If you’re craving an authentic Caribbean experience without leaving the U.S., mark your calendar for Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Food, Wine, and Fete is making its grand return to Miami, transforming the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture.
From 5 PM to 11 PM, immerse yourself in a sensory journey featuring the region’s finest culinary talents, premium wines and spirits, and the infectious rhythms of Soca music.
Vanessa James, co-founder of the event, encapsulates its essence: “Food, Wine & Fete isn’t just an event; it’s our love letter to the culture that we treasure so dearly. It’s about igniting that longing for home, that yearning for the warmth of our islands, unrivalled anywhere else in the world.”
Culinary Delights Await
This year’s lineup boasts an impressive roster of culinary maestros:
- Chef Irie: Returning as the festival’s culinary ambassador, this James Beard award-winning Jamaican chef is renowned for his “Food on Fiyah” cooking style that has captivated audiences globally.
- Chef Simeon Hall Jr.: Making his debut at the festival, the Emmy award-winning chef from the Bahamas will offer live cooking demonstrations, providing attendees with a taste of the diverse flavours from all 700 islands.
- Chef Troy: Fresh off his world tour, Chef Troy of SoulFly Chicken will present dishes like ‘Soulfly’s Escovitch Fried Chicken’ and the Caribbean staple ‘Dahl and Saltfish Choka,’ reflecting his innovative fusion of Caribbean flavours.
- Chef Paul Griffith: This Barbados-born culinary expert, known for serving celebrities and NFL teams, will headline the festival’s VIP section with offerings like Bajan Shrimp and Crab Salad Martini with Pickled Cucumber.
- Chef Mimi Charles: An award-winning pastry chef and Miami native, Chef Mimi will infuse her Haitian roots into delectable desserts, including her signature rum and wine-infused cake jars.
- Chef Kimesha Chong: Representing Kanin Catering, Chef Kimesha will feature exceptional Caribbean vegan and vegetarian dishes, showcasing the versatility of the region’s cuisine.
Oh, and the driving force behind any true Caribbean fete? SOCA! Prepare to move your waistline from the get-go featuring the ultimate, dance-fueled vibes from start to finish.
Taking centre stage at FWF this year is Trinidadian Soca artist Farmer Nappy, performing his decades of chart-topping hits and heating things up, alongside Chef Irie in a demo kitchen.
Plus spinning live, their Soca DJ Lineup includes:
- Team Soca’s own DJ Spice
- LL Cool Blaze
- DJ Eternal Vibes
- DJ Sinister
- Co-hosted by Barrie Hype and Giselle the Wassi One
And, by overwhelming popular demand, our esteemed sponsor, LunaLite Drone Technologies, returns to close the fete with a breathtaking drone show, illuminating the Miami skyline.
“As we prepare to celebrate 80 years of all things Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, we are excited for the return of Food, Wine & Fete to host an incredible experience celebrating Caribbean culture through its chefs, artists, and community,” says Athalie Edwards, Executive Director/ CEO of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.
Food Wine & Fete has also added a philanthropic arm of the event to support Caribbean creatives, chefs, and businesses of the diaspora, by partnering with the Miami Foundation, the organisation has created the VJMedia x FWF Culture and Caribbean Leadership Fund through the Miami Foundation.
This community fund serves as the platform to highlight the cultural creatives of South Florida.
“It’s a shared experience, where we all come together as one Caribbean family. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be part of something truly special, an interactive celebration that ignites the spirit of our culture. And most importantly, get ready to FETE – to dance, wine, taste, and celebrate the boundless energy that makes us who we are – one incredible diaspora!” said co-founder Marcos Rodriguez.
A Feast for the Senses
Beyond the culinary delights, Food, Wine, and Fete offers an immersive cultural experience:
- Premium Wines and Spirits: Savour a curated selection of Caribbean wines and spirits, allowing you to explore the region’s rich beverage heritage.
- Live Soca Music: Dance to the electrifying beats of Soca, bringing the infectious energy of Caribbean festivals to Miami’s shores.
- Cultural Showcases: Engage with art and performances that celebrate the vibrant traditions and creativity of the Caribbean diaspora.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Location: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Miami
- Tickets: Available for purchase on Eventbrite
Why You Should Go
Food, Wine, and Fete is more than just a festival; it’s a heartfelt homage to Caribbean heritage, highlighting Black and Caribbean-owned spirit brands in an authentic, celebratory space.
Whether you’re a member of the Caribbean diaspora longing for a taste of home or a cultural enthusiast eager to explore, this event promises an unforgettable evening of flavours, music, and community, representing the full spectrum of Caribbean heritage.
As Vanessa James eloquently puts it, it’s about “igniting that longing for home, that yearning for the warmth of our islands.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and connect with the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture right in the heart of Miami.
Into Events Like These? I’m Always Curating More
I love spotlighting travel, food, and cultural gems that centre the Caribbean experience — wherever in the world they pop up.
If you have an event, festival, or destination that deserves some love, feel free to send it my way at ricqcolia@gmail.com. You just might see it featured in a future blog or story roundup.
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