The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, now in its 16th year, is a gastronomic extravaganza that promises to be a feast for the senses. Scheduled to run from December 7-10, the festival is a four-day culinary journey that brings together a star-studded lineup of renowned chefs, live cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and much more. This year, the festival has partnered with Wine Spectator to elevate the experience, offering an array of fine wines and spirits. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit the Els for Autism Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families globally.
A Star-Studded Affair
The festival kicks off on December 7 with six multi-course sit-down dinners across Palm Beach County, all starting at 7 p.m. One such event, “Sustain,” focuses on sustainable seafood and will be held at PB Catch Seafood & Raw Bar. The event will feature dishes from guest chefs Valerie Chang, Ashley Christensen, and Sarah Grueneberg and is hosted by Kevin Sawyer. Another highlight is “An Evening with Robert Irvine,” where guests can enjoy cocktails crafted with Irvine’s Spirits at Okeechobee Prime Event Hall. The dinner costs $275 per person, and $100 from each ticket will go to the Robert Irvine Foundation.
A Feast for the Palate
Day two of the festival, December 8, will feature three signature lunch events followed by three dinner events. “Lunch with Friends” at Meat Market will offer a four-course seated lunch with wine pairings from Paul Hobbs Wines. The event will feature guest chefs Maneet Chauhan, Antonia Lofaso, and Ken Oringer, and host chef Sean Brasel. Another intriguing event is “Sunset & Swirls, A Progressive Wine Tasting” at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. Here, guests can enjoy a tour of four distinctive wines by Banfi Wines, guided by a distinguished wine expert.
A Learning Experience
The third day, December 9, is all about fun, food, and learning. “Kids Kitchen,” presented by Kroger Delivery, will invite young cooks for two 60-minute cooking sessions at the Four Seasons Resort. The event will be hosted by chefs Robert Irvine and Duff Goldman. Another event to look forward to is “Master Taste,” where Master Sommelier Virginia Philip will offer insights into select wines’ color, aromas, flavors, and acidity.
The Grand Finale
The festival will conclude on December 10 with its most anticipated annual events, including two unforgettable brunch experiences and the always popular Grand Tasting. The Grand Tasting will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 2 to 6 p.m. Guests will sample dishes and dessert samplings from dozens of South Florida’s best restaurants, as well as wine and spirit tastings from various distributors and vineyards. The afternoon will culminate in the Grand Chef Throwdown, where three local chefs will compete for a $10,000 local charity prize.
The Takeaway
The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival is not just a food event; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry, a gathering of like-minded food enthusiasts, and a platform for chefs to showcase their talents. With its diverse range of events, from intimate dinners to grand tastings, the festival offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or someone looking to explore the culinary world, this festival is a must-visit.
For more details about individual events, participating chefs, or to purchase tickets, you can visit the official website or call 800-210-0689.
