand experiences, culinary demonstrations in the always popular Milam's Market’s Culinary Showcase Kitchen from national and local chefs, beach games, and more.
General Admission: $160* All-Inclusive Experience
Time: 1PM | Location: Lummus Park, 1400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
In addition to individual event tickets, multi-day festival packages are available including a two-day weekend pass for $275* and $475* for a three-day pass. Weekend and three-day hotel packages with host hotel partner, Loews Miami Beach, are also available for $1,335* and $2,120* with added fees.
The festival is hosted in partnership with Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and brought to you by entitlement sponsor Herradura Tequila; title sponsors Jack Daniel’s, Breakthru Beverage Florida, and GOYA Foods, which also serves as a presenting sponsor and Culinary host. The full list of presenting sponsors includes Demesmin & Dover Law Firm, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, and hosted with assistance by the City of Miami Beach. Additional hosting sponsors include Cerveza Pacifico Clara, First Horizon Bank, Barilla Pasta Pesto, Walmart, Castaway Coffee, Miami-Dade County, Halperns’, Cadillac, Irvine’s Spirits, Hines Securities, High Noon, Vineyard Brands, Gundlach Bundschu, Hendricks Gin, Korbel, and Milam's Markets. Guests will stay hydrated throughout the event with Smartwater, an official hydration partner, as well as Topo Chico. For a list of corporate and media sponsors, please visit sobeseafoodfest.com.
Tickets for the 2024 South Beach Seafood Festival are now on sale. For more information and to purchase tickets to the 12th Annual South Beach Seafood Festival, please visit sobeseafoodfest.com. Follow along on Instagram at @sobeseafoodfest and Facebook @SOBESeafoodFest.
ABOUT SOUTH BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
The iconic South Beach Seafood Festival, brought to you by CI Management and in collaboration with Breakthru Beverage Florida and partners, is a seafood celebration taking place every October with over 16,000 attendees, showcasing the talents of South Florida’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds. By offering a diverse lineup of events in partnership with some of South Florida’s leading chefs, the South Beach Seafood Festival caters to the most discerning ‘sea foodies’ in the region. What’s more, the festival benefits a great cause with CI Foundation’s EAT SMART program, a program that provides healthy meals and nutritional guidance to Florida’s youth, and each year, a portion of the proceeds from the South Beach Seafood Festival benefits the nonprofit.
The South Beach Seafood Festival is owned and produced by CI Management. CI Management has been producing events for over 20 years in South Florida, most notably the Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Championship Fishing Week, Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival, and the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival, among others.
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