Fort Lauderdale, a city renowned for its vibrant culinary offerings, invites food enthusiasts from around the world to savor the delights of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. Scheduled to take place from January 8 to 14, 2024, this seven-day gathering promises a series of curated culinary experiences and exclusive events that celebrate the ever-evolving epicurean landscape of South Florida and beyond.

Celebrity Chefs

The festival boasts an impressive lineup of renowned chefs, including the esteemed MasterChef judge, Chef Aarón Sánchez, who shared his excitement on social media: "Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to be at the @vlfoodwine festival from January 8-14, 2024. This incredible week-long event is the ultimate culinary experience for 'Everyone Under the Sun.' You can find me at The Grand Tasting on January 13 at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach. Best of all, the entire festival benefits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. So grab your tickets and book your trip today to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale and enjoy a great time with us."

Stacy Ritter, President, and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, expressed enthusiasm for the festival's growth over the years, attributing its success to the inclusion of renowned talent, indulgent experiences, and innovative culinary concepts. With tickets sold out for popular events, the festival has become a sought-after destination for food lovers worldwide, celebrating the culinary community and contributing to the growth of the tourism economy.

The festival offers a variety of experiences, from events led by celebrity chefs to the new exclusive event, Wok 'n' Roll, a fusion of Asian street food and live rock music. While some events are already sold out, remaining passes are available for intimate dinners and Wok 'n' Roll, highlighting the last chance for attendees to join this epicurean celebration.

The festival presents a mix of celebrity chefs and outstanding local talents, including Jeremy Ford, Thuan Lam, Paula DaSilva, and Timon Balloo. Notably, the festival organizers emphasize that they do not solely focus on supporting Broward restaurants, as evidenced by collaborations with renowned establishments like Apocalypse BBQ from Kendall.

Attendees can expect diverse culinary offerings, from apocalyptic barbecue battles to an Asian street food showcase at Wok 'n' Roll. This unique event, featuring 10 vendors serving Asian delights paired with live rock music, highlights the festival's commitment to embracing a variety of culinary trends and global flavors.

Established in January 2018, the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival aims to shine a spotlight on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s hospitality industry while raising funds for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. With a focus on local establishments, the festival encapsulates the culinary renaissance occurring throughout Broward County, making it a must-attend event for both locals and visitors.

South Florida, particularly Greater Fort Lauderdale, has become a hotbed of new and emerging restaurant trends, contributing to a culinary renaissance in Broward County. The festival, as a testament to this culinary growth, offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse flavors and culinary innovations that define the region.

As the festival approaches, organizers Phillip Marro and Kate Reed express confidence in a successful and vibrant event, emphasizing the return of enthusiasm for dining out. With its stellar lineup of chefs, diverse events, and a commitment to supporting the local community, the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival promises a week-long celebration of culinary excellence in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.