Guy Fieri brought us shots!
We Did Shots With Guy Fieri At South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
It was one amazing weekend when this girl from little ole Fort Myers was invited to make the drive across the Alley over to Miami to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
I've honestly never been much of a cook. I grew up in a house where my family loved to experiment with different recipes and flavors. Instead, I preferred to just be the taste tester. While I do cook, I don't enjoy it as much as I wish I did. But what I definitely do enjoy is watching Food Network and seeing others do it. I tell myself all the time that I should try something I see on TV, but really, I'd rather the chefs just cook for me. And this weekend it happened.
FoodieCon:
I was invited to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. I've seen coverage of this event from afar for years, but finally I was able to be there in the flesh. The first event I attended was FoodieCon at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. At the event there were a ton of social media/YouTube chefs. Some of those in attendance were Binging with Babish, Nick DiGiovanni, The Sweet Impact, Everything Delish, The Pasta Queen and Jessica Woo. Surprisingly, I ran into Aarti Sequeira from Food Network's Aarti Party. She and her husband were in front of us in line for the photo booth and she was sweet enough to chat for a bit and take a pic with me!
It was also at FoodieCon that we did shots with Guy Fieri. I have been a fan of Guy FOREVER and he was hosting a cooking demo with Salt Hank & Owen Han. My friend Vanessa and I were right in front, just a few feet from Guy. He talked about taste testing the Cuban sandwich they were making. Vanessa said she'd rather a shot out of his tequila bottle. He called for shot glasses and brought them right over. It was the coolest!!
The Cookout:
The next event I attended was The Cookout at 1 Hotel South Beach. Let me tell you that this is one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen. The event took place at 1 Beach Club, a tropical oasis that made for the most perfect setting for an outdoor party. The Cookout was hosted by Chef JJ Johnson and D-Nice. They had the the most amazing array of African-American cuisine from restaurants all over the country. And one dish was better than the next! The cocktails were flowin', the food was delicious and plentiful and the playlist was killer!
It was so cool seeing so many chefs I've watched on TV just hanging out in Miami. In addition to those I mentioned, we also saw Hunter Fieri, Geoffrey Zakarian and Mark Murphy & Scott Conant from Chopped!
Overall, it was a wonderful festival. I am so thankful for the opportunity. Truly a dream come true and I can't wait for next year!
Pictures from the South Beach Wine & Food Festival:
Fort Myers Bar Named One Of South Florida’s Most Iconic
Fort Myers Bar Named One Of South Florida's Most Iconic
Bars are more than just places to grab a drink. They can become iconic institutions that capture the essence of a neighborhood, a city, or even an entire culture. From dive bars to rooftops to posh lounges, some bars have stood the test of time and become beloved landmarks. But what is it exactly that makes a bar iconic?
One key factor that can make a bar iconic is its location. Some bars are in a prime location that attracts a constant flow of customers. Others may be tucked away in a hidden alley or located in a historic building that adds to their charm.
Some bars have been around for decades or even centuries and have become woven into the fabric of a community. Some may have hosted famous patrons or have developed a signature drink or dish that has become legendary.
The decor and atmosphere of a bar can also play a big role in making it iconic. Some bars have that one thing that sets that apart from others. Whether it's a retro theme, a minimalist design, or a quirky collection of memorabilia. Other bars may have a particular ambiance sets it apart like a cozy fireplace, a beautiful waterfront or a fun dance floor.
The Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers has only been open for a few years now, but it's becoming quite the hot spot. TheTravel put together a list of 10 Iconic Hotel Bars in South Florida and Beacon Social Drinkery at The Luminary made the list. If you haven't been there, the setting couldn't be more perfect. They have a great menu and cocktails with super local names like Sanibel Sunset, Mcgregor Mule, Edison's Fashioned and Lee County Sazerac. Beacon Social Drinkery is on the rooftop of the hotel offering amazing views of the Caloosahatchee River in a modern setting. There was a Food Network show filmed there too!
Top 10 Most Iconic Hotel Bars in South Florida, According to TheTravel:
10. The Drawing Room at The Shelborne South Beach
At The Drawing Room you'll find apothecary-inspired cocktails, live music and delectable meals.
9. El Salón at Esmé Miami Beach
El Salón has the feel of a speakeasy and they offer an exclusive range of house-made spirit mixes that takes mixology to new heights.
8. Sparrow at The Dalmar, Fort Lauderdale
Sparrow Rooftop is on top of the The Dalmar Hotel. The bar is half indoors and half outdoors with fun, funky, Florida decor.
7. The Burgundy Bar at The Saint Hotel Key West
The Saint Hotel is right in the middle of "Old Town" in Key West. The Burgundy Bar has a large selection of specialty cocktails from a hand-shaken daiquiri to a traditional Sazerac.
6. Living Room Bar at W South Beach
The Living Room Bar in the lobby of W South Beach has super cool decor with shelves like an apothecary shop, stocked with edibles like fruits, herbs, and flowers.
5. WunderBar at Circa 39 Hotel Miami Beach
Not only can you enjoy one of their rum-based "WunderDrinks," like the original Brazilian Lemonade, but they also host weekly yoga in the hotel's secret "WunderGarden" patio.
4. Beacon Social Drinkery Rooftop Bar at Luminary Hotel & Co. Fort Myers
Beacon Social Drinkery at The Luminary has amazing rooftop view, a great menu and cocktails with super local names like Sanibel Sunset, Mcgregor Mule, Edison's Fashioned and Lee County Sazerac.
3. The Champagne Bar at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
The Restaurant at Four Seasons at the Surf Club has been open since 1930. Of course, at The Champagne Bar, the champs is flowing, but they serve a variety of cocktails like the Surf Club Classics and Reflections.
2. Edge Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Edge Steak & Bar is famous for its Sunday brunch as well as the bar's all-day dining.
1. Bleau Bar at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Since the 1950's and 60's, The Fontainebleau has been well known for hosting some of the biggest names in show business and The Bleau Bar in the hotel's lobby has a long history of serving as a hangout for Hollywood's elite.
