(photo courtesy of South Beach Wine & Food Festival)

“We couldn’t be more excited about the 2009 program of events in South Beach,” said Lee Brian Schrager, Founder and Director of the Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival. “…we’ll honor Emeril Lagasse, as well as pay special tribute to the culinary prowess of Spain. We’ll also be offering a brand new series of exclusive dinner experiences in addition to the return of our signature events.”

New Events

Celebrating its eighth year, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival will run from February 19th to the 22nd. The 2009 Festival kicks-off on Thursday, February 19th with an exclusive Salute to Spain Dinner at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, featuring a distinguished guest to be announced at a later date. From there, other new events include:

• Brunch at Miami Beach’s iconic Joe’s Stone Crab featuring magnums of champagne from Veuve Clicquot and La Grande Dame.
• A succulent seafood celebration at the Mandarin Oriental hotel brought to you by the islands of Turks and Caicos, accented by Kim Crawford wines.
• Luxurious brunch set to sizzle at the Delano Hotel; featuring Dolce wines and hosted by Katie Lee Joel and Chef Anne Burrell, the affair will be an elite opportunity to experience Dolce’s “liquid gold” in one of Miami Beach’s defining boutique hotels.
• The 2009 dinner series also includes an Indian dinner hosted by Madhur Jaffrey, an all-organic dinner at Paradise Farms hosted by Michael Schwartz, and the Wolfsonian Mouton-Rothschild Dinner held in the presence of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.

Tribute Dinner

Continuing the Festival tradition of recognizing extraordinary leaders in the culinary industry, the 2009 Tribute Dinner will honor Mr. BAM himself, Emeril Lagasse. In a prestigious parade of talent at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, a night emceed by none-other than Martha Stewart will feature dishes by Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Charlie Trotter, Eric Ripert, Nobu Matsuhisa, and more as part of this very special night honoring Chef Lagasse’s energy and pioneering-style.

Late Night Parties

In true South Beach fashion, the 2009 Festival will also feature a selection of elite late-night soirees.

• The fun begins with a party produced by MIAMI magazine and hosted by Tyler Florence, host of Food Network’s Tyler’s Ultimate and Food 911.
• The return of Harrah’s Poker Party and Casino Night hosted by Paula Deen.
• A not-to-be missed late-night party sponsored by the spirits of Patrón.
• Stylish and creative, Sandra Lee – star of Food Network’s Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee – offers her own spin on the festivities by inviting everyone over for a good old-fashioned sunset pool party.
• A perfect ending to the 2009 South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be the ultimate closing party hosted by Bobby Flay and actress Stephanie March, complete with fabulous drinks and all manner of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Festival Classics

Festival classics will return with wine and culinary celebrities hosting dinners, tastings, wine seminars, interactive cooking lunches, and much more. The 2009 Wine Spectator Wine Seminar Series and the Bank of America Lifestyle Wine and Spirits Seminars will offer educational and entertaining tastings to satisfy the palettes of both novices and aficionados alike, expanding to take place at both the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

• The Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village featuring the American Express Grand Tasting tents returns with a wonderful blend of tasting, superstar chefs and fun.
• Celebrating its third year as part of the Festival, Amstel Light’s Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray serves as the perfect start to the entire line-up of the star-studded wine and culinary extravaganza.
• Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best sponsored by Bank of America will move into the illustrious new space of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach; utilizing over 25,000 square feet of newly renovated ballrooms and the outdoor terrace, highlighting a luxurious lounge presented by Cigar Aficionado. The event will continue to showcase the talents of the world’s greatest chefs; including John Besh, John Fraser and Patrick O’Connell, and winemakers from Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Schrader Cellars, among others.
• The Festival’s pairing of barbeque and champagne will be back as the Perrier-Jouët BubbleQ hosted by Tom Colicchio, featuring the talent of Adam Perry Lang, Clay Conley, Jonathan Eismann, Rick Bayless, Chris Lilly, Marcus Samuelsson, and many more.

Fun and Fit as a Family

The Festival’s childhood obesity prevention initiative, Fun and Fit as a Family, is returning for its second year at Jungle Island, one of Miami’s premiere theme parks. Fun and Fit as a Family brings together the best culinary, fitness, and health personalities and professionals straight into the backyard of the community. Kidz Kitchen will feature star–studded culinary demonstrations with a healthy focus that are created exclusively for children and their parents. Obstacle courses, relay races, garden exploration, discovery centers, and featured culinary demonstrations make this interactive learning experience a must for the whole family.

For more info on family activities go to: Fun and Fit as a Family

For more general information, visit: South Beach Wine & Food Festival