We're just a week away from the biggest food event in Miami. This time next week the tents will be built, the celebrities will be in town, and the food and fun will be flowing. While SOBEWFF is home to almost 100 events, there's always something a little extra going on for those who don't want to be fully immersed in the craziness. If you're looking to get in on the action without breaking the bank, we've got some suggestions for you -- including a free event hosted by us!

If you're looking for a party with great views:

MIAbites x The Betsy Host Unofficial SOBEWFF Kick Off Party

Get your taste buds ready for the 17th South Beach Wine and Food Festival with a kickoff cocktail party on February 20th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm hosted by MIAbites and The Betsy Hotel on the ocean deck at the classic hotel on Ocean Drive.

Admission is free with RSVP on Eventbrite. (Sorry...SOLD OUT!)

Admission includes complimentary beer provided by Nightlife Brewery, Rosé tasting from Notorious Pink Rosé and bites from The Betsy Hotel's restaurants, LT Steak and The Alley. Cash bar also available. Guests must be over 21

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Nautilus South Beach And Pig Beach Brooklyn All You Can Eat BBQ

Pig Beach will be in the Nautilus South Beach Backyard on Thursday, February 22nd from 6-10 pm. The critically acclaimed barbecue restaurant located in Brooklyn from two-award winning barbecue teams, Salty Rinse and Ribdiculous Bar-B-Krewe, with Chef Matt Abdoo at the helm present an evening featuring live Music by The French Horn Collective; Two Adult Beverages; and Unlimited BBQ, including: Baby Back Ribs: Competition Style Brown Sugar and Sticky Honey Glaze, Turkey Breast: Smoked with Black Pepper, Butter & Herbs, Brisket with a Salt & Pepper Crust, Fixin's!: House-made pickles, purple coleslaw, and more. Tickets: $75.00
Eventbrite tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pig-beach-brooklyn-x-nautilus-south-beach-tickets-43211103574

If you're looking for a delicious dinner with friends:

Wok Star Supper Club Chinese New Year at Gaijin Izakaya

Eleanor Hoh’s Wok Star Supper Club will be celebrating upcoming Chinese New Year of the Dog at Chef Cake’s Japanese gastropub, Gaijin Izakaya in Midtown, Sunday, February 25, 5:30pm-8:30pm.

A $50 per person scrumptious 5 course menu starts with a welcome cocktail and passed hors d’oeuvre of spicy tuna rice roll that’ll set the New Year off with a bang. Hoh requests guests to purchase tickets for this popular and fun gathering early to avoid getting disappointed they can’t get in, it has happened. Hoh’s Wok Star Supper Club, an event held periodically throughout the year, is about celebrating Asian culture and cuisine in South Florida. Her main goal in these gatherings is to support and showcase mostly chef owned restaurants and introduce her audience to good Asian inspired food. All ticket sales go to Gaijin Izakaya.

Some fun rules you should know…

Get cozy - EVERYONE will mix and mingle at the bar as they enter and meet new friends.
Get even more cozy - seats and dish portions will be arranged in 2 and 4, so guests will be sitting with new friends and sharing dishes family style.

To view full menu and to purchase your ticket click here.

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If you're looking for a sweet brunch:

The Ladies of Liberty Host Brunch at a Bar

On February 24th, Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co., will be teaming up with the “Ladies of Liberty,” James Beard Award Winning Chef Michelle Bernstein, Top Chef Alumni Lindsay Autry, and mastermind Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith, to host the ultimate brunch event of the season. For ONE day only, these female culinary powerhouses will take over Sweet Liberty’s kitchen and partner with Sweet Liberty’s beloved resident and guest bartenders to curate a 4-course food and cocktail pairing brunch menu.

To start, guests will be greeted with a welcome cocktail and oysters on the half shell. Then, Michelle Bernstein, one of the most influential and iconic chefs in South Florida. Bernstein’s protégé and southern darling Chef Lindsay Autry, and Hedy Goldsmith, the pastry chef who sweetened Miami’s culinary scene with her signature retro-modern treats at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink will be providing first and second courses featuring a family-style savory and sweet brunch feast. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any sweeter ~ pun intended ~ Goldsmith will finish off brunch treating guests to some of her nostalgia-inducing cookies.

Each course will be paired with cocktails helmed by Sweet Liberty Bartenders Sol Saa, Tatiana Moreno, Sarah Lawrence and special guest bartender Jenn Kalil. All locals and visitors alike are invited to partake in this one-of-a-kind dining experience beginning at 11:30am. *One seating only. Seating is family style, including bar seats, and first come first served.

Tickets are available for $100 and can be purchased by visiting: here. Seating is limited so don’t miss out on this grand gourmet occasion!

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If you're looking for cocktails:

Repour Bar Hosts Various Cocktail Specials and Events

Your search is over because Repour Bar is your unofficial SOBEWFF headquarters with unofficial parties scheduled all weekend long.

The fun kicks off on Thursday, February 22nd at 10pm with a special SOBEWFF edition of Repour’s weekly party, Rhythm & Remedies. Enjoy a live DJ and cocktail specials all night long.

On Friday, February 23rd Repour Bar will once again be hosting the annual SOBEWFF Beam Suntory party. The fun starts immediately following the conclusion of Day 1 of the Grand Tasting Village and runs until 8pm. Enjoy bourbon cocktails while Isaac Grillo cooks up a pig on the Caja China.

Saturday and Sunday stop by in between your day and evening parties and enjoy an extended weekend happy hour. Repour Bar will also be offering late night industry specials throughout the week for those working SOBEWFF.

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If you're looking for a killer lunch:

Dizengoff Teams Up with SOBEWFF Chefs

The team at Dizengoff invites you to come for lunch with Chef Val Chang's favorite SOBEWFF chefs, swooshing (an official word) their hummus toppings all weekend with a super special menu. The special menu will run through the weekend, Friday 2/23 – Sunday 2/25. Wine spritzers provided by RAMONA.

MIAbites Guide to Unofficial SOBEWFF Happenings